Actuating drive with an axially displaceable drive sleeve

Abstract

An actuating drive (S) comprises a drive unit (AE) received in or on the main body (G), and comprises an actuating element (ZS). Said actuating element comprises a drive sleeve (HL) which can be rotated about an actuation axis (A). The main body has a substantially planar bottom side (US), wherein the actuation axis of the drive sleeve extends parallel to the surface normal of this bottom side. A top axial end (EO) of the drive sleeve (HL) projects from a top side (OS) axially opposite the bottom side of the main body. According to the invention, the drive sleeve is arranged in an axially displaceable manner in the main body such that a bottom axial end (EU) of the drive sleeve, which is opposite the top axial end, projects from the bottom side of the main body or is sunk into the main body. The invention relates to an arrangement having such an actuating drive and having an axle mount (AB) which is received at a bottom axial end of the drive sleeve projecting out of the bottom side.

Description

[0001] Description

[0002] Actuator with an axially movable drive sleeve

[0003] The invention relates to an actuator, in particular for an (air) damper or for a valve for adjusting a gaseous or liquid volume flow. The actuator is preferably a rotary air damper actuator. It is used in particular in so-called HVAC applications for heating, ventilation or air conditioning technology. The actuator in question has a drive unit accommodated in or on a base body of the actuator and an output-side actuating element. The actuating element comprises a drive sleeve rotatable about an actuating axis. The base body has a substantially flat underside, wherein the actuating axis of the drive sleeve runs parallel to the surface normal of the underside of the base body. An upper (first) axial end of the drive sleeve protrudes from an upper side axially opposite the underside of the base body. “Axial” means directions parallel to the actuating axis.

[0004] Furthermore, the invention relates to an arrangement with such an actuator and with an axle fastening accommodated on the drive sleeve of the actuator.

[0005] In actuators of this type, the flap or valve is moved about an actuating axis by the actuator's actuating element, or is even at least partially formed directly by the actuator. The actuator is often designed to move the actuating element from a first actuating position to a second actuating position. Both actuating positions can usually form end stops. The first actuating position can also be referred to as the rest position, to which the actuator returns the actuating element when the drive element, i.e. the electric motor, is de-energized, in particular by means of a pre-tensioned return spring. Actuators of this type are also referred to as fail-safe actuators. The second actuating position can be referred to as the actuated position.The control connection can be arranged to rotate about its control axis within a specified control or rotation angle range between the rest position and the actuated position. The maximum control angle range between these two control positions or rotation positions is typically 90° ± 10°.

[0006] In the case of non-fail-safe actuators, electric motors with increased self-holding torque are often required to prevent the actuator from "continuing to run" beyond the applied torque of the load, i.e., the flap or valve. The electric motors designed for this purpose typically have a rotor with a cogging torque wheel.

[0007] Typically, an actuator is attached with its flat underside facing forward, e.g., to a ventilation pipe or duct, to accommodate a ventilation damper spindle. If this spindle is long enough to extend through the drive sleeve and then out the opposite upper side, a simple, rotationally fixed attachment of the spindle is possible using a spindle mount on the upper side of the drive sleeve. In this case, it is referred to as a "long spindle."

[0008] However, if this axle is not long enough, a special axle mount is required, which is inserted into the drive sleeve for a non-rotatable fit and secures the short end of the axle using a clamping mechanism. This is referred to as a "short axle." Such a special axle mount is expensive and very complex to install.

[0009] Another disadvantage is that the "normal" axle fastening for attachment to the upper axial end of the drive sleeve is now left over and must then be disposed of. This is a negative in view of the increasing demands for sustainable product development. A further disadvantage is that with such a special axle fastening only short axles with a smaller diameter can be fastened compared to long axles. This is because the special axle fastening itself, which is pushed into the drive sleeve, requires a certain diameter "of its own" as a hollow cylindrical component.

[0010] It is therefore an object of the present invention to at least partially eliminate the disadvantages of actuators described above.

[0011] Based on this, it is a further object of the present invention to provide an actuator which can be used more universally and / or flexibly.

[0012] Finally, it is an object of the present invention to provide a suitable arrangement with such an actuator and with an axle fastening accommodated thereon.

[0013] The object of the invention is achieved by the features of the main claim. Advantages and embodiments of the invention, which can be used individually or in combination with one another, are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0014] According to the invention, the drive sleeve is arranged in the base body so as to be axially displaceable that a lower (second) axial end of the drive sleeve, which is opposite the upper axial end, projects from the underside of the base body or is countersunk in the base body.

[0015] By "countersunk" we mean that the lower axial end of the drive sleeve can be countersunk into the base body of the actuator at least far enough that the lower axial end is just flush with the underside.

[0016] This allows the same axle mounting to be used advantageously both when mounting the axle on the top side for long axles and when mounting the axle on the bottom side of the actuator for short axles.

[0017] In comparison to known actuators, the fastening on the top and bottom is particularly simple and uncomplicated, as the axle fastening is placed on an axial end of the drive sleeve, preferably on an axial end of the drive sleeve with a crown coupling.

[0018] A further advantage is that no special axle fastening is required to attach the axle to the underside.

[0019] It is a further advantage that the actuator with its flat, essentially planar underside can be attached directly to a flat mounting surface, such as a rectangular ventilation shaft, when the drive sleeve is countersunk on the underside.

[0020] A particular advantage is that short and long axles with identical diameters can be pushed through the drive sleeve and then fastened there using an axle fastening of the same type.

[0021] Finally, it is an advantage of the actuator according to the invention that, when the drive sleeve is extended from the underside of the actuator, two axle fastenings can be attached to both axial ends of the drive sleeve. This means that, on the one hand, an increased torque can be transmitted to the axle. On the other hand, in safety-relevant applications, such as in nuclear plants, in mining or in potentially explosive areas, it can be ensured that the transmission of torque from the drive sleeve to the axle is still guaranteed even if one of the axle fastenings should become detached from the axle or shaft. According to one embodiment, the drive sleeve projects from the top side of the base body by an upper axial projection in a range of 3 mm to 20 mm, in particular in a range of 5 mm to 15 mm.Alternatively or additionally, the drive sleeve protrudes from the underside by a lower axial projection in a range of 3 mm to 10 mm, in particular in a range of 3 mm to 5 mm.

[0022] According to one embodiment, the drive sleeve is arranged in the base body of the actuator with axial locking. The locking can be achieved, for example, by means of a spring-loaded locking element. This allows manual displacement of the drive sleeve from a first axial locking position, such as from an upper (first) axial end stop, to a second axial locking position, such as a lower (second) axial end stop, and vice versa, only when an external axial force acting on the drive sleeve is overcome.

[0023] The locking can alternatively be released, for example, by manually pushing in or pulling out a spring-loaded locking pin, which then releases the currently axially secured position and enables automatic re-engagement at the other axially secured position.

[0024] According to a further embodiment, the drive sleeve is slidably arranged within the base body between an upper (first) axial end stop and a lower (second) axial end stop. If the drive sleeve is at the upper axial end stop, only the upper axial end of the drive sleeve protrudes from the top side of the actuator. If the drive sleeve is at the lower axial end stop, both axial ends of the drive sleeve protrude from the top side and the bottom side of the actuator.

[0025] According to a further embodiment, the drive sleeve is formed in one piece. The actuating element is axially fixed in the base body of the actuator. The drive sleeve is arranged so that it can be moved axially relative to the actuating element.

[0026] According to an alternative embodiment to the previous one, the actuating element is arranged in the base body of the actuator so that it can be axially displaced. The drive sleeve is either firmly connected to the actuating element or is part of the actuating element. The drive sleeve and the actuating element can also form a single, integral component.

[0027] According to an alternative embodiment to the two previous embodiments, the drive sleeve is constructed in two parts. The latter comprises an upper sleeve part and a lower sleeve part. Both sleeve parts engage with each other by means of an axial tongue and groove toothing such that both sleeve parts are axially displaceable relative to each other, but are fixed tangentially and radially. The actuating element is axially fixed in the base body of the actuator. The lower sleeve part is arranged so as to be axially displaceable relative to the actuating element. “Radial” here refers to directions towards or away from the actuating axis. “Tangential” or “in the circumferential direction” refers to directions around the actuating axis.

[0028] According to an alternative embodiment to the three previous embodiments, the drive sleeve is constructed in two parts. The latter comprises an upper and lower sleeve part, wherein both sleeve parts engage with each other by means of an axial tongue and groove toothing such that both sleeve parts are axially displaceable relative to each other, but are tangentially and radially fixed. The actuating element is axially fixed in the base body of the actuator. Both sleeve parts are arranged so as to be axially displaceable relative to the actuating element independently of one another. In other words, the upper and lower sleeve parts can be countersunk into the base body independently of one another.

[0029] The upper sleeve part can be arranged to be displaceable between a first upper axial end stop and a first lower axial end stop. The lower sleeve part can be arranged to be displaceable between a second upper axial end stop and a second lower axial end stop.

[0030] This design is advantageous when the electric motor, the reduction gear, and the motor control unit are completely housed in the base body of the actuator. In this case, two outer sides of the base body—the top and bottom—are available as essentially flat mounting surfaces for attaching the actuator.

[0031] According to one embodiment, the drive unit of the actuator comprises an electric motor, in particular a DC motor, a reduction gear connected downstream of the electric motor including the output-side actuating element, and a motor control unit.

[0032] According to one embodiment, the electric motor, at least one gearwheel as part of the reduction gear, and the motor control unit are housed in a drive block. The drive block can be attached to the base body of the actuator. The base body then encompasses at least the remaining part of the reduction gear. This allows for different transmission ratios and thus different torques and / or different electrical drive powers by selecting a suitable electric motor.

[0033] Alternatively, the electric motor, the reduction gear and the motor control unit can be completely housed in the base body of the actuator.

[0034] According to an advantageous embodiment, the output-side adjusting element is a toothed segment.

[0035] According to one embodiment, the drive sleeve has a crown coupling at each of its two axial ends. The crown coupling can have axially running, ribbed structures on the radial inside of the drive sleeve, at least in the axial region of the crown coupling, and optionally also on the radial inside of the drive sleeve, at least in the axial region of the crown coupling. The structures on the radial outside and inside form a positive locking profile. This interacts with a typically complementary positive locking counter profile on a radial inside of a through opening in the axle fastening housing in order to bring about a rotationally fixed connection between the drive sleeve and the axle fastening.

[0036] The object of the invention is further achieved by an arrangement with an actuator according to the invention and with an axle fastening, wherein the axle fastening is received on a lower axial end of the drive sleeve protruding from the underside of the actuator.

[0037] The arrangement may additionally comprise an axle fastening received at the upper axial end of the drive sleeve on the upper side of the actuator.

[0038] Finally, the drive sleeve preferably has at least two axially spaced annular grooves on both axial ends and running in the circumferential direction on the radial outer side of the crown coupling. The crown coupling preferably has two axially spaced annular grooves on the first axial end and the crown coupling only has one annular groove on the second axial end. An actuating plate is rotatably mounted on the crown coupling at the first axial end of the drive sleeve in order to actuate preferably displaceable end positions attached to the top side of the actuator when the drive sleeve is rotated. The end positions can form a mechanical fixed stop. Alternatively, they can also be electrical limit switches. An axial fixation is pushed into an annular groove axially adjacent to the actuating plate in order to axially fix the actuating plate in its position.The axial fixation can already be integrated into the actuator plate. The actuator plate replicates the external dimensions of an axial axis mount, with the end positions on the top of the actuator to limit the angle range.

[0039] Further advantages, features, and details of the invention will become apparent from the following description, in which exemplary embodiments of the invention are described in detail with reference to the drawings. The features mentioned in the claims and in the description may be essential to the invention individually or in any combination. Corresponding objects or elements are provided with the same reference numerals in all figures. In the drawings:

[0040] FIG 1 an example of an actuator with motor control unit, DC motor and downstream reduction gear for driving a flap,

[0041] FIG 2 shows a section through an exemplary actuator according to the invention as well as an axle fastening and an axle shown separately therefrom,

[0042] FIG 3 the example according to FIG 2 with the axle fastening attached to an upper axial end of a drive sleeve with the axle attached thereto,

[0043] FIG 4 a plan view of the actuator according to FIG 2 ,

[0044] FIG 5 the example according to FIG 2 with axially shifted

[0045] Drive sleeve for the possible reception of an axle fastening at an axial lower end of the drive sleeve according to the invention,

[0046] FIG 6 the example according to FIG 5 with an actuating plate according to the invention accommodated at the axial upper end of the drive sleeve,

[0047] FIG. 7 shows a section through an exemplary actuator according to an embodiment with an axially displaceable toothed segment, FIG. 8 shows a section through a further exemplary actuator according to the invention with an axially split drive sleeve,

[0048] FIG 9 the representation according to FIG 8 with axially pushed apart drive sleeve for receiving an axle fastening at an axial lower end,

[0049] FIG 10 a perspective view of an exemplary, fully designed actuator with axially displaced drive sleeve against an upper end stop,

[0050] FIG 11 a sectional view of the actuator according to FIG 10 along an actuating axis of the actuator,

[0051] FIG 12 a perspective view of the actuator according to FIG 10 with the axle fastening at an upper axial end of the drive sleeve,

[0052] FIG 13 a sectional view of the actuator according to FIG 12 along the actuating axis of the actuator,

[0053] FIG 14 a perspective view of the fully designed actuator according to FIG 10 with axially displaced drive sleeve against a lower end stop,

[0054] FIG 15 a sectional view of the actuator according to FIG 14 along the actuating axis of the actuator,

[0055] FIG 16 is a perspective view of an arrangement according to the invention comprising an actuator according to the invention according to FIG 14 with an axle fastening at a lower axial end of the drive sleeve,

[0056] FIG 17 is a perspective view of an arrangement according to the invention comprising an actuator according to the invention according to FIG 14 with axle fastenings accommodated at both axial ends of the drive sleeve, and

[0057] FIG 18 is a sectional view of the actuator in FIG 17 along the actuating axis of the actuator. FIG 1 shows an example of an actuator S which has a motor control unit MS with a connected DC motor M, a downstream reduction gear R and an actuating element ZS for driving a flap KL for adjusting a gaseous volume flow, such as, for example, for adjusting an air flow for heating, ventilating or air-conditioning a building. Alternatively, a valve for adjusting a liquid volume flow, such as, for example, for adjusting a water volume flow, can be connected to the actuating element ZG.

[0058] FIG 2 shows a section through an exemplary actuator S according to the invention as well as an axle fastening AB shown separately therefrom and an axis W . An electric motor M, at least one gear wheel RI as part of the reduction gear R and the motor control unit MS are accommodated in a drive block BL . The drive block BL is already attached to a base body G of the actuator S in the example in FIG 2. The base body G comprises at least the remaining part R2 of the reduction gear R . ZR designates the penultimate gear wheel of the reduction gear R , which is in engagement with an output-side actuating element ZS of the actuator S . The actuating element ZS is typically a toothed segment (see also FIG 4 ) and is arranged so as to be rotatable about an actuating axis A of the actuator S .

[0059] GG denotes the housing of the base body G. OS denotes an upper side of the base body G and US denotes a lower side of the base body G. In this example, the latter is essentially flat in order to enable simple installation on a flat mounting surface, such as a ventilation shaft with a rectangular cross-section. The adjusting axis A of the drive sleeve HL runs parallel to the surface normal of this lower side US of the base body G.

[0060] The right-hand part of FIG. 2 shows a section through a drive sleeve HL which is axially displaceable in the actuating element ZS, but fixed radially and circumferentially thereto. The drive sleeve HL is essentially hollow and cylindrical and has an axially continuous receiving space AR inside, in particular for inserting the shaft W. In addition, the base body G has two axially opposite openings 00, UO whose diameter is larger than the outer diameter of the drive sleeve HL.

[0061] 2, the drive sleeve HL is arranged so as to be displaceable between an upper axial stop AO and a lower axial stop AU in the actuating element ZG by means of a guide element FE extending radially outwards from the drive sleeve AL. In FIG. 2, the drive sleeve HL is located at the upper axial stop AO. An upper axial end EO of the drive sleeve HL protrudes by an upper axial projection UBO from the upper side OS axially opposite the underside US of the base body G in a range of 15 mm to 20 mm. In this context, AD denotes the axial thickness of the base body G and AL the axial length of the drive sleeve HL itself. The drive sleeve HL shown is formed in one piece. AA denotes the axial displacement path. Preferably, but not necessarily, the drive sleeve HL is arranged in a locking manner between the upper and lower axial stops AO, AU.An axial fixation of the drive sleeve HL at the upper axial stop AO or at the lower axial stop AU can alternatively or additionally be carried out by inserting an axial fixation (see also FIG 5) into an annular groove RN at the corresponding axial position.

[0062] Furthermore, the drive sleeve HL shown has a crown coupling KK at each of its two axial ends EO, EU, which in the example of FIG 2 is axially arranged in a range of approx.

[0063] 10 mm. A crown coupling KK can extend axially in a range of 5 mm to 15 mm. The crown couplings KK shown have axially running, ribbed structures which are preferably located on the radial outer side and on the radial inner side of the crown coupling KK and each form a form-locking profile. Such a form-locking profile interacts with a typically complementary form-locking counter-profile GP on a radial inner side of a through opening DO in an axle fastening housing AG in order to bring about a rotationally fixed connection between the drive sleeve HL and a received axle fastening AB.

[0064] FIG. 2 also shows one of two end positions END, which are provided for limiting the setting angle range of the drive sleeve AH. ABS denotes a circumferential shoulder, which is molded onto the base body housing GG.

[0065] FIG 3 shows the example according to FIG 2 with the axle fastening AB attached to an upper axial end EO of a drive sleeve HL with the axle W fastened thereto. In the present case of a so-called long axle, the axle W, coming from the underside US of the actuator A, is guided through the drive sleeve AH, with a part of the axle W protruding from the top side OS of the actuator S. The axle fastening AB shown is slipped onto the crown coupling KK at the upper axial end EO of the drive sleeve HL in a rotationally fixed manner, with the end of the axle W shown extending through the through opening DO in the axle fastening AB. The axle A is further firmly connected to the axle fastening housing AG by means of a clamping mechanism KL. For the rotationally fixed fixing of the axis W, a fastening screw SC is connected to the clamping mechanism KL.The axle fastening AF, which is accommodated in the axle fastening AB and is radially displaceable with respect to the adjusting axis A, serves, in the inserted state shown, for the axial fixation of the axle fastening AB by the axle fastening AF engaging in a suitable annular groove RN on the radial outer side of the crown coupling KK.

[0066] FIG. 4 shows a top view of the actuator S according to FIG. 2. This illustration shows how the penultimate gear ZR of the reduction gear R engages with the toothed segment designed as the actuating element ZS. Furthermore, the two end positions END are visible, which are arranged so as to be movable in the circumferential direction relative to the actuating axis A. This allows the actuating angle range of the drive sleeve HL to be adjusted.

[0067] FIG 5 shows the example according to FIG 2 with axially displaced drive sleeve HL for the possible accommodation of an axle fastening AB at an axial lower end EU of the drive sleeve HL according to the invention.

[0068] According to the invention, the drive sleeve HL is now shifted against the lower stop AU, so that the lower axial end EU of the drive sleeve AH protrudes from the underside US of the base body G. This enables a so-called «short axis» to be fastened in a rotationally fixed manner to the actuator S by means of the same axis fastening AB, as shown in the example in FIG 3. In this case, the axis W is not long enough to be fastened by means of an axis fastening AB from the top side OS of the actuator S. In the present example, the lower axial end EU protrudes with a lower axial overhang UBU in a range of 3 mm to 10 mm, in particular from 3 mm to 5 mm.

[0069] FIG 6 shows the example according to FIG 5 with an actuating plate PL according to the invention accommodated at the axial upper end EO of the drive sleeve HL. An actuating plate PL is accommodated in a rotationally fixed manner on the crown coupling AN at the upper axial end EO of the drive sleeve HL in order to actuate preferably displaceable end positions END attached to the upper side OS of the actuator S when the drive sleeve HL is rotated. By means of the actuating plate PL, which simulates the external dimensions of an axle fastening AB on the axial plane with the end positions END on the upper side OS of the actuator S, it is then possible to limit the actuating angle range if this should be necessary for the respective application of the actuator. As an alternative to accommodating the actuating plate PL, there is technically the possibility of ending the rotary actuation of the drive sleeve HL when a component connected to the actuator S, such as e.g.a ventilation flap, should hit a mechanical stop in the ventilation duct LR, causing the motor current to increase significantly. If a predefined motor current limit is exceeded, the electric motor of the drive unit AE can be switched off or electronically limited to maintain the current position.

[0070] Optionally, an axial fixation AF can be pushed into an annular groove RN axially adjacent to the actuating plate PL in order to fix the actuating plate PL axially in its position.

[0071] The actuating plate PL is preferably designed in the shape of a ring disk and has a central recess. For this purpose, the central recess has a counter-form-locking profile that is geometrically matched to the form-locking profile on the radial outer side of the drive sleeve AH or the crown coupling KK. In addition, the actuating plate PL is widened tangentially in both directions in the shape of an omega (Q) at a radially outer end in order to then form a stop acting in the circumferential direction at each of the two tangential ends. The actuating plate PL is preferably a stamped part made of sheet metal or a plastic plate.

[0072] FIG. 7 shows a section through an exemplary actuator S according to an embodiment with an axially displaceable toothed segment ZS'. The drive sleeve HL is fixedly connected to the actuating element or toothed segment ZS'. Preferably, the drive sleeve HL and the axially displaceable toothed segment ZS' form a common, one-piece component. The actuating element or toothed segment ZS' is arranged so as to be axially displaceable in the base body G of the actuator S.

[0073] FIG 8 shows a section through a further exemplary actuator S according to the invention with an axially split drive sleeve HL . In this case, the drive sleeve HL is designed in two parts and comprises an upper sleeve part HLO and a lower sleeve part HLU . Both sleeve parts HLO, HLU engage with each other by means of an axial tongue and groove toothing V in the sense of a rotary and sliding joint such that the two sleeve parts HLO, HLU are axially displaceable relative to each other, but are tangentially and radially fixed. The actuating element ZS is axially fixed in the base body G of the actuator S. The lower sleeve part HLO is arranged so as to be axially displaceable relative to the actuating element ZS . In the illustration in FIG 8, the lower sleeve part HLU is displaced axially upwards and rests against the upper stop AO in the toothed segment ZS . The lower sleeve part HLU is thus countersunk in the underside US of the base body G.In other words, the lower sleeve part HLO just does not protrude from the bottom US.

[0074] FIG. 9 shows the illustration according to FIG. 8 with the drive sleeve HL axially pushed apart to accommodate an axle fastening AB at an axial lower end EU. As can be seen directly, the lower sleeve part HLU, which is now displaced against the lower stop AU in the toothed segment ZS, protrudes with a lower axial projection UBU from the underside US of the base body G in order to advantageously enable the fastening of an axle fastening AB to the protruding crown coupling KK.

[0075] It is also conceivable, although not shown in the figure, that both sleeve parts HLO, HLU are arranged so as to be displaceable axially relative to the actuating element ZS independently of one another. This means that either the upper sleeve part HLO, the lower sleeve part HLU or even both sleeve parts HLO, HLU can be countersunk into the base body G. This embodiment is advantageous when all components of the drive unit AE are completely accommodated in the base body G of the actuator S. In this case, both the (flat) underside US and the (flat) upper side OS of the base body G are available for attachment to a mounting surface.

[0076] FIG. 10 shows a perspective view of an exemplary, fully designed actuator S with an axially displaced drive sleeve HL against an upper end stop EO. In this case, the drive sleeve HL protrudes maximally from the upper side OS of the actuator S shown.

[0077] FIG 11 shows a sectional view of the actuator S according to FIG 10 along an actuating axis A of the actuator S . In this illustration, the drive sleeve HL can be seen with the radially outwardly projecting guide element FE, which is intended to limit the axial mobility of the drive sleeve HL up to the upper and lower stop AO, AU.

[0078] FIG. 12 shows a perspective view of the actuator S according to FIG. 10 with the axle fastening AB mounted on an upper axial end of the drive sleeve HL. This illustration shows how the axle fastening housing AG would move toward the illustrated end position END to limit the setting angle range when the drive sleeve HL is rotated. A second end stop END, typically arranged approximately opposite the actuating axis S, is not visible in this illustration.

[0079] FIG 13 shows a sectional view of the actuator S according to FIG 12 along the actuating axis A of the actuator S .

[0080] FIG. 14 shows a perspective view of the fully designed actuator S according to FIG. 10 with the drive sleeve HL axially displaced against a lower end stop AU. In this illustration, this is only noticeable in that the drive sleeve HL protrudes less from the upper side OS of the base body G than in the previous FIG. 10.

[0081] FIG 15 shows a sectional view of the actuator S according to FIG 14 along the actuating axis A of the actuator S . Here it can be seen how a lower axial end EU of the drive sleeve AH projects through the lower opening UO from the underside US of the base body G of the actuator S . FIG 16 shows a perspective view of an arrangement according to the invention comprising an actuator S according to the invention according to FIG 14 with an axle fastening AB on a lower axial end EU of the drive sleeve HL . In the illustration shown, the axle fastening AB is shown in dashed lines for better clarity.

[0082] In the illustration according to FIG 16, the crown coupling KK has two axially spaced-apart annular grooves RN on the upper axial end EO of the drive sleeve AH, which run in the circumferential direction on the radial outer side of the crown coupling KK. Furthermore, an annular disk-shaped actuating plate PL is rotatably mounted on the upper crown coupling KK in order to actuate end positions END attached to the upper side OS of the actuator S when the drive sleeve HL is rotated. The actuating plate PL is widened tangentially in both directions in the form of an omega (Q) at a radial outer end and forms an actuating element PB acting in the circumferential direction as a stop at each of the two tangential ends. In addition, an axial fixing AF is pushed into an annular groove RN axially adjacent to the actuating plate PL in order to axially fix the actuating plate PL in its position.The axial fixation AF shown here has two lateral clamps SK, which are pushed together into a common annular groove RN. The two lateral clamps SK are held by a common, angled bracket, as shown. The axial fixation AF shown is preferably a stamped / bent part made of metal. Alternatively, it can be made of a plastic, e.g., by means of an injection molding process.

[0083] FIG 17 shows a perspective view of an arrangement according to the invention comprising an actuator S according to the invention as shown in FIG 14 with axle fastenings AB mounted on both axial ends EO, EU of the drive sleeve HL. This allows, on the one hand, increased torque to be transmitted to the axis W. On the other hand, in safety-relevant applications, such as in nuclear facilities, in mining or in potentially explosive areas, it can be ensured that the transmission of torque from the drive sleeve HL to the axis W is still guaranteed even if one of the axle fastenings AB has come loose from the axis W or shaft.

[0084] Finally, FIG 18 shows a sectional view of the actuator in FIG 17 along the actuating axis A of the actuator S .

[0085] In summary, the invention relates to an actuator S comprising a drive unit AE accommodated in or on the base body G and an actuating element ZS. The latter comprises a drive sleeve HL which can be rotated about an actuating axis A. The base body G has a substantially planar underside US, the actuating axis A of the drive sleeve HL running parallel to the surface normal of this underside US. A first axial end EO of the drive sleeve HL projects from an upper side OS axially opposite the underside US of the base body G. According to the invention, the drive sleeve HL is arranged axially displaceably in the base body G in such a way that a second axial end EU of the drive sleeve HL, which is opposite the first axial end EO, projects from the underside US of the base body G or is countersunk in the base body G.The invention relates to an arrangement with such an actuator S and with an axle fastening AB, which is non-rotatably received at a second axial end EU of the drive sleeve HL, protruding from the underside US. List of reference symbols.

[0086] A adjusting axis

[0087] AB axle mounting, axle mount

[0088] ABS heel

[0089] AD axial thickness

[0090] AE drive unit, drive device

[0091] AF Axial fixation

[0092] AG axle mounting housing

[0093] AL axial length of the drive sleeve

[0094] AO upper axial stop

[0095] AR recording room

[0096] AU lower axial stop

[0097] BL drive block

[0098] DO passage opening

[0099] EO upper axial end, first axial end

[0100] END end position, limit switch, end stops

[0101] EU lower axial end, second axial end

[0102] FE guide element

[0103] G base body

[0104] GG housing of the base body

[0105] GP form-fitting counter profile

[0106] HL drive sleeve, connecting piece

[0107] HLO upper sleeve part

[0108] HLU lower sleeve part

[0109] KE clamping device

[0110] KK crown coupling

[0111] KL flap, air flap

[0112] M Motor, electric motor, DC motor

[0113] MS engine control unit, engine control

[0114] 00 upper opening

[0115] OS top of the base body

[0116] PB actuator

[0117] PL actuator plate

[0118] R Gearbox, Reduction Gearbox

[0119] RI first transmission part

[0120] R2 second gearbox part

[0121] RN ring grooves, mounting grooves SC fastening screw

[0122] SK clamp, side clamp

[0123] UBO upper overhang

[0124] UBU lower overhang UO lower opening

[0125] US bottom of the body

[0126] V toothing, tongue and groove toothing

[0127] W axis, shaft

[0128] ZR gear ZS toothed segment

[0129] ZS ' axially movable tooth segment

[0130] AÄ axial displacement

Claims

Patent claims 1. Actuator, in particular for a flap (KL) or for a valve for adjusting a gaseous or liquid volume flow, comprising a in or on a base body (G) of the actuator (S) and an output-side actuating element (ZS), wherein the actuating element (ZS) has a drive sleeve (HL) arranged to be rotatable about an actuating axis (A), wherein the base body (G) has a substantially planar underside (US), wherein the actuating axis (A) of the drive sleeve (HL) runs parallel to the surface normal of the underside (US) of the base body (G), and wherein an upper axial end (EO) of the drive sleeve (HL) protrudes from an upper side (OS) axially opposite the underside (US) of the base body (G), characterized in that the drive sleeve (HL) is arranged in the base body (G) in such a way that it can be axially displaced that a lower axial end (EU) of the drive sleeve (HL), which is opposite the upper axial end (EO), protrudes from the underside (US) of the base body (G) or is countersunk in the base body (G).

2. Actuator according to claim 1, wherein the drive sleeve (HL) protrudes by an upper axial projection (UBO) from the top side (OS) of the base body (G) in a range from 3 mm to 20 mm, in particular in a range from 5 mm to 15 mm, and wherein the drive sleeve (HL) protrudes by a lower axial projection (UBU) from the bottom side (US) of the base body (G) in a range from 3 mm to 10 mm, in particular in a range from 3 mm to 5 mm.

3. Actuator according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the drive sleeve (HL) is arranged in an axially locking manner in the base body (G) of the actuator (S).

4. Actuator according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the drive sleeve (HL) is arranged between an upper axial End stop (AO) and a lower axial end stop (AU) are arranged displaceably within the base body (G).

5. Actuator according to claim 4, wherein the drive sleeve (HL) is formed in one piece, wherein the actuating element (ZS) is arranged axially fixed in the base body (G) of the actuator (S) and wherein the drive sleeve (HL) is arranged axially displaceable relative to the actuating element (ZS).

6. Actuator according to claim 4, wherein the actuating element (ZS) is arranged axially displaceably in the base body (G) of the actuator (S) and wherein the drive sleeve (HL) is fixedly connected to the actuating element (ZS) or is part of the actuating element (ZS).

7. Actuator according to claim 4, wherein the drive sleeve (HL) is designed in two parts and comprises an upper and lower sleeve part (HLO, HLU), wherein both sleeve parts (HLO, HLU) engage with each other by means of an axial tongue and groove toothing (V) in the sense of a rotary-sliding joint such that both sleeve parts (HLO, HLU) are axially displaceable relative to each other, but are tangentially and radially fixed, wherein the actuating element (ZS) is arranged axially fixed in the base body (G) of the actuator (S), and wherein the lower sleeve part (HLO) is arranged axially displaceable relative to the actuating element (ZS).

8. Actuator according to claim 4, wherein the drive sleeve (HL) is designed in two parts and comprises an upper and lower sleeve part (HLO, HLU), wherein both sleeve parts (HLO, HLU) engage with each other by means of an axial tongue and groove toothing (V) in the sense of a rotary-sliding joint such that both sleeve parts (HLO, HLU) are axially displaceable relative to each other, but are tangentially and radially fixed, wherein the actuating element (ZS) is arranged axially fixed in the base body (G) of the actuator (S), and wherein both sleeve parts (HLO, HLU) are arranged axially displaceable relative to the actuating element (ZS) independently of one another.

9. Actuator according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the drive unit (AE) of the actuator (S) has an electric motor (M), a reduction gear (R) connected downstream of the electric motor (M) including the output-side actuating element (ZS) and a motor control unit (MS).

10. Actuator according to claim 9, wherein the electric motor (M), at least one gear wheel (RI) as part of the reduction gear (R) and the motor control unit (MS) are accommodated in a drive block (BL), wherein the drive block (BL) is attachable to the base body (G) of the actuator (S) and wherein the base body (G) comprises at least the remaining part (R2) of the reduction gear (R).

11. Actuator according to claim 9, wherein the electric motor (M), the reduction gear (R) and the motor control unit (MS) are completely housed in the base body (G) of the actuator (S).

12. Actuator according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the drive sleeve (HL) has a crown coupling (AN) at its two axial ends (EO, EU).

13. Arrangement with an actuator (S) according to one of the preceding claims and with an axle fastening (AB), wherein the axle fastening (AB) is received in a rotationally fixed manner on a lower axial end (EU) of the drive sleeve (HL) protruding from the underside (US) of the actuator (S).

14. Arrangement according to claim 13, additionally with an axle fastening mounted on the upper axial end (EO) of the drive sleeve (HL) on the upper side (OS) of the actuator (S) (AWAY) .

15. Arrangement according to claim 12 and 13, wherein the drive sleeve (HL) at the upper and / or lower axial end (EO, EU) has at least one axially spaced-apart, on the radial outer side of the crown coupling (KK) and in the circumferential direction extending annular grooves (RN), wherein an actuating plate (PL) is received in a rotationally fixed manner on the crown coupling (KK) at the upper axial end (EO) of the drive sleeve (HL) in order to actuate preferably displaceable end positions (END) attached to the upper side (OS) of the actuator (S) upon rotational actuation of the drive sleeve (HL), and wherein an axial fixation (AF) is pushed into an annular groove (RN) axially adjacent to the actuating plate (PL) in order to axially fix the actuating plate (PL) in its position.

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