Intermediate housing

Abstract

The invention relates a mechanical connector device (1) for connecting a housing (2) of an actuated valve (3) with a housing (22) of an actuation control unit (4). The mechanical connector device (1) provides a spacing and / or is designed and arranged as a spacer between at least an outer surface of the housing (2) of the actuated valve (3) and the electrical and / or electronic components (26) of the actuation control unit (4). The mechanical connector device (1) comprises an inner void (10) with circumferentially arranged sidewalls (5, 6, 7, 8) surrounding said inner void (10).

Description

[0001] Intermediate Housing

[0002] The invention relates to a mechanical connector device for connecting a housing of an actuated valve with a housing of an actuation control unit, wherein the mechanical connector device provides a spacing and / or is designed and arranged as a spacer between at least an outer surface of the housing of the actuated valve and the electrical and / or electronic components of the actuation control unit.

[0003] The invention further relates to an actuation control unit for an actuated valve, comprising an interface for a direct mechanical connection with an outside surface of an actuated valve and / or for a mechanical connection by means of a mechanical connector device, wherein the actuation control unit further comprises at least one printed circuit board for electric and / or electronic components of the power control device.

[0004] Actuated valves are widely employed in all types of fluid machinery, like pneumatic devices, hydraulic devices, and wherever liquids and / or fluids have to be transported, controlled (for example with respect to fluid throughput) and directed in a controlled way.

[0005] Such actuated valves generally comprise the usually mechanically operating valve part (typically comprising a valve poppet and a valve seat or a spool and a connection chamber with a plurality of fluid inlets / outlets, in which the spool is moved in a controlled way, for example by bringing it into certain positions along the axial direction of the spool.

[0006] For effectuating the movement of the valve poppet or of the spool, and hence to reach the various possible positions thereof, actuators are used. While a comparatively wide variety of actuators exists (for example pneumatically or hydraulically operated actuators), electrically operated actuators are most common. They do convert an electric input signal into a movement / repositioning of the actuator and hence of the valve poppet of the spool. Just to name some examples, electric motors, stepper motors, magnetic actuators, linear motors and the like are known as such in the state of the art.

[0007] Consequently, for actuating such electricly operated actuators, an appropriate electrical actuation signal has to be generated and applied to the electric actuators. The task is regularly divided into the generation of a logical electrical signal to be applied (which is frequently done by numerical processors, electronic circuitry, electronic controllers and the like), and into a sufficient amplification of the logical electrical signal (electrical circuitry) in a way that the resulting amplified signal can successfully actuate the electric actuator. While the logical electrical signal is typically generated employing digital devices, the amplification is usually made using analog circuitry.

[0008] In both cases (digital and / or analog case) frequently electrical and electronic components are used that are mechanically mounted on and are appropriately interconnected using one or several printed circuit boards.

[0009] System integration is a common trend in all fields of technology. Actuated valves are no exception in this respect. Therefore, it is quite common that actuated valves are sold as an integrated arrangement, combining several parts that may in principle be sold separately as well (and which are actually sometimes sold as separate units to the customer). With respect to actuated valves, frequently the mechanical valve part, the (electrically operated) actuator, as well as some kind of electric and electronic unit will be sold as an integrated arrangement to the customer. Usually, the electric and electronic unit will mainly perform amplification processes (frequently analog circuitry) and possibly also signal generating and processing purposes (frequently digital circuitry). A disadvantage with integrated circuitry is the higher complexity for the manufacture of the actuated valve arrangement. In particular, to be able to offer a broad range of different integrated actuated valve arrangements, various different mechanical valve parts, various different actuators and various different electric / electronic circuitry has to be connected together. The complexity of manufacturing, storing and delivery logistics becomes problematic very fast. Therefore, there is a tendency to limit oneself to a number of various standard components that may be combined to form a complete actuated valve arrangement. Nevertheless, still the problem of interconnections between standard components of different sizes of the different subunits of an actuated valve (mechanical part, actuator, electronics / electrics) persist. Therefore, in the prior art a comparatively large variety of different housings had to be provided to be able to offer a sufficiently broad range of integrated actuated valve arrangements to the customer to be competitive with competitors.

[0010] Another problem is the lifetime of the arrangement. In particular in the field of actuated valves, mechanical vibrations, mechanical noise and even mechanical shocks inevitably are generated when actuating the actuator, but also by the fluids that are passing through the actuated valve. This is still a critical field, since such vibrations and mechanical shocks lead to comparatively early material fatigue of the electric and electronic components and the substrate of the printed circuit board, as well as the electrical interconnections of the printed circuit boards, and their electrical connection with other components. Therefore, there is still a strong desire to reduce system failures due to electrical / electronic circuit problems.

[0011] Certainly, cost issues, size issues and even other characteristics of an integrated actuated valve arrangement have to be considered as well. It is therefore an object of the present invention to propose a mechanical connector device for connecting a housing of an actuated valve with a housing of an actuation control unit that is improved over such mechanically connected devices that are known in the present state of the art.

[0012] It is another object of the invention to propose an actuation control unit for an actuated valve that is improved over actuation control units for an actuated valve as they are known in the prior art.

[0013] A mechanical connector device according to the present disclosure solves this object. Also, an actuation control unit according to the present disclosure solves this object.

[0014] It is proposed to design a mechanical connector device for connecting a housing of an actuated valve with a housing of an actuation control unit, wherein the mechanical connector device provides a spacing and / or is designed and arranged as a spacer between at least an outer surface of the housing of the actuated valve and the electrical and / or electronic components of the actuation control unit in a way that the mechanical connector device comprises an inner void with circumferentially arranged side walls surrounding said inner void.

[0015] The inner void has to show a distinct size. Therefore, a bore for an attachment screw or for passing an electrical wire or the like is not to be considered as an inner void in the sense of the present disclosure. This not only applies to the lateral dimensions, but also to the vertical dimensions (i.e. the distance between the outer surface of the housing of the actuated valve and the electrical and / or electronic components of the actuation control unit. Just to give some numbers, the vertical dimension should be at least 1 mm, 2 mm, 3 mm, 4 mm, 5 mm, 6 mm, 7 mm, 8 mm, 9 mm, 10 mm, 12.5 mm, 15 mm, 17.5 mm, 20 mm, 22.5 mm, 25 mm, 27.5 mm, 30 mm, 35 mm, 40 mm, 45 mm or 50 mm (lower side) up to 10 mm, 15 mm, 20 mm, 25 mm, 30 mm, 35 mm, 40 mm, 45 mm, 50 mm, 60 mm, 70 mm, 80 mm, 90 mm, 100 mm or even higher (upper limit, if present). It should be noted that certainly certain combinations of the aforementioned lower and upper limits do not make any sense, which is obvious for a person skilled in the art. Consequently, those combinations are to be considered as to be omitted. This statement may be applied for intervals that are given below in a similar way.

[0016] The lateral dimensions may lie between 5 mm, 7.5 mm, 10 mm, 15 mm, 20 mm, 25 mm, 30 mm, 35 mm, 40 mm, 45 mm, 50 mm, 60 mm, 70 mm, 80 mm, 90 mm or 100 mm (lower limit) and 20 mm, 25 mm, 30 mm, 35 mm, 40 mm, 45 mm, 50 mm, 60 mm, 70 mm, 80 mm, 90 mm, 100 mm, 125 mm, 150 mm, 175 mm, 200 mm, 250 mm or 300 mm or even higher (upper limit, if present). These dimensions may apply to one lateral direction or to two or more lateral directions, where the dimensions may be the same or may be different (albeit they are chosen from the same interval range). In particular, those ranges (if applicable) may relate to perpendicularly aligned directions. In particular (and possibly irrespective from the aforementioned ranges), it should be noted that the mechanical connector device and / or its inner void may show a somewhat coboid form I rectangular or quadratic shape (cross-section), including the case that the corners of the cuboid / rectangle are somewhat rounded, at least in part.

[0017] Additionally or alternatively to the aforementioned sizes, the distinct size of the void may be defined by a relative extent. Therefore, the size of the void should account for at least 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 85%, 90% or 95% (lower limit) to 20%, 25%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% of the respective overall length of the mechanical connector device in the respective direction. This range may apply to one, two, three or more directions, in particular to (two or three) perpendicularly arranged directions. In particular, it may apply to two lateral directions (preferably perpendicular to each other) and to a height direction (being normal to the plane that is defined by the lateral directions). 100% of extent of the void may relate to the situation that no sidewall is present in the respective direction. However, even if, for example, 97% of the respective extend relates to a void, meaning that 3% remains for a wall / for walls, this may apply not only to a situation that two walls are present, but also to the situation that only on one side wall is present. Also, the given percentages may be interpreted with respect to the volume of the inner void versus the outer volume as defined by the outside surfaces of the walls (and potentially interface surfaces, if no wall is present) of the mechanical connector device. It is to be noted that walls, in particularly side walls, may show a more or less identical thickness along their extent (which does not exclude the possibility of the presence of stiffening ribs, or the like, as further elucidated below). However, it is also possible that said one, a plurality of or (essentially) all of the walls do show a certain variation in thickness, so that the respective wall(s) show(s) a so-to-say convex or concave shape. Furthermore, the walls may be essentially flat. However, the walls may also follow a certain curvature, at least over a certain length of the wall. Therefore, sections of a circle or the like may be envisaged. For completeness, it should be mentioned that is of course possible to provide flat walls only, curved walls only or combinations thereof.

[0018] As a matter of completeness: typically the arrangement of the housing of the actuated valve, the mechanical connector device and the housing of the actuation control unit is along a more or less linear direction / made in a linear way. I.e. , the respective parts are usually not to be arranged as some kind of a rectangular angle or the like

[0019] By providing a void of a distinct size, as presently proposed, one deviates from the paradigm of using mounting space as efficient as possible. Therefore, providing voids of a distinct size, thus increasing the size of the overall housing of the actuation control unit (including the mechanical connector device), seems to be absurd initially. However, when following this absurd path, the inventors have found to their own surprise that the clear disadvantage of increased mounting space may be clearly outperformed by the advantages. In particular, when using a mechanical connector device as presently proposed, it is possible to provide a cheap adapting interface device (mechanical connector device) between an actuated valve from a first supplier (or a certain design series from one supplier) and an actuation control unit from another supplier (or a different design series from the same supplier). Therefore, the engineer who has the task to provide a certain actuated valve arrangement (actuated valve including actuation control unit) for a certain design setup has way more flexibility, since he may choose essentially freely from actuated valves on one hand and actuation control units on the other hand. The adaption between the two subassemblies may be easily realised by providing a suitably adapted mechanical connector device. Such mechanical connector devices may be easily designed and furthermore cheaply produced, for example by using injection die moulding techniques. Such injection die moulding techniques are particularly suitable in case that comparatively large numbers of mechanical connector devices are to be produced. However, if only comparatively small numbers of mechanical connector devices are needed, different production techniques might prove to be advantageous. Just to name some examples, material removing techniques (for example sawing, milling or the like) or additive manufacturing techniques (3D printing, for example) may prove to be advantageous in such a case.

[0020] Even further, another advantageous surprising effect was observed by the inventors. In particular, the mechanical connector device may reduce mechanical vibrations and mechanical shocks acting on the various components of the actuation control unit, even considerably. This is because the design of the mechanical connector device with a certain size (in particular with a certain height) and an inner void of a distinct size dampens such mechanical vibrations and mechanical shocks surprisingly well. This way, the lifetime and the reliability of the actuated valve arrangement (in particular of the actuation control unit part thereof) can be increased surprisingly significantly.

[0021] Even a single one of these advantages may already outweigh the disadvantage of an increased mounting space. However, the surprising combinatorial effect of both advantageous effects together is clearly advocating the use of the presently proposed mechanical connector device. An even further advantage lies in the fact that the inner void may be used for guiding electric cables, mechanical connectors, pneumatic or hydraulic tubes or the like through the void. Therefore, despite of the presence of a mechanical connector device, the use of additional mounting space can be limited to a certain extent. Furthermore, first experiments indicate that guiding of such wires, conduits and the like through the void does not adversely affect the dampening quality of the mechanical connector device, at least not to a significantly noticeable extent.

[0022] It is further suggested to design the actuation control unit in a way that some of the, preferably a significant part of the, more preferably (essentially) of all of the electrical and / or electronic components of the actuation control unit are arranged on at least one printed circuit board. The printed circuit board can be arranged in the housing of an actuation control unit, neighbouring the housing of an actuated valve, with the mechanical connector device being interspaced between. This way, a comparatively compact arrangement can be realised. However, thanks to the mechanical connector device, the electrical and electronic components (including the printed circuit board) are affected by an only reduced amount of mechanical vibrations and mechanical shocks. Therefore, the lifetime and the reliability of the resulting actuated valve (or actuation control unit) can be increased. In particular, it is possible that at least one printed circuit board is arranged at an acute angle, preferably essentially parallel and / or tangential to the outer surface of the housing of the actuated valve. First experiments indicate that an alignment along those directions is particularly advantageous, since the amount of vibrations and the amount of mechanical shocks can be better endured by the electrical components, electronic components and the printed circuit board, as compared to different orientations. In particular, an essentially parallel arrangement of the printed circuit board proves to be advantageous with respect to reducing the vulnerability against mechanical vibrations and mechanical shocks. Only for completeness, it should be mentioned that in case of a somewhat rounded or cylindrically shaped housing of the actuated valve, the ’’parallel" may be considered to be a tangential arrangement (something which is obvious to a person skilled in the art). In case that several printed circuit boards are used, it is preferred if at least the larger ones and / or those carrying more sensitive electrical and electronic components, are arranged essentially parallel and / or tangential to the outer surface of the housing of the actuated valve / to an interface surface of the actuation control unit / to an interface surface of the mechanical connector device. When talking about an essentially parallel and / or tangential alignment, this includes the possibility of a tilting angle of the respective printed circuit board of up to 1 °, 2°, 3°, 4°, 5°, 7.5°, 10°, 15°, 20°, 25°, 30°, 35°, 40° or 45°, in particular with respect to the axial direction and / or to the tangential direction of the housing of the actuated valve. This might prove to be advantageous for coping with special restrictions of the available mounting space. Nevertheless, even with such a tilting angle, the resilience of the printed circuit board and the components with respect to mechanical vibrations and mechanical shocks is still remarkably high. It is to be noted that the respective acute angle may be the same or may be different for the axial and the tangential direction (or for different selected directions of the printed circuit board). In particular it is possible that an acute angle of a distinct size in one direction (for example with respect to a parallel / tangential direction) is combined with a (an essentially) 0° angle in the other direction (for example with respect to the axial direction; or vice versa).

[0023] Even further, it is suggested to design the mechanical connector device in a way that it is designed at least in part as a part (possibly an integral part) of a housing for the electrical and / or electronic components of the actuation control unit. Additionally or alternatively, it is suggested to design the mechanical connector device at least in part as a separate part, being separate from a housing for the electrical and / or electronic components of the actuation control unit. In particular, in case that comparatively large numbers of mechanical connector devices are needed, an integral design of the mechanical connector device and the housing for the electrical and / or electronic components of the actuation control unit may be advantageous. In particular, the complete arrangement may be designed as a single piece unit. As an example, in case of large numbers, this may be realised by press injection die moulding techniques. This way, the number of assembly steps may be reduced, and consequently assembly cost may be reduced. Furthermore, there may be a lower probability for leakage issues (humidity or liquids entering the housing), thus reducing the possibility of adverse effects on the electrical and / or electronic components of the actuation control unit. However, a separate design may be advantageous as well. In particular, this may be the case if comparatively small numbers of the mechanical connector device will be used. This way, a separate manufacture of the mechanical connector device and consequently an assembly of the mechanical connector device with the housing of the electronic control unit may be simpler and more cost effective when considering the production process as a whole. Furthermore, the separate production of the mechanical connector device may be particularly advantageous, in case the actuation control unit is sold by a supplier together with a housing unit. This way, it is not necessary to discard the already present housing. In particular in case of a separate design of the mechanical connector device and the housing for the electrical and / or electronic components of the actuation control unit (i.e. as separate parts), the arrangement may be realised in a way that there is (essentially) no direct connection / contact between the housing for the electrical and / or electronic components and the housing of the actuated valve present. I.e., (most) of the connection between the housing for the electrical and / or electronic components and the housing of the actuated valve is performed by means of the mechanical connector device. In particular in this case (although not limited to it), the mechanical connector device may be designed and arranged as some kind of shaft-like / chimney-like member (for example four rectangularly arranged (thin) walls that are enclosing a rectangular inner void (of considerable size), with or without one or two (possibly partial) bottom / top closing walls.

[0024] Furthermore, it is suggested to design the mechanical connector device in a way that at least one separating wall is provided between the inner void of the mechanical connector device and the inside of the housing for the electrical and / or electronic components of the actuation control unit. Additionally or alternatively, it is possible to design the mechanical connector device in a way that at least one separating wall is provided, limiting the void, and being arranged at an opposite side of the interface surface between the mechanical connector device and the actuation control unit (in other words, being located at the side of the mechanical connector device that is intended to be adjacent to the housing of the actuated valve / being placed adjacent to the housing of the actuated valve in the assembled state of the actuated valve assembly). This way, it is possible to provide a fluid tight or otherwise protected interior of the housing of the actuation control unit, possibly increasing its reliability and lifetime. Furthermore, the inventors surprisingly realised that such a separating wall may even dissipate a certain percentage of the mechanical vibrations and / or mechanical shocks that are introduced by the actuated valve (or by other sources). Hence, the amount and strength of mechanical vibrations and mechanical shocks acting on the electric components, electronic components and / or printed circuit board of the actuation control unit can be even further reduced, which is obviously advantageous. It is to be noted that the separating wall may form an integral part of the housing for the electrical and / or electronic components of the actuation control unit or of the mechanical connector device. Certainly, if the housing for the electrical and electronic components of the actuation control unit and the mechanical connector device form an integrally combined unit, the at least one separating wall may be an integral part thereof as well. However, it is also possible to provide a separate separating wall and to attach it to the mechanical connector device and / or the housing for the electrical and / or electronic components of the actuation control unit in a separate assembly step. In particular in case that prefabricated standard components are used, typically the housing for the electric and / or electronic components of the actuation control unit will show a separating wall at / near the interface surface towards the mechanical connector device. This is advantageous in that the electric / electronic components are protected from the ambient surroundings (i.e. they are typically protected from humidity, dust and the like). Further, this wall is usually present by “default” from the manufacturer of a respective prefabricated standard component. Then typically the mechanical connector device (in particular if it is designed as a separate part) does not need a separating wall, at least not at its top and / or its bottom. This is based on the understanding that an empty void does not need a particular protection from humidity, dust or the like. Nevertheless, in particular cases a top and / or bottom wall might nevertheless be advantageous. As an example, this way no humidity or dust can accumulate in the void (which might lead to a considerable mass in the void, with corresponding disadvantageous effects).

[0025] The interface surface is the surface along which the housing of the actuated valve is intended to be attached to the adjacent device / housing. The interface surface may be following a surface structure like a wall and / or any surface of a material block. However, it is also possible that the interface surface is only defined by a square-like arrangement of material edges of walls or the like), a rectangle-like arrangement of material edges, a closed line of material edges, or a plurality of lines formed by material edges, where the surface is conceptually completed in a suitable way, for example in that the respective interface surface is essentially defined by the minimal surface that is spanned by the material edges.

[0026] In particular, it is suggested that at least one stiffening rib is provided that is preferably arranged on said separating wall and / or on at least one side wall. These stiffening ribs may further increase the aforementioned effect of the separating wall and / or the side wall(s) with respect to dissipation of mechanical vibrations and of mechanical shocks. The stiffening rib may be formed integrally with a respective wall, in particular with the separating wall (for example if the respective wall is produced using injection moulding techniques). However, it is also possible that the stiffening rib is produced separately and attached to the wall, in particular separating wall, afterwards (using known fixation techniques, for example glue, screws, bolts, clip connections and the like). Only for completeness, it should be mentioned that is of course possible to use a combination of at least one integral stiffening rib and of at least one separate stiffening rib as well. Further, an integral stiffening rib may also be provided by a deformation in one of the walls, in particular in one of the side walls and / or of the separating wall.

[0027] Yet further, it is suggested to design the mechanical connector device in a way that the mechanical connector device comprises at least one cut-out in a section of the mechanical connector device that is neighbouring the housing of the actuated valve, wherein the cutout is preferably designed and arranged to correspond to the outer surface of the housing of the actuated valve and / or to provide a positive form lock between the actuation control unit and the actuated valve, at least in one direction. This way, a particularly good mechanical attachment of the respective devices can be realised. In particular, it is also possible to provide a liquid-tight, and possibly even a gas-tight connection between the respective devices, in particular in case that certain sealing measures are employed (for example using an interspaced sealing means, a sealing ring, sealing paper, sealing paste or the like, a groove for receiving a sealing ring or the like). This design is particularly useful for housings of an actuated valve that are not flat / planar. In particular, it is particularly useful for housings with a somewhat curved outer surface, for example for cylindrically shaped outer surfaces.

[0028] Furthermore, it is suggested to design the mechanical connector device in a way that at least one eye for a connecting member, in particular for a screw, is provided, where the at least one eye is arranged at an outer rim of the mechanical connector device, and wherein preferably a plurality of eyes are provided that are preferably arranged in a significantly spaced-apart way, in particular with respect to an axial direction of the actuated valve. This way, a particularly good mechanical connection between the mechanical connector device and the housing of the actuated valve can be realised. For this, screws can be used (either screwed into threaded holes that are provided in the housing of the actuated wall, or by using countering nuts, therefore clamping eyes that are additionally provided at the housing of the actuated valve. However, those eyes might be used for different purposes as well. When using screws, a very strong fixation force can be realised, even when applying a comparatively small force (torque). When talking about a “significantly spaced- apart way", the respective distance (in particular the distance in the axial direction of the actuated valve) may lie between 1 cm, 2 cm, 3 cm, 4 cm or 5 cm (lower limit) and 3 cm, 4 cm, 5 cm, 6 cm, 7 cm, 8 cm, 9 cm, 10 cm, 12 cm, 15 cm, 17 cm, 20 cm, 25 cm or 30 cm, or even more (upper limit, if present). First experiments indicate that when using such a profound distance, mechanical vibrations and mechanical shocks acting on the various components of the actuation control unit can be reduced even further.

[0029] Furthermore, it is suggested to design the mechanical connector device in a way that at least one through port for at least one conduit, in particular for at least one electrical wire, is provided and / or in that at least one connector device, in particular at least one electrical connector, is provided. This way, the assembly of the overall arrangement can be simplified. The at least one through port for the at least one conduit may be a simple wall with a bore. However, it is also possible to provide some kind of a sealing collar or the like for reducing the ingestion of dirt, liquids or the like. The connector device may form a part of and / or may be attached to one of the circumferentially arranged side walls. This way, it is also possible to reduce the possible ingestion of dirt, fluids and the like into the inner void of the mechanical connector device and possibly into the inside of the housing for the electrical and / or electronic components of the actuation control unit.

[0030] Another possible embodiment of the mechanical connector device can be realised if at least parts of the mechanical connector device are designed and arranged to be water resistant, preferably waterproof. This way, a design may be realised, in which the electrical and electronic components of the actuation control unit may be protected against adverse influences (humidity issues) particularly well. This may increase the lifetime and / or the reliability of the arrangement even further.

[0031] Furthermore, first experiments have shown that it is advantageous if the mechanical connector device is designed and arranged to dampen vibrations with a frequency lower than 1200 Hz, preferably lower than 1000 Hz. First experiments have shown that these frequencies are particularly harmful to electrical and electronic components (including the printed circuit board itself) of the actuation control unit. Furthermore, first experiments have also indicated that the presently proposed mechanical connector device is particularly suited to dampen frequencies in this range. Only for completeness, it should be mentioned that a different bordering line may be envisaged as well, for example 1500 Hz, 1400 Hz, 1300 Hz, 1100 Hz, 900 Hz, 800 Hz, 700 Hz, 600 Hz or 500 Hz. It is further suggested to design the mechanical connector device in a way that it comprises, at least in part, a material taken from the group comprising: resin, thermoplastic resin, plastic material, thermoplastic material, fibre reinforced material, fibre reinforced plastic material, fibre reinforced resin, metal, aluminium, iron, and steel. These materials have proven to be advantageous. In particular, a (thermo)plastic material is highly suitable for injection die moulding and furthermore very cost-effective. A fibre reinforcement may enhance the strength of the resulting mechanical connector device. However, certain metallic materials like aluminium are also suitable for injection die moulding. While it is possible that the mechanical connector device (or at least parts thereof) consist of only one particular material (in particular from the aforesaid group), combinations are possible and sometimes even advantageous. Just to name an example: while the walls of the mechanical connector device may be made of a thermoplastic resin, there might be metallic nuts and / or metallic sleeves with an inner thread embedded in the thermoplastic material. This way, higher forces can be introduced by screws and the lifetime of the mechanical connector device can be enhanced. Even further, plastic and resin seem to advantageously reduce vibrations.

[0032] Furthermore, an actuation control unit for an actuated valve is suggested that comprises a housing with an interface surface for a direct mechanical connection with a housing of an actuated valve and / or for a mechanical connection by means of a mechanical connector device, preferably a mechanical connector device according to the present disclosure, wherein the actuation control unit further comprises at least one printed circuit board for electrical and / or electronic components of the actuation control unit in a way that at least a part of at least one printed circuit board is arranged at an acute angle to the plane of the interface surface of the actuation control unit. As already mentioned, this way the printed circuit board (and the electrical and electronic components placed thereon) can endure particularly well the mechanical vibrations and mechanical shocks that might be generated by the actuated valve or by different devices. Furthermore, the actuation control unit might show the same effects and advantages, as already described, at least in analogy.

[0033] Even further, the actuation control unit may be modified according to the present disclosure, at least in analogy. This way, the resulting actuation control unit might show the same effects and advantages, as already described, as well.

[0034] Further advantages, features, and objects of the invention will be apparent from the following detailed description of the invention in conjunction with the associated drawings, wherein the drawings show:

[0035] Fig. 1 : a mechanical connector device according to a possible embodiment of the present disclosure in a schematic perspective view;

[0036] Fig. 2: the mechanical connector device according to Fig. 1 in a schematic top view from above;

[0037] Fig. 3: the mechanical connector device according to Fig. 1 in a schematic top view onto a larger side surface;

[0038] Fig. 4: the mechanical connector device according to Fig. 1 in a schematic top view from below;

[0039] Fig. 5: the mechanical connector device according to Fig. 1 in a schematic top view onto a smaller side surface;

[0040] Fig. 6: the mechanical connector device according to Fig. 1 in a schematic top view onto the other smaller side surface, being different from the one shown in Fig. 5;

[0041] Fig. 7: a schematic perspective view of an actuated valve with an actuation control unit, where the actuation control unit is connected to the actuated valve by means of a mechanical connector device according to Fig. 1 ; Fig. 8: a schematic perspective view of an electronic control unit with a cut open housing.

[0042] Fig. 1 shows a mechanical connector device 1 for mechanically connecting a housing 2 of an actuated valve 3 to an actuation control unit 4 (see also Fig. 7), in a schematic, perspective view.

[0043] Fig. 2 shows a view into the trough of the mechanical connector device 1 . The bottom wall 9 lies in a position being distant from the viewer of Fig. 2 and being located near the respective rims of the side walls 5, 6, 7, 8. The side walls 5, 6, 7, 8 and the bottom wall 9 form the inner void 10 of the mechanical connector device 1 .

[0044] Fig. 3 shows the mechanical connector device 1 in a top view onto one of the larger side walls 6, while Fig. 4 shows the mechanical connector device 1 in a top view onto the bottom surface side. In Fig. 4, the view mainly shows the bottom wall 9 together with some add-on features that will be explained in the following.

[0045] Figs. 5 and 6 show a top view onto the smaller side wall 7 (Fig. 5) and the smaller side wall 5 (Fig. 6), respectively.

[0046] The mechanical connector device 1 shows an essentially trough-like design with four side walls 5, 6, 7, 8, and a bottom wall 9. Presently, the side walls 5, 6, 7, 8 and the bottom wall 9 are designed as a one-piece assembly, presently made out of a thermoplastic resin. The mechanical connector device 1 can therefore be advantageously manufactured using press die moulding techniques.

[0047] As can be seen, the side walls 5, 6, 7, 8 and the bottom wall 9 are designed to be thin and are presently provided with a basic thickness of 1 mm (where different thicknesses can be used as well, of course). The side walls 5, 6, 7, 8 and the bottom wall 9 define an inner void 10 in the inside of the mechanical connector device 1. As can be further seen, the very basic shape of the mechanical connector device 1 is a cuboid. However, there are several deviations from a strict cuboidal design, as will be explained in the following.

[0048] At the outer surfaces of the larger side walls 6, 8, near the bottom wall 9, there are provided altogether four eyes 11 (only two eyes 11 are visible in the schematic perspective view of Fig. 1 ) that are protruding from the respective larger side walls 6, 8. The eyes 11 do have a bore 12, respectively. Through the bores 12, screws can be passed so as to mount the mechanical connector device 1 to the housing 2 of an actuated valve 3 by means of those screws.

[0049] Furthermore, on the inside, there are altogether six thickenings 13 of the side walls 5, 6, 7, 8. Namely, four thickenings 13 are provided in the corners of the mechanical connector device 1 , while two thickenings 13 are provided along the length of the larger side walls 6, 8. The thickenings 13 show bores 14, each provided with an inner thread (not visible). Using the the thickenings 13 with the threaded bores 14, an actuation control unit 4 (see Fig. 7) can be mounted onto the mechanical connector device 1 tightly, using screws.

[0050] Furthermore, near the bottom side of the mechanical connector device 1 , cutouts 15 are provided in the two smaller side walls 5, 7, respectively. Using those cutouts, the mechanical connector device 1 is adapted to fit onto the outside surface of the housing 2 of the actuated valve 3 (see Fig. 7). For the same reason, additional elongated cutouts 16 are provided in the larger side walls 6, 8 near the bottom wall 9 of the mechanical connector device 1 . Using those elongated cutouts 16, the mechanical connector device 1 can be arranged on the housing 2 of the actuated valve 3 in a positive form locking way (with the aid of a set of screws that attach the mechanical connector device 1 to the housing 2 of the actuated valve 3 by means of the bores 12 in the eyes 11 ).

[0051] Additionally, in the present embodiment, a bore 17 is provided in one of the smaller side walls 5. The bore 17 is presently designed with an essentially circular shape and is used for receiving a coaxial socket (somewhat visible in Fig. 7).

[0052] Furthermore, stiffening ribs 18 are provided in the larger side walls 6, 8. In detail, the stiffening ribs 18 are designed as deformations in the side walls 6, 8, presently in form of partial circular cones 18, as can be seen in Figs. 1 , 3 and 4.

[0053] Another type of stiffening ribs 19, namely altogether three stiffening ribs 19, are presently arranged on the bottom wall 9. Those stiffening ribs 19 are designed as weblike protrusions pointing towards the inside, i.e. towards the void 10 of the mechanical connector device 1 , as can be seen in Figs. 1 , 2 and 4.

[0054] Furthermore, it should be noted that the elongated cutouts 16 in the longer side walls 6, 8 are not designed as a cut out that creates an opening in the bottom wall 9 of mechanical connector device 1 . Instead, the bottom wall 9 is deformed towards the inner void 10 of the mechanical connector device 1 and remains intact, as can be seen in Figs. 1 , 2 and 4, in particular.

[0055] For completeness, attention is directed to Figs. 5 and 6 that show the smaller side walls 5, 7, and the respective recesses 15 and 17 (the latter one only present in smaller side wall 5).

[0056] For further completeness, in Fig. 2, a sealing means 33 is visible at the interface plane 27 between the mechanical connector device 1 and the housing 22 of the actuation control unit 4. In an assembled state, where at least the mechanical connector device 1 and the actuation control unit are assembled together, this sealing means 23 may hinder the influx of humidity or even fluids into the inside of mechanical connector device 1 and the housing 22 of actuation control unit 4. As a reminder, thanks to the bottom wall 9, the void 10 is protected against incoming humility / fluids from the direction of the interface between the mechanical connector device 1 and the housing 2 of the actuated valve 3. As mentioned in the disclosure, the remaining openings (like bore 17) may be realised in a way that even there the inside of mechanical connector device 1 / housing 22 of actuation control unit 4 is sealed off from the outside.

[0057] Fig. 7 shows a complete actuated valve arrangement 20 that comprises the mechanical connector device 1 , as previously described, the actuated valve 3 itself, and the actuation control unit 4. The respective parts are assembled together to form the actuated valve arrangement 20.

[0058] As can be seen, the housing 2 of the actuated valve 3 shows an essentially cylindrical shape, where in the middle section 21 , a somewhat cuboid-shaped section is provided that can serve as a mounting base for the mechanical connector device 1 and / or for the actuation control unit 4. It is to be noted that actuated valves 3 with a housing 2 that shows a middle section 21 with a cuboid-like shape are typical designs in the prior art. So far, however, the actuation control unit 4 was directly attached to the middle section 21 of the housing 2 of the actuated valve 3. This was problematic since the housing 22 of actuation control unit 4 (in particular its interface towards the actuated valve 3) had to be designed in a way to correspond to the outer shape of the housing 2 of actuated valve 3. Therefore, replacing the actuated valve 3 by a different type limited the usable types of actuated valves 3 to ones with a similar housing 2, or necessitated a redesign of the housing 22 of the electronic control unit 4. Using the presently proposed mechanical connector device 1 , however, it is possible that the mechanical connector device 1 serves as a mechanical adapter unit between the housing 2 of the actuated valve 3 and the housing 22 of the actuation control unit 4. Since the mechanical connector device 1 is a quite simple, ’’mechanical only" device, it is comparatively easy to produce a specially adapted version of the mechanical connector device 1 , even if only relatively small numbers are needed.

[0059] Furthermore, first experiments have shown that the mechanical connector device 1 also reduces a transmission of mechanical vibrations and mechanical shocks into the actuation control unit 4. This is thanks to the mechanical distance between the actuation control unit 4 and the actuated valve 3 by means of the mechanical connector device 1. Furthermore, the design of the mechanical connector device 1 with a plurality of stiffening ribs 18 and 19 additionally dampens mechanical vibrations and mechanical shocks. Even the cutouts 15, 16 have a dampening effect albeit they are ’’initially" serving a different purpose, namely to provide a positive form locking mechanical connection to the housing 2 of the actuated valve 3.

[0060] First measurements have shown that the design of the mechanical connector device 1 together with the various stiffening members 15, 16, 18, 19 can be easily adapted by designing the mechanical connector device 1 with appropriate dimensions and appropriate stiffening members 15, 16, 18, 19 so that frequencies below 1000 Hz can be damped very effectively. Such low frequencies, however, are frequencies that are, by experience, particularly harmful to printed circuit boards and the electrical and electronic components mounted thereon (see below).

[0061] It is to be noted that due to the functionality of the actuated valve 3, mechanical vibrations and mechanical shocks are essentially unavoidably produced by the various components of the actuated valve 3 and the fluid passing through the actuated valve 3.

[0062] For completeness: in the presently shown embodiment, the actuator 23 is arranged on the right side of the view, chosen in Fig. 7. An electric actuation signal is transmitted from the actuation control unit 4 by means of an electric cable 24 towards the actuator 23. Presently, a connecting socket for the electric cable 24 is provided in one of the smaller side walls 5, 7, namely in bore 17 of smaller side wall 5 in the present embodiment. However, in principle, the connector could also be provided in the housing 22 of the actuation control unit 4.

[0063] The actuation control unit 4 is shown in more detail in Fig. 8. Fig. 8 shows a schematic, perspective view into the housing 22 of actuation control unit 4 from the bottom side and through interface plane 27, i.e. from the side, neighbouring the mechanical connector device 1 in the view of Fig. 7. Inside of the housing 22 of the actuation control unit 4, a printed circuit board 25 is provided. In Fig. 8, a couple of electrical and electronic components 26 are schematically shown for illustrative purposes. It is well known in the art that the electrical and electronic components 26 are attached and typically soldered to the printed circuit board 25.

[0064] In the presently shown embodiment, the printed circuit board 25 is arranged to be parallel to the interface plane 27, and therefore eventually to the outer wall 9 of mechanical connector device 1 and finally to the housing 2 of actuated valve 3, particularly to the middle section 21 of the housing 2 of actuated valve 3. As with respect to the cylindrical basic shape of the housing 2 of actuated valve 3, the printed circuit board 25 and thus the interface plane 27 is arranged in a tangential direction to the cylinder wall of the housing 2 of actuated valve 3. The inventors found to their own surprise that this simple parallel / tangential arrangement of the printed circuit board 25 results in a significantly higher resilience of the printed circuit board 25 and also of the electrical and electronic components 26 attached thereon, towards mechanical vibrations and mechanical shocks. This way, the reliability and the lifetime of the actuation control unit 4, and hence of the actuated valve arrangement 20 can be enhanced, typically even significantly. Only for completeness it should be mentioned that small tilting angles of up to 2°, 5°, 7° or possibly even up to 10° with respect to the ’’ideal" parallel / tangential arrangement, still produce good results and are therefore possible as well, in particular if some design requirements favour such a tilted arrangement of the printed circuit board 25.

[0065] For completeness, it should be mentioned that the various sidewalls 28 of the housing 22 of the actuation control unit 4 are designed as thin walls, similarly to the side walls 5, 6, 7, 8 of the mechanical connector device 1. The same applies mutatis mutandis to the covering wall 29 of the housing 22 of the actuation control unit 4 (see Fig. 7; not visible in the view of Fig. 8). Furthermore, in the sidewalls 28 of housing 22 of actuation control unit 4, thickenings 30 with thinner bores 31 are arranged similarly to the mechanical connector device 1 . Those thickenings 30 with bores 31 (where the bores 31 may be provided with an inner thread or a flat inner surface) may be used for assembling the various parts of the actuated valve array 20 together, in particular using a set of screws.

[0066] As usual, the presently shown actuated control unit 4 and its electrical and electronic components 26 are used for amplifying electrical input signals, so that they are eventually of a magnitude that is sufficient to successfully actuate the actuator 23. For connecting purposes, various sockets 23 may be provided in the various walls 28, 29 of the housing 22 of actuation control unit 4. Depending on the exact design, even some signal processing may be effectuated by the electrical and electronic components 26 of the actuation control unit 4.

[0067] It is to be noted that a single one or a plurality of the features of one, several or all of the presently disclosed detailed embodiments may be used in combination with the generic description of the present disclosure.

[0068] Further disclosure can be found in the application, filed by the same applicant at the same day under the applicant’s reference sign DAN2209INDE (PA18139DE01 ), claiming priority from Indian patent application

[0069] IN202311089915 with filing date 29 December 2023 at the same filing office. The disclosure of these applications is meant to be fully contained in the present application.

Claims

C l a i m s1. Mechanical connector device (1 ) for connecting a housing (2) of an actuated valve (3) with a housing (22) of an actuation control unit (4), wherein the mechanical connector device (1 ) provides a spacing and / or is designed and arranged as a spacer between at least an outer surface of the housing (2) of the actuated valve (3) and the electrical and / or electronic components (26) of the actuation control unit (4), characterised in that the mechanical connector device (1 ) comprises an inner void (10) with circumferentially arranged side walls (5, 6, 7, 8) surrounding said inner void (10).

2. Mechanical connector device (1 ) according to claim 1 , characterised in that at least some of the, preferably a significant part of the, more preferably (essentially) all of the electric and / or electronic components (26) of the actuation control unit (4) are arranged on at least one printed circuit board (25).

3. Mechanical connector device (1 ) according to any of the preceding claims, in particular according to claim 2, characterised in that at least one printed circuit board (25) is arranged at an acute angle, preferably essentially parallel and / or tangential to the outer surface of the housing (2) of the actuated valve (3).

4. Mechanical connector device (1 ) according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the mechanical connector device (1 ) is designed at least in part as a part of a housing (22) for the electricaland / or electronic components (26) of the actuation control unit (4) and / or at least in part as a separate part, being separate from a housing (22) for the electrical and / or electronic components (26) of the actuation control unit (4).

5. Mechanical connector device (1 ) according to any of the preceding claims, characterised by at least one separating wall between the inner void (10) of the mechanical connector device (1 ) and the inside of the housing (22) for the electrical and / or electronic components (26) of the actuation control unit (4) and / or characterised by at least one separating wall (9) that is limiting the void (10), and that is arranged at an opposite side of the interface surface (27) between the mechanical connector device (1 ) and the actuation control unit (4).

6. Mechanical connector device (1 ) according to any of the preceding claims, in particular according to claim 5, characterised by at least one stiffening rib (18, 19) that is preferably arranged on said separating wall (9) and / or on at least one side wall (5, 6, 7, 8).

7. Mechanical connector device (1 ) according to any of the preceding claims, characterised by at least one cut out (15, 16) in a section of the mechanical connector device (1 ) that is neighbouring the housing (2) of the actuated valve (3), wherein the cut out (16) is preferably designed and arranged to correspond to the outer surface of the housing (2) of the actuated valve (3) and / or to provide a positive form lock between the actuation control unit (4) and the actuated valve (3), at least in one direction.

8. Mechanical connector device (1 ) according to any of the preceding claims, characterised by at least one eye (11 ) for a connecting member, in particular for a screw, where the at least one eye (11 ) is arranged at an outer rim of the mechanical connector device (1 ), and wherein preferably a plurality of eyes (11 ) are provided that are preferablyarranged in a significantly spaced-apart way, in particular with respect to an axial direction of the actuated valve (3).

9. Mechanical connector device (1 ) according to any of the preceding claims, characterised by at least one through port (15, 17) for at least one conduit, in particular at least one through port (15, 17) for at least one electrical wire and / or by at least one connector device (32), in particular at least one electrical connector (32).

10. Mechanical connector device (1 ) according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that at least parts of the mechanical connector device (1 ) are designed and arranged to be water resistant, preferably waterproof.11 . Mechanical connector device (1 ) according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the mechanical connector device (1 ) is designed and arranged to dampen vibrations with a frequency lower than 1200 Hz, preferably lower than 1000 Hz.

12. Mechanical connector device (1 ) according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that it comprises, at least in part, a material taken from the group comprising: resin, thermoplastic resin, plastic material, thermoplastic material, fibre reinforced material, fibre reinforced plastic material, fibre reinforced resin, metal, aluminium, iron, steel.

13. Actuation control unit (4) for an actuated valve (3), comprising a housing (22) with an interface surface (27) for a direct mechanical connection with a housing (2) of an actuated valve (3) and / or for a mechanical connection by means of a mechanical connector device (1 ), preferably a mechanical connector device (1 ) according to any of the preceding claims, the actuation control unit (4) further comprising at least one printed circuit board (25) for electrical and / or electronic components (26) of the actuation control unit (4), characterised in thatat least a part of at least one printed circuit board (25) is arranged at an acute angle to the plane of the interface surface (27) of the actuation control unit (4).

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