Emergency drive module, actuating drive, and assembly

Abstract

The invention relates to an emergency drive module (10) for an actuating drive in the field of automation for linearly actuating a fitting, comprising: - a mechanical energy store (11); - a first actuator (12.1) which is to act on the actuating drive and a second actuator (12.2) which is to act on the fitting; and - an emergency drive spindle (13) which is designed to be driven by an electric motor of the actuating drive and to move the first actuator or the second actuator along an emergency drive spindle axis, the first actuator and the second actuator being designed to be driven apart parallel to the emergency drive spindle axis when the emergency drive module (10) is triggered by the energy stored in the energy store (11) in order to actuate an actuating element of a fitting. The emergency drive module is characterized in that the direction of the emergency travel of the fitting can be configured parallel to the emergency drive spindle axis.

Description

[0001] PC 25 2331 C 9 December 2025

[0002] Emergency drive module, actuator and assembly

[0003] The invention relates to an emergency drive module of an actuator for automation technology for actuating a valve, such an actuator, and an assembly comprising such an actuator and such a valve. Examples are shown in EP4146965B1.

[0004] Emergency drive modules of this kind are important, for example, when it is essential for an industrial plant that a valve is moved to a safe state in the event of a power outage. Such a state could mean, for example, that the valve is set to either open or closed.

[0005] In the current state of the art, an emergency drive module can only establish one state. Therefore, different emergency drive modules typically need to be provided for allowing passage and blocking, which leads to increased planning and manufacturing effort in the production of such emergency drive modules.

[0006] The object of the invention is to provide an emergency drive module in which the planning and manufacturing effort for the emergency drive module is reduced with regard to achieving different states.

[0007] The problem is solved by an emergency drive module according to independent claim 1, by an actuator according to independent claim 8, and by an assembly according to independent claim 10.

[0008] An emergency drive module according to the invention for an actuator of automation technology for the linear actuation of a valve, comprises: PC 25 2331 C 2 / 19 9 December 2025 a mechanical energy storage device; a first actuator facing the actuator and a second actuator facing the valve; an emergency drive spindle which is configured to be driven by an electric motor of the actuator and to move the first actuator or the second actuator along an emergency drive spindle axis; wherein the first actuator and the second actuator are configured to be driven apart parallel to the emergency drive spindle axis by the energy stored in the energy storage device when the emergency drive module is triggered, in order to actuate an actuator of a valve, wherein a direction of emergency movement of the valve parallel to the emergency drive spindle axis is configurable.

[0009] This eliminates the need for different emergency drive modules. Manufacturing effort and costs are thus reduced.

[0010] The emergency drive module can be integrated into the housing of an actuator or arranged as a separate module on the actuator.

[0011] In one embodiment, the first actuator and the second actuator each have a through-opening for receiving an emergency drive spindle, wherein a spindle nut is fixed in the through-opening of the first actuator or in the through-opening of the second actuator, the emergency drive spindle engaging in the spindle nut, PC 25 2331 C 3 / 19 9 December 2025, thereby providing an axially fixed and rotationally free bearing of the emergency drive spindle relative to the respective actuator, and wherein the other actuator is configured to act on the actuating element.

[0012] The direction of emergency travel can be configured by selecting the through-hole in which the spindle nut is fixed. Each actuator thus represents an axial fixed point when the emergency drive is triggered, from which the other actuator moves away. Therefore, no different components are required for the two emergency travel directions.

[0013] In one embodiment, an emergency drive spindle axis and a valve actuation axis are radially offset from each other. This allows for an axially compact design of the emergency drive module.

[0014] In one embodiment, the emergency drive module has two guide rails arranged parallel to the emergency drive spindle axis and side by side for mounting the first actuator and the second actuator, wherein the first actuator and the second actuator each have three bearings by means of which they are mounted on the guide rails, wherein the first actuator and the second actuator are mounted on each guide rail with at least one of the three bearing points.

[0015] In one embodiment, the first actuator and the second actuator are arranged in an emergency drive housing of the emergency drive module. PC 25 2331 C 4 / 19 9 December 2025

[0016] In one embodiment, the guide rails are carried or supported by the emergency drive housing of the emergency drive module.

[0017] An actuator according to the invention for actuating a valve comprises: an electric motor; a gearbox; an electronic operating circuit for operating the electric motor; an emergency drive module according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the emergency drive module is connected to the gearbox of the actuator via the emergency drive spindle, wherein the electric motor is configured to transmit a torque to the emergency drive spindle via the gearbox.

[0018] The transmission can, for example, include a worm gear, a planetary gear stage, or a gear.

[0019] In one embodiment, the actuator has a housing arrangement with at least one actuator housing, wherein the electric motor, the gearbox, the electronic operating circuit and, in particular, the emergency drive module are arranged in the housing arrangement.

[0020] An assembly according to the invention comprises:

[0021] An actuator according to the invention; PC 25 2331 C 5 / 19 9 December 2025 of a valve with an actuator; wherein the emergency drive module is connected to the emergency drive spindle of the actuator via the first actuator or the second actuator, and wherein the emergency drive module is connected to the actuator via the other actuator.

[0022] The invention is described below using exemplary embodiments.

[0023] Figs. 1 a) and 1b) show schematic sketches of a functional structure of an exemplary emergency drive module according to the invention;

[0024] Figs. 2 a) and 2 c) each show a longitudinal section through an exemplary dynamic control device of an energy storage device, and Fig. 2 b) shows a longitudinal section of an exemplary energy storage device according to the invention;

[0025] Fig. 3 shows a longitudinal section of an exemplary energy storage device according to the invention and an exemplary dynamic control device of the energy storage device;

[0026] Fig. 4 shows an exemplary assembly according to the invention comprising an actuator according to the invention and a fitting.

[0027] Figures 1a) and 1b) each show a schematic sketch of a functional structure of an exemplary emergency drive module 10 according to the invention for an actuator 1 of automation technology, comprising a first actuator 12.1 and a second actuator 12.2, each mounted on two guide rails 15. A mechanical energy storage device 11 is arranged between the first actuator 12.1 and the second actuator 12.2 to drive them apart when the emergency drive module is triggered. The guide rails are supported by an emergency drive housing 20. The first actuator 12.1 and the second actuator 12.2 are movable along the guide rails relative to the emergency drive housing 20 and are moved to actuate the valve during normal operation. Interval limits of movement define the end positions.

[0028] As shown here, the first actuator 12.1 and the second actuator 12.2 can each have three bearings 16 by means of which they are mounted on the rails, with the bearings 16 or the bearing points 16 being distributed on both rails.

[0029] An emergency drive spindle 13, which is configured to be connected to a gearbox 3 (Fig. 4) of the actuator, is connected to either the first actuator 12.1 or the second actuator 12.2 via a spindle nut 17. The first actuator has a through-opening 12.31, and the second actuator has a through-opening 12.32, with the spindle nut 17 being firmly seated in the through-opening 12.31 or 12.32 of the respective actuator, i.e., in the through-opening of the first actuator 12.1 or the second actuator 12.2.

[0030] An axially fixed and rotationally free connection or bearing is provided between the spindle nut 17 and the unactuated emergency drive spindle. This allows the respective actuator to be moved axially by rotating the emergency drive spindle 13 when the emergency drive spindle is actuated, and consequently, an actuating element 101 of the valve 100 can be actuated via the other actuator. In normal operation, the first actuator 12.1 and the second actuator 12.2 are locked by means of a locking mechanism 19, so that actuating the emergency drive spindle results in a joint movement of both actuators 12.1 and 12.2. The other actuator can be connected to an actuating element 101 of a valve 100, for example, by means of a push rod 14, as shown here.The locking mechanism can be, for example, a mechanical mechanism such as a latching mechanism, or an electromagnetic locking mechanism in which an electromagnetic force between two elements of the locking mechanism is canceled in the event of a power failure.

[0031] According to the invention, a direction of emergency travel of the fitting 100 parallel to the emergency drive spindle axis AS can be configured. This can be achieved, for example, by selecting the actuator in whose through-opening 12.31, 12.32 the spindle nut 17 is inserted.

[0032] In the example shown in Fig. 1 a), the spindle nut 17 is inserted in the through-opening 12.32 of the second actuator 12.2, which faces the fitting 100. The resulting axial fixation of the second actuator when the emergency drive spindle 13 is not actuated leads to a movement of the first actuator 12.1 away from the fitting when the emergency drive module 10 is triggered.

[0033] When the spindle nut 17 is inserted into the through-opening 12.31 of the first actuator 12.1 as shown in Fig. 1 b), the first actuator is axially fixed, so that when the emergency drive module is triggered, the second actuator moves towards the fitting.

[0034] The push rod 14 is connected to the actuator 12.1, 12.2 and axially fixed, which does not accommodate the spindle nut 17 in its through-opening 12.3.

[0035] Figs. 2 a) and 2 c) show a longitudinal section through an exemplary dynamic control device 18 of a PC 25 2331 C 8 / 19 9 December 2025

[0036] energy storage device, and Fig. 2 b) shows a longitudinal section of an exemplary mechanical energy storage device 11 according to the invention.

[0037] The energy storage device 11, as shown in Fig. 2 b), comprises a spring assembly 11.1 with a spring 11.11 and two base plates 11.12, between which the spring is arranged. The base plates are designed to absorb the mechanical tension of the spring and transmit it to the first actuator 12.1 and the second actuator 12.2. Alternatively, the first actuator 12.1 and the second actuator 12.2 can each have a device for receiving the spring. Other components, such as support rings, can be used as an alternative to base plates.

[0038] For example, as sketched in Fig. 2 a) or 2 c), a dynamic control device 18 can be provided which is configured to control the expansion dynamics of the first actuator 12.1 and the second actuator 12.2. A controlled variable can be, for example, a velocity or an acceleration of the expansion. For example, the dynamic control device 18 can be configured to keep one of the two aforementioned controlled variables constant, at least section by section. This can be achieved, for example, via a flow controller 18.2, which regulates the flow of a fluid, such as a hydraulic or pneumatic fluid, through an overflow channel 18.21, for example from a second fluid chamber 18.12 into a first fluid chamber 18.11, caused by the activation of the emergency drive module, by means of a flow control valve 18.22. The flow control valve 18.22 can be self-regulating.The flow resistance of the overflow channel can be adjusted, for example, by changing the flow cross-section using the flow control valve 18.22. PC 25 2331 C 9 / 19 December 9, 2025.

[0039] A return channel (not shown) may also be provided to allow the fluid to flow back into the original fluid chamber. The return channel may, for example, include a valve that allows flow in only one direction.

[0040] In one embodiment, the dynamic control device 18 can have an adjustment element 18.23 by means of which the controlled variable can be adjusted in one of the end positions of the movement when the drive is in a tensioned and mounted state during an emergency operation. For example, the adjustment element can be positioned in a customer-accessible location and / or, when the drive is in a tensioned state during an emergency operation, the adjustment element can engage an adjustment mechanism 18.4 of the dynamic control device or be moved into an engagement position as shown in Figures 2 a) and 2 c). A spring mechanism 18.24 can be configured to allow engagement of the adjustment mechanism 18.4 only when the adjustment element is pressed against the spring mechanism. For example, this allows the customer to adjust the controlled variable in the field.

[0041] The dynamic control device 18 can be arranged within the spring device 11.1, as indicated by the arrow. This allows for a compact design.

[0042] The overflow channel can run through the piston as shown by way of example in Fig. 2 a), with the current controller 18.2 being connected to the piston and remaining stationary relative to the piston 18.33 when the emergency drive module is triggered. Alternatively, the current controller PC 25 2331 C 10 / 19 9 December 2025 can be sketched as in Fig. 2 c).

[0043] 18.2 together with the overflow channel next to the piston 18.33 and a cylinder 18.36 surrounding the piston.

[0044] The adjusting element can protrude from the emergency drive housing and, in particular, seal tightly with the emergency drive housing, preferably in an airtight and oil-tight manner.

[0045] The dynamic control device 18 can have a return channel to allow a liquid fluid to flow.

[0046] Fig. 3 shows a schematic longitudinal section through an exemplary mechanical energy storage device 11 and through an exemplary dynamic control device 18, as they can be used in an emergency drive module according to the invention. Unlike the one shown in Fig. 2, the energy storage device has a compressed air storage device 11.2 with a compressed air reservoir 11.21 and an exhaust valve 11.22. When the emergency drive module is triggered, the exhaust valve is opened so that the escaping gas in a cylinder 11.3 acts against a piston 11.4 and thereby drives the first actuator 12.1 and the second actuator 12.2 apart.

[0047] The dynamic control device 18 according to Fig. 2 is arranged here next to the mechanical energy storage device 11, but can also be arranged centrally, for example, in a plurality of compressed air storage devices. An arrangement of the dynamic control device within the compressed air storage device, and thus a possible concentric arrangement of the compressed air storage device and the dynamic control device, is also conceivable. With regard to the geometric arrangement and the number of mechanical energy storage devices and the dynamic control device, the person skilled in the art is not limited to the embodiments shown in Figs. 2 and 3, but can adapt an actual implementation according to PC 25 2331 C 11 / 19 of December 9, 2025, to their requirements. The exemplary embodiments listed here serve to illustrate the inventive principle.

[0048] Fig. 4 sketches an assembly 300 comprising an actuator 1 according to the invention with an emergency drive module according to the invention and a fitting 100 with an actuator 101.

[0049] The actuator 1 comprises an electric motor 2, a gearbox 3, and an electronic operating circuit 4 for operating the electric motor. The electric motor is configured to transmit torque to the emergency drive spindle 13 via the gearbox. This torque moves the actuator pair, first actuator 12.1 (Fig. 1a), 1b) ) and second actuator 12.2 (Fig. 1a), 1b) ) parallel to the emergency drive spindle axis to actuate the actuator 101 of the valve. The gearbox 3 can, for example, consist of a worm gear, a planetary gear stage, or a gear. The valve can be a gate valve, as shown here by way of example and schematically. For instance, a gearbox can be used that converts the linear movement of the push rod into a pivoting movement, for example, to actuate a flap valve or a ball valve.The fitting can be configured to regulate the flow of media in a pipe 200 or a channel, as shown here, for example. PC 25 2331 C 12 / 19 December 9, 2025.

[0050] Reference symbol list

[0051] 1. Actuator for automation technology

[0052] 2 electric motors

[0053] 3 gearboxes

[0054] 4 electronic operating circuit

[0055] 6 Housing arrangement

[0056] 6.1 Actuator housing

[0057] 10 Emergency drive module

[0058] 11 mechanical energy storage devices

[0059] 11.1 Spring device

[0060] 11.11 Feather

[0061] 11.12 Base plate

[0062] 11,121 Opening

[0063] 11.2 Compressed air storage device

[0064] 11.21 Exhaust valve

[0065] 11.3 cylinders

[0066] 11.4 Pistons

[0067] 12.1 First actuator PC 25 2331 C 13 / 19 December 9, 2025

[0068] 12.2 second actuator

[0069] 12.31 Through-opening of the first actuator

[0070] 12.32 Through-opening of the second actuator

[0071] 13 Drive spindle 14 Push rod

[0072] 15 guide rails

[0073] 16 warehouses

[0074] 17 Spindle nut

[0075] 18 Dynamic control device 18 .11 first fluid chamber

[0076] 18.12 second fluid chamber

[0077] 18.2 Current regulator

[0078] 18.21 Overflow channel

[0079] 18.22 Flow control valve 18.23 Adjustment element

[0080] 18.24 Spring mechanism

[0081] 18.31 first cylinder

[0082] 18.32 second cylinder

[0083] 18.33 Piston PC 25 2331 C 14 / 19 9 December 2025

[0084] 18.34 Piston rod

[0085] 18.35 Sealing device

[0086] 18.36 cylinders

[0087] 18.4 Adjustment mechanism 19 Locking mechanism

[0088] 20 emergency drive housings

[0089] 21 Fastening element

[0090] 100 fittings

[0091] 101 Actuator 200 Channel / Pipeline

[0092] 300 assembly

[0093] SS valve actuation axis

[0094] AS No t ant ri ebs spinde lachse

Claims

PC 25 2331 C 15 / 19 December 9, 2025 Patent claims 1. Emergency drive module (10) for an actuator (1) of automation technology for the linear actuation of a valve, comprising: a mechanical energy storage device (11); a first actuator (12.1) facing the actuator and a second actuator (12.2) facing the valve; an emergency drive spindle (13) which is configured to be driven by an electric motor (2) of the actuator and to move the first actuator or the second actuator along an emergency drive spindle axis (AS); wherein the first actuator and the second actuator are configured to be driven apart parallel to the emergency drive spindle axis by the energy stored in the energy storage unit (11) when the emergency drive module (10) is triggered, in order to actuate an actuator (101) of a valve (100), characterized in that a direction of emergency travel of the valve (100) parallel to the emergency drive spindle axis (AS) is configurable.

2. Emergency drive module according to claim 1, wherein the first actuator (12.1) and the second actuator (12.2) each have a through-opening (12.3) for receiving the emergency drive spindle (13), wherein a spindle nut (17) is fixed in the through-opening of the first actuator (12.1) or in the through-opening of the second actuator (12.2), PC 25 2331 C 16 / 19 9 December 2025 wherein the emergency drive spindle (13) engages in the spindle nut (17), thereby providing an axially fixed and rotationally free bearing of the emergency drive spindle (13) relative to the respective actuator (12.1, 12.2), and wherein the respective other actuator (12.2, 12.1) is configured to act on the actuating element (101).

3. Emergency drive module according to claim 1 or 2, wherein an emergency drive spindle axis (AS) and a valve actuation axis (SS) are radially offset from each other.

4. Emergency drive module according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the emergency drive module (10) has two guide rails (15) arranged parallel to the emergency drive spindle axis and side by side for supporting the first actuator (12.1) and the second actuator (12.2), wherein the first actuator and the second actuator each have three bearings (16) by means of which they are supported on the guide rails, wherein the first actuator and the second actuator are supported on each guide rail with at least one of the three bearing points.

5. Emergency drive module according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first actuator (12.1) and the second actuator (12.2) are arranged in an emergency drive housing (20) of the emergency drive module (10).

6. Emergency drive module according to claim 5, PC 25 2331 C 17 / 19 9 December 2025 wherein the guide rails (15) are supported by the emergency drive housing (20) of the emergency drive module (10).

7. Emergency drive module according to one of the preceding claims, wherein during standard operation the first actuator and the second actuator are interlocked and hold the energy storage device in a tensioned state.

8. Actuator for actuating a valve comprising: an electric motor (2); a gearbox (3); an electronic operating circuit (4) for operating the electric motor; an emergency drive module (10) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the electric motor (2) is configured to transmit a torque to the emergency drive spindle (13) via the gearbox (3); wherein the emergency drive module (10) is connected to the gearbox (3) via the emergency drive spindle (13).

9. Actuator according to claim 8, wherein the actuator (1) has a housing arrangement (6) with at least one actuator housing (6.1), wherein the electric motor (2), the gearbox (3), the electronic operating circuit (4) and in particular the emergency drive module (10) are arranged in the housing arrangement.

10. Assembly consisting of: PC 25 2331 C 18 / 19 December 9, 2025 an actuator (1) according to claim 8 or 9; a fitting (100) comprising an actuator (101); wherein the emergency drive module (10) is connected to the emergency drive spindle (13) of the actuator via the first actuator (12.1) or the second actuator (12.2), and wherein the emergency drive module (10) is connected to the actuator (101) via the other actuator (12.2, 12.1).

Images