CN218440287U - Self-centering coupling - Google Patents

Abstract

The utility model provides a from centering shaft coupling, it includes: a first jaw having a first clamping surface; a second jaw having a second clamping surface, the first and second clamping surfaces defining a receiving opening; the actuating mechanism comprises a rotating element and a driving device, and the driving device drives the rotating element to rotate around a rotating axis; wherein the rotary element has a first actuating structure acting on the first jaw and a second actuating structure acting on the second jaw, the first and second actuating structures bringing the first and second clamping surfaces to move towards each other by the same distance in a clamping direction perpendicular to the axis of rotation during the rotary movement. The self-centering coupling according to the present disclosure may achieve a more precise self-centering action independent of the size of the valve stem.

Description

Self-centering coupling

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a self-centering coupling, in particular to a self-centering coupling for coupling a drive unit to a main shaft of an associated apparatus.

Background

In valves with a rotatable valve stem, as is common in the prior art, it is necessary to drive them in use by means of an associated drive unit. In this case, it is necessary to connect the valve spindle to the output of the drive unit by means of a coupling and to transmit the torque of the drive unit to the valve spindle via the coupling.

In view of the different dimensions of the valve stems, there are a series of couplings on the market which are matched to the dimensioning of the valve stems, or whose clamping parts for the valve stems are constructed differently in size and can be selected according to the valve stem dimensions, which is clearly more cost-intensive. In addition, in order to ensure normal transmission of torque and ease of installation, it is generally desirable that the coupling achieve an automatic centering effect of its clamping member and valve stem.

SUMMERY OF THE UTILITY MODEL

According to different aspects, the utility model aims at providing a can with not coaxial size assorted, can easy and simple to handle from centering shaft coupling.

Furthermore, the present invention also aims to solve or alleviate other technical problems existing in the prior art.

The utility model discloses a solve above-mentioned problem from centering shaft coupling, particularly, it includes:

a first jaw having a first clamping surface;

a second jaw having a second clamping surface, the first and second clamping surfaces defining a receiving opening;

the actuating mechanism comprises a rotating element and a driving device, wherein the driving device drives the rotating element to rotate around a rotating axis;

wherein the rotary element has a first actuating structure acting on the first jaw and a second actuating structure acting on the second jaw, the first and second actuating structures bringing the first and second clamping surfaces to move towards each other by the same distance in a clamping direction perpendicular to the axis of rotation during the rotary movement.

According to an aspect of the present invention, a self-centering coupling is provided, the driving device comprising a pin shaft and an actuating element, wherein the bottom end of the pin shaft adjacent to the first and second jaws is fixed with the rotating element, and the actuating element is used for driving the pin shaft around the rotation axis rotates.

According to an aspect of the present invention, a self-centering coupling is proposed, the actuating element comprising a torsion spring element, which is fixed with its one end on the rotating element and exerts an acting force on the first jaw and the second jaw through its pre-tightening force, the acting force being able to drive the first jaw and the second jaw along the clamping direction move towards each other.

According to the utility model discloses a from centering shaft coupling that an aspect provided the round pin axle with the top department of bottom opposition is equipped with the operating handle, with the help of the operating handle makes the round pin axle overcomes the pretightning force rotates.

According to the utility model discloses a self-centering shaft coupling that an aspect provided, actuating element includes the worm and fixes sell epaxial worm wheel, through the rotational motion of worm, with worm matched with worm wheel drives sell the axle and rotating element winds rotation axis rotates.

According to the utility model discloses a self-centering shaft coupling that an aspect provided the distal end department of keeping away from the worm wheel of worm is equipped with operating handle, with the help of operating handle can drive the worm rotates.

According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a self-centering coupling, wherein the first and second actuating structures are respectively constructed in the form of a sliding pin and are respectively fixed at the end of the rotating element, wherein a groove portion is respectively provided at the first and second jaws, the groove portion being adapted to cooperate with the sliding pin, and wherein the sliding pin and the groove portion cooperate to convert the rotational movement of the sliding pin into a movement of the groove portion in a clamping direction and thereby drive the first and second clamping surfaces to move towards or away from each other by the same distance.

According to the utility model discloses a self-centering shaft coupling that an aspect provided, the slot part is in perpendicular to in the plane of centre gripping direction the centre gripping direction extends, the sliding pin is winding the axis of rotation promotes when rotating the slot part is followed the centre gripping direction removes.

According to an aspect of the utility model provides a self-centering shaft coupling, first actuation structure with second actuation structure sets up respectively to the cam surface, the cam surface is winding axis of rotation can promote when rotating first clamping face with the second clamping face moves each other, is used for dwindling hold the opening.

According to an aspect of the present invention, a self-centering coupling is provided, wherein a first back of the first jaw opposite to the first clamping surface and/or a second back of the second jaw opposite to the second clamping surface is provided with a toothed section.

According to an aspect of the present invention, the proposed self-centering coupling further has a housing, which includes a stopper portion for limiting an end position of the first and second jaws.

According to the utility model discloses a from centering shaft coupling can be independent of the size realization of valve rod more accurate from the centering effect.

Drawings

The above and other features of the present invention will become apparent with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which,

fig. 1 shows an exploded view of a self-centering coupling according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

fig. 2 shows the self-centering coupling according to fig. 1 in the assembled state, with the upper housing removed for clarity;

fig. 3 shows a perspective view from above of the self-centering coupling according to fig. 2 in the clamped state;

fig. 4 shows a perspective view from above of the self-centering coupling according to fig. 2 in the released state;

fig. 5 shows an exploded view of a self-centering coupling according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

fig. 6 shows the self-centering coupling according to fig. 5 in the assembled state, with the upper housing removed;

figure 7 shows an exploded view of a self-centering coupling according to a third embodiment of the present invention;

fig. 8 shows a perspective view of the self-centering coupling according to fig. 7 in the assembled state, wherein the upper housing is removed;

fig. 9 shows a perspective view of the self-centering coupling according to fig. 8 from another perspective.

Detailed Description

It is easily understood that, according to the technical solution of the present invention, a plurality of alternative structural modes and implementation modes can be proposed by those skilled in the art without changing the spirit of the present invention. Therefore, the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings are merely illustrative of the technical solutions of the present invention, and should not be considered as limiting or restricting the technical solutions of the present invention in their entirety or in any other way.

The directional terms upper, lower, left, right, front, rear, front, back, top, bottom and the like that are or may be mentioned in this specification are defined relative to the configurations shown in the drawings, and are relative concepts that may be changed accordingly depending on the position and the use state of the device. Therefore, these and other directional terms should not be construed as limiting terms. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," "third," and the like are used for descriptive and descriptive purposes only and not for purposes of indication or implication as to the relative importance of the respective components.

It should be noted at the outset that the self-centering coupling according to the invention can be used in a variety of contexts, wherein one of the two parts to be coupled by the coupling is provided with a rotatable shaft which can not only have a cylindrical outer shape but can also be designed in other arbitrary shapes. In particular, the coupling can be used to couple the drive unit to the valve stem of the valve member and to transmit torque thereto, where the valve member can resemble a damper, a vent flap, a grate, or other member having a rotating shaft. Furthermore, in the following, the same reference numerals are provided for structural components having the same structure or the same function in different embodiments.

Referring to fig. 1 to 4, a first embodiment of a self-centering coupling 100 is shown, the housing of which is constructed in two parts and comprises an upper housing 111 and a lower housing 112, at the corresponding positions of which there are provided through-openings for the passage of a shaft (for example, a valve rod). For the sake of clarity, the following description will be given by way of example of the application of the coupling to the valve element and the object of action of the self-centering coupling will be referred to correspondingly as the valve stem. The lower housing 112 is intended to be seated on a drive unit, for example a drive motor, and optionally has a guide sleeve 113 for the passage of the valve stem; the upper housing 111 may be detachably coupled with the lower housing 112 by a threaded fastener. The upper case 111 and the lower case 112 collectively limit an accommodation space in which a first jaw 120 and a second jaw 130 for clamping the valve stem are disposed. During assembly, the upper housing 111 and the lower housing 112 are fixed relative to the axle of the driving motor, on the one hand, and the first latch 120 and the second latch 130 clamp and fix the valve rod, on the other hand, so that when the axle of the driving motor rotates, the coupling transmits the torque of the driving motor to the valve rod and drives the valve rod to rotate.

In particular, a first catch 120 and a second catch 130 are each movably arranged on the lower housing 112, wherein the first catch 120 has a first clamping face 121 and the second catch 130 has a second clamping face 131, which together delimit a receiving opening 140 for the valve rod. Here, the first clamping surface 121 and the second clamping surface 131 may comprise surfaces arranged to avoid or reduce sliding between the valve stem and the surfaces, which may be configured as high friction surfaces, or they may additionally comprise one or more protrusions, grooves, splines or teeth. As shown in the figures, teeth are provided on each of the two clamping surfaces for increasing the friction between the clamping surfaces and the outer surface of the valve stem. The teeth may also assist in positioning the valve stem if the valve stem is polygonal in cross-section. The first clamping surface 121 and the second clamping surface 131 are simultaneously moved in translation towards each other under the action of the actuating mechanism in the sense of clamping the valve stem. By controlling the direction of movement of the two clamping surfaces 121, 131, the self-centering coupling 100 can be switched between a clamped state (see fig. 3) in which the valve stem remains clamped and cannot be removed from the receiving opening 140, and a released state (see fig. 4); in this released state, the valve stem is free and can be disengaged from the receiving opening 140.

The first jaw 120 may be movably fixed at the lower case 112 in a clamping direction by means of a latch sliding groove in which the latch 114 protrudes inward from the lower case 112, and the sliding groove 122 extends in the clamping direction (which may be understood as a left-right direction in fig. 3 and 4). The cooperation of the slide slot 122 and the latch 114 on the one hand guides the movement of the first catch 120 and, on the other hand, by controlling the length of the slide slot 122, it is possible to limit the end position of the first catch 120, which relates to its position in the fully clamped state and the fully released state.

More specifically, as shown in the drawings, the first jaw 120 is constructed in a two-piece structure, on which through slide grooves 122 are provided for engagement with a latch pin (not visible in the drawings) at the upper housing or a latch pin 114 at the lower housing, respectively. In this way, the first claws 120 can be moved in the gripping direction with the upper and lower housings 111 and 112 kept stationary. The second jaws 130 are placed between the first jaws 120 and are arranged adjacent to a sidewall of the lower housing 112, where a stopper 115 is provided for limiting a moving path of the second jaws 130 and an end position thereof.

In order to achieve the above-mentioned moving movement of the first and second jaws 120, 130, the self-centering coupling 100 further comprises an actuating mechanism having a rotating element 151 and a driving means 152, wherein the driving means is arranged for driving the rotating element 151 in rotation about an axis of rotation perpendicular to the above-mentioned clamping direction. In particular, the rotating element 151 comprises a first actuating structure acting on the first catch 120 and a second actuating structure acting on the second catch 130, as will be explained below with reference to specific embodiments. By converting the rotary movement of the actuating mechanism into a translatory movement of the jaws, it is possible in a simple manner to precisely control the displacement of the two jaws over the same distance and thereby achieve a self-centering action, i.e. an arrangement of the receiving opening concentric or coaxial with the valve stem, independently of the dimensions of the valve stem. By controlling the angle of rotation of the rotary element, in particular the angle of rotation of the drive, the translational distance of the jaws can be controlled more easily and thus the valve rod can be prevented from slipping or being damaged by excessive clamping.

It is also possible that the driving means 152 comprises a pin 1521 and an actuating element 1522, wherein the pin 1521 is rotatably fixed at the lower housing 112 about the axis of rotation of the rotating element 151 (which may be regarded as the central axis of itself) and at its bottom end, which is close to the lower housing 112 and the first and second jaws 120, 130, the rotating element 151 is fixed. Accordingly, the actuating element 1522 is provided for driving the pin 1521 to rotate about the rotation axis and thereby to rotate the rotating element 151. The actuating element can be designed as any type of drive, for example, it can be designed as a small motor and be connected with its output shaft to the pin shaft in a torque-transmitting manner. Further feasibly, a simple transmission device is arranged between the small motor and the pin shaft, and the description is omitted.

As a supplement, it is also possible for the actuating element 1522, as in the first exemplary embodiment shown in fig. 1 to 4 and in the second exemplary embodiment shown in fig. 5 and 6, to be designed as a torsion spring element which is fitted on the pin 1521 and is fastened with its one free end to the rotary element 151 and with its other free end to the upper housing 111, for example being hooked or welded at both ends to the rotary element 151 or to the upper housing 111, respectively. During the assembly process, the torsion spring element is subjected to a pretensioning force in such a way that, due to its own resilience caused by the pretensioning force, the torsion spring element indirectly exerts a force in the opposite direction on the first clamping surface 121 and the second clamping surface 131 via the rotary element 151, which force imparts a tendency of the first clamping surface 121 and the second clamping surface 131 to move toward each other and thereby clamps the outer surface of the valve rod in the clamped state. That is, the preload of the torsion spring element resists relative movement of the first and second jaws 120, 130 in the clamped state and prevents the valve stem from being disengaged from the receiving opening 140. In general terms, the actuating element, which is designed as a torsion spring element, can not only provide a driving force for the rotating element, but can also serve as a locking element for the first and second jaws.

In use, the pretension of the torsion spring element is first overcome manually or by means of a tool and the receiving opening 140 is thereby opened, then, after the valve rod has been inserted into the receiving opening 140, the torsion spring element is released, the torsion spring element rotates the pin 1521 and the rotary element 151 under its own restoring force, and the first and second clamping surfaces 121, 131 are pushed by the first and second actuating structures 1511, 1512 towards each other, with the result that the valve rod is finally clamped in the receiving opening 140. The design with the torsion spring element makes it possible to dispense with an additional locking element and thus to reduce the structural complexity considerably. In addition, the torsion spring element can provide basically constant clamping force for the valve rod for a long time, so that the anti-loosening effect is achieved, and the damage to the valve rod caused by the excessive clamping force is avoided. In applications, the greater the torque that needs to be transmitted, the thicker the valve stem, while requiring a greater clamping force to prevent slippage of the valve stem. Due to the inherent characteristics of the spring, the larger the diameter of the valve stem to be clamped, the greater the deformation of the spring and therefore the clamping force. Thereby ensuring that a reasonable clamping force can be provided for valve rods with different diameters and the valve rods with different diameters are matched.

It is further possible that an operating handle 160 is provided at the top end of the pin 1521, which protrudes out of the upper housing 111 and is intended to be gripped by an operator or to interact with an associated screwing tool, which may be a screwdriver or a wrench.

It should be noted here that the pretensioning force of the spring can be set as a function of the actual circumstances. For example, if the manual screwing of the pin overcomes the pre-load, the pre-load should be adapted to the maximum possible force exerted by the operator. If the pin is screwed by means of a tool (for example a screwdriver or a wrench), the pretensioning force should be adapted to the maximum force that can be applied by means of the tool.

Alternatively, it is also possible for the actuating element 1522 to be designed in the manner of a worm gear, which, as shown in fig. 7 to 9, comprises a worm and a worm wheel, which is fixed in a sleeved manner on the pin 1521 and rotates together with it; said worm is supported with its ends at the upper housing 111 and with one of its ends protruding from the side wall of the upper housing 111 for gripping by an operator or for co-acting with an associated screwing tool. In use, rotation of the worm wheel about the axis of rotation and thus rotational movement of the rotary element 151 about the axis of rotation is caused by rotation of the worm such that the first clamping surface 121 and the second clamping surface 131 move towards or away from each other, i.e. clamping or unclamping of the valve stem is achieved. It is further possible that an operating handle 160 can also be provided at the end of the worm projecting beyond the side wall of the upper housing, in order to be gripped by an operator or to be matched to a corresponding screwing tool.

For the actuating element in the form of a worm gear, on the one hand a force-saving effect is achieved due to its own transmission ratio and the angle of movement of the pin shaft and the rotating element can be controlled more easily; on the other hand, it can also be regarded as a locking element due to the self-locking effect of the worm gear mesh.

Furthermore, for the rotary element 151, its first 1511 and second 1512 actuation structures are arranged symmetrically with respect to the axis of rotation, so that by its rotation the first 121 and second 131 clamping surfaces are moved the same distance in the clamping direction. As in the first and second embodiments shown in the drawings, the rotary member 151 is configured to be symmetrical about its central axis, and is equipped at both ends thereof with two slide pins as an actuating structure symmetrically about the center. Correspondingly, a first groove 123 is provided at the end of the first catch 120 facing away from the first clamping surface 121 for interaction with a first actuation structure 1511 (which may also be referred to as a first sliding pin); and a second slot portion 132 is provided at an end of the second pawl 130 facing away from the second clamping surface 131 for interacting with a second actuation structure 1512 (which may also be referred to as a second slide pin). During the rotation, the two sliding pins 1511, 1512 move rotationally together with the rotating element 151 and push the first and second groove portions 123, 132 cooperating therewith to translate in the clamping direction, so as to realize the translational movement of the first and second jaws 120, 130. That is, by the cooperation of the slide pins as the actuating structures with the respective groove portions, the conversion of the rotational movement into the translational movement can be achieved.

In a non-limiting example, the first and second slot portions 123, 132 extend perpendicular to the clamping direction in a plane that is perpendicular to the axis of rotation and contains the clamping direction. For example, the first slide pin 1511 pushes the first groove portion 123 to perform a translational movement in the sense of enlarging the accommodation opening 140 or reducing the accommodation opening 140 at the time of the arc rotational movement. In combination with the torsion spring element, when the valve stem is mounted, the rotating element 151 and the sliding pin rotate in a first direction when the pin is rotated against the pre-tightening force of the torsion spring element, at which time the first sliding pin 1511 pushes the first groove 123 and the first jaw 120 to translate in a sense of enlarging the receiving opening 140, and the second sliding pin 1512 pushes the second groove 132 and the second jaw 130 to translate also in a sense of enlarging the receiving opening 140; after the valve stem is inserted into the receiving opening 140, the torsion spring element is released, and its restoring force drives the rotating element 151 and the slide pin to rotate in the direction opposite to the first direction, at which time the first slide pin 1511 pushes the first groove portion 123 and the first pawl 120 to translate in the sense of reducing the receiving opening 140, and the second slide pin 1512 pushes the second groove portion 132 and the second pawl 130 to translate in the sense of also reducing the receiving opening 140. In summary, switching of the self-centering element between the released state and the clamped state can be achieved by changing the direction of rotation of the rotational element 151.

Alternatively to this, it is also possible for the rotary element 151 to be configured in the form of a cam (see fig. 5 and 6), i.e. for the two actuating structures of the rotary element acting on the pawl to be each configured as a cam surface which is symmetrical with respect to the center of the rotary element 151, namely a first actuating structure 1511 and a second actuating structure 1512 shown in fig. 5. In this case, the two actuating structures are integral with the rotary element, i.e., in contrast to the first and third exemplary embodiments, the end of the rotary element interacts directly with the first or second pawl in a force-transmitting manner. That is, the first actuation structure 1511 acts directly as a force with the first back surface 124 of the first pawl 120 remote from the first clamping surface 121; the second actuating structure 1512 acts directly on the second rear side 133 of the second catch 130 remote from the second clamping surface 131. In use, the two cam surfaces are rotated by the pin and thereby the self-centering coupling is switched between a clamped state and a released state. Specifically, when the valve stem is installed, the cam surface is rotated so as to be out of contact with the first and second jaws 120 and 130; the receiving opening 140 is then opened manually or by the valve spindle itself and the valve spindle is inserted into the receiving opening 140; thereafter again moving the first and second pawls 120, 130 the same distance towards each other and narrowing the receiving opening 140 by rotation of the two cam surfaces; wherein the valve stem can be clamped in the receiving opening 140 by the abutment of the cam surface against it. This construction is relatively simple and easy to handle, since it is designed only with the clamping action being promoted. It should furthermore be mentioned that "cam surface" relates to what is known in the art as a cam profile, the specific section course of which is designed according to the actual requirements and is not further limited here.

In order to prevent the rotary element 151 from sliding relative to the first and second jaws 120, 130 during the displacement, a toothing is provided on at least one, in particular only one, of the first and second rear faces 124, 133. In this case, it is mainly considered that the rotating element 151 is prevented from being caught as much as possible while ensuring no slip. The actuating structure and the toothing can also be replaced by a corresponding layer of high-friction material or other form of anti-slip structure, without further limitation.

To sum up, according to the utility model discloses a size that self-centering shaft coupling can be independent of the valve rod realizes more accurate self-centering effect. In an embodiment of the invention, by implementing the actuating element as a torsion spring element, the locking effect on the valve rod can be realized in a simple manner on the premise of quick installability. In another embodiment of the present invention, by implementing the actuating element as a worm gear structure, the required external force can be significantly reduced to enable tool-less operation, and also to enable locking action on the valve stem. In another embodiment of the present invention, the slipping phenomenon can be prevented from occurring in the use by providing the tooth portions at the relevant positions.

It should be understood that all of the above preferred embodiments are exemplary and not restrictive, and that various modifications and changes in the specific embodiments described above, which may occur to those skilled in the art upon reading the teachings of the present invention, are intended to be within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims (11)

1. A self-centering coupling, comprising:

a first jaw having a first clamping surface;

a second jaw having a second clamping surface, the first and second clamping surfaces defining a receiving opening;

the actuating mechanism comprises a rotating element and a driving device, and the driving device drives the rotating element to rotate around a rotating axis;

wherein the rotary element has a first actuating structure acting on the first jaw and a second actuating structure acting on the second jaw, the first and second actuating structures bringing the first and second clamping surfaces to move towards each other by the same distance in a clamping direction perpendicular to the axis of rotation during the rotary movement.

2. The self-centering coupling according to claim 1, wherein said drive means comprises a pin and an actuating element, wherein said rotating element is fixed to said pin at its bottom end adjacent to said first and second jaws, and said actuating element is adapted to drive said pin in rotation about said axis of rotation.

3. The self-centering coupling according to claim 2, characterized in that the actuating element comprises a torsion spring element which is fixed with one end to the rotary element and which, by means of its pretension, exerts a force on the first and second jaws which can drive the first and second jaws to move towards each other in the clamping direction.

4. The self-centering coupling according to claim 3, wherein an operating handle is provided at a top end of said pin opposite said bottom end, by means of which said pin is rotated against said pre-tightening force.

5. The self-centering coupling according to claim 2, wherein said actuating element comprises a worm and a worm gear fixed to said pin, the worm gear cooperating with said worm driving said pin and said rotating element to rotate about said axis of rotation by a rotational movement of the worm.

6. The self-centering coupling according to claim 5, characterized in that an operating knob is provided at the far end of the worm from the worm wheel, by means of which the worm can be driven in rotation.

7. The self-centering coupling according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the first and second actuating structures are each configured in the form of a sliding pin and are each fixed at an end of the rotary element, that at the first and second jaws, respectively, a groove portion is provided which cooperates with the sliding pin, that upon cooperation of the sliding pin and the groove portion, the rotational movement of the sliding pin is converted into a displacement movement of the groove portion in the clamping direction and thereby brings the first and second clamping surfaces to move the same distance towards or away from each other.

8. The self-centering coupling according to claim 7, wherein said groove portion extends perpendicular to said clamping direction in a plane perpendicular to said axis of rotation, said slide pin urging said groove portion to move in said clamping direction upon rotation about said axis of rotation.

9. Self-centering coupling according to any of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the first and second actuating structures are each provided as a cam surface which, upon rotation about the axis of rotation, can urge the first and second clamping surfaces towards each other for narrowing the receiving opening.

10. The self-centering coupling according to claim 9, characterized in that teeth are provided at a first back face of the first dog opposite the first clamping face and/or at a second back face of the second dog opposite the second clamping face.

11. The self-centering coupling according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further having a housing including stops for limiting the end positions of said first and second jaws.

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