EP2886879B1 - Valve-control device - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a solution for transforming a longitudinal force into operating torque of a mechanical member, such as a valve or a valve and this closer to its torque variations. This solution applies to any mechanism requiring rotation with a variable torque.

• tant un procédé pour préparer et réaliser la manoeuvre d'un organe entre deux positions, telle une vanne à fermer et ouvrir,
• que le dispositif de manoeuvre correspondant.

More specifically, the solution presented here concerns:

• both a method for preparing and performing the maneuvering of a member between two positions, such as a valve to close and open,
• than the corresponding maneuvering device.

At least two families of actuators are known, one based on the principle of the rack-and-pinion, the other on the principle of the lever arm ("scotch-yoke").

These two families are frozen: once the devices manufactured and mounted in their housing, no adjustment of the transmitted torque is no longer possible, with the risk of unsuitability to functional demand.

In the rack and pinion case, the torque is constant throughout the maneuver. In the lever arm mechanism, the torque changes as a function of the variation of the radius of the thrust axis with respect to the axis of rotation. This variation is fixed and can only be changed by replacing the piece with another one.

Among the processes of the aforementioned type, EP 0 103 744 discloses a solution where it is possible to maneuver a valve to close and open, via a rack meshing with a rotary gear, elliptical toothed, the rack extending generally transversely to the axis of rotation of the pinion, following a curve which is the involutive of at least a portion of the pitch perimeter (or diameter) of the pinion, the pinion being connected with a sleeve so that one transmits to the other a torque.

The document FR 2976983 A also discloses an operating device with a rotary gear, elliptical gear and a rack.

A problem remains, however, as to the adaptation of the couple according to the functional demand to be satisfied.

• cet organe à manoeuvrer le soit à partir d'au moins un actionneur, tel un vérin, commandé par une source de puissance,
• que la liaison pignon / manchon soit séparable et qu'en outre une variation de couple nécessaire à la manoeuvre de l'organe soit prédéfinie,
• qu'en fonction de cette variation de couple à assurer, on sélectionne :
  • -- outre l'actionneur,
  • -- une position angulaire de référence du pignon vis-à-vis de la crémaillère et du manchon,
• qu'en fonction de ladite variation de couple, on réalise et on mette en place dans le dispositif la crémaillère avec sa courbe développante,
• qu'on cale dans le dispositif le pignon dans sa position angulaire de référence vis-à-vis de la crémaillère et du manchon,
• et qu'ensuite on commande l'actionneur, ce qui, via le pignon, manoeuvrera l'organe à commander.

A proposed solution is that, to prepare and perform the operation of an organ, such as the aforementioned valve:

• this member to maneuver it from at least one actuator, such as a jack, controlled by a power source,
• that the pinion / sleeve connection is separable and that furthermore a variation of torque necessary for the maneuvering of the member is predefined,
• that depending on this torque variation to ensure, we select:
  • - besides the actuator,
  • a reference angular position of the pinion vis-à-vis the rack and the sleeve,
• according to said torque variation, the rack is made and placed in the device with its involute curve,
• in the device, the pinion is locked in its reference angular position with respect to the rack and the sleeve,
• and then control the actuator, which, via the pinion, will maneuver the body to control.

This must allow on the one hand to vary the torque and on the other hand to adapt to the effort required.

• la fixation de pions dans une plaque, suivant ladite courbe développante,
• puis le montage de la plaque pourvue desdits pions sur un support vis-à-vis duquel la plaque sera amovible, le support étant raccordé, ou à raccorder, à au moins une tige liée, ou à lier, à l'actionneur.

To limit the costs, to limit the time of intervention and to simplify the realization and the assembly of the rack, it is moreover advised that this step includes:

• fixing pions in a plate, along said involute curve,
• then mounting the plate provided with said pins on a support vis-à-vis the plate will be removable, the support being connected to, or connected to, at least one rod connected, or to bind to the actuator.

Preferably, the specific characteristics of the cutting of the pinion considered allow at least three meshing pins to be in engagement with the flanks of the respective tooth of the rack. The dimensions of these pins will depend on the torque to be transmitted and may be either ground hardened steel attached directly to the plate that receives them, or be provided with bushings rotatably mounted about their axis of attachment to the plate.

• à partir d'au moins un actionneur lui-même commandé par un moteur,
• et par l'intermédiaire d'une crémaillère pouvant engrener avec un pignon rotatif denté, tel un pignon elliptique, dont les dents, qui se développent suivant un périmètre primitif, sont situées selon plusieurs rayons différents, le pignon étant lié avec un manchon pour que l'un transmette à l'autre un couple, le dispositif étant tel que les liaisons entre le pignon et tant la crémaillère que le manchon sont séparables, de façon que les positions angulaire de référence du pignon vis-à-vis de la crémaillère et du manchon soient adaptables en fonction d'une variation prédéfinie de couple nécessaire à la manoeuvre dudit organe.

In terms of the operating device itself, the one proposed here therefore provides for a control of the member under consideration:

• from at least one actuator itself controlled by a motor,
• and via a rack that meshes with a toothed rotary gear, such as an elliptical gear, whose teeth, which develop along a primitive perimeter, are located along several different radii, the gear being connected with a sleeve so that one transmits to the other a couple, the device being such that the links between the pinion and the rack and the sleeve are separable, so that the reference angular positions of the pinion vis-à-vis the rack and the sleeve are adaptable according to a predefined torque variation required for the operation of said body.

• soit le pignon et le manchon sont liés par des dentures,
• soit le pignon et le manchon sont liés par au moins un pion (tel une clavette) mobile entre :
  • -- une position de fixation dans laquelle il est engagé avec le pignon et le manchon, et
  • -- une position de libération dans laquelle il est dégagé du pignon et/ou du manchon.

Concerning the realization of the sleeve, two possibilities were more particularly retained:

• either the pinion and the sleeve are linked by teeth,
• the pinion and the sleeve are connected by at least one movable pin (such as a key) between:
  • a fixing position in which it is engaged with the pinion and the sleeve, and
  • a release position in which it is disengaged from the pinion and / or the sleeve.

Concerning the realization of the rack, and in particular for assemblies that require, for example to close an open valve, a stronger torque towards the end than towards the beginning of the operation, while the couple does not need to vary much about the first half of the operation, it is expected that the involute curve of the rack has a bump in front of the pinion, the boss being concave on the side of the pinion and convex opposite.

Again concerning the realization of the rack, it is particularly recommended to simplify, as already indicated, the realization and assembly of this rack, it includes a series of axes (hereinafter referred to as "gear pins") cylindrical arranged on the curve of the involute of the perimeter (diameter) of the pinion, along axes parallel to each other and to the axis of rotation of the pinion, and which mesh, for some at least, with the pinion.

The rack may comprise two superimposed parts and nested so as to leave its central portion free so that the pinion can penetrate inside to come into contact with the meshing pins. The rack can slide in a housing provided for this purpose in an outer casing of the device, in a direction generally transverse to the axis of rotation of the pinion, and respecting a fixed distance relative to the axis of rotation of the pinion. It is preferably at its two transverse ends that this rack will have fastening systems (threaded or otherwise) allowing the transmission of forces between (the rod) the actuator and the rack.

To compensate for mounting clearance and possible wear, a roller or sliding shoe system can be attached to the housing on the back of the rack and a set screw can act on the rack.

• un cylindre intérieurement rainuré en périphérie et ouvert axialement au moins d'un côté,
• un piston se déplaçant dans le cylindre, suivant ledit axe, le piston comprenant une tige raccordée (de préférence de façon amovible) à la crémaillère,
• des taquets qui présentent chacun une zone saillante périphérique,
• au moins un fond de cylindre fermant axialement le côté ouvert du cylindre et présentant extérieurement des logements recevant les taquets dont la zone saillante est alors engagée dans la rainure du cylindre, et
• des moyens, tels des vis, de fixation amovible engagés dans le fond de cylindre à travers les taquets.

In addition, to better control the assembly time (or disassembly for assistance or repair) of the device, it is recommended that the actuator, which has an axis, includes:

• an internally grooved cylinder peripherally and axially open at least on one side,
• a piston moving in the cylinder, along said axis, the piston comprising a rod connected (preferably removably) to the rack,
• cleats which each have a peripheral projecting area,
• at least one cylinder bottom axially closing the open side of the cylinder and having outwardly housing receiving cleats whose protruding region is then engaged in the groove of the cylinder, and
• means, such as screws, removable fixing engaged in the cylinder bottom through the cleats.

In addition, it will preferably be provided that the bottom of the cylinder is provided with a peripheral sealing gasket and has a diameter substantially equal to the inside diameter of the cylinder, so that it can slide tightly into the cylinder at the end of engagement or disengagement. cleats.

The last two paragraphs above concerning the (each) actuator and its cylinder and what precedes them concerning the device with the pinion / rack / sleeve solution could be dissociated and thus define solutions independent of each other.

• les figures 1,2,3 montrent des détails d'un dispositif opérationnel tel que présenté ci-avant, successivement en vue intérieure de face, extérieure de dessus, et en coupe longitudinale ;
• la figure 4 montre extérieurement le dispositif, sans actionneur ;
• les figures 5,6 montrent respectivement un pignon à denture partielle, avec le pignon lié au manchon par une clavette, et une liaison pignon/crémaillère par dentures ;
• la figure 7 montre un pignon et un manchon dissociés, pour permettre un calage angulaire approprié,
• les figures 8,9, 10 illustrent trois calages différents du pignon, avec deux réalisations différentes de la crémaillère ;
• la figure 11 montre une crémaillère à pions fixés sur une plaque, avec son pignon, en vue agrandie de face ;
• la figure 12 représente la courbe d'effort délivré par l'actionneur pour une rotation de 180°; sur cette courbe sont situées de façon optimale les courbes d'effort d'une vanne à commander, pour une rotation de 90°, selon les exemples A-B-C des figures 13,14,15 ;
• et les figures 16,17,18, illustrent respectivement une vue agrandie de la coupe de l'un des actionneurs de la figure 1 (coupe XVI-XVI figure 18), un détail agrandi de cet actionneur(zone XVII figure 16) et une vue extérieure de côté de l'actionneur(flèche XVIII figure 1).

In addition, other features and advantages may still be apparent from the more detailed description which follows in connection with illustrations where:

• the Figures 1,2,3 show details of an operational device as presented above, successively in front view, outside from above, and in longitudinal section;
• the figure 4 shows the device externally without actuator;
• the figures 5,6 show, respectively, a partially toothed gear, with the pinion connected to the sleeve by a key, and a pinion / rack connection by teeth;
• the figure 7 shows a dissociated pinion and sleeve, to allow an appropriate angular setting,
• the Figures 8, 9, 10 illustrate three different settings of the pinion, with two different achievements of the rack;
• the figure 11 shows a rack with pins fixed on a plate, with its pinion, in enlarged front view;
• the figure 12 represents the force curve delivered by the actuator for 180 ° rotation; on this curve are located optimally the stress curves of a valve to be controlled, for a rotation of 90 °, according to the examples ABC of Figures 13,14,15 ;
• and the Figures 16,17,18 , respectively illustrate an enlarged view of the section of one of the actuators of the figure 1 (XVI-XVI cup figure 18 ), an enlarged detail of this actuator (zone XVII figure 16 ) and an external side view of the actuator (arrow XVIII figure 1 ).

Figures 1-4 in particular, it can be seen that the device 1 illustrated serves for the operation, between two positions, of a member 3, such as a valve to be closed and opened, from at least one actuator, such as 5a, 5b, such as a piston / jack, controlled by at least one power source 7 (shown only on the figure 1 ).

The power source (s) 7 may be a pneumatic source, such as a source of compressed air, and / or a hydraulic source, or even for one of the sources if there are more than one, a return means such as a spring.

Figure 3 , we see a valve 3, dashed in its closed state and in phantom in its open state.

The operation of the valve 3 is effected by means of a rack 9 which can mesh with a toothed rotary pinion 11 whose teeth, which develop along a primitive perimeter, are located along several different radii. These rays determine the minimum and maximum torque available.

The pinion 11 illustrated is elliptical.

The rack 9 extends globally (that is to say within 5 °) transversely to the axis 11a of rotation of the pinion 11, generally the direction 191 along which extends the involute curve of at least a portion of the pitch perimeter 111 of the pinion (at the location of the peripheral teeth 110; figure 11 .

The involute curve 90 of the rack extends generally transversely (that is to say, perpendicularly within 5 °) to the axis 11a of rotation of the pinion.

The pinion 11 is also linked with a sleeve 13 so that one transmits to the other a torque. In practice this torque will be proportional to that applied to the pinion 11 by the rack 9, itself moved in translation by the (s) actuator (s). The pinion 13 is carried by (or bound to) a rotating shaft 21 which is also fixedly connected to the member 3 to be maneuvered (see FIG. figure 2 ).

In the preferred example, there are two actuators 5a, 5b disposed respectively in the extension of the two opposite ends of the rack support 15. There could be only one on one side.

These ends are located at two opposite ends of the support 15, along the axis 13a along which extends generally / mainly the curve 90.

The device 1 is further such that the connections between the pinion 11 and both the rack 9 and the sleeve 13 are separable.

Thus, it will be easy to adapt the reference angular positions of the pinion vis-à-vis the rack and the sleeve, according to a predefined torque variation necessary for the maneuvering of the member 3.

The angular position of the part concerned here is called the reference angular position before the rod (s), such as (s) 50a, 50b, of the actuator (s) are translated.

Note that the (the) rod (s), 50a, 50b, extends (ent) individually in the lateral extension of the support 15 along the axis 13a (cf. figure 3 ).

The part of the mechanism comprising the rack 9, the pinion 11, the sleeve 13, the rack support 15, can be housed in a housing 23 comprising two parts 23a, 23b which can be symmetrical, thereby reducing machining costs . Laterally, openings, such as 25a figure 2 , let the rod 50a, 50b concerned. From the front, another opening in the housing 23 can let a short slotted shaft extending coaxially with the rotating shaft 21, opposite it from the pinion 13 to which it is fixedly attached, for manual operation of the member 3, if necessary (see figures 2 ).

As can be noted figure 1 , the establishment of the rack 9 in the device 1 will preferably include a connection thereof to a rod (s) 50a, 50b then already connected (s), or to bind, to the actuator concerned .

Figure 1 , the bolts 17a, 17b fixed to the rack support 15 serve for this removable connection.

• la fixation, suivant ladite courbe développante 90, de pions 19 dans une plaque 150,
• le montage de la plaque 150 pourvue desdits pions 19 sur le support 15 vis-à-vis duquel la plaque sera de préférence amovible, le support étant raccordé, ou à raccorder, à(aux) tige(s) 50a,50b liée(s), ou à lier, à l'(aux)actionneur(s).

Regarding this rack and the rack, it is recommended that the realization and implementation of this rack in the device includes:

• the fixing, according to said involute curve 90, of pins 19 in a plate 150,
• the mounting of the plate 150 provided with said pins 19 on the support 15 vis-à-vis which the plate will preferably be removable, the support being connected to, or connected to (s) rod (s) 50a, 50b linked (s) ), or to link, to the actuator (s).

Thus, simply by changing the plate, it will be easy to modify the shape and / or the position of the rack (its involute 90), all the more so if pins 19 have been used.

The plate 150 can be screwed to the support 15.

The pins 19 may be screwed or engaged by force in bores of the plate 150. They will extend along axes parallel to each other and to the axis 11a of rotation of the pinion, and advantageously more than two meshes with the pinion.

Preferably, these pins (so-called gearing) 19 will be cylindrical. They can be mounted free to rotate each around their mounting axis, in the manner of sockets.

Figure 6 it can be seen that in place of the pins 19, the rack 9 could comprise a toothing 190 meshing with the external teeth of the pinion 11. The advantage of the pins 19 is however the ease of realization of the involute 90, and the possible modification of this (for example by screwing the pins in another location) if a redefinition of the variation of the control torque of the member 3 is necessary.

• par des dentures 121,131 (via un alésage comme figures 3,78,11...),
• par au moins un pion mobile 140 (comme figure 5),

Concerning the separable connection between the pinion 11 and the sleeve 13, it has been envisaged in particular in two possible ways:

• by teeth 121,131 (via a bore as figures 3 , 78,11 ...)
• by at least one moving pin 140 (as figure 5 )

• un état de fixation (figure 3) dans lequel la liaison engage le pignon avec le manchon, lesquels sont alors bloqués l'un par rapport à l'autre, au moins angulairement, et
• un état de libération (figure 7) dans lequel ladite liaison dégage le pignon et le manchon l'un par rapport à l'autre, pour leur libération relative, au moins angulairement, de façon à permettre alors de modifier leur position angulaire relative.

In each case, the connecting element is adapted to occupy at different times two states, respectively:

• a state of fixation ( figure 3 ) in which the connection engages the pinion with the sleeve, which are then locked relative to each other, at least angularly, and
• a state of liberation ( figure 7 ) in which said connection disengages the pinion and the sleeve relative to each other, for their relative release, at least angularly, so as to then allow to change their relative angular position.

In the case mobile pin (s), it may include a key.

• de prédéfinir une variation (qui peut être requise par le client) de ce couple tel que nécessité par la manoeuvre de l'organe concerné, tel la vanne 3,
• en fonction de la force nécessaire pour assurer ladite variation de couple à assurer, de sélectionner :
  • -- le nombre et/ou type d'actionneurs, voire de sources de puissance,
  • -- la position angulaire de référence du pignon 11 vis-à-vis de la crémaillère 9 et du manchon 13,
• en fonction de la variation de couple prédéfinie, de réaliser puis de mettre en place dans le dispositif (fixement, mais de façon amovible de préférence) la crémaillère 9 avec sa courbe développante 90,
• et de caler dans le dispositif 1 le pignon 11 dans sa position angulaire de référence vis-à-vis de la crémaillère et du manchon,
• enfin, de commander un actionnement de la source de puissance 5a,5b, ce qui, via le pignon, manoeuvrera l'organe 3 entre ces positions à atteindre.

Thus, for a maneuver of the valve 3, it will be possible to adapt it as closely as possible to the variable torque requirements:

• to predefine a variation (which may be required by the customer) of this torque as required by the operation of the member concerned, such as the valve 3,
• according to the force required to ensure said torque variation to be ensured, to select:
  • the number and / or type of actuators, or even sources of power,
  • the reference angular position of the pinion 11 vis-à-vis the rack 9 and the sleeve 13,
• according to the predefined torque variation, to produce and then place in the device (fixedly, but removably preferably) the rack 9 with its involute curve 90,
• and stalling in the device 1 the pinion 11 in its reference angular position vis-à-vis the rack and the sleeve,
• finally, to control an actuation of the power source 5a, 5b, which, via the pinion, will maneuver the member 3 between these positions to reach.

The figure 12 shows, for a rotation of 180 °, three curves of force delivered by the (each) actuator, in three different cases (examples ABC).

• en décalant de l'angle nécessaire (par exemple d'autant de dents que requis) le pignon 11 sur son manchon,
• et en positionnant la crémaillère 9 sur la dent correspondante.

These curves, taken individually on the Figures 13-15 , each show the optimal adaptation of the device force curve with respect to the stress curve required by the valve (member 3), for a rotation of 90 °; ABC examples of Figures 13-15 , respectively. This optimization can be done:

• by shifting the pinion 11 on its sleeve from the required angle (for example as many teeth as required),
• and positioning the rack 9 on the corresponding tooth.

A tooth can correspond to a shift of 10 °.

If necessary the ratio imposed between the spokes of the pinion 11 (for example 1: 1.5) can be adapted to the torque of the valve 3 by changing the reference angular position of the pinion on its sleeve 13.

Thus, it will be possible to position the pinion either on assembly or after delivery depending on the characteristics required.

Note also that, although in most cases the pinion is used on an angular sector of 90 °, the above solution allows, with the appropriate arrangements, an angle of 180 ° or 360 ° or more. Finally, the pinion being symmetrical, it is possible in case of wear, to use the non-worn toothed parts.

The figure 5 shows a case where the external toothing 110 of the pinion extends only over an angular sector of about 90 °, which in some cases may be sufficient.

As to Figures 8-10 they show three different angular wedges of the pinion 11, with three different forms of the involute curve 90 of the rack 9, respectively following the curves ABC of the Figures 13-15 .

Figure 8 It will be noted that the curve 90 illustrated (case of the curve A) can thus have in front of the pinion 11 a boss 91 which is concave on the pinion side and convex on the opposite side. In the other two cases ( Figures 9,10 ), it is the opposite: convexity on the side of the pinion and concavity on the opposite side. Legends detail the settings selected in each case.

• On commence par prendre en considération les couples maximum pour la manoeuvre de cette vanne ; supposons :
  • 90daN en début d'ouverture,
  • 80daN pendant la course d'ouverture,
  • 120daN en fin d'ouverture.

Thus, in order to make a device 1 operational in order to control a valve actuable by 90 ° in a motorized manner, the following procedure can be followed in conjunction with the Figures 8-10 :

• We begin by taking into consideration the maximum torque for the operation of this valve; suppose
  • 90daN at the beginning of opening,
  • 80daN during the opening race,
  • 120daN at the end of the opening.

Then, is selected from a list of available actuators, one that covers the couples above.

Suppose a size 2 actuator equipped with a jack of 250mm diameter, at the pressure of 8 Bars (10 ⁵ N) delivering 137daN max and 88daN mini.

The positioning of the elements along the XY vertical axis (see figure 8 and drawing curve A), hollow of the tooth of the pinion on 1, central sleeve 13 with hollow of the tooth 1 on vertical axis and tooth 1 of the bore of the pinion 11.

Tests done, we note (in this example) that, in the configuration chosen, the pairs are too strong at the beginning of opening (137 daN for 90daN requested), while they are too weak at the end of opening (88daN for 120daN requested).

By consulting the tables of the pre-set torques for each pinion and tooth cavity, it turns out that using the tooth recesses 6 to 11 (90 °), it would be possible to reach respectively 93.2daN for 90 daN requested, and 131.7daN for 120daN requested and thus covering the defined needs.

Once the tooth recesses to be used have been defined, it is then possible to choose the standard rack in appropriate stock and / or, for example, to drill into the plate 150 the holes of the corresponding pins 19, according to the involute 90 that has just been defined. .

The rest of the mechanism can then be mounted, with that of the appropriate angular wedges (see figures).

Thus, once the involute 90 of the rack made, it will suffice to position the hollow teeth of the pinion 11 in correspondence, adapting (shifted) angularly the position of the pinion relative to the sleeve 13, via the disconnectable connection (thus angularly adjustable) established between them.

From the foregoing, it will be understood that the device designed with its various settings and adaptations possible, although designed particularly for the motorization of valves and valves, can be used in all areas of mechanics demanding the same characteristics as those mentioned.

• un dispositif de fixation d'un flasque ou d'un fond de cylindre à l'intérieur duquel est monté (à monter) un vérin (ou un piston), et/ou,
• un actionneur de crémaillère adapté à entrainer celle-ci en translation.

If one is interested now in the way to realize the actuator (s), one will note the following, in liaison in particular with the Figures 3 and 16-18 , being reminded that the following could be dissociated from the above concerning the device with the pinion / rack / sleeve solution and thus define an independent solution concerning:

• a device for fixing a flange or a cylinder bottom inside which is mounted (to be mounted) a jack (or a piston), and / or,
• a rack actuator adapted to drive the latter in translation.

• un cylindre intérieurement rainuré en périphérie et ouvert axialement au moins d'un côté,
• un piston (ou vérin) se déplaçant dans le cylindre, suivant ledit axe,
• des taquets qui présentent chacun une zone saillante périphérique,
• au moins un fond de cylindre fermant axialement le côté ouvert du cylindre et présentant extérieurement des logements recevant les taquets dont la zone saillante est alors engagée dans la rainure du cylindre, et
• des moyens, tels des vis, de fixation amovible engagés dans le fond de cylindre à travers les taquets.

In both cases, it is basically a solution where the actuator has an axis and comprises:

• an internally grooved cylinder peripherally and axially open at least on one side,
• a piston (or cylinder) moving in the cylinder, along said axis,
• cleats which each have a peripheral projecting area,
• at least one cylinder bottom axially closing the open side of the cylinder and having outwardly housing receiving cleats whose protruding region is then engaged in the groove of the cylinder, and
• means, such as screws, removable fixing engaged in the cylinder bottom through the cleats.

According to a useful supplement to an even greater ease of assembly / disassembly, it is recommended that the cylinder bottom is then provided with a peripheral sealing gasket and has a diameter substantially equal to the internal diameter of the cylinder, to be able to slide tightly into the cylinder. the cylinder at the end of engagement or release cleats.

• un cylindre 29,
• un piston 35 se déplaçant dans le cylindre, suivant l'axe 13a,
• des taquets 37 qui présentent chacun une zone saillante 39 périphérique,
• au moins un fond de cylindre 38 fermant axialement un côté 40 ouvert du cylindre, et
• des moyens 41, tels des vis, de fixation amovible engagés dans le fond 38 de cylindre correspondant, à travers les taquets 37 concernés (voir notamment figure 17).

For a detailed presentation of the above, we see Figures 3 and 16-18 , that the actuator, such as 5a, here illustrated has as an axis of revolution the axis 13a and comprises:

• a cylinder 29,
• a piston 35 moving in the cylinder, along the axis 13a,
• cleats 37 which each have a peripheral protruding zone 39,
• at least one cylinder bottom 38 axially closing an open side 40 of the cylinder, and
• means 41, such as screws, removable fasteners engaged in the corresponding cylinder bottom 38, through the cleats 37 concerned (see in particular figure 17 ).

Figure 16 , it is open axially on both sides (mark 40 on one side figure 17 ) and two funds 38 cover respectively these openings, in a sealed manner to the fluid contained in the cylinder. In this regard, in the cylinder 29 concerned, the piston 35 can then move between the two bottoms 38. On one side, it is fixedly attached to (or comprises) the rod, such as 50a or 50b, for driving the support 15 the rack, which rod through an axial passage 43 formed in the corresponding bottom 38. At the opposite another axial passage 45 formed in the other bottom 38 is closed by a plug 47 Figures 3.16 ).

The / each cylinder bottom 38 has, in addition, externally (face 38a) housings 47 adapted to each receive a cleat 37.

The / each cylinder 29 is also internally grooved peripherally, at 31, to receive the projecting peripheral zone 39 of the cleats 37 concerned, which are then engaged in their housings 47.

For easy and reliable engagement or release (sealing) of the catches, it is recommended that the (each) bottom 38 of the cylinder be provided with a sealing peripheral seal 49 and has a diameter D1 substantially equal to the inside diameter D2 of the cylinder. , to be able to slide tightly in the cylinder.

With the lug solution presented above, we will avoid the previous versions using either tie rods or screws, or elastic rings or threads, and the disadvantages have a greater or lesser impact on the price or on the assembly / disassembly time.

Note that the solution presented here applies with interest beyond 200mm diameter D2.

The means 41 for fixing the cleats (such as the illustrated screws) have the function of axially pulling in position, when mounting, the flange or bottom 38 and to keep the cleats in their housings 47, once locked the means 41. The groove 31 in the cylinder can be continuous (lathe machining) or partial (machining milling).

Preferably, a minimum of three stops will be provided. And advantageously, the front form of these cleats will have the particularity of closely matching the nominal diameter D2 of the cylinder, the groove bottom diameter 31, and the width of this groove. These values will determine, with the length in engagement, the resistant section of the cleat. The rounded back shape (cf. figure 18 ) is determined for a support without play and to preferably accommodate a flush mounting screw, in addition to an ease of embodiment. The thickness of the stops and the depth of the housings 47 will preferably be provided so that no part is projecting.

This solution with tabs reported is particularly suitable for cylinders with pneumatic and hydraulic cylinders used for the motorization of valves and valves; but not only

To note again figures 3 and 16 that, favorably, the bottom 38 (or one of these bottoms) of cylinder will be provided, along the axis 13a, with a hollow projecting end piece 50 through which the rod (such as 50a or 50b) of the connected actuator will pass. , or to bind, to the rack (9).

• que l'embout saillant 50 soit pourvu d'un rebord 51, et,
• que le carter 23a (où sont donc logés la crémaillère, le pignon 11, et le manchon 13) présente une gorge interne 53 adaptée à recevoir le rebord 51, pour l'y verrouiller.

To facilitate, secure and make quick mounting (or disassembly) between the actuator (5a, 5b) and the rest of the drive mechanism of the member 3, it is recommended:

• that the projecting tip 50 is provided with a rim 51, and
• that the housing 23a (where are housed the rack, the pinion 11, and the sleeve 13) has an internal groove 53 adapted to receive the rim 51, to lock it there.

An embodiment of the housing 23 in two parts 23a, 23b (assembled according to the plane 55 containing the axis 13a; figure 4 ) will facilitate both engagement and clearance of the rim 51 in or out of the internal groove 53.

Claims (14)

1. A method for preparing and performing, in a device and between two positions, the manoeuvring of a member (3), such as a valve to be closed and opened, using at least one actuator (5a, 5b), such as a thruster, controlled by a power source (7), by means of a rack (9) to be put in meshing connection with a rotary toothed pinion (11), such as an elliptical pinion, the teeth of which, which extend on a primitive perimeter or diameter, are situated at a plurality of different radii, the rack having to extend roughly transversely to the rotation axis of the pinion, on a curve (90) that is the involute of at least part of the primitive perimeter or diameter of the pinion, the pinion having to be connected with a sleeve (13) so that one transmits a torque to the other, said connection being separable, in which method:

   - a variation in torque necessary to the manoeuvring of the member (3) is predefined,

   - according to the variation in torque to be provided:

   -- the actuator (5a, 5b),

   -- an angular reference position of the pinion (11) vis-à-vis the rack (9) and sleeve (13) are selected,

   - according to the predefined variation in torque the rack is implemented and put in place in the device on its involute curve,

   - the pinion is fixed in the device in its reference angular position vis-à-vis the rack and sleeve, and

   - an actuation of the actuator is demanded, which, via the pinion (11), manoeuvres the member (3) between said positions.
2. A method according to claim 1, wherein the placing of the rack (9) in the device comprises a connection of said rack to a rod (50a, 50b) connected, or to be connected to the actuator.
3. A method according to claim 1, wherein the production and placing of the rack (9) in the device comprises:

   - the fixing of pins (19) in a plate (150), on said involute curve (90),

   - the mounting of the plate provided with said pins on a support (15) vis-à-vis which the plate is removable, the support being connected, or to be connected, to at least one rod (50a, 50b) connected, or to be connected, to the actuator.
4. A method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein said separable connection between the pinion (11) and the sleeve (13) is made by teeth (121, 131) and is suitable for occupying two states at different moments, respectively:

   - a fixing state in which said toothed connection engages the pinion with the sleeve, which are then locked with respect to each other, at least angularly, and

   - a release state in which said connection releases the pinion and sleeve with respect to each other, for the relative release thereof, at least angularly, so as then to make it possible to modify their relative angular positions.
5. A method according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein said separable connection between the pinion and the sleeve is achieved by at least one pin (140) able to move between:

   - a fixing position in which it is engaged with the pinion and the sleeve, and

   - a release position in which it is released from the pinion and/or from the sleeve.
6. A device for manoeuvring, between two positions, a member (3), such as a valve to be closed and opened, using at least one actuator (5a, 5b), such as a thruster, controlled by a power source (7), by means of a rack (9) able to mesh with a rotary toothed pinion (11), such as an elliptical pinion, the teeth of which, which extend along a primitive perimeter or diameter (111), are situated on a plurality of different radii, the rack extending roughly transversely to the rotation axis of the pinion, on a curve (90) that is the involute of at least part of the primitive perimeter or diameter of the pinion, the involute curve of the rack extends roughly transversely to the rotation axis of the pinion, the pinion being connected to a sleeve (13) so that one transmits torque to the other, the device characterised in that said connections between the pinion (11) and both the rack (9) and the sleeve (13) are separable, so that the reference angular position of the pinion vis-à-vis the rack and sleeve are adaptable according to a predefined variation in torque necessary for manoeuvring the member.
7. A device according to claim 6, wherein the pinion and sleeve are connected by teeth (131).
8. A device according to claim 6, wherein the pinion and sleeve are connected by at least one pin (140) able to move between:

   - a fixing position in which it is engaged with the pinion and the sleeve, and

   - a release position in which it is released from the pinion and/or from the sleeve.
9. A device according to claim 8, wherein the pin comprises a key (140).
10. A device according to one of claims 6 to 9, wherein the involute curve (90) of the rack has a protrusion (91) facing the pinion, the protrusion being concave on the pinion side and convex opposite.
11. A device according to one of claims 6 to 10, wherein the rack comprises a series of cylindrical meshing pins (19) disposed on the involute curve of the rack, on axes parallel to each other and to the rotation axis of the pinion, and which, in at least some cases, mesh with the pinion (11).
12. A device according to one of claims 6 to 11, wherein the actuator has an axis and comprises:

    - a cylinder (29) internally grooved on the periphery and open axially at least on one side,

    - a piston (35) moving in the cylinder, along said axis,

    - catches (37) that each have a peripheral projecting zone,

    - at least one cylinder bottom (38) axially closing the open side of the cylinder and having externally housings (47) receiving the catches, the projecting zone of which is then engaged in the groove or grooves (31) of the cylinder, and

    - removable fixing means (41) such as screws, engaged in the cylinder bottom through the catches (37).
13. A device according to claim 12, wherein the cylinder bottom is provided with a peripheral seal (49) and has a diameter substantially equal to the inside diameter of the cylinder, in order to be able to slide tightly in the cylinder (29) for the purpose of engagement or disengagement of the catches (37).
14. A device according to claim 12 or 13, wherein:

    - the cylinder bottom is provided with a hollow projecting end piece (50) through which there passes a rod (50a, 50b) of the actuator connected, or to be connected, to the rack (9), and which is provided with a rim (51), and

    - the rack (9), the pinion (11) and the sleeve (13) are housed in a casing (23) that has an internal groove (53) suitable for receiving the rim (51) of the projecting end piece (50).

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