EP3099965A1 - A motor driven actuator connected to one or more further components - Google Patents

A motor driven actuator connected to one or more further components

Info

Publication number
EP3099965A1
EP3099965A1 EP15702390.4A EP15702390A EP3099965A1 EP 3099965 A1 EP3099965 A1 EP 3099965A1 EP 15702390 A EP15702390 A EP 15702390A EP 3099965 A1 EP3099965 A1 EP 3099965A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
actuator
connection
actuator according
components
analogue
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Granted
Application number
EP15702390.4A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP3099965B1 (en
Inventor
John Kelly
Stanley VRIES DE
Benedik GASPER
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Danfoss AS
Original Assignee
Danfoss AS
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Danfoss AS filed Critical Danfoss AS
Publication of EP3099965A1 publication Critical patent/EP3099965A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP3099965B1 publication Critical patent/EP3099965B1/en
Active legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

Links

Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24D—DOMESTIC- OR SPACE-HEATING SYSTEMS, e.g. CENTRAL HEATING SYSTEMS; DOMESTIC HOT-WATER SUPPLY SYSTEMS; ELEMENTS OR COMPONENTS THEREFOR
    • F24D19/00—Details
    • F24D19/10—Arrangement or mounting of control or safety devices
    • F24D19/1006—Arrangement or mounting of control or safety devices for water heating systems
    • F24D19/1009—Arrangement or mounting of control or safety devices for water heating systems for central heating
    • F24D19/1015—Arrangement or mounting of control or safety devices for water heating systems for central heating using a valve or valves
    • F24D19/1024—Arrangement or mounting of control or safety devices for water heating systems for central heating using a valve or valves a multiple way valve
    • F24D19/1033—Arrangement or mounting of control or safety devices for water heating systems for central heating using a valve or valves a multiple way valve motor operated
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24D—DOMESTIC- OR SPACE-HEATING SYSTEMS, e.g. CENTRAL HEATING SYSTEMS; DOMESTIC HOT-WATER SUPPLY SYSTEMS; ELEMENTS OR COMPONENTS THEREFOR
    • F24D19/00—Details
    • F24D19/10—Arrangement or mounting of control or safety devices
    • F24D19/1006—Arrangement or mounting of control or safety devices for water heating systems
    • F24D19/1009—Arrangement or mounting of control or safety devices for water heating systems for central heating
    • F24D19/1015—Arrangement or mounting of control or safety devices for water heating systems for central heating using a valve or valves
    • F24D19/1018—Radiator valves
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24D—DOMESTIC- OR SPACE-HEATING SYSTEMS, e.g. CENTRAL HEATING SYSTEMS; DOMESTIC HOT-WATER SUPPLY SYSTEMS; ELEMENTS OR COMPONENTS THEREFOR
    • F24D2220/00—Components of central heating installations excluding heat sources
    • F24D2220/02—Fluid distribution means
    • F24D2220/0271—Valves

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to an actuator, more particularly a motor driven actuator.
  • the actuator may be used for operating a valve.
  • the actuator of the invention is connectable to one or more further components, such as one or more further valves, e.g. in order to be able to control the further component(s).
  • An actuator is normally used for controlling a component, such as a valve.
  • further components such as one or more further valves, air supplies, etc.
  • further components such as one or more further valves, air supplies, etc.
  • the central controller must then control each of the components.
  • This requires a significant amount of communication between the central controller and the components, and the processing load on the central controller is significant.
  • various sensor signals such as temperature measurements, pressure measurement, etc., must sometimes be provided to one or more components of a system of the kind described above. This may require connections, e.g. in the form of wiring, between each sensor device and each component, or between each sensor device and a central controller. In the latter case, communication between the central controller and each of the components will be required, as described above, in order to provide relevant sensor signals to relevant components.
  • an actuator has been arranged to mechanically control several components, such as several valves.
  • the further components must be arranged close to the actuator, and thereby close to the component, which the actuator controls. This is not always appropriate or desirable.
  • the invention provides an actuator comprising :
  • the actuator to be connected to one or more further components, in such a manner that the actuator is capable of forwarding and/or receiving control signals and/or sensor signals to/from said further component(s), and
  • said third connection being an analogue connection
  • said third connection allowing the actuator to receive analogue inputs and/or to transmit analogue outputs.
  • 'actuator' should be interpreted to mean a device which is capable of actuating a component, such as a valve.
  • the actuator of the invention comprises an actuating part and a motor arranged to drive the actuating part.
  • the term 'actuating part' should be interpreted to mean a part of the actuator which performs the actual actuation.
  • the actuating part may be a movable rod, which is arranged to cause movement of one or more parts of the component being actuated.
  • the motor is arranged to drive the actuating part, i.e. when the motor is operated, it causes the actuating part to perform the actual actuation.
  • the motor may, e.g., be connected to the actuating part via a gear arrangement.
  • the gear arrangement may, e.g., be of a kind which transfers a rotational movement of the motor into a translational movement of the actuating part.
  • the motor and the actuating part may be interconnected in another suitable manner.
  • the motor may be provided with a threaded bore, and the actuating part may comprise or be connected to a threaded rod arranged in the threaded bore of the motor. When the motor rotates, the threaded rod will thereby perform a translational movement.
  • the actuator further comprises a first connection and a second connection, e.g. in the form of communication connections. The actuator can be connected to one or more further components via the connection.
  • the actuator is capable of forwarding and/or receiving control signals and/or sensor signals to/from the further components.
  • the actuator may receive control signals from a central control unit, or from another component, via one of the connections, and forward the received control signal to another component, via the other connection.
  • the actuator may receive sensor signals, such as temperature measurements, pressure measurements, flow measurements, or other suitable kinds of measurements via one or both of the connections.
  • at least one of the further components may be a sensor device. Sensor signals received in this manner may be used for controlling actuation of the component which the actuator is arranged to actuate.
  • the sensor signals may be forwarded to one or more further components, via one or both of the connections, and/or the actuator may generate control signals, based on the received sensor signals, and forward the generated control signals to one or more further components, via one or both of the connections.
  • the actuator may receive diagnostic information from another component, via one of the connections, and forward the received diagnostic information to a central control unit, or to another component, via the other connection.
  • the actuator further comprises a third connection, in the form of an analogue connection, the third connection allowing the actuator to receive analogue inputs and/or to transmit analogue outputs.
  • the analogue inputs or outputs could, e.g., be sensor signals, such as temperature signals, pressure signals, flow measurement signals, etc.
  • the actuator could receive a power input via the third connection.
  • the supplied power may be used by the actuator itself, and/or the actuator may supply power to one or more further components, via the first and/or the second connection. This will be described in further detail below.
  • the actuator comprises three connections, as described above, because thereby the actuator is capable of receiving various kinds of inputs and of providing various kinds of outputs, while it is capable of communicating with one or more further components. Furthermore, this arrangement makes it easy to connect two or more actuators to form a so-called 'Daisy chain', because the relevant wiring can simply be plugged into the relevant connections.
  • the motor may be an electrical motor, such as a step motor.
  • the motor may be of any other suitable kind, such as a DC motor.
  • At least one of the further component(s) may be a valve, such as a three way valve.
  • At least one of the further component(s) may be a sensor device, such as a temperature sensor, a pressure sensor, etc.
  • the actuator may be capable of controlling the further component(s) via the first connection and/or the second connection. Thereby the actuator is capable of controlling the further components, apart from the component which the actuator is arranged to actuate.
  • the actuator is capable of controlling the one or more further components via the connection, the further components do not need to be positioned immediately next to the actuator in order to allow the actuator to control the one or more further components. Instead the further components can be arranged at a position which is suitable with regard to the function each of the components is performing.
  • Allowing the actuator to control one or more further components may further reduce a processing load on a central control unit, which is arranged to perform the overall control of several units comprising an actuator, an actuated component and one or more further components being controlled by the actuator.
  • the central controller only needs to communicate with each of the actuators, and to provide overall control instructions to the actuators.
  • the actuators provide detailed control signals for itself and for each of the further components.
  • the actuator may be arranged to actuate a valve which controls a supply of fluid to a heat exchanger in a cooling and heating system, i.e. a system which may be in a cooling mode, where the heat exchanger provides cooling, or in a heating mode, where the heat exchanger provides heating .
  • the further components may be two three way valves, which are arranged to control whether a cooling fluid or a heating fluid is provided for the valve which is actuated by the actuator. Allowing the actuator to control the valve as well as the two three way valves ensures coordinated control of the entire system, in particular when the system is switched from the cooling mode to the heating mode, or vice versa.
  • the first connection and/or the second connection may further allow the actuator to supply electrical power to the further component(s).
  • the actuator may be adapted to receive a power input via the third connection, as described above.
  • the actuator receives a power signal directly via the third connection, and supplies the received power to the further component(s) via the first and/or the second connection. Accordingly, the actuator operates as a 'power booster', ensuring that sufficient power is supplied to the further components, even if these are arranged at a large distance from a central power supply.
  • the first connection and/or the second connection to the further component(s) may be provided by means of a bus connection, such as a bus based on a RS485 bus connection, e.g. using a communication protocol of a BACnet type, a ModBus type, a KNX type, a LonWorks EnOcean type, a ZigBee type, a DALI type, etc.
  • a bus connection such as a bus based on a RS485 bus connection, e.g. using a communication protocol of a BACnet type, a ModBus type, a KNX type, a LonWorks EnOcean type, a ZigBee type, a DALI type, etc.
  • the connection may be provided by simple analogue cables.
  • the first connection, the second connection and/or the third connection may be wireless connections.
  • the actuator may further be arranged to communicate with a central control unit, via the first connection and/or the second connection.
  • the actuator can communicate with the central control unit, e.g. in order to receive control signals, and/or in order to forward sensor signals to the central control unit.
  • the central control unit may further be able to communicate with one or more further components, e.g. components which are also connected to the actuator, via the first connection and/or the second connection.
  • a so-called 'Daisy chain' may be formed between the central control unit, the actuator and the one or more further components, via the first and second connections. As described above, a 'Daisy chain' can easily be formed, simply by plugging the relevant wiring into the first and second connections.
  • selected inputs and/or outputs may be received and/or supplied via the third connection, or the third connection may be left unconnected to other components, sensor devices, power supplies, etc.
  • the actuator may receive control signals from the central control unit, and simply forward the received control signals to a relevant further component.
  • the term 'central control unit' should be interpreted to mean a control unit which is arranged to communicate with a number of components.
  • the central control unit may be a main control unit, e.g. of a building.
  • the central control unit could also be arranged to control a subset of components in a building, such as components arranged on the same floor, and to communicate with a main control unit of the building, which is in turn arranged to communicate with a number of central control units.
  • the actuator may be modular. According to this embodiment, the actuator comprises two or more modules which are interconnected to form the actuator.
  • the actuator may comprise:
  • the basis module includes all the basic features which are necessary in order to allow the actuator to operate. Furthermore, the basis module defines an interface between the actuator and the component being actuated by the actuator, via the actuating part.
  • the additional module provides additional functionality to the actuator, in the form of providing the first and second connections, thereby allowing the actuator to be connected to one or more further components.
  • the actuator may be provided in two versions, i.e. a basic version with only the basis module, and an advanced version comprising the basis module as well as the additional module. Furthermore, a basic version can easily be upgraded to an advanced version, simply by adding the additional module. This provides a very flexible actuator.
  • the additional module may further comprise control electronics required for performing control of the further component(s). According to this embodiment, at least part of the control of the one or more further components is performed directly by means of the control electronics arranged in the additional module. The control of the one or more further components may be performed completely by the additional module. Alternatively, the control of the one or more further components may be performed partly by the additional module and partly by the basis module. As another alternative, the control of the one or more further components may be performed completely by the basis module. In this case the additional module only provides the connection between control electronics arranged in the basis module and the one or more further components.
  • the actuator may be arranged to receive sensor signals via the third connection.
  • the sensor signals may, e.g., be in the form of temperature measurements, pressure measurements, flow measurements, or any other suitable kind of measurement signals obtained by means of an appropriate kind of sensor.
  • the sensor signals may, e.g., be used by the actuator in order to control the actuator.
  • the received sensor signals may be forwarded to one or more of the further component(s) and/or to a central control unit.
  • the actuator may be arranged for controlling a valve.
  • the valve may form part of a heating and/or cooling system in a building .
  • the actuator may be connected directly to the controlled valve, e.g. via a valve interface formed on the actuator.
  • the actuator may further comprise electronics for controlling the actuator.
  • electronics may be arranged exterior to the actuator.
  • the actuator may be controlled by means of electrical circuits and/or switches.
  • Fig. 1 is a diagram of a cooling and heating system comprising a valve being actuated by means of an actuator according to an embodiment of the invention
  • Fig. 2 illustrates the actuator shown in Fig. 1,
  • Fig. 3 is a is a schematic view of a cooling and heating system comprising a valve being actuated by means of a an actuator according to an embodiment of the invention
  • Fig. 4 is a perspective view of an actuator according to an embodiment of the invention.
  • Fig. 5 shows a number of interconnected actuators according to an embodiment of the invention.
  • Fig. 1 is a diagram of a cooling and heating system 1 comprising a valve 2 being actuated by means of an actuator 3 according to an embodiment of the invention.
  • the cooling and heating system 1 further comprises a heat exchanger 4 and two three way valves 5.
  • the actuator 3 is of a modular kind. Thus, it comprises a basis module 6 and an additional module 7.
  • the additional module 7 is mounted at an interface formed on the basis module 6.
  • the additional module 7 is connected to each of the three way valves 5, and thereby the actuator 3 is capable of controlling the two three way valves 5.
  • the basis module 6 is further connected to a central control unit 8 in the form of a DDC, e.g. in order to receive control signals from the central control unit 8.
  • the system 1 of Fig. 1 is of a kind which can be in a cooling mode, where cooling is provided via the heat exchanger 4, or in a heating mode, where heating is provided via the heat exchanger 4.
  • the system 1 can be switched between the cooling mode and the heating mode by appropriately controlling the valves 2, 5 of the system 1.
  • the system 1 may be operated in the following manner.
  • the central control unit 8 sends a control signal indicating this to the actuator 3.
  • the actuator 3 closes the valve 2 and sends control signals to each of the three way valves 5 in order to close these as well, in such a manner that it is ensured that any heating fluid which may be present in the heat exchanger 4 is removed.
  • the actuator 3 sends a control signal to each of the three way valves 5, instructing them to open a passage which provides cooling fluid. Finally, the actuator 3 actuates the valve 2 in such a manner that the flow of cooling fluid to the heat exchanger 4 is controlled in an appropriate manner.
  • the fluid flow through the system 1 in this case is illustrated by arrows 9 and 10.
  • the central control unit 8 sends a control signal to the actuator 3, indicating that the system 1 shall be operated in the heating mode.
  • the actuator 3 controls the valve 2 and sends control signals to the three way valves 5 in order to cause the three way valves 5 to open a passage which provides heating fluid, similarly to the procedure described above.
  • the actuator 3 actuates the valve 2 in such a manner that the flow of heating fluid to the heat exchanger 4 is controlled in an appropriate manner.
  • the fluid flow through the system 1 in this case is illustrated by arrows 11 and 12.
  • Fig. 2 illustrates the actuator 3 illustrated in Fig. 1. It can be seen in Fig. 2 that the actuator 3 comprises a basis module 6 and an additional module 7.
  • the basis module 6 and the additional module 7 are interconnected, but are otherwise separate parts. It is clear from Fig. 2 that the basis module 6 is connected to the central control unit, and that the additional module 7 is connected to each of the three way valves 5.
  • all of the control electronics required in order to control the three way valves 5 are arranged in the basis module 6.
  • the additional module 7 only provides the connections to the three way valves 5, allowing the control electronics of the basis module 6 to communicate with the three way valves 5.
  • at least some of the required control electronics could be arranged in the additional module 7.
  • the basis module 6 comprises a first connection 16, a second connection 17 and a third connection 18.
  • the first connection 16 and the second connection 17 are in the form of bus connections, allowing the actuator 3 to be connected to further components, e.g. in the form of further actuators being identical of similar to the actuator 3 of Fig . 2, and/or to the central control unit.
  • the third connection 18 is an analogue connection, allowing the actuator 3 to receive analogue inputs and/or to transmit analogue outputs.
  • the additional module 7 is connected to the basis module 6 via the third connection 18. Accordingly, the control signals transmitted to the three way valves 5, via the third connection 18 and the additional module 7, are analogue signals.
  • Fig. 3 is a schematic view of a cooling and heating system 1.
  • the system 1 comprises a valve 2 being actuated by means of an actuator 3 according to an embodiment of the invention.
  • the actuator 3 is connected to a central control unit in the form of a building management system 13. This allows the actuator 3 to communicate with the building management system 13, e.g. in order to receive control signals, e.g. in the form of control instructions, from the building management system 13.
  • the actuator 3 is further connected to two temperature sensors 14 and a flow meter 15. Accordingly, the actuator 3 is capable of receiving sensor inputs from one or both of the temperature sensors 14 and/or from the flow meter 15. Such sensor inputs may be used during control of the valve 2 by means of the actuator 3. Alternatively or additionally, the sensor inputs may be forwarded to the building management system 13.
  • Fig. 4 is a perspective view of an actuator 3 according to an embodiment of the invention.
  • the actuator 3 comprises a first connection 16, a second connection 17, and a third connection 18.
  • the first connection 16 and the second connection 17 allow the actuator 3 to be connected to one or more further components, e.g. in the form of further actuators, sensor devices, a building management system, etc.
  • the actuator 3 is capable of forwarding and/or receiving control signals and/or sensor signals to/from the further components, via the first connection 16 and/or the second connection 17.
  • the actuator 3 may receive sensor signals from a sensor, such as the temperature sensor or the flow meter of Fig. 3, via the first connection 16. Based on the received sensor input, the actuator 3 may generate control signals. These control signals may be used for controlling the actuator 3. Alternatively or additionally, the generated control signals may be forwarded, via the second connection 17, to a central control unit, e.g.
  • the actuator 3 may forward the received sensor input to another components, such as another actuator or a central control unit, via the second connection 17.
  • the actuator 3 may receive control signals via the first connection 16, e.g . from a central control unit or from another actuator. The actuator 3 may then be controlled on the basis of the received control signals. Alternatively or additionally, the actuator 3 may forward the received control signal to another component, e.g. another actuator, via the second connection 17.
  • the third connection 18 is an analogue connection, allowing the actuator 3 to receive analogue inputs and/or to transmit analogue outputs.
  • the analogue inputs or outputs could, e.g., be sensor signals, such as temperature signals, pressure signals, flow measurement signals, etc.
  • the actuator 3 could receive a power input via the third connection 18.
  • the supplied power may be used by the actuator itself, and/or the actuator may supply power to one or more further components, via the first connection 16 and/or the second connection 17.
  • Fig. 5 shows a number of interconnected actuators 3, three of which are shown, according to an embodiment of the invention.
  • Each of the actuators 3 is connected to a valve 2, i.e. each of the actuators 3 is arranged to control a valve 2.
  • Each of the actuators 3 comprises a first connection 16, a second connection 17 and a third connection 18, as described above with reference to Fig. 4.
  • the actuators 3 are connected to each other and to a building management system 13, via their first connections 16 and second connections 17, thereby forming a so-called Daisy chain.
  • a first actuator 3 is connected to the building management system 13 via its first connection 16, and to a second actuator 3 via its second connection 17.
  • the second actuator 3 is connected to the first actuator 3 via its first connection 16 and to a third actuator 3 via its second connection 17.
  • the third actuator 3 is connected to the second actuator 3 via its first connection 16.
  • the third actuator 3 may further be connected to a further component, e.g. in the form of a fourth actuator or in the form of a sensor, via its second connection 17. This allows each of the actuators 3 to communicate with each of the other actuators 3, and with the building management system 13, via the established communication chain.
  • This e.g., allows the building management system 13 to communicate with actuators 3 arranged at a remote position relative to the building management system 13, without having to establish direct wire connections between the building management system 13 the remote actuator 3.
  • a wire is connected to the third connection 18 of the first actuator 3, and the first actuator 3 thereby receives an analogue input via its third connection 18.
  • the analogue input may, e.g., be in the form of a power input.
  • the first actuator 3 may be capable of supplying additional power to the second and third actuators 3, via its second connection 17. This would allow very long Daisy chains of actuators 3 to be formed, since it will be possible to boost the power in the system by supplying power via the third connection 18 of actuators 3 arranged at suitable positions in the Daisy chain.
  • Neither the second actuator 3 nor the third actuator 3 receives analogue input or transmit analogue output via their respective third connections 18. Accordingly, the second actuator 3 and the third actuator 3 merely communicate via their first connection 16 and second connection 17.
  • the further components being connected to the actuator 3 need not be three way valves, but could be other kinds of valves, or even another type of component, such as an air supply, a sensor, etc.
  • only one further component could be connected to the actuator, or three or more further components could be connected to the actuator.
  • two or more additional modules 7 may be mounted on the basis module 6.
  • the additional modules may, e.g., be connected in series, i.e. a further additional module may be connected to the additional module 7 shown in Fig. 2.
  • the additional modules 7 may be identical, in which case each of them may be connected to two further components.
  • the further additional module may be of a different kind, providing another kind of functionality to the actuator 3.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Thermal Sciences (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Valve Housings (AREA)
  • Electrically Driven Valve-Operating Means (AREA)

Abstract

An actuator comprising an actuating part, a motor arranged to drive the actuating part, a first connection and a second connection, e.g. in the form of communication connections, allowing the actuator to be connected to one or more further components, in such a manner that the actuator is capable of forwarding and/or receiving control signals and/or sensor signals to/from said further component(s). The further components may be valves, such as three way valves. The actuator further comprises a third connection, in the form of an analogue connection, allowing the actuator to receive analogue inputs and/or to transmit analogue outputs.

Description

A MOTOR DRIVEN ACTUATOR CONNECTED TO ONE OR MORE FURTHER COM PONENTS FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an actuator, more particularly a motor driven actuator. The actuator may be used for operating a valve. The actuator of the invention is connectable to one or more further components, such as one or more further valves, e.g. in order to be able to control the further component(s).
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
An actuator is normally used for controlling a component, such as a valve. Sometimes further components, such as one or more further valves, air supplies, etc., must be controlled in a manner which is coordinated with the control of the component, which the actuator controls. To this end it is necessary to connect each of the components to a central controller, and the central controller must then control each of the components. This requires a significant amount of communication between the central controller and the components, and the processing load on the central controller is significant. Furthermore, various sensor signals, such as temperature measurements, pressure measurement, etc., must sometimes be provided to one or more components of a system of the kind described above. This may require connections, e.g. in the form of wiring, between each sensor device and each component, or between each sensor device and a central controller. In the latter case, communication between the central controller and each of the components will be required, as described above, in order to provide relevant sensor signals to relevant components.
In an alternative solution, an actuator has been arranged to mechanically control several components, such as several valves. However, in this case the further components must be arranged close to the actuator, and thereby close to the component, which the actuator controls. This is not always appropriate or desirable.
DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of embodiments of the invention to provide an actuator which allows coordinated control of several components in an easy manner. It is a further object of embodiments of the invention to provide an actuator which is capable of communicating with two or more components, while allowing the components to be positioned at any desired location.
It is an even further object of embodiments of the invention to provide an actuator which allows communication to a central controller to be reduced .
The invention provides an actuator comprising :
- an actuating part,
- a motor arranged to drive the actuating part,
- a first connection and a second connection, allowing the actuator to be connected to one or more further components, in such a manner that the actuator is capable of forwarding and/or receiving control signals and/or sensor signals to/from said further component(s), and
- a third connection, said third connection being an analogue connection, and said third connection allowing the actuator to receive analogue inputs and/or to transmit analogue outputs.
In the present context the term 'actuator' should be interpreted to mean a device which is capable of actuating a component, such as a valve.
The actuator of the invention comprises an actuating part and a motor arranged to drive the actuating part. In the present context the term 'actuating part' should be interpreted to mean a part of the actuator which performs the actual actuation. For instance, the actuating part may be a movable rod, which is arranged to cause movement of one or more parts of the component being actuated. The motor is arranged to drive the actuating part, i.e. when the motor is operated, it causes the actuating part to perform the actual actuation. The motor may, e.g., be connected to the actuating part via a gear arrangement. The gear arrangement may, e.g., be of a kind which transfers a rotational movement of the motor into a translational movement of the actuating part. As an alternative, the motor and the actuating part may be interconnected in another suitable manner. For instance, the motor may be provided with a threaded bore, and the actuating part may comprise or be connected to a threaded rod arranged in the threaded bore of the motor. When the motor rotates, the threaded rod will thereby perform a translational movement. The actuator further comprises a first connection and a second connection, e.g. in the form of communication connections. The actuator can be connected to one or more further components via the connection. Thereby the actuator is capable of forwarding and/or receiving control signals and/or sensor signals to/from the further components. For instance, the actuator may receive control signals from a central control unit, or from another component, via one of the connections, and forward the received control signal to another component, via the other connection. Alternatively or additionally, the actuator may receive sensor signals, such as temperature measurements, pressure measurements, flow measurements, or other suitable kinds of measurements via one or both of the connections. In this case at least one of the further components may be a sensor device. Sensor signals received in this manner may be used for controlling actuation of the component which the actuator is arranged to actuate. Alternatively or additionally, the sensor signals may be forwarded to one or more further components, via one or both of the connections, and/or the actuator may generate control signals, based on the received sensor signals, and forward the generated control signals to one or more further components, via one or both of the connections. As another alternative, the actuator may receive diagnostic information from another component, via one of the connections, and forward the received diagnostic information to a central control unit, or to another component, via the other connection.
The actuator further comprises a third connection, in the form of an analogue connection, the third connection allowing the actuator to receive analogue inputs and/or to transmit analogue outputs. The analogue inputs or outputs could, e.g., be sensor signals, such as temperature signals, pressure signals, flow measurement signals, etc. Alternatively or additionally, the actuator could receive a power input via the third connection. In this case the supplied power may be used by the actuator itself, and/or the actuator may supply power to one or more further components, via the first and/or the second connection. This will be described in further detail below.
It is an advantage that the actuator comprises three connections, as described above, because thereby the actuator is capable of receiving various kinds of inputs and of providing various kinds of outputs, while it is capable of communicating with one or more further components. Furthermore, this arrangement makes it easy to connect two or more actuators to form a so-called 'Daisy chain', because the relevant wiring can simply be plugged into the relevant connections.
The motor may be an electrical motor, such as a step motor. As an alternative, the motor may be of any other suitable kind, such as a DC motor. At least one of the further component(s) may be a valve, such as a three way valve.
Alternatively or additionally, at least one of the further component(s) may be a sensor device, such as a temperature sensor, a pressure sensor, etc.
The actuator may be capable of controlling the further component(s) via the first connection and/or the second connection. Thereby the actuator is capable of controlling the further components, apart from the component which the actuator is arranged to actuate.
In some cases it is required or desired that two or more components are controlled in a coordinated manner. In such cases it is an advantage that all of the involved components are controlled by means of a single actuator, since the coordinated control of the components can thereby easily be ensured. Furthermore, since the actuator is capable of controlling the one or more further components via the connection, the further components do not need to be positioned immediately next to the actuator in order to allow the actuator to control the one or more further components. Instead the further components can be arranged at a position which is suitable with regard to the function each of the components is performing. Allowing the actuator to control one or more further components may further reduce a processing load on a central control unit, which is arranged to perform the overall control of several units comprising an actuator, an actuated component and one or more further components being controlled by the actuator. In this case the central controller only needs to communicate with each of the actuators, and to provide overall control instructions to the actuators. In turn, the actuators provide detailed control signals for itself and for each of the further components.
According to one embodiment, the actuator may be arranged to actuate a valve which controls a supply of fluid to a heat exchanger in a cooling and heating system, i.e. a system which may be in a cooling mode, where the heat exchanger provides cooling, or in a heating mode, where the heat exchanger provides heating . In this case the further components may be two three way valves, which are arranged to control whether a cooling fluid or a heating fluid is provided for the valve which is actuated by the actuator. Allowing the actuator to control the valve as well as the two three way valves ensures coordinated control of the entire system, in particular when the system is switched from the cooling mode to the heating mode, or vice versa.
The first connection and/or the second connection may further allow the actuator to supply electrical power to the further component(s). In this case the actuator may be adapted to receive a power input via the third connection, as described above. According to this embodiment, the actuator receives a power signal directly via the third connection, and supplies the received power to the further component(s) via the first and/or the second connection. Accordingly, the actuator operates as a 'power booster', ensuring that sufficient power is supplied to the further components, even if these are arranged at a large distance from a central power supply.
The first connection and/or the second connection to the further component(s) may be provided by means of a bus connection, such as a bus based on a RS485 bus connection, e.g. using a communication protocol of a BACnet type, a ModBus type, a KNX type, a LonWorks EnOcean type, a ZigBee type, a DALI type, etc. As an alternative, the connection may be provided by simple analogue cables. As another alternative, the first connection, the second connection and/or the third connection may be wireless connections.
The actuator may further be arranged to communicate with a central control unit, via the first connection and/or the second connection. According to this embodiment the actuator can communicate with the central control unit, e.g. in order to receive control signals, and/or in order to forward sensor signals to the central control unit. The central control unit may further be able to communicate with one or more further components, e.g. components which are also connected to the actuator, via the first connection and/or the second connection. For instance, a so-called 'Daisy chain' may be formed between the central control unit, the actuator and the one or more further components, via the first and second connections. As described above, a 'Daisy chain' can easily be formed, simply by plugging the relevant wiring into the first and second connections. This reduces the amount of wiring required between the central control unit and the components. Furthermore, for a given actuator arranged in such a 'Daisy chain', selected inputs and/or outputs may be received and/or supplied via the third connection, or the third connection may be left unconnected to other components, sensor devices, power supplies, etc. For instance, the actuator may receive control signals from the central control unit, and simply forward the received control signals to a relevant further component.
It should be noted that in the present context the term 'central control unit' should be interpreted to mean a control unit which is arranged to communicate with a number of components. The central control unit may be a main control unit, e.g. of a building. However, the central control unit could also be arranged to control a subset of components in a building, such as components arranged on the same floor, and to communicate with a main control unit of the building, which is in turn arranged to communicate with a number of central control units. The actuator may be modular. According to this embodiment, the actuator comprises two or more modules which are interconnected to form the actuator.
For instance, the actuator may comprise:
- a basis module comprising the actuating part and the motor, and - an additional module comprising the first connection and the second connection.
According to this embodiment, the basis module includes all the basic features which are necessary in order to allow the actuator to operate. Furthermore, the basis module defines an interface between the actuator and the component being actuated by the actuator, via the actuating part. The additional module provides additional functionality to the actuator, in the form of providing the first and second connections, thereby allowing the actuator to be connected to one or more further components.
Thus, the actuator may be provided in two versions, i.e. a basic version with only the basis module, and an advanced version comprising the basis module as well as the additional module. Furthermore, a basic version can easily be upgraded to an advanced version, simply by adding the additional module. This provides a very flexible actuator.
The additional module may further comprise control electronics required for performing control of the further component(s). According to this embodiment, at least part of the control of the one or more further components is performed directly by means of the control electronics arranged in the additional module. The control of the one or more further components may be performed completely by the additional module. Alternatively, the control of the one or more further components may be performed partly by the additional module and partly by the basis module. As another alternative, the control of the one or more further components may be performed completely by the basis module. In this case the additional module only provides the connection between control electronics arranged in the basis module and the one or more further components.
The actuator may be arranged to receive sensor signals via the third connection. The sensor signals may, e.g., be in the form of temperature measurements, pressure measurements, flow measurements, or any other suitable kind of measurement signals obtained by means of an appropriate kind of sensor. The sensor signals may, e.g., be used by the actuator in order to control the actuator. Alternatively or additionally, the received sensor signals may be forwarded to one or more of the further component(s) and/or to a central control unit.
The actuator may be arranged for controlling a valve. According to one embodiment, the valve may form part of a heating and/or cooling system in a building . The actuator may be connected directly to the controlled valve, e.g. via a valve interface formed on the actuator.
The actuator may further comprise electronics for controlling the actuator. As an alternative, such electronics may be arranged exterior to the actuator. As another alternative, the actuator may be controlled by means of electrical circuits and/or switches.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings in which
Fig. 1 is a diagram of a cooling and heating system comprising a valve being actuated by means of an actuator according to an embodiment of the invention,
Fig. 2 illustrates the actuator shown in Fig. 1,
Fig. 3 is a is a schematic view of a cooling and heating system comprising a valve being actuated by means of a an actuator according to an embodiment of the invention,
Fig. 4 is a perspective view of an actuator according to an embodiment of the invention, and
Fig. 5 shows a number of interconnected actuators according to an embodiment of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Fig. 1 is a diagram of a cooling and heating system 1 comprising a valve 2 being actuated by means of an actuator 3 according to an embodiment of the invention. The cooling and heating system 1 further comprises a heat exchanger 4 and two three way valves 5.
The actuator 3 is of a modular kind. Thus, it comprises a basis module 6 and an additional module 7. The additional module 7 is mounted at an interface formed on the basis module 6. The additional module 7 is connected to each of the three way valves 5, and thereby the actuator 3 is capable of controlling the two three way valves 5. The basis module 6 is further connected to a central control unit 8 in the form of a DDC, e.g. in order to receive control signals from the central control unit 8.
The system 1 of Fig. 1 is of a kind which can be in a cooling mode, where cooling is provided via the heat exchanger 4, or in a heating mode, where heating is provided via the heat exchanger 4. The system 1 can be switched between the cooling mode and the heating mode by appropriately controlling the valves 2, 5 of the system 1. The system 1 may be operated in the following manner.
In the case that it is desired to operate the system 1 in the cooling mode, the central control unit 8 sends a control signal indicating this to the actuator 3. In response the actuator 3 closes the valve 2 and sends control signals to each of the three way valves 5 in order to close these as well, in such a manner that it is ensured that any heating fluid which may be present in the heat exchanger 4 is removed.
Then the actuator 3 sends a control signal to each of the three way valves 5, instructing them to open a passage which provides cooling fluid. Finally, the actuator 3 actuates the valve 2 in such a manner that the flow of cooling fluid to the heat exchanger 4 is controlled in an appropriate manner. The fluid flow through the system 1 in this case is illustrated by arrows 9 and 10.
In the case that it is desired to operate the system 1 in the heating mode, a similar procedure is performed. Thus, the central control unit 8 sends a control signal to the actuator 3, indicating that the system 1 shall be operated in the heating mode. In response thereto the actuator 3 controls the valve 2 and sends control signals to the three way valves 5 in order to cause the three way valves 5 to open a passage which provides heating fluid, similarly to the procedure described above. Finally, the actuator 3 actuates the valve 2 in such a manner that the flow of heating fluid to the heat exchanger 4 is controlled in an appropriate manner. The fluid flow through the system 1 in this case is illustrated by arrows 11 and 12.
Fig. 2 illustrates the actuator 3 illustrated in Fig. 1. It can be seen in Fig. 2 that the actuator 3 comprises a basis module 6 and an additional module 7. The basis module 6 and the additional module 7 are interconnected, but are otherwise separate parts. It is clear from Fig. 2 that the basis module 6 is connected to the central control unit, and that the additional module 7 is connected to each of the three way valves 5. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 2, all of the control electronics required in order to control the three way valves 5 are arranged in the basis module 6. Thereby the additional module 7 only provides the connections to the three way valves 5, allowing the control electronics of the basis module 6 to communicate with the three way valves 5. As an alternative, at least some of the required control electronics could be arranged in the additional module 7.
The basis module 6 comprises a first connection 16, a second connection 17 and a third connection 18. The first connection 16 and the second connection 17 are in the form of bus connections, allowing the actuator 3 to be connected to further components, e.g. in the form of further actuators being identical of similar to the actuator 3 of Fig . 2, and/or to the central control unit. The third connection 18 is an analogue connection, allowing the actuator 3 to receive analogue inputs and/or to transmit analogue outputs. The additional module 7 is connected to the basis module 6 via the third connection 18. Accordingly, the control signals transmitted to the three way valves 5, via the third connection 18 and the additional module 7, are analogue signals.
Fig. 3 is a schematic view of a cooling and heating system 1. The system 1 comprises a valve 2 being actuated by means of an actuator 3 according to an embodiment of the invention. The actuator 3 is connected to a central control unit in the form of a building management system 13. This allows the actuator 3 to communicate with the building management system 13, e.g. in order to receive control signals, e.g. in the form of control instructions, from the building management system 13.
The actuator 3 is further connected to two temperature sensors 14 and a flow meter 15. Accordingly, the actuator 3 is capable of receiving sensor inputs from one or both of the temperature sensors 14 and/or from the flow meter 15. Such sensor inputs may be used during control of the valve 2 by means of the actuator 3. Alternatively or additionally, the sensor inputs may be forwarded to the building management system 13.
As seen from the building management system 13, the combination of the valve 2 and the actuator 3 may appear like a relatively complex energy valve, while it is in fact a relatively simple valve 2 with an associated actuator 3. However, the connections of the actuator 3 allows it to communicate with other components and with the building management system 13, as described above, thereby allowing the valve 2 and the actuator 3 to operate in a complex manner. Fig. 4 is a perspective view of an actuator 3 according to an embodiment of the invention. The actuator 3 comprises a first connection 16, a second connection 17, and a third connection 18. The first connection 16 and the second connection 17 allow the actuator 3 to be connected to one or more further components, e.g. in the form of further actuators, sensor devices, a building management system, etc. Thereby the actuator 3 is capable of forwarding and/or receiving control signals and/or sensor signals to/from the further components, via the first connection 16 and/or the second connection 17.
For instance, the actuator 3 may receive sensor signals from a sensor, such as the temperature sensor or the flow meter of Fig. 3, via the first connection 16. Based on the received sensor input, the actuator 3 may generate control signals. These control signals may be used for controlling the actuator 3. Alternatively or additionally, the generated control signals may be forwarded, via the second connection 17, to a central control unit, e.g.
forming part of a building management system, or to another component, such as another actuator. Alternatively or additionally, the actuator 3 may forward the received sensor input to another components, such as another actuator or a central control unit, via the second connection 17.
As another example, the actuator 3 may receive control signals via the first connection 16, e.g . from a central control unit or from another actuator. The actuator 3 may then be controlled on the basis of the received control signals. Alternatively or additionally, the actuator 3 may forward the received control signal to another component, e.g. another actuator, via the second connection 17.
The third connection 18 is an analogue connection, allowing the actuator 3 to receive analogue inputs and/or to transmit analogue outputs. The analogue inputs or outputs could, e.g., be sensor signals, such as temperature signals, pressure signals, flow measurement signals, etc. Alternatively or additionally, the actuator 3 could receive a power input via the third connection 18. In this case the supplied power may be used by the actuator itself, and/or the actuator may supply power to one or more further components, via the first connection 16 and/or the second connection 17.
Fig. 5 shows a number of interconnected actuators 3, three of which are shown, according to an embodiment of the invention. Each of the actuators 3 is connected to a valve 2, i.e. each of the actuators 3 is arranged to control a valve 2.
Each of the actuators 3 comprises a first connection 16, a second connection 17 and a third connection 18, as described above with reference to Fig. 4. The actuators 3 are connected to each other and to a building management system 13, via their first connections 16 and second connections 17, thereby forming a so-called Daisy chain.
Thus, a first actuator 3 is connected to the building management system 13 via its first connection 16, and to a second actuator 3 via its second connection 17. The second actuator 3 is connected to the first actuator 3 via its first connection 16 and to a third actuator 3 via its second connection 17. The third actuator 3 is connected to the second actuator 3 via its first connection 16. The third actuator 3 may further be connected to a further component, e.g. in the form of a fourth actuator or in the form of a sensor, via its second connection 17. This allows each of the actuators 3 to communicate with each of the other actuators 3, and with the building management system 13, via the established communication chain. This, e.g., allows the building management system 13 to communicate with actuators 3 arranged at a remote position relative to the building management system 13, without having to establish direct wire connections between the building management system 13 the remote actuator 3. A wire is connected to the third connection 18 of the first actuator 3, and the first actuator 3 thereby receives an analogue input via its third connection 18. The analogue input may, e.g., be in the form of a power input. In this case the first actuator 3 may be capable of supplying additional power to the second and third actuators 3, via its second connection 17. This would allow very long Daisy chains of actuators 3 to be formed, since it will be possible to boost the power in the system by supplying power via the third connection 18 of actuators 3 arranged at suitable positions in the Daisy chain.
Neither the second actuator 3 nor the third actuator 3 receives analogue input or transmit analogue output via their respective third connections 18. Accordingly, the second actuator 3 and the third actuator 3 merely communicate via their first connection 16 and second connection 17.
It should be noted that the embodiment illustrated in Figs. 1-5, and described above, merely serves as an example, and that the scope of the present invention also covers alternative embodiment. For instance, the further components being connected to the actuator 3 need not be three way valves, but could be other kinds of valves, or even another type of component, such as an air supply, a sensor, etc. Furthermore, only one further component could be connected to the actuator, or three or more further components could be connected to the actuator. As another example, two or more additional modules 7 may be mounted on the basis module 6. The additional modules may, e.g., be connected in series, i.e. a further additional module may be connected to the additional module 7 shown in Fig. 2. The additional modules 7 may be identical, in which case each of them may be connected to two further components. As an alternative, the further additional module may be of a different kind, providing another kind of functionality to the actuator 3.

Claims

1. An actuator comprising :
- an actuating part,
- a motor arranged to drive the actuating part, - a first connection and a second connection, allowing the actuator to be connected to one or more further components, in such a manner that the actuator is capable of forwarding and/or receiving control signals and/or sensor signals to/from said further component(s), and
- a third connection, said third connection being an analogue connection, and said third connection allowing the actuator to receive analogue inputs and/or to transmit analogue outputs.
2. An actuator according to claim 1, wherein the motor is an electrical motor.
3. An actuator according to claim 1 or 2, wherein at least one of the further component(s) is a valve.
4. An actuator according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the actuator is capable of controlling the further component(s) via the first connection and/or the second connection.
5. An actuator according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first connection and/or the second connection further allows the actuator to supply power to the further
component(s).
6. An actuator according to claim 5, wherein the actuator is adapted to receive a power input via the third connection .
7. An actuator according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first connection and the second connection to the further component(s) are provided by means of a bus connection.
8. An actuator according to any of the preceding claims, further being arranged to communicate with a central control unit, via the first connection and/or the second connection.
9. An actuator according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the actuator is modular.
10. An actuator according to claim 9, wherein the actuator comprises:
- a basis module comprising the actuating part and the motor, and an additional module comprising the first connection and the second connection.
11. An actuator according to claim 10, wherein the additional module further comprises control electronics required for performing control of the further component(s).
12. An actuator according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the actuator is adapted to receive sensor signals via the third connection.
13. An actuator according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the actuator is arranged for controlling a valve.
14. An actuator according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising electronics for controlling the actuator.
EP15702390.4A 2014-01-29 2015-01-15 A motor driven actuator connected to one or more further components Active EP3099965B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP14153033 2014-01-29
PCT/EP2015/050672 WO2015113829A1 (en) 2014-01-29 2015-01-15 A motor driven actuator connected to one or more further components

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EP3099965A1 true EP3099965A1 (en) 2016-12-07
EP3099965B1 EP3099965B1 (en) 2019-02-27

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CH719266B1 (en) * 2021-12-16 2024-10-31 Belimo Holding Ag FLOW CONTROL SYSTEM, METHOD AND CONTROLLER FOR SELECTIVELY CONTROLLING A FLUID FLOW
EP4569275A1 (en) * 2022-08-11 2025-06-18 Belimo Holding AG A heating, ventilating and air conditioning hvac field device, system and computer program product for regulating a fluid flow in a fluid transportation circuit

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FR2807908B1 (en) * 2000-04-17 2002-06-21 Atlantic Industrie Sas SECONDARY BOARD OF ELECTRONIC ELECTRIC WATER HEATER MANAGEMENT DEVICE
US6371162B1 (en) * 2000-04-20 2002-04-16 Fisher Controls International, Inc. Electric actuator for fluid control valves
US6953084B2 (en) * 2003-01-10 2005-10-11 Woodward Governor Company Actuator for well-head valve or other similar applications and system incorporating same
JP2004312804A (en) * 2003-04-02 2004-11-04 Asmo Co Ltd Actuator device and actuator system
US7932480B2 (en) * 2006-04-05 2011-04-26 Mks Instruments, Inc. Multiple heater control system with expandable modular functionality
DE102008061239B4 (en) * 2008-12-09 2010-09-02 Danfoss A/S Climate control system for buildings, in particular temperature control system
DE102010033428B4 (en) * 2010-08-04 2024-04-18 Micropelt Gmbh Radiator valve with control for one actuator and heating control

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EP3099965B1 (en) 2019-02-27
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CN105934619A (en) 2016-09-07

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