SI23058A - Device for positioning with integrated safety function - Google Patents

Abstract

A device for positioning with an integrated safety function is intended for linear positioning of a flow valve rod in its preferential embodiment. The device performs a work stroke between two end positions, by which the force application point on the valve rod is moving in the same sense too. When turning the device on, a linear actuator generates the energy potential to execute the safety function by means of its work stroke during the calibration phase. At the end of calibration or respective stressing of a spring (5), a system of elements for transformation and reduction of force lowers the force for retention of the prestressing force by means of its non-selflocking thread connection. In this way, the device is storing a constant energy potential for the execution of the safety function, in which case the device for retention of the prestressing force does not consume the electric power. In the case of electric power outage, the system of elements for transformation and reduction of the retention force gets unlocked, by which the safety function is activated and executed to shift the valve rod into a predetermined end position.

Description

POSITIONING DEVICE WITH INTEGRATED SECURITY FUNCTION

Field of technology:

The subject of this patent application relates to the field of linear actuators with integrated safety function. A linear actuator is a device that allows linear displacement, with the safety function meaning that such an actuator moves to a predefined position in the event of a power failure. Such devices are used as mechanism elements in various industrial applications, the preferred embodiment of the device according to the present invention being intended for actuating the valves or manipulating the flow through the valve. It is understood that this type of actuator can be used for various other applications where the safety function is of the utmost importance; such is the example of a submersible pillar.

View the problem

Linear actuators are devices that allow positioning between two extreme positions, utilizing the energy potential represented by a prestressed elastic element, such as a spring, to operate and execute the safety function.

Due to the observance of the international standards, such devices should not be equipped with conventional energy storage devices, such as a rechargeable battery, for the purpose of performing the safety function. For this reason, the primary problem of all such devices is the retention of relatively large forces to execute the security function.

A technical problem solved by the subject of this patent application is the lack of a device that, with a minimum number of components, enables:

a) energy efficient potential of the security function: that is, the standby device does not use electricity to maintain the relationships between the elements of the device and to maintain the energy potential and perform the security function;

b) autonomous operation: this means that the device, in terms of manual intervention, enables positioning even in the event of a power failure.

State of the art:

The International Patent Register contains a number of solutions that demonstrate propulsion with a security function. Such devices are driven by different drives or sources of energy, with the exception of drives driven by electric motors, hydraulic drives, pneumatic drives, drives driven directly by the electromagnet and various combinations thereof. The following describes the solution that best represents the prior art in the art.

In accordance with WO 2004/065832, the actuator with a safety function is integrated into the valve body. The energy for the operation of the safety function is stored in the form of a flexible energy of a tense pressure spring. The disadvantages of such a device are mainly reflected in:

a) that the force of the safety function is the same or directly and completely dependent on the maximum force of the electromagnet holding the spring in the prestressed position;

b) that the electromagnet for maintenance of the safety function is unnecessarily a large and permanent consumer of electricity;

c) such a power failure does not allow manual control in the event of a power failure;

d) that the drive elements are in direct contact with the medium flowing through the valve.

Description of the new solution

A positioning device with an integrated safety function is conceptually made up of structural elements that basically represent: a platform of at least two panel-like elements; a linear actuator to provide the device with a working stroke between the two extreme positions; an elastic element which ensures the execution of the security function; and a clutch or system of elements for the transformation and reduction of force, which, by means of a locking mechanism and an auxiliary actuator, retains the relations between the elements of the device or preserves the energy potential for performing the safety function.

The linear actuator performs a working movement between the two extreme positions, which also makes sense the displacement of the force. In a preferred embodiment, an elastic element is engaged between at least two of the said structural members, which, in the calibration phase of the device with a linear actuator's working stroke, is biased to the energy potential that ensures the execution of the safety function. At the end of the calibration phase or the generation of energy potential, a locking mechanism is triggered which physically locks the device in a prestressed position; that is, the relations between said two structural members and the prestressed elastic member are maintained, which is a reference point for the normal operation of the device or for positioning the force gripper between the two extremes. In the event of a power failure, the locking mechanism is unlocked, thereby fulfilling the safety function of the device, that is, the force gripper is moved to one of the extreme positions.

The essence of the invention is explained in more detail below with the description of the accompanying drawings of an embodiment intended to manipulate flow through a valve.

Figure 1 shows an isometric projection of the device according to the invention with a top view in the case when the device is ready for normal operation. Marked are: (1) top plate, (2) center plate, (2A) design sleeve, (3) bottom plate, (3A) bracket, (3B) device mounting segment for valve, (3C) through valve stem hole , (4, 4 ', 4) threaded spindle, (5) spring, (6) drive, (7) spindle and (8) auxiliary drive.

Figure 2 shows an isometric projection of the device according to the invention with a bottom view when the device is ready for normal operation. Marked are: (1) top plate, (2) center plate, (2A) design sleeve, (3) bottom plate, (3D) valve mounting hole, (4, 4 ', 4) threaded spindle, (5 ) spring, (6) drive, (7) spindle, (8) auxiliary drive and (9) form shaft.

Figure 3 shows an isometric projection of the device according to the invention with a top view in the case when the device is ready for normal operation without showing the spring (5) in a more obvious view of the other components of the device. The markings are: (1) top panel, (2) center panel, (2A) design sleeve, (2B) support plate, (2C) drive assembly seat, (2D) auxiliary drive assembly seat, (3) lower panel, (3A) bracket, (3B) valve mounting segment, (3C) valve stem through hole, (4, 4 ', 4) threaded spindle, (6) actuator, (7) spindle, (8) auxiliary actuator , (8A) movable belt locking mechanism, (8B) fixed belt locking mechanism, (10, 10) nut, (11) belt and (12) drive gear. The nut (10 ') belonging to the threaded spindle (4') is not specifically marked in the accompanying figures as it is not clearly visible from the perspectives shown.

Figure 4 shows a top view device according to the invention, wherein the transverse plane A-A is indicated and defined. Marked are: (3A) bracket, (4, 4 ', 4) threaded spindle, (6) actuator and (7) spindle.

• · · ·

Figure 5 shows a cross-section of the device according to the invention in the transverse plane A-A, with the elements of the device shown in the position when the device is ready for normal operation. Marked are: (1) top panel, (2) center panel, (2A) design sleeve, (2B) support plate, (2C) drive mounting seat, (3) lower panel, (3A) bracket, (3B) segment for valve mounting, (3C) through hole for valve stem, (3D) hole for mounting on valve neck, (4) threaded spindle, (5) spring, (6) drive, (7) spindle, (9) form shaft, (10) nut, (11) belt, (12) drive gear, (13) spacer, (14) driven gear, (15) main spindle, (16) upper axial bearing, and (17) lower axial bearing. The center axis (S), the imaginary plane (IR-1) and the imaginary plane (IR-2) are further indicated in Figure 5.

Fig. 6 shows a cross-section of the device according to the invention in the transverse plane AA, with the elements of the device shown in the position at the end of the calibration phase or when the device is ready for normal operation, with the form shaft (9) or the gripping force in the lower extreme position being imaginary plane (IR-2). Marked are: (1) top panel, (2) center panel, (2A) design sleeve, (2B) support plate, (2C) drive mounting seat, (3) lower panel, (3A) bracket, (3B) segment for valve mounting, (3C) through hole for valve stem, (3D) hole for mounting on valve neck, (4) threaded spindle, (5) spring, (6) drive, (7) spindle, (9) form shaft, (10) nut, (11) belt, (12) drive gear, (13) spacer, (14) driven gear, (15) main spindle, (16) upper axial bearing, and (17) lower axial bearing. Figure 6 also shows the center axis (S), imaginary plane (IR-1) and imaginary plane (IR-2).

Figure 7 shows a cross-section of the device according to the invention in the transverse plane A-A, with the elements of the device shown in position after triggering the safety function and executing the safety movement. Marked are: (1) top panel, (2) center panel, (2A) design sleeve, (2B) support plate, (2C) drive mounting seat, (3) lower panel, (3A) bracket, (3B) segment for valve mounting, (3C) through hole for valve stem, (3D) hole for mounting on valve neck, (4) threaded spindle, (5) spring, (6) drive, (7) spindle, (9) form shaft, (10) nut, (11) belt, (12) drive gear, (13) spacer, (14) driven gear, (15) main spindle, (16) upper axial bearing, and (17) lower axial bearing. Figure 7 also shows the center axis (S), the imaginary plane (IR-1) and the imaginary plane (IR2).

Figure 8 shows a schematic of an electrical circuit for triggering a safety function. In the figure, the elements are shown and marked with symbols in accordance with the general standards in the art, the key ones being: capacitor (C), electric motor (M), primary diode (Dl), primary resistor (Rl), secondary diode ( D2), secondary resistor (R2) and relay (E).

A positioning device with an integrated safety function is provided in the shown, preferred embodiment for mounting on the valve neck and manipulating the flow through the valve, which varies depending on the position of the valve stem. As the drive (6) of the device or linear actuator, in the shown embodiment, a BLDC electric motor with a planetary gearbox is provided, which, by the principle of a threaded spindle and a nut, changes the rotational motion into a linear movement. Instead of a BLDC electric motor, the device according to the invention can also be used to operate a stepper motor or a regular brush DC electric motor. For the control of such an electric motor, an electrical circuit is provided which, by the operation of the electric motor, positions the design shaft (9). It is understood that by positioning the form shaft (9), the imaginary plane (IR-1) and the lower extreme position, indicated by the imaginary plane (IR-2), also move the gripping force, thereby valve stem.

Based on the described drawings of this preferred embodiment, the device according to the invention is conceptually composed of the platform, spring (5), locking mechanism, actuator (6) and the manual actuator mechanism already mentioned.

The device platform of the invention preferably comprises an upper plate (1), a center plate (2), a lower plate (3), threaded spindles (4, 4 ', 4) and associated nuts (10, 10', 10). The platform may be assembled in different functional embodiments; in the preferred embodiment shown, the safety function of the device is arranged to be executed in the downward direction, or when the safety function or the shaft (9) is moved to the lower position, which is equivalent to the imaginary plane (IR-2). According to the previously described embodiment of the safety function, the center plate (2) is movable along the center axis (S) between the upper plate (1) and between the lower plate (3), with the pressure spring (5) mounted between the upper plate (1) and between the center panel (2). A different elastic element may be used to replace the direction of execution of the safety function, which changes the direction of action of the force in the sense that the spring (5) is tensile instead of compressive. Similarly, a different elastic element may be used to execute the security function, such as a rubber, which may also be mounted between the center plate (2) and the lower plate (3), which does not alter the essence and nature of the disclosure of the present invention.

In the embodiment shown below, the lower plate (3) is adapted to flow through the three supports (3A) into the assembly segment of the device (3B) due to the method of mounting on the valve. The device mounting segment (3B) is configured to have a valve mounting hole (3D) on the underside and a valve stem (3C) through the valve stem at the upper side, which represents the space for passage of the valve stem to the valve stem mounting point at form shaft (9); said mounting point is not specifically marked on the images of this patent application, since it can be implemented in various ways, the important thing being that said mounting point represents a sufficiently rigid and strong grip of positive and negative force. In the embodiment shown, the mounting point is formed on the underside of the form shaft (9), the recess being consistent with the profile of the valve stem, which is secured and fixed by three screws in the molding shaft. The aforementioned device assembly segment (3B) and the associated valve mounting hole (3D) are configured to conform to the valve neck, the installation of the device to the valve being accomplished by three screws, preferably spaced 120 ° apart. about the center axis (S) and correspond to the notch on the valve neck; In this way, adequate axial and radial rigidity and constant concentricity of the gripping force of the mounted device relative to the valve stem are ensured.

Further, the bottom plate (3) is configured to have three through holes for mounting the threaded spindles (4, 4 ', 4), which are spaced about 120 ° at a distance Rl at a distance of center axis (S). In a preferred embodiment, three threaded spindles (4, 4 ', 4) are provided, mainly due to sufficient rigidity and better distribution of forces symmetrically about the center axis (S). It is understood that the number of threaded spindles may be different from three, even one, which does not change the nature and essence of the disclosure of the present invention.

The lower panel (3) is further designed to provide a narrow tolerance and to allow the passage and displacement of the form sleeve (2A) from the imaginary plane (IR-1) to the imaginary plane (IR-2). Said passage is designed to be formally compatible with the outer edge or profile bush (2A), in which the transition is preferably a hexagonal shape in the basic dimension, representing a guide and a design connection between the bottom plate (3) and between the shape bushing (2A). In this way, the lower plate (3), while operating the electric motor or drive (6), takes over the torque about the center axis (S) and relieves the threaded spindles (4, 4 ', 4).

If the torque is transmitted to the threaded spindles (4, 4 ', 4) while the motor is running, these may over-bend and prevent the device from functioning normally. In this sense, the torque can be transmitted to the platform or to the lower plate (3) by different structural solutions, external or internal guides, which are either part of the housing or an individual component of such a device, such as a spindle (7), does not change the nature and essence of the disclosure of this invention.

In accordance with the foregoing, in the preferred embodiment, threaded spindles (4, 4 ', 4) are physically connected to the lower plate (3) and the upper plate (1), which physically connect the lower plate (3), the middle plate (2) and the upper plate (1), wherein the center plate (2), together with the associated elements, is movable along the center axis (S) or parallel to the threaded spindles (4, 4 ', 4), which can also serve as linear guides. Threaded spindles (4, 4 ', 4) are at least in the area between the lower plate (3) and between the upper edge of the nuts (10, 10', 10) in the upper position (as shown in Figures 5 and 6) throughout the stroke the safety features of the device are not self-locking. Said self-locking may be achieved by means of ball-threaded spindles and appropriate nuts, but for the sake of economy of manufacture, ordinary, non-self-locking threaded spindles are provided for use on such a device; this means that a trapezoidal spindle having a helix angle of greater than 7 ° is sufficient for such use. In a preferred embodiment, such a spindle has at least a three-fold start, which is sufficient to allow the threaded spindles (4, 4 ', 4) to be self-locking without maintenance throughout the expected life. The primary function of the threaded spindles (4, 4 ', 4) is to assume the prestressing force of the elastic element and to ensure the rigidity of the device as such, and in this embodiment, in particular, to provide a fixed distance between the upper plate (1) and the lower plate (3). It is understood that threaded spindles (4, 4 ', 4) may also be provided with a different, non-self-locking thread profile, which does not alter the essence of this disclosure.

The center plate (2) is shaped to continue on the underside into a molding sleeve (2A) whose outer profile is formally consistent with the through hole in the bottom plate (3) and forms a close match between the two elements. The height of the design sleeve depends directly on the stroke of the working stroke or the stroke of the safety stroke of such a device. Similar to the bottom plate (3), the center plate (2) also includes through holes for the passage of threaded spindles (4, 4 ', 4), spaced at a distance R1 and at a distance of 120 ° about the center axis (S). An upper seat for mounting the lower axial bearing (17) is formed on the upper side of the center plate (2), which, together with the upper axial bearing (16), fixes the driven pinion (14) between the center plate (2) in an axial direction relative to the center axis (S). ) and between the support plate (2B). The driven sprocket (14) on one side forms a link with the output shaft of the drive gearbox (6), and on the other hand is preferably attached to the main spindle (15), which forms a self-locking threaded link with the drive shaft (9). The design connection between the driven gear (14) and the output shaft of the gear unit transmits only torque, which makes it easier to assemble the device and at the same time allows small deviations from the co-axial drive formation (6) and other linear actuator components. The actuator (6) is inserted into the actuator mounting seat (2C) and secured to the support plate (2B), which is shaped so as to have a through hole in the center for the passage of the output shaft of the gearbox, which forms a connection with the driven gear (14). . The support plate (2B) is fixed to the center plate (2) by screws around the circumference, the distance between the support plate (2B) and the center plate being fixed by the spacers on said screws. According to the foregoing, the driven gear (14) is axially mounted between the upper axial bearing (16) and between the lower axial bearing (17) with respect to the central axis (S), so that the output shaft of the gearbox of the drive (6) is only loaded by a torque about of the center axis (S) but not of the axial forces extending along the center axis (S). The upper axial bearing is dimensioned to allow passage and design connection between the driven sprocket and the gearbox output shaft, with the upper axial bearing resting on a molded seat on the underside of the support plate (2B), ensuring concentricity of the upper bearing with the center axis (S) ; similarly, the concentricity of the lower axial bearing (17) with the central axis (S) is ensured by the aforementioned seat for mounting the lower axial bearing (17) on the center plate (2). It is evident that the actuator (6), the upper axial bearing (16), the driven sprocket (14), the lower axial bearing (17) and the bearing plate (2B) move along the center axis (S) together with the center plate (2). The position of the center plate (2) and all associated elements with respect to the reference imaginary plane (IR-1) thus depends on the position of the nuts (10, 10 ', 10) mounted on the threaded spindles (4, 4', 4 ) and clamped between the center plate (2) and the support plate (2B), wherein the gap between the nut (10, 10 ', 10) and the support plate (2B) is filled with a spacer, which is preferably part of the support plate (2B) ). Said spacers may be inserted between said spacer and the associated nut (10, 10 ', 10), which act as a sliding bearing and reduce the friction force during rotation of the nut (10, 10', 10). Similarly, to adjust the friction force between the nut (10, 10 ', 10) and the center plate and / or between the nut (10, 10', 10) and the spacer of the support plate (2B), a washer is provided to provide adequate compressive force. The uniform movement of the center plate (2) along the center axis (S) is ensured by the synchronous rotation of the nuts (10, 10 ', 10) on the threaded spindles (4, 4', 4) provided by the belt (11), by which nuts (10, 10 ', 10) interconnected in a polygon union. In the present embodiment, the toothed belt (11) rests on the nuts (10, 10 ', 10), which are designed to have a toothed profile on the periphery or on the outside, thereby ensuring synchronous rotation of all three nuts (10, 10' , 10). The nuts described (10, 10 ', 10), which are actually pulleys with a suitable female thread for the threaded spindles (4, 4', 4), may be made from one piece, but are, in principle, designed to be economical so that tight-fitting nut Fitted plastic ring with matching outer tooth. It is understood that locking the belt (11) prevents the nuts (10, 10 ', 10) from rotating around the corresponding threaded spindles (4, 4', 4), thereby also displacing the center plate (2) and all associated device elements along the center axis (S). For this purpose, the device comprises a locking mechanism which locks the belt, thereby fixing in the axial direction the position of the center plate (2) relative to the center axis (S), or locking the device in a specific position. Said locking mechanism consists of a movable portion of the belt lock mechanism (8A) and a fixed portion of the belt lock mechanism (8B) which closes and opens due to the eccentric element between them. On the contact side with the belt profile (11), the locking mechanism is formed as a toothed lath whose teeth match the belt profile (11). Said eccentric element between the movable portion of the belt lock mechanism (8A) and between the fixed portion of the belt lock mechanism is attached to an auxiliary drive (8) which, by rotating this eccentrically shaped or mounted element, changes the rotational motion to a linear movement of the locking mechanism in in the sense of blocking the belt (11), thereby preventing the locking mechanism from rotating the nuts (10, 10 ', 10) around the threaded spindles (4, 4', 4). In the preferred embodiment of the device according to the invention, the locking mechanism is implemented by means of an auxiliary actuator (8) or a servo actuator mounted in the actuator mounting seat (2D). It is understood that the locking mechanism can be implemented in several ways, which does not change the nature and essence of the disclosure of the device according to the invention. In this sense, the blockage of rotation of the belt (11) or the nuts (10, 10 ', 10) can be performed directly by the blockage of at least one of the nuts (10, 10', 10) by means of an electromagnet, while ensuring synchronous rotation of the nuts ( 10, 10 ', 10) in addition to the belt (11), another machine element, such as a chain or a gear, can be used sensibly.

Further, the edge on the upper side of the center plate (2) is shaped as a seat for mounting the spring (5), which provides concentricity of the spring (5) with the center axis (S), which further enables the optimal distribution of force around the center axis (S).

The upper panel (1) is designed to have a through hole in the middle which allows the drive (6) to move smoothly during the calibration phase of the device or the prestressing of the spring (5); it is understood that unless required by the device or drive (6), a hole through the center of the upper panel (1) is not required. Similar to the center plate (2) with the support plate (2B) and the lower plate (3), the upper plate (1) has through holes for mounting threaded spindles (4, 4 ', 4), which are also arranged at a distance Rl and at a distance of 120 ° around the center axis (S). At the outer edge of the underside, the upper plate (1), similar to the center plate (2), is designed to be a seat for mounting a spring (5) that provides concentricity of the spring (5) with the center axis (S).

For smooth positioning or operation of the device according to the invention in the event of a power failure, a spindle (7) is added to the device, which, by transmitting torque or movement, enables positioning of the gripping force on the form shaft. For this purpose, said spindle (7) is inserted into the corresponding through holes in the upper plate (1), the middle plate (2) and the bearing plate (2B), and inserted between the support plate (2B) and between the middle plate (2) a drive sprocket (12) which transfers the torque from the spindle (7) to the driven sprocket (14) by means of a continuous connection. In the embodiment shown, the spindle (7) is a rod of hexagonal shape inserted into the groove in the lower plate (3) and the corresponding through holes positioned in accordance with the gear ratio and kinematic circle of the gear pair defined by the drive gear (12 ) and driven sprocket (14). Since the drive gear (12) is freely engaged and movable along the center axis of the spindle (7), a spacer (13) is inserted into the spindle (7) to ensure the alignment of said gears between the drive gear (12) and between the center plate (2). at all times the drive sprocket (12) is held in the correct position; said spacer (13) rotates freely around the spindle (7) and acts as a sleeve or sliding bearing when passing the belt (11) past the spindle (7).

The apparatus of the invention in a preferred embodiment further comprises elements which are not shown in the figures for the sake of clarity. In this sense, the device is enclosed by a housing, cylindrical in shape, which is closed on one, preferably upper side, and fits tightly around the top plate (1), center plate (2) and bottom plate (3) around the circumference. The housing comprises a space for mounting the electrical circuit, and in order to ensure a high degree of compactness of the device, the housing is fixed to the upper plate (1) and the lower plate (3). Further, the device of the invention comprises a sealing element inserted between the form shaft (9) and between the form sleeve (2A) and the sealing element inserted between the form sleeve (2A) and between the bottom plate (3), thereby achieving a high degree of protection against moisture and dirt. Similarly, a sealing element is also inserted between the spindle (7) and between the housing of the device and between the top plate (1), which simultaneously fixes the spindle (7) along the center axis (S).

According to the foregoing, the security function in the embodiment shown, preferred embodiment, is such that, in the standby mode, the device does not consume electricity except for the operation of the electrical circuit of such a device. This means that during the calibration phase of the device, when the preload force of the spring (5) is reached, the locking mechanism locks the relation between the top plate (1) and between the center plate (2), leaving the spring (5) prestressed and ready to perform the safety function which it is triggered and executed in the event of a power failure or a voltage loss. When the device is connected to a power source, the auxiliary actuator (8) of the shut-off mechanism or the servo actuator is controlled by an electrical circuit which, by pulse-width modulation, positions the output shaft of the integrated gearbox and thus the eccentrically mounted element. During the spring tensioning or calibration phase of the device, the locking mechanism is unlocked, which means that the belt (11) is not blocked, so the nuts (10, 10 ', 10) can rotate around the corresponding threaded spindles (4, 4', 4). At the moment or position when sufficient preload force of the spring (5) is obtained to ensure the correct starting position and execution of the safety function, the locking mechanism is locked; that is, with respect to the fixed part of the belt lock mechanism (8B), by rotating the eccentrically mounted element, the rotary movement of the auxiliary drive (8) is transformed into a linear displacement of the movable portion of the belt lock mechanism (8A), thereby blocking the belt (11) and rotating the nuts (10, 10 ', 10) around the threaded spindles (4, 4', 4).

In order to activate the safety function in the event of a power failure, the device according to the invention further comprises an electrical circuit which may be implemented as a stand-alone module or as part of the primary electrical circuit of such device. Said electrical circuitry enables the device to consume no power to execute the security function, except for the operation of the electrical circuit itself, while providing a sufficient amount of stored electricity to trigger the safety function. In the preferred embodiment shown, the actuator is actuated by a servo motor with an electric motor and a pressure spring to execute the safety function. Such an electrical circuit is shown in Figure 8, with the diagram showing an electric motor (M) connected in two circuits, which are separated by a switch or a DPDT relay (E).

The first, primary circuit of the auxiliary drive (M) of the auxiliary drive (8) comprises a switch or DPDT relay (E) which, at connection of the device or at connection of the first circuit to the power source, unlocks the first circuit and concludes the second, secondary circuit. Part of the primary circuit remains energized, while the capacitor (C), which is intended to store the electricity to trigger the safety function, is charged. For the proper functioning of the DPDT relay (E), the first circuit further comprises a primary diode (Dl) which prevents short circuit and provides discharge in the capacitor (C) of the stored electricity solely on the electric motor (M), with the primary resistor (Rl) reducing current surges at capacitor charge (C). It further comprises a first circuit secondary diode (D2) which, together with the secondary resistor (R2), enables primarily faster switching of the DPDT relay (E).

The second, secondary circuit of the auxiliary actuator (M) electric motor (M) is connected to the outputs of the integrated circuit or microcontroller, which manipulates the position of the output shaft of the servo drive by polarity and pulse width modulation. When the device, and thus the electrical circuit and other circuit, are connected to the power source, the servo drive is positioned according to the PWM signal format, which determines the current and voltage conditions in the other circuit.

Since the power failure or the removal of the supply voltage for the normal operation of the device according to the invention, the DPDT relay (E) switches between the circuits described; that is, it unlocks the secondary circuit and closes the primary circuit, leaving the stored electricity in the auxiliary drive (8) on the electric motor (M), which is further reflected by the rotation of the actuator output shaft and the unlocking of the locking mechanism.

It is understood that the described method of triggering the security function is feasible in various ways; in this sense, for example, a DPDT relay may be replaced by two SPST relays; or the like, to replace the servo drive with an electromagnet, which does not change the substance and nature of this disclosure.

The preferred embodiment of the device according to the invention is an embodiment for manipulating the flow through the valve, the safety function being performed in terms of closing the valve or moving the lower edge of the shaft (9) into an imaginary plane (IR-2).

The device is basically divided into a movable part and a frame, the movable part being: center plate (2), design sleeve (2A), support plate (2B), actuator mounting seat (2C), drive (6), design shaft (9), nuts (10, 10 ', 10), belt (11), drive gear (12), spacer (13), driven gear (14), main spindle (15), upper axial bearing (16) and lower axial bearing (17). Other elements of the device except the spring (5), which is an elastic element, represent a frame that is substantially stationary with respect to the center axis (S) and the imaginary plane (IR-1).

In order to execute the safety function in terms of closing the valve, sufficient force must be present in the lower lower position to keep the valve closed despite the pressure difference. For this purpose, the spring (5) is compressed to a suitable prestressing force during mounting between the center plate (2) and between the top plate (1). When the device is first mounted on a valve or a safety function has been triggered before (as shown in Figure 7), the calibration phase of the device begins when the device is connected to a power source or when the device is switched on again. During the calibration or tensioning phase of the spring (5), the compression spring (5) is compressed by the actuator (6) or the linear actuator to the permitted or required value of the prestressing force, thereby creating the potential to perform the safety function.

By operating the actuator (6) or rotating the electric motor, the torque is enhanced by the planetary gearbox, which transforms the rotational motion of the main spindle (15) into a linear displacement of the form shaft (9) by the principle of a threaded spindle and a nut. The linear displacement of the device extends along the center axis (S) between the two extremes, which are located in the upper imaginary plane (IR1) and the lower imaginary plane (IR-2) with respect to the lower plane of the shaft (9). The reference point for linear displacement is the driven pinion (14), which transmits axial force to the platform of the device.

By rotating the main spindle (15) in one direction about the center axis (S), the form shaft (9) starts to emerge from the form sleeve (2A), with the form shaft (9) resisting into the assembly segment of the device (3B). If the diameter of the through hole for the valve stem (3C) is larger than the diameter of the form shaft (9), the form shaft (9) resists the valve stem, but in a preferred embodiment, the device mounting segment (3B) is formed such that the reaction force formed on the joint between the design shaft (9) and between the device mounting segment (3B).

Due to said reaction force, which is transmitted via the main spindle (15) to the driven pinion (14) and via the upper axial bearing (16) and the support plate (2B) to the center plate (2), assuming that the belt ( 11) is not blocked, the nuts (10,10 ', 10) rotate around the corresponding threaded spindles (4, 4', 4). By rotating the nuts (10, 10 ', 10), the aforementioned movable part of the device begins to move along the center axis (S) until the spring (5) is properly prestressed, which represents the reference plane and the starting point for the normal operation of the device. In the example shown, said reference plane for the normal operation of the device occurs when the lower edge of the form sleeve (2A) is in the imaginary plane (IR-1), as shown in Figure 6. At that time, a locking mechanism is triggered which, by means of a belt lock ( 11) maintains and locks the relations between the movable part of the device with respect to said frame of the device at a given moment.

When the device according to the invention is ready for normal operation and said movable part of the device is in the described reference plane (as shown in Figures 1, 2, 3, 5 and 6), the device manipulates the flow through the valve or the positioning of the gripping force, i.e. is a valve stem only by moving the form shaft (9) along the center axis (S), which is feasible by means of a linear actuator or actuator (6), or by manual actuation by rotating the spindle (7). In the case of voltage removal or disconnection of the device from the power supply, the safety function of the device is triggered and executed in accordance with the procedure described above, whereby in this embodiment the whole movable part of the device is moved to the lowest possible position relative to the position of the shaft (9), which is equivalent to the situation where the lower edge of the shape shaft (9) lies in the imaginary plane (IR-2).

Method of industrial use

The concept of the device according to the invention is primarily intended for positioning the shaft for determining the flow through the valve. Such a device is useful for various industrial applications where the safety function is a priority.

It is understood that one of skill in the art may, on the basis of knowledge of the disclosure disclosed, also develop other embodiments without circumventing the essence of the invention as defined in the following claims.

Claims (24)

1. A positioning device with an integrated safety function that is connected to a power source and with a linear actuator moves the gripper between two extreme positions, thereby tensioning the elastic element to a constant prestressing force and in the event of a power failure when the device is turned on during the calibration phase moves the force gripper to one of the extreme positions, characterized in that it comprises a platform of at least two structural members, including an elastic member, which is tensioned by the linear actuator during the calibration phase when the device is switched on, and, when the force is obtained, the prestressing is carried out by the locking of the system for transformation and reduction of the force, which, until the safety function is triggered, maintains a constant prestressing force of the elastic element and maintains a constant distance between the said structural elements of the device platform according to the invention. 2. Positioning device with integrated safety function according to claim 1, characterized in that the device according to the invention is mounted on a valve, the flow of the valve depending on the position of the valve stem; that the valve stem is mounted on the form shaft (9) at the mounting point, which represents the gripping force, the valve being fully open when the lower face of the shaping shaft (9) lies in the extreme upper position of the gripping force represented by the imaginary plane (IR -1), and vice versa that the valve is completely closed when the lower face of the design shaft (9) lies in the extreme lower position of the gripping force represented by the imaginary plane (IR-2); that said device platform according to the invention in a preferred embodiment comprises three panel-like structural members, which in this patent application are marked with an upper plate (1), a middle plate (2) and a lower plate (3) and are interconnected by three non-self-locking threaded spindles (4, 4 ', 4') fixed at a space of 120 ° about the center axis (S) to the top plate (1) and bottom plate (3), with the center plate (2) along the center axis ( S) movable between the upper plate (1) and the lower plate (3); that the system of elements for transformation and reduction of force comprises said threaded spindles (4, 4 ', 4) and further also nuts (10, 10', 10) mounted on threaded spindles (4, 4 ', 4), thereby the axial force acting along the center axis (S) is transformed into the torque of the nuts (10, 10 ', 10), which rotate synchronously around the corresponding threaded spindles (4, 4', 4); that the auxiliary drive (8) blocks the rotation of the nuts (10, 10 ', 10) at the end of the calibration phase of the device, thus maintaining a constant force of the prestressed elastic element until the safety function is triggered. A positioning device with an integrated safety function according to claim 2, characterized in that the safety function is triggered if the device according to the invention is not connected to electricity, which further means that after the security function is performed, the force is in the lower extreme position, that is, the lower plane of the shape shaft (9) lies in the imaginary plane (IR-2); that, with the linear actuator operating, the form shaft moves along the center axis (S); that after connection of the device to the power source and after switching on of the positioning device with the safety function, the device is calibrated, which means that the action of the linear actuator additionally strains the prestressing force, which ensures the execution of the safety function with the required force; that during the calibration phase, the form shaft (9) with the lower face resides in the assembly segment of the device (3B), where, due to the continued operation of the actuator (6) and the reaction force, the center plate (2) starts along the center axis (S) together with move all associated or attached elements away from the bottom panel (3); that said calibration of the device ends in a position where the lower edge of the form sleeve (2A) lies in the imaginary plane (IR-1), thereby providing the required • stroke of the device or distance between the lower and upper extremities; at the end of the calibration of the device, the auxiliary drive (8) locks the system for transformation and reduction of force in the position when the elastic element is tensioned to the required prestressing force, thus maintaining the distance between the center plate (2) and the lower plate (2) until the safety function is triggered. 3), and thus the energy potential stored in the elastic element; that the positioning device with the integrated safety function moves the gripping force with the form shaft (9) positioned by the linear actuator between the two said extreme positions along the center axis (S); that when a power failure, disconnection or removal takes place, the safety function is triggered; that, after the actuation of the safety function, the auxiliary drive (8) ceases to block the system for transformation and reduction of force, thereby releasing the potential of energy stored in the elastic element, causing the gripping force or lower plane of the shaft (9) to move to the lower imaginary plane (IR-2); that, with the said offset, after the actuation of the safety function, together with the form shaft (9), all other associated elements which are connected to the form shaft (9) or attached to the center plate (2) are moved to the lowest possible position; that, after performing the safety function by which the valve stem is moved to the lower position, the flow through the valve is completely closed. Positioning device with integrated safety function according to claim 2, characterized in that the safety function is triggered if the device according to the invention is not connected to electricity, which further means that after the security function is performed, the force is in the upper extreme position, that is, the lower plane of the shape shaft (9) lies in the imaginary plane (IR-1); that, with the linear actuator operating, the form shaft moves along the center axis (S); that after connection of the device to the power source and after switching on of the positioning device with the safety function, the device is calibrated, which means that the action of the linear actuator additionally strains the prestressing force, which ensures the execution of the safety function with the required force; that during the calibration phase, due to the connection between the form shaft (9) and the valve stem, the center plate (2), together with all associated or attached elements, moves towards the lower plate (2) with the subsequent action of the actuator (6) and the reaction force along the center axis (S). 3); that said calibration of the device ends in a position where the lower edge of the form sleeve (2A) lies in the imaginary plane (IR-2), thereby providing the required stroke of the device or the distance between the lower and upper extremities; at the end of the calibration of the device, the auxiliary drive (8) locks the system for transformation and reduction of force in the position when the elastic element is tensioned to the required prestressing force, thus maintaining the distance between the center plate (2) and the lower plate (2) until the safety function is triggered. 3), and thus the energy potential stored in the elastic element; that the positioning device with the integrated safety function moves the gripping force with the form shaft (9) positioned by the linear actuator between the two said extreme positions along the center axis (S); that when a power failure, disconnection or removal takes place, the safety function is triggered; that, after the actuation of the safety function, the auxiliary drive (8) ceases to block the system for transformation and reduction of force, thereby releasing the potential of energy stored in the elastic element, causing the gripping force or lower plane of the shaft (9) to move to the upper imaginary plane (IR1); that, with the said offset, after the actuation of the safety function, together with the form shaft (9), all other associated elements connected to the form shaft (9) or attached to the center plate (2) are also moved to the highest possible position; that, after performing the safety function by which the valve stem is moved to the upper upper position, the flow through the valve is fully opened. Linear actuator for a positioning device with an integrated safety function according to claim 1, characterized in that the drive (6) in a preferred embodiment comprises an electric motor with a planetary gearbox mounted on a support plate (2B); that the linear actuator further comprises a bearing represented by an upper axial bearing (16), a driven pinion (14) and a lower axial bearing (17), said bearing being mounted between the center plate (2) and the bearing plate (2B), the actuator (6) is only torque-loaded, since the axial force is transmitted from the design shaft (9) to the platform of the device by means of an axial force; that the design shaft on the underside is designed to be a gripper of a force moving along the center axis (S) between the two extremes, which in the figures of this patent application is defined by the upper imaginary plane with respect to the lower edge of the design shaft (9) (IR-1) and lower imaginary plane (IR-2); that when the electric motor is operating, the torque around the center axis (S) is transmitted formally from the gearbox output shaft to the driven gear (14); that the driven gear (14) is attached to the main spindle (15), which, by the principle of threaded connection, transforms the rotational motion into a linear displacement of the gripping force on the form shaft (9); that the linear actuator further comprises a spindle (7) to which a drive gear (12) is mounted by means of a connection, which is engaged with the spacer (13) between the center plate (2) and between the support plate (2B); that the drive gear (12) and spacer (13) are movable along the spindle (7) or along the center axis (S), thereby ensuring the correct fit and function of said gear pair, which enables manual actuation of the device according to the invention and the operation of a linear actuator in in terms of positioning the gripping force between the two extremes regardless of the position of the center plate (2), even in the event of a power failure. Linear actuator for positioning device with integrated safety function according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a hydraulic linear actuator mounted on the center plate (2) and moving the valve rod between the upper and lower extremities, during the calibration phase The device strains the elastic element to the prestressing force, which means that after the calibration phase is completed, by positioning the gripping force, it only overcomes the force on the valve stem. Linear actuator for positioning device with integrated safety function according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a pneumatic linear actuator mounted on the center plate (2) and displacing the valve rod between the upper and lower extremities, during the calibration phase The device strains the elastic element to the prestressing force, which means that after the calibration phase is completed, by positioning the gripping force, it only overcomes the force on the valve stem. 8. A system of elements for transforming and reducing the force of a positioning device with an integrated security function according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a non-self-locking threaded connection which, by means of a locking mechanism and an auxiliary actuator (8), retains relations between the elements of the device, thereby reduces the force required to hold the prestressing force. A system of elements for transforming and reducing the force of a positioning device with an integrated safety function according to claim 2, characterized in that it further comprises a belt (10,10 ', 10) in addition to the threaded spindles (4, 4', 4) and nuts (10,10 ', 10). 11), which provides synchronous rotation of the nuts (10, 10 ', 10) around the threaded spindles (4, 4', 4) and the locking mechanism, which moves relative to the fixed part of the belt lock mechanism (8B) with the auxiliary drive (8) the movable part of the belt lock mechanism (8A), thereby manipulating the auxiliary drive (8) to lock the system of elements to transform and reduce force. 10. A system of elements for transforming and reducing the force of a positioning device with an integrated safety function according to claim 9, characterized in that the threaded spindles (4, 4 ', 4) are self-locking and preferably have a trapezoidal profile, with the angle of inclination helixes greater than 7 °; that the nuts (10, 10 ', 10) are configured to have on the outside a profile corresponding to the profile of the belt (11), which ensures the precise positioning and required synchronous rotation of the nuts (10,10', 10); that the belt (11) is routed around the nuts (10, 10 ', 10) and forms a polygon connection, the movable belt locking portion (8A) and the belt locking portion (8B) being formed according to the belt profile ( 11), which ensures reliable belt lock (11), which manipulates the slave drive (8). 11. A system of elements for transforming and reducing the force of a positioning device with an integrated safety function according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a system of machine elements, such as a rack and pinion, assisted by an auxiliary drive (8) with a locking mechanism at the end it blocks calibration to maintain the potential of energy stored in the prestressed elastic element until the safety function is triggered. Auxiliary drive (8) of a positioning device with an integrated safety function according to claim 2, characterized in that it comprises an electric motor with a gearbox; that there is an eccentrically mounted element on the gearbox output shaft which is engaged between the movable belt locking part (8A) and between the fixed belt locking part (8B), thereby rotating motion due to said eccentrically mounted element due to said eccentrically mounted element changes to a linear displacement, which means that by rotating this eccentrically mounted element, the distance between the movable belt locking part (8A) and between the fixed belt locking part (8B) is accordingly changed, which further implies that the position of the eccentrically mounted element is manipulated by belt lock (11); that the eccentrically mounted element is designed such that the shape of this element, even when the auxiliary drive (8) is switched off, retains the torque around the output drive of the auxiliary drive (8), which results from the action of opposite forces during the movable belt locking part (8A) and during the fixed belt locking part (8B), which enables the device according to the invention to retain the force for performing the safety function stored in the elastic element by a mechanism that does not use electricity for its operation. The auxiliary drive (8) of the positioning device with an integrated safety function according to claim 2, characterized in that it comprises an electromagnet that blocks and unblocks the system for transformation and reduction of force. 14. Positioning device platform with integrated safety function according to claims 2 and 5, characterized in that the upper plate (1) has a through hole for the drive passage (6) in the middle and further through holes for mounting the threaded spindles (4, 4). ', 4) spaced about the center axis (S) at a 120 ° spacing, allowing for optimal distribution of forces around the center axis (S); that the center plate (2) is configured to have through holes for the passage of threaded spindles (4 4 ', 4) analogous to those in the top plate (1); that the center plate (2) on the underside extends into the form sleeve (2A), which, when the actuator (6) is operated, eliminates the torque, thereby transforming the rotational motion of the actuator (6) into a linear displacement of the form shaft (9); that the inner profile of the form sleeve (2A) in narrow tolerance is consistent with the outer profile of the form shaft (9) and at the same time constitutes a guide for the movement of the form shaft (9) within the form sleeve (2A) along the center axis (S); that the center plate (2) on the upper side is formed to represent the base for mounting the suspension or the seat for mounting the lower axial bearing (17); that the center plate (2) is further configured to mount said bearing and nuts (10, 10 ', 10) between the support plate (2B); that the support plate (2B) is shaped so as to fill the gap between the nuts (10, 10 ', 10) with the spacer; that a spring washer between the nuts (10, 10 ', 10) and said spacer of the carrier plate (2B), which, by means of the position of the nut on the spacer of the carrier plate (2B), regulates by pressing the force of the carrier plate (2B) on the nuts (10, 10 ', 10), which allows the friction force to be adjusted between the nuts (10, 10', 10) and the support plate (2B); that the support plate (2B) has a drive hole through the hole of the gearbox output shaft (6) through the middle, through which the actuator (6) is attached to the support plate (2B) so that during the operation of the actuator electric motor (6) the moment about the center axis (S) to the center plate (2); that the design sleeve (2A) with the outer profile, which is preferably in the shape of a six-angle shape, is consistent with a through hole in the bottom plate, thereby transmitting the torque during operation of the actuator (6) through the elements of the center plate (2) to the lower panel (3); that the lower plate (3) is shaped such that it has through holes for mounting threaded spindles (4, 4 ', 4) analogous to those of the upper plate (1) and the center plate (2), that the lower plate (3 ) further shaped so as to flow on the lower side with three beams (3A) into the assembly segment of the device (3B), designed to have a hole for mounting on the valve (3D) on the lower side and through a hole through the upper side for the valve stem (3C) through which the valve stem is secured to the mounting point on the form shaft (9), which represents the gripping force. 15. Positioning device platform with integrated safety function according to claim 2, characterized in that the elastic element is mounted on / between the top panel (1) and / between the middle panel (2). 16. Positioning device platform with integrated safety function according to claim 2, characterized in that the elastic element is mounted on / between the center panel (2) and / between the lower panel (3). 17. Elastic element of positioning device with integrated safety function according to claim 1, characterized in that this element is a pressure spring. 18. Elastic element of positioning device with integrated safety function according to claim 1, characterized in that said element is a tensile spring. 19. Elastic element of positioning device with integrated safety function according to claim 1, characterized in that this element is made of elastic plastic having rubber-like properties. 20. The electrical circuit of a positioning device with an integrated safety function for actuating a locking mechanism that unlocks or releases a system for transformation and reduction of force, in the event of a power failure, characterized in that it comprises a module allowing the device to maintain its potential does not consume energy and perform the security function except for the operation of the electrical circuit itself, while providing a sufficient amount of stored electricity to ensure that the safety function is triggered; that in order to activate the safety function, a servo drive with an electric motor is used in the preferred embodiment; that said safety function triggering module according to Figure 8 comprises an electric motor (M) which is connected in two circuits, which are separated by a switch or a DPDT relay (E); that the first, primary circuit of the electric motor (M) comprises a switch or DPDT relay (E) which, at the connection of the device or at the connection of the first circuit to the power source, unlocks the first circuit and concludes the second, secondary circuit; that part of the primary circuit remains energized, while the capacitor (C), which is intended to store the electrical energy for triggering the safety function, is charged; that the first circuit further comprises a primary diode (Dl) which prevents short circuit and provides a discharge of the capacitor (C) on the electric motor (M), the primary resistor (Rl) reducing the current surges to the capacitor (C) when charging it; that the first circuit further comprises a secondary diode (D2), which together with a secondary resistor (R2), which, as a load on the coil of the DPDT relay, enables faster switching of the DPDT relay (E); that the second, secondary circuit of the slave motor (M) of the slave drive (8) is connected to the outputs of the integrated circuit or microcontroller, which manipulates the position of the output shaft of the servo drive by polarity and pulse width modulation, which means that also, the electrical circuit and the other circuit connected to the power source are positioned by the servo drive according to the PWM signal format, which determines the current and voltage conditions in the second circuit; that, in the event of a power failure or the removal of the supply voltage used for the normal operation of the device according to the invention, the DPDT relay (E) switches between the described circuits, that is, it unlocks the secondary circuit and closes the primary circuit, leaving in the capacitor (C) the stored charge empties on the auxiliary drive (8) electric motor (M), which is further reflected as the rotation of the servo drive output shaft and disconnection of the locking mechanism or as a trigger of the safety function. 21. The electrical actuator for the actuation of the locking mechanism according to claim 20, characterized in that an electromagnet is used instead of the electric motor (M), whereby the potential of electric voltage with a corresponding electric current is sufficient to control the electromagnet instead of PWM modulation. 22. An electrical interlocking actuator circuit according to claims 20 and 21, characterized in that the circuit is used to actuate a safety function on a positioning actuator with an integrated safety function. A positioning device with an integrated security function according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises, in the preferred embodiment, elements which, for the sake of clarity, are not shown in the patent application; that, in this sense, the device is enclosed by a housing, cylindrical in shape, which is closed at least on one of the preferably upper sides and is tightly aligned with the upper plate (1), the center plate (2) and the lower plate (3); said housing comprises a space for mounting an electrical circuit, the housing being fixed to the upper panel (1) and the lower panel (3); the device according to the invention further comprises a sealing element inserted between the form shaft (9) and between the form sleeve (2A) and the sealing element inserted between the form sleeve (2A) and between the bottom plate (3), which provides a high degree of moisture protection and dirt; that a sealing element is similarly inserted between the spindle (7) and between the housing of the device and between the top plate (1), which simultaneously fixes the spindle (7) along the center axis (S). 24. Positioning device with integrated safety function, characterized in that the structural elements of the device according to the invention are designed as a submersible pole mechanism, the security function reasonably placing the submersible pole in one of the extreme positions.