TWI836304B - Coupling device, valve system and method for assembling a coupling device or a valve system - Google Patents

Abstract

A connecting device (1) can be used to connect a drive shaft (31) of a driver (3) to a driven shaft (51) of an exhaust valve (5). The connection device (1) defines a rotating shaft (A) and comprises a torsionally rigid stopper (2) with an axially extending slot (25), a connecting rod (45) received in the slot (25) and capable of translating relative to the stopper (2) in the direction of the rotating shaft (A), and an elastic element (4), the elastic element (4) being offset from the connecting rod (45) in the direction of the rotating shaft (A) and having a connecting section (42) fixed to the stopper (2); wherein the stopper (2) and the connecting rod (45) can be connected without rotation.

Description

Connection device, valve system and method of assembling the same

The present invention relates to a connection device that can be used to connect a drive shaft of a driver to a driven shaft of an exhaust valve. The present invention also relates to a valve system that includes a driver with a drive shaft, an exhaust valve with a driven shaft, and a connection device. The present invention further relates to a method for assembling a connection device and a method for assembling a valve system.

The waste gas line valve is usually equipped with a connecting device, which can connect the waste gas line valve to the actuator for operation. Although in theory the driven shaft of a wastegate valve can be directly coupled to the drive shaft of a driver (such as an electric motor), a connecting device is usually used as an intermediary component that connects the driven shaft to the drive shaft. The typical function of this connection is to compensate for deviations due to manufacturing tolerances or thermal expansion. Manufacturing errors can cause the drive shaft of the valve actuator and the driven shaft of the wastegate valve to be offset in one or more axial directions, a radial direction and/or an angular position. In addition, since the waste gas valve is usually affected by temperatures of hundreds of degrees Celsius, and the valve actuator requires an ambient temperature well below 100°C to operate normally for a long time, the driven shaft is obviously subject to thermal stress caused by the temperature gradient. influence.

To enhance performance characteristics, exhaust systems often include exhaust valves to improve the sound emission characteristics as well as the engine power characteristics. Most exhaust systems contain only two settings to match a closed or fully open valve position. In most cases, the sound is quieter when the valve is closed, but opening the valve results in increased sound. Many car enthusiasts prefer a louder sound. However, exhaust valve systems are necessary to meet increasingly stringent homologation regulations. To optimize performance while ensuring compliance, an exhaust valve system that can be precisely controlled to match the desired sound emission and engine performance standards is required.

Patent number US 10,060,360 B2 proposes a connection device comprising an elastic member that can be axially compressed between a driver and a follower, wherein the elastic member can drive the follower to rotate by using a torsion spring. The driver and the follower can only be connected via the elastic member, and the elastic member can expand and contract in the axial and circumferential directions. When the torque applied from the driver to the follower exceeds the resistance of the elastic member, a drive plate on the driver directly engages a first or second edge of the follower. The drive element is also connected to the individual drive shaft and driven shaft, respectively, so that it can rotate relative to each other by the angular movement between the drive plate and the corresponding ends of the raised edges. During operation, this movement will prevent the valve element or valve disc from being accurately positioned in a specific expected position. In addition, when the direction of movement of the drive shaft is reversed, it will inevitably cause a knocking sound and cause a lot of noise.

Patent No. EP 2 180 167 B1 proposes a connection device consisting of a spring that can directly connect the drive shaft to the driven shaft. However, especially under high thermal loads, the structural integrity of the spring will be destroyed, making the working state of the connection device unreliable, and the positioning of the valve will be unreliable. If the axial load exceeds the permissible value due to thermal stress, overheating may even cause the torsion spring to fail. Furthermore, since the proposed valve using a connecting device is designed to bias the position of the valve disc in the closed position against the valve seat, the valve disc may be damaged by the biasing force, closing force and thermal stress acting around the valve disc when repeatedly used. In particular, the high-speed pulse exhaust gas leaving the cylinder of the high-efficiency internal combustion engine is subjected to the high-speed pulse exhaust gas, which will impact the valve, and in the worst case, the spring force connecting the drive shaft and the driven shaft will resonate with the exhaust gas pulses, thereby generating a sound.

Patent number DE 10 2019 120 959 A1 proposes another valve connection device. The connection device is proposed as a bushing for use with a helical spring provided with linear sections at opposite ends of the spring. The linear spring segments engage corresponding grooves of the bushing, allowing the spring to have freedom of rotation and movement relative to the bushing. Patent number DE 10 2019 120 959 A1 manages to avoid making noise when biasing the spring to change the movement direction of the valve disc. However, noise will still be made when the movement or position changes rapidly. For some exhaust system design configurations, the valve drive design of patent number DE 10 2019 120 959 A1 is quite bulky and too bulky. Due to its large size, the valve connection device may cause permanent failure of the valve drive due to the excessive weight of the valve connection device, and long-term operation of the valve connection device will cause the valve disc to transfer too much heat Give that drive.

The purpose of the present invention is to overcome the deficiencies of the prior art and in particular to provide a valve system and its connection device, which can improve reliability in terms of space requirements, resistance to thermal loads, and reduction of unnecessary noise impact.

The subject matter of the independent items in the patent application scope of this invention can achieve the above-mentioned purpose.

Therefore, a coupling device as provided herein can be used to connect the drive shaft of an actuator to the driven shaft of a wastegate valve. The drive specifically contains an electric motor, such as a stepper motor, a servo motor, a brushed DC motor, an electromagnetic DC motor, a permanent magnet DC motor, a brushless DC motor, a switched reluctance motor, a torque motor, a synchronous motor, etc. . Preferably, the driver is a motor servo or stepper motor. The driver's driven shaft transmits motion from the driver to a plurality of driven elements including a wastegate. Preferably, the drive shaft may directly engage an electromagnetic component of the electric motor or an electromagnetic component of the motor via a reduction gearing mechanism.

The exhaust valve comprises a valve member, such as a valve flap, connected to a driven shaft. The driven shaft is arranged to receive a rotational movement and/or torque from the drive shaft of the driver and to transmit the torque and/or rotational movement to the valve member. Preferably, the valve member (especially the valve flap) and the driven shaft can be connected to each other without rotation; in other words, the driven shaft and the valve member are connected in a torque-avoiding manner. For example, the valve member can be welded to the driven shaft, or the valve member and the driven shaft can be forged into a one-piece device. Preferably, the valve element of the exhaust valve is particularly configured to be movable in a tubular section of an exhaust gas pipeline to selectively switch the section of the exhaust gas pipeline that transmits exhaust gas and/or sound. In particular, the exhaust valve may include a tubular section of an exhaust gas system, and a valve disc is arranged in the exhaust gas system, wherein the size of the valve disc can close the pipeline. The shape of the valve disc can be equivalent to the shape of the inner cross-section of the tubular section. Preferably, the driven shaft is arranged perpendicular to the direction of the tubular section. The driven shaft can be guided to the tubular section through an opening with a seal. The driven shaft defines an axis line, so that the valve element can rotate around the axis line. The drive axis defines a drive axis. In a preferred embodiment of a valve system, the drive axis is coaxially aligned with the valve axis. Alternatively, the valve axis deviates from the drive axis, in particular angularly and/or radially from the drive axis. The deviation of the valve axis in the radial or angular direction of the drive axis can be described as a deflection of the drive axis.

The valve member may be arranged in a plurality of different positions in the tubular section such that the valve member completely closes the inner cross-section of the tubular section, or in such a position that the valve member blocks the flow of exhaust gases through the tubular section. The resistance of the tubular section is minimized. The position of the valve member in the tubular section is aligned with the centerline of the tubular section, so that the flow resistance caused by the valve member (especially the valve disc) to the exhaust gas is minimized. The valve member may be positioned in a number of different positions, in particular between an angle of zero degrees to the center line of the tubular section and an angle of 90° to the center line of the tubular section. In a preferred embodiment, the position of the valve member relative to the tubular section of the wastegate valve is continuously variable, in particular in a stepless manner.

The connecting device is used to transmit motion and/or torque from the driving shaft to the driven shaft. The connection itself defines an axis of rotation. The connecting device further includes a connecting rod, which is received in a slot so that the connecting rod can perform a translational movement relative to the stopper along the direction of the rotation axis. The connecting rod is movable within the slot parallel to the axis of rotation. The connecting rod is received in the slot along the circumferential direction relative to the rotating axis without movement. In addition, the connecting device includes an elastic element, in particular a spring, which biases the connecting rod in the direction of the rotation axis. The elastic element has a connecting section that can be fixed to the stopper. The elastic element has a first end that can be used to firmly connect the stopper to the connection section of the elastic element. The connection section of the elastic element can be the end of a spring. Welding, casting, forging, gluing, etc. can be used to stably connect the elastic element to the stopper. The elastic element deflects the connecting rod in the direction of translation in the slot. The biasing force of the elastic element will counteract the displacement of the connecting rod located in the slot into a first compression direction and/or a second tension direction parallel to the rotation axis. The connecting rod may be a second end of the elastic element (eg a spring). The rotating shaft of the coupling device allows its components to rotate about the shaft so that rotational motion can be transmitted from the drive shaft to the driven shaft. Preferably, the rotation axis orientation of the connecting device is coaxially aligned with the drive axis and the valve axis, or angularly offset but radially aligned (staggered) with the drive axis and the valve axis. Valve axis. The connecting device can offset any displacement of the driving axis of the driving shaft relative to the valve axis of the driven shaft.

The connection device according to the invention comprises a torsionally rigid stop having an axially extending slot. The stop obviously provides sufficient rigidity so that the operation of the exhaust valve does not cause deformation of the stop. Any torque transmitted from the drive shaft to the driven shaft via the stop does not actually cause deformation of the stop. The maximum force applied by the driver to the torsionally rigid stop can cause a deformation of the stop corresponding to its rotating shaft of less than 1%, in particular less than 0.5%, preferably less than 0.1%. The stop can be manufactured using one or more different manufacturing methods including turning, milling and/or sheet metal bending.

The stopper and the connecting rod can be connected without rotating. Preferably, the connecting rod does not need to perform a rotational action in the corresponding slot. The connecting rod can perform exactly any translational movement of the rigid element and vice versa. The connecting device according to the present invention is configured such that any movement of the connecting rod around the rotating axis will be accompanied by an identical rotational movement of the stopper around the rotating axis. The connecting rod and the stopper will rotate around the rotating axis together. Especially if the connecting device is connected to the wastegate and the driver, when the drive shaft causes the stopper to rotate around the rotating axis, it will cause the connecting rod to perform the same rotational motion around the rotating axis as the stopper. , so the connecting device can transmit the rotation action to the driven shaft. In a preferred embodiment, the stopper is connected to the drive shaft, and the connecting rod is connected to the driven shaft. Alternatively, the stopper is connected to the driven shaft, and the connecting rod is connected to the drive shaft. When the driving shaft is not aligned with the driven shaft, preferably, a connecting device can be configured as a universal joint to connect the driving shaft to the driven shaft.

When the connecting rod is connected to the stopper in a non-rotating manner, any change in rotational motion or position can be directly transmitted from the drive shaft to the driven shaft, and even if a rapid change of direction occurs, the valve can be positioned quickly and accurately without any noise. By separating the connecting rod from the stopper, the connection can achieve thermal separation of the hot exhaust valve and the cold drive, and can tolerate thermal expansion of the driven shaft.

Preferably, the elastic element can be compressed along the axial direction. In addition, the elastic element can be stretched along the axial direction. The elastic element can particularly include a rod-like connecting section at its first axial end, and can also include the connecting rod at its second axial end.

In particular, the connection device can be composed of the elastic element, the connection rod and the stopper. A rod-shaped connection section or a coupling rod can be positioned at an angle, preferably perpendicular to the connection rod. The connection rod can be positioned along a first transverse direction corresponding to the axis of rotation of the connection device, and the coupling rod can be positioned along a second transverse direction. After arranging the coupling rod and the connection rod at an angle relative to each other, the universal function of the connection device can be realized.

In one embodiment of the connection device, the slot has a plurality of mutually opposing edges, in particular the edges are mutually opposing in a circumferential direction relative to the axis of rotation of the connection device and the edges extend parallel to the axis of rotation of the connection device, thereby guiding the connecting rod in translation and transmitting torque from the connecting rod to the stop. The edges of the slot can also be configured to transmit torque from the stop to the connecting rod. The mutually opposing parallel edges of the slot are preferably spaced a distance from each other, preferably, the distance substantially corresponding to the outer width or diameter of the connecting rod. When the slot is provided with a plurality of guide edges spaced a certain distance apart from one another, depending on the width or diameter of the connecting rod, the actuator can precisely control the position of the valve. The actuator can reach not only an open and/or closed end position of the valve, but also an intermediate position of the valve. The edges of the slot act like a sliding bearing guiding the connecting rod.

The width of the edges may be similar to the width or diameter of the connecting rod or larger. Preferably, the width of the edges is at least 0.2 times the width of the connecting rod, in particular at least 0.5 times the width of the connecting rod, preferably at least 0.8 times the width of the connecting rod. Furthermore, the width of the edges is at most 5 times the width of the connecting rod, in particular at most 2 times the width of the connecting rod, preferably at most 1.5 times the width of the connecting rod.

According to an embodiment of a connection device, the elastic element engaging the stopper is free from torque and/or axial deflection. Preferably, the stopper and the elastic element can be adjusted to each other so that when the connecting element is in a resting state, they will not exert any torque, compression force or tension on each other. In particular, the connecting rod can be retracted into the slot, and/or the connecting section is fixed to the stopper, so that the elastic element does not generate torque and/or axial force when the connecting device is in a resting state. and passed to this stop. This resting state means in particular that the fully assembled connecting device has not yet been connected to a drive shaft and/or has not yet been connected to a driven shaft of a valve assembly. The shapes of the stopper and the elastic element can fit each other so that the connection device assembly does not cause torque, compression force or tension deviation. Alternatively, the stop and the elastic element may be adapted to each other so as to exert an axial biasing force, such as a tension or compression force, against each other, but not a torque.

In one embodiment of the connection device, the elastic element comprises a helical spring, in particular consists of a helical spring, and preferably refers to a conical helical spring with a helical spring fixed to the connecting rod. The narrow end is fixed to the connecting section and/or preferably to a wide end of the joining rod. A stop and in particular a conical helical spring can mesh with each other in a space-saving manner. The preferred shape characteristics of the coil spring include forming a definite first outer diameter at the first axial end of the coil spring, forming a definite second inner diameter at the second axial end of the coil spring corresponding to the first end, and forming a definite second inner diameter at the second axial end of the coil spring. The axial extension of the spring, as well as the width and specificity of the coil spring is its thread thickness. In particular, the fixed and/or maximum outer diameter of the helical spring is at least 20 mm, at least 25 mm or at least 30 mm. Furthermore, the fixed and/or maximum outer diameter of the coil spring is at most 60 mm, at most 50 mm or at most 40 mm. In one embodiment, the fixed and/or maximum outer diameter of the coil spring may be 36 mm ± 1 mm. In particular, the width of the spring and in particular its thread thickness are fixed values. In particular, the width of the spring is at least 1 mm, at least 1.5 mm or at least 2 mm. In particular, the width of the spring is at most 3.5 mm, at most 3 mm or at most 2.5 mm. In particular, the width of the spring can be 2.5 mm ± 0.1 mm. A cylindrical helical spring can be provided with an axial height of at most 30 mm, in particular at most 25 mm or at most 15 mm. A cylindrical helical spring can be provided with an axial height of at least 7.5 mm, in particular at least 10 mm or at least 12 mm. The pitch of the cylindrical helical spring is at least 1.5 and/or at most 5, in particular between 2 and 4. When the coil springs move around their rotational axis, the coil springs preferably have a relatively small cross-sectional secondary axis moment, and the function of the coil springs in the axial direction is to form a thermal barrier, which can The driver thermally separates the wastegate valve. Another advantage of these coil springs is that they can be designed to have almost no imbalance around their axis of rotation. Preferably, the coil spring can circumferentially surround the stopper corresponding to the rotation axis of the connecting device.

In a further development, the coil spring may be a conical coil spring having a narrow end fixed to the connecting section and in particular to the coupling rod, and a broad end fixed to the connecting rod. A conical coil spring is defined as having a conical shape, wherein a first end of the coil spring is wider than a second end of the coil spring. In particular, the maximum outer diameter of a conical coil spring corresponds to the above-mentioned dimensions of the conventional coil spring. In particular, the smallest inner diameter of a conical coil spring may be arranged at the axial end opposite to the end of the spring which forms the maximum outer diameter. The smallest inner diameter of a conical coil spring is smaller than the largest outer diameter minus the spring width. In particular, the smallest inner diameter of a conical coil spring is at least 10 mm or at least 15 mm. Furthermore, the smallest inner diameter of a conical coil spring is at most 30 mm, at most 25 mm or at most 20 mm. In particular, the smallest inner diameter of a conical coil spring is approximately 16 mm ± 1 mm. A conical coil spring can be provided with an axial height of at most 30 mm, in particular at most 25 mm or at most 22.5 mm. A conical coil spring can be provided with an axial height of at least 10 mm, in particular at least 15 mm or at least 20 mm. The pitch of the conical helical spring is at least 2 and/or at most 10, in particular between 4 and 6.

In a further development, the connection device can be combined with the above-mentioned embodiments, the elastic element (especially a helical spring and the connecting rod) are formed in one piece, and in particular, a fixed diameter thread can be formed. The connecting rod and the only elastic element (especially the helical spring) can have a fixed thread diameter along the entire extension of the thread. A connection device has an elastic element, which includes a coupling rod as its coupling end, and the connection device can have the same fixed thread diameter as the connecting rod at the coupling end. The elastic element including the coupling end and the connecting rod are preferably formed in one piece. In particular, the threaded section forming the linear connecting rod and the threaded section forming the linear coupling rod can be arranged to cross each other, especially at an angle of 90°. Alternatively, the connecting rod and the coupling rod can be arranged to be parallel to each other. Preferably, the angle between the connecting rod and the coupling rod is less than 60°, especially less than 30°, and most preferably less than 10°. This type of connection device can be particularly composed of the spiral spring including the connecting rod and the rigid stop.

According to an embodiment of the connection device in combination with the previous embodiment, the stopper comprises, in particular consists of, a sheet metal part having a central section and a third side facing opposite the central section. Two bends are bent in one direction, preferably, the first direction is parallel to the rotating axis, and two of the bends form the slot for clamping the connecting rod. The use of a single sheet metal part to supply the stop for this connection proves to provide the best torsional rigidity at the lowest weight. The central element of the sheet metal stopper is horizontal and crosses the rotating axis of the connecting device. Preferably, a part of the stopper Or a plurality of bends extend in a direction parallel to the axis of rotation and are completely opposite to each other in a radial direction relative to the axis of rotation. Accordingly, the axially extending slots may be formed in the axially extending baffles. The connection device can be provided with a plurality of void spaces in the circumferential direction between the flaps, thereby avoiding unnecessary weight and improving thermal insulation. The tabs extending from the central portion of the rigid stop serve as pairs of guide rods surrounding individual slots in which the connecting rod is guided to move within the slots. The baffles form edges of a slot and function as guide rails of the pry-shaped connecting rod arranged therebetween. The best case is that the stopper has two completely opposite slots to receive a connecting rod, wherein the slots can be arranged to correspond to the rotating axis and are completely opposite to each other, thereby eliminating the need for the connecting rod to rotate around the rotating axis. resulting imbalance. In this embodiment, the blocks of the stopper may be positioned corresponding to the rotation axis and completely opposite to each other to avoid imbalance. Preferably, the stopper has two corresponding bends, each bend including a separate slot for receiving the same connecting rod. The stop may include one or more void spaces arranged along a perimeter of the stop adjacent one or more bends. An interstitial space between surrounding adjacent bends may have a circumferential extension that is at least as long as or greater than a single adjacent bend. Preferably, the length of one or more void spaces between adjacent bends is at least 50%, at least 60% or at least 75% of the circumferential extension of the stopper in a plane perpendicular to the rotation axis A. .

In yet another embodiment of a connection device, the stopper includes, preferably consists of, a sheet metal part having a central section and facing a second direction relative to the central section. The two seam members are bent, and the second direction is preferably parallel to the axial direction, wherein the seam members form at least one groove that can be used to clamp the connection section. The stopper preferably has a central section such that the two bends extend from the central section to a first direction, and the two seam members are oriented from the central section to a direction different from the first direction (preferably means extending in a second direction corresponding to the first direction). The center section may be designated as a saddle section. For convenience of reference property, the first direction is called "downward" and the second direction is designated "upward". It can be clearly seen that in all cases a connection device with seams does not require any protrusions (eg bends) on the upper or first side of the central section. In the case of a coupling rod forming the connection section, the groove may be designed to clamp the coupling rod. Preferably, the connection section is firmly fixed to the seams of the stopper by welding, casting or gluing. The groove may be a U-shaped opening and extend inversely to the slots of the stopper. Alternatively, at least one or all of the grooves of the stopper may form a closed circular (O-shaped) opening, and the opening is only open in a transverse direction relative to the rotation axis, connecting the at least one groove with the rotation axis. The connection section is closely connected to prevent any relative movement of the connection section (preferably, the coupling rod) in a direction parallel to the rotation axis or in a direction relative to the rotation axis. The stop may include one or more void spaces arranged along the perimeter of the stop adjacent one or more seam members. There is a void space between a plurality of adjacent joint members, and the circumferential extension of the void space is at least as long as or longer than an individual adjacent seam member. Preferably, the length formed by one or more void spaces between adjacent seam members is at least 50%, at least 60% or at least 75% of the circumferential extension of the stopper in a plane perpendicular to the rotation axis A. %.

In another embodiment lacking a connecting device for one of the seam elements, which corresponds to one of the preceding embodiments, the stop has a central flat section between the bends , where the central flat section is directly connected to the connecting section. By providing the stopper with a central flat section and preferably the stopper intersecting the rotating shaft, the connecting section (especially the coupling rod) can be connected to the rotating shaft by welding, casting or gluing. or the central plate section adjacent the axis of rotation. Preferably, the central flat section of the stopper can be equipped with a linear joint bridge, which is arranged according to the connecting section (especially the connecting rod), so that the connecting section and The joint bridges are mutually connected to corresponding connecting portions of the driving shaft or the driven shaft.

In another embodiment, the stopper may comprise or consist of a hollow cylinder, wherein the hollow cylinder is in particular a cylinder with a fixed diameter or a stepped diameter, and may comprise a hollow cylinder with a A middle section of a groove and a wide section with the slot. A hollow cylinder can be easily made from a tubular body, which can provide a large amount of torsional rigidity, a relatively small wall thickness, but at the same time only a small second axial moment of cross-section. The hollow cylinder has a cylindrical shape. Alternatively, the hollow cylinder has at least two staged sections, one section has a narrower diameter and the other section has a wider diameter, and the two staged sections correspond to each other, wherein the narrow section includes At least one groove is provided to facilitate clamping of the connecting section of the elastic element, and the wide section includes the slot to receive the connecting rod. In particular, a stop having a stepped cylinder combined with an elastic element forming a conical helical spring can minimize the space required for the connecting element. A staged cylinder has one or more intermediate stages between the narrow diameter section and the wide diameter section. Preferably, the wall strength of the hollow cylinder is consistent at all stages. A stepped hollow cylinder has a conical shape that forms a cone from the narrow section toward the wide section. A hollow cylinder is sleeve-shaped and has two opposite open ends and a through-trunk located between the two open ends. The hollow cylinder can also be cup-shaped or can-shaped, and has one or both ends closed. Multiple sections. The stop may include one or more void spaces arranged within the cylinder along the circumference of the stop. An interstitial space between surrounding adjacent grooves and/or slots may have a circumferential extension at least equal to or greater than one, two or more adjacent cylindrical segments. Preferably, the length of one or more void spaces between adjacent cylindrical segments is at least 50%, at least 60%, or at least 50%, or at least 60% of the circumferential extension of the stopper in a plane perpendicular to the rotation axis A. 75%.

In particular, a sheet metal stopper with a cylinder and/or a wall thickness of a stopper is at least 0.5 mm, at least 0.75 mm or at least 1 mm. In particular, the wall thickness of the stop The moving parts are at most 3mm, at most 2.5mm or at most 2mm. In particular, the wall thickness may be 1.5 mm ± 0.1 mm.

In a specific embodiment of the connection device, the stopper includes at least one or more void spaces extending in the direction of the rotation axis. In particular the one or more void spaces can extend between cylindrical sections of the hollow cylinder. Alternatively, the one or more void spaces can extend between adjacent bends and/or seam elements. Preferably, an interstitial space between surrounding adjacent bends, seaming elements or body sections has a circumferential extension that is at least equal to or greater than an individual adjacent bend, seaming element or body section. A void space can act as a cooling element and/or reduce the thermal mass of the stop, thereby improving the thermal insulation between the connecting rod and the connecting section.

Another aspect of the invention relates to a valve system including an actuator with a drive shaft, a wastegate with a driven shaft, and connecting the driven shaft to the drive shaft with axial clearance. A connecting device. In particular, the connection device can be configured as described above. The connecting device can provide axial clearance, radial clearance and/or angular clearance, but due to the connection between the driven shaft and the driving shaft, the connecting device does not provide rotational clearance, so the driving shaft can be wrapped around Any rotational motion of the drive axis is converted into a corresponding rotational motion of the driven shaft around the axis of the valve member. Preferably, the magnitude of the rotational movement of the drive shaft is converted into a corresponding equal rotational movement of one of the driven shafts. The connecting element functions as a universal joint between the driven shaft and the driving shaft, thereby converting the rotation of the driving shaft into the driven shaft based on a previously determined motion function that is well known to those skilled in the art. A rotational movement of the moving shaft around the axis of the valve. The connection device provides a torque-free or rotationally rigid joint between the drive shaft of the actuator and the driven shaft of the wastegate valve, thereby enabling precise positioning of the wastegate valve member by the actuator while also avoiding noise.

In a further development of the valve system, the connecting section of the elastic element and/or the section of the stopper fixed to the connecting section is connected to the drive shaft. In one embodiment, the stopper includes a central flat section and the central flat section includes an engagement bridge, which can be connected to the connection section through the engagement portion of the drive shaft, thereby The rotational motion of the drive shaft is directly transmitted to the joint bridge and the connecting section, so that the joint action of the stopper and the elastic element is not affected by the rotational motion therebetween. By directly connecting the connecting section of the elastic element or at least one corresponding section of the stopper to the driving shaft, the rotation of the driving shaft can be directly transmitted to the connecting device.

In a further development of the valve system in conjunction with the previous description, the system includes an adapter that can fit and connect the drive shaft or the driven shaft, in particular, a connecting portion of the drive shaft or the driven shaft. , wherein the adapter surrounds the connection section of the elastic element. The adapter can surround the connecting section, preferably around a coupling rod, with its entire circumference or part of its circumference. The adapter may be an annular sleeve or a U-shaped bushing, thereby providing a snug connection between the connection section and the drive shaft or driven shaft. Since the driver is an electric motor that can be mass-produced, the coupling section of the drive shaft can be formed according to the standards of the electric motor manufacturer, where the drivers produced by each manufacturer can have different sizes. A corresponding adapter can help to adapt to the size of the connection section, in particular to the size of the coupling rod, wherein the coupling rod is defined by the thread diameter of a spring ring, which can be adapted to the corresponding diameter of the drive shaft. Storage. Providing an adapter between the connection section and the coupling section of the drive or driven shaft provides an accurate torque conversion without actuation in a simple manner. Furthermore, a connection adapter can be provided for the connecting rod and the corresponding connection section of the output shaft or drive shaft.

According to an embodiment of the valve system, the drive shaft and/or the driven shaft can form a corresponding connection with the connecting device (in particular the connecting rod, the connecting section or the stop fixed to the connecting section. one or two individual contact lines of a section of a moving part). In particular, the drive shaft or the output shaft can form A line of contact with the corresponding part of the connecting device (preferably the connecting rod or the threaded rod-shaped section of the connecting section). In a preferred embodiment, a single line of contact may form an upper contact with the drive shaft (preferably with the connection section), and a single line of contact may form with the driven shaft (preferably with the connection section). the lower side of the connecting rod). Furthermore, in particular the drive shaft or the driven shaft can form two radially opposite lines of contact with the part of the stop fixed to the connection section. Preferably, two contact lines may form an upper connection between the connecting device and the drive shaft.

According to an embodiment of the valve system, the torque is transmitted from the drive shaft to the driven shaft via the rigid stop. Preferably, the torque is transmitted from the drive shaft to the driven shaft only via the rigid stop. In particular, even if the torque is transmitted from the drive shaft to the driven shaft, the elastic element is not affected by the torque because the torque is transmitted via the rigid stop. In particular, the helical section of a helical spring is not affected by the torque. For example, the torque applied to the connecting rod or the connecting section is transmitted to the stop and transmitted to the other of the connecting section or the connecting rod via the stop, thereby eliminating the effect of the torque on the elastic element. In particular, when the elastic element is connected to the driving shaft and the driven shaft along the direction of the torque transmission to the rigid stopper, the elastic element will be stretched along the rotation axis. Alternatively, when the valve system is installed, the elastic element may not be affected by tension, especially by compression bias and/or extension bias.

The invention also relates to a method of assembling a connection device such as the one described above. The assembly method includes the following steps: (a) preparing a stopper including a slot and a groove; (b) preparing a coil spring including a connecting rod and a connecting section; (c) connecting the connection The rod fits into the slot of the stop; and (d) fitting the connecting section into the groove of the stop.

The present invention is different from the complicated and cumbersome assembly methods in previous inventions. The design of the above-mentioned connecting device can realize particularly simple and rapid connection of the connecting device. The advantage is that assembly according to the above method includes optionally performing step (c) before step (d), or performing step (d) before step (c). The assembly method can be carried out by first installing the connecting rod into the slot of the stopper, and then installing the connecting section into the groove of the stopper. Alternatively, the assembly method can also be carried out by first fitting the connecting section into the groove of the stopper and then the connecting rod into the slot of the stopper. This has the advantage that the connecting rod or the connecting section of the helical spring is first fitted into a slot or recess that may be fixed to the stop, so that the possibility of movement of the helical spring in response to the stop is limited. Therefore, it is easier for the coil spring and the stopper to operate in correspondence with each other, such as applying tension to the spring to stretch or compress the spring, thereby making it easier to assemble other components (ie, the connecting section or connecting rod). into individual receptors, grooves or slots, or the stop.

In one embodiment, the stopper rotates within the coil spring between steps (c) and (d). Obviously, the stopper rotates in the spiral after step (c) and before step (d), or after step (d) and before step (c). Preferably, the stop switches from a first axial alignment within the coil spring to a second axial alignment within the coil spring. When the rotating axis of the stopper is aligned with the symmetry axis of the coil spring, preferably when the two are coaxially aligned, the coil spring and the stopper will be axially aligned. By retaining the stopper in the coil spring and bringing the relatively solid, large and heavy stopper close to the rotating axis of the connecting device, the secondary axial moment of the entire cross-section of the connecting device can be reduced. At the same time, the coil spring is arranged outside the stopper and surrounds the stopper. The coil spring can be more flexible in axial extension and radial contraction. For example, taking a conical coil spring as an example, due to the coil spring The coils behind the spring can helically receive each other radially, so that the coil spring can be positioned in the corresponding connection device. The overall size of the device has a large range of elastic deformation in the axial direction. Including the stop within the coil spring completes the connection device with a lightweight and compact design.

According to a further development of an assembly method, the stopper can perform at least one translational movement along its axis, along the connecting section, or along the connecting rod before, during or after rotation. The assembly method adopts the situation that the slot receiving the connecting rod and/or the groove receiving the connecting section may be provided with an opening, and the opening extends longitudinally along the axial direction of the stopper. The connecting rod and the slot undergo a translational relative movement corresponding to each other in the axial direction of the stopper. Furthermore, during the assembly process, the connection section and the groove undergo a translational movement corresponding to each other along the axis of the stopper. When the stopper rotates in the coil spring, before the rotation starts, or after the rotation is completed, the relative movement along the axial direction of the stopper may occur completely or partially. The best case is that a translational rotational movement of the stopper occurs in relation to the helical spring, wherein the translational movement along the axis of the stopper and preferably around the connecting section or around the connecting rod is in the helical spring The rotation actions within will be executed simultaneously. Especially when rotating, preferably during the entire rotation process or during part of the rotation of the stopper in the coil spring, the coil spring will also extend. By moving the stopper along the axis of the stopper corresponding to the coil spring, a relatively large stopper can be installed into the spring ring and rotated in the spring ring, thus providing a The relatively rigid stopper structure transmits the torsional rigidity from the driven shaft to the driving shaft.

Furthermore, the present invention relates to a method for assembling a valve system as described above. In particular, the valve system assembly method comprises the above-mentioned method for assembling the connection device. Preferably, during the execution of the valve system assembly method, when the connection device is connected to the driver and the exhaust valve, the elastic element is axially compressed. Before the connection device is mounted on the driver or the exhaust valve, the connection device should be prepared. It is preferred to first connect the completed connection device to the driver and then to the exhaust valve, or vice versa. After the connection device is connected to one of the driver or the exhaust valve, the connection device is compressed before the connection device is connected to the other of the driver or the exhaust valve. In one embodiment, after the connection device is connected to the driver and the exhaust valve, the elastic element of the connection device is continuously subjected to compression bias. In another preferred embodiment, after the elastic element of the connection device is connected to the driver and the exhaust valve, the elastic element of the connection device can be decompressed, so that there is no compression bias, or the compression bias is basically maintained at less than 10%, preferably less than 1%.

1: Connecting device

2: Stopper

3:Driver

4: Elastic components

5: Waste gas valve

7: Valve system

20: Center section

20a: Bridge section

21,22:Open your mouth

22b,22c: seam parts

23a,23b,23c: bend

24,24 ' : Groove

25: Slot

27: Edge

28,29: Cylinder

31: Drive shaft

33: Connection section

41: Coil spring

42:Connection section

43: Coil spring

45: Connecting rod

47: Arc section

48: Rod section

51: driven shaft

53a: U-shaped bushing

53b: Cylindrical liner

64,65,66: void space

71,72: Contact line

81: Narrow section

82: Stair section

83: Wide section

A, A2~A5: axis of rotation

d1,d3: inner diameter

The attached claims will describe further embodiments, features and technical aspects. The attached drawings show details of preferred embodiments of the present invention, wherein the attached drawings include: FIG. 1 shows an example of a valve system according to the present invention, including an actuator, an exhaust valve and a connecting device; FIG. 2a-c shows various views of a first embodiment of the connecting device according to the present invention; FIG. 3a-3f shows a series of diagrams of assembling the connecting device according to FIG. 2a-2c; FIG. 4a shows a view of a second embodiment of the connecting device according to the present invention; FIG. 5a-5c shows a third embodiment of the connecting device according to the present invention; 6a-6b show a fourth embodiment of the connection device according to the present invention; Figures 7a-7f show a series of diagrams of assembling the connection device according to Figures 6a-6b; Figure 8a shows a connection device with an adapter; Figure 8b shows the adapter used in Figure 8a; Figure 8c shows another adapter; Figures 9a and 9b show a valve device with a connection device according to Figure 5a; and Figure 10 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a valve assembly with a connection device as shown in Figure 2a.

The following describes a preferred embodiment of a valve system or connection device according to the present invention. The same or similar reference numbers are used to designate the same or similar components.

A connection device according to the present invention is generally designated as reference number 1. The main components of the connection device 1 are a torsionally rigid stopper 2 and an elastic element 4. The valve system according to the present invention is generally designated as reference number 7. The main components of the valve system are an actuator 3, an exhaust valve 5 and a connection device 1.

In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 1 , the valve system 7 includes the connecting device 1 located between a driver 3 and a wastegate valve 5 , capable of transmitting rotational motion from the driver 3 to the wastegate valve 5 . The drive 3 has a drive shaft 31 . The wastegate 5 has a driven shaft 51 . The connecting device 1 connects the driving shaft 31 to the driven shaft 51 and can transmit force and/or movement from the driver 3 to the wastegate 5 .

The connection device 1 provides an axial clearance to allow thermal expansion of the wastegate valve or similar phenomena. The connecting device 1 can be particularly configured as a universal element to offset any radial offset between the rotation axis A3 of the drive shaft 31 and the rotation axis A5 of the driven shaft 51 . That is to say, if the axis A3 of the driver 3 cannot be coaxially aligned with the axis A5 of the wastegate 5, the connecting device 1 will offset the radial offset.

In addition, the connection device 1 can be configured to offset an angular offset between the rotation axis A3 of the actuator 3 and the rotation axis A5 of the exhaust valve 5. For example, if the rotation axis A5 of the valve is tilted or skewed relative to the axis A5 of the actuator 3, the connection device 1 can offset the displacement state and preferably connect the exhaust valve 5 to the actuator 3 in a non-rotational manner.

A non-rotating connection between two components, such as the driving shaft 31 and the driven shaft 51, will result in the two non-rotating connecting components being able to rotate relative to each other more appropriately without any rotational action. When one of the plurality of non-rotating meshing components rotates corresponding to a reference object, the other non-rotating meshing components will also perform a rotational movement under force corresponding to the reference object.

When the drive shaft 31 and the driven shaft 51 are non-rotatingly engaged with each other, any or all rotations of the drive shaft 31 will result in a corresponding rotational movement of the driven shaft 51, and vice versa. Professionals in this field should be aware that if the axis A3 of the driver is significantly tilted relative to the axis A5 of the valve 5, the universal connection characteristics between the two axes will determine the corresponding rotational movement of the axes. Since the non-rotating connection can avoid actuation, any noise caused by the loosening of the valve disc of the exhaust valve 5 can be prevented.

The cross-sectional view of FIG. 2a and two different three-dimensional views of FIG. 2b and FIG. 2c show a first embodiment of a connecting device 1. In the embodiment, the elastic element 4 of the connecting device 1 is made into a hollow cylindrical helical spring 41. The helical spring 41 has a first end point to form the connecting section 42. The second end point of the helical spring 41 forms the connecting rod 45.

The torsionally rigid stop 2 engages the elastic element 4 . The stopper 2 is composed of a hollow cylinder 28, and the hollow cylinder 28 has a stepped diameter. In this embodiment, the cylindrical stop located within a hollow cylinder 28 has a narrow section 81 and a wide section 83 . The cylinder 28 maintains a substantially constant wall thickness. The inner diameter d1 of the narrow section 81 is smaller than the inner diameter d3 of the wide section 83 . The cylinder 28 contains a conical step section 82 that connects the narrow section 81 to the wide section 83 . The wide section 83 has a narrower diameter along the rotation axis A of the stopper 2 than the The section 81 has a greater axial extension than the conical step section 82, and is preferably at least as large as the entire axial extension of the narrow section 81 and the conical step section 82 combined. Same size. The cylinder 28 may be provided with one or more hollow sections, for example, the wide sections 83 are formed within the cylindrical sections, and/or the narrow sections 81 are formed within the cylindrical sections (in the figure not shown).

The narrow section 81 includes a circular groove 24, which can completely surround the connecting section 42 along all sides and accommodate the connecting section 42 inside. The stopper 2 can optionally further include a U-shaped axial groove 24 ' . The groove 24 ' can be arranged to be completely opposite to the groove 24. The connecting section 42 of the elastic element 4 can be fixed to the stopper 2 by welding. The connecting section 42 is inserted into the groove 24 of the stopper 2, and the elastic element 4 is fixed to the stopper 2 and the position of the groove 24 accommodating the connecting section 42, thereby preventing the connecting section 42 of the elastic element 4 from moving relative to the stopper 2.

Once the connection section 42 of the elastic element 4 is fixed to the stopper 2, only the connection rod 45 can keep moving corresponding to the stopper 2.

As shown by arrow m, the connecting rod 45 of the elastic element 4 can move parallel to the axial direction A of the connecting device 1 defined by the stopper 2. However, in the circumferential direction relative to the rotation axis A of the connecting device 1, the connecting rod 45 cannot make a rotational movement corresponding to the stopper 2. The connecting rod 45 is received in a slot 25 of the stopper, so that the connecting rod 45 can only move relative to the stopper 2 in a direction parallel to the rotation axis A. If a torque is applied to the connecting rod, the connecting rod 45 will transmit the torque to multiple edges 27 of the slot 25. The edges 27 of the slot 25 are arranged opposite to each other in the circumferential direction corresponding to the rotation axis A, and are separated from each other by a distance equal to the width of the connecting rod 45. The edges 27 of the slot 25 can guide the connecting rod 45 so that the connecting rod 45 can move in the direction of the rotation axis A instead of moving along the circumference in the direction corresponding to the rotation axis A. The edges 27 of the slot 25 can be used as sliding bearings for the connecting rod 45.

Since the elastic element is fixed to the stopper 2 at its connection section 42, for example by welding, gluing, casting, etc., and the connecting rod 45 is actually received in the slot 25 and does not move, the elastic element 4 can be connected to the rigid stopper 2 in a non-rotating manner. Therefore, any torque acting on the connecting rod 45 or the connection section 42 from external influences can be transferred to the torsionally rigid stopper. For example, when the connecting rod 45 is subjected to the torque, the connecting rod 45 will transfer the torque to the body of the stopper 2 via the edge 27 of the slot 25. The stopper is designed to be torsionally rigid, so that the stopper 2 will not be torsionally deformed at least under normal operation. It is preferred that the stopper 2 is designed to have sufficient torsional rigidity so that the torsional deformation of the stopper 2 caused by the maximum torque provided by the driver 3 to the connection device 1 via the drive shaft 31 is less than 0.1% or less than 0.01%. The torque experienced by the stopper 2 from the connecting rod 45 can be transferred to the connection section 42 via the body 28 of the stopper.

The slots 25 are arranged in the wide section 83 of the stop 2 . The axial extension of the slot 25 in the cylinder 28 of the stopper 2 is greater than the axial width of the connecting rod 45 , preferably greater than its diameter, and in particular should be equal to at least the axial width of the connecting rod 45 . 1.5 times or at least 2 times. The axial extension of the slot 25 in the cylinder 28 of the stopper 2 is less than 10 times the axial width, preferably less than 5 times the axial width, and more preferably less than the axial width. 3 times, and preferably the diameter of the connecting rod 45. The axial extension of the slot 25 in the bottom of the stopper 2 is less than half of the axial extension of the stopper 2 . When the connecting device 1 is in an assembled state, preferably when the valve system 7 is in an assembled state, the connecting rod 45 will be completely stored inside the slot 25 and oriented in the direction of the rotation axis A. It should be understood that the words "direction of the rotation axis" and "axial direction" are synonymous in the present invention.

Figures 3a to 3f show the sequence of connecting the elastic element 4 to the stopper 2, thereby assembling the connection device 1. Figure 3a shows the individual parts of the connection device, the torsionally rigid stop 2 and the elastic element 4, adjacent to each other before assembly.

The elastic element 4 in the embodiment is made into a cylindrical helical spring 41, and the helical spring 41 has two end segments, which correspond to the helical spring body of the helical spring 41, so that the end points correspond to the rotation axis A4 of the helical spring 41 and extend roughly in the radial direction. The first end of the helical spring 41 forms the connecting section 42 and extends inward from the helical spring rod in a straight line shape similar to a rod. The second end forms the connecting rod 45, and the multiple sections of the second end extend radially inward in a manner similar to the straight line rod-shaped section 48. The second end also has an arc section 47, which forms an arc portion between the rod-shaped sections 48.

The linear rod-shaped section 48 of the connecting rod 45 and the linear rod-shaped portion forming the connecting section 42 are arranged corresponding to each other at a preferred right angle. The linear connecting section extends toward a first radial direction corresponding to the rotating axis A, and the linear rod-shaped sections 48 of the connecting rod 45 extend toward a second radial direction corresponding to the rotating axis A. This arrangement of the connecting rods 45 relative to the connecting section 42 can help the connecting device 1 act like a universal joint.

Figure 3b shows that the stopper 2 is disposed above the connecting rod 45 of the elastic element 4, in which the linear sections 48 of the connecting rod 45 are received into a plurality of narrow openings in the wall of the cylinder 28 of the stopper 2. in the groove 25 and are completely opposite to each other corresponding to the stopper rotation axis A2. As shown in Figure 3b, when the stopper 2 is disposed on the top of the elastic element 4, the rotation axis or symmetry axis A4 of the elastic element 4 and the rotation axis A2 of the stopper 2 will be coaxially aligned. When the connecting device 1 is assembled, the connecting section 42 has not yet been received into the grooves 24, 24 ' .

Figure 3c shows how the stopper 2 rotates around the connecting rod 45 inside the coil spring 41. The helical spring 41 has a fixed outer diameter of approximately 36 mm. It has been explained previously that the hollow cylinder 28 of the stopper 2 has a stepped diameter that expands from a narrow section 81 , a tapered section 82 and a wide section 83 . When the stopper 2 rotates around the connecting rod 45 in the coil spring 41, The arcuate section 47 protects the stopper from sliding out of the connecting rod 45 in the radial direction. The arcuate section 47 actually extends 180° around the rotation axis A. The threads of the coil spring form the arc section 47 and the rod sections 48, and the arc section 47 and the rod sections 48 have the same thickness as the remaining coil springs 41, and the thickness is approximately 1.5mm. The outer diameter of this arcuate section is approximately 17mm.

FIG. 3d shows that the stopper 2 rotates around the connecting rod 45. Taking the narrow section 81 as an example, the narrow section 81 of the stopper body 28 initially faces the opposite direction of the connecting section 42, but now faces the connecting section 42. As shown in FIG. 3b, the stopper 2 is mainly positioned outside the coil spring 41 at this stage, and as shown in FIG. 3d, the stopper 2 is mainly placed inside the coil spring 41 at this stage. If the connecting section 42 is not inserted into the corresponding groove 24, the spring 41 will extend along the direction of the rotation axis A.

Figure 3e shows that the elastic element 4 and the stopper 2 are actually in the same state as shown in Figure 3d. The connecting section 42 is not fully inserted into the corresponding groove 42, so the axis A2 of the stopper corresponding to the spring axis A4 is slightly inclined. In order to insert the connecting section 42 into the groove 24, the connecting section can be biased towards the outside of the helical spring 41, so that the end of the helical spring 41 forming the connecting section 42 can then slide radially into the recess. in slot 24. The connection section 42 can then be tightly connected and thereby fixed to the stopper 2 .

Figure 3f shows the final assembled state of the connecting device 1, when the connecting section 42 is received into the grooves 24, 24 ' of the stopper 2, and the connecting rod 45 is placed in the slots 25 within. In this state, the rotation axis A2 of the stopper and the rotation axis A4 of the spring are coaxially aligned to form the rotation axis A of the connecting device 1 .

The cross-sectional view of FIG. 4a and the two different three-dimensional views of FIG. 4b and FIG. 4c show another embodiment of the connection device 1. According to FIG. 4a, the connection device 1 can be assembled in the same manner as previously described in FIG. 2a to 3f. Alternatively, in order to assemble the elastic element 4 and the stopper 2 of the connection device 1 with each other according to FIG. 4a, the connection section can first be placed in a groove 24, then the stopper 2 can be rotated in the helical spring 43, and then the connection section 42 can be inserted into the individual slots 25. The following FIGS. 6a to 7e will illustrate this assembly method of the connection device.

In the embodiment shown in Figure 4a, the shapes of the stopper and the elastic element 4 are slightly different from the shapes mentioned in the previous embodiments. However, according to Figure 4a and its structure, the function of the connecting device 1 is equivalent to functionality of the previously described embodiment. The cylinder 29 is composed of a void space 64. In addition to passing through the grooves 24 and the slots 25, the void space 64 also passes through the cylinder along the axis direction A. Body 29. The interstitial space 64 separates the cylinder sections of the cylinder 29 along the circumferential direction and acts as a thermal insulation barrier to achieve thermal insulation between the connection section 42 and the connecting rod 45 , wherein the connection The section 42 can be connected to a thermal valve and the connecting rod 45 can be connected to a drive device.

The stopper 2 is composed of a hollow cylinder, and the hollow cylinder has a fixed inner and outer diameter. The width of the walls of the hollow cylinder 29 is approximately equal to the width of the threads forming the coil spring 43 . The wall width of the hollow cylinder 29 may range from 0.5 times to 2.5 times the thread width of the coil spring 43 .

According to the embodiment, the elastic element 4 of a connection device 1 as shown in FIG. 4 a forms a conical helical spring 43, which is inclined from a wide end and terminates in the connection section 42 at the wide end, while the helical spring 43 is inclined towards a narrow end and terminates in the connection rod 45 at the narrow end. The outer diameter of the wide end of the conical helical spring 43 is about 35.5 mm. The inner diameter of the narrow end of the conical helical spring 43 is about 16.5 mm. The thread width or diameter forming the helical spring 43 is about 1.5 mm. According to the embodiment, the connecting rod 45 and the connecting section 42 of the elastic element 4 as shown in FIG. 4a are composed of a plurality of linear rod-shaped sections 48. The rod-shaped sections 48 are formed on the connecting section 42 on one hand and on the connecting rod 45 on the other hand. The rod-shaped sections 48 extend perpendicularly to each other, so that the connecting device 1 can act as a universal element.

Figure 5a shows a third embodiment of the connection device 1. The elastic element 4 of the connecting device 1 shown in Figure 5a is actually identical to the elastic element previously described in the embodiment shown in Figures 2a to 3f.

The stopper 2 is formed as a curved sheet metal body, which includes a plurality of bends 23a bent along the rotation axis A. The sheet metal part shown in Figures 5a to 5c has a first central section 20 extending in a radial plane corresponding to the rotation axis A, and the sheet metal part has two bend sections 23a protruding from the central section 20 along the direction of the rotation axis A.

The connection device 1 shown in Figure 5a has a stopper consisting of a sheet metal part. The central section 20 is fixed to the connection section 42 of the elastic element 4 . For example, the central section 20 can be tightly connected to the connection section 42 of the elastic element 4 by welding, gluing, etc. In the exemplary embodiment shown in Figure 5a, the elastic element forms a helical spring 41 with a fixed diameter. The elastic element 4 and the connecting section 42 and the connecting rod 45 of the two are composed of a thread with a fixed diameter. The elastic element 4 of the embodiment shown in Figure 5a is actually equivalent to the elastic element shown in the embodiment of Figures 2a to 3f.

The central section 20 of the sheet metal stopper 2 has a bridge section 20a and a plurality of openings 21 surrounding two opposite sides. The bridge section 20 a of the central section 20 traverses the rotation axis A and has a width corresponding to the width of the connecting section 42 . The openings 21 on both sides of the bridging section 20a enable the connecting section of the driving shaft to connect the bridging section 20a and the connecting section 42 of the elastic element through the openings 21, so that the driving shaft and the connecting section 42 of the elastic element can be transmitted. The torque between the connecting device 1 does not cause torsional stress between the connecting section 42 of the elastic element and the corresponding section of the stopper 2 , wherein the connection section 42 is fixed to the stopper 2 corresponding section. As shown in Figure 5c, the linear rod-shaped end points of the coil spring 41 forming the connecting section 42 are aligned in parallel with the bridging section 20a extending radially corresponding to the rotation axis A.

The thickness of the sheet metal part is similar to the width of the thread of the coil spring 41. The width of the bent sections 23a of the sheet metal stopper 2 is at most 10 times the width of the connecting rod 45. Preferably, the width of the bent sections 23a of the sheet metal stopper 2 is at most 5 times the width of the connecting rod 45. In the circumferential direction around the rotation axis A, a plurality of gap spaces 65 are provided between the relative bends 23a.

FIG6a shows a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a connection device 1. The connection device 1 of FIG6a is presented in FIG6b from different viewing angles, and the assembly steps of the connection device 1 of FIG6a are shown in FIGS. 7b to 7e.

Figure 6a shows that the groove 24 of the stopper 2 is bent at an angle by the sheet metal body and surrounded by the sheet metal body, so that the connecting section 42 will touch two oppositely arranged limit stops in the direction of the rotation axis. block. The upper and/or lower stop can facilitate assembly and in particular avoid torque when fixing the connecting section 42 to the stop 2 .

The elastic element 4 in the connection device 1 shown in Figure 6a can be formed as a conical coil spring 43. The coil spring 43 shown in FIG. 6 a gradually contracts from the end forming the connecting section 42 until a rod-shaped linear end 48 of the connecting rod 45 is formed. Regarding the elastic element 4, please refer to the description of the embodiment shown in Figure 4a.

The stopper 2 of the embodiment shown in FIG. 6a may be formed as a sheet metal part having two bends 23b bent in a first ascending direction and provided with a plurality of slots 25 for receiving the connecting rod. The sheet metal part forming the stopper 2 further comprises two seams 22b bent in a second descending direction (relative to the first direction), wherein the sheet metal part is provided with a plurality of grooves 24 for receiving the connecting section 42 of the elastic element. A person skilled in the art can imagine that the sheet metal part formed in the stopper 2 may be generally formed into a cross shape before bending, wherein two diametrically opposed arms of the cross-shaped sheet metal part can be bent in the first direction and the remaining two diametrically opposed arms can be bent in a second direction. The stopper 2 has a central section 20, the bends 23b can extend upward from the central section 20, and the seams 22b can extend downward from the central section 20.

The stopper is shown adjacent to the conical coil spring 43 in FIG. 7a. Moreover, the diametrically opposed bends 23b are preferably symmetrically aligned with each other, or in a preferred case, the diametrically opposed seams 22b of the stopper 2 are symmetrically aligned with each other. Symmetrically aligning the bends 23b and/or seams 22b of the stopper 2 can help reduce imbalance.

Each of the bends 23b is provided with a slot 25, which can be used to receive the connecting rod 45. As shown in Figure 6a, the slots 25 are U-shaped and opened in the direction of the rotation axis A, so that the connecting rod 45 can be easily inserted into the stopper. The bends 23 b can form a plurality of edges 27 , and the edges 27 are spaced apart from each other by a width equivalent to the connecting rod 45 . The edges 27 of the slot can be used as guide rails for the connecting rod 45 in a simple translational movement corresponding to the sheet metal body of the stopper 2 . Therefore, if a torque is applied to the connecting rod 45 from a corresponding meshing section of the drive shaft 31 or the driven shaft 51 , the torque can be directly transmitted without the need for an operation from the connecting rod 45 to the stopper 2 Any action.

Figure 7a shows the stopper 2 adjacent to the elastic element 4 before assembly. According to FIG. 7 b , during the first assembly step, the rod-shaped connecting section 42 of the coil spring 43 can be inserted into the grooves 24 of the joint members 22 b. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 6a to 7e , the groove 24 for receiving the connecting section 42 can provide a gap for the connecting section 42 so that it can move in the direction of the rotation axis A during assembly. The groove 24 can also be sized to accommodate movements corresponding to the circumferential direction of the rotation axis of the stopper 2 during assembly. In the direction of the axis A of the stopper 2, the moving area of the connecting section 42 is several times its width, preferably its diameter, that is, two or three times its width. When the assembly is in the two modes shown in Figure 7b and 7c When between states, the connecting section 42 will move in the groove 24 along the rotation direction of the stopper 2, whereby the joint members 22b can be slid into the space surrounded by the spring 43. .

FIG. 7 d shows that the stopper 2 rotates around the connecting section 42 within the coil spring 43 . Figure 7e shows that the stopper 2 is rotated by approximately 100° relative to the connection section 42 from the position shown in Figure 7c. Between the states shown in Figures 7c and 7e, the connecting section 42 will stay in the grooves 24 in the seaming parts 22b. When the bends 23b initially start from the position of the coil spring 43 toward the outside and away from the connecting rod as shown in Figures 7b and 7c, Figure 7e shows that the bends 23b will be directed to the connecting rod 45. As shown in Figure 3b, there is a connecting rod 45 stored in the slots 25.

The stopper 2 will move in the direction of its rotation axis A2 and reach the final assembly position as shown in Figure 7f. The stopper 2 moves against the connecting section 42 , so that the stopper 2 slides into the interior of the coil spring 43 . As shown in Figure 6b, when the connecting rod 45 is received into the slots 25, the connecting section 42 can then be stably connected to the stopper 2, for example, the connecting section 42 is welded to the joints. The seam parts 22b, or the seam parts 22b are subjected to secondary injection molding or other methods, complete the non-rotational fixation of the connection section 42 with respect to the stopper 2.

The stopper 2 shown in FIGS. 6a to 7f can be easily obtained from FIG. 6a by using some material to retain the larger interspaces 65, 66 in the circumferential direction between the bends 23b and between the seams 22b. The circumferential extension of the interspaces 65, 66 between the circumferentially adjacent bends 23b or between the circumferentially adjacent seams 22b can be at least longer or larger than the individual adjacent bends 23b or seams. Preferably, at least 50%, at least 60% or at least 75% of the circumferential extension of the stopper 2 can be achieved in a plane perpendicular to the rotation axis A by using one or more interspaces 65, 66 between the adjacent bends 23b or seams 22b. By connecting the stopper 2 and the spring 43, an extremely light connection device 1 can be formed. The connection device 1 can be easily and accurately moved by a driver 3, and its function is to achieve efficient heat insulation between a driving shaft 31 and a driven shaft 51.

Figure 8a shows another embodiment of a connection device. The connecting device 1 includes a cylindrical coil spring 41, which is connected to a sheet metal stopper 2. The sheet metal stopper 2 includes a plurality of bends 23c, and the bends 23c are parallel to the connection. The sheet metal stopper 2 extends along a first direction of the rotating axis A of the device 1. The sheet metal stopper 2 also includes a plurality of joint members 22c, and the joint members 22c extend along a second opposite direction. The stopper shown in Figure 8a is different from the stopper previously described corresponding to Figures 6a to 7f, in that the seam members 22c are shorter, and the formation of the grooves 24 provided here is similar to that shown in Figure 2a. The groove of this embodiment is shown.

In particular, FIG. 8a shows a U-shaped bushing 53a, which surrounds the connection section 42 and acts as an adapter between the connection device 1 and a driven shaft or drive shaft connection section (not further shown in the figure). FIG. 8b shows an exemplary embodiment of a U-shaped bushing, and FIG. 8c shows a cylindrical bushing 53b.

Figures 9a and 9b show the valve system 7 showing the engagement section 33 engaging two radially opposite contact lines 72 of the connection device 1. Figure 9a shows a side view of the valve system 7, while Figure 9b shows a cross-section along line J-J of Figure 9a. The driven shaft 51 is schematically shown in the figure. The engagement section 33 of the drive shaft 31 extends into the connecting device 1 through the plurality of openings 22 of the stopper 2 . The engaging section 33 securely clamps edges of a bridge section 20 a of the stopper 2 . The engaging section 33 does not directly contact the connecting section 42 or any part of the elastic element 4 . However, the engaging section 33 engages with the stopper 2 at the portion where the stopper 2 engages with the connection section 42 .

The force and/or torque transmission between the connection device 1 and the driver 3 of the embodiments shown in Figures 9a, 9b and 10 is substantially equal to each other. Although in another embodiment, the connection section 42 of the elastic element or the corresponding part of the stopper 2 is preferably connected to the drive shaft 31, the connection section or the corresponding section of the stopper 2 can also be connected to the driven shaft 51.

FIG. 10 shows a valve system 7 having an electric motor 3 with a drive shaft 31, and the drive shaft 31 has a coupling section 33. The driven shaft 51 is schematically shown in the figure. The end of the connection section 42 of the elastic element 4 is located at the coupling section 33. There is a single contact line 71 between the connection section 42 and the drive shaft 31. The connection device 1 shown in FIG. 10 is equivalent to the connection device 1 described in FIG. 2a. Alternatively, another connection device as described in FIG. 4a, 6a or 8a can be provided. The coupling section 33 stably fixes the connection section 42 of the connection device 1. When the drive shaft 31 is driven by the driver 3 to rotate, the drive shaft 31 will apply force to the connection section 42, and the entire connection device 1 will thereby perform a corresponding rotational action. The joint section 33 engages the connection device 1 in a manner that avoids generating torque.

FIG. 10 shows the situation in which the connecting section 33 clamps the connecting section connecting rod section 48 . Corresponding to the rotation direction of the rotating shaft A, the two can be connected very closely. Alternatively, the connection device 1 can be clamped to the engagement section 33 by applying a radial clamping force. Furthermore, applying an axial bias 4 to the elastic element 4 between the drive shaft 31 and the driven shaft 50 can help to clamp the connection device 1 in place.

The characteristics disclosed in the above description, drawings and patent claims are very important for understanding the individual different embodiments of the present invention and any combination of the embodiments.

1: Connecting device

2: Stopper

3: drive

4: Elastic element

5: Waste gas valve

7: Valve system

31: Drive shaft

51: driven shaft

A, A3, A5: Rotation axis

Claims (20)

A connection device (1) for connecting the drive shaft (31) of a driver (3) to the output shaft (51) of a wastegate valve (5), the connection device (1) defining a rotational axis (A) and Comprising: a torsionally rigid stop (2) having an axially extending slot (25), a connecting rod (45), the connecting rod (45) Received in the slot (25) and capable of translational movement relative to the stopper (2) in the direction of the rotation axis (A), an elastic element (4) is located on the rotation axis (A). direction deviates from the connecting rod (45) and has a connecting section (42) fixed on the stopper (2); wherein the stopper (2) and the connecting rod (45) can be connected without rotating ; wherein the opposite edges of the slot (25) are spaced apart from each other by a certain distance, the distance substantially corresponds to the outer diameter of the connecting rod (45), and the connecting rod (45) will not occur in the corresponding slot (25) Rotation action. The connecting device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the slot (25) has a plurality of edges (27) corresponding to each other, and the edges (27) are located relative to the rotation axis (A) of the connecting device (1). In the circumferential direction, the slot (25) extends in a direction parallel to the rotation axis (A) of the connecting device (1), so as to guide the connecting rod (45) in translation and transmit torque from the connecting rod (45) to the connecting rod (45). Stop (2). A connecting device as described in claim 1, wherein the elastic element (4) comprises a coil spring (41, 43), including a conical coil spring (43), preferably, the conical coil spring (43) has a narrow end fixed to the connecting rod (45) and/or a wide end fixed to the connecting section (42). The connecting device according to claim 1, wherein the elastic element (4) and the connecting rod (45) are integrally formed and can form a thread with a fixed diameter. A connecting device as described in claim 1, wherein the stopper (2) has a central section (20) and two bends (23a, 23b, 23c), wherein the bends (23a, 23b, 23c) are bent in a first direction relative to the central section (20), wherein the bends (23a, 23b, 23c) can form the narrow groove (25) to clamp the connecting rod (45). The connecting device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the stopper (2) has a central section (20) and two seam members (22b, 22c), and the seam members (22b, 22c) face toward each other. Curved in the second direction of the central section (20), the seam pieces (22b, 22c) can form at least one groove (24, 24') to clamp the connecting section (42). A connection device as described in claim 5, wherein the stopper (2) has a central section (20) between the bends (23a, 23c), wherein the central section (20) is connected to the connection section (42). The connection device of claim 8, wherein the stopper (2) includes a sheet metal part having the central section (20) and optionally the two bends (23a, 23b, 23c) and /or the two seaming pieces (22b, 22c). A connection device as described in claim 1, wherein the stopper (2) comprises a hollow cylinder (28, 29), comprising a cylinder (29) having a fixed diameter or a cylinder (28) having a stepped diameter, and the stopper (2) comprises at least one narrow region with a groove (24) and a wide region with the groove (25). A connection device as described in claim 1, wherein the stopper (2) includes at least one gap space (64, 65, 66) or a plurality of gap spaces (64, 65, 66), and the gap spaces (64, 65, 66) extend along the direction of the rotation axis (A). A valve system (7) includes a driver (3) with a drive shaft (31), an exhaust valve (5) with a driven shaft (51), and a connecting device (1). The valve system (7) can connect the driven shaft (51) to the drive shaft (31) by utilizing axial clearance without rotation according to the connecting device described in claim 1. The valve system of claim 11, wherein the connection section (42) or the section of the stopper (2) fixed to the connection section (42) is connected to the drive shaft (31). A valve system as described in claim 11 or 12, further comprising an adapter to fit the drive shaft (31) or the driven shaft (51), wherein the adapter surrounds the connecting section (42). A valve system as claimed in claim 11, wherein the drive shaft (31) and/or the driven shaft (51) forms one or two individual contact lines (71, 72) with a corresponding connection portion of the connecting device, the connection portion being the connecting rod (45), the connecting section (42) or a section of the stopper (2) fixed to the connecting section (42). The valve system as claimed in claim 11, wherein the preferred one only transmits torque from the driving shaft (31) to the driven shaft (51) via the stopper (2), so the elastic element (4) It will not be affected by torque, wherein the elastic element (4) is stretched or not stretched in the direction of the rotation axis (A). A valve system as claimed in claim 11, wherein the connecting device (1) connects the driven shaft (51) to the driving shaft (31) using axial clearance instead of rotational clearance. A method of assembling a connecting device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, the method comprising the following steps: a) preparing a stopper including a slot (25) and a groove (24, 24') moving part (2); b) prepare a coil spring (41, 43) including a connecting rod (45) and a connecting section (42); c) install the connecting rod (45) into the stopper the slot (25) of (2); and d) fitting the connection section (42) into the groove (24, 24') of the stopper (2). An assembly method as described in claim 17, wherein the stopper (2) is capable of rotating within the coil spring (41, 43) between step c) and step d). The assembly method as claimed in claim 18, wherein the stopper (2) can move along its rotation axis (A), along the connection section (42) or along the connection before, during and/or after rotation. The rod (45) makes at least one translational movement. A method for assembling a valve system according to any one of claims 11 to 16, wherein when an elastic element (4) connects the connecting device (1) to the actuator (3) and the exhaust valve (5), the elastic element (4) is compressively biased in the direction of the rotating shaft (A).