Compact force multiplying pneumatic actuator
AssigneeParker-Hannifin Corporation
InventorClay Nesbitt
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A compact force multiplying actuator 10 and its associated valve 20 are disclosed. The actuator 10 and valve 20 include piston heads 31 and 32 and force multiplying load beams 52 and 53. Belleville springs 81 and 82 are disposed axially between the piston heads 31, 32 and the load beams 52, 53. The Belleville springs 81 and 82 act through an output member 71 to retain a valve member 88 in a closed position. When pneumatic pressure is applied against the piston heads 31 and 32, movement of the piston heads 31 and 32 is transferred through a force transfer member 45 and through the force multiplying load beams 52 and 53 to move the output member 71 against the bias of the Belleville springs 81 and 82 to allow the valve member 88 to open.
Claims23
An actuator comprising:
- an input member moveable axially between a normal position and an actuated position;
- a load beam having a first end and a second end, said load beam being pivotally mounted at a pivot location between said first end and said second end for pivotal movement between a normal position and an actuated position;
- an output member disposed axially between said input member and said load beam, said output member being moveable axially between a normal position and an actuated position;
- a biasing member having a normal position and an actuated position;
- said biasing member operably engaging said output member and biasing said output member to its said normal position when said biasing member is in its said normal position;
- and
- said load beam being operably engaged by said input member substantially at said first end and said input member holding said load beam in its said actuated position when said input member is in its said actuated position.
A fluid pressure operated actuator comprising:
- an axially extending generally cylindrical housing;
- an output member movable relative to said housing between a first position and a second position;
- a biasing member biasing said output member to said first position;
- a piston head movable relative to said housing from a first position to a second position in response to fluid pressure;
- a load beam assembly transferring at least a portion of said movement of said piston head to said output member to move said output member from its said first position to its said second position;
- said load beam assembly including a load beam pivotally mounted in said housing, said load beam having a first arm and a second arm, said first arm being substantially longer than said second arm, said load beam having a longitudinal axis substantially perpendicular to the axis of said housing.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.