Valve having an integrated actuator assembly

#The present invention relates to valve actuators and, more particularly, to a valve actuator that integrates at least a motor, a position sensor, and an output shaft into a single actuator housing.

#Valves are used in myriad systems to control the flow of fluid to and from one or more systems or components. In many systems, these valves are operated using some sort of remotely controlled valve actuator assembly. Such actuator assemblies include a torque source that is used to move the valve between its open and closed positions. The torque source may be, for example, a hydraulic actuator, a pneumatic actuator, or an electrical actuator, such as solenoids, and motors.

#Many valve actuator assemblies are an agglomeration of several components and/or subassemblies that are interconnected and incorporated into the final valve assembly. Although these valve actuator assemblies are safe and reliable, each presents certain drawbacks. For example, a valve actuator assembly constructed of numerous individual components and/or subassemblies may increase overall weight, size, and cost of the valve to which the actuator assembly is coupled. In addition, the relatively large number of parts may, among other things, adversely impact the overall reliability and performance of the valve actuator assembly.

#FIG. 1 is a perspective exploded view of a valve assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

#FIGS. 2 and 3 are cross section views of the assembled valve assembly shown in FIG. 1;

#FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of an valve actuator assembly according to an exemplary embodiment that may be used in the valve assembly of FIGS. 1-3; and

#Before proceeding with the detailed description, it is to be appreciated that the described embodiment is not limited to use in conjunction with a specific type of valve assembly. Thus, although the present embodiment is, for convenience of explanation, depicted and described as being implemented in a plug valve assembly, it will be appreciated that it can be implemented in various other types of valve assemblies.

#An exemplary embodiment of a valve assembly 100 is illustrated in perspective view in FIG. 1, and in two different cross section views in FIGS. 2 and 3, and is shown to include a valve body 102, a valve element 104, and an actuator assembly 106. The valve body 102 includes a fluid inlet 108, and a fluid outlet 110. The valve element 104 is mounted within the valve body 102 between the fluid inlet 108 and fluid outlet 110. In the depicted embodiment, the valve element 104 is a plug valve that is substantially cylindrical in cross section, and includes a lower shaft 112, an upper shaft 114, an engagement structure 116, and a flow passage 118 that extends through the valve element 104. The upper shaft 114 is used to interface the valve element 104 to the actuator assembly 106. As such, it is also referred to herein as the interface shaft 114. Moreover, as was alluded to above, it will be appreciated that a plug valve is merely exemplary of one of the numerous types of valve elements that could be used.

#No matter the particular type of valve element 104 used, it is seen that the valve element 104 is rotationally mounted within the valve body 102, and is moveable between a closed position and an open position. In the depicted embodiment, as shown most clearly in FIGS. 2 and 3, when the valve element 104 is in the closed position, the flow passage 118 is not in fluid communication with the valve body fluid inlet 108 and outlet 110. Thus, fluid flow through the valve assembly 100 is inhibited. Conversely, when the valve element 104 is moved to the open position, the flow passage 118 is in fluid communication with the valve body fluid inlet 108 and the valve body fluid outlet 10. Thus, fluid may flow through the valve assembly 100.