Coupling element for connecting actuator to valve
AssigneeSiemens Aktiengesellschaft
InventorJan Nilheim
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A coupling element has a first interface, which is adapted to mechanically connect the coupling element to an actuator, a second interface, which is adapted to mechanically connect the coupling element to a valve, and a deformable portion, which is shaped in such a manner, that, as a result of a compression along an axial direction of the coupling element, the deformable portion irreversibly bends such that a projection is formed. Thereby, the projection is adapted to permanently engage with an annular groove formed at the actuator, such that the coupling element and the actuator are connected with each other in a non-detachable but rotatable manner.
Claims14
A coupling element for connecting an electrical actuator to a valve for controlling the operation of a radiator, the coupling element comprising:
- a first interface adapted to mechanically connect the coupling element to the electrical actuator;
- a second interface adapted to mechanically connect the coupling element to the valve;
- and
- a deformable portion, shaped in such a manner, that, as a result of a compression along an axial direction of the coupling element, the deformable portion irreversibly bends such that a projection is formed, upraised from a side wall of the coupling element and adapted to permanently engage with an annular groove formed at the electrical actuator such that the coupling element and the electrical actuator are connected with each other in a non-detachable but rotatable manner.
An actuator system for controlling a valve controlling operation of a radiator, the actuator system comprising:
- an actuator having an annular groove;
- and
- a coupling element, including
- a first interface adapted to mechanically connect the coupling element to the actuator;
- a second interface adapted to mechanically connect the coupling element to the valve;
- and
- a deformable portion, shaped in such a manner, that, as a result of a compression along an axial direction of the coupling element, the deformable portion irreversibly bends such that a projection is formed, upraised from a side wall of the coupling element and adapted to permanently engage with the annular groove of the actuator such that the coupling element and the actuator are connected with each other in a non-detachable but rotatable manner.
A valve system for controlling operation of a radiator comprising:
- an actuator;
- a valve;
- and
- a coupling element connecting the actuator and the valve, including
- a first interface adapted to mechanically connect the coupling element to the actuator;
- a second interface adapted to mechanically connect the coupling element to the valve;
- and
- a deformable portion, shaped in such a manner, that, as a result of a compression along an axial direction of the coupling element, the deformable portion irreversibly bends such that a projection is formed, upraised from a side wall of the coupling element and adapted to permanently engage with the annular groove of the actuator such that the coupling element and the actuator are connected with each other in a non-detachable but rotatable manner.
A method for connecting a coupling element to an electrical actuator, comprising:
- bringing together the coupling element and the electrical actuator;
- compressing the coupling element along an axial direction of the coupling element;
- and
- bending a deformable portion of the coupling element in an irreversible manner such that a projection upraised from a side wall of the coupling element is formed that permanently engages with an annular groove formed at the actuator, so that the coupling element and the actuator are connected with each other in a non-detachable but rotatable manner.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.