Angular position indicator for remotely displaying the positions of valve elements, actuators and the like

Abstract: The indicator comprises a body (2) which can be coupled to the element the angular position thereof must be indicated or displayed, to the body being associated a display unit (10) which is connected to the element being controlled by a device (24) adapted to transform an angular movement into a rectilinear movement.

Description: BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to an angular position indicator or display device, for remotely displaying the angular positions of element provided for assuming different angular positions and, in particular, valve elements, actuators and the like. As is known, in several applications there occurs the need of displaying the angular positions of elements which can be turned through angles of 360° or fractions thereof. For example, in the case of ball or throttle valves, the displacement from an opening position to a closing position is usually performed through a rotation of 90°, and it is frequently necessary to clearly see from the outside the position assumed by the valve element. At present for meeting the above mentioned requirements there are used very simple approaches, such as small arrows or indicating marks, which are applied, either directly or indirectly, to a projecting portion of a pin coupled to a rotary portion of the valve element, so that the arrow can indicate the assumed angular position. Such an arrangement, which is actually very economic and simple, has however the drawback that the indication provided thereby can be seen only if it is observed perpendicularly to the axis of the reference arrow, whereas it is scarcely visible if the valve element is seen from a side. For overcoming the above mentioned problem, there have been made indicating devices having a comparatively high vertical extension and practically comprising colored cylinders, including colored portions which turn rigid with the rotary axis of the valve or of the actuator therefor, within a clear casing, which bears correspondingly opaque portions allowing to selectively see the colored portion of the cylinder depending on the mutual positions thereof, so as to improve the lateral visibility characteristics. On the other hand, such an embodiment allows only a partial vision, since the visible surface practically corresponds to a half of the side surface. Another prior approach provides to divide the side surface of the cylindric body into a plurality of vertical rectangles bearing different colors on two faces thereof, said rectangles being caused to rotate by gear means adapted to rotate said rectangles through 180° for each rotation through 90° of the valve. Thus, with the valve in an open condition, it is possible to see one face whereas, with the valve in a closed condition, it is possible to see the other face. This arrangement, in addition to being very complex because of the gear means which must be used, has the further disadvantage that it does not allow to satisfactorily see the intermediate positions assumed by the valve element, since in these positions the rectangles are practically arranged on an edge thereof, thereby the angular position of the valve element can not be easily distinguished. The document EP-A-0 584 975 discloses an angular position indicator having substantially the features of the preamble of Claim 1. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, the aim of the present invention is to overcome the above mentioned drawbacks, by providing an angular position indicator, for remotely displaying the angular positions of elements provided for assuming different angular positions, and, in particular, valve elements, actuators and the like, which allows to easily detect, both frontally and laterally, the angle assumed by the mentioned rotary elements, both at end of stroke positions thereof, that is opening and closure positions, and at intermediate positions thereof. Within the scope of the above mentioned aim, a main object of the present invention is to provide such an angular position indicator, which allows to obtain a linear type of indication, adapted to satisfactorily display also intermediate positions. Another object of the present invention is to provide such an angular position indicator which is very reliable and safe in operation. Yet another object of the present invention is to provide such an angular position indicator which can be easily made starting from easily available elements and materials, and which, moreover, is very competitive from a mere economic standpoint. According to one aspect of the present invention, the above mentioned aim and objects, as well as yet other objects, which will become more apparent hereinafter, are achieved by an angular position indicator for remotely displaying the angular positions of elements provided for assuming different angular positions, and in particular valve elements, actuators and the like, having substantially the features of the characterizing portion of claim 1. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING Further characteristics and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed disclosure of a preferred, though not exclusive, embodiment of an angular position indicator, which is illustrated, by way of an indicative but not limitative example, in the figures of the accompanying drawings, where: Figure 1 is a schematic exploded perspective view illustrating the angular position indicator according to the present invention; Figure 2 is a partially cross-sectioned view illustrating the angular position indicator, at a closure position indication condition thereof; Figure 3 illustrates a further partially cross-sectioned view of the angular indicator according to the present invention, at an opening position thereof; Figure 4 is a further cross-sectional view substantially taken along the line IV-IV of Figure 2; Figures 5, 6 and 7 are schematic side elevation views illustrating the angular position indicator respectively at a closure position, that is with a zero rotation angle, at an intermediate position, and at an opening position, that is with a rotary angle of 90°. DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS With reference to the number references of the figures of the accompanying drawings, the angular position indicator for remotely displaying the angular positions of elements provided for assuming different angular positions, and in particular valve elements, actuators and the like, which has been generally indicated by the reference number 1, comprises an indicator body 2, having a substantially cylindrical shape, which, at an axial end portion thereof, is provided with an end piece 3, for coupling said indicator body with a stem or pin 4 of the element the angular position thereof must be controlled. With said body 2 is associated a display 10, having substantially a ring-like con figuration, and which can be displaced by a rectilinear motion, so as to display to the outside, by a different displacement or translation, the angular displacement of the body 2. To that end, are provided means for transforming the angular motion of the stem 4 into a rectilinear displacement of the display 10. According to a preferred, though not limitative, embodiment, this means comprise a recess 20, having a sinusoidal configuration, which, in the case of valve elements performing a rotary motion of 90° between the opened and closed conditions thereof, is provided, on the circumferential contour thereof, with two maxima and two minima, which are diametrically arranged with respect to one another. In the sinusoidal recess 20 there are engaged diametrical pins 21, extending inside the display 10. In order to prevent the display 10 from rotating, are provided corresponding outer pins or pegs 22, which engage in rectilinear guides 23, formed on a fixed ring element 24 which is held at a set position by a cup 30, provided with a flange 31 having holes 32 for connecting said cup to the outer casing of the element the rotary motion thereof must be displayed. Moreover, on the base of the indicator body 2 there is provided an arrow mark, indicated by the reference number 40, which allows the position of the valve to be seen also from the front. With the disclosed arrangement, the display 10, in a closure condition of the valve, will be located inside the fixed body 24 and it will not be exposed to the outside, whereas, from the outside, it is possible to see the projecting portion of the indicator body 2. By rotatively driving the stem 4, the pins 21 will be engaged in the slot 20, so as to drive the display 10. Thus, it will be possible to see the display 10 laterally, owing to the ring-like configuration thereof, which will allow to clearly display also partial openings, as is schematically shown in Figure 6. In the case of a full opening, as shown in Figure 7, the ring-like element 10 will fully cover the body 2 and, accordingly, will allow to clearly see from the outside the position assumed by the valve element therewith it is associated. Preferably, the indicator body 2 and display 10 will be colored with different colors, so as to better display the position of the display 10 owing to a chromatic contrast. From the above disclosure it should be apparent that the invention fully achieved the intended aim and objects. In particular, the fact is to be pointed out that an angular position indicator has been provided which, in addition to allowing to clearly see the intermediate positions of the valve, also allows to see these positions from any desired angle. Another important feature of the invention is that the disclosed connection will prevent slips or errors from occurring. Thus, the provided indication will be very accurate and precise. The invention, as disclosed, is susceptible to several modifications and variations, all of which will come within the scope of the invention. Moreover, all of the details can be replaced by other technically equivalent elements. In practicing the invention, the used materials, as well as the contingent size and shapes, can be any, depending on requirements.

Claims: An angular position indicator for remotely displaying the angular positions of elements provided for assuming different angular positions, and in particular valve elements, actuators and the like, comprising a substantially cylindrical indicator body (2), which, at an axial end portion thereof, is provided with an end piece (3) for coupling said indicator body (2) with a stem (4) of an element the angular position of which must be controlled, a first angular position display ring element (10) encompassing said cylindrical indicator body (2) and being adapted to vertically up and down slide with respect of said cylindrical body, said cylindrical body (2) comprising a recess (20) defined on the outer surface thereof and said angular position display ring element including a first pair of inner pins (21) engaging in said recess (20) for transforming a rotary movement of said cylindrical indicator into a linear vertical movement of said first angular position display ring element, characterized in that said cylindrical indicator body (2) bears on the cylindrical surface thereof words for indicating a set angular condition of said element the angular position of which must be controlled, that said first angular position display ring element (10) bears on the cylindrical surface thereof further angular position indicating words, that said first angular position display ring element is encompassed by a second fixed ring element (24) being held at a set position by a cup (30) provided with a flange (31) having holes (32) for connecting said cup (30) to the outer casing of said element the angular position of which must be controlled, in that said second fixed ring element (24) is provided with rectilinear guides (23) in which a second pair of outside pins (22) of said first angular position display ring element (10) can be engaged, and in that said recess (20) of said cylindrical indicator body (2) is a single recess of sinusoidal configuration. An angular position indicator, according to Claim 1, wherein said cup (30) is made of an optically clear material. An angular position indicator, according to Claim 1, wherein on a base of said indicator body (2) is applied a mark or arrow (40) for indicating an angular position of a front point with respect to the angular position of said angular position display ring element (10). An angular position indicator according to any preceding claims, characterized in that said recess (20) of said cylindrical indicator body (2) comprises on the contour thereof two maxima and two minima. An angular indicator according to any preceding claims, characterized in that said cylindrical indicator body (2) and said angular position display first ring element (10) are colored with different colors.

Inventors: TREVISAN GIOVANNI, TREVISAN, GIOVANNI
Applicants: TREVISAN GIOVANNI, TREVISAN, GIOVANNI
Application year: 1995
Main classification: F16K37
IPC codes: F16K37