Valve actuators having magnetic angle sensors

摘要

A valve actuator including a magnetic angle sensor is disclosed. The magnetic angle sensor may function as an absolute position encoder. The magnetic angle sensor may also function as an incremental position encoder. The magnetic angle sensor may generate angular velocity data. The magnetic angle sensor may be used in quarter-turn and single-turn rotary valve actuators. The magnetic angle sensor may also be used in multi-turn rotary and linear valve actuators.

主权项

1. A valve system comprising:
a valve; a valve actuator operably coupled to the valve, the valve actuator comprising:
at least one rotatable member; anda magnetic angle sensor in communication with the at least one rotatable member, wherein the magnetic angle sensor comprises:
a single magnet having an axis of rotation substantially about a midpoint of the single magnet and in axial alignment with an axis of rotation of the at least one rotatable member; anda sensor circuit holding two distinct arrays of Hall sensors, wherein the Hall sensors are radially arrayed, the sensor circuit is in alignment with the axis of rotation of the single magnet, and the sensor circuit is configured to be mounted on either side of a printed circuit board.