HVAC Damper Connector

Abstract

In some embodiments, a connector includes a housing, a handle comprising a graspable portion extending from the housing that can be grasped and manipulated to by a user, and a clamping portion disposed within the housing that is configured to move when the graspable portion is manipulated, and a support disposed within the housing, the support having a first surface, wherein the clamping portion of the handle and the first surface of the clamp are configured to attach a damper assembly jackshaft to an actuator assembly quickly and without the use of tools. A damper assembly using a connector and a method of attaching an actuator assembly to a damper jackshaft are also described.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates to a connector between a damper and actuator such as in an HVAC system.

BACKGROUND

A damper is a valve or plate that stops or regulates the flow of air inside a duct, chimney, air handler, or other air-handling equipment. A damper may be used to cut off central air conditioning (either heating or cooling) to an unused room, or to regulate it for room-by-room temperature and climate control. A zone damper is a specific type of damper used to control the flow of air in a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) heating or cooling system. To improve efficiency and occupant comfort, HVAC systems are commonly divided up into multiple zones such as the main floor as one heating zone and the upstairs bedrooms as another. The heat can be directed principally to the main floor during the day and principally to the bedrooms at night, allowing the unoccupied areas to cool down. Such energy savings are both environmentally and economically beneficial.

Operation of a damper can be manual or automatic. Automatic dampers are used to regulate airflow constantly and are operated by electric or pneumatic motors, in turn controlled by a thermostat or building automation system. Automatic or motorized dampers may also be controlled by a motor, and the degree of air-flow calibrated, for example according to signals from the thermostat going to the actuator of the damper to modulate the flow of air-conditioned air. In one design, the motor is combined with a rotary switch that can disconnect the motor at either of the two stopping points (“damper open” or “damper closed”).

Zone dampers as used in home HVAC systems are usually electrically powered while in large commercial installations vacuum or compressed air may be used instead. In either case, the motor is usually connected to the damper via a mechanical coupling.

SUMMARY

The invention is based, in part, on the design of an HVAC damper-actuator connector that quickly connects an HVAC actuator to the jackshaft of an HVAC damper, without the need for or use of tools. The connector, or linkage, is a universal connector with multiple sizes, allowing the connector to quickly and easily link a variety of damper systems to their controlling actuators.

In some implementations, a connector includes a housing, a handle comprising a graspable portion extending from the housing that can be grasped and manipulated to by a user, and a clamping portion disposed within the housing that is configured to move when the graspable portion is manipulated, and a support disposed within the housing, the support having a first surface, wherein the clamping portion of the handle and the first surface of the clamp are configured to attach a damper assembly jackshaft to an actuator assembly quickly and without the use of tools. In some embodiments, the housing comprises a front face and a rear face, a central hole through the front face and rear face, the rear face having attachment sites that attach the connector to the actuator, the clamping portion of the handle comprising a cam head with a curved surface. The handle is pivotable with respect to the housing and the support is rotatable with respect to the housing. The cam head comprises a pin and the housing comprises a slot, the pin configured to slidably mate with the slot as the handle is pivoted with respect to the housing. The cam head occludes differing portions of the central hole as the handle is pivoted with respect to the housing. The cam head and the support are configured to concentrically clamp onto the damper assembly jackshaft. The cam head has a slot extending through a portion of the cam head. The support has a second surface with a profile different from the first surface. A fixation element prevents relative rotation of the connector with respect to the actuator. The front face is laterally spaced from the rear face and the cam head occupies a space between the front face and the rear face.

In some implementations, a damper assembly includes one or more damper blades, a damper assembly jackshaft attached to the one or more damper blades, a damper actuator operable to control a position of the one or more damper blades by rotation of the jackshaft, and a connector connecting the jackshaft to the actuator. The connector has a housing, a handle comprising a graspable portion extending from the housing that can be grasped and manipulated to by a user, and a clamping portion disposed within the housing that is configured to move when the graspable portion is manipulated, and a support disposed within the housing, the support having a first surface, wherein the clamping portion of the handle and the first surface of the support are configured to attach the damper assembly jackshaft to damper actuator quickly and without the use of tools.

In some embodiments, the housing comprises a front face and a rear face, the front face laterally spaced from the rear face, and a central hole through the front face and rear face, the rear face having attachment sites that attach the connector to the actuator, and the clamping portion of the handle has a cam head with a curved surface at least partially disposed within the housing and a portion extending outside the housing. The clamping portion and the support are configured such that the curved surface of the cam head and the first surface of the support occlude portions of the central hole to concentrically attach the actuator to the jackshaft. The handle is pivotable with respect to the housing to occlude portions of the central hole. The cam head comprises a pin and the housing comprises a slot, the pin configured to slidably mate with the slot as the handle is pivoted with respect to the housing. The cam head occupies differing portions of the central hole as the handle is pivoted with respect to the housing. The cam head has a slot extending through a portion of the cam head. The support has a second surface with a profile different from the first surface.

A method of attaching an actuator assembly to a damper jackshaft includes mounting the actuator assembly to a connector, the connector comprising a housing with a central hole and a handle, sliding the jackshaft through the hole in the connector housing, and rotating the handle to tighten the connector around the jackshaft without the use of tools. In some implementations, the method includes attaching a fixation device to the connector to prevent relative motion between the actuator and the jackshaft.

In some embodiments, a connector includes an attachment body, a first arm and a second arm pivotably attached to the attachment body, a rod attached to the first and the second arms, a graspable portion attached to the rod that can be grasped and manipulated by a user, and clamping grips configured to move when the graspable portion is manipulated, wherein the clamping grips are configured to attach a damper assembly jackshaft to an actuator assembly quickly and without the use of tools.

Implementations can include one or more of the following: the connector comprises a front face and a rear face, a central hole through the front face and rear face, the rear face having attachment sites that attach the connector to the actuator. The rod is pivotable with respect to the arms. The clamping grips are configured to concentrically clamp onto the damper assembly jackshaft. A fixation element prevents relative rotation of the connector with respect to the actuator. The fixation element is a projection that is on an outer surface of a rear plate attached to the attachment body.

In some embodiments, a damper assembly includes one or more damper blades, a damper assembly jackshaft attached to the one or more damper blades, a damper actuator operable to control a position of the one or more damper blades by rotation of the jackshaft, and a connector connecting the jackshaft to the actuator. The connector includes an attachment body, a first arm and a second arm pivotably attached to the attachment body, a rod attached to the first and the second arms, a graspable portion attached to the rod that can be grasped and manipulated by a user, and clamping grips configured to move when the graspable portion is manipulated, wherein the clamping grips are configured to attach a damper assembly jackshaft to an actuator assembly quickly and without the use of tools

In some embodiments, a method of attaching an actuator assembly to a damper jackshaft includes mounting the actuator assembly to a connector, the connector comprising a connector body with a central hole and a rod, sliding the jackshaft through the central hole in the connector housing, and rotating the rod to tighten the connector around the jackshaft without the use of tools.

Advantages of the invention include a rapid attachment of an actuator to a damper, requiring only seconds. The connector also advantageously attaches a damper and actuator without the use of tools. The connector attaches with little force required from the user, reducing strain and effort required to tighten a connector between a damper and an actuator. Given the number of dampers used in a commercial building, the resulting savings in time, effort, and money are substantial.

As used herein, an HVAC damper (also called a duct damper) is a movable plate located in the ductwork of a building that regulates airflow and can redirect it to specific areas of the building.

Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Although methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the present invention, suitable methods and materials are described below. In addition, the materials, methods, and examples are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting.

The details of one or more embodiments of the invention are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features, objects, and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims.

DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic of a damper assembly.

FIGS. 2A-B are isometric and front views of an actuator-linkage assembly for use in the damper assembly of FIG. 1

FIGS. 3A-C are front partial cutaway views of an actuator-linkage assembly of FIG. 2B.

FIGS. 4A-C are front views of an actuator-linkage assembly of FIG. 2B.

FIGS. 5A-C are front views of an actuator-linkage assembly of FIG. 2A.

FIGS. 6A and B show a fixation system for the damper actuator-linkage assembly.

FIG. 7 shows another embodiment of an actuator-linkage assembly with two slot positions.

FIGS. 8A, 8B, and 8C show front, side, and perspective views of the actuator-linkage assembly of FIG. 7 attached to an actuator.

FIGS. 9A-B are isometric and front views of an actuator-linkage assembly for use in the damper assembly of FIG. 1

FIGS. 10A-B are isometric and front views of an actuator-linkage assembly for use in the damper assembly of FIG. 1, with shaft attached.

FIG. 11 is a rear isometric view of the assembly of FIG. 9A.

FIGS. 12A and 12B show front and side views of the actuator-linkage assembly of FIG. 9A attached to an actuator

Like reference symbols in the various drawings indicate like elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The invention is based, in part, on configuring an HVAC damper-actuator connector that quickly connects an HVAC actuator to the jackshaft of an HVAC damper, without the need for or use of tools. The connector, or linkage, is a universal connector with multiple sizes, allowing the connector to quickly and easily link a variety of damper systems to actuators.

Referring to FIG. 1, a damper assembly 100 is used to control airflow to maintain temperatures in an air-carrying duct 105 within buildings as part of an HVAC system. Dampers are produced in a variety of sizes, shapes, and styles for installation in a variety of configurations. Illustrated is a damper 110 with a connecting rod or shaft, often called a jackshaft 115, which is connected to the vanes, or blades 120, of the damper 110. The damper 110 has multiple interconnected blades 120 that are activated as a unit, or in some instances can have a single blade or blades that are activated as two or more units. Here, the jackshaft 115 or connecting rod is connected such that rotary movement of the jackshaft 115 changes the rotary position of the blades 120, moving them from a “damper open” or “damper closed” position or to an intermediate position between the two.

In the damper assembly 100, the damper jackshaft 115 is operated by an actuator assembly 125. The actuator assembly 125 is an assembly that generally includes a motor. The actuator assembly 125 can receive instructions from a controller 135 via control wires 130. The controller 135 can send signals to the actuator assembly 125 to rotate the blades 120 between a “damper open,” “damper closed” position, or an intermediate position.

The actuator assembly 125 can be attached to the jackshaft 115 for the movement thereof and thus movement of the blades 120. The actuator assembly 125 is secured to the jackshaft 115 using a clamping device or connector 140 (also called a linkage) so that the actuator assembly 125 can transfer torque to the jackshaft 115 as dictated by the controller 135.

FIGS. 2A-B show an embodiment of a connector 200 (e.g., the connector 140 that can be used with the damper assembly 100 of FIG. 1). The connector 200 has a housing or connector body 205. As can be best seen in FIG. 2A, the connector body 205 includes a front face 207 and rear face 209 that are laterally spaced from each other and connected by connector body attachments 211. The connector body attachments 211 separate the front face 207 and rear face 209 of the connector body 205 and provide a spacing 213 therebetween. The front face 207 (and in some instances the rear face 209) can have one or more face holes 215. In some instances the face holes 215 may be attachment points rather than holes, e.g., for connector body attachments 211, or may can have a further functional purpose (as discussed in more detail below). The front face 207 includes a slot 219. The slot 219 has a step or zig-zag shape to provide a ratchet function, as discussed in more detail below. The front face 207 and rear face 209 also have a central shaft hole 221. The central shaft hole 221 allows the connector 200 to be mounted onto the jackshaft 115 by inserting the jackshaft 115 through the central shaft hole 221.

Pivotally attached to the connector body 205 are a handle 225 (e.g., a rotatable extension) and pivotable support 227 which acts as a size selector. The handle 225 is attached near one end of the connector body 205, while the support 227 is generally attached near the opposite end of the connector body 205. When assembled with the connector body 205, the handle 225 and support 227 each include an opposing curved surface 229, 231, respectively. The curved surfaces 229, 231 extend such that they occupy or occlude portions of the central shaft hole 221, reducing its overall area and diameter. In some instances, one or each of the two opposing curved surfaces 229, 231 has a gripping surface 233 such as a series of ridged projections. These gripping surfaces may or may not include ridged projections. The handle curved surface 229 is curved convexly while the selector curved surface 231 has a V-shape, or concave shape. However, other shapes are possible.

The two opposing surfaces 229, 231 are shaped and the handle 225 and support 227 arranged to facilitate clamping the surfaces onto a cylindrical, square, hexagonal or other variation of a solid or hollow jackshaft 115. Further, the curvature of the two opposing surfaces 229, 231 is such that the clamping device 140 can clamp and hold shafts of varying size and shape. The two opposing surfaces 229, 231 allow direct connection to a damper assembly's jackshaft 115 in cases where the damper blades 120 are positioned via rotary movement of the jackshaft 115. In some instances, the surfaces 229, 231 can also be connected to a damper mounting accessory using a crank arm to position the damper blades 120 via linear movement of the crank arm.

The handle 225 and support 227 are each pivotally attached to the connector body 205. Rotation of the handle 225 in one direction causes the two opposing curved surfaces 229, 231 to close or move towards each other, while rotation of the handle 225 in the opposite direction causes the two opposing surfaces 229, 231 to open or move further apart.

Referring as well to FIGS. 3A-C, front partial cutaway views of the connector 200 show elements of the connector 200. The handle 225 has a curved head or cam 235 that is integrally attached to a graspable portion 237 of the handle 225. The cam 235 of the handle 225 has a pin 239 that protrudes outwardly from one or both lateral sides of the cam 235. When the connector 200 is assembled, the pin 239 is configured to slidably fit within the slot 219 of the front face 207 (and in some instances in a slot 219 on the rear face 209). A user can grasp the handle 225 and slide the pin 239 within the slot 239.

The cam 235 of the handle 225 (e.g., the portion that includes the pin 219) has a generally smooth, arcuate shape. The graspable portion 237 of the handle 235 widens to create the cam 235 with top surface that curves generally convexly such that the cam 235 is wider than the graspable portion 237 of the handle 235. A portion of the handle 235 opposite the top surface curves convexly and then concavely, creating a bulge 241 (that has an inflection point as the surface curves between inwards and outwards). The bulge 241 extends outwardly and includes the handle curved surface 229. When the connector 200 is assembled, the bulge 241 with the curved surface 229 is visible through the central shaft hole 221. The graspable portion 237 of the handle 235 can be smooth, or include ridges for easier gripping. The graspable portion 235 can be round, cylindrical, pointed, or any other shape that can be easily gripped by a user. The width of the cam is approximately the same as the width of the spacing 213 between the front face 207 and rear face 209 of the connector body 205, or approximately the same length of the connector body attachments 211. As the user rotates the handle 225 and thus the cam 235 relative to the connector body 205, the lateral sides the cam 235 (e.g., the sides from which pin(s) 239 extend) rub against the and front face 207 and rear face 209. In some instances there is a small gap between the cam 235 and the front face 207 and rear face 209 (e.g., less than 1 mm).

The support 227 has a pivot point 245 that allows the support 227 to rotate into different positions with respect to the connector body 205. Each side of the support 227 has a differing shape. The first side has a first curved surface 231A. The first curved surface 231A is notched, e.g., has a V-shape of a selected width and depth. The second curved surface 231B has a V-shape with a width and depth different from the first curved surface 231A. The third curved surface 231C has a V-shape with a width and depth different from the first curved surface 231A and second curved surface 231B. The fourth curved surface 231D has a V-shape with a width and depth different from the first curved surface 231A, second curved surface 231B, and third curved surface 231C. In some embodiments, any of curved surfaces 231A, B, C, D can have no V-shape (e.g., be flat as illustrated by surface 231D) or have a same shape as another of the curved surfaces 231A, B, C, D. Although four sides 231 are shown, more or fewer sides are possible.

The different notched or curved surfaces 231A, B, C, D are sized and shaped to fit differing jackshafts 115. A user can rotate the support 227 about its pivot point 245 such that a chosen surface 231A, B, C, D is directed toward the handle curved surface 229 and is visible through the central shaft hole 221. An indicator of which surface 231 is currently available for use can be shown through an indicator window 247 in the connector body 205. The different notched or curved surfaces 231A, B, C, D are sized and shaped to coordinate with the handle curved surface 229 such that jackshafts 115 of differing sizes can be secured therebetween.

In FIG. 3A, the support 227 is in a first position with the first curved surface 231A showing through the central shaft hole 221. The pin 239 of the cam 235 of the handle 225 is in a first position within the slot 219. In the first slot position, the bulge 241 with the curved surface 229 of the cam 235 extends into the central shaft hole 221 to its maximum state, e.g., the opening of the central shaft hole 221 is greatly reduced compared to other positions (FIGS. 3B and 3C). In this configuration, the connector 200 is arranged to accept a relatively small diameter jackshaft 115 (e.g., ½ inch jackshaft). If a larger diameter hole is required, the user grasps the handle 225 to rotate the handle 225 towards the connector body 205 to its second position (FIG. 3B). The pin 239 of the cam 235 slides along the slot 219. As can be seen, the slot 219 is shaped that an inward rotary movement of the handle 225 allows the pin 239 to move to the second position, where it is held in place due to the zig-zag shape of the slot 219. The user may also rotate the support 227 to its second position, (e.g., with curved surface 231B visible). The connector 200 is then ready to accept a wider jackshaft 115 (e.g., ¾ inch diameter) that is still concentrically centered on a center point of the central shaft hole 221. If a still larger diameter hole is required, the user grasps the handle 225 to rotate the handle 225 towards the connector body 205 to its third position (FIG. 3C). The pin 239 of the cam 235 slides along the slot 219 which is shaped so that the inward rotary movement of the handle 225 allows the pin 239 to move to the third position, where it is held in place. The user may also rotate the support 227 to its third position, (e.g., with curved surface 231C visible). The connector 200 is ready to accept a wider jackshaft 115 (e.g., 1 inch diameter). The three positions are also shown in FIGS. 4A-C and FIGS. 5A-C.

In use, a user may easily slide the connector 200 onto a jackshaft 115 with the handle 225 and support 227 at their desired positions (e.g., positioned to accept and clamp a jackshaft 115 of the required size by positioning the support 227 with one of the curved surfaces 231 directed towards the handle curved surface which is also at the desired location by moving the handle 225 to first, second, or third positions within the slot 219). The user then pushes on the handle 225 (e.g. rotates it slightly inward) to its final position. Very little time and very little force is required to secure the connector 200 in its locked position. In some instances a final click (e.g., a ridge or other discontinuity) may help secure the positioning of the connector 200.

The handle curved surface 229 and the selector curved surface 231 self-center the jackshaft 115 when the two opposing members are tightened around the jackshaft 115. Securing the jackshaft 115 concentrically within the central shaft hole 221 minimizes the likelihood of having side loads on the actuator assembly 125 that will twist the actuator assembly 125. This securing minimizes the possibility that any threaded or unthreaded mounting fasteners will become loose from their holes or fatigue and fail.

The cam 235 also includes a groove 249. The groove 249 is longitudinal and generally parallel to the bulge 241. The cam 235 is configured such that when a jackshaft 115 is positioned within the central shaft hole, the groove 249 allows a small amount of compression of the cam 235, e.g., less than 2 degrees, or less than 2 mm. The groove 249 acts as a spring or flexible element of the cam 235, allowing the connector 200 to attach to a jackshaft 115 that may be machined with a diameter larger than nominal. The connector 200 can thus accommodate a range of sizes of shafts.

FIGS. 6A and B show an embodiment of a fixation system for a damper assembly 100 including an actuator linkage or connector 200 that attaches to an actuator assembly 125 (of FIG. 1). One of the face holes 215 on the front face 207 of the connector body 205 has one or more corresponding handle holes 255. The handle hole 255 allows a fixation stem 257 to be inserted through both the connector body 205 and the handle hole 255. The fixation stem 257 keeps the handle 225 in its selected position (e.g., in position one, two, or three in the slot 219). The fixation stem 257 may also extend through the rear face 209, and to the actuator assembly 125. The fixation stem 257 may insert into a slot or hole within the actuator assembly 125 and prevent rotation of the connector 200 with respect to the actuator assembly 125. Only a single handle hole 255 is illustrated, however there may be a handle hole 255 for each different handle position (e.g., 3 holes). There may also be holes located at a different portion of the handle 225 than shown.

FIG. 7 shows an embodiment of a connector 300 that can be used with the damper assembly 100 of FIG. 1. The connector 300 is similar to the connector 200 as described above, however has a slot 319 with two, rather than three positions. The connector 300 can also have a fixation clamp, which is a C clip.

FIGS. 8A-C show front, side, and perspective views of an actuator-linkage assembly 400 with the connector 300 of FIG. 7 attached to an actuator assembly 125. The actuator-linkage assembly 400 should be understood to include any connector described herein, e.g., connector 140, connector 200, or connector 300. As best shown in FIG. 8B, the connector 300 may attach to the actuator assembly 125 with one or more actuator attachments 411. For example, the actuator attachments 411 may include rods that protrude from a front face 351 of the actuator assembly 125 that fit into face holes 215 on the rear face 209 of the connector body 205. In some instances the connector 300 may attach to the rear face 361 of the actuator assembly 125.

The connectors described above can attach an actuator to a damper very quickly, e.g., in less than 10 seconds, less than 5 seconds, less than 4 seconds. The user simply mounts the actuator assembly to the connector, slides the jackshaft through the hole in the connector housing, and rotates the handle slightly to tighten the connector around the jackshaft. The entire process occurs without the use of tools.

FIGS. 9A and 9B show another embodiment of a connector 400 (e.g., the connector 140 that can be used with the damper assembly 100 of FIG. 1) that can be fastened without the use of tools. The connector 400 has a housing or connector body 405. The connector body 405 includes a left arm 407 and right arm 409 that are spaced from each other and connected by a connector body attachment 411. The connector body attachment 411 is attached such that each of the left arm 407 and right arm 409 is pivotable relative to the connector body attachment 411 and provides a spacing 413 therebetween. The left arm 407 and right arm 409 include grips 419 on their inner surfaces, e.g., facing each other. The grips 419 can be a knurled shape to grip a central shaft, as discussed in more detail below. The grips 419 extend such that they occupy or occlude portions of a central shaft hole 421, reducing its overall area and diameter. These grips 419 may or may not include ridged projections. Also visible in FIG. 9A is shim 437.

Rotatably attached to the connector body 405 at the end of the left and right arms 407, 409 is a rod 425 (e.g., a rotatable extension) with a knob 427, which provides the clamping force to attach the connector 400 to a jackshaft 115. The rod 425 is attached near one end of the left and right arms 407, 409, while the connector body attachment 411 is generally attached near the opposite end of the arms. The rod 425 extends through both of the left and right arms 407, 409. When the knob 427 is rotated, the action causes the left and right arms 407, 409 to clamp together, pivoting with respect to the connector body attachment 411. Further, the curvature of the grips 419 is such that the clamping device 400 can clamp and hold shafts of varying size and shape. The two opposing grips 419 allow direct connection to a damper assembly's jackshaft 115 in cases where the damper blades 120 are positioned via rotary movement of the jackshaft 115. In some instances, the left and right arms 407, 409 can also be connected to a damper mounting accessory using a crank arm to position the damper blades 120 via linear movement of the crank arm.

The rod 425 with attached knob 427 is pivotally attached to the connector body attachment 411. Rotation of the rod 425 in one direction causes the two opposing left and right arms 407, 409 to close or move towards each other, while rotation of the rod 425 in the opposite direction causes the left and right arms 407, 409 to open or move further apart.

FIGS. 10A and 10B show the connector 400 connected to the jackshaft (e.g., connected as is the connector 140 that can be used with the damper assembly 100 of FIG. 1). Also shown is rear plate 403 (that is shown only in outline in FIGS. 9A, B), which has a central shaft hole 421. The central shaft hole 421 allows the connector 400 to be mounted onto the jackshaft 115 by inserting the jackshaft 115 through the central shaft hole 421 and the spacing 413. The rear plate 403 attaches to a rear aspect of the connector body attachment 411. As can be seen most clearly in FIG. 11, the rear plate 403 is generally annular in shape, and can have an inner surface 439 that has a series of ridged projections, and an outer surface 441 that has a projection 443.

FIGS. 12A and 12B show front and side views of an actuator-linkage assembly 400 with the connector 300 of FIG. 9A attached to an actuator assembly 125. As best shown in FIG. 12B, the connector 400 may attach to the actuator assembly 125 via the rear plate 403. In some instances, the actuator attachments 411 may include rods that protrude from a front face of the actuator assembly 125 and fit into holes on a rear face of the connector 400.

In use, a user may easily slide the connector 400 onto a jackshaft 115. The user then rotates the rod 425 via the knob 427 to its final position. Very little time and very little force is required to secure the connector 400 in its locked position. In some instances a final click (e.g., a ridge or other discontinuity such as the projection 443) may help secure the positioning of the connector 400.

The curved surfaces of the grips 419 self-center the jackshaft 115 when the two opposing left and right arms 407, 409 are tightened around the jackshaft 115. Securing the jackshaft 115 concentrically within the central shaft hole 421 minimizes the likelihood of having side loads on the actuator assembly 125 that will twist the actuator assembly 125. This securing minimizes the possibility that any threaded or unthreaded mounting fasteners will become loose from their holes or fatigue and fail. The connector 400 can thus accommodate a range of sizes of shafts.

The connectors described is above with respect to attaching an actuator to a damper jackshaft. However, a typical HVAC or process control application can also include valve stems operated by an actuator. The connectors described herein may be attached to a jackshaft or valve stem for the actuation.

Actuator assembly can be either individually directly mounted to a damper's jackshaft to position the damper blades by means of angular rotation. Alternatively, multiple actuator assemblies can be connected to a single jackshaft. In this case, the multiple actuator assemblies have the same type of input signal and the same torque output rating so the multiple actuator assemblies simultaneously contribute torque in unison to position a larger size damper blade(s) by angular rotation.

While this specification contains many implementation details, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of the invention or of what may be claimed, but rather as descriptions of features specific to particular embodiments of the invention. Certain features that are described in this specification in the context of separate embodiments can also be implemented in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features that are described in the context of a single embodiment can also be implemented in multiple embodiments separately or in any suitable subcombination. Moreover, although features may be described above as acting in certain combinations and even initially claimed as such, one or more features from a claimed combination can in some cases be excised from the combination, and the claimed combination may be directed to a subcombination or variation of a subcombination.

A number of embodiments of the invention have been described. Nevertheless, it will be understood that various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. For example, the actuator load can include a jackshaft and damper blade(s) or a valve plug or valve linkage shaft and linkage and valve plug, ball, gate, butterfly, etc. In an additional example, the handle described above can be modified to include a sliding wedge rather than a rotating cam to generate the same locking effect. Accordingly, other embodiments are within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

1. A connector comprising:

a housing;

a handle comprising: a graspable portion extending from the housing that can be grasped and manipulated by a user, and a clamping portion disposed within the housing that is configured to move when the graspable portion is manipulated; and

a support disposed within the housing, the support having a first surface,

wherein the clamping portion of the handle and the first surface of the clamp are configured to attach a damper assembly jackshaft to an actuator assembly quickly and without the use of tools.

2. The connector of claim 1, wherein the housing comprises a front face and a rear face, a central hole through the front face and rear face, the rear face having attachment sites that attach the connector to the actuator, the clamping portion of the handle comprising a cam head with a curved surface.

3. The connector of claim 2, wherein the handle is pivotable with respect to the housing and the support is rotatable with respect to the housing.

4. The connector of claim 3, wherein the cam head comprises a pin and the housing comprises a slot, the pin configured to slidably mate with the slot as the handle is pivoted with respect to the housing.

5. The connector of claim 3, wherein the cam head occludes differing portions of the central hole as the handle is pivoted with respect to the housing.

6. The connector of claim 2, wherein the cam head and the support are configured to concentrically clamp onto the damper assembly jackshaft.

7. The connector of claim 2, wherein the cam head has a slot extending through a portion of the cam head.

8. The connector of claim 2, wherein the support has a second surface with a profile different from the first surface.

9. A damper assembly comprising:

one or more damper blades;

a damper assembly jackshaft attached to the one or more damper blades;

a damper actuator operable to control a position of the one or more damper blades by rotation of the jackshaft; and

a connector connecting the jackshaft to the actuator, the connector comprising: a housing, a handle comprising: a graspable portion extending from the housing that can be grasped and manipulated to by a user, and a clamping portion disposed within the housing that is configured to move when the graspable portion is manipulated, and a support disposed within the housing, the support having a first surface, wherein the clamping portion of the handle and the first surface of the support are configured to attach the damper assembly jackshaft to damper actuator quickly and without the use of tools.

10. The assembly of claim 9, wherein the housing comprises a front face and a rear face, the front face laterally spaced from the rear face, and a central hole through the front face and rear face, the rear face having attachment sites that attach the connector to the actuator, and the clamping portion of the handle has a cam head with a curved surface at least partially disposed within the housing and a portion extending outside the housing.

11. The assembly of claim 10, wherein the clamping portion and the support are configured such that the curved surface of the cam head and the first surface of the support occlude portions of the central hole to concentrically attach the actuator to the jackshaft.

12. The assembly of claim 11, wherein the handle is pivotable with respect to the housing to occlude portions of the central hole.

13. The assembly of claim 12, wherein the cam head comprises a pin and the housing comprises a slot, the pin configured to slidably mate with the slot as the handle is pivoted with respect to the housing.

14. The assembly of claim 12, wherein the cam head occupies differing portions of the central hole as the handle is pivoted with respect to the housing.

15. The assembly of claim 9, wherein the support has a second surface with a profile different from the first surface.

16. A method of attaching an actuator assembly to a damper jackshaft, comprising:

mounting the actuator assembly to a connector, the connector comprising a housing with a central hole and a rotatable extension;

sliding the jackshaft through the hole in the connector housing; and

rotating the rotatable extension to tighten the connector around the jackshaft without the use of tools.

17. The method of claim 16, comprising attaching a fixation device to the connector to prevent relative motion between the actuator and the jackshaft.

18. A damper assembly comprising:

one or more damper blades;

a damper assembly jackshaft attached to the one or more damper blades;

a damper actuator operable to control a position of the one or more damper blades by rotation of the jackshaft; and

a connector connecting the jackshaft to the actuator, the connector comprising: an attachment body; a first arm and a second arm pivotably attached to the attachment body; a rod attached to the first and the second arms; a graspable portion attached to the rod that can be grasped and manipulated by a user; and clamping grips configured to move when the graspable portion is manipulated, wherein the clamping grips are configured to attach a damper assembly jackshaft to an actuator assembly quickly and without the use of tools.

19. The damper assembly of claim 18, wherein the rod is pivotable with respect to the arms.

20. The damper assembly of claim 18, wherein the clamping grips are configured to concentrically clamp onto the damper assembly jackshaft.

21. The damper assembly of claim 18, comprising a fixation element that prevents relative rotation of the connector with respect to the actuator.

22. The damper assembly of claim 21, wherein the fixation element is a projection that is on an outer surface of a rear plate attached to the attachment body.