US20090090203A1 - Actuator Arrangement - Google Patents
Actuator Arrangement Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20090090203A1 US20090090203A1 US12/246,762 US24676208A US2009090203A1 US 20090090203 A1 US20090090203 A1 US 20090090203A1 US 24676208 A US24676208 A US 24676208A US 2009090203 A1 US2009090203 A1 US 2009090203A1
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- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- shaft
- arrangement
- lock
- drive
- nut
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
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Classifications
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16H—GEARING
- F16H25/00—Gearings comprising primarily only cams, cam-followers and screw-and-nut mechanisms
- F16H25/18—Gearings comprising primarily only cams, cam-followers and screw-and-nut mechanisms for conveying or interconverting oscillating or reciprocating motions
- F16H25/20—Screw mechanisms
- F16H25/24—Elements essential to such mechanisms, e.g. screws, nuts
- F16H25/2454—Brakes; Rotational locks
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16H—GEARING
- F16H25/00—Gearings comprising primarily only cams, cam-followers and screw-and-nut mechanisms
- F16H25/18—Gearings comprising primarily only cams, cam-followers and screw-and-nut mechanisms for conveying or interconverting oscillating or reciprocating motions
- F16H25/20—Screw mechanisms
- F16H2025/2062—Arrangements for driving the actuator
- F16H2025/2087—Arrangements for driving the actuator using planetary gears
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- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T74/00—Machine element or mechanism
- Y10T74/18—Mechanical movements
- Y10T74/18568—Reciprocating or oscillating to or from alternating rotary
- Y10T74/18576—Reciprocating or oscillating to or from alternating rotary including screw and nut
- Y10T74/18672—Plural screws in series [e.g., telescoping, etc.]
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- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T74/00—Machine element or mechanism
- Y10T74/18—Mechanical movements
- Y10T74/18568—Reciprocating or oscillating to or from alternating rotary
- Y10T74/18576—Reciprocating or oscillating to or from alternating rotary including screw and nut
- Y10T74/18704—Means to selectively lock or retard screw or nut
Definitions
- This invention relates to an actuator arrangement, and in particular to a linear actuator arrangement of the type including a rotatable shaft upon which is located a translatable nut, a roller or ball screw coupling being provided therebetween such that rotation of the shaft drives the nut for translation along the shaft.
- a linear actuator arrangement of the type including a rotatable shaft upon which is located a translatable nut, a roller or ball screw coupling being provided therebetween such that rotation of the shaft drives the nut for translation along the shaft.
- Such an actuator is suitable for use in a number of applications, for example in driving the thrust reverser cowls or other components of an aircraft between stowed and deployed positions.
- the actuators used in driving a thrust reverser cowl typically include a so-called no-back device operable to apply a braking load to the actuator to counter externally applied aiding loads and thereby reduce the risk of uncontrolled movement of the cowls or other components moved using the actuator.
- no-back devices include friction brake components which wear, in use, and one object of the invention is to provide an actuator arrangement including a sensor arrangement operable to detect whether or not the no-back device is operating correctly.
- an actuator arrangement comprising a rotatable shaft, a no-back device operable to apply a braking load to the shaft, a drive arrangement operable to drive the shaft for rotation, and an indicator member, wherein the drive arrangement includes a differential drive operable to drive the indicator member for movement.
- the differential drive will drive the indicator member for movement relative to the shaft, the movement providing an indication that the no-back device is not operating correctly.
- the indicator member is movable axially of the shaft.
- a sensor may be provided, the sensor monitoring the position or movement of the indicator member.
- stop means are provided to limit movement of the indicator member.
- the stop means are important in that, once the indicator member has reached the stop means, the differential drive operates to increase the magnitude of the driving load applied to the shaft.
- a translatable nut is conveniently mounted upon the shaft, the nut being arranged to translate along the shaft upon rotation of the shaft.
- a lock arrangement is preferably provided to lock the nut and shaft against relative rotation.
- the lock arrangement preferably includes a lock component mounted for axial movement relative to the shaft but held against angular movement relative to the shaft, the lock component being co-operable with the nut to lock the nut to the shaft and thereby prevent relative rotation therebetween.
- the drive arrangement is preferably operable to drive the lock component axially relative to the shaft to release the lock arrangement.
- the indicator member conveniently forms part of or is associated with the lock arrangement, for example it may form the lock component.
- an actuator arrangement comprising a rotatable shaft, a nut mounted upon the shaft and translatable along the shaft upon rotation of the shaft, and a lock arrangement operable to lock the shaft and nut against relative rotation, the lock arrangement comprising a lock component mounted upon one of the shaft and the nut for axial movement but held against angular movement relative thereto, the lock component being co-operable with the other of the shaft and the nut, or a component associated therewith, to lock the shaft and nut to one another.
- FIG. 1 is a view illustrating an actuator arrangement in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.
- FIG. 2 is a diagrammatic view illustrating part of the arrangement of FIG. 1 .
- the actuator arrangement illustrated in the accompanying drawings comprises a shaft 10 which is mounted to a housing 12 and supported by bearings 14 for rotation. Axial movement of the shaft 10 is prevented or limited by the bearings 14 .
- a nut 16 is mounted upon the shaft 10 by a ball screw type coupling 18 .
- the nut 16 is connected to a cowl or other component to be moved by the actuator arrangement, in use, the nature of the connection of the nut 16 to the cowl or other component being such that the nut 16 is held against angular or rotary motion.
- rotation of the shaft 10 causes the nut 16 to translate axially along the shaft 10 , the direction of rotary movement of the shaft 10 determining the direction in which the nut 16 translates, thus rotation of the shaft 10 drives the cowl or other component for movement.
- a no-back device 20 is connected between the shaft 10 and the housing 12 , the no-back device 20 having a friction brake 22 and being operable to apply a braking load to the shaft 10 , resisting rotary movement of the shaft 10 in one rotary direction, the no-back device 20 further incorporating a ratchet mechanism 24 which is operable to avoid the application of the braking load when the shaft 10 is rotated in the opposite direction.
- a no-back device 20 of this general type is described and illustrated in EP 1378685.
- no-back device is of the type incorporating a ratchet mechanism 24
- a no-back device of the type in which no such ratchet mechanism is provided and a braking load is applied in both rotary directions of the shaft 10 could be used, if desired.
- No-back devices of this and other forms are well known and the no-back device will not be described in further detail as the specific design of the no-back device is not of relevance to the invention.
- the shaft 10 is arranged to be driven for rotation by a drive arrangement 26 including a differential drive 27 in the form of a rotatable carriage 28 arranged to be driven by a motor (not shown), for example via a bevel gear from a synchronising shaft, or via a worm gear or directly by the motor.
- the carriage 28 carries a plurality of pairs of first planet gears 30 and second planet gears 32 , each pair of planet gears 30 , 32 being in meshing engagement with one another, as shown in FIG. 2 . It is envisaged that three or more pairs of planet gears 30 , 32 may be provided, but more or fewer may be present.
- the first planet gears 30 each further mesh with the teeth of a drive gear 34 mounted upon the shaft 10 .
- the second planet gears 32 do not engage the drive gear 34 . Rather, the second planet gears 32 are in meshing engagement with teeth formed on or associated with a secondary drive gear 36 , the first planet gears 30 not cooperating with the secondary drive gear 36 .
- the differential drive 27 applies the input drive load to the drive gear 34 and secondary drive gear 36 in an inverse relationship to the resistance to rotation thereof, ie drive is preferentially applied to the gear experiencing least resistance to rotation at any time.
- the secondary drive gear 36 is mounted for rotation within the housing 12 by bearings 38 , the secondary drive gear 36 being coaxial with, and encircling part of, the shaft 10 .
- the secondary drive gear 36 is provided, internally, with recesses supporting balls 40 which ride in axially extending grooves 42 formed in the periphery of a coupling 44 , the balls 40 and grooves 42 serving to drive the coupling 44 for rotation with the secondary drive gear 36 whilst permitting the coupling 44 to move axially.
- the coupling 44 is provided with an inwardly extending formation or series of formations 46 which cooperate with a shallow pitch helical recess 48 formed in the shaft 10 such that rotation of the secondary drive gear 36 and coupling 44 relative to the shaft 10 drives the coupling 44 for limited axial movement relative to the shaft 10 , the movement being limited by the engagement of the formations 46 with the ends of the recess 48 .
- a lock and indicator member 50 encircles the shaft 10 and is splined thereto by formations 52 such that the member 50 is movable axially relative to the shaft 10 , the spline formations 52 preventing rotation of the member 50 relative to the shaft 10 .
- a spring 54 is engaged between the member 50 and the coupling 44 , the spring 54 urging the member 50 to the right, in the orientation illustrated.
- the member 50 includes, at its left-hand most end, in the orientation illustrated, an outwardly extending flange 56 which is co-operable with a bearing 58 carried by the coupling 44 so that the member 50 is held captive to the coupling 44 .
- the right-hand most end of the member 50 is shaped to define a pair of projections 60 receivable within corresponding recesses 62 formed in the nut 16 in the manner of a dog clutch, when the nut 16 occupies its left-hand most, retracted position.
- the projections are received within the recesses 62 , it will be appreciated that relative rotation between the nut 16 and the member 50 is not permitted.
- a sensor 64 is arranged to monitor or sense the position of the member 50 .
- the sensor 64 could comprise a proximity sensor of a range of forms, for example a microswitch, capacitance, optical or Hall effect based sensor could be used.
- An inductive position sensor is currently preferred.
- the carriage 28 When extension of the actuator arrangement is required, the carriage 28 is driven for rotation. As, at this time, the nut 16 and shaft 10 are locked to one another against relative rotation and the nut 16 is held against rotation by virtue of its mounting to the cowl or other component with which it is associated, it will be appreciated that the shaft 10 and drive gear 34 are held against rotation.
- the movement of the carriage 28 drives the first planet gears 30 , causing them to precess around the drive gear 34 , and the meshing of the planet gears 30 , 32 of each pair causes the second planet gears 32 to rotate, in turn driving the secondary drive gear 36 for rotation.
- the rotation of the secondary drive gear 36 is transmitted to the coupling 44 which, by virtue of its helical coupling to the shaft 10 , moves axially along the shaft 10 .
- the axial movement of the coupling 44 is transmitted to the member 50 which is held captive thereto, retracting the projections 60 from the recesses 62 , thus releasing the lock between the nut 16 and the shaft 10 .
- the movement of the member 50 is sensed by the sensor 64 , thus providing a signal to the associated circuitry indicating that the lock has been released.
- the coupling 44 will remain in its retracted position in which the formations 46 are located at the end of the groove 48 due to the operation of the no-back device 20 applying its braking load to the shaft 10 , resisting the aiding loads applied to the actuator, in use.
- the final part of the movement of the nut 16 will push the member 50 against the action of the spring 54 until the projections 60 and recesses 62 become aligned, whereon the member 50 will return to its locked position under the action of the spring 54 , locking the nut 16 and shaft 10 to one another.
- the movement of the member 50 against the action of the spring 54 will commence just under half a revolution of the shaft 10 before the nut 16 reaches its retracted position.
- the sensor 64 senses the return of the member 50 , and can thus output a signal indicating that the actuator arrangement is locked.
- the ratchet mechanism of the no-back device 20 operates to avoid the application of the braking load to the shaft 10 .
- the aiding tensile loading on the shaft 10 will urge the drive gear 34 forwards and the motor will be operating to apply a braking torque tending to slow the speed of deployment.
- Such operation causes the coupling 44 to be driven relative to the shaft 10 by the differential drive 27 , the coupling 44 driving the member 50 axially relative to the shaft 10 back towards its locked position.
- the unexpected movement of the member 50 is sensed by the sensor 64 and used by the associated control circuit to produce a signal indicative of the failure of the no-back device 20 to apply the required braking load.
- the no-back device 20 may apply a braking load during both extension and retraction of the actuator arrangement. In such arrangements, no-back failure during either part of the operating cycle will give rise to an unexpected movement of the member 50 which will be sensed by the sensor 64 and can be used to provide a signal indicative of a failure in the no-back device 20 .
- the member 50 serves both as an indicator member for use in sensing the operation of the no-back device 20 and as a lock member of the lock arrangement, it will be appreciated that separate components may be provided to perform these functions.
- the function of the indicator member may be provided by, for example, the coupling 44 or the secondary drive gear 36 , if desired.
- the arrangement of the invention is advantageous in that it permits the operation of the no-back device to be monitored, and adjustments made to the operation of the aircraft to accommodate sensed failures. Further, as a no-back failure can be sensed, it may be possible to use smaller motors and associated drive components than would otherwise be the case.
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Transmission Devices (AREA)
- Retarders (AREA)
- Automation & Control Theory (AREA)
- Aviation & Aerospace Engineering (AREA)
- Braking Arrangements (AREA)
Abstract
An actuator arrangement comprises a rotatable shaft, a no-back device operable to apply a braking load to the shaft, a drive arrangement operable to drive the shaft for rotation, and an indicator member, wherein the drive arrangement includes a differential drive operable to drive the indicator member for movement.
Description
- This invention relates to an actuator arrangement, and in particular to a linear actuator arrangement of the type including a rotatable shaft upon which is located a translatable nut, a roller or ball screw coupling being provided therebetween such that rotation of the shaft drives the nut for translation along the shaft. Such an actuator is suitable for use in a number of applications, for example in driving the thrust reverser cowls or other components of an aircraft between stowed and deployed positions.
- The actuators used in driving a thrust reverser cowl typically include a so-called no-back device operable to apply a braking load to the actuator to counter externally applied aiding loads and thereby reduce the risk of uncontrolled movement of the cowls or other components moved using the actuator. Such no-back devices include friction brake components which wear, in use, and one object of the invention is to provide an actuator arrangement including a sensor arrangement operable to detect whether or not the no-back device is operating correctly.
- According to the present invention there is provided an actuator arrangement comprising a rotatable shaft, a no-back device operable to apply a braking load to the shaft, a drive arrangement operable to drive the shaft for rotation, and an indicator member, wherein the drive arrangement includes a differential drive operable to drive the indicator member for movement.
- Such an arrangement is advantageous in that, during operation, when the braking load applied by the no-back device is less than expected and less than the resistance to movement of the indicator member, the differential drive will drive the indicator member for movement relative to the shaft, the movement providing an indication that the no-back device is not operating correctly. Preferably, the indicator member is movable axially of the shaft.
- A sensor may be provided, the sensor monitoring the position or movement of the indicator member.
- Preferably, stop means are provided to limit movement of the indicator member. The stop means are important in that, once the indicator member has reached the stop means, the differential drive operates to increase the magnitude of the driving load applied to the shaft.
- A translatable nut is conveniently mounted upon the shaft, the nut being arranged to translate along the shaft upon rotation of the shaft.
- A lock arrangement is preferably provided to lock the nut and shaft against relative rotation. The lock arrangement preferably includes a lock component mounted for axial movement relative to the shaft but held against angular movement relative to the shaft, the lock component being co-operable with the nut to lock the nut to the shaft and thereby prevent relative rotation therebetween. The drive arrangement is preferably operable to drive the lock component axially relative to the shaft to release the lock arrangement. The indicator member conveniently forms part of or is associated with the lock arrangement, for example it may form the lock component.
- According to another aspect of the invention there is provided an actuator arrangement comprising a rotatable shaft, a nut mounted upon the shaft and translatable along the shaft upon rotation of the shaft, and a lock arrangement operable to lock the shaft and nut against relative rotation, the lock arrangement comprising a lock component mounted upon one of the shaft and the nut for axial movement but held against angular movement relative thereto, the lock component being co-operable with the other of the shaft and the nut, or a component associated therewith, to lock the shaft and nut to one another.
- The invention will further be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
-
FIG. 1 is a view illustrating an actuator arrangement in accordance with one embodiment of the invention; and -
FIG. 2 is a diagrammatic view illustrating part of the arrangement ofFIG. 1 . - The actuator arrangement illustrated in the accompanying drawings comprises a
shaft 10 which is mounted to ahousing 12 and supported bybearings 14 for rotation. Axial movement of theshaft 10 is prevented or limited by thebearings 14. Anut 16 is mounted upon theshaft 10 by a ballscrew type coupling 18. Thenut 16 is connected to a cowl or other component to be moved by the actuator arrangement, in use, the nature of the connection of thenut 16 to the cowl or other component being such that thenut 16 is held against angular or rotary motion. It will be appreciated that, in use, rotation of theshaft 10 causes thenut 16 to translate axially along theshaft 10, the direction of rotary movement of theshaft 10 determining the direction in which thenut 16 translates, thus rotation of theshaft 10 drives the cowl or other component for movement. - A no-
back device 20 is connected between theshaft 10 and thehousing 12, the no-back device 20 having afriction brake 22 and being operable to apply a braking load to theshaft 10, resisting rotary movement of theshaft 10 in one rotary direction, the no-back device 20 further incorporating aratchet mechanism 24 which is operable to avoid the application of the braking load when theshaft 10 is rotated in the opposite direction. A no-back device 20 of this general type is described and illustrated in EP 1378685. Although the illustrated no-back device is of the type incorporating aratchet mechanism 24, a no-back device of the type in which no such ratchet mechanism is provided and a braking load is applied in both rotary directions of theshaft 10 could be used, if desired. No-back devices of this and other forms are well known and the no-back device will not be described in further detail as the specific design of the no-back device is not of relevance to the invention. - The
shaft 10 is arranged to be driven for rotation by adrive arrangement 26 including adifferential drive 27 in the form of arotatable carriage 28 arranged to be driven by a motor (not shown), for example via a bevel gear from a synchronising shaft, or via a worm gear or directly by the motor. Thecarriage 28 carries a plurality of pairs offirst planet gears 30 andsecond planet gears 32, each pair ofplanet gears FIG. 2 . It is envisaged that three or more pairs ofplanet gears drive gear 34 mounted upon theshaft 10. It should be noted that thesecond planet gears 32 do not engage thedrive gear 34. Rather, thesecond planet gears 32 are in meshing engagement with teeth formed on or associated with asecondary drive gear 36, thefirst planet gears 30 not cooperating with thesecondary drive gear 36. Thedifferential drive 27 applies the input drive load to thedrive gear 34 andsecondary drive gear 36 in an inverse relationship to the resistance to rotation thereof, ie drive is preferentially applied to the gear experiencing least resistance to rotation at any time. - The
secondary drive gear 36 is mounted for rotation within thehousing 12 bybearings 38, thesecondary drive gear 36 being coaxial with, and encircling part of, theshaft 10. Thesecondary drive gear 36 is provided, internally, withrecesses supporting balls 40 which ride in axially extendinggrooves 42 formed in the periphery of acoupling 44, theballs 40 andgrooves 42 serving to drive thecoupling 44 for rotation with thesecondary drive gear 36 whilst permitting thecoupling 44 to move axially. Thecoupling 44 is provided with an inwardly extending formation or series offormations 46 which cooperate with a shallow pitchhelical recess 48 formed in theshaft 10 such that rotation of thesecondary drive gear 36 andcoupling 44 relative to theshaft 10 drives thecoupling 44 for limited axial movement relative to theshaft 10, the movement being limited by the engagement of theformations 46 with the ends of therecess 48. - A lock and
indicator member 50 encircles theshaft 10 and is splined thereto byformations 52 such that themember 50 is movable axially relative to theshaft 10, thespline formations 52 preventing rotation of themember 50 relative to theshaft 10. Aspring 54 is engaged between themember 50 and thecoupling 44, thespring 54 urging themember 50 to the right, in the orientation illustrated. Themember 50 includes, at its left-hand most end, in the orientation illustrated, an outwardly extendingflange 56 which is co-operable with abearing 58 carried by thecoupling 44 so that themember 50 is held captive to thecoupling 44. - The right-hand most end of the
member 50 is shaped to define a pair ofprojections 60 receivable withincorresponding recesses 62 formed in thenut 16 in the manner of a dog clutch, when thenut 16 occupies its left-hand most, retracted position. When the projections are received within therecesses 62, it will be appreciated that relative rotation between thenut 16 and themember 50 is not permitted. - A
sensor 64 is arranged to monitor or sense the position of themember 50. Thesensor 64 could comprise a proximity sensor of a range of forms, for example a microswitch, capacitance, optical or Hall effect based sensor could be used. An inductive position sensor is currently preferred. - In use, starting from the retracted position in which the
nut 16 occupies its left-hand most position and themember 50 occupies a locked position in which theprojections 60 are received within therecesses 62 of thenut 16, it will be appreciated that theshaft 10 andnut 16 are locked to one another against relative rotation as themember 50 is in non-rotatable engagement with both the shaft 10 (by virtue of the spline formations 52) and the nut 16 (by virtue of the dog clutch type coupling). The actuator arrangement is thus locked against extension. - When extension of the actuator arrangement is required, the
carriage 28 is driven for rotation. As, at this time, thenut 16 andshaft 10 are locked to one another against relative rotation and thenut 16 is held against rotation by virtue of its mounting to the cowl or other component with which it is associated, it will be appreciated that theshaft 10 anddrive gear 34 are held against rotation. The movement of thecarriage 28 drives thefirst planet gears 30, causing them to precess around thedrive gear 34, and the meshing of theplanet gears second planet gears 32 to rotate, in turn driving thesecondary drive gear 36 for rotation. The rotation of thesecondary drive gear 36 is transmitted to thecoupling 44 which, by virtue of its helical coupling to theshaft 10, moves axially along theshaft 10. The axial movement of thecoupling 44 is transmitted to themember 50 which is held captive thereto, retracting theprojections 60 from therecesses 62, thus releasing the lock between thenut 16 and theshaft 10. The movement of themember 50 is sensed by thesensor 64, thus providing a signal to the associated circuitry indicating that the lock has been released. - Continued rotation of the
carriage 28 once the lock has been released will result in thecoupling 44 continuing to move until theformations 46 reach the end of thehelical groove 48, theshaft 10 continuing to have a higher resistance to movement than the lock arrangement due to the operation of the no-back device 20. However, once theformations 46 reach the end of thehelical groove 48, thesecondary drive gear 36 effectively becomes earthed, increasing its resistance to rotation, and so the applied drive is transmitted through thedifferential drive 27 to theshaft 10, driving theshaft 10 for rotation against the action of the no-back device 20 and causing thenut 16 to translate along theshaft 10, thereby moving the cowl or other component towards its deployed position. During this movement, thecoupling 44 will remain in its retracted position in which theformations 46 are located at the end of thegroove 48 due to the operation of the no-back device 20 applying its braking load to theshaft 10, resisting the aiding loads applied to the actuator, in use. - Return movement is achieved by rotating the
shaft 10 in the opposite direction, and this is achieved by reversing the direction of rotation of thecarriage 28. Due to external loads, friction and inertia in the actuator and associated components resisting movement of thenut 16 and thus rotation of theshaft 10, the initial rotation of thecarriage 28 in the retract direction will first be applied through thedifferential drive 27 to thesecondary drive gear 36 returning thecoupling 44 andmember 50 to their right-hand most positions. Once theformations 46 reach the end of thehelical groove 48, thesecondary drive gear 36 effectively becomes earthed again and continued rotation of the carriage will cause drive to be applied through thedifferential drive 27 to thedrive gear 34 andshaft 10, returning thenut 16 to its retracted, left-hand most position. During the return of thenut 16 to its retracted position, the final part of the movement of thenut 16 will push themember 50 against the action of thespring 54 until theprojections 60 andrecesses 62 become aligned, whereon themember 50 will return to its locked position under the action of thespring 54, locking thenut 16 andshaft 10 to one another. Where twoprojections 60 and tworecesses 62 are provided, the movement of themember 50 against the action of thespring 54 will commence just under half a revolution of theshaft 10 before thenut 16 reaches its retracted position. Thesensor 64 senses the return of themember 50, and can thus output a signal indicating that the actuator arrangement is locked. During the return movement, the ratchet mechanism of the no-back device 20 operates to avoid the application of the braking load to theshaft 10. - If, during the deployment cycle, the no-
back device 20 fails or slips, the aiding tensile loading on theshaft 10 will urge thedrive gear 34 forwards and the motor will be operating to apply a braking torque tending to slow the speed of deployment. Such operation causes thecoupling 44 to be driven relative to theshaft 10 by thedifferential drive 27, thecoupling 44 driving themember 50 axially relative to theshaft 10 back towards its locked position. The unexpected movement of themember 50 is sensed by thesensor 64 and used by the associated control circuit to produce a signal indicative of the failure of the no-back device 20 to apply the required braking load. - Although the arrangement described hereinbefore has two
projections 60 and associatedrecesses 62, it will be appreciated that more orfewer projections 60 and recesses 62 may be provided, and that the timing at which thenut 16 engages themember 50 to urge it against the action of thespring 54, in the event of a no-back failure, will be adjusted accordingly. - As mentioned hereinbefore, if desired the no-
back device 20 may apply a braking load during both extension and retraction of the actuator arrangement. In such arrangements, no-back failure during either part of the operating cycle will give rise to an unexpected movement of themember 50 which will be sensed by thesensor 64 and can be used to provide a signal indicative of a failure in the no-back device 20. - Although in the arrangement described hereinbefore, the
member 50 serves both as an indicator member for use in sensing the operation of the no-back device 20 and as a lock member of the lock arrangement, it will be appreciated that separate components may be provided to perform these functions. The function of the indicator member may be provided by, for example, thecoupling 44 or thesecondary drive gear 36, if desired. - The arrangement of the invention is advantageous in that it permits the operation of the no-back device to be monitored, and adjustments made to the operation of the aircraft to accommodate sensed failures. Further, as a no-back failure can be sensed, it may be possible to use smaller motors and associated drive components than would otherwise be the case.
- It will be appreciated that a wide range of modifications and alterations may be made to the arrangement described hereinbefore without departing from the scope of the invention.
Claims (9)
1. An actuator arrangement comprising a rotatable shaft, a no-back device operable to apply a braking load to the shaft, a drive arrangement operable to drive the shaft for rotation, and an indicator member, wherein the drive arrangement includes a differential drive operable to drive the indicator member for movement.
2. An arrangement according to claim 1 , wherein the indicator member is movable axially of the shaft.
3. An arrangement according to claim 1 , further comprising a sensor monitoring the position or movement of the indicator member.
4. An arrangement according to claim 1 , further comprising stop means to limit movement of the indicator member.
5. An arrangement according to claim 1 , further comprising a lock arrangement to lock a nut and the shaft against relative rotation.
6. An arrangement according to claim 5 , wherein the lock arrangement includes a lock component mounted for axial movement relative to the shaft but held against angular movement relative to the shaft, the lock component being co-operable with the nut to lock the nut to the shaft and thereby prevent relative rotation therebetween.
7. An arrangement according to claim 6 , wherein the drive arrangement is operable to drive the lock component axially relative to the shaft to release the lock arrangement.
8. An arrangement according to claim 5 , wherein the indicator member forms part of or is associated with the lock arrangement.
9. An arrangement according to claim 8 , wherein the indicator member forms at least part of the lock component.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
GBGB0719689.2A GB0719689D0 (en) | 2007-10-09 | 2007-10-09 | Actuator arrangement |
GB0719689.2 | 2007-10-09 |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20090090203A1 true US20090090203A1 (en) | 2009-04-09 |
Family
ID=38739328
Family Applications (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US12/246,771 Expired - Fee Related US9016152B2 (en) | 2007-10-09 | 2008-10-07 | Actuator arrangement |
US12/246,762 Abandoned US20090090203A1 (en) | 2007-10-09 | 2008-10-07 | Actuator Arrangement |
Family Applications Before (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US12/246,771 Expired - Fee Related US9016152B2 (en) | 2007-10-09 | 2008-10-07 | Actuator arrangement |
Country Status (3)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (2) | US9016152B2 (en) |
EP (2) | EP2048413A1 (en) |
GB (2) | GB0719689D0 (en) |
Cited By (11)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20090090204A1 (en) * | 2007-10-09 | 2009-04-09 | Goodrich Actuation Systems Limited | Actuator Arrangement |
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2008
- 2008-10-06 EP EP08253239A patent/EP2048413A1/en not_active Withdrawn
- 2008-10-06 EP EP08253240A patent/EP2048414A1/en not_active Withdrawn
- 2008-10-07 US US12/246,771 patent/US9016152B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
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Cited By (21)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US9016152B2 (en) * | 2007-10-09 | 2015-04-28 | Goodrich Actuation Systems Limited | Actuator arrangement |
US20090090204A1 (en) * | 2007-10-09 | 2009-04-09 | Goodrich Actuation Systems Limited | Actuator Arrangement |
CN102102748A (en) * | 2009-12-17 | 2011-06-22 | 哈米尔顿森德斯特兰德公司 | Actuator with differential and brake |
US20130237362A1 (en) * | 2012-03-07 | 2013-09-12 | Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation | No-back check device |
US9261149B2 (en) * | 2012-03-07 | 2016-02-16 | Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation | No-back check device |
US9482335B2 (en) | 2012-03-07 | 2016-11-01 | Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation | No-back check device |
US10330046B2 (en) | 2012-04-10 | 2019-06-25 | Honeywell International Inc. | Thrust reverser actuator with primary lock |
US9188081B2 (en) | 2012-04-10 | 2015-11-17 | Honeywell International Inc. | Thrust reverser actuator with primary lock |
US20160122002A1 (en) * | 2014-10-29 | 2016-05-05 | Sagem Defense Securite | Actuating device for displacing a part of the empennage of a helicopter |
US9884676B2 (en) * | 2014-10-29 | 2018-02-06 | Sagem Defense Securite | Actuating device for displacing a part of the empennage of a helicopter |
US11078061B2 (en) * | 2015-04-09 | 2021-08-03 | Grey Orange Pte Ltd. | Lifting apparatus |
WO2018162839A1 (en) * | 2017-03-06 | 2018-09-13 | Safran Nacelles | Device for actuating a thrust reverser with an antideployment body |
FR3063522A1 (en) * | 2017-03-06 | 2018-09-07 | Safran Nacelles | DEVICE FOR ACTUATING A PUSHER INVERTER WITH ANTIDEPLOYMENT MEMBER |
US11168645B2 (en) | 2017-03-06 | 2021-11-09 | Safran Nacelles | Device for actuating a thrust reverser with an anti-deployment member |
US20220136591A1 (en) * | 2019-03-05 | 2022-05-05 | Ntn Corporation | Linear actuator |
US11498817B2 (en) * | 2019-07-02 | 2022-11-15 | Nabholz Construction Corporation | Nut gap monitoring system |
WO2022115290A1 (en) * | 2020-11-30 | 2022-06-02 | Woodward, Inc. | Locking compound rotary actuator |
US11473658B2 (en) | 2020-11-30 | 2022-10-18 | Woodward, Inc. | Locking compound rotary actuator |
US11608878B2 (en) | 2020-11-30 | 2023-03-21 | Woodward, Inc. | Locking compound rotary actuator |
US20230078445A1 (en) * | 2021-09-15 | 2023-03-16 | Woodward, Inc. | Compound Rotary Actuator With Separately Commanded Lock Actuation |
US11746865B2 (en) * | 2021-09-15 | 2023-09-05 | Woodward, Inc. | Compound rotary actuator with separately commanded lock actuation |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
EP2048413A1 (en) | 2009-04-15 |
EP2048414A1 (en) | 2009-04-15 |
GB0720193D0 (en) | 2007-11-28 |
US9016152B2 (en) | 2015-04-28 |
GB0719689D0 (en) | 2007-11-14 |
US20090090204A1 (en) | 2009-04-09 |
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Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: GOODRICH ACTUATION SYSTEMS LIMITED, UNITED KINGDOM Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:JONES, TONY;BACON, PETER WILLIAM;REEL/FRAME:021752/0829 Effective date: 20081001 |
|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |