Actuator lock nut assembly

A lock nut assembly for an actuator, the lock nut assembly comprising:

• a nut configured to be mounted to a bracket of the actuator for axial movement relative to the bracket, the nut including an external thread for threadedly attaching the nut to the bracket;
• and
• a lock nut retaining and release mechanism configured to be fixedly mounted to the bracket and axially movable between a first engaged position in which the lock nut retaining and release mechanism engages with the nut to prevent rotation of the nut and a second unlocked position in which the lock nut retaining and release mechanism is not engaged with the nut and the nut can be rotated relative to the bracket;
• wherein tightening the nut onto the bracket applies an axial force to a bearing race, thereby pushing the bearing race radially outwardly into frictional engagement with the bracket;
• further comprising a spring between the lock nut retaining and release mechanism and the bracket, to bias the lock nut retaining and release mechanism to the engaged position.

An actuator assembly comprising:

• an axially extendable actuator rod, and
• a lock nut assembly comprising
• a nut configured to be mounted to a bracket of the actuator for axial movement relative to the bracket, the nut including an external thread for threadedly attaching the nut to the bracket;
• and
• a lock nut retaining and release mechanism configured to be fixedly mounted to the bracket and axially movable between a first engaged position in which the lock nut retaining and release mechanism engages with the nut to prevent rotation of the nut and a second unlocked position in which the lock nut retaining and release mechanism is not engaged with the nut and the nut can be rotated relative to the bracket;
• wherein tightening the nut onto the bracket applies an axial force to a bearing race, thereby pushing the bearing race radially outwardly into frictional engagement with the bracket;
• wherein the actuator rod has a first end for connection to a load and a second end arranged to be mounted in the bracket the bearing to allow rotation of the rod relative to the bracket;
• wherein the nut is arranged to apply torque to the bearing, wherein the bracket is provided with a flange to receive the lock nut retaining and release mechanism;
• wherein the actuator assembly further comprises:
• a rotation stop pin located between the lock nut retaining and release mechanism and the flange to prevent rotation of the lock nut retaining and release mechanism relative to the flange.