Integrated mechanical brake for electric motor

A braking mechanism for an electric motor, the braking mechanism comprising:

• a first braking member coupled for co-rotation with an output shaft of the electric motor, the first braking member being configured to be moveable relative to the output shaft between a first position and a second position;
• a second braking member rotationally fixed relative to the first braking member;
• and
• a means for applying a force to the first braking member, causing it to move from the first position, in which the first braking member does not engage the second braking member, to the second position, in which the first braking member engages the second braking member to brake the electric motor.

An electric motor comprising:

• a stator;
• a rotor rotatable relative to the stator;
• an output shaft coupled to the rotor for rotation therewith, the output shaft defining a longitudinal axis about which the rotor is rotatable;
• an electromagnet configured to be selectively energized in response to a control signal;
• a first braking member coupled for co-rotation with the output shaft, the first braking member being configured to be moveable relative to the output shaft between a first position and a second position;
• and
• a second braking member rotationally fixed relative to the first braking member;
• wherein when the electromagnet is energized, the electromagnet causes the first braking member to move from the first position to the second position, and wherein the first braking member engages the second braking member to brake the electric motor in one of the first position or the second position.