Actuating device
AssigneeThe Boeing Company
InventorsJohn Ziavras, Richard L. Walton, Mark A. Cook
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
An actuator is configured for transmitting a force or torque to a load. In one example configuration, the actuator includes an input device configured to apply an output force. A backstopping clutch is configured to transmit torque only in the input direction and to prevent back-driving of the input device. An overrunning clutch is configured to include a driven member moved in response to the transmitted torque in the input direction. The load may be moved in response to the driven member, or the load may be moved by a force applied directly to the load.
Claims14
An actuator for transmitting a force to move a load, comprising:
- an input device configured to apply the force in a rotary direction;
- a backstopping clutch configured to transmit the force only when directed in the rotary direction and to prevent back-driving of the input device in an opposite direction from the rotary direction;
- an overrunning clutch having a driving member transmitting the force in the rotary direction through a driven member to the load, wherein a direct force, also in the rotary direction, may be applied to move the load directly, not slowed, restrained or impeded by the driving member;
- a ratchet to rotationally drive an input shaft through the backstopping clutch, and to allow movement of the input device from a stroke-end position to a stroke-begin position;
- a torque limiter to prevent the input device from applying more than a threshold amount of torque;
- and
- planetary gearing to receive an input force from the backstopping clutch and to provide an output force to the overrunning clutch.
An actuator for moving a door on an aircraft, comprising:
- an input device configured to apply force in a rotary direction;
- a backstopping clutch configured to transmit the force only when directed in the rotary direction and to prevent back-driving of the input device in an opposite direction from the rotary direction;
- an overrunning clutch having a driving member transmitting the force in the rotary direction through a driven member to the door, wherein a direct force, also in the rotary direction, may be applied to move the door directly, not slowed, restrained or impeded by the driving member;
- a drive component having an engaged position that conveys force from the driven member of the overrunning clutch to move the door and a disengaged position wherein the drive component is secured by the input device into the disengaged position;
- a ratchet to rotationally drive an input shaft through the backstopping clutch, and to allow movement of the input device from a stroke-end position to a stroke-begin position;
- a torque limiter to prevent the input device from applying more than a threshold amount of torque;
- and
- planetary gearing to receive an input force from the backstopping clutch and to provide an output force to the overrunning clutch.
A manually actuated door assembly for an aircraft, comprising:
- a door;
- an input device configured to apply torque in a first direction;
- a backstopping clutch configured to transmit the torque, while preventing back-driving of the input device in an opposite direction from the first direction;
- an overrunning clutch having a driving member transmitting the input torque through a driven member to the door, wherein a direct force, also in the first direction, may be applied to move the door directly, not slowed, restrained or impeded by the driving member;
- a drive component having an engaged position that allows the driven member of the overrunning clutch to apply force to the door and a disengaged position wherein the drive component is secured in the disengaged position by the input device;
- a ratchet to rotationally drive an input shaft through the backstopping clutch, and to allow movement of the input device from a stroke-end position to a stroke-begin position;
- a torque limiter to prevent the input device from applying more than a threshold amount of torque;
- and
- planetary gearing to receive an input torque from the backstopping clutch and to provide an output torque to the overrunning clutch.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.