Rotary actuator

Abstract

A rotary actuator is connected to a device and configured to set the device in a motion. The rotary actuator has a rotary actuation system and a logic. The logic is configured such that when a movement is applied to the device independent of the rotary actuator, the logic activates the rotary actuator to: (i) move the device to at least one functional position or (ii) move the device to a starting position.

Claims

1. A rotary actuator connected to a device, the rotary actuator being adapted and configured to set the device into motion, the rotary actuator comprising: a rotary actuation system and a logic, wherein the logic is adapted and configured in a manner such that when a movement is applied to the device independent of the rotary actuator to a position outside a starting position or at least one functional position, the logic activates the rotary actuator to at least one of: (i) move the device to the at least one functional position, or (ii) move the device to the starting position.

2. The rotary actuator according to claim 1, wherein the device is moved to one of at least two functional positions.

3. The rotary actuator according to claim 1, wherein the rotary actuation system comprises at least one spring.

4. The rotary actuator according to claim 1, wherein the rotary actuation system comprises at least one barrel.

5. The rotary actuator according to claim 4, wherein the barrel houses at least one spring.

6. The rotary actuator according to claim 4, wherein the barrel connects the device to a gear train.

7. The rotary actuator according to claim 4, wherein the barrel connects the device to the rotary sensor.

8. The rotary actuator according to claim 1, wherein the rotary actuation system comprises at least one spring and at least two barrels, and the at least two barrels lock against each other to activate one of the springs based upon on the direction of rotation of the device.

9. The rotary actuator according to claim 1, wherein the rotary actuation system is enabled to move a rotary sensor.

10. The rotary actuator according to claim 1, wherein the movement comprises an unintentional movement applied to the device that was not triggered by the rotary actuator.

11. The rotary actuator according to claim 1, wherein the logic activates the rotary actuator to move to device to protect the rotary actuator from damage.

Description

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) Further examples and embodiments of the invention are described in more detail with reference to the drawing.

(2) FIG. 1 shows a side view of a rotary actuator,

(3) FIG. 2 shows a rotary actuator connected to a device or an arm and

(4) FIG. 3 shows a rotary actuator comprising a clutch.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

(5) FIG. 1 shows an unstable rotary actuation system 1 comprising a gear train 2 arranged in an enclosure 3.

(6) FIG. 1 shows the side view of the rotary actuator 7, comprising an unstable rotary actuation system 9, 4, 6 inside an enclosure 3.

(7) Inside the enclosure 3 of the rotary actuator 7 one can see a motor 1 and the gear train 2.

(8) The motor 1 interacts with the gear train 2 of the rotary actuator 7.

(9) The unstable rotary actuation system 9 comprises at least one torsion spring 4. The unstable rotary actuation system 9 further comprises at least one barrel 6.

(10) Both the torsion spring 4 and the barrel 6 are arranged within the enclosure 3 of the rotary actuator 7.

(11) Providing the at least one torsion spring 4 and the barrel 6, the unstable rotary actuation system 9 prevents the occurrence of damage towards the rotary actuator 7.

(12) The rotary actuation system 9, 6, 4 which is attached to the rotary actuator 7, prevents damage to the rotary actuator 7, given the case that the device or arm 8 (not shown) is subject to unintended use.

(13) When the device or arm 8 (not shown in FIG. 1) which is mounted to the rotary actuator 7 via the flange 11 is subject to an unintentional use or movement, the unstable rotary actuation system 9, 6, 4 moves a rotary sensing device 5 without exerting excessive and/or damaging force to the motor 1 and/or to the gear train 2.

(14) The rotary actuator 7 further comprises a logic 12. When a movement is applied to the device or to the arm 8, independently of the rotary actuator 7, the logic 12 either activates the rotary actuator 7 to move the device 8 to a functional position (not shown). Alternatively, the logic 12 activates the rotary actuator 7 to move the device or the arm 8 to a starting position 13.

(15) The unstable rotary actuation system 9 works in both the clockwise direction and in the anti-clockwise direction.

(16) The unstable rotary actuation system 9 comprises the torsion spring 4.

(17) The unstable rotary actuation system 9 also comprises barrels 6.

(18) The two barrels 6 lock against each other to activate at least one of the torsion springs 4.

(19) The FIG. 2 shows a rotary actuator 7. Via the flanch 11, the device or the arm 8 is mounted to the rotary actuator 7. The device or the arm 8 is shown in a starting position 13.

(20) The FIG. 3 shows a rotary actuator 7 similar to the rotary actuator 7 shown in the FIG. 1. However, in the interior of the rotary actuator 7 a clutch 10 is shown.

LIST OF REFERENCE

(21) 1 motor 2 gear train 3 enclosure 4 torsion spring 5 rotary sensor 6 barrel 7 rotary actuator 8 device/arm 9 unstable rotary actuation system 10 clutch 11 flanch 12 logic 13 starting position