Patent ID: 11920697
Assignee: ROTORK CONTROLS LIMITED
Field: Mechanical elements (Mechanical engineering)
Classification: CPC F | IPC F

Claim 19:
20. A failsafe module comprising:
an input member;
an output member movable toward and away from a predetermined position;
a coupling mechanism for coupling the input member to the output member, the coupling mechanism comprising:
an intermediate member engaged with the input member and movable by the input member between a first position and a second position;
an energy storage device acting between the output member and the intermediate member, such that movement of the intermediate member relative to the output member from the first position to the second position energizes the energy storage device, and wherein the energy storage device, the output member, and the intermediate member are engaged such that a release of energy from the energy storage device drives the output member to the predetermined position; and
a latch mechanism having an engaged state in which the latch mechanism prevents relative movement between the intermediate member and the output member when the intermediate member is in the second position, to thereby hold the energy storage device in an energized state and to thereby couple the input member to the output member, and the latch mechanism having a released state in which the latch mechanism allows relative movement between the intermediate member and the output member, to thereby allow the energy storage device to be energized or to release energy;
wherein the latch mechanism comprises a first latch member and a second latch member, wherein the first latch member and the second latch member are configured to couple when the intermediate member is in the second position; and wherein the latch mechanism further comprises a clutch assembly configured to couple the input member to the output member when the latch mechanism is in the engaged state;
wherein:
the latch mechanism comprises the first latch member on the output member and the second latch member on the intermediate member;
the input member is coupled to the output member via the intermediate member;
the energy storage device is configured to apply a torque between the intermediate member and the output member;
rotational movement of the intermediate member relative to the output member from the first position to the second position energises the energy storage device; and
the latch mechanism, in the engaged state, prevents relative rotational movement between the intermediate member and the output member, and, in the released state, allows relative rotational movement between the intermediate member and the output member;
and further comprising a drive arrangement arranged between the intermediate member and the output member, the drive arrangement comprising:
a first drive element rotatable relative to the intermediate member; and
a second drive element rotationally fixed relative to the output member and in engagement with the first drive element;
wherein:
the energy storage device is engaged between the first drive element and the intermediate member; and
the intermediate member, the drive arrangement and the output member are engaged such that relative rotational movement between the intermediate member and the output member causes relative rotational movement between the intermediate member and the first drive element to thereby energise the energy storage device.