US 12,228,197 B2
Electromechanical actuator
Karl Potier, Paris (FR); Corentin Boitard, Maisons-Laffitte (FR); Maxime Serrand, Paris (FR); and Raphael Medina, Ecouen (FR)
Assigned to GOODRICH ACTUATION SYSTEMS SAS, Vernon (FR)
Filed by GOODRICH ACTUATION SYSTEMS SAS, Vernon (FR)
Filed on Nov. 23, 2022, as Appl. No. 17/993,203.
Claims priority of application No. 21306643 (EP), filed on Nov. 25, 2021.
Prior Publication US 2023/0160458 A1, May 25, 2023
Int. Cl. B64C 13/50 (2006.01); F16H 37/12 (2006.01); H02K 7/108 (2006.01); H02K 7/116 (2006.01); H02K 11/21 (2016.01)
CPC F16H 37/122 (2013.01) [B64C 13/50 (2013.01); H02K 7/108 (2013.01); H02K 7/116 (2013.01); H02K 11/21 (2016.01)] 11 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. An electromechanical actuator (EMA) having a plurality of modes, comprising:
an electrical motor having a motor shaft extending along an axis of the EMA, the motor driving the shaft to rotate about the axis;
a gear assembly mounted around, and in geared connection with the motor shaft, to rotate with the motor shaft;
an EMA output connected to the gear assembly such that rotation of the motor shaft causes rotation of the EMA output via the gear assembly, the EMA output rotating at a speed which is a predetermined fraction of the speed of rotation of the motor shaft based on a gear ratio of the gear assembly;
a synchroniser comprising a first conical portion connected to an end of the motor shaft, and a second conical portion connected to a ratchet, wherein the synchroniser has an engaged position in which rotation of the first conical portion is transmitted to the second conical portion, and a disengaged position wherein the second conical portion is axially spaced apart from the first conical portion, along the axis, such that rotation of the first conical portion is not transmitted to the second conical portion;
a solenoid connected to the second conical portion, the solenoid configured to pull the second conical portion along the axis away from the first conical portion when the solenoid is energised;
wherein, in an active mode of the plurality of modes, the solenoid is energised and wherein rotation of the motor shaft in either direction of rotation drives the EMA output to rotate;
wherein in an anti-extension mode of the plurality of modes, the solenoid is not energised and the EMA output shaft is connected for rotation, via the synchroniser, to the ratchet; and
a cam feature arranged to rotate with the EMA output, the cam feature having a cam profile such that when the EMA output is in a positive stroke and the solenoid is de-energised, the ratchet is engaged, wherein the ratchet is arranged to prevent rotation of the EMA output in a predetermined direction of rotation; and when the EMA output is in a negative stroke, the ratchet is disengage so as to allow rotation of the EMA output in either direction of rotation.