LINEAR MOTOR BRAKE

摘要

A brake that can particularly be applied to a linear motor has a gripping member that can move axially within the housing of the brake. The gripping member is lightly urged against the rotor of the linear motor such that movement of the rotor in one direction causes the gripping member to grip the rotor more strongly and movement of the rotor in the other direction causes the gripping member to grip the rotor less strongly. The gripping member can be completely disengaged from the rotor and can be held in the disengaged position by an electromagnet. Upon the cessation of power to the electromagnet (for example if there is a power interruption), the gripping member automatically moves in a direction that allows it to grip the rotor more strongly and thus provides a fail-safe brake. In a preferred embodiment, the brake can be moved into its deactivated position using the power only from the linear motor. There is also disclosed a novel use for a helical tension spring wound in a loop, the spring acting as both a linear bearing and as a means for providing a radially inward force. Methods of disengaging and applying a brake are also disclosed.