Safety lockout for actuator shaft

摘要

A safety lock-out to prevent rotation of a rotary actuator is described. When an axial distance between a first and a second portion of an actuated mechanism exceeds a selected distance, the lock-out prevents the rotation. The safety lock-out includes a shaft rotatably connected to the first portion and axially movable relative to the second portion. A locking member is adapted to lock the rotary actuator by placing a protrusion in a notch of the shaft, thus preventing rotation of the shaft. The device also includes a spring member urging the locking member in the locking position, and an unlocking member adapted to urge the locking member in the unlocked position when the selected distance is not exceeded.