LINEAR MOTION BRAKE

摘要

A brake (10) includes a first friction element (30) secured to the sliding plate (16) of a linear motor (12) and a second friction element (36) secured to the base plate (14) of the linear motor (12), with the friction elements (30, 36) located outside of the linear motor (12) in a direction generally perpendicular to the linear movement direction. The second friction element (36) includes first and second caliper elements (54) between which the first friction element (30) can be sandwiched and which are separated by movement of a release bar (62) parallel to the linear movement direction and including cam followers (72) which engage cam wedges (74) secured on the inner surfaces on the first and second caliper elements (54). The first and second caliper elements (54) are slideable upon standoffs (44) extending between side plate (42) of a frame (38). Wave springs (58) are positioned in recesses (60) and between the caliper elements (54) and the side plates (42) for biasing the caliper elements (54) together. The release bar (62) is moved by an actuator (70) secured to an end of the release bar (62) while the other end is slideably supported by a shaft hanger (64).