In-line rotational drive

摘要

An in-line linear/rotary drive mechanism for a voice coil actuator includes an electro-magnetic drive motor having a rotatable drive shaft. Specifically, both the drive motor and its rotatable shaft are slidably mounted for translational movement on the housing of the actuator. An actuator probe is also slidably mounted on the actuator housing. Importantly, a bearing unit constrains the actuator probe to translational movement along a predetermined axis on the actuator housing. Further, a rotary-servo coupling selectively connects the rotatable drive shaft of the electro-magnetic drive motor with the actuator probe. Within this combination, the actuator probe moves in direct translation with the drive motor along the predetermined axis. Also, within this combination the actuator probe moves in rotation about the predetermined axis in response to the rotatable drive shaft.