Actuator control using slipping clutches opposing eachother

摘要

An actuator control comprises a clutch pair 10, 12 including a first torque clutch 10 and a second torque clutch 12 having respective outputs 14, 18 which are coupled together to provide a common actuator output. The preferably electromagnetic clutches are continuously powered and in a slipping condition, such that they can operate against each other. The output can thus be driven in opposite directions by controlling the respective clutches such that one dominates at a given time to drive the output accordingly. The common actuator output may comprise a single shaft or respective output shafts from each clutch geared together. A plurality of clutch pairs may be driven by a single power source and have respective actuator outputs individually controlled by a common controller. By virtue of the arrangement the source of power is isolated from the control applied to the clutches.