Mechanism for limiting rotation of a rotatably mounted shaft

摘要

A mechanism (10) for limiting rotation of a rotatably mounted first shaft (12) in accordance with the invention includes a housing (28) in which the first shaft is rotatably supported; a torque input (14) coupled to the first shaft; and a torque output (18) coupled to the first shaft; a second shaft (30) rotatably supported by the housing and movable between a first axial position in which the second shaft does not engage the first shaft and a second axial position in which the second shaft engages the first shaft; at least one member (32) attached to the second shaft which projects radially from the second shaft; and the housing having an inner cavity (42) with at least one surface (70) which engages the at least one member which projects radially at first and second angular positions of the shafts to provide for a limited degree of angular rotation of the shafts when the second shaft is in the second axial position.