Importance

Loading Importance Indicators...

Abstract

A fluid-powered rotary actuator for providing rotary movement between first and second external members. The actuator includes a cylindrical body with first and second ends. The body is adapted for coupling to the first external member, and a shaft extending generally coaxially within the body and supported for rotation relative thereto. The shaft having an adjustable end limit of rotation relative to the body. The shaft has an end portion adapted for coupling to the second external member to provide rotational movement between the first and second external members. An annular body insert is positioned coaxial with the body and at least partially within the body at the body first end. The body insert is formed as a separate part from the body and is adjustably rotatable relative to the body to permit adjustment of the end limit of rotation of the shaft relative to the body. The body insert is restrained by the body against axial movement relative to the body during powered operation of the actuator. An end cap is securely attached to the body at the body first end and spaced axially outward of and away from the body insert to define a compartment therebetween. An adjustment member extends through an aperture in the end cap with an interior portion within the end cap compartment in position to engage the body insert and an exterior portion accessible from the exterior of the end cap compartment. The adjustable member is adjustably movable in the aperture to apply an adjustment force on the body insert to adjustably rotate the body insert relative to the body to a selected rotational position relative to the body in order to adjust the end limit of rotation of the shaft relative to the body. The adjustment member, when not being adjustably moved in the aperture, holds the body insert to prevent its rotation from the selected rotational position relative to the body. A piston is mounted within the body and is reciprocally axially movable therein in response to selective application of pressurized fluid thereto. A torque-transmitting annular member is positioned generally coaxially within the body for movement with the piston.

Loading the Abstract Image...

First Claim