Device for adjusting the relative angular position of two rotating elements

Abstract

In a device for adjusting the relative angular position of two rotating elements which are connected to a drive and, via a transmission element, to an actuating shaft by means of which a rotor of an electric actuating drive and the relative angular position of the rotating elements can be changed, the actuating shaft is operatively connected to at least one of the rotating elements and normally locked for a safe emergency operating mode.

1 . A device for adjusting the relative angular position of two rotating elements ( 1 ,  2 ) interconnected by a transmission element ( 3 ) and connected to a drive structure, including: and electric actuating drive ( 5 ), an actuating shaft ( 4 ) extending between the transmission element ( 3 ) and the electric actuating drive ( 5 ), a rotor ( 5   a ) connected to the actuating shaft ( 4 ) for operating the actuating shaft ( 4 ) in order to change the relative angular position of the rotating elements ( 1 ,  2 ) and means for operatively engaging the actuating shaft ( 4 ) with at least one of the rotating elements ( 1 ,  2 ).  
   
   
       2 . A device as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the relative angular position of the two rotating elements ( 1 ,  2 ) remains essentially constant as a result of the operating engagement of the actuating shaft ( 4 ) with one of the rotating elements ( 1 ,  2 ).  
   
   
       3 . A device as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the operative engagement between the actuating shaft ( 4 ) and one of the rotating elements ( 1 ,  2 ) is established by the rotor ( 5   a ) of the actuating drive ( 5 ).  
   
   
       4 . A device as claimed in  claim 3 , wherein, when the actuating drive ( 5 ) is de-energized its rotor ( 5   a ) is operatively engaged with at least one of the rotating elements ( 1 ,  2 ).  
   
   
       5 . A device as claimed in  claim 3 , wherein the operative engagement between the rotor ( 5   a ) and rotating element ( 1 ,  2 ) is established by an application of an axial force (F A1 ) to the rotor ( 5   a ).  
   
   
       6 . A device as claimed in  claim 3 , wherein the operative engagement is released upon energization of the actuating drive ( 5 ).  
   
   
       7 . The device as claimed in  claim 3 , wherein, upon energization of the actuating drive ( 5 ), an axial force (F A2 ) is active between a stator ( 5   b ) and the rotor ( 5   a ) of the actuating drive ( 5 ).  
   
   
       8 . The device as claimed in  claim 7 , wherein the effect of the axial force (F A2 ) between the stator ( 5   b ) and rotor ( 5   b ) is caused by an axial offset ( 7 ) between the stator ( 5   b ) and rotor ( 5   a ).  
   
   
       9 . The device as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the rotor ( 5   a ) of the electric actuating drive ( 5 ) is mounted on one of the rotating elements ( 1 ,  2 ).  
   
   
       10 . The device as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the rotor ( 5   a ) of the electric actuating drive ( 5 ) is directly connected to an actuating shaft ( 4 ).  
   
   
       11 . The device as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the operative connection between the actuating shaft ( 4 ) and the rotating element ( 1 ,  2 ) is established by a component which can be actuated separately.  
   
   
       12 . The device as claimed in  claim 11 , wherein the component which can be actuated separately establishes one of a frictionally locking, a positively locking and a non-positively locking engagement.  
   
   
       13 . The device as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the operative connection is established by frictional engagement.