Driving force transmission apparatus, method for producing the same, and extendible structure therewith

Abstract

A light driving force transmission apparatus performs driving force transmission without the use of friction and with high lubrication, applicable, for example, in a space environment. A plurality of connection members are secured to an endless rope to form a ball chain. The ball chain is stretched between a pair of sprockets each of which has on the periphery thereof a guide groove for guiding the endless rope and recesses engageable with the connection members. Driving shafts and driven shafts of at least two sprocket pairs are respectively coaxially located. A connecting rod is bridged between the endless ropes by securing the two ends thereof to two opposed connection members. The driving shafts of the sprocket pairs are rotated to cause a specific rotational reciprocating motion of the connecting rod so as to move a hook member of an object in a desired direction.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.