Linkage assembly for mechanical arm
AssigneeA-dec, Inc.
InventorJ. Rick Halbirt
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
The linkage assembly provides an adjustment mechanism for adjusting the effective length of a rod member pivotally attached between two posts. The adjustment mechanism reduces the need for small-tolerance pivot hole locations in the assembly and permits compensation for arm sag that is attributable to deflection or other factors.
Claims13
A linkage assembly for a mechanical arm system, comprising:
- a first post member;
- a second post member;
- an elongated arm member pivotally attached to the first post member and pivotally attached to the second post member;
- an elongated rod member having a first end pivotally attached to the first post member and a second end pivotally attached to the second post member, the rod member having a support length extending between the first and second post members, the first and second post members and the arm member and rod member defining a linkage arranged such that the arm member and rod member remain substantially parallel throughout the pivotal motion of the arm member and rod member;
- and
- an adjustment mechanism connected to the rod member for moving the second end of the rod member relative to the second post thereby changing the support length of the rod member between the first and second post members.
A linkage assembly for a mechanical arm system, comprising:
- a first post member;
- a second post member;
- an elongated arm member pivotally attached to the first post member and pivotally attached to the second post member;
- an elongated rod member having a first end pivotally attached to the first post member and a second end pivotally attached to the second post member, the rod member having a support length extending between the first and second post members, the first and second post members and the arm member and rod member defining a linkage arranged such that the arm member and rod member remain substantially parallel throughout the pivotal motion of the arm member and rod member;
- and
- an adjustment mechanism connected to the rod member for moving the second end of the rod member relative to the second post thereby changing the support length of the rod member between the first and second post members;
- and
- the second end of the rod member having a slot formed therein and wherein the rod member is attached to the second post member by a pivot pin that is fastened to the second post member and that passes through the slot, the adjustment mechanism including an adjustment element connected to the rod member and movable relative to the rod member, the adjustment element having a contact end that is movable within the slot for contacting the pivot pin so that movement of the adjustment element changes the support length of the rod member between the first and second post members.
An adjustment mechanism for changing a support length of a rod member extending between a first post and a second post, the rod member being pivotally connected at a first end to a first pivot pin and pivotally connected at a second end to a second pivot pin that passes through an elongated slot is defined in the second end of the rod member, the adjustment mechanism comprising:
- an adjustment screw connected to the rod member and having a contact end that is movable within the slot for contacting the pivot pin at any selected position along the length of the slot;
- a sleeve enclosing part of the second end of the rod member and having an aperture formed therein through which the pivot pin passes;
- and
- a locking screw threaded through the sleeve to bear upon the adjustment screw for preventing movement of the contact end away from the pivot pin.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.