Patent ID: 6513213
Filing Date: 2003-02-04
Classification: B25B,B25J,Y10T

Abstract:
A method of producing a microgripper comprising:providing, as a substantially flat planar member, a coupling portion and a plurality of edge portions that extend from said coupling portion; forming a displacement magnifying member from at least two of said plurality of edge portions by bending said at least two of said edge portions into a V-shape by: inwardly bending, out of said plane in a first direction, said plurality of edge portions at a vicinity of said coupling portion; outwardly bending, in a second direction opposite to said first direction, said edge portions at about a center point thereof so that each of said edge portions forms a substantially V-shape comprised of two opposed edge portions, wherein for each edge portion, one of said opposed edge portions is connected to said coupling portion, and the other one of said opposed edge portions extends from said one of said opposed edge portions; providing a translational driving section having a moving portion housed in a case and translationally moved; connecting each of the other ones of said opposed edge portions to said case; and connecting said coupling portion to said moving portion of said translational driving section so that said coupling portion is pulled on the basis of translational movement, and so that displacement amounts of tip ends of said opposed edge portions are inwardly magnified more than an amount of the translational movement.