Patent ID: 8256321
Filing Date: 2012-09-04
Classification: B25J,F16H,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A flexible actuator capable of carrying out a translation operation, comprising: a base member; a translation member that is held on the base member so as to move reciprocatingly thereon linearly; a displacement member that is capable of being displaced in a direction substantially perpendicular to a moving direction of the translation member; an elastic mechanism that is secured to the base member, for accumulating and releasing elastic energy in accordance with a distance to the displacement member; a transmission member that is connected to the displacement member so as to allow the distance relative to the displacement member to be adjusted by two or more coupling mechanisms; a protruding member that is formed on the translation member in a protruding manner to be pressed against the transmission member by force generated by energy released from the elastic mechanism; and a control device for changing a relative position and a relative angle between the displacement member and the transmission member by controlling an adjusting operation of the distance relative to the coupling mechanisms.