The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Apr. 24, 2001
Filed:
Apr. 14, 1998
Ryutaro Yoshino, Wako, JP;
Hideaki Takahashi, Wako, JP;
Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha, Tokyo, JP;
Abstract
A joint torque detection system having a plurality of post-like members disposed around an axis of a joint which connects two links. The plurality of post-like members deform or twist when a torque is imparted to one of the links. An electric motor is fixed at one of the links and the motor rotation is reduced by a harmonic-drive speed reducer fixed at the other of the links. The plurality of post-like members are annularly disposed around the joint axis such that they embrace the speed reducer. A gap sensor (displacement detector) is fixed to the second link, close to the speed reducer between the output of the speed reducer and the second link in such a manner that the sensor generates a signal indicative of relative displacement of the speed reducer output (connected to the one of the links) and the second link. With this arrangement, the system can be incorporated in a small link mechanism such as a robot finger link mechanism, with excellent detection accuracy and an elongated service life.