US12326323 - Anti-backlash apparatus and an actuator with anti-backlash transmission

The patent describes an anti-backlash apparatus designed to minimize play between components in a transmission system, enhancing torque control over a specified range of motion. This system utilizes a cam and a load mechanism, including a cam follower and spring, to maintain consistent contact and reduce backlash during operation.

Claim 1

1. An apparatus comprising: a drive source; a transmission path connected to the drive source, the transmission path comprising a plurality of components; an output shaft connected to the transmission path, at least one of the plurality of components or the output shaft having an extended section; a load, one end of the load being anchored and another end of the load being in contact with the extended section to provide a controllable torque over a range of angular motion of the at least one of the plurality of components or the output shaft; wherein the extended section comprising a cam, and the load comprises: a cam follower and a spring, the spring having a first end and a second end, the first end is anchored, the second end of the spring being connected to the cam follower or a linkage included in the load, where the cam follower contacts the cam surface and exerts a force on the cam surface, causing the controllable torque when the at least one of the plurality of components or the output shaft rotates and the cam follower contacts different portions of the cam surface; and wherein the plurality of components comprise: a drive screw having a first end and a second end, the first end connected to the drive source; a component having a first end and a second end, the first end of the component is connected to the second end of the drive screw via a connecting pin through a hole in the drive screw and a hole in the component; and a lever connected to the second end of the component via a connecting pin through a hole in the component and a hole in the lever, the output shaft extending through another hole in the lever, the lever configured to rotate in concert with the output shaft. a drive source; a transmission path connected to the drive source, the transmission path comprising a plurality of components; an output shaft connected to the transmission path, at least one of the plurality of components or the output shaft having an extended section; a load, one end of the load being anchored and another end of the load being in contact with the extended section to provide a controllable torque over a range of angular motion of the at least one of the plurality of components or the output shaft; wherein the extended section comprising a cam, and the load comprises: a cam follower and a spring, the spring having a first end and a second end, the first end is anchored, the second end of the spring being connected to the cam follower or a linkage included in the load, where the cam follower contacts the cam surface and exerts a force on the cam surface, causing the controllable torque when the at least one of the plurality of components or the output shaft rotates and the cam follower contacts different portions of the cam surface; and wherein the plurality of components comprise: a drive screw having a first end and a second end, the first end connected to the drive source; a component having a first end and a second end, the first end of the component is connected to the second end of the drive screw via a connecting pin through a hole in the drive screw and a hole in the component; and a lever connected to the second end of the component via a connecting pin through a hole in the component and a hole in the lever, the output shaft extending through another hole in the lever, the lever configured to rotate in concert with the output shaft.

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USPTO PDF

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