Closed chain of settable stiffness, as coupling member between rotary and linear motion

摘要

Closed chain of settable stiffness, which is arranged as coupling member, together with spaced deflection rollers, in oval-like to round shape, positively or non-positively, stationarily or linearly movable between parts of rotary motion on the one hand and parts or surfaces with infinitely large radius of curvature on the other hand, this coupling member converting rotary motion into linear or linear into rotary motion, or reversing linear motions or itself moving or being moved linearly. Possible applications are, in a stationary arrangement, as a coupling member between gear and rack or between two racks or between two linearly movable planes; in a linearly movable arrangement, as a guiding element between linearly moved parts, as a feed member in machine tools, as a vehicle caterpillar track, wheel or as a rolling device on planar surfaces, such as a grass ski or jumping roller skate, the spring action of the freely supporting chain lower strand being utilised. <IMAGE>