Motion translation apparatus

摘要

A motion translation apparatus and method is provided which is particularly suitable for use with machine tools wherein the workpiece is moved relative to a tool. A stationary guideway member having a track of ball bearings mounted partially projecting from a V-shaped channel is fixed relative to the tool and relative to a rotatably driven turntable on which a hydraulic fluid operated actuator is pivotably mounted at one end. The piston of the actuator is pivotably secured to a link member which is in turn pivotably mounted on one end to the turntable. The free end of the link member opposite the end pivotably mounted to the turntable is pivotably connected to a movable guideway member which has a V-shaped channel adapted to receive and engage projecting portions of the ball bearings in the stationary guideway member for a predetermined arc of rotation of the turntable. The movable guideway member is moved against the stationary guideway member as the piston is moved outwardly for the predetermined arc of rotation of the turntable. The movable guideway member further has means for fixedly holding the workpiece to be machined. As the turntable rotates, the movable guideway member carries the workpiece through a path parallel to the track defined by the stationary guideway member and the workpiece is contacted and machined by the tool.