Mechanical joint for symbol code scanners

• US 5,240,341 A
• Filed: 01/23/1992
• Issued: 08/31/1993
• Est. Priority Date: 01/25/1991
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Opticon Sensors Europe B.V. (Opto Electronics Co., Ltd.)
• Original Assignee: Opticon Sensors Europe B.V. (Opto Electronics Co., Ltd.)
• Inventors: Peng, Ke-Ou
• Primary Examiner(s): Reese, Randolph A.
• Assistant Examiner(s): KIM, HARRY CHONG HYUN
• Application Number:
  US07/824,055
• Time in Patent Office: 586 Days
• Field of Search: 403/146-148, 403/93, 403/96, 403/97, 403/101, 403/91, 403/84, 403/116, 403/73, 403/59, 403/82, 403/83, 403/24, 248/921, 248/278, 248/183
• US Class Current: 403/59
• CPC Class Codes: F16M 11/18 with mechanism for moving the apparatus relatively to the stand
• CPC Class Codes: F16M 11/2021 around a horizontal axis F16M11/2035 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: F16M 2200/024 by positive interaction, e.g. male-female connections
• CPC Class Codes: G06K 7/10 by electromagnetic radiation, e.g. optical sensing; by corpuscular radiation
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 248/921 Plural angular
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 403/32057 Angular and linear
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 403/32254 Lockable at fixed position
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 403/32368 including radial interengaging tongue and slot or serrations
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 403/32836 Acting through tapered surface on bearing component

Abstract

Joint for mechanically connecting, on the one hand, a scanner for symbol codes and, on the other, a processing device for processing the signals produced by the scanner, for varying through a first angle the relative position of the scanner and the processing device at least provided with an at least partially conical axle for providing a first rotational axis, which axle is movable disposed in an at least partially conical recess in a supporting block, and further provided with at least one resilient element for pressing the axle in the recess. For varying the relative position of the scanner and the processing device about a second rotational axis, the joint is provided with a disc-shaped element which is connected to the axle through an arm. At least the disc-shaped element and the arm are preferably made hollow for passing a cable through the inside of the joint.

Claims

1. A symbol code scanning system comprising a scanning means, a processing device for processing signals produced by said scanning means, and an adjustable mechanical joint connecting said scanning means and said processing device, said joint comprising:

a supporting block connected to said processing device, said supporting block being provided with a recess having a conical part,

a scanner holding means receiving said scanning means,

an at least partially hollow axle having a conical part, said axle being movably arranged in said recess,

an arm mechanically connecting said scanner holding means and said axle,

a resilient element arranged in said at least partially hollow axle so as to press said axle into said recess such that said conical part of said axle engages said conical part of said recess, and

said resilient element being held by a first mounting means connected to said axle and a second mounting means connected to said supporting block.

2. A system according to claim 1 wherein said conical part of said axle and said conical part of said recess have smooth surfaces.

3. A system according to claim 1, wherein said conical part of said axle and said conical part of said recess are toothed.

4. A system according to claim 1, wherein said axle is internally provided with a screw thread engaging an adjusting screw so as to allow adjustment of said resilient element.

5. A symbol code scanning system comprising a scanning means, a processing device for processing signals produced by said scanning means, and an adjustable mechanical joint connecting said scanning means and said processing device, said joint comprising:

a supporting block connected to said processing device, said supporting block being provided with a recess having a conical part,

a scanner holding means receiving said scanning means,

an at least partially hollow axle having a conical part, said axle being movably arranged in said recess,

a resilient element arranged in said at least partially hollow axle so as to press said axle into said recess such that said conical part of said axle engages said conical part of said recess, said resilient element being held by a first mounting means connected to said axle and a second mounting means connected to said supporting block, said axle providing a first axis of rotation,

a disc-shaped element rotatably fitted in said scanner holding means so as to provide a second axis of rotation,

an arm mechanically connecting said disc-shaped element and said axle, said arm being shaped such that said second rotational axis is substantially perpendicular to said first rotational axis.

6. A system according to claim 5, wherein said conical part of said axle and said conical part of said recess have smooth surfaces.

7. A system according to claim 5, wherein said conical part of said axle and said conical part of said recess are toothed.

8. A system according to claim 5, wherein said axle is internally provided with a screw thread engaging an adjusting screw so as to allow adjustment of said resilient element.

9. A system according to claim 5, wherein said scanner holding means is provided with means for exerting a frictional force on said disc-shaped element.

10. A system according to claim 9, wherein said means for providing said frictional force comprises a ball and a spring arranged in said scanner holding means, said ball contacting said disc-shaped element and said spring pressing said ball onto said disc-shaped element.

11. An adjustable mechanical joint for providing relative movement in more than one direction between first and second means adapted to be coupled thereto said joint comprising:

a supporting block adapted to be connected to said first means, said supporting block being provided with a recess having a conical part,

a holding means adapted to receive said second means,

an at least partially hollow axle having a conical part, said axle being movably arranged in said recess,

a resilient element arranged in said at least partially hollow axle so as to press said axle into said recess such that said conical part of said axle engages said conical part of said recess, said resilient element being held by a first mounting means connected to said axle and a second mounting means connected to said supporting block, said axle providing a first axis of rotation,

a hollow disc-shaped element rotatably fitted in said holding means so as to provide a second axis of rotation,

an arm mechanically connecting said disc-shaped element and said axle, said arm being shaped such that said second rotational axis is substantially perpendicular to said first rotational axis,

a hole in said holding means, said arm being hollow and aligned with said hollow disc-shaped element and said at least partially hollow axle, said first mounting means having a hole therethrough aligned with said at least partially hollow axle whereby a cable may extend through said joint for intercoupling said first and second means which are adapted to be coupled thereto.

12. An adjustable mechanical joint according to claim 11, wherein said conical part of said axle and said conical part of said recess have smooth surfaces.

13. An adjustable mechanical joint according to claim 11, wherein said conical part of said axle and said conical part of said recess are toothed.

14. An adjustable mechanical joint according to claim 11, wherein said axle is internally provided with a screw thread engaging an adjusting screw so as to allow adjustment of said resilient element.

15. An adjustable mechanical joint according to claim 11, wherein said holding means is provided with means for exerting a frictional force on said disc-shaped element.

16. An adjustable mechanical joint according to claim 11, wherein said means for providing a frictional force comprises a ball and a spring arranged in said holding means, said ball contacting said disc-shaped element and said spring pressing said ball onto said disc-shaped element.

17. An adjustable mechanical joint according to claim 11, wherein said first mounting means comprises a hollow cap for accommodating a cable loop.