Positioning mechanism

• US 5,351,789 A
• Filed: 02/27/1992
• Issued: 10/04/1994
• Est. Priority Date: 02/28/1991
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: NEC Corporation
• Original Assignee: NEC Corporation
• Inventors: Nakano, Makoto, Takahashi, Tomoyuki, Yamashita, Osamu, Tochihara, Isao, Sano, Mitsunori
• Primary Examiner(s): Oberleitner, Robert J.
• Assistant Examiner(s): SCHWARTZ, CHRISTOPHER P
• Application Number:
  US07/842,639
• Time in Patent Office: 950 Days
• Field of Search: 188/67, 188/156, 188/157, 192/138, 192/142 R, 310/328, 310/323, 92/5 R
• US Class Current: 188/67
• CPC Class Codes: B23Q 1/30 controlled in conjunction with the feed mechanism
• CPC Class Codes: B23Q 16/00 Equipment for precise positioning of tool or work into particular locations not otherwise provided for automatic control or regulation of position of tool or work B23Q15/22; arrangements for indicating or measuring existing or desired position of tool or work B23Q17/22
• CPC Class Codes: F16D 2121/28 using electrostrictive or magnetostrictive elements, e.g. piezoelectric elements
• CPC Class Codes: F16D 49/00 Brakes with a braking member co-operating with the periphery of a drum, wheel-rim, or the like similar clutches F16D13/10
• CPC Class Codes: F16D 63/006 Positive locking brakes

Abstract

A positioning mechanism includes a housing, at least one holding member inserted into a lateral opening formed in the housing at the side wall, thereof and an electrostrictive effect element mounted on the holding member. When the electrostrictive effect element is energized, it expands to urge the holding member against a moving member which is to be stopped and held a desired location.

Claims

1. A sizing feed system comprising:

a moving member for supporting in part;

a linear drive connected to the moving member for driving the moving member;

supporting means for supporting the moving member for movement along a linear path;

a base, the linear drive and the supporting means being mounted on the base;

a lever pivotably supported by the supporting means and having a pressing portion adapted to press a surface of the moving member;

an electrostrictive effect element supported by the supporting means and coupled to the lever for applying a dressing force to the lever;

a power source electrically connected to the electrostrictive effect element for energizing the electrostrictive effect element;

sensing means for sensing a position of a part supported by the moving member; and

control means for controlling the linear drive and the power source based on the position sensed by the sensing means.