FR2855090A1 - Load e.g. light source, displacing and balancing apparatus, has two connecting rods assembled such that projections of articulation and oscillation axes define triangle whose point angle is equal to 90 degree at each end - Google Patents

Abstract

The apparatus has a connecting arm, and two connecting rods (24, 25) assembled on a support and a suspending unit (14) such that they extend along two distinct planes based on a direction parallel to the extension direction of articulation axes (27-30). Projections of the axes (27-30) and oscillation axes (12, 13) in oscillation plane define a triangle whose point angle is equal to 90 degrees, at each end of the rods.

Description

i

  The present invention relates to the technical field of handling a load in the general sense, and it relates more precisely to devices or devices designed to move a load in a balanced state or the like.

  The object of the invention relates more precisely to the displacement and balancing of a load such as, for example, a light source or a monitor.

  In the state of the art, numerous devices are known which are designed to support a load in an equilibrium position regardless of the position taken up in space by the load. Such devices, also called self-balancing manipulators, allow the load to be moved manually, the weight of which is taken up for each position by the device itself.

  In a conventional manner, a displacement and balancing apparatus comprises an oscillating link arm mounted at one of its ends by an axis of oscillation, on a support intended to be carried by a fixed support structure, for example , to a wall or ceiling. The other end of the link arm is mounted by an oscillation axis, on a load suspension member. This device also includes rods mounted parallel to each other to form a deformable parallelogram and each articulated at one of its ends by a hinge pin, to the support and at the other of its ends, to the suspension member of load. This device also includes a spring balancing system 20 acting to keep the load in a stable position when it is moved in space.

  In general, an apparatus of this type has in a plane, a limited angular travel, generally less than 180. However, in many applications, in particular for moving and balancing a light source or a monitor in the medical field, it turns out that this stroke is too limited, so that it appears impossible to place the load in a position allowing it to properly ensure its functionality.

  The object of the invention therefore aims to remedy the drawbacks mentioned above by proposing a displacement and balancing device for a load 30 in the general sense, designed to allow the load to be displaced over an angular stroke greater than 180 while being simple in design and compact.

  To achieve such an objective, the displacement and balancing apparatus for a load, in accordance with the invention, comprises: - an oscillating link arm mounted at one of its ends by an oscillation axis, on a support intended to be carried by a carrying structure and at the other of its ends by an axis of oscillation, on a member for suspending the object, - two rods mounted parallel to each other to form a deformable parallelogram and each articulated at one of its ends by a hinge pin, to the support and, at the other of its ends, by a hinge pin, to the suspension member, - and a spring balancing system acting to keep the object in a stable position when moving in space.

  According to the invention, the two links are mounted on the support and the suspension member so as to: * extend in two distinct planes offset laterally in a direction parallel to the direction of extension of the articulation axes, * and that at each end, the projections in a plane of the articulation axes of the rods and of the oscillation axis define a triangle whose angle at the apex corresponding to the projection of the oscillation axis, is substantially equal to 90.

  According to a preferred embodiment characteristic, the spring balancing system comprises a spring fixed by a first end and the second end of which is connected to a connecting rod mounted on the support along an axis of application offset from the axis d 'oscillation.

  Preferably, the spring balancing system comprises means for adjusting the position of the axis of application of the spring relative to the axis of oscillation.

  According to an exemplary embodiment, the means for adjusting the position of the application point consists of a threaded shaft accessible from the outside of the support and connected to the application axis mounted to slide in a light arranged in the 30 support.

  Another object of the invention is to provide an apparatus designed to present a closed structure so that it can be easily cleaned.

  To achieve such an objective, the spring is mounted inside the oscillating link arm extending between the two links, the first end being fixed in the vicinity of the end of the arm provided with the suspension member, while that the second end is fixed to a slide on which the connecting rod is fixed.

  Furthermore, the link arm has a closed profile between the support and the suspension member, while the support and the suspension member are fitted with protective flanges.

  According to another characteristic of the invention, the device comprises an adjustable stop limiting the displacement of the slide making it possible to adjust the amplitude 10 of movement of the suspension member of the object.

  Advantageously, the suspension member and the support each consist of a central plate from which extend two lateral tabs on which the rods are mounted.

  In the case where the object of the invention is to manipulate a load requiring an electrical connection, the apparatus comprises an electrical connection harness mounted inside the link arm and passing through the suspension member and the support .

  Another object of the invention is to propose a movement and balancing mechanism for a load comprising a supporting structure for an apparatus 20 according to the invention.

  Various other characteristics will emerge from the description given below with reference to the appended drawings which show, by way of nonlimiting examples, embodiments of the subject of the invention.

  Figure 1 is a schematic view showing a displacement and balancing mechanism implementing a support structure according to the invention.

  Figure 2 is a longitudinal section taken substantially along the lines II-II of Figure 1.

  Figures 3 and 4 are elevation sections taken respectively along lines III-III and IV-IV of Figure 2.

  Figure 5 is a cross-section taken substantially along the lines V-V in Figure 3.

  Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view taken substantially along lines VI-VI of Figure 4.

  Figure 7 illustrates a view similar to Figure 4 and showing the apparatus in another characteristic position.

  As shown more precisely in Figure 1, the object of the invention relates to an apparatus 1 for moving in a position of equilibrium, a load 2 in the general sense. Preferably, the load 2 shown schematically in the drawings is a light source but may for example be a monitor or any other object or product. This device 1 is part of a movement and balancing mechanism 3 in the general sense which is not specifically part of the object of the invention. In the example illustrated, this mechanism 3 comprises a support structure produced by a console 4 at the end of which is mounted, along an axis of rotation A, a support 6 forming part of the device 1 according to the invention. The other end of the console 4 is also mounted in rotation along an axis B parallel to the axis A on a column 7 fixed at its other end. Of course, the device 1 according to the invention can be part of a mechanism whose supporting structure 4, 7 is different.

  As shown more precisely in Figures 2 to 4, the apparatus 1 according to the invention comprises an oscillating link arm 10 having an elongated tube 11 of closed rectangular section. The link arm 11 is mounted at one of its ends by an oscillation axis 12 on the support 6 carried as described above by the support structure 4, 7. The other end of the link arm 10 is mounted by an oscillation axis 13, on a suspension member 14 for the load 2. The oscillation axes 12, 13 are mutually parallel and perpendicular to a plane of oscillation P shown in FIG. 1 in which the arm link 10 performs its oscillating movement.

  As shown more precisely in Figures 2 to 4, the suspension member 14 has a central plate 15 of generally circular shape extended radially by a shank 16 allowing the mounting of a load 2. This suspension member 14 is located extended transversely by two lateral legs 18 extending on either side of the central plate 15 and connected to the latter in the opposite part from that equipped with the tail 16. As can be seen more precisely in FIG. 2, the legs 18 extend parallel and on either side of the central plate 15 at a distance therefrom, being located inside a fork 11, presented by the end of the tube 11. In reality, the oscillation axis 13 is constituted by two coaxial parts each mounted in a branch of the fork 11, and a lug 18.

  According to a preferred embodiment characteristic, the support 6 has a shape analogous to the suspension member 14 as described above. Thus as it appears more precisely in FIGS. 3 to 6, the support 6 has a central plate 21 of generally circular shape, extended radially by a shank 22 intended to be preferably carried in rotation by the supporting structure as described 10 above. The central plate 21 is extended transversely, by two lateral tabs 23 extending parallel to the central plate and at a distance from the latter while being located inside a fork 112 presented by the other end of the tube 11. L the oscillation axis 12 is thus constituted by two coaxial parts each mounted in a branch of the fork 112 and a lug 23.

  According to the invention, the device 1 comprises two similar rods called upper 24 and lower 25 respectively, taking into account their mounting position illustrated in the drawings. The two links 24 and 25 are mounted parallel to each other to form a deformable parallelogram. The so-called upper link 24 is mounted articulated to the support 6 by means of a hinge pin 27 while its other end is hinged by a hinge pin 28 to the suspension member 14. The so-called link lower 25 is mounted articulated at one of its ends to the support 6 by a hinge pin 29 while its other end is mounted hinged by a hinge pin 30 to the suspension member 14. Of course, the axes articulation 27 to 30 which extend parallel to each other and perpendicular to the plane of oscillation P are offset in the plane of oscillation P to form a deformable parallelogram.

  According to a characteristic of the invention, the two rods 24, 25 are mounted on the support 6 and the suspension member 14 so as to extend in two separate parallel planes P1, P2 shown in Figure 2 and parallel to the oscillation plane P. These parallel planes are offset laterally in a direction parallel to the direction of extension of the articulation axes 27 to 30. The mounting of the two rods 24, 25 in two distinct planes allows a large oscillation stroke of the link arm 10 as will be explained in the following description.

  In the embodiment illustrated in the drawings, the articulation axes 27 to 30 are carried by the lateral tabs 23, 18 respectively of the support 6 and of the suspension member 14 by projecting from the interior side to allow the mounting of the rods 24 and 25 on the internal side of the lateral tabs to limit the size. The two links 24 and 25 thus extend inside the closed tube 11.

  According to another characteristic of the invention, the two links 24 and 25 are mounted so that at each end, the projections in the oscillation plane P, of the articulation axes 27, 29 and of the axis d oscillation 12 on the one hand, and articulation axes 28, 30 and of the oscillation axis 13 on the other hand, define a triangle whose angle at the apex corresponding to the projection of the axis of oscillation 12, 13 is substantially equal to an angle oc equal to 90. Thus, as shown in Figure 7, the links 24, 25 are mounted so as to form at each end of the link arm 10, a triangle with the axis of oscillation 12, 13. In other words , the articulation axes 27, 29 on the one hand and 28, 30 on the other hand evolve on a circle centered on the oscillation axes respectively 12, 13 during the oscillation stroke of the link arm 10 which can thus be greater than 180 and up to 250, for example.

  According to another characteristic of the invention, the device 1 comprises a spring balancing system 30 making it possible to balance the load 2 during its movement in space. The spring balancing system 30 comprises a spring 31 fixed by a first end 32 while its second end 33 is connected to a connecting rod 34 mounted on the support 6 along an application axis 35 offset from the axis oscillation 12.

  According to a preferred embodiment characteristic, the spring 31 is mounted inside the closed tube 11 extending between the two links 24 and 25. The first end of the spring 31 is fixed in the vicinity of the end of the arm provided 30 of the suspension member 14. For this purpose, the first end 32 is retained by a pin 36 fixed transversely inside the closed tube 11. The second end 33 of the spring 31 is fixed on a slide 40 on which is fixed the rod 34. The slide 40 is mounted to slide freely inside the closed tube 11.

  According to a preferred embodiment characteristic, the device 1 comprises an adjustable stop 41 for limiting the displacement of the slide 40 thus making it possible to limit the amplitude of movement of the suspension member 14. In the example illustrated, the stop 41 is constituted by a screw accessible from the outside of the arm, mounted to slide in a slot 42 arranged in the closed tube 11 and to cooperate with the slide 42 to limit its stroke.

  According to another preferred embodiment characteristic, the spring balancing system 10 comprises means 51 for adjusting the position of the axis of application of the spring 33 relative to the axis of oscillation 12. As is more specifically from Figures 3 and 5, the adjusting means 51 of the position of the application axis 35 is constituted by a threaded shaft 54 mounted inside a housing 55 arranged radially inside the plate central 21 of the support 6, being accessible from the outside of the support 6. This threaded shaft 54 cooperates with a threaded ring 57 slidably mounted in the housing 55 and on which is mounted the axis of application 35 of the force spring.

  According to an advantageous characteristic of embodiment, the link arm 10 constitutes a closed structure facilitating its maintenance. To this end, the support 6 and 20 the suspension member 14 are equipped with protective flanges 60 making it possible to ensure continuity of the closed tube 11 at the level of the support 6 and of the suspension member 14. Thus, such that this emerges more precisely from FIGS. 2 and 6, the support 6 and the suspension member 14 are each fitted with two flanges 60 fixed on the lateral legs 18, 23, fitting around each of them and on 25 l closed end of the tube 11.

  According to a preferred embodiment, the device 1 is intended to move a load requiring an electrical connection. According to this example, the apparatus according to the invention makes it possible to integrate an electrical connection bundle 62 inside the link arm 10. As is more particularly apparent from Figures 2, 3 and 5, the connection bundle 62 crosses the support 6 through a channel 63 arranged in the central plate 21 of the support 6 by opening into the tail 22 and between a lateral tab 23 and the central plate 21.

  In the case where the tail 22 is mounted with the possibility of rotation, the connection beam 62 is connected to rotary electrical contacts 64. The connection beam 62 extends inside the closed tube 11 to come out into the tail 16 of the suspension member 14 passing inside a breakthrough 65 arranged in the central plate 15.

  The invention is not limited to the examples described and shown since various modifications can be made without departing from its scope.

Claims (9)

  1- Displacement and balancing apparatus for a load (2), this apparatus comprising: - an oscillating link arm (10) mounted at one of its ends by an axis of oscillation (12), on a support (6) intended to be carried by a support structure and at the other of its ends, by an oscillation axis (13), on a suspension member (14) of the load (2), - two links ( 24, 25) mounted parallel to each other to form a deformable parallelogram and each articulated at one of its ends by a hinge pin (27, 29), at the support (6) and, at the other of its ends , by a hinge pin (28, 30), to the suspension member (14), - and a spring balancing system (30) acting to keep the load in a stable position during its movement in the space, characterized in that the two rods (24, 25) are mounted on the support (6) and the suspension member (14) so as: * to extend in two separate planes (P1, P2) offset laterally in a direction parallel to the direction of extension of the articulation axes (27 - 30), * and at each end, the projections in a plane of the articulation axes (27 , 29 - 28, 30) of the links and of the axis of oscillation (12, 13) 20 define a triangle whose angle at the apex corresponding to the projection of the axis of oscillation, is substantially equal to 90.   2- Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the spring balancing system (30) comprises a spring (31) fixed by a first end and the second end of which is connected to a connecting rod (34) mounted on the support (6) 25 along an axis of application (35) offset from the axis of oscillation (12).   3- Apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that the spring balancing system (30) comprises means (51) for adjusting the position of the application axis (35) of the spring relative to the oscillation axis (12).   4 - Apparatus according to claim 3, characterized in that the adjusting means 30 (51) of the position of the application axis (35) consists of a threaded shaft (54) accessible from the outside of the support ( 6) and connected to the application axis (35) slidingly mounted in a housing (55) arranged in the support.   - Apparatus according to one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that the spring (31) is mounted inside the oscillating link arm (10) extending between the two links (24, 25), the first end being fixed in the vicinity of the end of the arm provided with the suspension member (14) while the second end is fixed on a slide (40) on which the connecting rod (34) is fixed.   6 - Apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that it comprises an adjustable stop (41) limiting the movement of the slide (40) for adjusting the amplitude of movement of the suspension member (14) of the load .   7 - Apparatus according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the link arm 10 (10) has between the support (6) and the suspension member (14), a closed profile while the support ( 6) and the suspension member (14) are fitted with protective flanges (60).   8 - Apparatus according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the suspension member (14) and the support (6) each consist of a central plate (15, 15 21) from which extend two lateral tabs (18, 23) on which the connecting rods (24, 25) are mounted.   9- Apparatus according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that it comprises an electrical connection harness (62) mounted inside the link arm (10) and passing through the suspension member (14) and the support (6).   10 - Movement and balancing mechanism for a load, characterized in that it comprises a supporting structure for an apparatus (1) conforming to one of claims 1 to 9.