BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a link mechanism, robotic handling apparatus and robotic handling system. The robotic handling apparatus, link mechanism, and robotic handling system provide a wide range of motion in which an orientation of a carrier unit is controllable.

Discussion of the Background

In recent years, robots have been utilized in manufacturing and other applications in which automation is desirable. In recent years, robots have been designed for increasingly diverse applications including picking, assembly, and sorting. One aspect of robotic automation that is of particular interest are robots for article transportation.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention advantageously provides a robotic handling apparatus that includes a first arm member configured to pivot about a first pivot axis, a first drive unit configured to bring the first arm member into motion, and a second arm member configured to pivot about a second pivot axis. The second arm member is connected to the first arm member and has a distal end portion. The robotic handling apparatus includes a third arm member configured to pivot about a third pivot axis, the third arm member having a distal end portion, and a carrier unit connected to the distal end portion of the second arm member and the distal end portion of the third arm member to define a distance between the distal end portion of the second arm member and the distal end portion of the third arm member.

The present invention advantageously provides a link mechanism for a robotic handling apparatus, the link mechanism including a first arm member configured to pivot about a first pivot axis, and a second arm member configured to pivot about a second pivot axis, the second arm member being connected to the first arm member and having a distal end portion. The link mechanism includes a third arm member configured to pivot about a third pivot axis, the third arm member having a distal end portion, and a carrier unit connected to the distal end portion of the second arm member and the distal end of the third arm member to define a distance between the distal end portion of the second arm member and the distal end portion of the third arm member.

The present invention advantageously provides a robotic handling system including a robotic handling apparatus including: a first arm member configured to pivot about a first pivot axis, a first drive unit configured to bring the first arm member into motion, and a second arm member configured to pivot about a second pivot axis, the second arm member being connected to the first arm member and having a distal end portion. The robotic handling apparatus includes a third arm member configured to pivot about a third pivot axis, the third arm member having a distal end portion, and a carrier unit connected to the distal end portion of the second arm member and the distal end portion of the third arm member to define a distance between the distal end portion of the second arm member and the distal end portion of the third arm member. The robotic handling system includes a controller configured to control the robotic handling apparatus and to cause the distance to change.

