Problem statement. The use of existing and the most widespread drives (wheeled and caterpillar one) is sometimes limited by complicated operational conditions while moving on rough terrain. The mentioned drives require a relatively flat surface to be operated effectively. A rocky or a hilly terrain imposes the demand of the use of alternative types of drives, in particular, walking ones.
Problems and prospects of using the walking mode for producing motion of robotic systems are considered. Advantages and spheres of the use of mobile robotic systems equipped with walking movers are substantiated. Preferences of cyclic (lever) walking mechanisms are analyzed. The kinematic parameters of four-bar crank-rocker walking mechanism, constructed on the basis of Chebyshov-Umnov mechanism, are accepted as the subject of research. The process of motion of the supporting foot of the walking mechanism is accepted as the object of research.
The simplest scheme of cyclic (lever) walking mechanism is considered. Principal scheme of the walking module with two cyclic drives is propounded and its operating features are analyzed. Structural and kinematic analysis of the walking mechanism is conducted. Based on output data (step length and height of supporting foot lifting) geometric parameters of cyclic (lever) drives are calculated and the constructive realization of the walking module is propounded.