A lift assembly includes a base, a platform moveable relative to the base between raised and lowered positions, and a scissor mechanism to move the platform relative to the base. The lift assembly also includes a lift mechanism including a base support coupled to the base and extending from the base toward the platform, a platform support mounted to the platform and extending from the platform toward the base, a first linkage supported by the base support and coupled to the platform support, and a first pulley supported by the first linkage. The lift assembly also includes a drive mechanism supported by the base and a cable extending from the drive mechanism, wrapped at least partially around the first pulley, and fixed relative to the platform support. The cable is configured to be tensioned by the drive mechanism such that the lift mechanism moves the platform to the raised position.
A drive mechanism includes a stacked motor assembly. The stacked motor assembly includes a first motor, a first rotatable driver member rotationally fixed to the first motor, a second motor vertically spaced from the first motor, and a second rotatable driver member rotationally fixed to the second motor. The drive mechanism also includes an output shaft spaced from the first motor and the second motor and a flexible drive member rotatably coupling the first rotatable driver member, the second rotatable driver member, and the output shaft together such that rotation of the first rotatable drive member by the first motor and rotation of the second rotatable driver member by the second motor impart rotational torque to the output shaft. The drive mechanism further includes an output belt fixed to the output shaft and configured to be wound about the output shaft upon rotation of the output shaft.
F16H 19/06 - Gearings comprising essentially only toothed gears or friction members and not capable of conveying indefinitely-continuing rotary motion for interconverting rotary motion and reciprocating motion comprising an endless flexible member
B66F 3/44 - Devices, e.g. jacks, adapted for uninterrupted lifting of loads with self-contained electric driving motors
3.
MOBILE ROBOT INCLUDING A LIFT ASSEMBLY AND A LOW-PROFILE DRIVE MECHANISM
A mobile robot includes a lift assembly, a low-profile drive mechanism, and a plurality of wheels such that the mobile robot is moveable. The lift assembly includes a base and a platform moveable between a lowered state where the platform is proximal to the base and an elevated state where the platform is distal to the base. The low-profile drive mechanism includes a plurality of electric motors arranged in series along an axis to define an initial electric motor, one or more intermediate electric motors, and a final electric motor. The low-profile drive mechanism also includes a gear mounted to each of the electric motors and an output member driven by the gear mounted to the final electric motor to receive the combined rotational torque from the gears. The output member is coupled to the platform to move the platform between the lowered state and the elevated state.
A drive mechanism includes a mount block extending along an axis and a plurality of electric motors supported by the mount block. The electric motors are arranged in series along the axis to define an initial electric motor, one or more intermediate electric motors, and a final electric motor. The drive mechanism also includes a gear mounted to each of the electric motors, and an output member driven by the gear mounted to the final electric motor to receive the combined rotational torque from the gears of the series of electric motors.
F16H 1/22 - Toothed gearings for conveying rotary motion without gears having orbital motion involving more than two intermeshing members with a plurality of driving or driven shaftsToothed gearings for conveying rotary motion without gears having orbital motion involving more than two intermeshing members with arrangements for dividing torque between two or more intermediate shafts
F16H 19/06 - Gearings comprising essentially only toothed gears or friction members and not capable of conveying indefinitely-continuing rotary motion for interconverting rotary motion and reciprocating motion comprising an endless flexible member
F16H 7/06 - Gearings for conveying rotary motion by endless flexible members with chains
F16H 7/02 - Gearings for conveying rotary motion by endless flexible members with beltsGearings for conveying rotary motion by endless flexible members with V-belts
F16H 7/12 - Means for varying tension of belts, ropes, or chains by adjusting the axis of a pulley of an idle pulley
H02K 7/10 - Structural association with clutches, brakes, gears, pulleys or mechanical starters
H02K 7/116 - Structural association with clutches, brakes, gears, pulleys or mechanical starters with gears
H02P 5/685 - Arrangements specially adapted for regulating or controlling the speed or torque of two or more electric motors controlling two or more DC dynamo-electric motors electrically connected in series, i.e. carrying the same current
A lift assembly includes a base, a platform coupled to the base and moveable between a lowered state and an elevated state, a first pair of scissor arms including a first arm and a second arm pivotably connected to one another, and a second pair of scissor arms including a third arm and a fourth arm pivotably connected to one another. The lift assembly also includes a carriage coupled to the first pair of scissor arms and to the second pair of scissor arms. The carriage includes a shaft extending transverse to the first arm, the second arm, the third arm, and the fourth arm, and a centering wheel rotatably coupled to the shaft. The first arm includes a cam surface engageable with the centering wheel to guide travel of the platform between the lowered state and the elevated state.
A lift assembly including a platform movable to a raised position, a lowered position, and an intermediate position between the raised and lowered positions. A scissor arm system defines a cavity beneath the platform. The scissor arm system includes a pair of scissor arms pivotably connected to each other. The scissor arm system has opposed first and second ends with the first ends of the scissor arm system being coupled to the platform. A stanchion guides the platform between the raised and lowered positions. The stanchion extends from a first stanchion end to a second stanchion end above the first stanchion end. A drive mechanism is mounted to the platform to move with the platform. A flexible member is coupled to the stanchion and the drive mechanism. The drive mechanism winds and unwinds the flexible member to move the platform between the raised and lowered positions.
The subject invention includes a lift system including a first scissor-type lift assembly and a second scissor-type lift assembly spaced from the first scissor-type lift assembly. The first scissor-type lift assembly includes a first base and a first platform coupled to the first base for movement between elevated and lowered states. The first scissor-type lift assembly includes a first motor operatively mounted to the first base. The second scissor-type lift assembly includes a second base and a second platform coupled to the second base for movement between elevated and lowered states. The second scissor-type lift assembly includes a second motor operatively mounted to the second base. The first and second motors move the first and second platforms between the elevated and lowered states. The lift system includes a controller in communication with the first and second scissor-type lift assemblies to synchronize operation of the first and second motors.
A lift assembly includes a base and a platform at a relatively greater distance from the base in an extended state than in a contracted state. The lift assembly includes a pair of scissor arms with each arm having opposed first and second ends, and pivotably connected to each other about a central axis. The lift assembly includes a drive screw mechanism including a shaft defining a longitudinal axis, and further includes a drive motor, a block, and a collar. The lift assembly further includes first and second pairs of links. Each link has opposed first and second ends and an edge facing away from the central axis and defining a recess in the link. The collar and block are spaced from the central axis and indirectly coupled to the pair of scissor arms through a pair of links.
A belt-driven transportation system including a first set of pulleys rotatably attached to a first member and a second set of pulleys rotatably attached to a second member. The first and second members have relative movement to each other. The system further includes a unitary belt that is guided through a path defined by the first and second sets of pulleys. A plurality of flange members maintain a proper positioning of the belt on the pulleys.
A belt-driven transportation system including a first set of pulleys rotatably attached to a first member and a second set of pulleys rotatably attached to a second member. The first and second members have relative movement to each other. The system further includes a unitary belt that is guided through a path defined by the first and second sets of pulleys with the path substantially lying in a stationary plane, and a plurality of retention rollers. A retention roller is disposed adjacent each pulley, with the belt extending about the pulley and between the pulley and the retention roller. The positioning of the belt substantially on the path is maintained by the plurality of retention rollers, and the first and second members are moved relative to each other with changes in the length of the path.
b) including: a lift support assembly (102) comprising an upper frame member (104), a lower frame member (106), the upper frame member is movable between a lowered position and a lifted position. The lift support assembly additionally includes a support mechanism (150) that holds and maintains the alignment between the upper frame member and a lower frame member as well as a powering unit to cause movement of the upper frame.
