ES2976498A1 - PLATFORM TO LIFT AN OBJECT OF A DETERMINED WEIGHT (Machine-translation by Google Translate, not legally binding) - Google Patents

Abstract

Platform for raising an object with the gravitational potential energy of the object itself, comprising a scissor-type mechanical structure comprising at least a first beam (1) and at least a second beam (2) such that the first beam (1) and The second beam (2) is connected by a rotary joint (3), and a work platform (5), where the platform comprises an actuator (12) that comprises a defined preload, an energy reception mechanism (10), a first energy transmission mechanism (11) connected to the energy reception mechanism (10) and the actuator (12), a second energy transmission mechanism (13) between the actuator (12) and the second beam (2), where the actuator (12) is configured to be in two positions: a first static position and a second dynamic position, and a locking mechanism (14) configured to lock the work platform (5) in one position. (Machine-translation by Google Translate, not legally binding)

Description

DESCRIPTION

PLATFORM FOR LIFTING AN OBJECT OF A CERTAIN WEIGHT

Field of invention

The object of the invention is a platform for lifting an object of a given weight by taking advantage of part of the gravitational potential energy of the object's own weight, which by means of an actuator with a preload is capable of lifting weights, without depending on any additional energy input to the platform except for that already mentioned of the gravitational potential energy of the weight itself. The platform for lifting an object of a given weight object of the invention is applicable in multiple industries since the lifting of heavy objects takes place on many occasions and in very different areas, from a vehicle lift in a workshop to a platform for lifting people.

Technical problem to be solved and background of the invention

The proposed technical object consists of a platform for lifting a given weight comprising a mobile mechanical lifting structure with a work platform comprising an actuator having a variable preload, such that the preload is defined by the given weight to be lifted by the platform; an energy transmission mechanism configured to receive external energy and transmit said external energy to the actuator.

It is known the document EP0142919A1 which discloses a platform to lift a determined weight that comprises a mobile mechanical lifting structure with a work platform that comprises an actuator that has a variable preload and, an energy transmission mechanism configured to receive an external energy and transmit said external energy to the actuator, so that the application of an external energy on the energy transmission mechanism causes the actuator to change its position and produce an upward movement of the work platform; and the release of the energy previously supplied to the energy transmission mechanism causes the lifting element to release energy from the actuator and produce a downward movement of the work platform. In this document the weight of the object incorporated on the platform is not sufficient to lift the object, that is, it requires additional extra energy provided by a person who lifts the platform.

Also known is document CN207748819U, which discloses a platform for lifting a given weight, comprising a base platform, a work platform and a scissor-shaped lifting structure, also comprising a spring and a slide mounted in the horizontally open slide housing. The spring is compressed to generate potential energy. The lifting is actuated by means of two hydraulic cylinders, and a handle is attached to the work platform and a control box is mounted on the work platform. In the same way as when the previous document was cited, this document does not contemplate the lifting of an object thanks to the potential energy of the weight of the object itself.

Description of the invention

The object of the invention is a platform for lifting an object with the gravitational potential energy of the object itself, which comprises a scissor-type mechanical structure comprising at least a first beam and at least a second beam such that the first beam and the second beam are connected by a rotary joint, and a work platform.

The platform for lifting an object of the invention comprises an actuator comprising a preload, where the preload is defined by the determined weight of the object to be lifted by the platform, an energy receiving mechanism configured to receive the gravitational potential energy of the object, a first energy transmission mechanism connected to the energy receiving mechanism and the actuator, such that the first energy transmission mechanism is configured to transmit the energy received by the energy receiving mechanism to the actuator, and said first energy transmission mechanism being connected to the second beam, a second energy transmission mechanism between the actuator and the first beam.

The actuator of the platform object of the invention is configured to be in two positions: a first static position and a second dynamic position, such that in the first static position the actuator maintains its position, and such that in the second dynamic position the actuator is configured to perform an action chosen between: lengthening or shortening; where the actuator is positioned in the second dynamic position upon receiving, or eliminating, the energy from the energy receiving mechanism, and where the platform for lifting an object additionally comprises a locking mechanism configured to lock the work platform in a position.

In the platform for raising an object of the invention, the energy receiving mechanism comprises a first wedge supported on a second wedge, such that the first wedge is configured to perform a first displacement when it is pressed and displace the second wedge, the first energy transmission mechanism being fixed at one end to the second wedge.

In the platform for lifting an object of the invention, the work platform comprises a housing for the wedges with interior walls, where the housing comprises first springs on which the first wedge rests, configured to exert pressure on the first wedge when it moves; and second springs on which the second wedge rests laterally, configured to exert pressure on the second wedge when it moves.

In the platform for lifting an object of a certain weight, object of the invention, the energy receiving mechanism comprises a piston configured to move vertically in a body located on the work platform, where a hydraulic or pneumatic fluid is connected by means of a rigid or flexible circuit directly to a cylinder of the actuator, such that the first energy transmission mechanism comprises the rigid or flexible circuit and the hydraulic or pneumatic fluid housed in the rigid or flexible circuit.

The platform for lifting an object of the invention may comprise a variable geometry cam located on the first beam for fixing the second energy transmission mechanism, where the second energy transmission mechanism comprises a second flexible element that works under tension that is wound on the variable geometry cam.

The platform for lifting an object of the invention may comprise an energy recovery system configured to accumulate energy when it is released in the energy receiving mechanism.

Brief description of the drawings

Below, a very brief description is given of a series of drawings that help to better understand the invention and that are expressly related to two embodiments of said invention that are presented as non-limiting examples thereof.

Figure 1 shows a side view of a first embodiment of the platform for lifting an object of a certain weight, object of the invention.

Figure 2 shows a detailed view of the upper part of the platform for lifting an object of a certain weight, object of the invention, and its system for receiving and transmitting potential energy.

Figures 3A to 3C show the typical operating diagrams of force, displacement and energy of the platform for lifting an object of a certain weight, object of the invention.

The list of numerical references used in the figures is shown below:

1st beam,

2 second beam,

3 rotary joint

4 fixed articulated support,

5 working platform,

6 second intermediate beam,

7 mobile articulated support,

8 first intermediate beam,

9 multi-scissor rotating joints,

10 energy reception mechanism,

11 first energy transmission mechanism,

12 actuator,

13 second energy transmission mechanism,

14 locking mechanism,

15 first wedge,

16 second wedge,

17 variable geometry cam,

18 accommodation,

19 interior walls,

20 first springs, and

21 second springs.

Detailed description of the invention

The object of the invention is a platform for lifting an object of a certain weight, for people and/or objects, similar to the traditional ones existing on the market, but with the apparent peculiarity of not needing to take external energy to carry out said lifting.

The platform for lifting an object of a certain weight, object of the invention, makes the external energy applied to the platform simply a part of the potential energy of the element to be lifted when it is positioned and moved a distance on the platform itself, such that said potential energy is what ultimately helps to provide the energy necessary for the ascent and/or descent of the platform to the desired position. This is because the total energy necessary to carry out the lifting is the sum of that already available to the pre-loaded actuator plus that additionally provided to it by the potential energy of the object to be lifted when it moves said distance in the energy receiving mechanism.

This provides the platform for lifting an object of a certain weight, object of the invention, with complete autonomy and independence, as it does not require any additional energy other than that provided by the weight of the item to be lifted, so that it is not necessary for the platform to be connected or plugged into any external energy source, or for additional mechanical energy to be introduced, for example, by means of a pedal or crank system.

The platform for lifting an object of a certain weight, object of the invention, comprises a mobile mechanical lifting structure that can be of an infinite number of types, that is, it is not exclusive for a geometry of the mobile mechanical lifting structure of the platform (for example, a single or multiple cross-arm scissors).

However, the preferred embodiment of the platform for lifting an object of a certain weight, object of the invention, focuses on a mobile scissor-type mechanical lifting structure of those known in the state of the art.

A scissor-type structure comprises at least a first beam (1) and at least a second beam (2) such that the first beam (1) and the second beam (2) are connected by a rotary joint (3), where the first beam (1) has a fixed articulated support (4) to the ground or to another fixed structure and a second end to be chosen between movable on a work platform (5) and articulated to a second intermediate beam (6) and the second beam (2) has a movable articulated support (7) and a second end to be chosen between articulated to the work platform (5) and articulated to a first intermediate beam (8). The first intermediate beams (8) are parallel to the first beam (1) and the second intermediate beams (6) are parallel to the second beam (2) with rotary joints (9) between the first intermediate beams (8) and the second intermediate beams (6).

If the mobile mechanical lifting structure has the first intermediate beams (8) and the second intermediate beams (6) it is a multiple scissor type structure, while if it lacks said intermediate beams (6, 8) it is a simple scissor type structure.

To lift the object, external energy is supplied to the system by incorporating the potential energy associated with the determined weight of the object to be lifted, that is, the weight to be lifted, by means of an energy receiving mechanism (10), which supplies energy to the mobile mechanical lifting structure, with the following procedure:

- the energy receiving mechanism (10) receives the potential energy associated with the determined weight of the object to be lifted, descending a determined distance,

- a first energy transmission mechanism (11) connected to the energy receiving mechanism (10) transmits the received energy to an actuator (12), and - the actuator (12) with its energy state, sum of its previous preload and the new potential energy received from the determined weight of the object to be lifted, transmits to the mobile mechanical lifting structure a movement by means of a second energy transmission mechanism (13), which causes the mechanical lifting structure to change its position and the work platform to rise or lower.

The platform for lifting an object of a certain weight, object of the invention, bases its operation on the actuator (12), which is tensioned and has a preload, but the preload is determined by the weight that the platform has to lift, that is, said preload depends on the weight of the element that is to be lifted. Said tension can be traction (preferred embodiment) or compression.

The application of all or part of the weight to be lifted on the energy receiving mechanism (10) by means of the first energy transmission mechanism (11) causes said actuator (12) to increase energy and change its position, lengthening, passing from a first static position to a second dynamic position. When the weight on the energy receiving mechanism (10) is removed, the actuator (12) reduces its energy state, causing it to shorten.

In order to lock the position of the platform for lifting an object of a certain weight, object of the invention, the aforementioned platform for lifting an object of a certain weight, object of the invention, comprises a locking mechanism (14) that locks the position of the platform, such that the actuator (12) is locked in the first static position.

When the actuator (12) has more energy than that corresponding to its initial position, it performs the traction of the second energy transmission mechanism (13), the second beam (2) and the first beam (1) perform an approximation movement of their ends and the work platform performs an upward movement; if on the contrary the actuator (12) stops performing said additional traction and there is no blocking, the opposite movement of the ends of the beams (1, 2) occurs and a descent of the work platform (5) occurs.

In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the energy receiving mechanism (10) is configured by a first wedge (15) and a second wedge (16), such that a vertical displacement of the first wedge (15) causes a horizontal movement of the second wedge (16), and said second wedge (16) pulls the first energy transmission mechanism (11) configured, in the preferred embodiment, by a first flexible element that works under traction that is connected to the actuator (12), so that the actuator (12) receives additional traction, which causes it to lengthen, additionally also pulling the second energy transmission mechanism (13) configured by a second flexible element that works under traction, which generates a displacement of the first beam (1) with respect to the second beam (2) and therefore an elevation of the work platform (5). Said flexible elements can be, for example, cables, tapes or traction bands.

The working platform (5) houses the energy receiving mechanism (10), which comprises a housing (18) for the wedges (15, 16) with inner walls (19). The housing has inside first springs (20) on which the first wedge (15) rests, configured to exert pressure on the first wedge (15) when it moves, and second springs (21) on which the second wedge (16) rests laterally, configured to exert pressure on the second wedge (16) when it moves.

In the preferred embodiment of the invention, for fixing the second flexible element working under tension to the first beam (1), the platform for lifting an object of a given weight comprises a variable geometry cam (17) such that said second flexible element working under tension is wound on the variable geometry cam (17), so that the length and angle of fixing the second flexible element working under tension with respect to the first beam (1) change according to the relative position of the first beam (1) and the second beam (2) and in this way the diagram of forces and energy is optimized.

The platform for lifting an object of a certain weight, object of the invention, may have various types of mechanical locking mechanisms (14) that allow better control of the movement of the platform. The mechanical locking mechanism (14) may comprise a retractable mechanical element located in a wedge (15, 16) of the energy receiving mechanism (10) so that it is hooked to the work platform (5), of those known in the state of the art. It may also be a ratchet-type self-locking reel of the first flexible element that works under traction attached to the structure or beam (2) of the platform, which may act as a mechanical stop (indicated in figure 2), a mechanical system between the joints (3, 9) of the platform, or it may be the actuator (12) itself which already has an internal locking system (14) incorporated, this being a possible preferred embodiment since it is found in standard commercial actuators (e.g. gas actuators).

The mechanical locking stop (14) is configured to lock the relative position of the first beam and the second beam, in the preferred embodiment of the invention, so that once the work platform (5) has been placed in the desired position or height, said position is locked until it is unlocked and a subsequent new movement is made, whether it be another elevation or descent.

In the preferred embodiment of the invention, if the weight moves out of the energy receiving mechanism (10), the previously supplied potential energy that caused the energy receiving mechanism (10) to move the determined distance is released. Then, if the mechanical locking stop is released, it causes the actuator (12) to shorten and return to the previous position. In this way, the work platform (5) is lowered.

The platform for lifting an object of a certain weight, object of the invention, may have other preferred types of energy reception and transmission mechanisms different from those already indicated. For example, they may be configured by means of a hydraulic or pneumatic system. The wedge (15) becomes the piston that can move vertically, when located in its cylinder-type block designed as such on the work platform, displacing the air or the hydraulic element under the piston by the object located above it. The hydraulic or pneumatic fluid is connected by means of a rigid or flexible circuit directly to the actuator cylinder (12), as an example of a gas/hydraulic/pneumatic spring type, which receives the potential energy of said vertical movement, producing the lengthening of the latter. Likewise, when the element above the piston is removed, the actuator (12) stops receiving the corresponding energy and produces the shortening of the same.

Since the actuator (12) of the platform for lifting an object of a certain weight, object of the invention, incorporates a pre-load design, it causes energy savings in the lifting process. This feature can be identified by means of a descriptive force and energy diagram such as that seen in Figures 3A to 3C.

Another main feature is that this energy saving achievement can be achieved with an infinite number of actuators of different types (mechanical, pneumatic, hydraulic, magnetic, mixed technology, etc.). As an example, the actuator (12) could be a gas spring whose preload is defined by a specific gas pressure according to the weight to be lifted, a simple mechanical spring with greater or lesser initial elongation as a preload, etc. In the case where the weight to be lifted varies considerably from one ascending cycle to another, it is possible to regulate the preload of the actuator (12) so that said preload is adapted to the system with the new load state, that is, the actuator (12) has the possibility of modifying its load.

The energy diagram in Figures 3A to 3C describes the operating cycle of the platform for lifting an object of a given weight, object of the invention, representing the relationship of the force (F) with respect to the stroke (d) of the actuator (12) (see Figures 3A to 3C). The height (h) reached by the mechanism could be represented with a similar diagram placed on the abscissa axis. Depending on the anchoring position and the type of actuator (12) used on the platform, it may occur that the greater the stroke (d), the lower the height reached by the platform to lift an object of a given weight, or vice versa. In the embodiment of Figures 1 and 2, the actuator (12) works by traction, so the relationship between the stroke (d) and the height reached by the mechanism (h) is inverse and this has been exemplified in the diagram in Figure 3A.

Taking the diagram in figure 3A as a basis, the curve (AB) represents the characteristic curve of the platform for lifting an object of a given weight and represents the relationship of the values of force (F) and stroke (d) of the actuator (12) necessary for the platform for lifting an object of a given weight to be in equilibrium in each position. The main design factor of said characteristic equilibrium force is the position, anchoring points and typology of both the actuator (12) and the mobile lifting mechanical structure.

The minimum energy required to lift a load from one height (h1) to another (h2), together with the platform's own weight and all its components, is represented by the area under the curve (d1-A-B-d2) in figures 3A to 3C. In fact, for the platform to lift an object of a given weight to rise with the desired kinematic characteristics and also overcoming the friction and dissipative energies of the various elements, the actual energy supplied must be greater, for example, the area under the curve (d1-E-G-d2). (d1) and (d2) are the strokes of the actuator (12) and are equivalent, respectively, to the heights (h2) and (h1) of the platform to lift a given weight. This energy is what must currently be supplied in traditional lifting systems.

Since the presented novelty includes the energy preload, said actuator (12) is already designed with a load lower than the equilibrium load of the system, the characteristic curve followed by the actuator (12) being the curve (CD). Therefore, the energy that can be saved by incorporating the concept of preload is that represented under the curve (d1-C-D-d2).

The minimum final energy required to be supplied to the new platform to lift an object of a given weight, object of the invention, will be graphically equivalent to the enclosed area (CEGDC). As said area depends on the design conditions of all its elements, it can be significantly reduced, causing the final energy to be supplied to be very low. This fact provides a very significant percentage reduction in energy compared to that required in traditional systems.

The diagrams in Figures 3B and 3C further optimize the energy requirement by reducing the area (CEGDC) compared to the diagram in Figure 3A. They differ in that the curve (AB) can intersect (CD) and (EG). The type of cycle to be used will depend on the design chosen according to the functional requirements of the mechanism.

The characteristics and functionality of the closed work cycle of the platform for lifting an object of a certain weight, object of the invention, are explained below based on the diagram shown in Figures 3A to 3C.

ENERGY CONTRIBUTION: Step from (D) to (G)

Starting the cycle analysis in its position (D), the mechanism is at rest - since (D)<=(B) - and in its lowest position (h1), the actuator stroke (12) is the greatest (d2).

In order to start the upward movement, it is necessary to provide the actuator (12), through the first energy transmission mechanism (10), with the corresponding energy so that it evolves to its new state (G), where its new state curve (EG) is greater than that of its previous pre-loaded state (curve CD) and the system equilibrium curve (AB). This additional energy contribution to the actuator (12) can be carried out in a multitude of ways, especially if it is a low need, as has already been commented previously, being even possible to do it through the weight of the element to be lifted or renewable energies (e.g. solar panels incorporated into the platform).

The operation is as follows, when the potential energy of the weight is incorporated into the work platform (5) through the energy receiving mechanism (10) of the mobile mechanical lifting structure, it activates the wedge system (15, 16) which incorporates said additional energy to the actuator (12). Said additional energy is provided by moving the load a vertical distance in the wedge system (15, 16) and transmitting said potential energy to the actuator (12). In a preferred embodiment with a gas spring or mechanical type actuator, the energy provided would simply lengthen it further. This phase of energy contribution is more stable if the platform system is placed with a mechanical lock (14), allowing the actuator (12) to lengthen until its new energy state curve (EG).

ASCENT: Step from (G) to (E)

Once we are above the general equilibrium curve (AB), since the energy provided by the actuator (12) is also greater than that of the general system in equilibrium (EG curve with the highest value of forces and energy), the platform for lifting an object of a given weight rises autonomously to the desired point (h2), for example, where the difference in the stroke of the actuator (12) is equal to (d2-d1). The system rises to the equilibrium point where GE intercepts BA or a mechanical lock (14) is activated and stops. The actuator (12) shortens during the process of the platform rising.

ENERGY RELEASE: Step (E) to (C)

Once we are in (E), to descend it is necessary to release the excess energy (EC) through the wedge system (15, 16) and take the system to point (C). If the energy need of this phase is high, or due to design needs of the wedge system (15, 16), or in order to help reduce the new future phase of energy input in the wedge system (15, 16), an energy recovery system can be used where it accumulates the same to supply it again in the next cycle.

In the case of autonomous operation with the load itself, the load simply has to be released from the wedge system (15, 16) in order to release the additional energy input to the actuator (12) - for example, by moving the load horizontally from the energy receiving mechanism (10) on the work platform (5) out of the wedge system (15, 16). When the load is already out of the wedge system (15, 16) then the energy release takes place in the actuator (12). In a preferred embodiment with a gas spring or mechanical actuator, the energy release would simply cause a shortening of the actuator. This energy release phase is more stable if the platform system is placed with a mechanical lock (14), allowing the actuator (12) to shorten to its new energy state curve (CD).

An embodiment of the energy recovery system consists of a linear actuator motor-dynamo (12) connected to a battery. This dynamo transforms the linear movement of the actuator (12), by shortening when it is discharged in this EC cycle, into electrical energy that would be stored in the battery. When the battery has sufficient energy to make an energy contribution of DG amount, the motor causes the actuator to lengthen again to produce the ascent of the mechanism without the need to provide the system with new potential energy with the object to be lifted.

DESCENT: Step from (C) to (D)

Since the new force of the actuator (12) would now follow the initial curve (CD) and this is lower than the equilibrium curve (AB), the platform for lifting an object of a certain weight descends by itself to the initial point of stroke difference (d2-d1) or lower height (h1). The diagram is again at (D) where the cycle can be started again. The system would descend to the equilibrium point where CD intercepts AB or a mechanical lock (14) is activated and stops. The actuator (12) is extended during the lowering process of the platform.

In the phases of energy supply and release, as previously mentioned, it is feasible to perform an anchoring with mechanical locking (14) of the platform to lift an object of a certain weight so that, once both the supply and the release are carried out completely, the object is released and the movement of the system is better controlled.

Claims (6)

1. Platform for lifting an object of a given weight with the gravitational potential energy of the object itself, comprising a scissor-type mechanical structure comprising at least a first beam (1) and at least a second beam (2) such that the first beam (1) and the second beam (2) are connected by a rotary joint (3), and a work platform (5), characterized in that the platform comprises: - an actuator (12) comprising a preload, where the preload is defined by the weight determined to be lifted by the platform, - an energy receiving mechanism (10) configured to receive the gravitational potential energy of the object, - a first energy transmission mechanism (11) connected to the energy receiving mechanism (10) and to the actuator (12), such that the first energy transmission mechanism (11) is configured to transmit the energy received by the energy receiving mechanism (10) to the actuator (12), and said first energy transmission mechanism being attached to the second beam (2), - a second energy transmission mechanism (13) between the actuator (12) and the first beam (1), where the actuator (12) is configured to be in two positions: a first static position and a second dynamic position, such that in the first static position the actuator (12) maintains its position, and such that in the second dynamic position the actuator (12) is configured to perform an action to be chosen between: lengthening or shortening, where the actuator (12) is positioned in the second dynamic position upon receiving, or removing, energy from the energy receiving mechanism (10), and where the platform for lifting an object of a given weight additionally comprises a locking mechanism (14) configured to lock the work platform (5) in a position. 2. Platform for lifting an object of a given weight according to claim 1, characterised in that the energy receiving mechanism (10) comprises a first wedge (15) resting on a second wedge (16), such that the first wedge (15) is configured to perform a first displacement when it is pressed and to displace the second wedge (16), the first energy transmission mechanism (11) being fixed at one end to the second wedge (16). 3. Platform for lifting an object of a given weight according to claim 2, characterised in that the work platform (5) comprises a housing (18) for the wedges (15, 16) with interior walls (19), where the housing (18) comprises: - first springs (20) on which the first wedge (15) rests, configured to exert pressure on the first wedge (15) when it moves, - second springs (21) on which the second wedge (16) rests laterally, configured to apply pressure on the second wedge (16) when it moves. 4. Platform for lifting an object of a given weight according to claim 1, characterized in that the energy receiving mechanism (10) comprises a piston configured to move vertically in a body located on the work platform (5), where a hydraulic or pneumatic fluid is connected by means of a rigid or flexible circuit directly to an actuator cylinder (12), such that the first energy transmission mechanism (11) comprises the rigid or flexible circuit and the hydraulic or pneumatic fluid housed in the rigid or flexible circuit. 5. Platform for lifting an object of a given weight according to any of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that it comprises a variable geometry cam (17) located on the first beam (1) for fixing the second energy transmission mechanism (13), where the second energy transmission mechanism (13) comprises a second flexible element that works under tension that is wound on the variable geometry cam (17). 6. Platform for lifting an object of a given weight according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises an energy recovery system configured to accumulate energy when it is released in the energy receiving mechanism (10).