Patent ID: 12234136

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

FIG.1shows an assembly for stabilization (suspension gear), in which ropes or belts (not shown inFIG.1) are used as lifting structure between the upper frame1and the cross-beam2(also referred to as “lower frame”). Transverse movements (swaying) of the lower cross-beam2must be prevented in particular in the lowered state. To this end,FIG.1shows bracing and stabilizing of telescopic struts via three form-fitting traction parts5(one in each telescope) and7, where the telescopic struts are disposed so as to cross one another between the upper frame1and the cross-beam2and are composed of an internal tube3and an external tube4. For this purpose, toothed belts are used here. Alternatively, the toothed belts5,7can be replaced by chains or other traction or transmission structure.

Two of the three form-fitting traction parts5(toothed belts), as “first traction parts”, are each mounted at both ends in the internal tube3of a telescopic strut via in each case two disks6(outer disk) and10(inner disk)—presently: toothed belt pulleys. A third form-fitting traction part7(e.g. toothed belt) is likewise mounted on two (toothed belt pulleys) disks8so as to be horizontal between the two telescopic struts below the upper frame. The (toothed belt pulleys) disks6,8that are situated on one side are mounted such that rotational movements can be transmitted between both disks6,8. The external tube4and the internal tube3in each of the two telescopic struts are movably connected to one another via a clamping plate9that connects the traction part5(toothed belt) to the external tube4.

When the external tube4in a first one of the telescopic struts is retracted or deployed relative to the associated internal tube3, the traction part5(e.g., toothed belt) moves as a result of the fixed connection to the clamping plate9, and the (toothed belt pulley) disk6in the internal tube begins to rotate. The rotational movement of this (toothed belt pulley) disk6, which is situated on the upper frame in or on the internal tube3of the first telescopic strut, is transmitted to the directly adjacent (toothed belt pulley) disk8of the third form-fitting traction part7(toothed belt). This traction part7(horizontally disposed toothed belt) likewise begins to move in the same direction and in turn transmits the rotational movement to the (toothed belt pulley) disk8on the opposite side. As a result, the rotational movement is directed onward to the (toothed belt pulley) disk6that is mounted in the second telescopic strut below the upper frame. The transmitted rotational movement leads to a movement of the traction part5(toothed belt) in the internal tube3of the second telescopic strut, and as a result of the connection to the clamping plate5in turn to the external tube4being deployed or retracted relative to the associated internal tube3. The rotating direction is balanced as a result of the clamping plate9being disposed on the upper side in one telescope and on the lower side in the other telescope.

As a result of this principle, both external tubes4are at all times displaced in a synchronous manner, both during retraction as well as deployment of the telescopic struts. This prevents an undesirable longitudinal variation of the telescopic struts as a consequence of forces engaging in the longitudinal direction of the cross-beam, and the construction stabilizes itself, i.e., any offset or swaying of the cross-beam2in the travel direction in relation to the upper frame1(to the left or right in terms ofFIG.1) is reliably prevented. An offset or swaying in the transverse direction (orthogonal to the drawing plane in terms ofFIG.1) is prevented in particular when the telescopic struts have a T-shaped bearing flange (orthogonal to the drawing plane) and thus can pivot only within the plotted plane, and in this way prevent transverse swaying orthogonal to the drawing plane or rotating swaying of the cross-beam2in relation to the upper frame1.

FIG.2shows the assembly fromFIG.1in a state with retracted telescopic struts.

In one advantageous embodiment, the guiding of the internal tube in the external tube of the telescopic strut occurs with sliding blocks instead of the otherwise often customary roller bearings or ball bearings, where the sliding blocks are simple to manufacture. For easy assembly, these sliding blocks are pushed into corresponding openings in the external tube from the outside, and guide the internal tube. The sliding blocks are preferably produced from a material with positive frictional properties, such as a plastic material. This is a low-maintenance embodiment. As a result of assembling occurring from the outside, any readjustment (for example, by replacing spacers between the external tube and a bearing face of the sliding blocks/sliders), or a replacement of the sliding blocks, is readily possible. This moreover results in play-free and silent running.

As a result of the above-described construction and the embodiments thereof discussed, both internal tubes3are displaced in the respective external tubes4in a synchronous manner when the telescopic struts are retracted as well as deployed. This prevents any undesirable variations in length of the telescopic struts as a result of forces acting in the longitudinal direction of the cross-beam, in particular when the lifting device is started or braked; the construction is self-stabilizing and swaying back and forth of the lower cross-beam, in particular in the lowered state, is minimized or prevented.

Thus, while there have been shown, described and pointed out fundamental novel features of the invention as applied to a preferred embodiment thereof, it will be understood that various omissions and substitutions and changes in the form and details of the methods described and the devices illustrated, and in their operation, may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the invention. For example, it is expressly intended that all combinations of those elements which perform substantially the same function in substantially the same way to achieve the same results are within the scope of the invention. Moreover, it should be recognized that structures and/or elements shown and/or described in connection with any disclosed form or embodiment of the invention may be incorporated in any other disclosed or described or suggested form or embodiment as a general matter of design choice. It is the intention, therefore, to be limited only as indicated by the scope of the claims appended hereto.