Locking mechanism for motorized lifting device

摘要

An apparatus includes a drum to draw in or let out a line and a motor and transmission coupled to the drum to apply a torque thereto. The transmission includes at least one stage of gearing to reduce a gear ratio of the motor relative to the drum. A shaft couples the motor to the transmission and a locking mechanism selectively locks the shaft to prevent rotation of the drum. In certain embodiments, a braking mechanism may be provided in addition to the locking mechanism to slow the motor when the motor is not applying torque to the drum. This may slow the motor sufficiently to enable engagement of the locking mechanism.

主权项

1. An apparatus comprising: a drum to draw in or let out a line, the drum comprising a groove formed in an outer surface thereof to accommodate the line, the groove including sides which reach around and grip sides of the line; a motor and transmission located in the drum and coupled to the drum to apply a torque thereto, the transmission comprising multiple stages of planetary gears to reduce a gear ratio of the motor relative to the drum and an output hex which couples the transmission to the drum; a shaft coupling the motor to the transmission; a plurality of teeth that ride in and track the groove immediately over the line in order to push the line into the groove; and a solenoid locking mechanism that engages with gear teeth to selectively lock the shaft to prevent rotation of the drum.