Adaptable locking mechanism for cost-effective series production

Abstract

The present invention regards a platform and elevation support arrangement (1) and a method for manufacture thereof. An elevation support (3) is to be hingedly mounted to a platform (5) around a first axis (X1) extending along a first direction (B1) via a hinge member (7) arranged between the platform (5) and the elevation support (3); and wherein the elevation support (3) is configured to be locked to the platform (5) in a fixed position by means of an adjustable locking mechanism (9), comprising a first and a second opening (11, 11) arranged at a first distance (D1) from each other and comprising a first and second sliding shaft element (13, 13) arranged at a second distance (D2) from each other each configured to slide along a second direction (B2) perpendicular to the first axis (X1). The method comprises the steps of providing the platform (5), the elevation support (3) and the adjustable locking mechanism (9); mounting the elevation support (3) to the platform (5); adjusting the adjustable locking mechanism (9) so that the first distance (D1) corresponds with the second distance (D2); and locking the adjustable locking mechanism (9) by sliding the first shaft element (13) into the first opening (11) and by sliding the second shaft element (13) into the second opening (11).

Claims

1. A method for manufacture of a platform and elevation support arrangement (1), wherein an elevation support (3) is to be hingedly mounted to a platform (5) around a first axis (X1) extending along a first direction (B1) via a hinge member (7) arranged between the platform (5) and the elevation support (3), wherein the elevation support (3) is configured to be locked to the platform (5) in a fixed position by means of an adjustable locking mechanism (9), wherein the elevation support (3) is in a lowered and locked state relative to the platform, wherein the adjustable locking mechanism (9) comprises a first and a second opening (11, 11) arranged at a first distance (D1) from each other and a first and second sliding shaft element (13, 13) arranged at a second distance (D2) from each other, and wherein each of the first and second sliding shaft elements are configured to slide along a second direction (B2) perpendicular to the first axis (X1), the method comprising the steps of: providing the platform (5), the elevation support (3) and the adjustable locking mechanism (9); mounting the elevation support (3) to the platform (5); adjusting the adjustable locking mechanism (9) so that the first distance (D1) corresponds with the second distance (D2); and locking the adjustable locking mechanism (9) by sliding the first shaft element (13) into the first opening (11) and by sliding the second shaft element (13) into the second opening (11), wherein: the step of adjusting the adjustable locking mechanism comprises moving at least one of the first opening (11) or the first sliding shaft element (13) in a third direction (133) parallel with the first direction (131), said moving of at least one of the first opening (11) or the first sliding shaft element (13) is performed by rotating a first eccentric housing (21) comprising at least one of said first opening or the first sliding shaft element around an eccentric housing axis extending perpendicular to the first axis (X1), the first eccentric housing (21) is rotatably positioned in the elevation support (3) and the first sliding shaft element (13) is positioned in the platform (5).

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the step of adjusting the adjustable locking mechanism (9) comprises moving the at least first opening (11) in the third direction (B3) in an imaginary plane being parallel with the first axis (X1).

3. The method according to claim 2, wherein the step of locking the locking mechanism (9) in a fixed position comprises the step of securing a fixing device (38) to the locking mechanism (9).

4. A platform and elevation support arrangement (1) comprising: an elevation support (3) hingedly mounted to a platform (5) around a first axis (X1) extending along a first direction (B1) via a hinge member (7) arranged between the platform (5) and the elevation support (3), wherein: the elevation support (3) is configured to be locked to the platform (5) in a fixed position by means of an adjustable locking mechanism (9), the elevation support (3) is in a lowered and locked state relative to the platform (5), and the adjustable locking mechanism (6) comprises: a first and a second opening (11 1) arranged at a first distance (D1) from each other, a first and second sliding shaft element (13, 13) arranged at a second distance (D2) from each other, each being configured to slide along a second direction (B2), an adjusting device (15) configured to move at least one of the first opening (11) or the first sliding shaft element (13) so that the first distance (D1) corresponds with the second distance (D2), the adjusting device being configured to move at least one of the first opening (11) or the first sliding shaft element (13) in a third direction (B3) parallel with the first direction (B1) such that the first distance (D1) corresponds with the second distance (D2), said moving of at least one of the first opening (11) or the first sliding shaft element (13) being performed by rotating a first eccentric housing (21) comprising at least one of said first opening or the first sliding shaft element around an eccentric housing axis that extends perpendicular to the first axis (X1), the first eccentric housing (21) being rotatably positioned in the elevation support (3) and the first sliding shaft element (13) being positioned in the platform (5), a first drive member (17) configured to slide the first shaft element (13) into the first opening (11), and a second drive member (17) configured to slide the second shaft element (13) into the second opening (11).

5. The platform and elevation support arrangement (1) according to claim 4, wherein: the first opening (11) is cylindrical and defines a first opening central axis (CX) extending through the first opening (11), the first opening (11) is housed in a first eccentric housing (21) defining a first housing central axis (CHX), and the first opening (11) is eccentrically arranged in the first eccentric housing (21).

6. The platform and elevation support arrangement (1) according to c wherein the elevation support (3) carries a radar antenna unit (2).

7. The platform and elevation support arrangement (1) according to claim 4, wherein locking the locking mechanism (9) is configured to be secured in a fixed position relative the elevation support (3) by means of a fixing device (38).

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

(1) The present invention will now be described by way of examples with references to the accompanying schematic drawings, of which:

(2) FIG. 1a illustrates a platform and elevation support arrangement according to a first example carrying a radar antenna unit in raised position;

(3) FIG. 1b illustrates the platform and elevation support arrangement in FIG. 1a in lowered position;

(4) FIG. 2 illustrates an adjustable locking mechanism of a platform and elevation support arrangement according to a second example;

(5) FIG. 3 illustrates a platform and elevation support arrangement according to a third example;

(6) FIG. 4 illustrates an adjustable locking mechanism of a platform and elevation support arrangement according to a fourth example;

(7) FIG. 5 illustrates an adjustable locking mechanism of a platform and elevation support arrangement according to a fifth example;

(8) FIG. 6 illustrates an adjustable locking mechanism of a platform and elevation support arrangement according to a sixth example;

(9) FIGS. 7a-7c illustrate an adjustable locking mechanism of a platform and elevation support arrangement according to a seventh example having a first opening eccentrically arrangedin a first eccentric housing;

(10) FIGS. 8a-8b illustrate an adjustable locking mechanism of a platform and elevation support arrangement according to an eight example;

(11) FIG. 9 illustrates a flowchart of a method according to one example; and

(12) FIG. 10 illustrates a flowchart of a method according to a further example.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF VARIOUS EMBODIMENTS

(13) Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein for the sake of clarity and understanding of the invention some details of no importance may be deleted from the drawings.

(14) FIG. 1a illustrates a platform and elevation support arrangement 1 according to a first example carrying a radar antenna unit 2 in raised (elevated) position. An elevation support 3 is hingedly mounted to a platform 5 around a first axis X1 extending along a first direction via a hinge member 7 arranged between the platform 5 and the elevation support 3.

(15) The elevation support 3 is configured to be locked to the platform 5 in a fixed position by means of a locking mechanism 9. The locking mechanism 9 comprises a first 11 and a second (hidden) opening arranged at a first distance from each other (see e.g. FIG. 3 illustrating a front view of a third example for understanding purpose). The locking mechanism 9 comprises a first 13 and second (hidden) sliding shaft element arranged at a second distance (see e.g. FIG. 3) from each other and each is configured to slide along a second direction B2 perpendicular to the first direction. The locking mechanism 9 further comprises an adjusting device 15 configured to move at least the first opening 11 and/or at least the first 13 sliding shaft element so that the first distance corresponds with the second distance. The platform and elevation support arrangement 1 is mobile and arranged to a vehicle 16 (e.g. car, truck, boat, ship etc.)

(16) FIG. 1b illustrates the platform and elevation support arrangement 1 in FIG. 1a in lowered position. The adjusting device 15 is configured to move the first opening 13 in a third direction parallel or essentially parallel with the first direction (parallel with the first axis X1) enabling that the first distance will correspond with the second distance.

(17) Before lowering the elevation support 3, the adjusting device 15 is adjusted so that the sliding shaft elements mate with the openings. Subsequently, the elevation support 3 is lowered into complete contact with the platform 5 in a transport position.

(18) A first drive member 17 is configured to slide the first shaft element 13 into the first opening 11 and a second drive member (hidden) is configured to slide the second shaft element into the second opening (hidden).

(19) The first opening exhibits a first central opening axis extending in the second direction B2 when the elevation support 3 is locked to the platform 5 in the fixed position.

(20) FIG. 2 illustrates an adjustable locking mechanism 9 of a platform and elevation support arrangement 1 according to a second example. An adjusting device 15 is configured to move a first opening 11 in a third direction B3 parallel or essentially parallel with a first direction B1 of the first axis X1 enabling that a first distance D1 between the first opening 11 and a second opening (not shown) corresponds with a second distance D2 between the first shaft element 13 and a second shaft element (not shown). The first 13 and the second sliding shaft element are configured to slide along a second direction B2 perpendicular to the first direction for locking the elevation support 3 to the platform 5.

(21) At least the first sliding shaft element 13 may be moved as well in said third direction B3 by means of the adjusting device 15.

(22) FIG. 3 illustrates a platform and elevation support arrangement 1 according to a third example. An elevation support 3 is hingedly mounted to a platform 5 around a first axis X1 extending along a first direction B1 via a hinge member 7 arranged between the platform 5 and the elevation support 3

(23) The elevation support 3 is configured to be locked to the platform 5 in a fixed position by means of a locking mechanism 9.

(24) The locking mechanism 9 comprises a first 11 and a second 11 opening arranged at a first distance D1 from each other. The locking mechanism 9 further comprises a first 13 and second 13 sliding shaft element arranged at a second distance D2 from each other.

(25) Each first 13 and second 13 sliding shaft element is configured to slide along a second direction (not shown, but oriented orthogonally to the first axis X1).

(26) The locking mechanism 9 comprises an adjusting device 15 configured to move at least the first opening 11 so that the first distance D1 corresponds with the second distance D2. The first D1 and second D2 distance may be measured along an extension parallel with the first axis X1.

(27) A first drive member 17 configured to slide the first shaft element 13 into the first opening 11 and a second drive member 17 configured to slide the second shaft element 13 into the second opening 11 when the elevation support 3 is in complete contact with the platform 5 in a lowered position.

(28) The adjusting device 15 is configured to move the first opening in a third direction parallel or essentially parallel with the first axis X1, which extends along the first direction, enabling that the first distance D1 corresponds with the second distance D2.

(29) FIG. 4 illustrates an adjustable locking mechanism 9 of a platform and elevation support arrangement 1 according to a fourth example. A first opening 11 of an elevation support is formed cylindrically and defines a first opening central axis CX extending through the first opening 11. The locking mechanism 9 further comprises an adjusting device 15 configured to move at least a first shaft element 13 so that the first distance D1 corresponds with the second distance D2. The first shaft element 13 is housed in a first eccentric housing 18 defining a first housing central axis CHX. The first shaft element 13 is eccentrically arranged in the first eccentric housing 18 along a first housing eccentric axis EHX. The first eccentric housing 18 is rotated until the first housing eccentric axis EHX is in line with the first opening central axis CX, whereby the first distance D1 corresponds with the second distance D2.

(30) FIG. 5 illustrates an adjustable locking mechanism 9 of a platform and elevation support arrangement 1 according to a fifth example. A first opening 11 is cylindrical and defines a first opening central axis CX extending through the first opening 11. The first opening 11 is housed in a first eccentric housing 21 definingand which is rotatable arounda first housing central axis CHX, so that the first opening 11 is eccentrically arranged in the first eccentric housing 21. The first opening central axis CX is thus eccentrically arranged relatively the first housing central axis CHX.

(31) The first eccentric housing 21 may be rotatable arranged in the elevation support 3 and a first sliding shaft element 13 may be arranged in the platform 5. The first sliding shaft element 13 is oriented along a first central shaft axis SX. Workshop personnel (not shown) rotates the first eccentric housing 21 so that a first opening central axis CX of the first opening 11 will become collinear with the first central shaft axis SX. A first drive member 17 configured to slide the first shaft element 13 into the first opening 11.

(32) A second eccentric housing (not shown) may be rotatable arranged in the elevation support 3 and a second sliding shaft element (not shown) may be arranged in the platform 5.

(33) The first eccentric housing 21 may be rotatable arranged in a first bracket 23 of the elevation support and a second opening (not shown) may be fixedly arranged in a second bracket (not shown) of the elevation support 3.

(34) FIG. 6 illustrates an adjustable locking mechanism 9 of a platform and elevation support arrangement 1 in a view from above according to a sixth example.

(35) The locking mechanism 9 may comprise an adjusting device 15 configured to move at least a first opening 11 so that a first distance D1 (center-to-center measurement) between a first opening central axis CX of the first opening 11 and a second opening central axis of a second opening (not shown) corresponds with a second distance D2 (center-to-center measurement) between a first central shaft axis SX of a first shaft slide element 13 and a second central shaft axis of a second shaft slide element (not shown).

(36) The first opening 11 may be housed in a first eccentric housing 21 and is eccentrically arranged in the first eccentric housing 21. Workshop personnel (not shown) rotates the first eccentric housing 21 so that the first opening central axis CX of the first opening 11 will become collinear with the first central shaft axis SX. The adjustable locking mechanism provides that the opening will be moved in a third direction parallel with the first axis.

(37) A first drive member 17 configured to slide the first shaft slide element 13 into the first opening 11. The first drive member 17 may comprise electrical linear actuator.

(38) A second drive member (not shown) is configured to slide the second shaft slide element (not shown) into the second opening (not shown).

(39) In such way the manufacture is made cost-effective. Time consuming production of any first and second fixed openings for achieving their correct center-to-center measurement (corresponding with the center-to-center measurement between the first and second sliding shaft element) is not any longer critical.

(40) FIGS. 7a-7c illustrate an adjustable locking mechanism 9 of a platform and elevation support arrangement 1 according to a seventh example having a first opening 11 eccentrically arranged in a first eccentric housing 21. The first opening central axis CX of the first opening 11 is moved to the left (seen in the figure on readable held paper sheet from above) when rotating the first eccentric housing 21 clockwise CW. The first opening central axis CX is moved in a curved direction following an imaginary plane being parallel with the first axis. The center-to-center measurement will imply that the first opening 11 ends in a position shown in FIG. 7c. Thereafter the locking mechanism may be fixed in position by means of a fixing device 38.

(41) FIGS. 8a-8b illustrate an adjustable locking mechanism 9 of a platform and elevation support arrangement 1 according to an eight example. FIG. 8a shows a first eccentric housing 21 being rotatable arranged in a first bracket 40 of the elevation support 3 and a second opening (not shown as being hidden) is arranged in a second bracket of the elevation support 3. The elevation support 3 is locked to the platform 5 by locking the adjustable locking mechanism 9 by sliding a first shaft element 13 into a first opening 11 of the first eccentric housing 21 and by sliding the second shaft element (not shown) into the second opening. As shown in FIG. 8b an electrical actuator may be controlled to move the first shaft element 13 into the locking position.

(42) FIG. 9 illustrates a flowchart of an exemplary method for manufacture of a platform and elevation support arrangement, wherein an elevation support is to be hingedly mounted to a platform around a first axis extending along a first direction via a hinge member arranged between the platform and the elevation support, and wherein the elevation support is configured to be locked to the platform in a fixed position by means of an adjustable locking mechanism, comprising a first and a second opening arranged at a first distance from each other and comprising a first and second sliding shaft element arranged at a second distance from each other each configured to slide along a second direction perpendicular to the first axis. The method starts with the first step 901 comprising the start of the method. The second step 902 comprises the performance of the method. The last step 903 involves the stop of the method.

(43) The step 902 may comprise providing the platform, the elevation support and the adjustable locking mechanism; mounting the elevation support to the platform; adjusting the adjustable locking mechanism so that the first distance corresponds with the second distance; and locking the adjustable locking mechanism by sliding the first shaft element into the first opening and by sliding the second shaft element into the second opening.

(44) FIG. 10 illustrates a flowchart of an exemplary method for manufacture of a platform and elevation support arrangement; wherein an elevation support is to be hingedly mounted to a platform around a first axis extending along a first direction via a hinge member arranged between the platform and the elevation support; and wherein the elevation support is configured to be locked to the platform in a fixed position by means of an adjustable locking mechanism, comprising a first and a second opening arranged at a first distance from each other and comprising a first and second sliding shaft element arranged at a second distance from each other each configured to slide along a second direction perpendicular to the first axis.

(45) The method comprises the first step 1001 involving the start of the method. A next step 1002 comprises the step of providing the platform, the elevation support and the adjustable locking mechanism. A next step 1003 comprises mounting the elevation support to the platform. A next step 1004 comprises adjusting the adjustable locking mechanism so that the first distance corresponds with the second distance. A yet further next step 1005 comprises locking the adjustable locking mechanism by sliding the first shaft element into the first opening and by sliding the second shaft element into the second opening. The method stops in the step 1006.

(46) The present invention is of course not in any way restricted to the preferred embodiments described above, but many possibilities to modifications, or combinations of the described embodiments, thereof should be apparent to a person with ordinary skill in the art without departing from the basic idea of the invention as defined in the appended claims.