Weighing scales – Convertible – Hand truck
Patent
1996-01-11
1998-04-14
Gellner, Michael L.
Weighing scales
Convertible
Hand truck
177140, 177145, G01G 1908
Patent
active
057394784
DESCRIPTION:
BRIEF SUMMARY
FIELD AND BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a weighing scale in which the weighing mechanism, and specifically the load cell, is protected from damage during use. The invention is particularly useful with pallet and other heavy-load carriers having built-in weighing systems.
Weighing scales measure the weight of a load placed on them using one or more load cells which support the load. Load cells are delicate devices which can be easily damaged if subjected to mechanical shock or impact. This problem is especially acute when the weighing scale is integrated into a forklift or pallet carrier for weighing the loads carried by these vehicles. These vehicles are frequently operated under harsh conditions and subjected to violent mechanical shocks which can damage the sensitive load cell.
Various mechanisms have been developed for protecting the load cell from damaging impacts. These include: 1) mounting the load cell on a ball bearing for absorbing horizontal shocks; and 2) inserting shock absorbers between the load cell and the weighing platform to protect it from vertical shocks. These solutions, however, have been found to be inadequate in efficiently protecting the load cell under the working conditions usually encountered by vehicles such as pallet carriers.
OBJECT AND BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of the present invention to provide a weighing device which can be used under harsh working conditions without danger that its load cell will be damaged.
It is a further object of the invention to provide a weighing device which can alternate between a weighing mode and a neutral (working) mode.
It is a still further object of the invention to provide a weighing device which can be incorporated into a pallet carrier.
It is another object of the invention to provide a pallet carrier incorporating the weighing scale of the invention.
In accordance with this invention there is thus provided a scale for weighing a load comprising: a base member; a weighing platform for supporting the load; a load cell located below the weighing platform so as to alternate between an operational position, in which the weighing platform is supported by the load cell for measuring the weight of the load, and a neutral position, in which the weighing platform is supported by the base member for carrying the load; a contact member located below the weighing platform so as to reversibly come into contact with the load cell, wherein the load cell alternates between the operational position and the neutral position due to a relative movement between the load cell and the contact member; and a generating means for generating the movement.
In accordance with this invention there is also provided a pallet carrier incorporating the weighing scale of the invention.
By using the scale of the invention, the pallet carrier can be operated under normal working conditions, since the load cells are disengaged from contact with the weighing platform which supports the load. The load cells are brought into contact with the platform and load only when it is desired to weigh the load. In this way, the load cells are placed in a sensitive position for only the minimal period of time necessary to weigh the load.
Further features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the description below.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The invention is herein described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:
FIGS. 1, 2 and 3 are side sectional views of a pallet carrier incorporating a scale of the invention according to a preferred embodiment, the carrier being in its rest, weighing, and transport positions, respectively;
FIGS. 4a and 4b are side, sectional views of a detail of a second preferred embodiment according to the invention;
FIGS. 5a and 5b are partial, side sectional views of a third preferred embodiment of the invention;
FIG. 6 is a partial, side sectional view of a fourth preferred embodiment of the invention;
FIG. 7 is a partial, side sectional view of
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Friedman Mark M.
Gellner Michael L.
Gibson Randy W.
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