Cantilever assembly with translatable counterweight

Abstract

A cantilever assembly according to the present invention may include a lower cantilever structure and an upper cantilever structure connected to the lower cantilever structure. Additionally, the cantilever assembly may include a counterweight movably mounted on one of the cantilever structures and movable along one of the cantilever structures when at least a portion of the lower cantilever structure moves relative to the upper cantilever structure or when at least a portion of the upper cantilever structure moves relative to the lower cantilever structure.

Description

[0001] Cross-reference to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Application No. 16 / 837,572, filed April 1, 2020, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0003] The present invention relates to a cantilever assembly having a movable counterweight or balance block, and a vehicle including such a cantilever assembly. Background Technology

[0004] Vehicles such as aerial work platforms or cranes may be equipped with cantilever assemblies. Examples of such vehicles are disclosed in U.S. Patent Nos. 5,669,517, 5,899,347, 6,109,463, and 6,341,665. Summary of the Invention

[0005] A cantilever assembly according to the present invention may include a lower cantilever structure and an upper cantilever structure connected to the lower cantilever structure. Additionally, the cantilever assembly may include a counterweight movably mounted on one of the cantilever structures and movable along one of the cantilever structures when at least a portion of the lower cantilever structure moves relative to the upper cantilever structure or when at least a portion of the upper cantilever structure moves relative to the lower cantilever structure.

[0006] A vehicle according to the present invention may include a chassis, a lower cantilever structure mounted on the chassis, and an upper cantilever structure attached to the lower cantilever structure. Additionally, the vehicle may include a counterweight movably mounted on one of the cantilever structures and capable of translating along one of the cantilever structures when at least a portion of the lower cantilever structure moves relative to the upper cantilever structure, or when at least a portion of the upper cantilever structure moves relative to the lower cantilever structure.

[0007] According to the present invention, a cantilever assembly may include a cantilever structure having at least one portion movable between a first position and a second position. Additionally, the cantilever assembly may include a counterweight mounted on the cantilever structure and movable along the cantilever structure when at least one portion of the cantilever structure moves between the first and second positions.

[0008] While exemplary embodiments have been shown and disclosed, this disclosure should not be construed as limiting the claims. Various modifications and alternative designs are contemplated without departing from the scope of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0009] Figure 1 This is a side view of a vehicle including the cantilever assembly according to the invention;

[0010] Figure 2It is the cantilever assembly that has moved to the middle position. Figure 1 A side view of the vehicle;

[0011] Figure 3 It is the cantilever assembly that moves to the raised position. Figure 1 A side view of the vehicle;

[0012] Figure 4 This is a partial perspective view of the cantilever assembly, showing a movable counterweight or balance block used to adjust the center of mass position of the cantilever assembly as it moves between the lowered and raised positions.

[0013] Figure 5 This is a sectional perspective view of a portion of the cantilever assembly, showing the counterweights slidably mounted on two elongated guide members;

[0014] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 The portion shown is a cross-sectional end view of the cantilever assembly, which includes a plurality of guide elements that can engage with an elongated guide member.

[0015] Figure 7 yes Figure 5 The cross-sectional end view of the lower end of a portion of the cantilever assembly shown illustrates an additional guide element that can engage with an elongated guide member.

[0016] Figure 8A This is a partial perspective view of the vehicle and a portion of the cantilever assembly according to the second embodiment;

[0017] Figure 8B yes Figure 8A The side view of the vehicle shown has the upper cantilever structure of the cantilever assembly depicted in the retracted position.

[0018] Figure 8C yes Figure 8B A side view of the vehicle, in which the upper cantilever structure is shown in the extended position;

[0019] Figure 9 This is a partial perspective view of a portion of the cantilever assembly according to the third embodiment; and

[0020] Figure 10 This is a partial side view of a portion of the cantilever assembly according to the fourth embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0021] As requested, detailed embodiments are disclosed herein; however, it should be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely examples and may take different and alternative forms. The accompanying drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. Some features may be enlarged or reduced to show details of specific components. Therefore, the specific structural and functional details disclosed herein should not be construed as limiting, but merely as a representative basis for teaching those skilled in the art.

[0022] Figure 1 A vehicle 10 according to the invention is shown, which may be an aerial work platform or any other vehicle including a lifting device. The vehicle 10 includes: a base, such as a frame or chassis 12; one or more motion-aiding components, such as wheels or tracks, movably attached to the chassis 12; a drive system (not shown) for driving the motion-aiding components, such as an engine or one or more electric motors; and a cantilever assembly 14 according to the invention mounted on the chassis 12. The cantilever assembly 14 can be... Figure 1 The lowering position shown is moved to Figure 2 The middle position shown, and then moved to Figure 3 The raised position is shown. Alternatively, one or more portions of the cantilever assembly 14 may move between a retracted position and an extended position. Furthermore, the cantilever assembly 14 includes a movable counterweight or balance block for adjusting the center of gravity or center of mass of the cantilever assembly 14 to maintain the center of mass of the vehicle 10 in a desired position or region (e.g., within the vehicle 10's "tilt line" or "rollover line") as the cantilever assembly 14 moves between the lowered and raised positions and / or between the retracted and extended positions, as will be described in more detail below.

[0023] The cantilever assembly 14 may include any suitable configuration for movement between a lowered position and an elevated position. Figure 1-3 In the illustrated embodiment, for example, the cantilever assembly 14 includes a lower cantilever structure 16 pivotally attached to the chassis 12, such that the lower cantilever structure 16 is rotatable relative to the chassis 12. Figure 1 The lowering position shown is the same as Figure 3 The upper cantilever structure 18 is pivotally attached to the lower cantilever structure 16, such that the upper cantilever structure 18 can pivot relative to the lower cantilever structure 16. Figure 1 The lowering position shown is the same as Figure 3The illustrated embodiment pivots between the raised positions. The illustrated embodiment also includes a work platform 19 pivotally attached to the upper cantilever structure 18. The work platform 19 may be configured to receive one or more workers and other goods, such as one or more toolboxes. The work platform 19 may also include suitable controllers for operating the cantilever assembly 14 and / or other aspects of the vehicle, such as a drive system for moving the vehicle 10. In another embodiment, the cantilever assembly 14 may include a forklift or any other suitable support or lifting component attached to the upper cantilever structure 18.

[0024] Reference Figure 2 The cantilever assembly 14 also includes a pivoting device 20 for pivotally connecting the lower cantilever structure 16 to the upper cantilever structure 18. For example, the pivoting device 20 may include a pivoting member, such as an intermediate pivot 22, pivotally connected to a cantilever member of the lower cantilever structure 16 (e.g., the lower lifting cantilever 24) and a cantilever member of the upper cantilever structure 18 (e.g., the main cantilever 26). The pivoting device 20 may also include a link 28, one end of which is pivotally connected to a second cantilever member of the lower cantilever structure 16 (e.g., the upper lifting cantilever 30) and the opposite end of which is pivotally connected to the main cantilever 26 of the upper cantilever structure 18. Additionally, the pivoting device 20 may include a drive member or actuator, such as a cylinder 32 (e.g., a piston connected to a piston rod, and a corresponding chamber or cylinder receiving the piston), connected to the intermediate pivot 22 and the main cantilever 26. As cylinder 32 elongates (e.g., when the piston rod moves outward relative to the cylinder), main suspension 26 rises and pulls connecting rod 28, which in turn pulls upper lifting suspension 30 of lower suspension structure 16, thereby lifting suspension assembly 14 from... Figure 1 The lowering position shown is moved to Figure 3 The raised position is shown. When the cylinder block 32 retracts (e.g., when the piston rod moves inward relative to the cylinder), the cantilever assembly 14 can be positioned from... Figure 3 The elevation position shown has been moved to Figure 1 The lowered position is shown. The lower lifting cantilever 24 can also be used as a timing component when the cantilever assembly 14 moves between the lowered and raised positions.

[0025] Additionally, the cantilever assembly 14 may include one or more additional drive members for adjusting the position of the work platform 19, or other suitable components, such as levers, attached to the upper cantilever structure 18 for holding the work platform 19 or other components in a desired orientation. In the illustrated embodiment, the cantilever assembly 14 includes a main cylinder 34 connected to the main cantilever 26 and the intermediate pivot 22, and a secondary cylinder 35 associated with the main cylinder 34 and connected to the main cantilever 26 and the work platform 19, and the cylinders 34 and 35 are operable together to adjust the position of the work platform 19 or other components attached to the upper cantilever structure 18 as the cantilever assembly 14 moves between a lowered position and an raised position.

[0026] The aforementioned counterweight can be movably mounted on one of the cantilever structures 16, 18, such that the counterweight can move along one of the cantilever structures 16, 18 when the cantilever assembly 14 moves between a lowered position and a raised position (e.g., when the upper cantilever structure 18 moves between its lowered and raised positions) and / or when the cantilever assembly 14 moves between a retracted position and an extended position. See reference. Figure 4 For example, the cantilever assembly 14 may include a counterweight 36 movably (e.g., slidably) mounted on the lower cantilever structure 16. The cantilever assembly 14 also includes a drive mechanism or member 38 for moving the counterweight 36 along the lower cantilever structure 16 (e.g., linear translation or sliding). For example, the drive member 38 may include a link 40 (e.g., a rigid metal link) with a first end pivotally connected to the counterweight 36 and an opposing second end directly pivotally connected to the chassis 12 or a support member (e.g., a turret or turntable 42) rotatably mounted on the chassis 12. With this configuration, the counterweight 36 can automatically move downward along the lower cantilever structure 16 (e.g., toward the end of the lower cantilever structure 16 directly or indirectly pivotally connected to the chassis 12) as the cantilever assembly 14 moves from a lowered position to a raised position (e.g., when the upper cantilever structure 18 moves from a lowered position to a raised position). Similarly, the counterweight 36 can automatically move upward along the lower cantilever structure 16 (e.g., toward the end of the lower cantilever structure 16 pivotally connected to the intermediate pivot 22 or other part of the pivoting device 20) when the cantilever assembly 14 moves from the raised position to the lower position (e.g., when the upper cantilever structure 18 moves from the raised position to the lower position). Furthermore, the counterweight 36 and the cantilever assembly 14 can be configured such that the counterweight 36 can move relative to the lower cantilever structure 16 along any suitable range of distances, such as 100-300 cm or 175-250 cm.

[0027] As a more specific example and with reference to the cantilever assembly 14 in the lowered position, Figure 1 The counterweight 36 can be positioned as far to the left as possible (i.e., towards the end of the lower cantilever structure 16 that is pivotally connected to the intermediate pivot 22 or other parts of the pivoting device 20). With this configuration, the center CG of the counterweight 36 can be positioned as far away from the center of the chassis 12 as possible (e.g., reaching...). Figure 1 (on the left side of the center of gravity CG of counterweight 36) so that the distance X between the center of gravity CG of counterweight 36 and the center of chassis 12 is maximized. Therefore, when a downward force DF is applied to the work platform 19 (due to workers, tools, goods, etc. and / or contact with the structure), possible tipping conditions (e.g., forward tipping conditions) relative to the tipping line (e.g., forward or front tipping line FTL) can be prevented or avoided. When the cantilever assembly 14 moves from the lowered position toward Figure 2When the intermediate position is moved, the counterweight 36 can be moved to the right (i.e., towards the end of the lower cantilever structure 16 that is directly or indirectly pivotally connected to the chassis 12). With this configuration, the center of gravity CG of the counterweight 36 can be positioned close to the center of the chassis 12, such that the distance Y between the center of gravity CG of the counterweight 36 and the center of the chassis 12 is less than the distance Z between the center of gravity CG (shown by dashed lines) and the center of the chassis 12 when the counterweight 36 is not moved. Therefore, when a horizontal force HF is applied to the work platform 19 (e.g., due to wind and / or contact with the structure), a tipping condition relative to the tipping line (e.g., rearward or rearward tipping line RTL) can be prevented or avoided (e.g., a rearward tipping condition). Similarly, when the cantilever assembly 14 moves from the intermediate position towards... Figure 3 When the raised position shown is moved, the counterweight 36 can move further to the right (i.e., with...). Figure 2 The position shown is further towards the end of the lower cantilever structure 16, which is directly or indirectly pivotally connected to the chassis 12, to prevent or avoid rearward rollover when the cantilever assembly 14 is in the raised position.

[0028] The aforementioned link 40 can be connected to the counterweight 36 and the chassis 12 or turntable 42 by any suitable means. (See reference...) Figure 4-6 For example, the first end of the link 40 can be connected to the counterweight 36 via a connecting element, such as a rod or pin 44 extending through a hole 46 formed in the counterweight 36. Similarly, the second end of the link 40 can be connected to the support of the turntable 42 via a connecting element such as a rod or pin 48.

[0029] Reference Figure 4-7 The lower cantilever structure 16 may include one or more elongated guide members for guiding the movement of the counterweight 36, and the cantilever assembly 14 may also include one or more load-bearing elements or guide elements associated with the counterweight 36, which may engage with one or more guide members. In the illustrated embodiment, the lower lifting cantilever 24 of the lower cantilever structure 16 defines two spaced-apart elongated guide members 50 connected together (e.g., by means of laterally extending brackets or other support members) and disposed on opposite sides of the counterweight 36, and the counterweight 36 includes a plurality of load-bearing elements or guide elements 52 that may engage (e.g., slidably engage) with a first side of the respective elongated guide member 50. The lower cantilever structure 16 also includes two additional elongated guide members, such as baffle members 54, which are respectively attached to the respective elongated guide members 50, and the cantilever assembly 14 includes two load-bearing elements 56 located at opposite ends of the pin 44 and that may engage (e.g., slidably engage) with the respective baffle members 54. Figure 4The right-side baffle member 54 has been removed to show the location of the pin 44 connecting the counterweight 36 to the link 540. The load-bearing elements 56 are also positioned close to the second side of the respective elongated guide member 50 opposite the first side of the elongated guide member 50, such that each load-bearing element 56 can engage with the second side of the respective elongated guide member 50. (See reference...) Figure 4 and 7 The counterweight 36 also includes two side guide elements or load-bearing elements 58 that can engage (e.g., slidably engage) with the side surfaces of the respective baffle members 54.

[0030] With the above-described construction, the position of the counterweight 36 can be automatically adjusted during the raising and lowering of the cantilever assembly 14. For example, the counterweight 36 can automatically slide or translate linearly along the lower cantilever structure 16 during movement of the cantilever assembly 14, thereby keeping the center of gravity of the vehicle 10 in the desired position or area of ​​the vehicle 10 (e.g., within the "tipping triangle" of the vehicle 10, which can be defined by the front tipping line FTL, the rear tipping line RTL, and a point located above these tipping lines along the centerline of the chassis 12) to prevent the vehicle 10 from tipping over. The counterweight 36 can generate a reaction force on the side of the vehicle 10 opposite to the side that generates the tipping force by the mass or load applied to the work platform 19 or other components attached to the upper cantilever structure 18, which is the side of the vehicle 10 at the tipping fulcrum. Therefore, the load added to the work platform 19 (e.g., workers, tools, goods, etc.) can be effectively increased compared to existing vehicles. In one embodiment, for example, the load can be increased from 500 lbs to at least 650 lbs (e.g., 660 lbs). Furthermore, the overall weight of vehicle 10 can be reduced compared to existing vehicles. For example, smaller components (e.g., wheels and / or tires) can be used, thereby reducing the cost of vehicle 10.

[0031] The counterweight 36 may be made of any suitable material, such as cast iron, steel, and / or lead. Furthermore, the counterweight 36 may have any suitable size and mass based on the dimensions of the vehicle 10. For example, the counterweight 36 may have a mass of at least 1000 pounds (e.g., more than 1200 pounds). As another example, the counterweight 36 may have a mass of at least 2000 pounds or at least 2500 pounds. As yet another example, the mass of the counterweight 36 may be in the range of 5-15% (e.g., 10%) of the total mass of the vehicle 10, or at least 5% or at least 10% of the total mass of the vehicle 10.

[0032] Figure 8A -C illustrates a second embodiment 14' of the cantilever assembly according to the invention and the associated vehicle 10'. The cantilever assembly 14' includes features similar to those of the cantilever assembly 14, and these similar features are labeled with similar reference numerals, however... Figure 8A Similar reference numerals to -C include apostrophes.

[0033] The cantilever assembly 14' is movable not only between a lowered position and a raised position, but also between a retracted position and an extended position. For example, the lower cantilever structure 16' and the upper cantilever structure 18' of the cantilever assembly 14' are pivotable as described above with respect to the cantilever assembly 14, and one or both of the cantilever structures 16' and 18' are movable between a retracted position and an extended position. As a more detailed example, the upper cantilever structure 18' may include a... Figure 8B The retraction position shown is the same as Figure 8C The first portion 59a, shown between the extended positions, slides or translates relative to the second portion 59b. Similarly, the lower cantilever structure 16' may include a first portion that can slide or translate relative to the second portion between the retracted and extended positions. One or both of the cantilever structures 16', 18' may also include one or more intermediate portions that can also slide or translate relative to the associated second portion. In the illustrated embodiment, for example, the upper cantilever structure 18' includes an intermediate portion 59c that can translate relative to the second portion 59b, and the first portion 59a is translatable relative to the intermediate portion 59c.

[0034] The cantilever assembly 14' also includes a counterweight 36', which is movable to adjust the center of gravity or center of mass of the cantilever assembly 14', thereby maintaining the center of mass of the associated vehicle 10' in a desired position or region (e.g., within the "tilt line" or "rollover line" of the vehicle 10') as the cantilever assembly 14' moves between a lowered position and a raised position and / or between a retracted position and an extended position. In general, the counterweight 36' is movable along one of the cantilever structures 16' and 18' as at least a portion of the lower cantilever structure 16' moves relative to the upper cantilever structure 18' or as at least a portion of the upper cantilever structure 18' moves relative to the lower cantilever structure 16'. See reference. Figure 8C For example, the counterweight 36' can move along the lower cantilever structure 16' when the upper cantilever structure 18' moves to the extended position (i.e., when the first part 59a moves to the extended position relative to the second part 59b and the lower cantilever structure 16'), thereby positioning the center of gravity CG' of the counterweight 36' as far as possible from the center of the chassis 12' (e.g., reaching...). Figure 8C (Left side of the middle). Therefore, the distance X' between the center of gravity CG' of the counterweight 36' and the center of the chassis 12' can be maximized when the upper cantilever structure 18' is in its extended position. With this configuration, possible tipping conditions (e.g., forward tipping conditions) relative to the tipping line (e.g., forward or front tipping line FTL') can be prevented or avoided when a downward force DF' is applied to the work platform 19' (due to workers, tools, goods, etc. and / or contact with the structure). When the upper cantilever structure 18' moves from its extended position toward Figure 8BWhen the counterweight 36' moves to the retracted position as shown, it can move along the lower cantilever structure 16' to the right (i.e., toward the end of the lower cantilever structure 16' that is directly or indirectly pivotally connected to the chassis 12'). Therefore, the center of gravity CG' of the counterweight 36' can be positioned close to the center of the chassis 12', such that the distance Y' between the center of gravity CG' of the counterweight 36' and the center of the chassis 12' is less than the distance X'.

[0035] Reference Figure 8A The cantilever assembly 14' includes a drive mechanism or component 38' for moving (e.g., translating) the counterweight 36' independently of the angular or pivotal positions of the lower cantilever structure 16' and / or the upper cantilever structure 18' along the lower cantilever structure 16'. Figure 8A In the illustrated embodiment, the drive member 38' includes a cylinder body 60, such as a hydraulic cylinder or pneumatic cylinder (e.g., a piston connected to a piston rod, and a corresponding chamber or cylinder receiving the piston), which is connected to the counterweight 36' to move the counterweight 36'. A first end of the cylinder body 60 is pivotally connected to the counterweight 36', and an opposite second end is directly pivotally connected to the chassis 12' or a support member (e.g., a turret or turntable 42') mounted on the chassis 12'. The cantilever assembly 14' also includes a control unit 66 (in... Figure 8A (Illustrated schematically), it is associated with cylinder 60 (e.g., electrically or wirelessly connected to cylinder 60) to control the operation of cylinder 60 when cantilever assembly 14' moves between a lowered position and an elevated position and / or when cantilever assembly 14' moves between a retracted position and an extended position. For example, control unit 66 may control the movement of cylinder 60 based on any one or more of the following: orientation of chassis 12', position of lower cantilever structure 16' (e.g., angular position of lower cantilever structure 16' and / or position of first portion 59a relative to second portion), position of upper cantilever structure 18' (e.g., angular position of upper cantilever structure 18' and / or position of first portion 59a relative to second portion 59b), position of work platform (not shown) or other suitable component attached to upper cantilever structure, or load on said work platform or other component attached to upper cantilever structure 18'. As a more detailed example, the control unit 66 can control the cylinder 60 to automatically retract when the upper cantilever structure 18' moves from a lowered position to a raised position (as described above with respect to cantilever assembly 14), so that the counterweight 36' moves toward the chassis 12', and the control unit 66 can control the cylinder 60 to automatically extend when the upper cantilever structure 18' moves from a raised position to a lowered position. As another example, the control unit 66 can control the cylinder 60 to automatically extend when the upper cantilever structure 18' moves from a raised position to a lowered position. Figure 8C (as shown in the image) toward the retracted position (in...) Figure 8B(As shown in the diagram) It automatically retracts during movement to move the counterweight 36' toward the chassis 12', and the control unit 66 can control the cylinder 60 so that the cylinder 60 automatically extends as the upper cantilever structure 18' moves from the retracted position to the extended position. The control unit 66 can also be attached to any suitable location on the cantilever assembly 14' or any suitable location on the associated vehicle.

[0036] Figure 9 A third embodiment 14 of the cantilever assembly according to the invention is shown. Cantilever assembly 14" includes features similar to those of cantilever assembly 14', and these similar features are labeled with similar reference numerals, but... Figure 9 Similar reference numerals in the figures are respectively included with double apostrophes. The cantilever assembly 14” includes a drive mechanism or component 38”, which also includes a cylinder 60” connected to the counterweight 36” to move (e.g., linearly translate) the counterweight 36”. In this embodiment, a first end of the cylinder 60” is connected to the counterweight 36”, and an opposing second end is connected to a mounting member 68 (e.g., a lifting arm weld) of the lower cantilever structure 16”. The cylinder 60” is also received in a channel formed in the counterweight 36”. The cantilever assembly 14” also includes a control unit 66”. Figure 9 (Illustrated schematically), it is associated with cylinder 60” (e.g., electrically or wirelessly connected to cylinder 60”) to control the operation of cylinder 60” as the cantilever assembly 14” moves between a lowered position and a raised position and / or as the cantilever assembly 14” moves between a retracted position and an extended position. For example, control unit 66” can control the movement of cylinder 60” in a manner similar to that described above with respect to control unit 66’ and cylinder 60’ of cantilever assembly 14’. However, due to the above-described configuration of cylinder 60”, cylinder 60” and counterweight 36” can move in the same direction (e.g., linear translation). Furthermore, control unit 66” can also be attached to any suitable location on cantilever assembly 14” or any suitable location on the associated vehicle.

[0037] Figure 10 A fourth embodiment 14”' of the cantilever assembly according to the invention is shown. The cantilever assembly 14”' includes features similar to those of the cantilever assembly 14”, and these similar features are labeled with similar reference numerals, but... Figure 10Similar reference numerals in the figures are respectively included with apostrophes. The cantilever assembly 14”' includes a drive mechanism 38”', which includes at least one gear or pulley and a drive member (e.g., chain or belt) associated with at least one pulley and the counterweight 36”' to move the counterweight 36”' (e.g., linear translation). In the illustrated embodiment, the drive mechanism 38”' includes a first pulley 70 and a second pulley 72 respectively disposed at opposite ends of the lower cantilever structure 16”' and a chain 74 extending around each pulley 70, 72. The opposite ends of the chain 74 are also connected to the counterweight 36”'. The drive mechanism 38”' also includes: a driver 76 (e.g., a motor or motor / gearbox) connected to the chain 74 for moving the chain 74 and the counterweight 36”'; and a control unit 66”' (in) associated with the driver 76 (e.g., electrically or wirelessly connected to the driver 76). Figure 10 (Illustrated schematically) It is used to control the operation of the actuator 76 and the rest of the drive mechanism 38”' as the cantilever assembly 14”' moves between a lowered position and an elevated position and / or as the cantilever assembly 14”' moves between a retracted position and an extended position. For example, the control unit 66”' can move the actuator 76 in a first direction when the upper cantilever structure 18”' moves from a lowered position to an elevated position, so that the counterweight 36”' slides or translates along the lower cantilever structure 16”' and toward the chassis 12”', and the control unit 66”' can move the actuator 76 in a second direction opposite to the first direction when the upper cantilever structure 18”' moves from an elevated position to a lowered position, so that the counterweight 36”' slides or translates along the lower cantilever structure 16”' and toward the chassis 12”'. The upper cantilever structure 18”' slides or translates. As another example, the control unit 66”' can move the drive 76 in a first direction as the upper cantilever structure 18”' moves from the extended position to the retracted position, causing the counterweight 36”' to slide or translate along the lower cantilever structure 16”' and toward the chassis 12”', and the control unit 66”' can move the drive 76 in a second direction opposite to the first direction as the upper cantilever structure 18”' moves from the retracted position to the extended position, causing the counterweight 36”' to slide or translate along the lower cantilever structure 16”' and toward the upper cantilever structure 18”'. Furthermore, the control unit 66”' can be attached to any suitable location on the cantilever assembly 14”' or any suitable location on the associated vehicle.

[0038] In each of the second, third, and fourth embodiments, the corresponding control unit can accurately control the movement of the corresponding counterweight based on one or more of the following: the orientation of the associated vehicle chassis, the position of at least a portion of the lower cantilever structure (e.g., the angular position of the lower cantilever structure and / or the position of the first portion relative to the second portion), the position of at least a portion of the upper cantilever structure (e.g., the angular position of the upper cantilever structure and / or the position of the first portion relative to the second portion), the position of the work platform or other components attached to the upper cantilever structure, the load on the work platform or other components attached to the upper cantilever structure, and so on. Furthermore, the aforementioned orientation, position, and load can be determined by suitable sensors (e.g., position sensors, weight sensors, etc.). Additionally, each control unit may include appropriate circuitry, such as one or more appropriately programmed processors (e.g., one or more microprocessors, microcontrollers, and / or programmable digital signal processors) and associated memory, which may include stored operating system software and / or application software (e.g., code or instructions) executable by the processor(s) to control its operation, such that the control unit can execute specific algorithms represented by the functions and / or operations described herein. One or more such processors, along with other circuitry and / or hardware, may be contained in a single ASIC (Application-Specific Integrated Circuit), or multiple processors and different circuitry and / or hardware may be distributed across multiple separate components, either individually packaged or assembled within a SoC (System-on-a-Chip).

[0039] While exemplary embodiments have been described above, they are not intended to represent all possible forms of the invention. In this regard, the terminology used in the specification is descriptive rather than restrictive, and it should be understood that various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Furthermore, features of different embodiments can be combined to form other embodiments of the invention.

Claims

1. A cantilever assembly comprising: Base; Supporting members connected to the base; A lower cantilever structure connected to the base, such that the lower cantilever structure is pivotable relative to the base between a lowered position and an raised position of the lower cantilever structure; An upper cantilever structure having a first end connected to the lower cantilever structure and an opposite second end, wherein the upper cantilever structure is pivotable relative to the lower cantilever structure between a lowered position and an elevated position of the upper cantilever structure, in which the second end is located above the lower cantilever structure; A counterweight, which is movably mounted on the lower cantilever structure and is movable along the lower cantilever structure when at least a portion of the lower cantilever structure moves relative to the base; as well as A connecting rod having a first end pivotally connected to the counterweight and a second end directly pivotally connected to the support member.

2. The boom assembly of claim 1, wherein, The counterweight is slidably mounted on the lower cantilever structure.

3. The cantilever assembly of claim 1, wherein the link is configured to cause the counterweight to move downward along the lower cantilever structure as the lower cantilever structure moves from the lowered position of the lower cantilever structure to the raised position of the lower cantilever structure.

4. The cantilever assembly of claim 1, wherein the link includes a cylinder connected to the counterweight for translating the counterweight along the lower cantilever structure.

5. The boom assembly of claim 1, wherein, The lower cantilever structure includes an elongated guide member, and the counterweight includes one or more guide elements capable of engaging with the elongated guide member.

6. The cantilever assembly of claim 1, further comprising a connecting element for connecting the link to the counterweight, and a first load-bearing element and a second load-bearing element located at opposite ends of the connecting element for slidably engaging the lower cantilever structure.

7. The boom assembly of claim 6, wherein, The lower cantilever structure includes two elongated guide members disposed on opposite sides of the counterweight, and the counterweight includes a first load-bearing element and a second load-bearing element respectively capable of engaging with a first side of the corresponding elongated guide member, wherein the first load-bearing element and the second load-bearing element located at opposite ends of the connecting element are respectively positioned close to the second side of the corresponding elongated guide member, the second side being opposite to the first side of the elongated guide member.

8. The boom assembly of claim 1, wherein, The counterweight is capable of translating along the lower cantilever structure when the lower cantilever structure pivots relative to the base.

9. The boom assembly of claim 1, wherein, The counterweight is capable of translating along the lower cantilever structure as a portion of the lower cantilever structure moves between the retracted and extended positions.

10. The boom assembly of claim 1, wherein, The support member is rotatably mounted on the base, the lower cantilever structure has a first end pivotally connected to the support member and a second end pivotally connected to the first end of the upper cantilever structure, and wherein the counterweight is movable along the lower cantilever structure between the first end and the second end of the lower cantilever structure.

11. The boom assembly of claim 1, wherein, The link is configured to cause the counterweight to move downward along the lower cantilever structure when the lower cantilever structure moves from a lowered position to an raised position.

12. A vehicle comprising: Chassis; A support member that is rotatably mounted on the chassis; A lower cantilever structure, which is mounted on the chassis, allows the lower cantilever structure to pivot between a lowered position and a raised position. An upper cantilever structure having a first end attached to the lower cantilever structure and an opposite second end, wherein the upper cantilever structure is pivotable relative to the lower cantilever structure between a lowered position and a raised position, wherein in the raised position the second end is located above the lower cantilever structure; counterweight It is movably mounted on the lower cantilever structure and is capable of translating along the lower cantilever structure when at least a portion of the lower cantilever structure moves relative to the upper cantilever structure or when at least a portion of the upper cantilever structure moves relative to the lower cantilever structure; as well as A driving member having a first end connected to the counterweight and a second end directly connected to the support member. The lower cantilever structure has a first end pivotally connected to the support member and a second end pivotally connected to the first end of the upper cantilever structure, and the counterweight is movable along the lower cantilever structure between the first end and the second end of the lower cantilever structure.

13. The vehicle of claim 12, wherein the drive member includes a linkage for moving the counterweight along the lower cantilever structure when the upper cantilever structure pivots between a lowered position and an raised position.

14. The vehicle of claim 12, wherein the drive member is configured to translate the counterweight along the lower cantilever structure.

15. The vehicle of claim 12, wherein, The drive component includes a cylinder.

16. The vehicle of claim 12, further comprising a control unit associated with the drive member and configured to control the operation of the drive member based on the position of one or both cantilever structures, thereby controlling the position of the counterweight relative to the lower cantilever structure.

17. The vehicle of claim 12, wherein, The counterweight is capable of translating along the lower cantilever structure when the upper cantilever structure pivots relative to the lower cantilever structure, or when the lower cantilever structure pivots relative to the upper cantilever structure.

18. The vehicle of claim 12, wherein, The counterweight is capable of translating along the lower cantilever structure when a portion of the upper cantilever structure moves between a retracted position and an extended position, or when a portion of the lower cantilever structure moves between a retracted position and an extended position.

19. A cantilever assembly comprising: Base; A support member that is rotatably mounted on the base; A lower cantilever structure pivotally connected to the support member, such that the lower cantilever structure pivots relative to the support member and the base between a lowered position and an elevated position of the lower cantilever structure. An upper cantilever structure is connected to the lower cantilever structure and is movable between a lowered position and an raised position of the upper cantilever structure; A counterweight, which is movably mounted on the lower cantilever structure; as well as A link having a first end pivotally connected to the counterweight and a second end directly pivotally connected to the support member, wherein the link is configured to cause the counterweight to move downward along the lower cantilever structure as the lower cantilever structure moves from a lowered position to an raised position.

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