IMPROVED TELESCOPIC POST. POWERED PNEUMATICALLY
The present invention relates to an improvement in pneumatically driven telescopic poles, which utilize a single DC power supply for the light source, in combination with other power requirements of the pole. Incorporation as Reference Patent No. 4,413,451 to Featherstone is incorporated herein by reference, so that the pneumatically actuated telescopic poles known in the art do not need to be described in detail later. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION A pneumatically operated telescopic pole is well known in the prior art, and is generally of such a nature that it can be easily mounted on the roof of a motor vehicle, such as an emergency vehicle or service vehicle. In such an arrangement, the pole is generally used to place electrical devices, particularly lighting fixtures, at an elevated point above the vehicle. The effect is to immediately illuminate a large area above the vehicle. This allows emergency procedures to be performed under the light, such as accident scenes or by service personnel, such as after a storm. The pneumatically actuated telescopic poles are particularly advantageous in such situations, since they are lightweight, compact in a retracted position and capable of being mounted on the roof of most emergency motor vehicles, including automobiles. The pneumatically operated posts of the prior art are spread using air, under pressure, and, in a fully extended position, are generally vertical. A pneumatic telescopic pole typically includes a compressor or other pneumatic control element, which moves the sections of the telescopic pole between the retracted and extended positions. Additionally, a pneumatically operated telescopic pole may include a mechanism for pivoting the pole between the horizontal and vertical positions. Such an arrangement is described in the patent application, also pending, Serial No. 288,269, assigned to the assignee of the present invention. This arrangement is separate from the pneumatic control mechanism. In many applications, the pneumatic control mechanism is energized by an air compressor, connected to a DC power source, and the mechanism for pivoting the pole is controlled by a DC motor placed adjacent to the platform base from which the post rises. Alternatively, the compressor or air mechanism for pivoting the post can be provided with energy from an alternating current source of energy. However, when the telescopic pole is provided with a light source at the end, the light has always been necessarily energized by an AC power source. AC power has always been required, due to the intensity of the light used in the telescopic poles. A power source of 110 or 220 volts has been required, in order to provide the adequate intensity of illumination, with which the emergency personnel can work effectively. Such a source of alternating current is usually operated by a gasoline generator hooked to an alternator, which is attached to the light source by means of an electric line. Generally speaking, the alternating current (AC) power source has been supplied by the motor vehicle itself, although a self-contained generator is possible. An AC power source generally requires the vehicle or generator to continue operating at all times to operate the light source. During an emergency situation, in which light is necessary for rescues or other purposes, it is important that the generator or vehicle does not run out of gas. If the gas supply runs out, the generator will stop and the lights will automatically turn off.Two different types of AC power sources are generally used for pneumatic action telescopic poles. The most typical one has a power line that operates directly from the alternator of the emergency vehicle to the light source. Therefore, the emergency vehicle supplies the power to the light by means of the alternator, while the rest of the pneumatic pole operates with direct current (DC) energy. The other AC power option involves supplying a separate self-contained gasoline generator and alternator. However, such a unit is not typically seen, since a self-contained generator and alternator will not only be redundant to the vehicle's alternator, but also too heavy to be mounted on the roof of most emergency vehicles. As is well known and can be seen in the prior art, AC power requires heavy-duty wiring insulation to protect against fire or electric shock. This results in greater volume and weight added to the pole, since the fence must be pulled and pushed down during the extension and retraction of the pole. As such, the extension and retraction mechanisms need to have a greater capacity and need to work harder than might otherwise be required. This is especially true with variations in temperature. For example, cold temperatures will result in a typical wire insulation that becomes less flexible and elastic, thus requiring the extension and retraction mechanisms to work even harder to pull the wire up the post as the post extends. Certain systems of the telescopic poles of the prior art already use 12 volt DC power, as the preferred energy source. These systems include the mechanism for pivoting the mast between the horizontal and vertical positions, as well as the pneumatic control mechanism. Generally these systems can operate and be wired directly to the vehicle's battery. However, in some cases, these same pole systems can be energized with self-contained DC power, which is not fully connected to the vehicle. Thus, the pneumatic or compressor control mechanism and the mechanism for pivoting the pole typically operate with lower power than light (12V or 24V C, as opposed to 110V or 220V AC), and can truly operate on auto DC power -content. However, since the light must operate with AC power, it is necessarily connected to the power generating system of the emergency vehicle at all times. Thus, pneumatic telescopic poles are not easily transferable to other emergency vehicles, since they must be integrally connected to the AC power source of the host vehicle. The internal components of an AC system expand through the entire pneumatic post. This increases the manufacturing costs and the time required for the initial assembly. As such, the light fixture at the end of the telescopic pole energized by an AC power source is also not easily interchangeable with other types of devices, which can be placed on the antenna. For example, such devices may include transmission or reception antennas, location devices or signal devices. The installation of a different electrical accessory requires the complete rewiring of the accessory, which is necessarily complicated. Even the replacement of light is also complex and complicated, such designs do not meet the current demands for versatility and interchangeability. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Therefore, it is a feature of the present invention to provide a pneumatically operated telescopic pole, which overcomes the disadvantages of the pneumatically operated telescopic poles of the prior art, in which this telescopic pole is economically manufactured and its Assembly is simplified, combining the electrical components to depend only on a DC power system. The invention allows a telescopic pole and service light to be operated by the same power source as the pneumatic control system or the pole pivot system, thereby simplifying the overall design and increasing the flexibility of uses. This feature, together with other features of the present invention, is achieved in a pneumatically operated telescopic pole, supported for pivoting movement in opposite directions through a horizontal axis of the pole, this pole includes adjacent telescopic sections, which they can slide in mutual relation, between the retracted and extended positions. A pneumatic control mechanism is provided to move the post sections between the retracted and extended positions. A pivot mechanism is also provided, the lime allows and controls the post to pivot about an axis between the horizontal and vertical positions. The pole includes a light source mounted on one of the telescopic sections and a DC power supply, which supplies electric power to the light source as well as supplies power to the other portions of the telescopic pole that need it. According to the more specific feature of the invention, the DC power supply also supplies power to the pivot mechanism and to the pneumatic control mechanism or the compressor. An electronic inverter is provided adjacent to the light source to convert the DC power into AC power directly in the light assembly. In a preferred embodiment, the light source and the electronic inverter are provided in a single closed module. This module includes a heat collector, which is adjacent to the electronic inverter. The heat collector is also removable as a unit, together with the electronic inverter. The DC power supply can be of any standard type, which includes a 12-volt battery, or a 24-volt supply. In one embodiment, the DC power can be provided by the vehicle battery, which is kept charged and recharged by the engine and alternator of the vehicle In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the telescopic pole is provided with a mechanism of DC motor, which includes a first motor for moving the illumination source horizontally and a second motor for moving the illumination source vertically relative to the stationary position of the pole.In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the light source is a metal halide light source, which provides the greatest amount of illumination intensity, as measured in lumens, for the amount of DC energy required.Thus, it is a main object of the present invention to provide a pneumatic telescopic pole with an improved source of light at its end, which obtains energy from a DC power supply.It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a Telescopic, pneumatically operated, with a service light and other electrical power requirements of the pole, all provided by a DC power supply. Still another object of the present invention is to provide an improved, pneumatically powered telescopic pole, which provides a more reliable source of light than other telescopic poles and which does not require an AC power source. Still another object of the invention is to provide an improved, pneumatically operated telescopic pole, which does not abruptly stop when the power source of the vehicle engine is turned off. Still another object of the invention is to provide an improved, pneumatically operated telescopic pole, in which the wiring which is coupled to the light source can be made with a lighter and less expensive wiring, thus reducing the air pressure requirements for extend and retract the post, reduce the weight by the length of the post and reduce the load on the motor and burn the motor in the pivot mechanism.
In addition, another object of the present invention is to provide a service light of a telescopic pole, such as an enclosed module. These and other objects of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art of reading and understanding the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The invention may take physical form in certain parts and arrangements of parts, the preferred embodiments of which will be described in detail and illustrated in the accompanying drawings, which form a part thereof, and in which: Figure 1 is an illustrative view showing the use of the telescopic pole of the present invention; Figure 2 is a plan view of the telescopic pole, partially in cross section, taken along line 2-2 of Figure 1; Figure 3 is an elevation view of the telescopic pole, partially in cross section, taken along line 3-3 of Figure 2, Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of a feature of the present invention, taken along line 4-4 of Figure 3; Figure 5 is a flow diagram showing the general control system of the present invention.
The Preferred Mood With reference to the drawings, in which the various views are for purposes of illustrating the preferred embodiment of the invention only and not for the purpose of limiting the same, Figure 1 shows a telescopic pole 10 mounted on the roof 11 of a motor vehicle 12. The post 10 is shown at rest or in a travel position, identified by the arrow A, parallel to the roof 11. The post 10 is shown in silhouette lines in an extended vertical position, the arrow B, perpendicular to the roof 11. According to the present invention, the post is capable of being placed at a turning angle between 0 and 90 degrees where, for the purposes of the description, 0 degrees is defined as parallel to the roof 11 of the vehicle and generally horizontal, as in position A, while 90 degrees is perpendicular to the roof 11 of the vehicle and in a generally vertical position, according to position B. As shown in position B, the telescopic pole 10 it is comprised of adjacent telescopic sections 14a-14d. In the preferred embodiment, the telescopic section 14a is the lower end 15 of the post 10 and is generally mounted to the base 16, which is then mounted to the roof 11 of the vehicle. Each telescopic section 14a-14 is a tubular section, relatively rigid, which facilitates the pneumatic extension and retraction of the telescopic pole 10. Mounted on the upper end 17 of the pole, in the telescopic section 14d, is a wiring box assembly 21, to facilitate the placement of the service light 22 at the upper end 17 of the post. As best shown in Figure 2, the base 16 includes the two rectangular enclosures, 24 and 25, which form a channel 26 between them where the telescopic post 10 is placed. Each rectangular enclosure 24 includes the perimeter walls, 31 and 32, respectively. Content within the enclosure 24 is an air compressor 33, used to inflate the telescopic post 10. Preferably, this compressor is capable of obtaining a pressure of 2.45 kg / cm2 and operate at a DC power of 12 volts. The compressor 33 is mounted to the base 16 via the support 34. The air from the compressor 33 is supplied to an ascending / descending solenoid valve 35 through an air supply polyethylene tube 36 and is controlled by the valve 37 of retention and valve 38 of release of pressure. The solenoid valve 35 controls the extension and retraction of the post 10 through the supply pipe 42 of polyurethane, with the air pressure controlled by a metering valve 43 in the solenoid valve 35. Contained within the rectangular enclosure 25 is a tumbling actuator 44, mounted to an actuator shaft 45, which extends transversely through the channel 26 and mounted to the walls 31 and 32 of the perimeter of the enclosures 24 and 25, respectively. The tumbling actuating element 44 manipulates the post and the angle of the post between positions A and B. In the preferred embodiment, the tumbling actuator 44 is a ball screw using a nut and ball screw. However, it will be appreciated that the tumbler actuator 44 may also be one known to include a hydraulic piston. At opposite ends, the drive shaft 45 is supported and mounted to the walls 31, 32 by the support blocks 46. A spacer block 47 is placed on the drive shaft 45 within the enclosure 25, between a block 46 of support and support 51 of the pivot assembly of the tumbling actuator 44. The pivot mounting bracket 51 extends from the tumbler actuator 44 and is placed on the actuator shaft 45. Thus, the tumbler actuator 44 pivots the post 10 between the horizontal and vertical positions, the tumbler actuator 44. it is allowed to rotate slightly around the drive shaft 45. As shown, the DC pulse motor 52 of the post drives the tumbling actuator 44 through the gearbox 53 to drive a piston rod 53. The extension and retraction The piston rod 53 causes a hinge 55 to rotate about a pivot pin 56 connecting the piston rod 53 and the hinge 55. In turn, the hinge 55 causes the shaft 57 of the post to rotate between two positions. end, about 90 degrees in separation so that this post 10 rotates between the horizontal position (position A) and the vertical position (position B). When the piston rod 53 is in the extended position, as shown in Figures 2 and 3, the post 10 is in the horizontal position A, When the piston rod 53 is retracted, as shown by the lines in FIG. Figure 3, the articulation 55 and the shaft 57 rotate so that the post 10 is placed in the vertical position B. The limit switches 58 and 59 are located in the horizontal and vertical positions of the post 10 adjacent to the hinge 55 within the enclosure 25. As is well known in the art, such limit switches stop the post 10 at the opposite extreme positions, i.e., the horizontal position A and the vertical position B. A control circuit board 61 is mounts to the wall 31 within the enclosure 24, by the mounting pins 62. The control board 61 is linked to a power source, such as a 12V C battery, inside the vehicle 12. The signals from the control board 61 operate the tumbling actuator 44 in order to pivot the post 10 and the air compressor 33 in order to extend and retract the post 10, as will be described later in more detail. Similarly, by operating the control board 61 is the spiral conduit 63. As will be appreciated from the prior art, the spiral is an essentially coiled cable conduit, having a hollow interior through which the wiring necessary for the light source 22 is pulled. The wiring in the coil conduit 63 provides DC power to the light source 22 at the upper end 17 of the pole. The coil conduit 63 is helical about the outer circumference of the post 10 and is capable of extending and retracting with the post 10. At the upper end 17 of the post, the coil conduit 63 terminates in the assembly 21 of the box of wiring. There, the wiring then continues to the remote control placement 64 space. The operation of the pole 10 and specifically the light source 22, are best seen in Figures 4 and 5. The DC power source 71, preferably a DC supply of 12 or 24 volts, is provided to control the board 61 by a line 72. From control board 61, signals for all post operations are processed. The control board 61 is hooked to an air compressor 33 by a line 73 and is wired to the up / down solenoid valve 35 by a line 74. In a signal from the control board 61, the solenoid valve 35 uses air from the air compressor 33, supplied by a line 75 to inflate the post 10 through an air supply line 76. The control board 61 also supplies the signal to the driving motor 52 of the post through a line 77, which, in turn, drives the turning actuating element 44, in order to move the post 10 from a horizontal position. to vertical, or vice versa. An operator can control each of these functions by up / down switches 81 on a control panel 82, which supply the signals to control the board 61 through the line 83. The remote active warning light 78 of the pole, connected to the control board 61 via line 79, is placed on the vehicle to alert the operator when light 22 is active. The DC power supply 71, through the control board 61, energizes the PC board 84 of the remote control planer by the wiring 63a in the spiral conduit 63, as well as supplying power to the left light 85 and the right light 86 by the wiring line 87 and the wiring line 88, respectively. The PC board 84 is placed within the enclosure 64 of the remote control setter, together with a pan 91 drive motor and a tumbling drive motor 92, connected to the PC board 84 via the 93 lines and 94, respec tively. The control panel 82 allows an operator to control each of the motors 91 and 92 by the pan / tilt switches 95. It will be appreciated that the pulse motor 91 causes the light source 22 to rotate in a generally 360 degree configuration. around the pivot point 96 between the wiring box assembly 21 and the enclosure 64 of the setter. The tumbling drive motor 92 causes each of the lights 85, 86 to pivot between the horizontal and vertical positions about the axis 89, to achieve the best directional objective of the light source 22. The extension of the rotation about the pivot point 96 is limited by a limit switch 97 of the pan rotation, while the extension of the rotation about the axis 89 is controlled by a tumbling limit switch 98. The left light is described in detail later. It will be appreciated that the right light 86 is identical to the left 85 and thus the description for this right light 86 will not be repeated. As shown, an outer cover assembly 102 encloses the light 85, with a side having a glass cover 103 . A reflector 104 is an opposite glass 103, while a focus 105 is placed adjacent to the reflector 104. In the preferred embodiment, the focus is metal halide. This bulb 105 is placed under pressure within the lamp connectors 106, placed on the corresponding plate 107 of the reflector, from which this reflector 104 extends. The corresponding reflector plate 107 is connected to a corresponding plate 111 of ballast, by the spacers 112, so that the left light 85 is appropriately balanced about the axis 89. The ballast 114, generally a solid plate of metal of known weight, is fixed to the corresponding ballast plate 111. This plate 11 is connected to a corresponding plate 115 of the PC light board by the brackets 116. The corresponding plate 115 of the PC light board is attached to a heat collector 117 and supports the PC light board assembly 121. in the spacing screws 122. The PC light board assembly 122 includes an electronic inverter 123 in which the DC signal from the line 87 is converted to an AC signal before it is sent to the focus 105. This arrangement eliminates the prior art requirements of a AC power source for light. This light 85 is also provided with assembly screws 124. By removing the assembly screws 124 the internal components of the light 85 can be removed from within the cover assembly 102 to repair the light or replace the component parts., which include the focus 105. This type of modular enclosure is not provided in the light enclosures of telescopic poles of the prior art. The prior art AC lighting system does not provide this versatility. Thus, the only modular piece that assembles the internal components is another advantage of the present invention.
One of the advantages of the design of the present invention is the elimination of the wiring and heavy duty insulation previously required for AC lighting. Such larger gauge material is more difficult to expand and retract with the expansion and retraction of the post 10. This places the requirements on the air compressor 33 to provide greater air pressure to not only inflate the post sections 14a-14d but also extend the spiral conduit 63. A DC power source is also easier to connect and disconnect from the vehicle, simply by connecting the wires to the vehicle's battery. The invention also eliminates the need of the prior art for multiple energy sources. The invention allows the light source 22, which was previously required to be an AC power source, now only requires a DC power source. The DC requirements also mean that the vehicle or generator does not need to operate at all times in order to operate the light 22. The invention has been described with reference to the preferred embodiments. Obviously, modifications and alterations will be evident after reading and understanding this specification. For example, the control panel 82 can be placed inside the vehicle or optionally become part of the manual remote retention type, thus allowing the light 22 to be placed from the outside of the vehicle 12. The warning light 78 can also be placed on the panel control 82 or placed in both locations if the control panel 82 uses the remote manual hold option. Attempts are made to include all these modifications and alterations that fall within the scope of the appended claims.