Patent Application
20250067311
This application relates generally to lifting columns, and in particular, to brake mechanisms and lift columns that use the brake mechanisms.
An automatic height-adjustable desk typically uses electricity as its power source. It can use a motor to control a mechanical system to adjust height of the desk. Alternatively, it can use a compressor to control a pneumatic rod or a hydraulic rod system to adjust height of the desk. This type of desks is available in both single-column and dual-column designs, and its height adjustment can be done through both remote and manual controls. In particular, the height adjustment is accomplished by lifting columns of the desk. In existing technology, lifting columns encounter several technical issues, such as unstable elevation, wobbling, and jamming. Some lifting columns operate at relatively slow lifting speeds. Moreover, in practical use, lifting columns require a reliable self-locking mechanism to prevent unintended sliding. Currently, braking mechanisms of lifting columns are structurally complex and difficult to install. Some braking mechanisms expand in size with the increase in their gravities, and their bidirectional friction resistance can reduce the performance of driving motors.
For example, Chinese Patent No. CN210265590U discloses a friction self-locking mechanism of a lifting column that includes a friction component and a connecting component. The friction component and the connecting component are positioned on an inner side and an outer side of a drive box of the lifting column, respectively. A driving end is axially fixed by the friction component and the connecting component, such that the driving end is rotatably assembled with the drive box of the lifting column. The friction component contacts the outer side of the drive box, thereby generating friction for self-locking. The drawback of this application is that the friction increases with an increase in the gravity of the lifting column. Additionally, since the friction resistance is bidirectional, it can reduce the performance of driving motor(s).
For another example, Chinese Patent No. CN208532163U discloses a transmission device that includes a hollow shaft. Within the hollow shaft, a transmission screw is positioned, along with a first brake torsion spring that brakes the transmission screw and a second brake torsion spring that brakes the hollow shaft. The drawback is of this application that the structure is relatively complex and difficult to install. It provides unidirectional friction. However, it is challenging to achieve similar resistance values for both lifting columns when the transmission is turned on, which results in wobbling or shaking.
For yet another example, Chinese Patent No. CN212878226U discloses a rotary shaft locking mechanism that includes a locking assembly and a rotary shaft. The locking assembly is positioned on the rotary shaft. The locking assembly includes a stopper and a torsion spring. The torsion spring is mounted on a cylindrical surface at an end of the rotary shaft, and the stopper restrains an end of the torsion spring. The drawback is of this application that the structure is relatively complex and difficult to install. It provides unidirectional friction. However, it is challenging to achieve similar resistance values for both lifting columns when the transmission is turned on, which results in wobbling or shaking.
The technical problems that need to be addressed are listed as follows. First, when two or more lifting columns are turned on, uneven lifting resistance from lifting columns causes the automatic height-adjustable desk to wobble or shake. Second, the resistance of existing friction structures increases proportionally with the load, resulting in excessive loss in the efficiency of driving motors. Third, existing braking mechanisms require installation from two directions on their housings, making it difficult to check whether those brake mechanisms are properly installed. Fourth, vibrations of the driving motors is transmitted to lifting columns via connecting components, which results in amplified vibrations.
The technical problem that this application aims to solve is to overcome the deficiencies in existing technology and provide a braking mechanism (e.g., an easy-to-install braking mechanism).
In one aspect of the application, a braking mechanism comprises a connecting component, a mounting seat, and a first friction component. The connecting component includes a first spline portion, a stepped portion, an intermediate connection portion, and a second spline portion, arranged sequentially along an axis. The second spline portion and the intermediate connection portion pass through the mounting seat. The stepped portion contacts an end face of the mounting seat. The first friction component is mounted on the intermediate connecting portion, the first friction component is directly or indirectly fixed to the mounting seat, and the first friction component does not rotate circumferentially relative to the connecting component. In particular, the connecting component is implemented to facilitate connection with the first friction component and the mounting seat, ensuring that the first friction component does not rotate circumferentially relative to the connecting component, thereby providing a braking effect.
In some embodiments, the braking mechanism further includes a self-locking spring. The self-locking spring is mounted on the intermediate connection portion, and an end of the self-locking spring is fixed to the mounting seat. In particular, the self-locking spring is implemented to improve self-locking performance of the connecting component and the mounting seat.
In some embodiments, the mounting seat includes a plurality of peripheral walls and a limiting groove. The limiting groove is formed by a space between two peripheral walls of the plurality of peripheral walls. The self-locking spring includes an end protruding radially outward. The end of the self-locking spring is inserted into the limiting groove. In particular, this configuration is implemented to ensure that the self-locking spring remains stationary relative to the mounting seat.
In some embodiments, the mounting seat includes a plurality of peripheral walls, and at least one of the plurality of peripheral walls has a groove. The first friction component includes an outer ring. The outer ring has a boss, and the boss is inserted into the groove. In particular, the engagement of the boss and the groove facilitates the connection between the mounting seat and the first friction component.
In some embodiments, the groove includes a first side wall and a second side wall. Each of the first side wall and the second side wall has a spring clip and a clearance hole. During insertion of the boss into the groove, the respective spring clip is compressed into the respective clearance hole and, after the boss passes the respective spring clip, the respective spring clip is reset, such that the first friction component is fixed to the mounting seat. In particular, the spring clips and clearance holes of the first and second side walls are implemented to further reinforce the connection between the mounting seat and the first friction component.
In some embodiments, the first friction component includes an inner ring. The inner ring has an extension portion and a barb at an end of the extension portion. A clamping spring is mounted on the extension portion, and the barb restrains the clamping spring on the first friction component
In some embodiments, the extension portion includes notches that are spaced equally or unequally. In particular, notches are implemented to provide the first friction component with elasticity.
In some embodiments, the braking mechanism further includes an elastic component and a circlip. The clastic component and the circlip are positioned below the first friction component sequentially along the axis. The elastic component and the circlip directly or indirectly apply an axial force to the first friction component.
In some embodiments, the braking mechanism further includes a second friction plate. The second friction plate is positioned (i) between the first friction component and the self-locking spring or (ii) between the first friction component and the elastic component. The second friction plate is circumferentially fixed to the connecting component.
In some embodiments, the intermediate connection portion includes a first cylindrical section, a non-circular section, and a second cylindrical section. The first friction component and the second friction plate are mounted on the non-circular section, and a shape of an inner hole of the second friction plate corresponds to an outer contour shape of the non-circular section. The second cylindrical section includes a slot, and the circlip is positioned in the slot.
In some embodiments, a stop step is formed at a junction between the first cylindrical section and the non-circular section, and the second friction plate is axially fixed between the stop step and the first friction component.
In some embodiments, an axial length of the non-circular section is greater than a sum of a thickness of the first friction component and a thickness of the second friction plate. The axial length of the non-circular section is less than a sum of the thickness of the first friction component and twice the thickness of the second friction plate.
In some embodiments, the braking mechanism further includes a plurality of second friction plates. A first of the plurality of second friction plates is positioned between the first friction component and the self-locking spring, and a second of the plurality of second friction plates is positioned between the first friction component and the elastic component. The plurality of second friction plates are circumferentially fixed to the connecting component.
In some embodiments, the mounting seat includes four peripheral walls. A first two peripheral walls of the four peripheral walls are opposite to each other, and the first two peripheral walls include protruding edges positioned on top edges of the first two peripheral walls. A second two peripheral walls of the four peripheral walls are opposite to each other, and the second two peripheral walls include snap-fits.
In some embodiments, the second two peripheral walls that have the snap-fits include clearance grooves, and the snap-fits are positioned obliquely upward along bottom edges of the clearance grooves.
In accordance with some embodiments, a lifting column comprises an inner tube assembly, an outer tube assembly, and a braking mechanism arranged in a nested configuration. The braking mechanism can include any one or more of the features described herein. The inner tube assembly is fixed to the braking mechanism. The lifting column further includes a round tube and a threaded rod. The round tube is positioned inside the inner tube assembly. A first end of the round tube is connected to a motor assembly via the braking mechanism. A second end of the round tube is fixed to a lead screw nut, and the lead screw nut is fixed to the inner tube assembly. A first end of the threaded rod passes through the lead screw nut and is positioned inside the round tube, and a second end of the threaded rod is fixed to the outer tube assembly.
A benefit of implementing the braking mechanism and the lifting column as disclosed herein is that the friction damping generated between the mounting seat, the connecting component, and the first friction component makes the lifting resistance and lower resistance of the lifting column remain nearly consistent. This prevents wobbling or shaking caused by variations in friction damping when the lifting column is turned on. Additionally, the self-locking spring of the braking mechanism enables unidirectional self-locking, which improves the self-locking performance of the lifting column having the braking mechanism.
In another aspect of the application, a braking mechanism comprises a first connecting component, a mounting seat, and a second connecting component. The mounting seat includes an inner circle wall encircling at least a portion of the second connecting component. A portion of the first connecting component is inserted into the inner circle wall and connects to the second connecting component, forming an integrated unit that is configured to be installed into a housing. The mounting seat remains stationary relative to the housing. The first connecting component and the second connecting component perform a synchronous circumferential rotation relative to the mounting seat.
In some embodiments, the braking mechanism further includes a fastening screw. A nut is positioned inside the second connecting component. The fastening screw passes through the first connecting component, the mounting seat, and the second connecting component in sequence, and is fixed to the nut, forming an integrated structure. In particular, the braking mechanism is fastened to form the integrated structure, making it easy to install into the housing at an end of a lifting column. This installation configuration is convenient and allows for rapid testing of the braking mechanism before assembly.
In some embodiments, the mounting seat includes a plurality of peripheral walls. At least a first one of plurality of peripheral walls has an outwardly protruding edge, and at least a second one of the plurality of peripheral walls has a snap-fit. The housing includes an assembly hole that is adapted to connect to an outer contour shape of the plurality of peripheral walls. After the snap-fit is compressed and inserted into the assembly hole, the snap-fit is reset and clamped with the housing. In particular, the implementation of the plurality of peripheral walls ensures the stability of the mounting seat after installation. The outwardly protruding edge facilitates positioning, and the snap-fit allows for further fastening after installation. Additionally, the assembly hole makes it easier to connect the first connecting component and the second connecting component.
In some embodiments, the mounting seat includes four peripheral walls. A first two peripheral walls of the four peripheral walls are opposite to each other, and the first two peripheral walls include outwardly protruding edges positioned on top edges of the two of the four peripheral walls. A second two peripheral walls of the four peripheral walls are opposite to each other, and the second two peripheral walls include snap-fits.
In some embodiments, the second two peripheral walls that have the snap-fits include clearance holes, and the snap-fits are positioned obliquely upward along bottom edges of the clearance holes. After the snap-fits are compressed into the clearance holes, the snap-fits are reset and clamp the mounting seat to the housing.
In some embodiments, the first connecting component includes a spline portion, a flange portion, and an external gear ring portion. The second connecting component includes a cavity that accommodates the spline portion. The cavity includes an inner wall, and the inner wall has internal splines adapted to connect to the spline portion. The cavity includes an edge that has a flange edge. The inner circle wall of the mounting seat contacts the flange edge and the flange portion.
In some embodiments, the inner circle wall of the mounting seat includes an inner ring having a mounting hole. An inner diameter of the mounting hole is greater than an outer diameter of the spline portion. The inner diameter of the mounting hole is less than an outer diameter of the flange portion and an outer diameter of the flange edge.
In some embodiments, a groove is formed by a space between two peripheral walls of the plurality of peripheral walls. A self-locking spring is positioned at an outer wall of a cylindrical section of the second connecting component. The self-locking spring includes an end protruding radially outward. The end is inserted into the groove. In particular, the self-locking spring remains stationary relative to the mounting seat.
In some embodiments, the self-locking spring and the second connecting component have a common central axis. In particular, this configuration allows to selectively apply damping along the rotational direction between the first connecting component and the second connecting component, thereby improving the self-locking capability.
In some embodiments, the braking mechanism further includes a rubber pad. The rubber pad contacts a lower surface of the outwardly protruding edge. In particular, this configuration allows, when the braking mechanism being installed into a housing of a driving unit, the rubber pad is positioned between the braking mechanism and an inner wall of the housing for isolating vibrations from a driving unit, which prevents the vibrations from being transmitted to the lifting column.
In some embodiments, an elastic component is positioned between the fastening screw and the first connecting component. The clastic component is configured to provide bidirectional damping. In particular, the clastic component is implemented to generate bidirectional damping (e.g., generating bidirectional friction between the first connecting component, the second connecting component, and the mounting seat) to ensure that two or more lifting columns do not experience wobbling or shaking during the lifting process due to significant differences in resistance.
In some embodiments, the braking mechanism further includes a washer. The washer is positioned between the elastic component and the first connecting component.
In accordance with some embodiments, a lifting column comprises an inner tube assembly, an intermediate tube assembly, an outer tube assembly, and a driving tube arranged in a nested configuration. The lifting column further includes a housing. An end of the inner tube assembly is fixed to the housing. A drive motor and a transmission mechanism are located within the housing. A braking mechanism is located within the housing. The braking mechanism can include any one or more of the features described herein. Additionally, the transmission mechanism is connected to the first connecting component of the braking mechanism. The driving tube has a non-circular fit with the second connecting component of the braking mechanism, and the driving tube is inserted into the inner tube assembly. A hollow threaded rod assembly and a solid threaded rod assembly are positioned within the intermediate tube assembly and the outer tube assembly, respectively.
In some embodiments, the second connecting component includes an end having a spline head. The driving tube includes an end having an internal spline that is adapted to connect to the spline head. In particular, the spline head of the second connecting component is adapted to connect to the internal spline of the driving tube, which makes installation easy and effective.
In some embodiments, a hollow screw nut is installed at a tube opening of the inner tube assembly, and the hollow screw nut is threadedly mounted on the hollow threaded rod assembly. In particular, the hollow screw nut remains stationary relative to the inner tube assembly, and the hollow threaded rod assembly performs a synchronous rotation relative to the driving tube.
In some embodiments, the hollow screw nut includes a square groove. A rivet is positioned corresponding to the square groove of the hollow screw nut. In particular, the hollow screw nut is installed and positioned by stamping the rivet.
In some embodiments, the hollow screw nut includes, below the square groove of the hollow screw nut, a recess. In particular, the recess is implemented to facilitate uninstallation of the hollow screw nut.
In some embodiments, the hollow threaded rod assembly includes an end having a solid screw nut. The solid threaded rod assembly is positioned inside the hollow threaded rod assembly, and the solid threaded rod assembly is threadedly adapted to connect to the solid screw nut. In particular, the solid screw nut threads with the solid threaded rod assembly, which facilitates easy installation and effective transmission performance.
In some embodiments, an outer peripheral surface of the solid screw nut is circular, and a Hafner box is adapted to connect to the outer peripheral surface of the solid screw nut. The Hafner box includes a first Hafner component and a second Hafner component joined together, and each of the first and second Hafner components is block-shaped and has a semi-circular inner surface. In particular, the solid screw nut is positioned through the Hafner box. The Hafner box is formed by joining the first Hafner component and the second Hafner component, which makes installation easy and effective.
In some embodiments, the solid screw nut includes an outer peripheral surface having at least one oil reservoir groove. The semi-circular inner surface of each of the first and second Hafner components includes an oil reservoir half-ring. When the oil reservoir half-rings of the first and second Hafner components are assembled, a ring cavity is formed for accommodating the solid screw nut. In particular, the oil reservoir groove facilitates positioning for the installation of the solid screw nut. The oil reservoir groove also makes grease evenly distributed when the solid screw nut rotates. Additionally, the ring cavity that is formed by assembling the first and second Hafner components facilitates accommodation of the solid screw nut and enables the solid screw nut to rotate within the ring cavity. The ring cavity also prevents grease from leaking out.
In some embodiments, the Hafner box includes an outer wall having a groove. A rivet is positioned corresponding to the groove of the Hafner box. In particular, the Hafner box is positioned relative to the intermediate tube assembly through stamping the rivet.
In some embodiments, the outer tube assembly includes an end having a fixed plate. The solid threaded rod assembly includes an end that is fixed to the fixed plate. The fixed plate includes a spline hole, the solid threaded rod assembly is inserted into the outer tube assembly, and the end of the solid threaded rod assembly includes a spline adapted to connect to the spline hole. This configuration is implemented to ensure that the solid threaded rod assembly remains stationary relative to the outer tube assembly.
In some embodiments, a retaining ring is positioned between the braking mechanism and the driving tube for preventing axial movement of the self-locking spring of the braking mechanism.
Implementations of the braking mechanism and the lifting column as disclosed herein provide one or more benefits. First, the braking mechanism features modular installation, which allows for torque testing before assembly. Second, the friction damping generated between the mounting seat, the connecting component, and the first friction component makes the lifting resistance and lower resistance of the lifting column remain nearly consistent. This prevents wobbling or shaking caused by variations in friction damping when the lifting column is turned on. Third, the self-locking spring of the braking mechanism enables unidirectional self-locking, which improves the self-locking performance of the lifting column having the braking mechanism. Fourth, the implementation of the rubber pad isolates vibrations of the drive motor, preventing the vibrations from being transmitted to the lifting column. Fifth, the braking mechanism, designed as an integrated unit, can be quickly installed into the housing of the driving unit of the lifting column.
These illustrative aspects are mentioned not to limit or define the disclosure, but to provide examples to aid understanding thereof. Additional implementations are discussed in the Description of Implementations, and further description is provided there.
For a better understanding of the various described implementations, reference should be made to the Description of Implementations below, in conjunction with the following drawings in which like reference numerals refer to corresponding parts throughout the figures.
Like reference numerals refer to corresponding parts throughout the several views of the drawings.
Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the various described embodiments. However, it will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that the various described embodiments may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures, mechanics, components, and units have not been described in detail so as not to unnecessarily obscure aspects of the embodiments.
In some embodiments, the example braking mechanism 510 further includes a self-locking spring 23. The self-locking spring 23 is configured to perform unidirectional self-locking, which improves the self-locking performance of the example braking mechanism 510. The self-locking spring 23 is mounted on the intermediate connection portion 213, and an end of the self-locking spring 23 is fixed to the mounting seat 22, such that the self-locking spring 23 remains stationary relative to the mounting seat 22.
Additionally, in some embodiments, the first friction component 24 includes an inner ring having an extension portion 242 and a barb 243 at an end of the extension portion. A clamping spring 25 is mounted on the extension portion 242, and the barb 243 restrains the clamping spring 25 on the first friction component 24. The extension portion 242 includes notches that are spaced equally or unequally. This makes it easier to install the first friction component 24 onto the connecting component 21.
In some embodiments, an intermediate connection portion 213 of the connecting component 21 of the example braking mechanism 520 includes a first cylindrical section 2131, a non-circular section 2132, and a second cylindrical section 2133. The first friction component 24 and the second friction plate 26 are mounted on the non-circular section 2132, and a shape of an inner hole of the second friction plate 26 corresponds to an outer contour shape of the non-circular section 2132. The second cylindrical section 2133 includes a slot 2134, and the circlip 27 is positioned in the slot 2134.
In some embodiments, a stop step is formed at a junction between the first cylindrical section 2131 and the non-circular section 2132, and the second friction plate 26 (e.g., the first 26-1 and/or second 26-2 of the plurality of second friction plates) is axially fixed between the stop step and the first friction component 24. In some embodiments, an axial length of the non-circular section 2132 is greater than a sum of a thickness of the first friction component 24 and a thickness of the second friction plate 26 (e.g., the first 26-1 or second 26-2 of the plurality of second friction plates). The axial length of the non-circular section 2132 is less than a sum of the thickness of the first friction component 24 and twice the thickness of the second friction plate (e.g., the first 26-1 or second 26-2 of the plurality of second friction plates).
An assembly process of the example lifting column 530 is as follows. The lead screw nut 7 is mounted over the threaded rod 5, and the threaded rod 5 is positioned inside the round tube 4. The round tube 4 is positioned inside the inner tube assembly 1. The first end of the round tube 4 is connected to the motor assembly 6 via the braking mechanism, and the outer tube assembly 3 is mounted over the inner tube assembly 1. The second end of the round tube 4 is connected to the outer tube assembly 3.
In some embodiments, a hollow screw nut 1013 is installed at a tube opening of the inner tube assembly 1012, and the hollow screw nut is threadedly mounted on the hollow threaded rod assembly 1014.
In some embodiments, the example braking mechanism 550 is installed and undergoes torque testing. A respective braking mechanism (e.g., the example braking mechanism 550) that passes the torque testing is used for installation into the housing 1121 of the driving unit of the lifting column (e.g., the example lifting column 560). When the respective braking mechanism is continuously pressed into the assembly hole 1122 of the housing 1121, the snap-fits 1051 are deformed. After the respective braking mechanism is properly installed and positioned, the snap-fits 1051 pop out, such that the snap-fits 1051 are reset and clamped with the housing 1121, which completes the assembly of the respective braking mechanism.
In some embodiments, during the assembly of the respective braking mechanism (e.g., the example braking mechanism 550), the driving tube 1019 is inserted from an end of the inner tube assembly 1012, and makes the hollow screw nut 1013 being fixed to the tube opening of the inner tube assembly 1012. This is accomplished by applying an adaption between the internal spline at an end of the driving tube 1019 and the spline head 1071 of the second connecting component 1007 and stamping the rivet 1123 at the tube opening of the inner tube assembly 1012. Moreover, the hollow threaded rod assembly 1014 is inserted into the intermediate tube assembly 1018 for positioning the Hafner box, which connects to the hollow threaded rod assembly 1014, at the tube opening of the intermediate tube assembly 1018. This is accomplished by connecting the solid screw nut 1020, which is at an end of the hollow threaded rod assembly 1014, to the Hafner box and stamping the rivet at the tube opening of the intermediate tube assembly 1018. Furthermore, an end of the solid threaded rod assembly 1017 is fixed to the fixed plate 1161 at an end of the outer tube assembly 1016. The solid threaded rod assembly 1017 and the outer tube assembly 1016 remain stationary relative to each other. Additionally, the solid threaded rod assembly 1017 is installed into the hollow threaded rod assembly 1014 through the solid screw nut 1020, and the hollow threaded rod assembly 1014 is installed into the driving tube 1019 through the hollow screw nut 1013.
In some embodiments, when the lifting column (e.g., the example lifting column 560) is raised, the drive motor 1011 is turned on and drives the transmission mechanism to rotate, which in turn makes the respective braking mechanism to rotate and further drives the driving tube 1019 to rotate. Because of an adaption between internal threads of the driving tube 1019 and internal threads of the hollow threaded rod assembly 1014, the hollow threaded rod assembly 1014 rises relative to the driving tube 1019. Moreover, since an end of the hollow threaded rod assembly 1014 is fixed to the intermediate tube assembly 1018, the intermediate tube assembly 1018 rises along with the hollow threaded rod assembly 1014. When the hollow threaded rod assembly 1014 reaches to a highest position, the hollow threaded rod assembly 1014 becomes stationary relative to the driving tube 1019. In this circumstance, external threads of the solid threaded rod assembly 1017 engage with the internal threads of the hollow threaded rod assembly 1014, such that the solid threaded rod assembly 1017 rises relative to the hollow threaded rod assembly 1014. Since an end of the solid threaded rod assembly 1017 connects to the outer tube assembly 1016, the outer tube assembly 1016 rises along with the solid threaded rod assembly 1017. When the outer tube assembly 1016 reaches a desired height, the respective braking mechanism self-locks.
In some embodiments, when the lifting column is lowered, the drive motor 1011 is turned on and drives the transmission mechanism to reserve the rotation, which makes the outer tube assembly 1016 and the intermediate tube assembly 1018 lower their positions in sequence. When the outer tube assembly 1016 and/or the intermediate tube assembly 1018 reach a desired height, the respective braking mechanism self-locks.
In some embodiments, for example as shown in
It should be understood that the particular order in which the operations in
It will also be understood that, although the terms first, second, etc. are, in some instances, used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used only to distinguish one element from another. For example, a first widget could be termed a second widget, and, similarly, a second widget could be termed a first widget, without departing from the scope of the various described embodiments. The first widget and the second widget are both widgets, but they are not the same widget.
The terminology used in the description of the various described implementations herein is for the purpose of describing particular implementations only and is not intended to be limiting. As used in the description of the various described implementations and the appended claims, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will also be understood that the term “and/or” as used herein refers to and encompasses any and all possible combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. It will be further understood that the terms “includes,” “including,” “comprises,” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.
As used herein, the term “if” is, optionally, construed to mean “when” or “upon” or “in response to determining” or “in response to detecting” or “in accordance with a determination that,” depending on the context. Similarly, the phrase “if it is determined” or “if [a stated condition or event] is detected” is, optionally, construed to mean “upon determining” or “in response to determining” or “upon detecting [the stated condition or event]” or “in response to detecting [the stated condition or event]” or “in accordance with a determination that [a stated condition or event] is detected,” depending on the context.
Although various drawings illustrate a number of logical stages in a particular order, stages that are not order dependent may be reordered and other stages may be combined or broken out. While some reordering or other groupings are specifically mentioned, others will be obvious to those of ordinary skill in the art, so the ordering and groupings presented herein are not an exhaustive list of alternatives. Moreover, it should be recognized that the stages can be implemented in hardware, firmware, software or any combination thereof.
The above description, for purpose of explanation, has been described with reference to specific embodiments. However, the illustrative discussions above are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the scope of the claims to the precise forms disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible in view of the above teachings. The embodiments were chosen in order to best explain the principles underlying the claims and their practical applications, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best use the embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular uses contemplated.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 202210507129.6 | May 2022 | CN | national |
| 202221136897.7 | May 2022 | CN | national |
This application is a continuation application of the following applications, each of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety: (i) PCT Patent Application No. PCT/CN2023/106658, entitled “BRAKE MECHANISM, AND LIFTING COLUMN USING BRAKE MECHANISM” filed on Jul. 10, 2023, which claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202221136897.7, filed with the State Intellectual Property Office of the People's Republic of China on May 11, 2022, and entitled “BRAKE MECHANISM, AND LIFTING COLUMN USING BRAKE MECHANISM” and (ii) PCT Patent Application No. PCT/CN2023/106652, entitled “EASY INSTALLATION BRAKE MECHANISM, AND LIFTING COLUMN USING BRAKE MECHANISM” filed on Jul. 10, 2023, which claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202210507129.6, filed with the State Intellectual Property Office of the People's Republic of China on May 11, 2022, and entitled “EASY INSTALLATION BRAKE MECHANISM, AND LIFTING COLUMN USING BRAKE MECHANISM.”
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | PCT/CN2023/106658 | Jul 2023 | WO |
| Child | 18941760 | US | |
| Parent | PCT/CN2023/106652 | Jul 2023 | WO |
| Child | 18941760 | US |
