Scissors actuator configured to translate a support platform in either of opposed lateral directions
A scissors actuator is configured to translate a support platform in either of opposed lateral directions with respect to a base frame and includes a first arm, a second arm, wherein the first and second arms are rotatably connected at intermediate positions between their respective first and second ends, the first arm is pivotably attached at its first end to the base frame, and the second arm and is pivotably attached at its second end to the support platform. A first slide is disposed within a first linear track formed in the support platform and includes a bearing protruding from a side of the first slide for rolling contact with a side of the first linear track formed in the support platform. The first arm is pivotably and translatably attached at its second end to the support platform by the first slide. A second slide is disposed within a second linear track formed in the base frame and includes a bearing protruding from a side of the second slide for rolling contact with a side of the second linear track formed in the base frame. The second arm is pivotably and translatably attached at its first end to the base frame by the second slide.
1. A scissors actuator configured to translate a support platform in either of opposed lateral directions with respect to a base frame, the scissors actuator comprising:
a first arm having first and second ends;
a second arm having first and second ends, wherein the first and second arms are rotatably connected to each other at intermediate positions between their respective first and second ends, wherein the first arm is pivotably attached at its first end to the base frame and the second arm is pivotably attached at its second end to the support platform;
a first slide disposed within a first linear track formed in the support platform and including a bearing protruding from a side of the first slide for rolling contact with a side of the first linear track formed in the support platform so that the first slide is able to translate with respect to the support platform within the first linear track, wherein the first arm is pivotably attached at its second end to the first slide so that the first arm is able to pivot and translate with respect to the support platform; and
a second slide disposed within a second linear track formed in the base frame and including a bearing protruding from a side of the second slide for rolling contact with a side of the second linear track formed in the base frame so that the second slide is able to translate with respect to the base frame within the second linear track, wherein the second arm is pivotably attached at its first end to the second slide so that the second arm is able to pivot and translate with respect to the base frame.
2. The scissors actuator of claim 1 , wherein the first and second arms are rotatably connected to each other by a slewing ring having an inner ring and an outer ring, wherein the inner and outer rings are rotatable with respect to each other, and wherein the first arm is attached to the inner ring at its respective intermediate position, and the second arm is attached to the outer ring at its respective intermediate position.
3. The scissors actuator of claim 1 , further comprising a motor coupled to the first end of the first arm to effect powered pivoting movement of the first arm.
4. The scissors actuator of claim 3 , further comprising an encoder coupled to the motor or to the first arm.
5. The scissors actuator of claim 1 , wherein the scissors actuator is configured to translate the support platform in either of two opposed lateral directions with respect to the base frame.