公开(公告)号：US10023434B2

公开(公告)日：2018-07-17

申请号：US15268775

申请日：2016-09-19

Applicant: Amazon Technologies, Inc.

Inventor： Tye Michael Brady ,  James R. Allard ,  Thomas Culliton

IPC: B66B9/02 ,  B66F7/24

Abstract: Robotic enabled lift concepts are described. In one embodiment, a vertical lift includes a vertically directed track assembly and linear actuator that extend between first and second levels. The lift further includes a lift platform having a continuous contact roller such as a continuous belt, for example, a platform guide assembly for engagement with the track assembly, and a motion translation mechanism mechanically coupled between the continuous contact roller and the linear actuator. A robotic drive unit can drive upon and dock with the lift platform. In that docked position, the robotic drive unit can rotate its drive wheels to raise or lower itself between the first and second levels based on the translation of the motive forces of the drive wheels through the motion translation mechanism and to the vertically directed linear actuator. Other embodiments include a lift arm, an inclined track assembly, and a lift carriage.

公开(公告)号：US20180079626A1

公开(公告)日：2018-03-22

申请号：US15268775

申请日：2016-09-19

Applicant: Amazon Technologies, Inc.

Inventor： Tye Michael Brady ,  James R. Allard ,  Thomas Culliton

IPC: B66B9/02 ,  B66F7/24

CPC classification number: B66B9/02 ,  B66B9/00 ,  B66B9/022 ,  B66F7/24 ,  B66F7/243

Abstract: Robotic enabled lift concepts are described. In one embodiment, a vertical lift includes a vertically directed track assembly and linear actuator that extend between first and second levels. The lift further includes a lift platform having a continuous contact roller such as a continuous belt, for example, a platform guide assembly for engagement with the track assembly, and a motion translation mechanism mechanically coupled between the continuous contact roller and the linear actuator. A robotic drive unit can drive upon and dock with the lift platform. In that docked position, the robotic drive unit can rotate its drive wheels to raise or lower itself between the first and second levels based on the translation of the motive forces of the drive wheels through the motion translation mechanism and to the vertically directed linear actuator. Other embodiments include a lift arm, an inclined track assembly, and a lift carriage.