Power drive unit for cargo handling systems

US6834758B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• GOODRICH CORPORATION · US

Inventors

• Frank H Nguyen · Placentia, US
• Thomas A. Williams · North Canton, US
• Edmond Issakhanian · La Cañada Flintridge, US
• Richard Larson · Claremont, US
• William A Gavino · Willow View Lane, US
• John E. Morse · Rochester, US

Key dates

• Filing date: May 28, 2003
• Grant date: Dec 28, 2004
• Expiry date: May 28, 2023

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B64D2009/006
• WIPO field: Handling
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A power drive unit (PDU) for cargo handling systems comprising a frame arranged to be mounted in use for raising and lowering movement relative to a supporting structure, a drive motor carried by the frame and having an output shaft, a drive roller assembly carried by said frame for engagement in use with a unit load device (ULD) or the like to be moved by the PDU, a first gear train transmitting drive from said motor output shaft to a drive roller of said drive roller assembly, a rotatable lifting cam assembly carried by said frame and driven in use relative to said frame to lift and lower the frame on said mounting, a second gear train for transmitting drive from said motor output shaft to said lifting cam assembly to operate said lifting cam assembly, clutch means operable to connect and disconnect said motor output shaft to and from said second gear train, a torque limiting device limiting the torque transmitted through said clutch, when said clutch is engaged, to said lifting cam assembly, and a brake mechanism between said torque limiting device and said lifting cam assembly for braking said lifting cam assembly against rotation relative to said frame.