An elevatable stage

Abstract

 A combined elevatable stage comprises a main platform, sub-platforms and a main control system. The main platform includes a base structure (1), main platform fixing and guiding devices (2), and main platform actuating devices (3). The base structure is a steel structure. The main platform fixing and guiding devices are positioned at both ends of the base structure. The main platform actuating devices include hydraulic cylinders disposed symmetrically and hydraulic driving means. Elevatable sub-platforms are attached to the surface of the main platform which can make vertical and relative movement with relevance to the main platform, or individual movement when the main platform moves vertically as a whole. All the sub-platforms can be actuated to move individually, synchronistically or in groups, to create more motion effects and better meet performance needs, while the elevating distance of the whole elevatable stage is also extended.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] This invention relates generally to an elevatable stage, and particularly to a wide-span hydraulic-driven combined elevatable stage.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Elevatable stage platform is a common mechanic device in a theater disposed in stage region, which can move vertically up and down to participate in the performance, achieve special performance effect, and to convey performers, scene settings and props. The most common elevatable stage platforms used in a domestic or offshore theater is in a cuboid shape with a length corresponding to the width of proscenium arch, generally being about 16∼18m, and a width of 3∼4m. The upward and downward movement of the platform is actuated by such driving mechanisms as steel wire rope, chain, gear and rack, screw and nut, which provided on both sides of the platform structure. The driving mechanisms are decided depending on the speed, distance and building conditions, etc. The elevatable platform can have a single-storey or double-storey platform structure which can move up and down as a whole.

[0003] Some special theaters require a longer elevatable platform and some elevatable sub-platforms in a checkerboard pattern attach to the elevatable platform so as to meet more complex performance demands. The span of such elevatable platform is too wide and it will deform due to the effect caused by its own weight and external loading weight, which will affect the operation of such elevatable platform. Therefore, the conventional transmission and driving methods cannot meet operation requirements.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] In order to solve the problems above, the invention provides a combined elevatable stage, wide-spanned, steady and with sub-platforms which can perform relative movement.

[0005] The technical solution of the invention is that: a combined elavatable stage comprises a main platform, sub-platforms and a main control system. The main platform includes a base structure, main platform fixing and guiding devices, and main platform actuating devices. The base structure is a steel structure. The main platform fixing and guiding devices are positioned at both ends of the base structure. The main platform actuating devices consist of hydraulic cylinders and hydraulic driving devices that are disposed symmetrically. The top ends of the hydraulic cylinders are secured to a main truss beneath the base structure to uphold and support the base structure and to actuate its vertical movement. The elevatable sub-platforms are secured on the surface of the main platform. When the main platform moves vertically as a whole, the sub-platforms perform relatively vertical movement, or perform solo movement. All the sub-platforms can move synchronistically, individually or in groups.

[0006] Preferably, the main platform fixing and guiding devices include fixing brackets and rails provided thereon. Guide shoes are provided on the two ends of the base structure to fit into the rails.

[0007] Preferably, the sub-platforms include sub-platform supportive structures, sub-platform frame structures and sub-platform actuating devices. The sub-platform supportive structures are fixed on the surface of the base structure. The sub-platform frame structures are sleeved outside the sub-platform supportive structures. The sub-platform frame structures are in the cuboid shape, with guide rollers fixed to the four internal corners of the sub-platform frame structures. Rails cooperating with the guide rollers are provided at four external corners of the sub-platform supportive structures. The sub-platform actuating devices are mounted on the surface of the base structure and inside each of the sub-platform elevating structures, which are driven by a steel wire rope winch with the steel wire rope connected to the four rims of the sub-platform frame structures.

[0008] Preferably, guide rollers are provided on both inner side surfaces of every corner of the sub-platform frame structures and rails are provided on both outer side surfaces of every corner of the sub-platform supportive structures.

[0009] Preferably, the motor of the steel wire rope winch is disposed in the middle position. The driving power is divided into two parts by a double-output gear box and transmission shafts, and then transmitted to the winding drum at the ends of the steel wire rope via secondary reduction gear boxes.

[0010] Preferably, the main platform elevation actuating devices employ eight hydraulic cylinders. Position encoders and load sensors are used to keep and coordinate the equilibrium among the hydraulic cylinders. Travel switches are used to set limit position and various stop positions within the scope of movement during the movement of the elevatable platform. Safety side detectors are provided below the side skirt of the base structure.

[0011] Preferably, the main platform is 18∼33m long and 3∼6m wide and has an elevating distance of 15.5m.

[0012] Preferably, the sub-platforms are arranged into two rows with 11 sub-platforms in each row, and each sub-platform has a cross-sectional area of 3m x 3m and an elevating distance of 4m with relevance to the main platform.

[0013] Preferably, the sub-platforms are attached in a checkerboard pattern to the surface of the main platform.

[0014] Preferably, the four side surfaces of the sub-platform frame structures all have a depth of 150mm and LED screens are mounted on such four side surfaces.

[0015] The benefits of the invention are as follows: the use of the hydraulic cylinders to jack the base structure allows the elevatable platform to be wide-spanned while avoiding serious deformation; the combined elevatable stage allows it to move individually or together, and the sub-platforms can, among themselves, move individually, synchronistically or in groups, so as to create more motion effects and better meet the performance needs, while the scope of the movement of the whole elevatable stage platform is also extended.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0016] 

Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram of the connection between a main platform fixing and guiding device and a base structure of the invention;

Fig. 3 is a schematic diagram showing that both main platform structure and a sub-platform elevating structure of the invention are elevated to their highest positions;

Fig. 4 is a schematic diagram showing that the main platform structure of the invention is elevated to its highest position;

Fig. 5 is a schematic diagram showing that both of the main platform structure and the sub-platform elevating structures of the invention are lowered to their lowest positions;

Fig. 6 is a schematic diagram of a sub-platform supportive structure of the invention;

Fig. 7 is a schematic diagram of a sub-platform frame structure of the invention;

Fig. 8 is a schematic diagram showing the connection between the sub-platform frame structure and the sub-platform supportive structure of the invention; and

Fig. 9 is a schematic diagram of a sub-platform actuating device of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0017] The invention is now further described with reference to the attached drawings.

[0018] A combined elevatable stage, as shown in Fig. 1, comprises a main platform, sub-platforms and a main control system. The main platform includes the base structure 1, main platform fixing and guiding devices 2 and main platform actuating devices 3. Base structure 1 is a cuboid steel structure which is designed to meet the requirements for supporting and fixing the sub-platform elevating structures at a rated load. Its bending deflection shall be no more than 1/750 of the span of the main platform, and its levelness and repositioning precision shall be within ±2mm. Main platform fixing and guiding devices 2 are positioned at both ends of the base structure 1 and include fix brackets 21 and rails 22 attached thereto. Guide shoes 11 fitted to the rails 22 are provided on both ends of the base structure 1, as shown in Fig. 2, to ensure the steady motion of the main platform. Main platform actuating devices 3 include symmetrically-disposed hydraulic cylinders and hydraulic driving means with the top ends of the hydraulic cylinders connected to a main truss beneath the base structure and the base installed in the footing grooves in the foundation. Hydraulic driving means are positioned in a machine room. In this embodiment, eight hydraulic cylinders are employed to elevate and support the base structure 1 to move vertically. The hydraulic cylinders are so arranged that they can withstand force evenly. Position encoders and load sensors are used to keep and coordinate the equilibrium among the hydraulic cylinders to ensure levelness and position precision of the elevatable platform. Travel switches are used to set limit position and various stop positions within the scope of movement during the movement of the elevatable platform to ensure its operation safety. Safety side detectors are provided below the side skirt of the base structure 1. During upward and downward movement, once the lower edges of the skirt of the base structure 1 hit any object, the detectors will immediately send signals to the main control system which will shut off power supply at once, and thus the elevatable platform will stop immediately to ensure the safety of the personnel and device.

[0019] The sub-platforms are attached in a checkerboard pattern to the surface of the main platform. While the main platform moves vertically as a whole, the sub-platform elevating structures perform vertical and relative movement or solomovement. As shown in Fig. 6 - Fig. 8, a sub-platform includes sub-platform supportive structures 4, sub-platform frame structures 5 and sub-platform actuating devices 6. Sub-platform support structures 4 are fixed to the surface of the base structure 1. The sub-platform frame structures 5 are sleeved outside the sub-platform supportive structures 4. The sub-platform frame structures 5 are in a cuboid shape. Adjustable guide rollers 51 are mounted on at the four internal corners of the rims of the sub-platform frame structures 5, and rails 41 that are fitted to the guide rollers 51 are provided at the four external corners of the sub-platform supportive structures 4, which prevents the sub-platform from shaking due to, among others, the movement of the performers and the load on it, when making upward and downward movement and thus ensures the steady operation of the sub-platform frame structures 5. The guide rollers 51 can roll vertically along the rails 41 on the sub-platform supportive structures 4. The guide rollers 51 are provided on both inner side surfaces of every corner of the sub-platform frame structures 5 and the rails 41 are provided on both outer side surfaces of every corners of the sub-platform supportive device 4.

[0020] The sub-platform actuating devices 6 is mounted on the surface of the base structure 1 and inside each sub-platform elevating structure, which is driven by a steel wire rope winch. As shown in Fig. 9, a motor 61 is disposed in a middle position and the driving power is divided into two parts by a double-output gear box and transmission shafts, and then further transmitted to the winding drums 63 at the ends of the steel wire rope through secondary reduction gear boxes 62. Steel wire ropes connect to the four rims of the sub-platform frame structures 5. Such arrangement enables the four elevating points to move simultaneously. Each individual sub-platform is driven by the steel wire rope winch and guide rollers to move vertically. While the stage is moving as a whole, the sub-platform can also make relative movement.

[0021] The four side surfaces of the sub-platform frame structures 5 have a depth of 150mm, and LED screens can be mounted on these four side surfaces to play some video programs based on the plot that evoke the ambiance of the performance, which can boost the effect of the performance. Directors are able to make full use of their imagination and expression by controlling the upward and downward movement of the sub-plalfarms and combining the sub-platforms at different positions to create various effects.

[0022] The main platform can have a length within 18∼33m and a width within 3∼6m, and it is 15.5m long. In this embodiment, the main platform is 33m long and 6m wide. The sub-platforms are arranged into two rows with 11 sub-platforms in each row, which can achieve various heights and appearances required for the performances on the main platform during the performance. Every sub-platform has a cross-sectional area of 3m x 3m, and an elevating distance of 4m with relevance to the main platform. When used in combination with the main platform, the effective performance area for such sub-platforms is within a range of 4m below the surface of the main platform to 15.5m above the same. When the sub-platforms are at their lowest position, the scene settings in storage room below the stage can be transferred onto the combined elevatable platform.

[0023] The use of the main control system to control the main platform and the sub-platforms allows them to move together or individually, and the sub-platforms, among themselves, can move individually, synchronistically or in groups, to create more motion effects and better meet the performance needs while the elevating distance of the whole elevatable stage platform is also extended.

[0024] The preferred embodiment of the invention described above is only an example but not intended to limit the scope of the application of the invention. Any changes or modifications that are within the scope of this invention and have the same effect as intended herein shall fall into the scope of the invention defined in the claims.

Claims

1. A combined elevatable stage, comprising a main platform, sub-platforms and a main control system, characterized in that the main platform includes a base structure, main platform fixing and guiding devices, and main platform actuating devices; the base structure is a steel structure; the main platform fixing and guiding devices are positioned at both ends of the said base structure; the main platform actuating devices include symmetrically-disposed hydraulic cylinders and hydraulic driving means, and the top ends of said hydraulic cylinders are secured to a main truss beneath said base structure; hydraulic cylinders are employed to elevate and support the base structure to move vertically; elevatable sub-platforms are secured to the top of the said main platform; when the main platform moves vertically as a whole, the sub-platforms move vertically and relatively, or move individually; all the sub-platforms can move individually, synchronistically or in groups.

2. The combined elevatable stage as defined in Claim 1, characterized in that the main platform fixing and guiding devices include fix brackets and rails attached thereto; guide shoes fitted to the said rails are provided on the two ends of said base structure.

3. The combined elevatable stage as defined in Claim 1, characterized in that the sub-platforms include sub-platform supportive structures, sub-platform frame structures and sub-platform actuating devices; the sub-platform supportive structures are fixed to the surface of said base structure; the sub-platform frame structures are sleeved outside the said sub-platform support structures; the sub-platform frame structures are in a cuboid shape; adjustable guide rollers are mounted at four internal corners of the rims of the sub-platform frame structures; rails that are fitted to the guide rollers are provided at the four external corners of said sub-platform supportive structures; the sub-platform actuating devices are mounted on the surface of the said base structure; a steel wire rope winch is used for driving; the steel wire rope connects to the four rims of said sub-platform frame structures.

4. The combined elevatable stage as defined in Claim 3, characterized in that the guide rollers are mounted on both inner side surfaces of every said corner of every said sub-platform frame structure, and the rails are provided on both outer side surfaces of every said corner of every said sub-platform support structure.

5. The combined elevatable stage as defined in Claims 3 and 4, characterized in that a motor of the steel wire rope winch is disposed in a middle position and driving power is divided into two parts by a double-output gear box and transmission shafts, and then transmitted to winding drums at the ends of the steel wire ropes through secondary reduction gear boxes.

6. The combined elevatable stage as defined in Claim 3, characterized in that the four side surfaces of the sub-platform frame structures have a depth of 150mm and LED screens are mounted on the said four side surfaces;

7. The combined elevatable stage as defined in Claim 1, characterized in that the main platform actuating devices employ eight hydraulic cylinders, and position encoders and load sensors are used to keep the equilibrium among the hydraulic cylinders; travel switches are used to set limit position and various stop positions within the scope of movement during the movement of the elevatable platform; and safety side detectors are provided below the side skirt of the base structure.

8. The combined elevatable stage as defined in Claim 1, characterized in that the main platform has a length within 18∼33m and a width within 3∼6m, and an elevating distance of 15.5m.

9. The combined elevatable stage as defined in Claim 8, characterized in that the said sub-platforms are arranged into two rows with 11 sub-platforms in each row, and every said sub-platform has a cross-sectional area of 3m x 3m and an elevating distance of 4m with relevance to the main platform.

10. The combined elevatable stage as defined in Claim 1, characterized in that the sub-platforms are attached in a checkerboarder pattern to the surface of the main platform.

Drawing