Lifting apparatus for implementing a rectilinear movement of a handling device

A lifting apparatus for implementing a rectilinear movement of a handling device, comprising:

• a pair of longitudinal members arranged in parallel relationship in a common plane to define a space therebetween and securable to a stationary or movable carrying unit;
• at least one connecting element rigidly interconnecting the longitudinal members;
• a drive mechanism;
• a lifting beam movable by the drive mechanism longitudinally along the longitudinal members and having attached thereon, directly or indirectly, a handling device;
• and
• a guide rail extending parallel to and supporting the lifting beam, said guide rail being received in guide elements, arranged in a longitudinally axially spaced apart relationship to the connecting element, for displacement in longitudinal direction in a freely running manner, as the lifting beam is moved by the drive mechanism, wherein the guide elements are arranged in the space between the longitudinal members and secured to the connecting element,
• wherein the longitudinal members and the lifting beam are formed with longitudinal grooves for engagement of sliding blocks so that the connecting element, the drive mechanism and the carrying unit are securable to the longitudinal members in any desired longitudinal position, and the guide rail is securable to the lifting beam in any desired longitudinal position.