Lifting device and lifting system for lifting vehicles and method thereof

Abstract

The present invention relates to a lifting device and a lifting system and a method thereof for lifting a vehicle. The lifting system according to the present invention comprises: a frame having a movable carrier configured to carry a vehicle, wherein the carrier comprises a carrying portion and a guide portion; a driver acting on the carrier and configured to raise and / or lower the carrier relative to the frame; a locking system for locking and unlocking the movable carrier relative to the frame; and a controller configured to control the height of the carrier, wherein the locking system comprises a locking actuator, a locking track, a locking driver and a lock, wherein the locking driver is configured to move the locking actuator between a locked state and an unlocked state, and the lock is configured to engage and / or disengage the locking track in response to the movement of the locking actuator.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a lifting device for lifting vehicles such as cars, trucks, buses and other vehicles, and more particularly to a mobile lifting column, such as a wireless mobile lifting column. Background Art

[0002] Lifting devices including lifting columns are known in practice and include a frame with a carrier, which is connected to a drive for moving the carrier up and down. In the ascending mode, hydraulic oil is pumped to a cylinder for lifting the carrier and thus the vehicle. In the descending mode, the carrier is lowered together with the vehicle and the hydraulic oil returns to the reservoir. Such a prior art lifting device is disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2006 / 0182563. When the vehicle is raised and at the desired height, the carrier is locked to provide a safe working environment. This is achieved by a locking system.

[0003] Conventional locking systems for lifting equipment require many parts and are quite heavy, which makes it quite difficult to operate the lifting system and / or increases the manufacturing and transportation costs of the lifting equipment. Summary of the invention

[0004] It is an object of the present invention to eliminate or at least reduce the aforementioned problems associated with conventional lifting devices.

[0005] The object is achieved by a lifting device for lifting a vehicle such as a car, truck, bus or other vehicle, wherein the lifting device comprises:

[0006] - a frame having a movable carrier configured to carry a vehicle, wherein the carrier comprises a carrying portion and a guiding portion;

[0007] - a drive acting on the carrier and configured to raise and / or lower the carrier relative to the frame;

[0008] - a locking system for locking and unlocking the movable carrier relative to the frame; and

[0009] - a controller configured to control the height of the carrier,

[0010] The locking system includes:

[0011] - a locking actuator and a locking rail, both extending over at least a portion of the height of the frame;

[0012] - a locking drive configured to move the locking actuator between a locked state and an unlocked state; and

[0013] - a lock arranged at or on the movable carrier and configured to engage and / or disengage the locking track in response to movement of the locking actuator.

[0014] The carrier of the lifting device is capable of carrying a vehicle that needs to be lifted. In a currently preferred embodiment, the carrier is moved upward and / or downward relative to the frame of the lifting column using a driver. The carrier includes a load-bearing portion configured to carry a vehicle or at least a portion of a vehicle. The carrier also includes a guide portion that enables guided movement relative to the frame of the lifting device. In a currently preferred embodiment, the driver includes a hydraulic cylinder drive unit that is configured to raise the carrier. The unit includes a housing, a cylinder with a piston rod movable in the housing of the cylinder, and a corresponding portion of such a hydraulic system. Alternatively, another drive system, such as a pneumatic and / or electrical drive system, can be used. In one of the currently preferred embodiments, the unit is embodied as an integrated hydraulic cylinder drive unit disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016 / 0052757.

[0015] The lifting device further comprises a controller configured to control the height of the carrier. The controller may be arranged at or in the frame of the lifting device and / or may involve a central controller capable of controlling a plurality of lifting devices and / or a number of groups of lifting devices or any mixture thereof. Preferably, the controller further comprises a display and optionally other user input and output devices to enable communication with a user. The controller is preferably capable of receiving measurements from one or more sensors or sensor systems indicating one or more of the following: the height of the carrier, the height difference of the carrier, the speed of movement of the carrier, and information about control actions for the actuator, such as the amount of hydraulic oil sent to the actuator to raise or lower the carrier relative to the frame.

[0016] The locking system of the lifting device of the present invention comprises a locking actuator and a locking track. The locking actuator and the locking track both extend over at least a portion of the height of the frame. The locking system also comprises a locking drive and a lock, the locking drive being configured to move the locking actuator between a locked state and an unlocked state, the lock being arranged at or on the movable carrier and being configured to engage and / or disengage with the locking track in response to movement of the actuator. Preferably, the lock is arranged at a guide portion of the movable carrier.

[0017] Providing the lock at the carrier enables the height of the guide portion of the carrier to be reduced. This significantly reduces the amount of material required for the carrier. As a result, the overall weight of the carrier is significantly reduced without affecting the performance of the lifting device. This reduces manufacturing costs, improves operating efficiency when working with the lifting device of the invention, and can also reduce transportation costs.

[0018] As a further advantage of the locking system according to the invention, the carrier can be locked in any desired position along the frame of the lifting device. This significantly reduces the locking pitch present in conventional lifting devices. This also contributes to a safe and user-friendly operation of the lifting device in one of the embodiments of the invention.

[0019] In a currently preferred embodiment of the invention, the lock preferably comprises a pawl, lock, obstruction, pen-like or rod-like element that moves to and from a locking track when the lock engages or disengages the carrier, the locking track being attached or disposed in the frame. Preferably, the locking track comprises a plurality of teeth shaped like a rack extending over a majority of the height of the frame.

[0020] Actuating the lock with a locking actuator and a locking drive configured to move the locking actuator between a locked state and an unlocked state enables the lock to engage or disengage the locking track. The locking actuator preferably extends over a majority of the height of the frame, wherein the height of the frame preferably substantially corresponds to the height of the locking track. The use of a locking actuator has the advantage that no communication cables or power supply need be provided for the movable carrier. By avoiding the need to provide such cables or connections, a robust lifting device is obtained.

[0021] In the present invention's currently preferred embodiment, locking actuator is embodied as the strip (strip) or rod (rod) or track or blade that is configured to be used to manipulate lock.In such embodiment, this mechanical locking actuator provides the reliable and robust locking system that can be manufactured with relatively low cost.

[0022] In one of the currently preferred embodiments of the present invention, the locking actuator is configured so that the locking system moves to the locked state in the event of a power failure (e.g., hydraulic failure, pneumatic failure, or electrical failure). This improves the overall safety when working with the lifting device of the present invention.

[0023] The locking actuator and the locking rail are preferably arranged in or at the frame. This reduces the risk of fouling and damage to these parts during operation of the lifting device. This ensures that the locking system operates robustly and efficiently. Moreover, in one of the preferred embodiments of the invention, the locking actuator is arranged in the frame by a connection so that the locking actuator can rotate around the axis of the locking actuator when moving between the locked state and the unlocked state. This rotational movement enables the lock to be effectively controlled.

[0024] In a presently preferred embodiment of the present invention, the lock includes a locking mechanism further comprising a bar extending between the lock and the carrier.

[0025] Providing a locking mechanism enables effective operation of the lock. Optionally, the bar enables manual control of the locking system. For example, the bar also enables the lock to be manually disengaged from the locking track in the event of a power failure.

[0026] Preferably, the bar is connected to the carrier by an articulated connection and the bar extends substantially in a vertical direction. Even more preferably, the articulated connection is configured such that when the actuator is not activated, the articulated connection automatically moves the lock to the locked state. As described earlier in this specification, this achieves a safe working environment when working with the lifting device, which is also safe in the event of a power failure.

[0027] In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the locking actuator comprises a locking frame and an anti-wear strip extending over a majority of the length of the locking actuator.

[0028] Providing a locking actuator with a locking frame and an anti-wear strip prevents or at least reduces wear on the locking actuator when the pawl or locking element of the lock moves along the locking actuator. This reduces wear and reduces the risk of malfunction of the lifting device.

[0029] Preferably, the locking frame comprises a lightweight material, more preferably aluminium. This further improves the overall weight of the locking system and the lifting device provided with the locking system. Furthermore, the anti-wear strip comprises polyethylene or a similar wear-reducing material.

[0030] In one of the currently preferred embodiments of the invention, the ratio of the length of the guide portion of the carrier to the length of the frame of the lifting device is lower than 0.5, preferably lower than 0.4 and most preferably lower than 0.3.

[0031] While in conventional lifting columns the length of the guide portion of the carrier is more or less similar to the height of the frame (also called frame length), the use of the locking system according to the invention enables the length of the guide portion of the carrier to be reduced. This length of the guide portion may be significantly smaller than the length of the frame. Most preferably, the length of the guide portion of the carrier is lower than 0.3 times the length of the frame (also called height). This significantly reduces the amount of material required for the guide portion and thus reduces the overall weight of the lifting device.

[0032] The lifting equipment according to the present invention includes a two-column lifting column with a pivoting support arm, a four-column lifting column with a runway, a wired or wireless mobile lifting column, an in-ground lift, etc.

[0033] In one of the presently preferred embodiments of the invention, the lifting device relates to a lifting column, and more preferably to a mobile lifting column. In particular, the weight reduction of the locking system of the invention greatly improves the efficiency of working with such a mobile lifting column.

[0034] The invention also relates to a lifting system comprising one or more of the aforementioned lifting devices, more preferably one or more lifting columns, and most preferably one or more mobile lifting columns.

[0035] The lifting system provides the same effects and advantages as stated for the lifting device. It should be noted that the lifting device may relate to any embodiment according to the present invention. For example, the lifting system may include a plurality of (mobile) lifting columns as lifting devices. For example, the individual lifting devices / lifting columns may be controlled by a central controller of the lifting system.

[0036] Preferably, a plurality of lifting devices, more particularly a plurality of (mobile) lifting columns can be combined together into a lifting system. In an embodiment of such a lifting system according to the invention, at least two lifting columns are used when lifting a vehicle. In fact, four lifting columns are often used in practice. During such a lifting operation, when lifting a vehicle, the timing of these separate lifting columns, including the moving speed of the carrier carrying the vehicle (a part of the vehicle), needs to be synchronized. The control of the lifting system preferably comprises a system controller, which synchronizes the height of the separate carrier in the ascending mode using, for example, a measurement signal generated by a height sensor (e.g. a potentiometer). Of course, other sensors can also be used.

[0037] If one of the carriers has moved too fast and too high in the ascending mode compared to the other carriers of the other lifting columns, for example, the power supply to this carrier is directly or indirectly lowered so that the other carriers can catch up, or alternatively, the power supply to the other carriers is directly or indirectly increased so that the other carriers can catch up. In the descending mode, it is also important that the heights of the carriers between several lifting columns are synchronized. Thus, if one of the carriers has moved too slowly, for example, the power supply to this carrier is increased so that it can catch up with the other carriers, or alternatively, the power supply to the other carriers is directly or indirectly lowered so that the other carriers can catch up.

[0038] The invention also relates to a method for lifting a vehicle, the method comprising the following steps:

[0039] - providing a lifting device or a lifting system according to one or more embodiments of the present invention;

[0040] - lifting the vehicle by means of a drive acting on the carrier, and

[0041] - Lock the carrier at a certain height relative to the frame by:

[0042] - actuating the locking actuator;

[0043] - moving the lock between a locked state and an unlocked state using a lock actuator; and

[0044] - Engaging or disengaging the lock with the locking track in response to movement of the locking actuator.

[0045] The method provides the same effects and advantages as those stated for the lifting device and / or lifting system. It should be noted that the lifting device can relate to any embodiment according to the present invention. For example, individual lifting devices or lifting columns can be controlled by a central controller of the lifting system. This further improves the accuracy and safety of the lifting system.

[0046] In one of the currently preferred embodiments of the present invention, the locking system of the lifting device moves to a locked state in the event of a power failure (e.g., hydraulic failure, pneumatic failure, and / or electrical failure). This implements a safety measure when working with the lifting device in one of the embodiments of the present invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0047] Exemplary embodiments of the lifting system and / or method according to the invention are described herein below based on non-limiting exemplary embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0048] - Figure 1A lifting system comprising a plurality of mobile lifting columns according to the present invention is shown;

[0049] - Figure 2 Shown is a locking system Figure 1 Mobile lifting columns of the type shown in;

[0050] - Figure 3 Shows Figure 2 The carrier and locking system of the mobile lifting column;

[0051] - Figure 4 Shows Figure 3 Details of the locking actuator and locking drive of the locking system; and

[0052] - Figure 5 Shows Figure 3 and Figure 4 Details of the locking actuator shown in . DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0053] For efficient lifting and lowering of loads 6( Figure 1 ) system 2 comprises four wireless mobile lifting columns 4. The lifting columns 4 lift a car 6 from the ground 8. In the embodiment shown, the lifting columns 4 are connected to each other and / or to a control system by wireless communication means or optionally by cables. The lifting columns 4 comprise a base 10 which can travel on a ground surface 8, such as the floor of a garage or workshop, by means of running wheels 12. An additional running wheel 13 ( Figure 2 ). The rotating wheel 12 is part of a pallet truck mechanism 14 that enables the lifting column 4 to be easily maneuvered. The lifting column 4 also includes a mast 16. A carrier 18 is movable upward and downward along the mast 16. Optionally, an adapter can be used to adjust the carrier 18 to a specific wheel size. The carrier 18 is driven by a motor / drive system 20 that is preferably arranged in the housing of the lifting column 4. For example, the system 20 is powered by the power grid or by a battery (not shown) that is arranged on the lifting column 4 in the same housing as the system 20 or optionally on the base 10. The lifting column 4 is provided with a control panel 22 to allow a user of the system 2 to control the system, for example by setting a speed for the carrier 18. In one embodiment, the motor of the system 20 is a three-phase low-voltage motor controlled by a separate controller. In another embodiment, the motor of the system 20 is a three-phase low-voltage motor with an integrated controller. Such a motor with an integrated controller can also be used in combination with a conventional lifting device with a conventional height measurement system.

[0054] Each lifting column has at least one raising mode and one lowering mode and is affected by an integrated controller having a control panel 22. The controller 22 may be designed for each lifting column 4 individually, or for all lifting columns 4 together. Pressure or load sensors may be used to monitor, control and indicate the correct positioning of a load being lifted using the lifting system 2.

[0055] Carrier 18( Figure 2 ) comprises a load-bearing portion 24 and a guide portion 26. The guide portion 26 extends along a guide track 28 over a length d1 in a substantially vertical direction. The guide track 28 is provided with a cylinder 30. The guide track 28 extends along the rod 16 over a length d2. It should be noted that this length d2 is mainly related to the length or height of the cylinder 30. The rod 16 also accommodates a locking system 32 and a locking track 34. In the embodiment shown, the locking track 34 extends over most of the length or height of the rod 16.

[0056] Locking system 32( Figure 3 ) includes a locking actuator 36 that extends over most of the length or height of the rod 16. A lock 38 includes a block / locking element that can engage with the locking track 34 and optionally includes a pawl having a pen 40. The lock 38 is disposed at one end of a bar 42. The bar 42 is connected to the lock or block 38 by a connector 44. In addition, the bar 42 is connected to the guide portion 26 of the carrier 18 at an upper connector 46. The carrier 18 moves along the rod 16 using upper guide wheels 48 and lower guide wheels 50.

[0057] Locking actuator 36 ( Figure 4 ) includes an aluminum profile or frame 52 and a polyethylene anti-wear strip 54 that can contact the obstruction 38. In the embodiment shown, the locking actuator includes an electromagnet 56.

[0058] Profile 52( Figure 5 ) comprises a hole or opening 58 having a plurality of protrusions or nocks 59. The other end profile frame 52 is provided with a hole or opening 60 having a plurality of protrusions or nocks 62, wherein the hole 60 is capable of receiving the PE strip 54.

[0059] When lifting a car 6, a plurality of mobile lifting columns 4 are positioned around the vehicle 6. When the lifting operation is authorized, the carrier 18 begins to move along the rod 16. Once the desired height D of the carrier 18 above the ground surface 8 is reached, the locking system 32 is activated. The locking system 32 activates the locking actuator 36 to rotate the locking actuator 36, wherein the locking actuator 36 includes a profile 52 and an anti-wear strip 54. The locking actuator 36 is pivotally connected to the rod 16 or other part of the lifting device at its outer end. When the locking actuator 36 is rotated, the obstruction or stop pawl 38 will engage or disengage with the locking track 34. The track 34 preferably extends along the rod 16. As a further advantage, since the length of the locking actuator 36 corresponds to the stroke length of the cylinder 30, the carrier 18 can be locked at any desired height along the rod 16. This further improves the operation of the lifting device of the present invention.

[0060] Preferably, in the event of a power failure, the electromagnet 56 of the locking actuator is disengaged and the profile 52 returns to its inoperative position in which the obstruction 38 engages the locking track 34. Alternatively, for example, a user may manually operate the bar 42 to disengage the obstruction 38 from the locking track 34 to the lower carrier 16. This helps provide a safe working environment with an efficient lifting device.

[0061] The invention is in no way limited to the preferred embodiments described above. The rights sought are defined by the appended claims, within the scope of which many variations are conceivable. For example, the invention may be applied to Figure 1 Alternatively, the invention may also be applied to other types of lifting columns and lifting systems.

Claims

1. A lifting device for lifting a vehicle, the lifting device comprising: A frame (4) having a movable carrier (18) configured to carry a vehicle, wherein the carrier (18) includes a carrying portion (24) and a guide portion (26); a drive (20) acting on the carrier (18) and configured to raise and / or lower the carrier (18) relative to the frame (4); a locking system (32) for locking and unlocking the movable carrier (18) relative to the frame (4); and a controller (22) configured to control the height of the carrier, The locking system (32) comprises: a locking actuator (36) and a locking track (34), each of which extends over at least a portion of the height of the frame; a lock driver configured to move the lock actuator (36) between a locked state and an unlocked state; a lock (38) disposed on the movable carrier (18), and the lock (38) is configured to engage and / or disengage the locking track (34) in response to movement of the locking actuator (36); and Characterized in that the locking system (32) comprises a locking mechanism, wherein the locking mechanism comprises: a bar (42) extending between the lock (38) and the carrier (18), and wherein the locking actuator (36) and the locking track (34) are disposed in the frame (4); and The locking actuator (36) is arranged in the frame (4) via a connecting member so that the locking actuator (36) can rotate around the axis of the locking actuator (36) when moving between the locking state and the unlocking state.

2. A lifting device according to claim 1, wherein the bar (42) is connected to the carrier (18) by an articulated connection and the bar (42) extends substantially in a vertical direction.

3. Lifting device according to claim 1, wherein the bar (42) is connected to the carrier (18) by an articulated connection and the bar (42) extends substantially in a vertical direction.

4. A lifting device according to claim 2, wherein the articulated connection is configured such that when the locking actuator (36) is not activated, the articulated connection automatically moves the lock (38) to the locked state.

5. Lifting device according to claim 3, wherein the articulated connection is configured such that when the locking actuator (36) is not activated, the articulated connection automatically moves the lock (38) to the locked state.

6. A lifting device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the locking actuator (36) comprises a locking frame (52) and an anti-wear strip (54) extending substantially over the length of the locking actuator.

7. Lifting device according to claim 6, wherein the locking frame (52) comprises a lightweight material.

8. Lifting device according to claim 7, wherein the lightweight material is aluminum.

9. The lifting device of claim 6, wherein the anti-wear strip (54) comprises polyethylene.

10. Lifting device according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the anti-wear strip (54) comprises polyethylene.

11. Lifting device according to any one of claims 1-5 and 7-9, wherein the ratio of the length of the guide portion of the carrier to the length of the frame (4) is lower than 1.

12. Lifting device according to claim 6, wherein the ratio of the length of the guide portion of the carrier to the length of the frame (4) is lower than 1.

13. Lifting device according to claim 10, wherein the ratio of the length of the guide portion of the carrier to the length of the frame (4) is lower than 1.

14. Lifting device according to claim 11, wherein the ratio of the length of the guide portion of the carrier to the length of the frame (4) is lower than 0.

75.

15. Lifting device according to claim 11, wherein the ratio of the length of the guide portion of the carrier to the length of the frame (4) is lower than 0.

5.

16. Lifting device according to claim 12 or 13, wherein the ratio of the length of the guide portion of the carrier to the length of the frame (4) is lower than 0.

75.

17. Lifting device according to claim 12 or 13, wherein the ratio of the length of the guide portion of the carrier to the length of the frame (4) is lower than 0.

5.

18. A lifting device according to any one of claims 1-5, 7-9 and 12-15, wherein the lifting device comprises a mobile lifting column.

19. The lifting device of claim 6, wherein the lifting device comprises a mobile lifting column.

20. The lifting device of claim 10, wherein the lifting device comprises a mobile lifting column.

21. The lifting device of claim 11, wherein the lifting device comprises a mobile lifting column.

22. The lifting device of claim 16, wherein the lifting device comprises a mobile lifting column.

23. The lifting device of claim 17, wherein the lifting device comprises a mobile lifting column.

24. A lifting system comprising at least one set of two or more lifting devices according to any one of the preceding claims.

25. A method for lifting a vehicle, the method comprising the steps of: - providing a lifting device according to any one of claims 1 to 23 or a lifting system (2) according to claim 24, raising and lowering the vehicle by the drive (20) acting on the carrier (18), and The carrier (18) is locked at a certain height relative to the frame (4) by the following steps: actuating the locking actuator (36); Using the lock actuator to move the lock (38) between a locked state and an unlocked state; and The lock (38) is engaged or disengaged with the locking track (34) in response to movement of the locking actuator (36).

26. The method of claim 25, wherein in the event of a power failure, the locking system (32) moves to the locked state.

Images