Lifting system with indoor positioning system and corresponding procedure

Abstract

Lifting system (2) consisting of one or more lifting devices (4) for lifting vehicles (6), consisting of: - a frame with a holder (16) which receives the vehicle (6); - a drive (18) which drives the holder (16) at least when raising or lowering the holder (16); and - a controller (22) with an indoor positioning system (28) with a transponder, wherein the transponder is attached on or to the holder (16) such that the controller (22) detects the location and height of the holder (16) at least when the holder (16) is being raised or lowered, wherein the controller (22) further comprises a monitoring system (58) for monitoring a safety zone (60), wherein the monitoring system (58) also comprises a warning system (70) which emits a warning signal and / or a control signal in response to a person and / or an object entering the safety zone (60) and / or which is located in the safety zone (60), and the lifting system (2) is blocked until the person and / or the object is no longer located in the safety zone (60).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a lifting system, in particular a lifting system for motor vehicles. Lifting systems are generally suitable for lifting cars, trucks, buses, or other vehicles and can be equipped with a system with one or more movable lifting platforms or lifting devices, such as (portable) lifting columns, lifting columns of the 2-post lift type with pivoting arms, 4-post lifts with runways, as a portable version, as an underfloor version, etc.

[0002] Conventional lifting systems consist of a frame with a support connected to a drive that moves the support up and down. In lifting mode, hydraulic oil is pumped into a cylinder to raise the support and thus the vehicle. In lowering mode, the support is lowered with the vehicle, and the hydraulic oil flows back into the hydraulic tank. One such prior art lifting system is disclosed in the US patent application publication number US 2006 / 0 182 563 A1. These and other lifting systems require the use of multiple sensors, such as height sensors, to ensure proper operation of the lifting system. To achieve this, these sensors and the associated components must be integrated into the control system.

[0003] Document US 2011 / 0 037 041 A1 describes a lifting system with four lifting columns. Each lifting column is equipped with a motor-driven carriage that can be moved up and down along a mast section. A control system can determine the height and position of the columns using a transponder provided on the columns.

[0004] An object of the present invention is to reduce the complexity of vehicle lifting systems and / or to increase the safety when using these vehicle lifting systems.

[0005] This object is achieved with the lifting system according to the invention for lifting vehicles, a lifting system consisting of a frame with a receptacle that receives the vehicle, a drive that drives the receptacle at least when raising or lowering the receptacle, and a control system with an indoor positioning system with a transponder, wherein the transponder is attached to or on the receptacle so that the control system detects the position and height of the receptacle at least when raising or lowering the receptacle, wherein the control system further comprises a monitoring system for monitoring a safety zone, wherein the monitoring system also comprises a warning system that emits a warning signal and / or a control signal in response to a person and / or an object that enters the safety zone and / or is located in the safety zone, and the lifting system is blocked untiluntil the person and / or object is no longer in the safety zone.

[0006] The lifting system according to the invention relates in particular to a vehicle lifting system with multiple lifting devices, including, for example, lifting columns, mobile lifting columns, lifting columns for 2-post lifts with pivoting arms, 4-post lifts with driveways, and in-ground versions. With regard to the present invention, the support refers to the moving parts of the lifting device during the lifting of the vehicle. This support is driven by a drive, for example, a hydraulic drive, a pneumatic drive, and / or an electric drive.

[0007] The lifting system according to the invention comprises a controller with an indoor positioning system. Such an indoor positioning system can communicate with one or more transponders, also referred to as transmitters and receivers. The transponder transmits a response in response to a received command. The indoor positioning system is capable of locating the lifting system, and in particular the receptacle of the lifting system, inside a building using radio waves, magnetic fields, acoustic signals, or other means of transmitting information. If necessary, a combination of signals can be used. The position and height of the receptacle can be determined using optical, radio, or acoustic technologies or other suitable technologies. Preferably, the controller uses at least three independent measurements to determine the position and height of the receptacle, using trilateration.

[0008] The transponders can refer to so-called active transponders, which are powered by an energy source such as a battery or a mains connection. However, they can also be so-called passive transponders, which are supplied with the required energy by the incoming signal. An indoor positioning system that uses Wi-Fi signals is also referred to as a Wi-Fi-based positioning system. Bluetooth and other signals can also be used additionally or alternatively. Alternatively or in combination with the aforementioned active and / or passive transponders, other devices that function as transponders can be used. In the context of the present invention, a transponder is a device that can generate or forward a signal containing its position (and altitude), preferably in response to an interrogating (received) signal.

[0009] By attaching a transponder to or on the support, the control system's indoor positioning system can determine the position and height of the support. Separate height sensors are required for this, as the transponder can be used to determine the position and measure the height of the support during the lifting process. This reduces the complexity of the lifting system. The position of lifting devices is used when selecting lifting devices for a lifting system. This is especially true for a mobile lifting column, for example. Height measurement is relevant for all types of lifting devices.

[0010] In the embodiment of a lifting system according to the invention, for example, at least two lifting columns are used as the lifting device. Four lifting columns are often used. When lifting a vehicle, the control of the current height of the supports of these individual lifting columns and, optionally, also the speed of the support that supports the vehicle or part of it, must be synchronized during the vehicle lifting process. The control preferably synchronizes the height of the individual supports in lifting mode and, for this purpose, preferably uses a measurement signal generated by the indoor positioning system.If one of the supports moves too quickly during lifting mode and has reached a position that is too high compared to the other supports on the other lifting columns, the power supply for this support is reduced directly or indirectly so that the other supports can make up the height difference, or alternatively, the power supply to the other supports is increased directly or indirectly so that these other supports can make up the difference. In lowering mode, the height of the supports on the individual lifting columns must also be synchronized with each other. To do this, if one of these supports has moved too slowly, its power supply is increased so that this support can make up the difference to the other supports, or alternatively, the power supply to the other supports is reduced either directly or indirectly so that the other supports can make up the difference.

[0011] Other types of lifting devices have a similar functionality (in terms of synchronization) and can also benefit from the indoor positioning system.

[0012] The controller preferably also includes an alignment detector. An alignment detector can be used to align a lifting device with the indoor positioning system. The alignment of a lifting device is relevant, for example, when using mobile lifting columns that can be repositioned within a building depending on the vehicle to be lifted. In one embodiment of the invention, the alignment detector is a further transponder. Alternatively or additionally, the alignment detector comprises an electronic compass, or a so-called magnetometer. An example of such a magnetometer is known from consumer products such as mobile phones and tablet computers.

[0013] According to the invention, the controller further comprises a monitoring system that is configured to monitor a security zone.

[0014] By providing a monitoring system, the lifting system can be secured with a safety zone. This safety zone defines an area or zone that is monitored using one or more sensors, optionally including transponders. As soon as a person and / or an object enters and / or is located in this safety zone, the recording is optionally blocked by the control system. This increases safety when working with the system according to the invention. The safety zone is preferably a three-dimensional zone that can be represented as a wall, circle, sphere, dome, or other suitable shape. The safety zone can be shaped with one or more boundaries. One embodiment of the safety zone comprises, for example, an inner working area and an outer non-working area.In another embodiment, the safety zone comprises an inner non-working area, for example, directly beneath the lifting device, an intermediate working area, and an outer non-working area. It is understood that other examples of the shape and size of the safety zone are also conceivable.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the monitoring system comprises an adjustment system configured to adjust the boundaries of the security zone.

[0016] The monitoring system preferably comprises an adjustment system configured to adjust the boundaries of the safety zone. In a currently preferred embodiment, the adjustment system responds to the height measurement of the recording. The adjustment system can adjust the boundaries of the safety zone and thus dynamically shape and / or size the safety zone. Furthermore, the adjustment system can utilize other parameters, such as the presence and / or type of vehicle to be lifted and the distance to other systems and other groups of lifting devices. For this purpose, the lifting system must be equipped with a vehicle detector capable of detecting the presence of a vehicle and preferably the vehicle type.

[0017] The adjustment system allows, for example, adjustment in response to the current height of the support and / or the presence of a vehicle in the lifting system according to the invention. The safety zone can comprise a (dynamic) working / operating area in which an operator can carry out work with the lifting system. In some cases, for example, the area immediately beneath the lifting system and / or within the vicinity of the lifting system with remote control is prohibited from operating the lifting system with a remote control. In an underfloor lifting system, for example, the remote control is configured to allow work beneath the vehicle when the support is no more than 30 cm above the ground. This enables, for example, the positioning of the support. This (safety) zone is (dynamically) configured in response to a height measurement, for example to prevent a person from getting underneath the vehicle while the support is moving.In another example, the outer boundary of the safety zone defines the maximum distance from the lifting system at which an operator can operate the lifting system. In one embodiment, this results in a dynamic safety zone with an inner and an outer boundary. This safety zone can be in the form of a wall, a block, a three-dimensional shape, a dome, or other suitable shapes.

[0018] According to the invention, the monitoring system also comprises a warning system which emits a warning signal and / or a control signal in response to a person, for example provided with a transponder, and / or an object, for example provided with such a transponder, entering the security zone or being located in the security zone.

[0019] By providing a warning system, appropriate warning and / or control signals can be generated. A warning signal can be delivered to an operator, for example, via a mobile device such as a mobile phone or tablet computer. A warning can also be transmitted to a supervisor or another person or to a system. Alternatively or additionally, a control signal can be sent to the control system. The lifting system is blocked until the person and / or object is no longer in the safety zone.

[0020] In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the monitoring system further comprises a coupling safety system in which the correct coupling of the support and the vehicle is monitored during the lifting of the vehicle.

[0021] By providing a coupling safety system, the correct coupling of the support and the vehicle can be monitored, for example, at the wheel axles, the wheels, or other coupling areas of the vehicle. In the event of incorrect coupling, the control system can block the lifting system. The coupling safety system can use a camera or other detection devices to monitor the coupling. The transponder can be used by the control system to determine that the support is indeed blocked when a warning is issued. This increases the overall safety of the lifting system according to the invention.

[0022] Preferably, the monitoring system also includes a lowering safety system that monitors the safe lowering of the support. This is advantageously used in an underground lifting system or a fully recessed system. The correct position can be determined by the controller, for example, using the transponder on the support of the indoor positioning system. Such a recessed underground lifting system is described, for example, in US patent US 8 523 146 B2, which is incorporated herein by reference. Furthermore, in a currently preferred embodiment of the invention, the control of the lifting system can use the transponders to correctly position the support in lowering mode. The correct positioning of the lifting system is optionally carried out automatically by the controller.

[0023] In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the lifting system further comprises a release system that releases the receptacle so that the lifting system can lift the vehicle.

[0024] By providing an authorization system, the lifting system can be enabled to lift the vehicle. Preferably, the authorization system is controlled together with the monitoring system. Optionally, the authorization system is controlled by the controller in response to payment instructions, identification, and / or authorization procedures. The authorization system can include locking and unlocking devices. This prevents unwanted and / or unnecessary lifting operations. Furthermore, it allows the vehicle owner to pay directly for the use of the lifting system, a so-called pay-per-lift payment system. Optionally, after payment, identification, and / or authorization, the authorization system receives an authorization signal from a billing system to perform a specific number of lifting operations, optionally within a specific time window.

[0025] In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the control comprises a remote control.

[0026] Providing a remote control makes operating the lifting system easier and more effective for an operator. The remote control can be a mobile phone, a tablet computer, or another device. Ideally, the indoor positioning system also records the location of the remote control and processes this information, for example, in the monitoring system. This can be achieved, for example, by equipping the remote control with a transponder of the indoor positioning system.

[0027] In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the lifting system comprises two or more groups of lifting devices, each group being configured to lift a vehicle; further, the lifting system comprises a central control system.

[0028] By providing a central control system, the control system can control multiple lifting systems and / or multiple groups of lifting devices. For example, if a vehicle is to be lifted, a group of (mobile) lifting columns can be selected and defined as a group. The central control system controls this group of lifting devices. Another group of lifting devices can be controlled independently from the central control system. Optionally, the central control system controls the monitoring system's adjustment system in order to change or reset the boundaries of the safety zone, taking into account the position of the individual groups of lifting columns. Furthermore, the central control system can communicate remotely with computers or computer systems for maintenance and repairs, logistics, billing, etc.

[0029] Optionally, the central control system selects a group of lifting devices that is available and most suitable for a user. The user can then be offered a group of lifting devices, which they simply need to confirm. This eliminates the need for the user to contact each individual lifting device to be selected. Optionally, the selection is authorized automatically, so that the relevant group of lifting devices is immediately ready for use.

[0030] In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the lifting system also comprises one or more tools and / or accessories with transponders.

[0031] By providing tools and / or accessories with transponders, the indoor positioning system is able to detect the position of these tools and / or accessories. This information can be used, for example, in the security system. Furthermore, this information can be used by the control system to monitor the location (and height) of tools relative to the vehicle, such as jacks, support stands, trolley jacks, etc. Optionally, the control system can block the lifting system until, for example, the required tools and / or accessories are available at the desired location.

[0032] In another example, if the remote control with transponders is less than 460 mm or 18 inches above the floor, the controller can block the remote control, making it inactive in the lifting system. This contributes to an explosion-proof lifting system.

[0033] Further advantages, features and details of the invention will become clear on the basis of the preferred embodiments thereof, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: - Fig. Figure 1 shows a lifting system with several groups of lifting devices and a central control according to the present invention; - Fig. 2-6 show alternative embodiments with different types of lifting devices according to the present invention.

[0034] The following description is merely descriptive and is in no way intended to limit the invention, its application, or uses. While the disclosure describes the invention with exemplary attributes and applications, the present disclosure is susceptible to further modification. Therefore, this application covers all variations, uses, or adaptations of the disclosure that utilize the general principles. Furthermore, this application covers all derivatives from the present disclosure that become known to those skilled in the art or become common practice, which relate to this disclosure, and which are within the scope of the appended claims. Accordingly, the following description of specific embodiments and examples is intended only as an example and not as a limitation.

[0035] The illustrated embodiment of the lifting system (2) ( Fig. 1) comprises two groups of mobile lifting columns (2a, 2b). In the illustrated embodiment, each group comprises four mobile lifting columns (4). The lifting columns (4) lift a car (6) from the ground (8). The lifting columns (4) comprise a base (10) which, by means of rollers (12), can move over the ground surface (8) or, for example, a garage or workshop floor. An additional wheel (not shown) is built into the forks of the base (10). The lifting device (4) also comprises a mast (14). The holder (16) is movable up and down along the mast (14). The holder (16) is driven by a motor (18) which is housed in a housing of the lifting column (4). The motor (18) is powered by mains current or by a battery which is housed in the same housing on the lifting column (4) as the motor (18) or alternatively in the base (10) (not shown).The display unit (20) provides the user with information about the lifting system.

[0036] In the illustrated embodiment, the lifting columns (4) are connected to a central controller (22) via wireless communication means (24) on the individual lifting column (4) and wireless communication means (26) on the central controller (22). The wireless communication means (24, 26) include one or more transmitters and / or receivers.

[0037] The illustrated lifting system (2) comprises at least two lifting columns (4). Each of the lifting columns has at least one lifting mode and one lowering mode and is controlled by the central control unit (22). In the illustrated embodiment, the control unit (22) is positioned centrally above the lifting columns (4), ensuring a good communication path between the individual lifting columns (4) and the central control unit (22).

[0038] The central controller (22) determines the desired control processes. These include, among other things, a measurement signal indicating the current height of a support or an individual lifting column, which was determined using the indoor positioning system (28). In the illustrated embodiment, the indoor positioning system (28) is integrated into the central controller (22). The indoor positioning system (28) is capable of measuring the position and / or speed of the support (16). In the illustrated embodiment, the indoor positioning system (28) comprises a transponder (28a) and a magnetometer (28b) attached to the supports (16), as well as several "satellites" (28c) mounted near the lifting system (2) and communicating with the central controller (22) via wired or wireless communication links (28d).

[0039] The central control unit (22) detects height differences between the lifting columns, calculates the required control processes for the individual lifting columns using a computer (30), e.g., a processor, and communicates the control processes to the corresponding individual lifting columns. In the illustrated embodiment, the battery (32) provides power to the central control unit (22). Alternatively or additionally, the power supply is provided via the mains connection (34). The data can be stored in the data memory (36).The central control unit (22) is provided with a wired and / or wireless connection (38) which ensures the connection between the communication module (39) of the central control unit (22) and the internal and / or external networks, including, for example, internal company networks for workshop control (40), financial control (42) and maintenance (44), and optionally with external networks (46), for example of suppliers and / or customers.

[0040] The remote control (48) is equipped with an additional transponder (50) that enables monitoring of the position of the remote control (48). It is understood that other tools and / or accessories can also be monitored by the indoor positioning system (28).

[0041] The illustrated embodiment is equipped with wireless functionality to enable communication in one or more environments such as LAN, WAN, VPN, intranet, internet, etc.; these are schematically illustrated in the illustrated embodiment. The display unit (20) is further equipped with input / output ports, such as USB, SD card reader, smartphone communication capabilities, etc., to enhance functionality. The display (20) and / or the remote control (48) can transmit warning signals to the user.

[0042] As an option, the central controller (22) is equipped with multiple communicators / distributors (52), such as an RF host, which sends and / or receives signals (54) between the lifting columns (4) and the communicator (52) and signals (56) between the communicator / distributor (52) and the central controller (22). The communicators / distributors (52) provide additional robustness to the general operation of the groups (2a, 2b) of lifting columns (4).

[0043] The central control (22) is equipped with a monitoring system (58) that defines a security zone (60) (for illustration, Fig. 2, a safety zone (60) is shown). In the illustrated embodiment, the group (2a) is provided with an inner boundary or wall (62) and an outer boundary or wall (64). The space between the walls 62, 64 is the working area (66) within which an operator may operate the group (2a). Beyond these surfaces or walls 62, 64, operation is blocked or not permitted. The safety zone can be applied to the various types of lifting devices in the illustrated or another suitable form.

[0044] Preferably, the central control (22) ( Fig. 1) an adjustment system (68) by means of which the boundaries 62, 64 can be changed or adjusted in directions A and B, respectively. The adjustment system (68) responds to the indoor positioning system (28). Furthermore, the central control system (22) comprises a warning system (70) that can transmit a warning to the user or operator in the event of a safety-related problem. For example, if the control of the group (2a) is activated outside the work area (66), a warning message is transmitted to the remote control (48) and / or to another suitable device. Optionally, the release system (72) locks and / or unlocks the lifting columns (4), thereby blocking or releasing the movement of the support (16).

[0045] It is understood that other configurations / designs of the safety zone (60) are also conceivable within the scope of the present invention. For example, a dome-shaped safety zone (74) is depicted for group (2a). Optionally, the monitoring system (58) can provide a double-walled safety zone. Other shapes can also be provided, including round, spherical, donut shapes, etc. The boundaries can be changed as an option.

[0046] In the illustrated embodiment, the central control system further comprises a coupling system (76) and a lowering safety system (78). The coupling system (76) can include a camera (80) that monitors the coupling of the receptacle (16) to the vehicle (6). The camera (80) can also function as a vehicle detector. Alternatively, separate cameras (80) and / or suitable detection devices can be provided. The lowering safety system (78) monitors the lowering of the receptacle (16) in relation to its position relative to the indoor positioning system (28). This allows the receptacle (16) to be lowered to the desired position.

[0047] In System 2, a user can optionally select a selection of lifting columns (4) contained in a group (2a, 2b) by selecting lifting columns using a key or card (82) or by other means. Optionally, the central controller (22) selects the most suitable lifting columns (4) using the indoor positioning system (28) and presents this selection to the user. The selected group of lifting columns (4) in System 2 is preferably provided with an operating manual on one of the lifting columns (4), for example using the display (20) and / or the remote control (50). Transmitters / receivers (24, 26) transmit the commands to the central controller (22). At the central level, the controller (22) determines the individual control operations that must be performed for all lifting columns (4) in System 2. Transmitters / receivers (24, 26) transmit the control operations from the central controller to the individual lifting columns (4).Information about the current position of the support (16) and / or the relevant data measured by the indoor positioning system (28) and the measurement data are transmitted to the central controller (22), which uses this information to determine the necessary control processes. In the illustrated embodiment, no direct communication between the individual lifting columns (4) is required. This significantly contributes to the robustness of the lifting system 2.

[0048] The operation and control of a single group of lifting columns with its own group control is also possible in a similar manner to that described for the two groups (2a, 2b). The control (22) is suitable for use with lifting systems having any number of lifting devices (4), including systems with one, two, four or any other number of lifting columns (4). The columns (4) can be given the ability to raise and lower by any means known to those skilled in the art, including hydraulic, electrical, mechanical and electromechanical means. Lifting systems (2) compatible with the control system can be stationary and / or permanently mounted or fixed to a specific location, or mobile and transported using rollers or any other means known in the art.The numbers in the figures refer to the corresponding element shown in the drawings.

[0049] The following are examples of the use of the indoor positioning system (28) in combination with other types of lifting devices. It is understood that other embodiments of the invention are also conceivable.

[0050] The 4-column lifting system (102) ( Fig. 2) comprises, for example, four columns (104) that support the running surfaces (106). Each column (104) is preferably equipped with a transponder (28a) and a compass (28b). The illustrated embodiment is provided with a display (110) with a green light (112) and a red light (114). Light signals (110) indicate to the driver whether the vehicle (6) is correctly positioned in relation to the columns (104) and whether the vehicle (6) can be lifted. If each column (104) is connected to an indoor positioning system (28), the position of the support / running surfaces (106) can be checked. This increases the overall safety of the lifting process.

[0051] As another example, the lifting system (202) ( Fig. 3) a so-called sky-lift configuration with four columns (204) supporting travel surfaces (206). In the illustrated embodiment, each column (204) has a transponder (28a) and a compass (28b). This allows the positioning of the support to be checked according to the above embodiment, for example by calculating the height of the travel surfaces (206) based on the alignment of the columns (204). As an option, a transponder (28a) is attached directly to or on the travel surfaces (206). A lamp (210) with green (212) and red (214) light can be attached to the wall (216) to signal to the driver of the vehicle (6) that the vehicle is correctly positioned or needs to be repositioned.

[0052] As an additional example, the lifting system (302) ( Fig. 4) a so-called 2-column configuration with two columns (304) equipped with support arms (306). In the illustrated embodiment, a transponder (28a) is provided to measure the position and speed of the support arms (306). This allows the positioning of the arms to be checked as described above. A lamp (310) with green (312) and red (314) light can be installed to signal to the driver of the vehicle (6) that the vehicle is correctly positioned or needs to be repositioned.

[0053] By attaching arms (306) with transponders (28a), the position and extension range of the arms (306) can be monitored. This enables dynamic adjustment of the maximum load, since a long arm reduces the maximum load and a short arm increases it. The load can be measured with the load sensor (316).

[0054] In a further alternative embodiment, the lifting system (402) ( Fig. 5 AB) an underfloor lifting system with a stationary lifting column / device (404) and a movable lifting column / device (406) which are mounted on or under the floor (408). At the front, the lifting column / device (404) has a cassette or housing (410) with a telescopic lifting cylinder (412). On top of the cylinder (412) is the receptacle (414) with axle receptacles (416). In the embodiment shown, wheel receptacles with a depression or cutout (418) are provided. These wheel receptacles with a depression / cutout (418) define the position of the front wheels of the vehicle. Furthermore, in the embodiment shown, a hatch (420) is provided in front of the front lifting column / device (404), for example for maintenance work.

[0055] The portable lifting column / device (406) moves in a cassette or housing (422) with a telescopic lifting cylinder (430). The housing (422) has a groove with a slot or recess (424) to guide the portable lifting column / device. The portable lifting column / device (406) is equipped with mounts (426) to which axle mounts (428) are mounted. Depending on the vehicle type (432), additional adapters can be used that interact with the mounts (414, 426) and enable coupling with different axle dimensions.

[0056] The lifting columns / devices (404, 406) are equipped with transponders (28a). When the lifting column (406) is stored, the lowering system (78) controls the position of the column / device (406) relative to the recesses / recesses (434). Optionally, this process can be performed automatically by the control system (22).

[0057] In an alternative lifting system (502) of the underfloor type ( Fig. 6) The telescopic lifting cylinders (412, 430) of the lifting system (402) were replaced by scissor jacks (504, 506). It is understood that the operation of the underfloor-type lifting systems (402, 502) is similar.

[0058] Furthermore, it is understood that the invention is applicable to a wide range of lifting systems, including, but not limited to, 4-post and 2-post lifts, such as the Stertil-Koni 1-post lift ST1075, the Stertil-Koni 2-post lift SK 2070 and the Stertil-Koni 4-post lift ST 4120, Skylift, portable columns, and inground lifts, such as the Stertil inground Ecolift and the Stertil inground Diamond Lift. Furthermore, it is understood that additional embodiments of the invention are conceivable that combine and / or replace features of the described and / or illustrated embodiments. Instead of the lights (110, 210) or in addition thereto, for example, acoustic signals, displays on a control panel, etc., may be used.

[0059] When a vehicle (6, 432) is to be lifted, the lifting system (2, 102, 202, 302, 402, 502) is activated. The user can activate the lifting system, for example, using the remote control (48). Preferably, a safety zone (60, 74) is defined to increase general safety. The extent of these zones can be defined depending on the vehicle type and / or lifting height. The lifting height is determined using the indoor positioning system (28) in combination with transponders (28a), an electronic compass (28b), and "satellites" (28c). In the case of mobile lifting columns (4), the selection of the individual lifting columns (4) to be integrated into a group (2a, 2b) is carried out using a central control system (22), which uses, for example, information on the respective position and lifting height of the available lifting columns (4).Such a selection can be presented to the user as a suggestion that must be authorized by the user or can be selected automatically by the central controller (22). As an additional security measure, an authorization system (22) can lock / unlock the receptacle (16). When a person or object is located in a certain part of the security zone (60, 74), this is transmitted to the central controller (22), which can instruct the authorization system (72) to lock the receptacle (16). The receptacle (16) can be unlocked after the person or object is no longer located in the security zone (60, 74), for example. This process can be performed automatically or after authorization or input from the user. Positions of people and / or objects, including tools and accessories, can be controlled by additional transponders (50) in these tools and / or objects.This also allows monitoring and controlling the coupling of the support (16) to the vehicle (6, 432) when using these tools, such as jacks, support stands or trolley jacks, etc.

[0060] The present invention is in no way limited to the preferred embodiments described above. The patent rights sought are defined by the following claims, within the scope of which numerous modifications are conceivable. The present invention is described with the use of a lifting device, such as a lifting column, and in particular a portable lifting column. The invention can also be applied to other types of lifting columns, such as boom lifts, scissor lifts, and loading platforms. These lifting devices can be equipped with the inventive means illustrated above.

Claims

[1] Lifting system (2) consisting of one or more lifting devices (4) for lifting vehicles (6), consisting of: - a frame with a holder (16) which receives the vehicle (6); - a drive (18) which drives the holder (16) at least when raising or lowering the holder (16); and - a controller (22) with an indoor positioning system (28) with a transponder, wherein the transponder is attached on or to the holder (16) such that the controller (22) detects the location and height of the holder (16) at least when the holder (16) is being raised or lowered, wherein the controller (22) further comprises a monitoring system (58) for monitoring a safety zone (60), wherein the monitoring system (58) also comprises a warning system (70) which emits a warning signal and / or a control signal in response to a person and / or an object entering the safety zone (60) and / or which is located in the safety zone (60), and the lifting system (2) is blocked until the person and / or the object is no longer located in the safety zone (60). [2] Lifting system (2) according to claim 1, characterized by that the controller (22) further includes an alignment detector. [3] Lifting system (2) according to claim 2, characterized bythat the controller (22) further contains a transponder. [4] Lifting system (2) according to one or more of the above claims, characterized by that the monitoring system (58) monitors a three-dimensional zone. [5] Lifting system (2) according to one or more of the above claims, wherein the safety zone (60) comprises an inner and an outer non-working area and has an intermediate working area in which an operator can carry out work with the lifting system (2). [6] Lifting system (2) according to one or more of the above claims, characterized by that the monitoring system (58) comprises an adaptation system (68) which is configured to adapt the boundaries (62, 64) of the safety zone (60). [7] Lifting system (2) according to claim 6, characterized by that the adjustment system (68) reacts to the height measurement of the receptacle (16). [8] Lifting system (2) according to one or more of the above claims, further comprising a vehicle detector (80). [9] Lifting system (2) according to one or more of the above claims, characterized by that the monitoring system (58) comprises a coupling safety system (76) in which the coupling of the support (16) and the vehicle (6) is monitored during the lifting of the vehicle (6). [10] Lifting system (2) according to one or more of the above claims, characterized by that the monitoring system (58) comprises a lowering safety system (78) in which the safe lowering of the holder (16) is monitored. [11] Lifting system (2) according to one or more of the above claims, characterized by that the lifting system (2) further comprises a release system (72) which releases the receptacle (16) so that the lifting system (2) can lift the vehicle (6). [12] Lifting system (2) according to one or more of the above claims, characterized bythat the control (22) comprises a remote control (48). [13] Lifting system (2) according to one or more of the above claims, characterized by that the lifting system (2) comprises two or more groups of lifting devices (4), each group being configured to lift a vehicle (6), and a central control (22). [14] Lifting system (2) according to one or more of the above claims, further comprising one or more tools and / or accessories with transponder. [15] Method for lifting a vehicle (6), characterized by that the procedure includes the following steps: - the provision of a lifting system (2) according to one or more of the above claims, and - Determination of the position and height of the recording (16). [16] The method of claim 15, further comprising the step of monitoring a security zone (60) using a monitoring system (58). [17] The method of claim 16, further comprising the step of adjusting the boundaries of the safety zone (60) using an adjustment system (68) in response to an altitude measurement. [18] Method according to claim 15, 16 or 17, further comprising the step of selecting a group of lifting devices (4) for a new lifting operation based on the determined position of the lifting device (4) and / or the height of its receptacle (16).

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