Lifting arms of a lifting platform with mirror, reflective or imaging elements for visual inspection of the vehicle lifting points

Abstract

Support arm of a lifting platform, characterized in that at least one optical aid is arranged on or in the support arm, wherein the optical aid comprises a mirror, a reflector element or an opto-electronic image capture element and is directed towards the area of ​​a vehicle mounting point.

Description

Technical field:

[0001] The invention relates to lifting platforms for raising vehicles, in particular the support arms of such lifting platforms which are intended for positioning at the intended lifting points of a vehicle. State of the art:

[0002] With conventional lifting platforms, the support arms and their lifting plates must be positioned precisely at the points on the vehicle's underbody specified by the manufacturer. Checking this positioning with traditional systems requires the mechanic to bend down or go under the vehicle. This procedure is time-consuming and leads to ergonomic strain.

[0003] Various devices are known to support this work.

[0004] US Patent 5,428,484 A discloses a portable, illuminated inspection mirror that allows for viewing hard-to-reach areas under vehicles. However, this device is handheld and not integrated into a lifting platform.

[0005] Furthermore, EP 0 809 578 A1 describes optoelectronic aids for adjusting and aligning mirrors on vehicles. These systems relate to the adjustment of external mirrors, but not to devices on lifting platform arms.

[0006] German patent DE 10 2005 000 883 B4 discloses a lifting platform with sensors for monitoring the load distribution at the lifting points. This solution serves for load measurement and not for visual control of positioning.

[0007] None of the known systems discloses a device in which optical aids such as mirrors, reflectors or imaging elements are arranged on or in the support arms of a lifting platform, enabling visual inspection of the recording points from the outside. Problem underlying the invention

[0008] The task is to provide support arms for lifting platforms that allow for safe and ergonomic visual inspection of the vehicle lifting points without the mechanic having to go under the vehicle or assume an unergonomic posture. Nature of the invention

[0009] The invention relates to support arms of a lifting platform in which at least one optical aid is arranged on or in the support arm.

[0010] The optical aid includes at least one of the following elements: • a mirror, • a reflector element or • an optoelectronic image capture element.

[0011] The optical aid is positioned to display or detect the area of ​​a vehicle mounting point. It can be fixed, adjustable, or detachable from the support arm.

[0012] In a preferred embodiment, the aid is designed as a retrofit component that is attached to the support arm by means of magnetic, clamping or screwable fastening elements.

[0013] This design allows the mechanic to observe the position of the mounting plates and to position the lifting platform precisely and ergonomically. Commercial applicability

[0014] The invention can be used in workshops, testing organizations and industrial maintenance facilities that use lifting platforms to lift vehicles.

[0015] The system can be integrated into newly manufactured lifting platforms as well as retrofitted to existing systems. Advantageous effects of the invention

[0016] Compared to the known prior art, the invention offers in particular the following advantages: • Ergonomic relief for the mechanic, as no bending or lying down is required. • Time savings through direct visual control of the recording points. • Increased safety through precise positioning of the mounting plates. • Easy retrofitting to existing lifting platforms. • Adaptability to different vehicle types and workshop requirements.

[0017] These effects occur regardless of whether the optical aid is passive (mirror, reflector) or active (camera). Examples of implementation:

[0018] In a first embodiment, a mirror is attached to the outside of the support arm at an angle which is chosen such that the area of ​​the vehicle mounting point is visible in the mirror image.

[0019] In another embodiment, a camera is attached to the support arm so that it displays the recording points on a monitor that can be easily viewed.

[0020] Another embodiment provides a magnetically adhesive mirror element, which is designed as a retrofit component and can be flexibly attached to different positions on the support arm.

[0021] In an additional variant, several support arms are provided on a lifting platform, each carrying an optical aid, so that the operator can monitor several recording points simultaneously. QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] US 5 428 484 A

[0004] EP 0 809 578 A1

[0005] DE 10 2005 000 883 B4

[0006]

Claims

[1] Support arm of a lifting platform, characterized by that at least one optical aid is arranged on or in the support arm, wherein the optical aid comprises a mirror, a reflector element or an opto-electronic image capture element and is directed towards the area of ​​a vehicle mounting point. [2] Support arm according to claim 1, characterized by that the optical aid is designed as a mirror or prism. [3] Support arm according to claim 1, characterized by that the optical aid is designed as a camera or optoelectronic image capture element. [4] Support arm according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by that the optical aid is adjustable by means of a joint or a bracket. [5] Support arm according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by, that the optical aid is intended as a retrofit component which can be attached using detachable fastening elements, in particular magnetic, clamping or screwable fastening elements. [6] Support arm according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized by that several optical aids are arranged on one support arm. [7] Lifting platform with multiple support arms according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized by , that each vehicle recording point is assigned an optical aid.