Lifting platform support device with mirror, reflective or imaging elements for visual inspection of the vehicle mounting points

Abstract

Support device of a lifting platform, characterized in that at least one optical aid is arranged on or in the support device, 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

Nature of the invention:

[0001] The invention relates to support devices of a lifting platform in which at least one optical aid is arranged on or in the support device.

[0002] The optical aid includes at least one of the following elements: - a mirror, - a reflector element or - an optoelectronic image capture element.

[0003] The optical aid is aligned in such a way that it reproduces or captures the area of ​​a vehicle recording point.

[0004] It can be fixed, adjustable, or detachable from the support structure.

[0005] In a preferred embodiment, the aid is designed as a retrofit component that is attached to the support device by means of magnetic, clamping or screwable fastening elements.

[0006] This design allows the mechanic to observe the position of the mounting plates or support surfaces and to position the lifting platform precisely and ergonomically. Commercial applicability:

[0007] It can be used in workshops, testing organizations and industrial maintenance facilities that use lifting platforms to raise vehicles.

[0008] The system can be integrated into newly manufactured lifting platforms as well as retrofitted to existing systems. Advantageous effects of the invention:

[0009] 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 optical control of the recording points. - Increased safety through precise positioning of the mounting plates or support surfaces. - Easy retrofitting to existing lifting platforms. - Adaptability to different vehicle types and workshop requirements.

[0010] These effects occur regardless of whether the optical aid is passive (mirror, reflector) or active (camera or sensor). Examples of implementation:

[0011] In a first embodiment, a mirror is attached to the outside of a support device at an angle which is selected such that the area of ​​the vehicle mounting point is visible in the mirror image.

[0012] In another embodiment, a camera is attached to the support device so that it displays the recording points on a monitor or display unit.

[0013] 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 structure.

[0014] In an additional variant, several support devices are each equipped with an optical aid, allowing the operator to monitor multiple recording points simultaneously. Technical field:

[0015] The invention relates to lifting platforms for vehicles, in particular the support structures of such lifting platforms, which are designed for positioning at the designated lifting points of a vehicle. Within the scope of this invention, support structures are understood to mean all components or assemblies of a lifting platform that are designed to directly or indirectly receive and support the vehicle load. This includes, in particular, support arms of single-post lifts, two-post lifts, and all other multi-post lifts, as well as support platforms of scissor lifts, lifting tables, swivel arms, lifting plates, and comparable vehicle-supporting structures. The term encompasses both rigid and adjustable, telescopic, or swiveling versions of these elements, regardless of their design or principle of movement (e.g., scissor, column, or parallelogram lifts).

[0016] State of the art:

[0017] With conventional lifting platforms, the lifting devices with their support plates or contact surfaces must be positioned precisely at the points on the vehicle's underbody specified by the vehicle 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.

[0018] A device known from a US publication entitled "Lift Point Alignment Device" serves for the optical alignment of the vehicle lifting points of a vehicle lift. The system uses two light sources integrated into a housing, preferably lasers, which project vertically upwards onto the underside of the vehicle. By superimposing the projected light points with the marked lifting points, the operator can check the correct positioning of the lifting tool. The device is designed as a removable add-on module and is not integrated into the lifting platform's support structure.

[0019] Various devices are known to support this work.

[0020] US Patent 5428484A discloses a portable, illuminated inspection mirror that allows for the inspection of hard-to-reach areas under vehicles. However, this device is handheld and not integrated into a lift.

[0021] 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 structures of a lifting platform, enabling visual inspection of the recording points from the outside. The problem underlying the invention:

[0022] The task is to provide support devices 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. 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 5428484A

[0020]

Claims

[1] Supporting device of a lifting platform, characterized by that at least one optical aid is arranged on or in the support device, 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 device according to claim 1, characterized by that the optical aid is designed as a mirror, prism or reflective surface. [3] Support device according to claim 1, characterized by that the optical aid is designed as a camera or optoelectronic image capture element. [4] Support device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by that the optical aid is adjustable by means of a joint or a bracket. [5] Support device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized bythat the optical aid is intended as a retrofit component which can be attached to the support device by means of detachable fastening elements, in particular magnetic, clamping or screwable fastening elements. [6] Support device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized by that several optical aids are arranged on a support device. [7] Lifting platform with multiple support devices according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized by , that each vehicle recording point is assigned an optical aid.