Lift construction kit and lift
Patent Information
- Application Number
- EP2023768812
- Authority / Receiving Office
- EP · EP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2022-09-12
- Filing Date
- 2023-09-07
- Publication Date
- 2025-07-23
AI Technical Summary
The assembly and disassembly of lifting platforms with a crossbar are complex and require two technicians, especially for high-height platforms, due to the need for precise alignment and handling of the crossbar between lifting columns.
A lifting platform kit with a pivot bearing mechanism allows the crossbar to be connected and pivoted relative to the lifting columns, enabling single-technician assembly and disassembly by forming a pivot bearing between the crossbar and the lifting columns using bearing elements, such as a bearing eye and hook element, which provides orthogonal pivot axes for easy handling and alignment.
This design simplifies the assembly and disassembly process by allowing the crossbar to be easily pivoted and attached to the lifting columns, reducing the effort required and enabling solo operation even for high-height platforms, while maintaining structural integrity and adjustability.
Smart Images
Figure 1.1
Abstract
Description
[0001] Lifting platform kit and lifting platform
[0002] Description
[0003] The invention relates to a lifting platform kit and a lifting platform.
[0004] Lifts of the type mentioned above are used for lifting and positioning loads. In the vehicle lift design, the loads are vehicles that can be raised to an adjustable height for repair and maintenance purposes and then lowered again. Due to space constraints, it has proven effective to design vehicle lifts with two lifting columns, each equipped with a hydraulic unit and along each of which at least one hydraulically adjustable support arm is guided. The support arms serve to support the vehicle.
[0005] To reduce costs, the two hydraulic units of such a lifting platform can be supplied with hydraulic fluid from a shared hydraulic source. Both hydraulic units are operated with a uniform hydraulic pressure, which, however, can lead to the hydraulic units being unintentionally adjusted to different lifting distances in the event of an uneven load distribution. To prevent this, it has proven effective to achieve synchronization between the hydraulic units by mechanically coupling them with at least one cable or chain. For this purpose, the cable or chain is guided between the lifting columns by means of a crossbeam, which is located at an upper end of the lifting platform and connects the lifting columns to one another.
[0006] The arrangement of the crossbeam between the lifting columns complicates the assembly and disassembly of the lift. Especially with lifts with a high overall height, two fitters are usually required to evenly raise the crossbeam during assembly and connect it to the lifting columns. Disassembly of the lift is correspondingly complex, requiring two fitters to first detach the crossbeam from the lifting columns and then safely remove it. One object of the invention is to reduce the effort required for the assembly and disassembly of lifts with a crossbeam.
[0007] The object is achieved by means of a lifting platform kit according to claim 1 and a lifting platform according to claim 11. Advantageous further developments are the subject matter of the dependent subclaims.
[0008] The lifting platform kit according to the invention comprises at least one lifting column and one crossbeam. The lifting column has a first bearing element in a head region. The crossbeam has a second bearing element in an end region. The first bearing element and the second bearing element are designed to be connectable in such a way that, when connected, the first bearing element and the second bearing element form a pivot bearing, by means of which the crossbeam is pivotally mounted relative to the lifting column.
[0009] An advantage of the lifting platform kit according to the invention is that the crossbeam can be arranged for assembly purposes in a first assembly step by connecting the first and second bearing elements to the lifting column. In a subsequent second assembly step, the crossbeam can be pivoted from the lifting column in order to be connected to another lifting column if necessary. By carrying out these steps sequentially, only one fitter is required, even when erecting lifting platforms of great heights. Disassembly of the lifting platform can be carried out just as easily by first detaching the crossbeam from one of the lifting columns and, using the pivot bearing, positioning it in a position where it can be handled by a fitter.
[0010] The lifting platform kit preferably comprises two lifting columns, wherein at least a first lifting column has the first bearing element in a head region. The crossbeam has the second bearing element in an end region. The first bearing element and the second bearing element are designed to be connectable in such a way that the first bearing element and the second bearing element, in the connected state, form the pivot bearing, by means of which the crossbeam is pivotally mounted relative to the first lifting column and can be arranged with a pivoting movement on a head region of the second lifting column. In an advantageous further development, the pivot bearing defines a first pivot axis which is oriented orthogonally to a direction of extension of the lifting column, in particular of the first lifting column.
[0011] The design of the pivot bearing with the first pivot axis allows for defined guidance of the crossbeam during the pivoting movement. In particular, the first pivot axis can be oriented orthogonally to a plane spanned by the two lifting columns of the lifting platform to be erected. Using the pivot bearing, it is thus possible to pivot the crossbeam from the lifting column, in particular the first lifting column, toward the second lifting column and to releasably attach the crossbeam to it, for example, by means of a screw connection.
[0012] In an advantageous further development, the pivot bearing defines a second pivot axis which is oriented orthogonally to the first pivot axis and orthogonally to the direction of extension of the lifting column, in particular the first lifting column.
[0013] The design of the pivot bearing with two pivot axes results in a high degree of freedom of movement during assembly of the lifting platform. In particular, two lifting columns can be moved into the positions in which they will be during later operation of the lifting platform before the cross member is arranged. To arrange the cross member, it can first be pivoted about the first pivot axis from the first lifting column in the direction of the other, second lifting column using the pivot bearing. To prevent the cross member from colliding with the second lifting column, the cross member can be pivoted about the second pivot axis, which is oriented orthogonal to the first pivot axis and to the direction of extension of the first lifting column. This pivots the cross member out of a plane spanned by the directions of extension of the two lifting columns.After the crossbeam has been guided past the lifting column, it can be arranged in a head region of the second lifting column and releasably secured. In an advantageous development, the first bearing element comprises a bearing eyelet, and the second bearing element comprises a hook element. The hook element can be hooked into the bearing eyelet to form the pivot bearing. Alternatively, the first bearing element can comprise the hook element, and the second bearing element can comprise the bearing eyelet. The bearing eyelet can be hooked into the hook element to form the pivot bearing.
[0014] By means of the above-described refinement, the crossbeam can be suspended from the bearing eye of the lifting column, in particular the first lifting column, by means of the hook element and is movably mounted relative to the lifting column, forming the pivot bearing. Alternatively, the crossbeam can be suspended from the hook element of the lifting column, in particular the first lifting column, by means of the bearing eye and is movably mounted relative to the lifting column, forming the pivot bearing.
[0015] The bearing eyelet comprises an opening, preferably enclosed at the edge, which can be formed integrally on the crossbeam or on the lifting column, in particular the first lifting column. Likewise, the bearing eyelet with the opening can be formed as a component that is fastened to the crossbeam or the lifting column, in particular the first lifting column. The hook element represents a mechanical element that protrudes from the crossbeam or lifting column and whose geometry is selected to engage in the bearing eyelet. In one embodiment in which the hook element is formed or arranged on the lifting column, the hook element faces away from a base plate of the lifting column, at least in some regions.
[0016] The design of the pivot bearing is particularly simple using the bearing eyelet and the hook element, since a fitter can erect the crossbeam essentially parallel to the lifting column, in particular the first lifting column, and insert the hook element into the bearing eyelet in order to suspend the crossbeam from the lifting column. Preferably, the rigidity and / or strength of the bearing eyelet and of the hook element is selected such that the crossbeam can be held on the lifting column, in particular the first lifting column, without additional support means. Thus, the fitter can release the crossbeam if necessary after the design of the pivot bearing. In an advantageous development, the hook element is designed as a sheet metal angled away from the crossbeam or from the lifting column, in particular the first lifting column.
[0017] One advantage of the development described above is that the hook element can be designed as a component that is integrally connected to the crossbeam or the lifting column. It is particularly advantageous if the crossbeam or the lifting column is designed as a component with a thin wall in cross-section. In this case, a sheet metal contour of the hook element can be easily introduced into the crossbeam or the lifting column by means of a laser cut. The sheet metal can then be angled away from the crossbeam or the lifting column by bending it along a bending edge. In particular, the bending can be carried out using a screwdriver. For this purpose, the screwdriver can be inserted into a slot in the lasered sheet metal contour and the sheet metal can be bent out of the crossbeam or the lifting column by means of a lever movement of the screwdriver.
[0018] In principle, the shape of the sheet metal is not limited to a specific geometry. However, in an advantageous refinement, the sheet metal has a substantially triangular basic shape and engages with a point into the bearing eyelet to form the pivot bearing.
[0019] The triangular basic shape of the sheet makes it possible to engage the sheet in the bearing eyelet in such a way that the sheet is in contact with the peripheral edge of the bearing eyelet on two sides of the triangular shape. In this case, two contact points are essentially formed between the sheet and the bearing eyelet, around which the sheet can be tilted relative to the bearing eyelet when performing a pivoting movement. The shape of the sheet, which tapers towards the tip, at least partially defines a movement space for the sheet in the bearing eyelet. Preferably, the bearing eyelet has a substantially rectangular peripheral edge which limits the movement space of the sheet in the bearing eyelet.
[0020] In an advantageous development, the bearing eyelet is formed integrally on a head plate of the lifting column, in particular the first lifting column. The hook element is arranged on the crossbeam. According to the development described above, the production of the bearing eyelet is simplified, since it can preferably be produced in the same process step in which the outer contour of the head plate is created. In particular, the head plate is designed such that it projects beyond the lifting column, in particular the first lifting column, in the region of the bearing eyelet.
[0021] In an advantageous development, the crossbeam comprises a first crossbeam section and a second crossbeam section, which are adjustable relative to one another along a crossbeam axis. In particular, the first crossbeam section encompasses the second crossbeam section at least in part, wherein the second crossbeam section is guided telescopically by means of the first crossbeam section.
[0022] By designing the crossbeam with the first and second crossbeam sections, the overall length of the crossbeam can be easily changed. This can be particularly advantageous when the crossbeam is pivotally connected to the lifting column, in particular the first lifting column, and the ambient conditions do not permit free pivoting movement of the crossbeam in order to pivot it out of the plane spanned by the two lifting columns. In such a case, the overall length of the crossbeam can be telescopically shortened to a minimum. The pivoting movement can then be carried out exclusively in the plane spanned by the two lifting columns. Once the crossbeam has been guided past the second lifting column, its overall length can be extended in order to connect the crossbeam to the second lifting column at one end.
[0023] As mentioned above, the invention also relates to a lifting platform. The lifting platform according to the invention comprises a first lifting column, a second lifting column, and a crossbeam. The first lifting column and the second lifting column are arranged parallel and spaced apart from one another, wherein at least the first or the second lifting column has a first bearing element in a head region, and wherein the crossbeam has a second bearing element in an end region. The first bearing element and the second bearing element are connected to one another and form a pivot bearing. The crossbeam is detachably connected to the second lifting column at an end region facing away from the pivot bearing.
[0024] The lifting platform according to the invention preferably comprises the lifting platform kit according to the invention or an advantageous further development thereof. Thus, the lifting platform according to the invention is particularly associated with low assembly effort. This is achieved by providing the kit according to the invention and assembling it with the formation of the pivot bearing. The crossbeam is pivotally connected, at least temporarily, to the first lifting column and pivoted away from it to be connected to the second lifting column. Furthermore, the statements regarding the advantages of the lifting platform kit according to the invention and its advantageous further developments apply accordingly.
[0025] Further advantages of the invention are explained below using an embodiment and the figures.
[0026] It shows
[0027] Figure 1 shows a lifting platform kit with two lifting columns and a
[0028] Crossbeam, wherein the crossbeam is mounted on one of the lifting columns by means of a pivot bearing;
[0029] Figure 2 is a side view of the pivot bearing;
[0030] Figure 3 the cross-beam;
[0031] Figure 4 a lifting platform with a swivel bearing;
[0032] Figure 5 the swivel bearing of the lifting platform.
[0033] Figure 1 shows a lifting platform kit 1 with two lifting columns 2, 3 and a crossbeam 4. A first lifting column 2 has a first bearing element 5 (see Figure 2) in a head region. The crossbeam 4 has a second bearing element 6 (see Figure 2) in an end region. The first bearing element 5 (see Figure 2) and the second bearing element 6 (see Figure 2) are designed to be connectable to one another and, in a connected state, which is shown in Figure 1, form a pivot bearing 7.
[0034] An advantage of the lifting platform kit 1 shown in Figure 1 is that the cross member 4 can be arranged on the first lifting column 2 for assembly purposes in a first assembly step by connecting the first bearing element 5 (see Figure 2) and the second bearing element 6 (see Figure 2). In a subsequent second assembly step, the cross member 4 can be pivoted from the first lifting column 2 in order to be connected to the other, second lifting column 3. By carrying out these steps sequentially, only one fitter is required to erect the lifting platform. The lifting platform can be dismantled just as easily by first detaching the cross member 4 from the second lifting column 3 and then, by means of the pivot bearing 7, bringing it into a position in which it can be handled by a single fitter.
[0035] A further advantage of the lifting platform kit 1 shown in Figure 1 is that the pivot bearing 7 defines two pivot axes 8, 9, with a first pivot axis 8 running orthogonal to the image plane according to Figure 1, and a second pivot axis 9 running parallel to the image plane. Furthermore, the first pivot axis 8 and the second pivot axis 9 run orthogonally to each other and to the extension axis of the first lifting column 2.
[0036] The design of the pivot bearing 7 with the two pivot axes 8, 9 allows for a high degree of freedom of movement during assembly of the lifting platform. In particular, the two lifting columns 2, 3 can be brought into their final positions, in which they will be located during later operation of the lifting platform, before the crossbeam 4 is arranged. To arrange the crossbeam 4, it can first be pivoted about the first pivot axis 8 from the first lifting column 2 towards the second lifting column 3 using the pivot bearing 7. To avoid a collision between the crossbeam 4 and the second lifting column 3, the crossbeam 4 can be pivoted about the second pivot axis 9. With reference to Figure 1, the crossbeam 4 is pivoted out of the image plane and can be guided past the second lifting column 3 and detachably fastened in its head area, for example by means of a screw connection.
[0037] The assembly of the lifting platform using the lifting platform kit 1 is further simplified because the crossbeam 4 has a first crossbeam section 10 and a second crossbeam section 11, which are adjustable relative to each other along a crossbeam axis. The first crossbeam section 10 encompasses the second crossbeam section 11 such that the second crossbeam section 11 is guided telescopically by the first crossbeam section 10. This makes it possible to shorten the overall length of the crossbeam 4 as needed, making it easier to handle during assembly.
[0038] The structure of the pivot bearing 7, which is shown in Figure 1, is explained in detail below with reference to Figures 2, 3 and 4.
[0039] Figure 2 shows a side view of the pivot bearing 7. The first bearing element 5 is designed as a bearing eyelet 12, which is integrally connected to a head plate 13 of the first lifting column 2 and projects laterally beyond the first lifting column 2. The second bearing element 6 is designed as a sheet metal part 14, which is integrally connected at an angle to the cross member 4. The sheet metal part 14 engages in the bearing eyelet 12 to form the pivot bearing 7. The cross member 4 can be hooked into the first lifting column 2 for assembly purposes, which makes assembly by one mechanic particularly easy.
[0040] As shown in Figure 3, the bearing eyelet 12 has an opening with a substantially rectangular cross-section into which the sheet metal 14 engages to form the pivot bearing.
[0041] As can be seen from Figure 4, the sheet 14 has a substantially triangular shape and is integrally connected to the crossbeam 4 on one side. To form the pivot bearing 7 (see Figures 1 to 3), the sheet 14 engages with a tip in the bearing eyelet 12 and rests on the edge of the bearing eyelet 12. This creates two tilting points around which the crossbeam 4 can be pivoted about the first pivot axis 8 and the second pivot axis 9.
[0042] Figure 5 shows a lifting platform 15 constructed by assembling the lifting platform kit 1. The lifting platform 15 comprises the first lifting column 2, the second
[0043] Lifting column 3 and the crossbeam 4. The first lifting column 2 and the second lifting column 3 are arranged essentially parallel and spaced from one another. The first lifting column 2 has the first bearing element 5 (see Figures 1 to 3) in its head region, and the crossbeam 4 has the second bearing element 6 (see Figures 1 to 3). The first bearing element 5 (see Figures 1 to 3) and the second bearing element 6 (see Figures 1 to 3) are connected to one another and form the pivot bearing 7. At an end region facing away from the pivot bearing 7, the crossbeam 4 is detachably screwed to the second lifting column 3.
Claims
Claims 1. Lifting platform kit (1) with at least one lifting column (2) and a crossbeam (4), in which the lifting column (2) has a first bearing element (5) in a head region and in which the crossbeam (4) has a second bearing element (6) in an end region, wherein the first bearing element (5) and the second bearing element (6) are designed to be connectable in order to form a pivot bearing (7) in a connected state, by means of which the crossbeam (4) is pivotally mounted relative to the lifting column (2).
2. Lifting platform kit (1) according to claim 1, wherein the pivot bearing (7) defines a first pivot axis (8) which is oriented orthogonally to an extension direction of the lifting column (2).
3. Lifting platform kit (1) according to claim 2, wherein the pivot bearing (7) defines a second pivot axis (9) which is oriented orthogonal to the first pivot axis (8) and orthogonal to the direction of extension of the lifting column (2).
4. Lifting platform kit (1) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the first bearing element (5) comprises a bearing eyelet (12), and in which the second bearing element (6) comprises a hook element (14), or in which the first bearing element (5) comprises a hook element (14), and in which the second bearing element (6) comprises a bearing eyelet (12), wherein the bearing eyelet (2) and the hook element (14) can be hooked into one another to form the pivot bearing (7) 5. Lifting platform kit (1) according to claim 4, in which the hook element (14) is designed as a sheet metal angled from the cross member (4) or the lifting column (2).
6. Lifting platform kit (1) according to claim 5, wherein the sheet has a substantially triangular basic shape and engages with a tip into the bearing eyelet (12) to form the pivot bearing (7).
7. Lifting platform kit (1) according to one of claims 4 to 6, wherein the bearing eye (12) has a substantially rectangular peripheral edge which limits a movement space of the hook element (14) in the bearing eye (12).
8. Lifting platform kit (1) according to one of claims 4 to 7, wherein the bearing eyelet (12) is formed integrally on a head plate (13) of the lifting column (14) and wherein the hook element (14) is arranged on the cross member (4).
9. Lifting platform kit (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the crossbeam (4) has a first crossbeam section (10) and a second crossbeam section (11) which are adjustable relative to one another along a crossbeam axis.
10. Lifting platform kit (1) according to claim 9, wherein the first traverse section (10) encompasses the second traverse section (11) at least in regions and the second traverse section (11) is guided telescopically by means of the first traverse section (10).
11. Lifting platform (15), in particular a vehicle lifting platform, with a first lifting column (2), a second lifting column (3) and a crossbeam (4), in which the first lifting column (2) and the second lifting column (3) are arranged parallel to one another and spaced apart, wherein at least the first lifting column (2) has a first bearing element (5) in a head region and wherein the crossbeam (4) has a second bearing element (6) in an end region, wherein the first bearing element (5) and the second bearing element (6) are connected to one another and form a pivot bearing (7), and wherein the cross member (4) is detachably connected to the second lifting column (3) at an end region facing away from the pivot bearing (7).