Pivot arm device for a lifting device and lifting device

Abstract

Swivel arm device (100) for a lifting device comprising at least one swivel arm support (101), at least one swivel arm (102), at least one bearing (103), and at least one vehicle receiving part (200) which has a positive locking element (210). The at least one bearing (103) continuously pivots the at least one swivel arm (102) to the at least one swivel arm support (101).

Description

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a lifting device designed for raising and lowering (motor) vehicles, in particular a lifting platform or a comparable lifting device. Particularly preferably, it is a swivel-arm lifting device comprising a swivel arm assembly as disclosed. As disclosed, highly precise positioning of the swivel arms of the swivel arm assembly relative to the lifting points of a motor vehicle is enabled and facilitated, and a highly secure connection between the vehicle and the swivel arm is established. background

[0002] In all known swing-arm lifts, such as in-ground and above-ground lifts, column lifts, piston lifts, etc., the support arm locking mechanism on the swing arm support, i.e., the connecting part between a lifting piston and one or more swing arms, is designed with a type of detent, as is the Figure 3The DE102020210800 shows this. These detents are usually implemented by interlocking tooth segments, which cannot lock into each other in every position because the teeth overlap in some positions.

[0003] The support arm locking mechanisms are designed so that the toothed segments engage as soon as the swivel arm (hereinafter referred to as the support arm) begins to move. An alternative design is known in which the teeth of the support arm locking segments are angled. In this case, the toothed segment retracts, but the locking mechanism is either not engaged or only partially engaged. Here, too, the segments must first engage completely to achieve a force acting on the support arm locking mechanism that meets the required standards.

[0004] Furthermore, it is a disadvantage that the vehicle is usually placed on support plates and that the vehicle's own weight causes it to work into the support plate, which is usually made of rubber, and this should also be improved with a view to improving the connection between the vehicle and the support arm.

[0005] Consequently, it is the purpose of the present disclosure to at least address the aforementioned problems of the prior art.

[0006] To solve the aforementioned problem, the features of the independent claims are proposed. The dependent claims relate to preferred embodiments.

[0007] The swivel arm device described here is specifically designed for use with / for a lifting device, including all common lifting devices with swivel arms for motor vehicles, hereinafter also referred to as vehicles. This includes, but is not limited to: swivel arm lifts, such as in-ground and above-ground lifts, column lifts, piston lifts, scissor lifts, etc.

[0008] Preferably, the swivel arm device comprises at least one swivel arm support, although other designs with more than one swivel arm support, or designs in which the swivel arm support can be made in one piece or in multiple pieces, are also included. Furthermore, the swivel arm device comprises at least one swivel arm, at least one bearing, and at least one vehicle mounting part, which has at least one positive locking element. The at least one bearing preferably connects the at least one swivel arm to the at least one swivel arm support in a continuously pivotable manner.

[0009] Regarding the number of individual components, it should be noted that no limitation is assumed in this respect, and this is further emphasized by the term "at least." Even if there are currently more and less common designs for lifting devices in the prior art, all technically possible designs with swivel arm(s) are included here. Common designs, for example, include those in which one swivel arm support is provided for each swivel arm device (and one swivel arm device for each column or piston), and two swivel arms are mounted on the swivel arm support; with a vehicle mounting part attached to one end of each of these two swivel arm supports. However, it should be reiterated that the aforementioned combination of different component numbers for the exemplary lifting device is merely an example, and a different number of swivel arms, supports, and / or other components are possible.It should also be regarded as a lifting device or swivel arm device as disclosed.

[0010] It should be noted that the pivotability of the swivel arms is known, and a key aspect of this disclosure is that the articulated connection between the swivel arm support and the swivel arm(s) is achieved by means of a joint in which no detent or other locking device(s) are provided in the area of ​​this joint, which, as is conventional, would fix a swivel position of the swivel arm relative to the swivel arm support when the swivel arm is unloaded. In other words, the usual detent locks / locking devices, as illustrated, for example, in the aforementioned prior art, are completely dispensed with. This is also emphasized or expressed by the term "continuous," which can likewise be understood as "flowing," "non-discrete," or "detent-free."The continuous swivel capability is preferably given over the entire swivel angle, which can cover a range from a few degrees up to 30°, 50°, 90°, 120° or 180° or more degrees.

[0011] The combination of a positive locking element for positive contact between a vehicle mounting point and the vehicle mounting part, along with continuous pivotability, allows the function of known locking devices to be replaced as soon as the mounting point and vehicle mounting part / positive locking element are in positive engagement. Thus, locking is advantageously achieved solely via the blocked pivotability in the engagement of the mounting point and positive locking element. This not only makes the support arms or...The swivel arm devices are structurally considerably less complex, as the locking mechanisms can be omitted. Furthermore, no areas are created within the entire swivel range of a support arm / swivel arm where the support arm cannot remain stationary / positioned, as is inevitably the case with known detent-position-based locking mechanisms. The unusable areas within the swivel range of conventional lifting devices have the disadvantage that, for vehicles requiring very precise positioning or alignment between the lifting point and the vehicle's lifting component, such as electric vehicles where the battery in the underbody must not be contacted or stressed during lifting, swivel arm positioning often fails or only works after time-consuming adjustments. According to the disclosure, however, positioning is simple, among other reasons because it is possible across the entire swivel range.

[0012] In a preferred embodiment, at least one bearing can be configured to allow pivoting of the pivot arm in the form of a rotation about an axis z. This can be achieved using conventional and known bearing designs, for example, by means of a bearing shaft around which a section of the pivot arm is arranged to rotate about the bearing shaft. The (pivoting / rotating) axis z is, for example, regularly parallel to the vertical and / or perpendicular to a plane defined, for example, by the longitudinal axes of two pivot arms mounted on a pivot arm support. Particularly preferably, rotation is the only degree of freedom at this bearing, so that a very precise pivoting action can be performed.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment, the vehicle mounting part can be detachable from the swivel arm; preferably pluggable and preferably non-destructively connectable to an end section / end part of the swivel arm. Detachability or interchangeability, particularly non-destructive detachability, can be achieved, in particular, by means of a plug connection, although other possible options are also included here. Furthermore, locking devices, such as locking pins or other conventional means, can be provided to temporarily fix the inserted vehicle mounting part. The interchangeability or detachability advantageously allows different vehicle mounting parts to be used, for example, for different vehicle models / types.

[0014] In a preferred further development, relative rotation can also be prevented by means of a positive locking mechanism between the end section and the vehicle mounting part when inserted. As explained above, this can be achieved, for example, by means of locking pins, grooves, or the like, and ensures that the vehicle mounting part remains in a defined position and, if necessary, orientation during the positioning process of the swivel arm.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment, the positive locking element can have a shape such that, in contact or engagement with a receiving point of a motor vehicle, a positive locking connection exists between the positive locking element and the receiving point. Here, positive locking is intended to include, in particular, that no relative movement between the two parts, or at least subsections thereof, is possible during the positive engagement; at least not in a plane and / or rotation. In other words, the positive locking connection can, for example, include a rectangular part engaging in a rectangular recess, thus preventing translation and rotation, with the exception of translation in the vertical direction, since this is a possible preferred direction for establishing the engagement in the present application (namely, by vertically moving the pivot arms below the vehicle until the engagement is established or broken).

[0016] In particular, the creation of a positive locking mechanism also leads to the locking of the swivel arms in the corresponding position, which has already been explained above with regard to the advantages disclosed.

[0017] In a preferred further development, the form-fitting body can have a shape that is (selected or specified) dependent on the vehicle model / type / manufacturer.

[0018] In a preferred embodiment, the vehicle mounting part can comprise a coupling element and the positive locking element, and particularly preferably, the coupling element and the positive locking element can be designed to be separable from one another. This allows, for example, the positive locking element to be replaced quickly and independently, e.g., by loosening / tightening a screw connection.

[0019] In a preferred further development, a force-generating device can be provided which applies a force to the vehicle receiving part and / or the positive locking element, the direction of which points against the weight force of the vehicle receiving part or the positive locking element, so that the positive locking element can be in engagement with the receiving point of a vehicle even in the unloaded state.

[0020] In a preferred further development, one or more of the swivel arms can be telescopically extendable with a plurality of swivel arm sections, so that positional adaptation can also be carried out along the longitudinal axis of the swivel arms. Furthermore, alternatively or additionally, one (or more or all) swivel arms can have one or more joint sections that are pivotable relative to another part of the swivel arm, preferably pivotable relative to the one or more swivel arm sections. This then enables further adjustment / positioning options for maximum flexibility and ease of use.

[0021] Another aspect of the present disclosure also includes a lifting device with at least one lifting column, punch or the like (hereinafter referred to as column or punch by way of example) and at least one swivel arm device according to at least one of the preceding aspects / further developments.

[0022] Further possible design options and details will be explained in connection with the character description.

[0023] In summary, the lifting system presented here (swivel arm device, lifting device) eliminates the need for a support arm locking mechanism on the swivel arm carrier. This is achieved by using a positive-locking receptacle (vehicle mounting part) (which is preferably fixed to the end of the swivel arm), thus anchoring the vehicle to the support plate or vehicle mounting part. This connection prevents the swivel arm from moving, creating a positive-locking mechanism. The disclosed locking mechanism can therefore be described as a stepless system or a "stepless positive-locking mechanism," since no tooth spacing and thus detents or similar features need to be considered. The new system is very easy to operate and highly secure.

[0024] Brief description of the characters Figures 1a and 1b: schematically and exemplarily show a hydraulic lift platform with a raised vehicle according to an exemplary application scenario of the present disclosure; Figures 2a and 2b: show a perspective view of two different embodiments of swivel arm devices according to the present disclosure; Figure 2c: shows an enlarged detail view of a section from Fig. 2b ; Figure 3: shows exemplary possible forms of receiving form-locking elements according to the present disclosure; Figure 4: shows an alternative enlarged detail view of a section from Fig. 2b ; Figure 5: shows examples of different forms of alternative form-fitting bodies of the present disclosure Figure 6: schematically shows a support arm with an articulated arm as described in the revelation. Detailed description of the figures

[0025] In the following, embodiments of the present disclosure are described in detail with reference to exemplary figures. The features of the embodiments can be combined in whole or in part, and the present subject matter is not limited to the described embodiments but can be supplemented or modified accordingly within the scope of a person skilled in the art.

[0026] Figure 1a and Figure 1b We first show an exemplary application scenario for the present disclosure, in which a lifting assembly comprising a vehicle F (in the raised state) and a lifting device 1 is shown from different perspectives. The lifting device 1 is, purely by way of example, a piston lifting platform, although other forms of lifting platforms are also covered by the disclosure. The two pistons 2 each carry a swivel arm device 100 according to the disclosure. Figure 1bIt is particularly evident that a battery-powered vehicle F has been lifted, with the battery B removed and placed on a non-detailed assembly trolley W below the lifted vehicle F. In such a scenario, as can also be seen from the large battery opening compared to the underbody area in Figure 1b As can be seen schematically, the precise positioning of the swivel arms 102 is of particular importance in order to be able to bring the relatively small mounting points of the vehicle F into alignment with the vehicle mounting parts on the swivel arms 102 safely and accurately.

[0027] The Figures 2a and 2bThe figures then show two possible embodiments of the disclosed swivel arm devices 100. For the sole purpose of illustrating possible options and construction variations, the two figures show a wheel fork RG at one end of a swivel arm 102, which is detachably arranged (here by means of a locking pin / locking bolt) at an end section 102b or 102d. The locking principle presented here naturally also works with a wheel fork RG, since a fixation occurs when the wheel is gripped.

[0028] The more common application options are then described in more detail in the following figures, in particular Figures 2c and 4 , shown why in Figure 2b At a free longitudinal end of an exemplary swivel arm 102, a schematic magnifying glass conceals the actual construction and focuses on the enlarged representation of this sub-area in the Figures 2c or 4 indicates.

[0029] In Figure 2a One longitudinal end is cut off (two thick lines) to initially illustrate the basic structure of the swivel arms 102, which is known in many respects except for the differing joint 103 design. Thus, the Figure 2a , that here only an end section 102b is telescopically present in a subsection 102a of the swivel arm 102, whereas the example in Figure 2b Additional sections 102a-d are shown. Other embodiments, even those without a telescopic function, are also covered by the disclosure. Furthermore, stiffening elements 104 are provided on the joint-side part of each swivel arm 102, which can result in a mechanical increase in load-bearing capacity. Each support arm 102 also has a joint 103 that allows pivoting or rotation about the axis z shown schematically.

[0030] The bearings are supported by the swivel arm support 101, which is shown here as an elongated rectangular / oval plate-shaped component with a cantilever of rectangular plate-shaped configuration. This cantilever may contain bores for connecting to the columns / posts. These bores or other connection points can also be located within the plate-shaped component itself between the joints 103, in which case no cantilever would be present. The design of the swivel arm support 101 is also exemplary and can be customized as desired while maintaining its technical function.

[0031] It is important to note, also in comparison to known swivel arm devices, that no locking mechanism or the like is provided in the area of ​​the joints 103, so that continuous swiveling is possible as disclosed.

[0032] As already explained, the Figure 2cFinally, one example among many possible configurations shows a vehicle mounting part 200 attached to an end section / end part 102d of a swivel arm 102. The mounting can be exemplified by inserting an insertion section 221 on a coupling part 220 into a receptacle 105 (see figure). Figures 3 and 6) whereby the remaining possible rotation can be prevented by frictional contact or by additional locking devices not shown in detail, such as spring grooves or locking pins, etc. This allows for (non-destructive) detachment between the vehicle mounting part 200 and the swivel arm or its end part 102d. Alternatively or additionally, the positive locking element 210 can be non-destructively detachable from the coupling part 220, which here can be, by way of example, a rotationally symmetrical body with a barrel-shaped cross-section, as is also shown here, purely by way of example, by three screws S. Also purely by way of example, and individually specified for each vehicle and by the manufacturer through the shape of the mounting points on the body or other boundary conditions, the positive locking element 210 with a mandrel-shaped tip is shown here, whereby, also purely by way of example and not exhaustively, further shapes are shown in the Figures 3 and 5shown. It should be mentioned again that a one-piece version of the vehicle mounting part 200 shown is also possible. The end sections or the complete form-fitting body 210 can be made of different materials, whereby plastics or rubber-coated materials can have the advantage that they cannot scratch the body of a vehicle F.

[0033] The intervention with positive locking was carried out in the example according to Figure 2cThe form-fitting element 210, with its mandrel-shaped tip, engages in a rounded recess on the vehicle body F in the Z-direction (height travel direction of the lifting platform) when the tip is positioned below the receiving point. This positioning is achieved, among other things, by pivoting the swivel arms 102, which can be adjusted very precisely and quickly because no detents impede positioning. The fit between the tip of the form-fitting element 210 and the receiving point can preferably be selected from a range of clearance fits or transition fits.

[0034] The following example shows Figure 3 Further possible forms of vehicle mounting parts 200a-d with, in particular, different positive locking elements 210 for different vehicles F. The figure also shows Figure 3also different shapes for the coupling part 220 and a possible embodiment of the insertion section 221 with a groove 222, in order to enable / simplify, for example, a rotational blocking in the plugged-in state.

[0035] An alternative or modified execution option then shows the Figure 4 , which shows part of an insertion section 221' protruding from a receptacle 105 of the end part 102d, while another part, preferably with a reduced diameter, is inserted into the receptacle 105 (compare also 221 to 220 in the partial views on the right in Figure 3). On a section opposite the end part 102d, a plate-shaped element 220' is provided on the insertion section 221' as a coupling element, which can be non-destructively connected to the insertion section 221' by means of a screw or plug connection 223', whereby a one-piece design is also possible. This variant of the coupling element 220' has a plate rim 222' and a plate surface 224'. One of the positive locking elements 210a-k can then be placed on the plate surface 224' according to Figure 5 be set up, whereby it is relevant here that the associated part 210a of the positive locking body 210a-k according to Figure 5 a diameter which, with little or no play, corresponds to the inner diameter of the plate rim 222' according to Figure 4This corresponds to the following: Thus, rotation within the plate can still occur through the form-locking elements 210a-k (with 210a), unless this is suppressed or greatly impeded by a corresponding fit; but this may also be desirable with regard to a further positioning option / degree of freedom.

[0036] Finally, the Figure 6A further pivot arm 102 (cut at a rear end), known as an articulated arm, is provided, such that an articulated section 110 with a joint part 111 is present between a free end of the pivot arm 102 and the pivot arm parts 102a-102d, which allows further pivoting of the free end / articulated arm section 112. Of course, it is also conceivable that several articulated sections 110 are provided for each pivot arm 102, or that some pivot arms 102 of a lifting device are configured as articulated arms and others not. The locking of the articulated sections 110 is known and remains a simple and safe method for locking, e.g., as in Figure 6 shown by means of detent holes 113, into which detent pins 114 are inserted to prevent rotation / pivoting.

[0037] In addition to the advantages and technical effects already described above, it should also be noted that the present principle, or rather the swivel arm device, can also be used with the known mounting "mushrooms" with a rubber surface. This means, for example, that these known mounting mushrooms / mounting plates with a rubber pad (or a pad made of an elastically deformable material) can also be used, especially if the rubber or elastically deformable material is selected so that its hardness allows the vehicle's mounting point F to sink in slightly. For this purpose, the rubber or other elastically deformable material is selected such that a mounting point or a corresponding body structure / part sinks into the elastically deformable material or rubber by 8 mm or more when the vehicle F is raised. The highly secure solution using a positive-locking engagement is then achieved, in particular, via the positive-locking mounts.

[0038] The length of the swivel arms can be selected depending on the distance between the vehicle bodies F and also on the dimensions of the vehicle body F. This also applies in conjunction with swivel arms with additional joints. Securing against swiveling in the unloaded state can be achieved by a further preferred modification, wherein a force-generating device is provided that generates a force in a direction opposite to the weight of a vehicle F to be lifted or in a direction opposite to the weight of the vehicle receiving part 200 mounted on the end section 102d.The force-generating device (not shown) can be arranged such that it pushes the vehicle receiving part 200 or only the positive locking element 210 away from the end section 102d in the aforementioned direction (against the force of the vehicle's weight), so that a part of the vehicle receiving part 200 protrudes from the end section 102d / from the receptacle 105, or a part of the positive locking element 210 extends beyond the vehicle receiving part 200. For example, according to one embodiment, a part of the insertion section 221 of a vehicle receiving part 200 can protrude from the receptacle 105. The force exerted by the force-generating device on the vehicle receiving part 200 or the positive locking element 210 is preferably at least as large as the weight of the vehicle receiving part 200 or the positive locking element 210 and less than the weight of the vehicle F to be lifted.When subjected to the weight of the vehicle F, the vehicle mounting part 200 or the positive locking element 210 is pressed towards the end section 102d against the force generated by the force-generating device and due to the weight of the vehicle F. The force-generating device can be implemented using various known designs / mechanisms, of which, for example, the use of spring force or hydraulics may be preferred. For instance, a spring adapter as described in DE 10 2022 208 942 can also be used, whereby this spring adapter can be combined with the vehicle mounting part 200, e.g., by inserting the insertion section 221 into a (support plate) receptacle 10 according to DE 10 2022 208 942.Other embodiments are of course also included here, insofar as they are apparent to a person skilled in the art. With regard to the example of a spring adapter (according to DE 10 2022 208 942 or in another embodiment), it is particularly preferred that no locking mechanism is provided for the spring adapter in the extension / retraction position of the insertion section 221 or of a shaft section of the spring adapter that blocks the spring force of the spring adapter. Another example of the force-generating device could, technically speaking, be simply a compression spring 300, which is inserted into the receptacle 105 below the insertion section 221, or which is located between a surface of the end section 102d and the area of ​​a diameter increase of the vehicle receiving part 200, a transition from the insertion section 221 and the coupling part 220 (see...). Fig. 3) may be arranged, for example, around the insertion section 221. A compression spring may also be arranged on the plate surface 224', particularly if the plate edges 222' are higher than in Figure 4 shown are executed and then serve as a guide for the positive locking element 210, so that only the positive locking element 210 would be actuated by the compression spring as a force generating device.

[0039] Furthermore, modification is also possible if the swivel arm sections / extensions / parts 102a-d are too easily telescoping / movable relative to each other in the longitudinal direction of the arm, thus hindering positioning. In this case, the swivel arm extensions 102a-d can be made more difficult to move / telescopically, for example, by increasing friction through tighter tolerances or other common methods, or detents and / or clamping screws can be used to (slightly) impede telescoping.

[0040] Finally, a highly secure solution for lifting devices with swivel arms is presented here, whereby the locking of these swivel arms against pivoting without a locking mechanism in the area of ​​joint 103 is possible, so that the positioning of the arms without position restrictions is easier to carry out.

Claims

1. Swivel arm device (100) for a lifting device with - at least one swivel arm support (101), - at least one swivel arm (102), - at least one bearing (103), and - at least one vehicle receiving part (200) which has a positive locking element (210), - wherein the at least one bearing (103) continuously pivots the at least one swivel arm (102) to the at least one swivel arm support (101).

2. Swivel arm device (100) according to claim 1, wherein - the at least one bearing (103) is arranged such that a pivoting of the swivel arm (102) in the form of a rotation about an axis (z) is enabled, wherein the axis (z) is preferably arranged parallel to the vertical.

3. Swivel arm device (100) according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the vehicle receiving part (200) is detachably, preferably pluggably, connectable to an end section (102d) of the swivel arm (102).

4. Swivel arm device (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the vehicle receiving part (200) is detachably, preferably pluggably, connectable to an end section (102d) of the swivel arm (102) and in the plugged-in state a relative rotation is prevented by means of a positive locking between the end section (102d) and the vehicle receiving part (200).

5. Swivel arm device (100) according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the positive locking element (210) has a shape such that in contact with a receiving point of a motor vehicle, positive locking is given between the positive locking element (210) and the receiving point.

6. Swivel arm device (100) according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the positive locking element (210) has a shape which depends on the motor vehicle model.

7. Swivel arm device (100) according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the vehicle receiving part (200) comprises a coupling part (220) and the positive locking element (210), wherein the coupling part (220) and the positive locking element (210) are designed to be separable from one another.

8. Swivel arm device (100) according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein a force generating device is provided which applies a force to the vehicle receiving part (200) and / or the positive locking body (210), the direction of which of the force points against the weight force of the vehicle receiving part (200) or of the positive locking body.

9. Swivel arm device (100) according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one swivel arm (102) is telescopically designed with a plurality of swivel arm sections (102a-d).

10. Swivel arm device (100) according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one swivel arm (102) has a joint section (110) which is pivotable relative to another part of the swivel arm (102), preferably pivotable relative to one or more swivel arm sections (102a-d).

11. Lifting device (1) comprising at least one lifting column (2) and at least one swivel arm device (100) according to at least one of the preceding claims.

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