Combined 2-post vehicle and battery lift

Abstract

The combined two-post vehicle and battery lift comprises a pair of rising post assemblies, each having a vehicle lift assembly and a battery lift assembly. Each lift assembly has a lift arm lift carriage connected to it. The lift assemblies are operated in coordination to raise and lower the electric vehicle and the battery relative to the electric vehicle.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] (Cross - reference to Related Applications) This application claims the priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 499,291, filed on May 1, 2023, and the entire disclosure content thereof is incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] (Field of the Invention) The present invention relates to automotive service lifts, and more specifically, to a composite two - post lift for both electric vehicles and the batteries for driving such vehicles.

Background Art

[0003] (Description of Background and Related Technologies) Conventionally, in the maintenance and repair of automobiles, various post - type automotive lifts have been known and used to provide access to components under the vehicle, such as parts on the lower part or bottom surface of the vehicle, like tires, brakes, exhaust components, etc., for inspection, repair, and replacement. Post - type lifts include in - ground types with some components below the floor of the workplace and above - ground types installed on the floor. In - ground post - type lifts typically have one or two vertical lifting columns installed under the floor of maintenance facilities such as garages and workshops, and use hydraulic or pneumatic pressure to lift the vehicle. Above - ground post - type lifts generally have two or four vertical columns (posts), and each post includes a carriage that moves up and down along the post. Each carriage of a two - post lift is equipped with a pair of lift arms that extend inward, and at the tip of each lift arm, a vehicle - engaging structure such as a lift pad is provided. This vehicle - engaging structure engages with the lift points or lift positions on the bottom surface of the body or frame of the vehicle to be lifted. The lift arms are adjusted in length and angular position so as to engage with the front - rear and left - right lift points of the vehicle.

[0004] A vehicle lift arm typically consists of a telescopic section rotatably connected to a lift carriage. The lift carriage is slidably mounted on a post and selectively vertically movable on the post by an actuator, such as a pressurized fluid cylinder, connected between the lift carriage and the post. The telescopic lift arm section allows for adjustment of the length of the lift arm, and the rotatable connection of the arm to the lift carriage allows for adjustment of its angle, enabling the lift system to accommodate various vehicle sizes and proportions. The length of the lift arm and their angular position relative to the lift carriage are usually manually adjusted by a mechanic to position the lift pad to engage with a specific lift point on the vehicle. Representative types of such two-post vehicle lift systems are disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 9,150,395 and U.S. Patent Publications 2021 / 0331904 and 2022 / 0017342, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference. [Overview of the Initiative]

[0005] Electric vehicles, such as automobiles, use very large rechargeable battery packs to power their propulsion motors. These vehicles are called electric vehicles (EVs) if they are powered solely by batteries, and hybrids if they also incorporate an internal combustion engine. While electric vehicle batteries are typically long-lasting, they will eventually need replacing. Manufacturing defects or other factors may necessitate earlier replacement. Electric vehicle batteries in passenger cars weigh approximately 200-500 kilograms (400-1200 pounds) or more and are usually accessible and replaceable from underneath the vehicle. Batteries in full-size electric pickup trucks and delivery vehicles are even larger and heavier.

[0006] The battery pack or battery in an electric vehicle is typically a large, relatively flat assembly secured by removable fasteners in a large, shallow recess or well on the underside of the vehicle. The battery is electrically connected to the vehicle's electric motor and systems via detachable connectors. During removal, the battery is supported from below while the fasteners are released. Lowering the battery then allows the electrical connector components to be detached. The process of installing a new battery is the reverse of the removal procedure. However, battery installation requires precise alignment of the mechanical fasteners and electrical connector components before lifting the battery into the battery recess.

[0007] Devices and mechanisms have been developed for raising and lowering an EV battery pack relative to a vehicle supported by a lift system, in conjunction with existing two-post lift systems. Such an EV battery lift is described in U.S. Patent Application Publication US2022 / 0402735, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference. Such a battery lift may include a hydraulic lift actuator, as well as a motor, pump, and reservoir for the actuator. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The present invention provides an embodiment of a two-post lifting device, which is a lifting member for both an electric vehicle and the battery that drives the vehicle, and comprises lifting members that operate in coordination on two lifting posts.

[0009] An embodiment of a two-post lifting device for raising and lowering a vehicle and vehicle components such as a battery for driving the vehicle, comprising: first and second lift post assemblies rising from a support surface and positioned laterally spaced apart, each having a main or vehicle lift track and a secondary or battery lift track extending parallel to it at a distance; each vehicle lift track having a corresponding main or vehicle lift carriage that is positioned within it and allows it to move along it; and each battery lift track having a corresponding secondary or battery lift carriage that is positioned within it and allows it to move along it, engaging between the vehicle lift carriage and the lift post assembly and allowing the vehicle lift carriage to move along the associated vehicle lift track. A two-post lifting device comprising: a vehicle lift actuator assembly capable of operating in such a manner; a battery lift actuator assembly capable of engaging between the battery lift carriage and the lift post assembly and enabling the movement of the battery lift carriage along the associated battery lift track; each vehicle lift carriage having a corresponding pair of vehicle lift arms or main lift arms connected to it to enable selective engagement of itself with the underside of the vehicle; each battery carriage having a corresponding pair of battery lift arms or secondary lift arms connected to it to enable selective engagement of itself with the underside of the vehicle's battery; and the vehicle lift actuator assembly and the battery lift actuator assembly being controlled to enable selective raising and lowering of the vehicle and the vehicle's battery.

[0010] In one embodiment of a two-post lift system, a vehicle lift actuator assembly may be located within each lift post assembly and have a corresponding vehicle lift actuator that engages between the lift post assembly and the vehicle lift carriage that engages therewith. The lift system may include an elongated trough member extending between the upper ends of the lift post assemblies, and the battery lift actuator assembly may have a battery lift actuator that is supported by the trough member and engages with the trough member and the battery lift carriage, respectively.

[0011] In one embodiment of the combined lift system, the main or vehicle lift track is positioned on the inner surface of its corresponding post assembly, facing inward from one another, and the secondary or battery lift track is positioned on the outer surface of its corresponding post assembly, facing outward from one another. Each of the lift arms is rotatably connected to its corresponding lift carriage, and each of the lift arms is extendable and has a contact member located at its outer end, thereby allowing for flexible and selective positioning of the contact member with respect to a load such as a vehicle or vehicle part to be lifted by itself. In one embodiment of the combined lift system, the contact member of the battery lift arm may have an elongated reinforcing member extending between the outer ends of the battery lift arm and a pair of battery contact pads positioned longitudinally spaced on the reinforcing member.

[0012] In one embodiment of the combined lift system, the contact member of the battery lift arm may have a corresponding battery lift extension rising from the end of each battery lift arm, an elongated reinforcing member engaging with each battery lift extension, and a pair of battery contact pads positioned longitudinally spaced on the reinforcing member. Each battery lift extension may have a swivel member connecting itself to the battery lift arm associated with it, thereby allowing the battery lift extension to rotate about a corresponding vertical axis. The reinforcing member may engage with each battery lift extension, thereby allowing the reinforcing member to slide relative to the reinforcing member extension in its longitudinal direction, and each battery contact pad may slidably engage with the associated battery lift extension.

[0013] In one embodiment of the combined lift system, an elongated trough member extends between the upper ends of the post assembly, and a battery lift actuator is located within the trough member, engaging with each battery lift carriage to enable the coordinated raising and lowering of the battery lift arm. The battery lift arm may be configured to fold itself to a position that allows the vehicle lift arm to be lowered sufficiently to engage with the bottom surface of the vehicle located on the support surface.

[0014] In one embodiment of a composite lift system, a contact adapter that engages with a load to be lifted comprises a contact receiving portion located at the end of the lift arm of the system, and a contact adapter member configured to engage detachably with the contact receiving portion, wherein the contact adapter member has an upper shape that matches the shape of the contact element of the load to be lifted, thereby providing the contact adapter member with substantially anti-slip engagement with the contact element. A contact spacer may engage between the contact adapter member and the contact receiving portion to position the contact adapter member at a selected height on the lift arm of the lift system.

[0015] Various objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings which illustrate specific embodiments of the invention.

[0016] The drawings form a part of this specification and include examples of embodiments of the invention and illustrate various objects and features thereof.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0017] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a two-post vehicle and a battery lift system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an enlarged bottom view of an electric vehicle and a lift system for supporting a battery for driving the vehicle.

[0019] [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a lift system for supporting a battery of an electric vehicle.

[0020] [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is an enlarged perspective view of a battery lift assembly of a lift device.

[0021] [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is an enlarged partial perspective view of one end of a reinforcing link of a lift assembly and a battery contact pad.

[0022] ' [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a partially exploded perspective view showing a vehicle lift arm, a contact pad, and an adapter for the contact pad.

[0023] [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a view similar to FIG. 6 and shows some alternative embodiments of a contact pad adapter for a vehicle lift arm of a lift system.

[0024] [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a partial perspective view of the crossover trough member of the lift system, including the actuator for the battery lift assembly. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0025] Where necessary, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein. However, it should be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely examples of the present invention and can be embodied in various forms. Accordingly, the specific structural and functional details disclosed herein should not be constrained, but rather understood merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis to teach those skilled in the art how to use the present invention in various forms in structures having substantially any suitable details.

[0026] Referring in detail to the drawings, reference numeral 11 indicates an embodiment of a composite two-post lift device according to the present invention. Generally, the two-post lift device 11 includes an elongated right post assembly 13 and an elongated left post assembly 14 that rise laterally from the support surface 16. The left and right post assemblies are also referred to as the first and second lift post assemblies. The right vehicle lift assembly 18 is slidably engaged with the right post assembly 13, and the left vehicle lift assembly 19 is slidably engaged with the left post assembly 14. The vehicle lift assemblies 18 and 19 work together to raise and lower a vehicle, such as an electric vehicle or EV21 (Figure 2), relative to the support surface 16.

[0027] Furthermore, the right battery lift assembly 23 is slidably engaged with the right post assembly 13, and the left battery lift assembly 24 is slidably engaged with the left post assembly 14. The battery lift assemblies 23 and 24 work in coordination with each other and with the vehicle lift assemblies 18 and 19 to raise and lower the battery pack or battery 26 (Figure 2) relative to the vehicle 21. The vehicle lift assembly is also called the main lift assembly, and the battery lift assembly is also called the secondary lift assembly or vehicle component lift assembly. In one embodiment, the battery 26 is a battery adapted to supply enough power to drive the vehicle.

[0028] Please note that the directions used in Figures 1-3 are explained using the vehicle 21 as the reference point, so that the left and right sides of the device 11 and vehicle 21 are reversed compared to the left and right sides when viewing Figures 1-3.

[0029] Each of the illustrated post assemblies 13 and 14 includes a main lift track or vehicle lift guide 28 extending along its inner surface and a secondary lift track or battery lift guide 30 extending along its outer surface in a relationship parallel to the main lift track 28. Each of the post assemblies 13 and 14 may be formed by a pair of elongated members having a rectangular C-shaped cross-section, with their closed sides joined back-to-back. The open sides of the post assemblies 13 and 14 form the guides or tracks 28 and 30, with the vehicle lift tracks 28 extending inward and the battery lift tracks 30 extending outward. Each of the post assemblies 13 and 14 has a base plate 32 through which fasteners such as bolts 34 pass. The bolts 34 can be embedded in a floor forming a support surface 16, such as the floor of a vehicle repair facility. The upper ends of the post assemblies 13 and 14 are structurally joined by a trough member 36. Control conductors, lift cables, etc., may extend through the trough member 36.

[0030] Each illustrated vehicle lift assembly 18 and 19 comprises a main or vehicle lift carriage 40 that is slidably supported within a corresponding vehicle lift guide 28, thereby enabling vertical movement along it. A vehicle lift clevis 42 is provided at the lower end of each vehicle lift carriage 40, to which the inner ends of a pair of main or vehicle lift arm assemblies or arms 44 are rotatably connected. Each vehicle lift arm assembly 44 has an extendable section, thereby allowing selective adjustment of the length of the arm assembly. For safety purposes, the illustrated vehicle lift carriage 40 may incorporate a releaseable means (not shown) to prevent the arm assembly from rotating freely relative to the clevis 42.

[0031] The vehicle contact members 46 are supported at the outer end of each vehicle lift arm 44 and, by engaging with the lift point of the vehicle 21, support the load of the vehicle as the vehicle is raised and lowered relative to the support surface. By rotating and extending / contracting the vehicle lift arms 44, the lift arms 44 can be selectively positioned relative to the vehicle, and the contact members 46 can be positioned to support a portion of the vehicle's load.

[0032] The lift assemblies 18 and 19 can be simultaneously raised and lowered by corresponding main actuator assemblies or linear actuators, such as hydraulic cylinders 22 (see Figure 2), which are connected between the post assemblies 13 and 14 and the vehicle lift assemblies 18 and 19, respectively. Details of the vehicle lift assemblies 18 and 19 are described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2021 / 0331904, which was previously referenced and whose entire disclosure is incorporated herein by reference.

[0033] Referring to Figures 1-4, the illustrated battery lift assemblies 23 and 24 are substantially similar, each having a secondary or battery lift carriage 50 slidably positioned within a battery lift guide 30 of the associated post assembly 13 or 14. The battery lift carriage 50 is raised and lowered by a secondary or battery lift actuator 52 (Figure 8). In the illustrated embodiment, the secondary or battery lift actuator 52 is positioned within a trough 36 and engages with the carriage via a battery lift cable (not shown) routed between the carriages, enabling simultaneous raising and lowering of the carriage 50. The battery lift actuator 52 and the battery lift cable constitute one embodiment of the secondary or battery lift actuator assembly. An alternative battery lift actuator assembly may be constructed by connecting a separate hydraulic actuator between each battery lift carriage 50 and the corresponding lift post assemblies 13 and 14. To limit the descent of the battery 26 in the event of loss of hydraulic pressure by the battery lift actuator 52, it is conceivable that some kind of ratchet configuration (not shown) is engaged between the battery lift carriage 50 and the post assemblies 13 and 14.

[0034] Referring particularly to Figure 4, each lift carriage 50 includes a lower cross member 54 extending horizontally. Each end of the cross member 54 is connected to a battery lift arm assembly 56, which allows rotation substantially around a vertical axis. Each illustrated battery lift arm assembly 56 includes an upper arm member 58 rotatably connected to the cross member 54 and a retractable forearm member 60 rotatably connected to the upper arm member 58. The terms “upper arm” and “forearm” used to describe the arm members 58 and 60 are analogous to anatomical terms in the human body. The forearm 60 is formed by an outer arm portion 62 connected to the cross member 54 and an inner arm portion 64 that extends into the outer arm portion 62.

[0035] The inner arm portion 64 may be provided with a battery contact pad 66, and the battery contact pad 66 may be directly supported at its outer end. In the illustrated battery lift assemblies 23 and 24, a battery lift pad extension 72 rises from the outer end 68. The battery lift pad extension 72 is connected to the outer end 68 of the arm portion 64 by a swivel member 73. The swivel member 73 is rotatably connected to the lift pad extension 72 and the outer end 68 of the arm portion 64. The illustrated swivel member 73 has a cylindrical receiving portion 74, from which a pin or shaft 75 is connected to and hangs. The lower end of the lift pad extension 72 is housed within the receiving portion 74. The pin 75 of the swivel member 73 is housed within an opening or receiving portion (not shown) formed at the far end of the inner arm portion 64 of each battery lift arm assembly 56.

[0036] An elongated reinforcing member or beam 76 extends between the upper ends of the respective lift pad extensions 72 of the battery lift assemblies 23 and 24. In the illustrated battery lift assembly, the reinforcing beam 76 slidably engages with an extension slide bracket or slide 78 (Figure 5) located at the upper end of each lift pad extension 72. The battery contact pads 66 are supported longitudinally spaced on the reinforcing beam 76 by battery contact pad side brackets or slides 80. The rotatability of the battery lift arm assembly 56, the extensionability of the forearm member 60, the swivel 74, and the slide brackets 78 and 80 provide great adjustability for the position of the battery contact pads 66, enabling precise placement relative to the battery 26. The reinforcing beam 76 provides some rigidity to the battery lift assemblies 23 and 24 when supporting the battery 26, reducing the tendency for the battery to flex.

[0037] Referring to Figure 6, the illustrated vehicle contact member or contact adapter 46 may be supported by a contact receiving portion 86 located at one end of a vehicle lift arm assembly 44 via a vertical spacer 88. The vertical spacer 88 has a dish-shaped adapter 90 located within the receiving portion 86 and fixed to the upper part of the spacer 88. A contact pad member 92 is detachably positioned on the dish-shaped adapter 90, and a cushioning material 94, such as hard rubber, is provided on it. The pad member 92 may have a raised central projection 96 as its upper shape, which matches or fits with the shape of a contact element or lift point fixing device (not shown) provided on the bottom surface of the vehicle 21, thereby providing an anti-slip engagement for safe raising and lowering of the vehicle.

[0038] Figure 7 shows a modified embodiment of the vehicle contact member 46, including the vehicle contact member 100. The contact member 100 has an upper contact pad 102 from which a mounting shaft 104 extends. The shaft 104 is sized to be positioned within the contact receiving portion 86 and may have a length such that it positions the body of the vehicle 21 at a specific height from the lift arm assembly 44. The contact pad 102 may be covered with a cushioning material 105 such as hard rubber. The contact pad 102 may be provided with a central hole 106 for accommodating additional adapters, such as contact adapters 108, 110, 112, or 114, which have various geometric shapes for fitting with different feature portions on the bottom surface of the vehicle 21. It is conceivable that adapters with additional alternative configurations may be provided for use with the contact receiving portion 86 and the pad member 100. Each adapter 108, 110, 112, or 114 preferably comprises a hanging stem 116 for housing within a central hole 106 of the contact pad 102. The stem 116 is sized relative to the central hole 106 so that the associated adapter 108, 110, 112, or 114 can rotate relative to the contact pad 102 and so that the adapter 108, 110, 112, or 114 can be properly aligned with the mating feature on the vehicle 21.

[0039] While certain embodiments of the present invention are illustrated and described herein, it should be understood that these are not limited to the specific embodiments or arrangements of components described and shown.

Claims

1. A two-post lifting device for raising and lowering vehicles and vehicle parts, The aforementioned two-post type lift device is (a) First and second lift post assemblies rising from a support surface and positioned laterally spaced apart, wherein each of the first and second lift post assemblies has a main lift track and a secondary lift track extending in a spaced parallel relationship along the first and second lift post assemblies, Equipped with, (b) Each of the main lift tracks has a main lift carriage that is positioned within each of the main lift tracks, thereby enabling it to move along each of the main lift tracks, and each of the secondary lift tracks has a secondary lift carriage that is positioned within each of the secondary lift tracks, thereby enabling it to move along each of the secondary lift tracks. The aforementioned two-post type lift device is (c) A main lift actuator assembly that engages between the main lift carriage and the first and second lift post assemblies and is operable to allow the movement of the main lift carriage along the corresponding main lift track, (d) A sub-lift actuator assembly that engages between the sub-lift carriage and the first and second lift post assemblies and is operable to allow the movement of the sub-lift carriage along the corresponding sub-lift track, Equipped with, (e) Each of the main lift carriages is connected to a pair of main lift arms, each of which can be selectively positioned to receive a portion of the load from the vehicle, (f) Each of the auxiliary lift carriages is connected to a pair of auxiliary lift arms, each of which can be selectively positioned to receive a portion of the load from the vehicle components. (f) The main lift actuator assembly and the sub-lift actuator assembly are operable to selectively raise and lower the vehicle and the vehicle components. Two-post lifting device.

2. (a) The main lift track and the auxiliary lift track are positioned on the inner surfaces of the first and second lift post assemblies, facing each other inward. (b) The auxiliary lift track is positioned on the outer surfaces of the first and second lift post assemblies, with each facing outwards. The two-post lift device according to claim 1.

3. (a) The main lift arm is rotatably connected to the main lift carriage, and the secondary lift arm is rotatably connected to the secondary lift carriage, (b) The main lift arm and the sub-lift arm are each extendable and retractable, and contact members are provided at the outer end of the main lift arm and the outer end of the sub-lift arm, respectively, thereby enabling selective positioning of the contact members with respect to the load applied to the main lift arm and the sub-lift arm, respectively. The two-post lift device according to claim 1.

4. The contact member of the aforementioned sub-lift arm is (a) A reinforcing member extending between the outer ends of the sub-lift arm, (b) A pair of vehicle component contact pads positioned on the reinforcing member at intervals along the longitudinal direction of the reinforcing member, Having, The two-post lift device according to claim 3.

5. The contact member of the aforementioned sub-lift arm is (a) A vehicle parts lift extension that rises from the outer end of each of the sub-lift arms, (b) Reinforcement members that engage with each of the vehicle parts lift extensions, (c) A pair of vehicle component contact pads positioned on the reinforcing member at intervals along the longitudinal direction of the reinforcing member, Having, The two-post lift device according to claim 3.

6. (a) Each of the vehicle parts lift extensions has a swivel member that connects to the corresponding sub-lift arm, thereby enabling each of the vehicle parts lift extensions to rotate around a vertical axis. The two-post lift device according to claim 5.

7. (a) The reinforcing member engages with each of the vehicle parts lift extensions, thereby enabling the reinforcing member to slide relative to the vehicle parts lift extension in the longitudinal direction of the reinforcing member. (b) Each of the vehicle component contact pads is slidably engaged with the corresponding vehicle component lift extension, The two-post lift device according to claim 5.

8. (a) The trough member extends between the upper ends of the first and second lift post assemblies, (b) The auxiliary lift actuator is located on the trough member and engages with each of the auxiliary lift carriages, thereby enabling the coordinated raising and lowering of the auxiliary lift arm. The two-post lift device according to claim 1.

9. (a) The auxiliary lift arm is configured to allow rotation of the auxiliary lift arm to a position that enables the main lift arm to be lowered and engage with the bottom surface of the vehicle located on the support surface. The two-post lift device according to claim 1.

10. The main lift actuator assembly is (a) Having a main lift actuator located within the first and second lift post assemblies and engaging with the first and second lift post assemblies and the main lift carriage, The two-post lift device according to claim 1.

11. (a) comprising a trough member extending between the upper ends of the first and second lift post assemblies, (b) The two-post lifting device according to claim 1, wherein the auxiliary lift actuator assembly has an auxiliary lift actuator that is supported by the trough member and engages with the trough member and the auxiliary lift carriage, respectively.

12. A two-post lifting device for raising and lowering a vehicle and a battery for driving the vehicle relative to a support surface, The aforementioned two-post type lift device is (a) First and second lift post assemblies, each of the first and second lift post assemblies having an inner vehicle lift guide track and an outer battery lift guide track, wherein the inner vehicle lift guide tracks are oriented in a relationship facing each other, and the outer battery lift guide tracks are oriented outward in opposite directions from each other, Equipped with, (b) Each of the inner vehicle lift guide tracks has a vehicle lift carriage that is positioned within each of the inner vehicle lift guide tracks, thereby enabling it to move along each of the inner vehicle lift guide tracks, and each of the outer battery lift guide tracks has a battery lift carriage that is positioned within each of the outer battery lift guide tracks, thereby enabling it to move along each of the outer battery lift guide tracks, The aforementioned two-post type lift device is (c) A vehicle lift actuator assembly that engages between the vehicle lift carriage and the first and second lift post assemblies and is operable to allow the movement of the vehicle lift carriage along the corresponding inner vehicle lift guide track, (d) A battery lift actuator assembly that engages between the battery lift carriage and the first and second lift post assemblies and is operable to allow the movement of the battery lift carriage along the corresponding outer battery lift guide track, Equipped with, (e) Each of the vehicle lift carriages is rotatably connected to a first and a second vehicle lift arm, which allows for selective engagement with the bottom surface of the vehicle. (f) Each of the battery lift carriages is rotatably connected to a first and a second battery lift arm, which allows for selective engagement with the bottom surface of the battery. (g) Each of the first and second vehicle lift arms is extendable and has a vehicle contact member located at the outer end of each of the first and second vehicle lift arms, thereby enabling selective positioning of the vehicle contact member with respect to the vehicle to be lifted; Each of the first and second battery lift arms is extendable and has a battery contact member located at the outer end of each of the first and second battery lift arms, thereby enabling selective positioning of the battery contact member with respect to the battery to be lifted; (h) The vehicle lift actuator assembly and the battery lift actuator assembly are operable to enable the coordinated raising and lowering of the vehicle and the battery, Two-post lifting device.

13. The aforementioned battery contact member is (a) A reinforcing member extending between the outer ends of the first and second battery lift arms related to the battery lift carriage, (b) A pair of battery contact pads positioned on the reinforcing member at intervals along the longitudinal direction of the reinforcing member, A two-post lift device according to claim 12, having the following features.

14. The aforementioned battery contact member is (a) Battery lift extensions rising from the ends of the first and second battery lift arms, (b) Reinforcement members that engage with each of the battery lift extensions, (c) A pair of battery contact pads positioned on the reinforcing member at intervals along the longitudinal direction of the reinforcing member, Equipped with, The two-post lift device according to claim 12.

15. (a) Each of the battery lift extensions has a swivel member that connects to the corresponding first and second battery lift arms, thereby enabling each of the battery lift extensions to rotate around a vertical axis. The two-post lift device according to claim 14.

16. (a) The reinforcing member engages with the battery lift extension, thereby enabling it to slide relative to the battery lift extension in the longitudinal direction of the reinforcing member. (b) Each of the battery contact pads is slidably engaged with the corresponding battery lift extension, The two-post lift device according to claim 14.

17. The aforementioned vehicle lift actuator assembly is (a) A vehicle lift actuator located within the first and second lift post assemblies and engaging with the first and second lift post assemblies and the vehicle lift carriage, The two-post lift device according to claim 12.

18. (a) The trough member extends between the upper ends of the first and second lift post assemblies, (b) The battery lift actuator assembly is supported by the trough member, and the battery lift actuator assembly engages with each of the battery lift carriages, thereby enabling the coordinated raising and lowering of the first and second battery lift arms. The two-post lift device according to claim 12.

19. (a) The first and second battery lift arms are configured to allow rotation of the first and second battery lift arms to a position that allows them to be lowered to a position sufficient to engage with the bottom surface of the vehicle located on the support surface. The two-post lift device according to claim 12.

20. A contact adapter provided on the lift arm of a two-post lift assembly, which engages with the heavy object to be lifted, (a) A contact receiving portion located at the end of the lift arm of the two-post type lift assembly, (b) A contact adapter member configured to be detachably engaged with the contact receiving portion, Equipped with, (c) The contact adapter member has an upper shape that matches the shape of the contact portion of the heavy object to be lifted, thereby suppressing slippage between the contact portion and the contact adapter member. Contact adapter.

21. (a) A contact spacer is provided which engages between the contact adapter member and the contact receiving portion to position the contact adapter member at a selected height on the lift arm of the two-post lift assembly, The contact adapter according to claim 20.

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