Vehicle lift and method for lifting a vehicle

Abstract

A vehicle lift, comprising a frame (2), a lifting device (20) attached to the frame, a lifting platform (1) attached to the lifting device, ramps (3) on either side of the lifting platform for moving the vehicle on wheels to the lifting platform. At least one of said ramps is formed as a multi-purpose ramp (3) which is in a first mode adapted to be lifted with the lifting platform (1) so that when the vehicle is lifted, the wheel to be arranged at that multi-purpose ramp is supported by that multi-purpose ramp; and in a second mode the multi-purpose ramp (3) is detached from the lifting platform (1) in such a way that, when the vehicle is lifted - preferably with the vehicle supported on the lifting platform by a lifting pad (12) - the wheel of the vehicle at that multi-purpose ramp remains free, in particular when the lifting platform has been lifted up. In a method for lifting the vehicle by the vehicle lift, one of the following may be selected as lifting configuration for each lifting area of the vehicle in the vehicle lift: supporting the vehicle from the wheel; or supporting the vehicle from underneath the vehicle so that the wheel of the corresponding lifting area of the vehicle is free.

Description

[0001] VEHICLE LIFT AND METHOD FOR LIFTING A VEHICLE

[0002] FIELD OF INVENTION

[0003] The invention relates to lifting a vehicle with a vehicle lift.

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005] It is generally known to use different lifting structures to lift a vehicle. In the known devices, the ramps are fixed stationary to the lifting platform or at least move with the lifting platform, thus lifting the vehicle, such as a passenger car, from the wheels. There are known vehicle lifting devices that lift the vehicle from the wheels, such as platform lifts. Also known are lifting structures in which the car is lifted by lifting arms supported on the lifting points of the car such as two-post lifts. In such a lifting structure, the wheels of the car are free to work.

[0006] In the devices as known before, there is no possibility to choose before driving the car onto the lifting platform whether to lift the car by the wheels or to leave the wheels free for working.

[0007] SUMMARY

[0008] An object of the invention is a new vehicle lift and a new method so that above mentioned problems can be solved. The object of the invention is achieved by a vehicle lift and a method which are characterised by what is stated in the independent patent claims. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are the subject of independent claims.

[0009] The object of the invention is to provide a new type of vehicle lift and a method that allow a more versatile choice of lifting type than previous solutions.

[0010] An object of the invention is to provide a new solution that allows a vehicle to be lifted, depending on the task to be performed by a vehicle lift, in the lifting area of each wheel, either supported by that wheel or in such a way that in that lifting area a lifting pad is installed under the vehicle, for example under the frame housing, or in a straightening task a vehicle straightening clamp is installed under the vehicle.

[0011] The vehicle lift according to the invention is defined in claim 1 . The method according to the invention is defined in claim 9.

[0012] A new vehicle lift is presented, comprising a frame, a lifting device attached to the frame, a lifting platform attached to the lifting device, and ramps on either side of the lifting platform for moving the vehicle on wheels onto the lifting platform. At least one of said ramps is formed as a multi-purpose ramp, which is: in a first mode adapted to be lifted with the lifting platform so that when the vehicle is lifted, the wheel to be arranged at that multi-purpose ramp is supported by that multi-purpose ramp; and in a second mode detached from the lifting platform in such a way that, when the vehicle is lifted - preferably with the vehicle supported on the lifting platform by a lifting pad - the wheel of the vehicle at that multi-purpose ramp remains free, in particular when the lifting platform has been lifted up.

[0013] According to an embodiment, the vehicle lift comprises 1 to 4 multipurpose ramps, preferably four multi-purpose ramps.

[0014] According to an embodiment, the multi-purpose ramp is removably attachable to be supported by the lifting platform and comprises a locking means for locking the multi-purpose ramp to the lifting platform.

[0015] According to an embodiment, the locking means comprises an eccentric such as an eccentric shaft adapted to lock the multi-purpose ramp, suspended by the lifting platform, to the lifting platform.

[0016] According to an embodiment, the multi-purpose ramp comprises at least one clamp for attaching the multi-purpose ramp to be supported by the lifting platform, and the lifting platform comprises a support member such as a locking plate adapted to co-operate with said at least one clamp.

[0017] According to an embodiment, the locking means comprises a locking lever by which the eccentric of the locking means is lockable and releasable and movable between a locked position and a release position.

[0018] According to an embodiment, the multi-purpose ramp comprises a locking plate for holding the locking lever in the locked position of the locking means.

[0019] According to an embodiment, the vehicle lift comprises a transfer beam attached to the frame and adapted to move the multi-purpose ramp, which is released from the lifting platform and attached relative to the transfer beam, in a controlled manner relative to the lifting platform.

[0020] According to an embodiment, the transfer beam is adapted to be pivoted relative to a side of the lifting platform.

[0021] According to an embodiment, the transfer beam is adapted to be positioned perpendicular to the side of the lifting platform to align at least one clamp comprised by the multi-purpose ramp relative to the side of the lifting platform in connection with the attachment of the multi-purpose ramp.

[0022] According to an embodiment, the multi-purpose ramp comprises a locking pin and the transfer beam comprises a locking hole, which in a state where they are interconnected are adapted to determine a lateral position of the multi-purpose ramp released from the lifting platform with respect to the lifting platform, in particular during moving of the vehicle to the vehicle lift.

[0023] According to an embodiment, the locking lever is adapted, when in the locked position, as a protective device to prevent the operator's foot from being placed under the multi-purpose ramp.

[0024] According to an embodiment, the vehicle lift comprises transfer ramps for moving the vehicle on wheels onto the lifting platform, the transfer ramp being attached to the first multi-purpose ramp in the direction of transfer of the vehicle onto the vehicle lift.

[0025] It is also presented a new method for lifting a vehicle by a vehicle lift, wherein arranging the vehicle supported by any vehicle lift described in this description.

[0026] According to an embodiment, in the method a support configuration of a vehicle lifting area in the vehicle lift is selected according to the work to be performed on the vehicle, preferably prior to moving the vehicle onto the vehicle lift.

[0027] According to an embodiment, in the method as lifting configuration of each lifting area of the vehicle in the vehicle lift is selected one of the following:

[0028] - supporting the vehicle from a wheel; or

[0029] - supporting the vehicle from underneath the vehicle so that the wheel of the corresponding lifting area of the vehicle is free.

[0030] According to an embodiment, in the method a lifting configuration of the vehicle in the vehicle lift is selected according to the work to be performed on the vehicle.

[0031] According to an embodiment, in the method the lifting configuration of the vehicle lift is selected prior to moving the vehicle onto the vehicle lift.

[0032] According to an embodiment, in the method when lifting the vehicle supported under the vehicle so that the vehicle wheel is free in the selected lifting area, a lifting pad is installed under the vehicle in that lifting area, preferably under a frame housing, or in a straightening operation, a clamp for straightening the vehicle. According to an embodiment, in the method when lifting the vehicle in the selected lifting area, supported from underneath the vehicle, the vehicle wheel will come off the multi-purpose ramp in that lifting area.

[0033] According to an embodiment, for each wheel lifting area, it is selectable separately whether the vehicle is to be lifted supported by the wheel, on the lifting pad or on the car clamp.

[0034] In one embodiment, the vehicle is supported on the lift from all wheels. In another embodiment, the vehicle is supported on the lift by a lifting pad or, in a straightening operation, by a straightening clamp with all wheels free. In a third embodiment, the vehicle is supported on the lift in the lifting area of each wheel independently of the other supports, either via the wheel; or by the lifting pad when that wheel is free; or in a straightening operation by the straightening clamp when that wheel is free.

[0035] Before the car is driven onto the lifting platform, it is possible to choose for each wheel lifting area whether the car will be lifted from the wheel or whether the wheel will be left free for work. With the solutions of the embodiments of the invention, changing the lifting configuration is fast. The multipurpose vehicle lift according to the invention can be used with a higher utilization rate than conventional lifts and thus more productively.

[0036] As an example, if the work to be carried out on the vehicle is only on the area to be freed from one wheel, the vehicle can be supported on multipurpose ramps for three wheels and on a lifting pad for one lifting area of the vehicle. In this case, the vehicle can be quickly transferred to the lift via the ramps and only for this single lifting area is it necessary to install a lifting pad between the lifting platform and the vehicle.

[0037] FIGURES

[0038] The invention will now be described in more detail in connection with preferred embodiments, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0039] Figure 1 shows a vehicle lifting apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention, viewed diagonally from above,

[0040] Figure 2 shows the apparatus according to Figure 1 , with multi-purpose ramps detached from a lifting platform so that they remain on the floor level when a vehicle is lifted up by lifting pads, viewed diagonally from above, Figure 3 shows a side view of the apparatus shown in Figure 1 with the vehicle driven onto the multi-purpose ramps and the lifting pads mounted on sides of the vehicle lift,

[0041] Figure 4 shows a side view of the vehicle lift shown in Figure 1 with the vehicle lifted onto it by the lifting pads when the multi-purpose ramps are down,

[0042] Figure 5 shows a side view of the vehicle lifting apparatus of Figure 1 with the lifting platform having multi-purpose ramps attached by eccentric shafts to the lifting platform, by which the vehicle is lifted,

[0043] Figure 6 shows a detail according to an embodiment of a multi-purpose ramp in a detached mode from the lifting platform,

[0044] Figure 7 shows a detail according to an embodiment at a stage where the multi-purpose ramp is attached to or detached from the lifting platform,

[0045] Figure 8 shows a detail according to an embodiment of a multi-purpose ramp in an attached and locked position to the lifting platform, and

[0046] Figure 9 shows a partial cutout of a multi-purpose ramp locked to the lifting platform to illustrate a locking implemented by an eccentric.

[0047] DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0048] The figures show a vehicle lift which comprises a frame 2, a lifting device 20 attached to the frame, a lifting platform 1 attached to the lifting device, and ramps 3 on either side of the lifting platform for moving the vehicle on wheels onto the lifting platform. The ramps under the wheels of the vehicle can be attached to and detached from the lifting platform depending on the repair needs of the vehicle, so that, for example, one to four wheels of a passenger car can be free when the car is lifted up.

[0049] At least one of the ramps 3 - in the examples of the figures four ramps 3a1 , 3a2, 3a3, 3a4 - is formed as a multi-purpose ramp 3, which is in a first mode adapted to be lifted with the lifting platform 1 - attached to the lifting platform - so that when the vehicle is lifted, the wheel to be arranged at that multi-purpose ramp is supported by that multi-purpose ramp; and in a second mode detached from the lifting platform 1 - left on the floor or generally on a support platform 30 of the lift - in such a way that, when the vehicle is lifted with the vehicle supported on the lifting platform by a lifting pad 12 - the wheel of the vehicle at that multi-purpose ramp remains free, in particular when the lifting platform has been lifted up. The vehicle can be lifted to lifting platform 1 by the vehicle lift, when lifting pads 12 are mounted, so that the vehicle is lifted as shown in Figure 4 with the wheels free.

[0050] The multi-purpose ramp 3 is removably attached to be supported by the lifting platform 1 and comprises a locking means 5 (5a1 , 5a2, 5a3, 5a4) for locking the multi-purpose ramp to the lifting platform.

[0051] The locking means comprises an eccentric 5 such as an eccentric shaft operated by a locking lever 6 and adapted to lock the multi-purpose ramp, suspended by the lifting platform, to the lifting platform. By turning the locking lever 6 (6a1 , 6a2, 6a3, 6a4), the eccentric 5 of the locking device can be locked and released and moved between a locking position and a release position.

[0052] The multi-purpose ramp 3 comprises at least one clamp K1 , K2 (K1 a, K1 b, K1 c, K1 d; K2a, K2b, K2c, K2d) for attaching the multi-purpose ramp to be supported by the lifting platform 1 . The lifting platform comprises a support member such as a locking plate 7 adapted to co-operate with the clamps K1 , K2.

[0053] The multi-purpose ramp 3 comprises a locking plate 9 (9a1 , 9a2, 9a3, 9a4) for holding the locking lever 6 in the locked position of the locking means 5.

[0054] The vehicle lift comprises a transfer beam 4 (4a1 , 4a2, 4a3, 4a3) attached to the frame 2 by which the multi-purpose ramp 3 which is released from the lifting platform 1 and attached relative to the transfer beam, can be moved in a controlled manner relative to the lifting platform, when the multipurpose ramp is locked to the transfer beam.

[0055] The transfer beam 4 can be positioned preferably in a 90° angle with respect to the frame 2 to place the multi-purpose ramp 3 perpendicularly relative the lifting platform 1 so that the clamps K1 ; K2 are placed according to Figure 3, wherein by the eccentric shaft 5 the multi-purpose ramp 3 is mounted according to Figure 8.

[0056] According to an embodiment, the transfer beam is adapted to be pivoted relative to a side of the lifting platform. In this case, the multi-purpose ramp can be pivoted to the side via a hinge to free up additional floor space for the lifting area in question. The multi-purpose ramp 3 can be moved, when attached to the transfer beam 4, to the lifting platform 1 to form the platform lift according to Figure 5.

[0057] According to an embodiment, the transfer beam 4 is adapted to be positioned perpendicular to the side of the lifting platform to align the clamps K1 ; K2 relative to the lifting platform, in particular relative to the locking plate 7, in connection with the attachment of the multi-purpose ramp.

[0058] According to an embodiment, the multi-purpose ramp 3 comprises a locking pin 10 and the transfer beam 4 comprises a locking hole, which in a state where they are interconnected are adapted to determine a lateral position of the multi-purpose ramp released from the lifting platform 1 with respect to the lifting platform, in particular during moving of the vehicle to the vehicle lift.

[0059] According to one embodiment, the transfer beam 4 comprises at least one height adjustment means 8, preferably two height adjustment screws. The height adjustment means is preferably arranged in the transfer beam 4 in connection with the locking hole of the locking pin. The height adjustment means preferably comprises integrated transfer beam height adjustment means and a multi-purpose ramp 3 guide means, which may cooperate with the locking hole.

[0060] According to an embodiment, the locking lever 6 acts in the locked position as a protective device to prevent the operator's foot from being placed under the multi-purpose ramp, in particular when lowering the lifting platform and the multi-purpose ramp attached to it.

[0061] According to an embodiment, the vehicle lift comprises transfer ramps 3.1 for moving the vehicle on wheels onto the lifting platform, the transfer ramp being attached to the first multi-purpose ramp in the direction of transfer of the vehicle onto the vehicle lift.

[0062] In a method for lifting the vehicle by the vehicle lift, the vehicle is arranged supported by the vehicle lift during the lifting.

[0063] In the method as lifting configuration of each lifting area of the vehicle in the vehicle lift can be selected one of the following:

[0064] - supporting the vehicle from a wheel; or

[0065] - supporting the vehicle from underneath the vehicle so that the wheel of the corresponding lifting area of the vehicle is free.

[0066] According to an embodiment, in the method the lifting configuration of the vehicle in the vehicle lift is selected according to the work to be performed on the vehicle.

[0067] According to an embodiment, in the method the lifting configuration of the vehicle lift is selected prior to moving the vehicle onto the vehicle lift

[0068] According to an embodiment, in the method when lifting the vehicle supported under the vehicle so that the vehicle wheel is free in the selected lifting area, a lifting pad 12 is installed under the vehicle in that lifting area, preferably under a frame housing, or in a straightening operation, a clamp for straightening the vehicle.

[0069] According to an embodiment, in the method when lifting the vehicle in the selected lifting area, supported from underneath the vehicle, the vehicle wheel will come off the multi-purpose ramp in that lifting area.

[0070] According to an embodiment, for each wheel lifting area, it is selectable separately whether the vehicle is to be lifted supported by the wheel, on the lifting pad or on the car clamp.

[0071] In one embodiment of the method, the vehicle is supported on the lift from all wheels. In another embodiment of the method, the vehicle is supported on the lift by a lifting pad or, in a straightening operation, by a straightening clamp with all wheels free. In a third embodiment of the method, the vehicle is supported on the lift in the lifting area of each wheel independently of the other supports, either via the wheel; or by the lifting pad when that wheel is free; or in a straightening operation by the straightening clamp when that wheel is free.

[0072] With the help of Figures 6 and 7, an example of the operation of the vehicle lift is described.

[0073] Figure 6 illustrates the detachment of the multi-purpose ramp 3 from the lifting platform:

[0074] - from the lifting platform 1 , the locking lever 6, 6a3 is turned away from the locking plate 9, 9a3, whereby the eccentric shaft 5, 5a3 moves to the release position, freeing the multi-purpose ramp 3,

[0075] - from the lifting platform 1 , the ramp 3 is pulled in the direction of the arrow 3a until the locking pin 10 falls into the locking hole of the transfer beam 4, after which the multi-purpose ramp 3 is positioned in the position according to Figure 6, and

[0076] - the same operation may be performed on the selected / all multipurpose ramps.

[0077] Figure 7 illustrates the attachment of the multi-purpose ramp 3 to the lifting platform:

[0078] - first, the locking pin 10 is lifted out of the locked position, the lifting platform 1 is lowered to a lower position,

[0079] - the multi-purpose ramp 3 is pushed in the direction of the arrow 3b, engaging the lifting platform 1 ,

[0080] - the lifting platform 1 is lifted until the clamps K1 , K1c; K2, K2c are aligned with the locking plate 7 on the side of the lifting platform 1 , - the locking lever 6 is turned until the locking lever reaches a locking recess of the locking plate 9, 9a3, whereupon the multi-purpose ramp is locked on the lifting platform 1 according to Figure 8, whereby with four multipurpose ramps locked, the vehicle lift operates as a platform lift ("lifting from the wheels") according to Figure 5.

[0081] It is obvious to a person skilled in the art that, as technology evolves, the basic idea of the invention can be implemented in many different ways. The invention and its embodiments are therefore not limited to the examples described above, but may vary within the scope of the claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1 . A vehicle lift, comprising a frame (2), a lifting device (20) attached to the frame, a lifting platform (1 ) attached to the lifting device, ramps (3) on either side of the lifting platform for moving the vehicle on wheels onto the lifting platform, characterised in that at least one of said ramps is formed as a multi-purpose ramp (3) which is: in a first mode adapted to be lifted with the lifting platform (1 ) so that when the vehicle is lifted, the wheel to be arranged at that multi-purpose ramp is supported by that multi-purpose ramp; and in a second mode detached from the lifting platform (1 ) in such a way that, when the vehicle is lifted - preferably with the vehicle supported on the lifting platform by a lifting pad (12) - the wheel of the vehicle at that multipurpose ramp remains free, in particular when the lifting platform has been lifted up.

2. The vehicle lift according to claim 1 , characterized in that the multi-purpose ramp (3) is removably attachable to be supported by the lifting platform (1 ) and comprises a locking means (5) for locking the multi-purpose ramp to the lifting platform.

3. The vehicle lift according to claim 2, characterized in that the locking means comprises an eccentric (5) such as an eccentric shaft adapted to lock the multi-purpose ramp (3), suspended by the lifting platform (1 ), to the lifting platform.

4. The vehicle lift according to any of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the multi-purpose ramp (3) comprises at least one clamp (K1 ; K2) for attaching the multi-purpose ramp (3) to be supported by the lifting platform (1 ), and the lifting platform (1 ) comprises a support member such as a locking plate (7) adapted to co-operate with said at least one clamp.

5. The vehicle lift according to any of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that the locking means comprises a locking lever (6) by which the eccentric(5) of the locking means is lockable and releasable and movable between a locked position and a release position, and preferably the multi-purpose ramp (3) comprises a locking plate (9) for holding the locking lever (6) in the locked position of the locking means (5).

6. The vehicle lift of any of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the vehicle lift comprises a transfer beam (4) attached to the frame (2) and adapted to move the multi-purpose ramp (3), which is released from the lifting platform (1 ) and attached relative to the transfer beam, in a controlled manner relative to the lifting platform, and preferably the transfer beam (4) is adapted to be pivoted relative to a side of the lifting platform and / or to be positioned perpendicular to the side of the lifting platform to align at least one clamp (K1 ; K2) comprised by the multi-purpose ramp (3) relative to the side of the lifting platform in connection with the attachment of the multi-purpose ramp.

7. The vehicle lift according to claim 6, characterized in that the multi-purpose ramp (3) comprises a locking pin (10) and the transfer beam (4) comprises a locking hole, which in a state where they are interconnected are adapted to determine a lateral position of the multi-purpose ramp (3) released from the lifting platform (1 ) with respect to the lifting platform, in particular during moving of the vehicle to the vehicle lift.

8. The vehicle lift according to claim 5, characterized in that the locking lever (6) is adapted, when in the locked position, as a protective device to prevent the operator's foot from being placed under the multi-purpose ramp (3).

9. A method for lifting a vehicle by a vehicle lift, characterized by arranging the vehicle supported by the vehicle lift according to any of claims 1 to 8 during lifting, preferably selecting a support configuration of a vehicle lifting area in the vehicle lift according to the work to be performed on the vehicle, preferably prior to moving the vehicle onto the vehicle lift.

10. The method according to claim 9, characterized by selecting as lifting configuration of each lifting area of the vehicle in the vehicle lift one of the following:- supporting the vehicle from a wheel with a multi-purpose ramp (3); or- supporting the vehicle from underneath the vehicle so that the wheel of the corresponding lifting area of the vehicle is free.

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