Hydraulic jack for quick lifting and related process for using

Abstract

The hydraulic jack (1) for quick lifting comprises: - one supporting frame (2); - one lifting member (3) associated with the supporting frame (2) and movable between one lifting configuration and one lowering configuration wherein it extends and retracts respectively along a direction of work (A),lifting member (3) being provided with: - one stem (4) associated with the supporting frame (2); - one liner (5) sliding around the stem (4) along the direction of work(A), the liner (5) and the stem (4) defining at least one supply chamber(3a) of one fluid; - pumping means (6, 7) activatable to send the fluid within the supply chamber (3a) and to move the lifting member in the lifting configuration; wherein the pumping means (6, 7) comprise first pumping means (6) and second pumping means (7) which can be selectively activated, at least one of either the first pumping means (6) or the second pumping means (7) being active in the lifting configuration.

Description

[0001] HYDRAULIC JACK FOR QUICK LIFTING AND RELATED PROCESS FOR USING

[0002] Technical Field

[0003] The present invention relates to a hydraulic jack for lifting a load and a process for using such hydraulic jack.

[0004] Background Art

[0005] Various types of hydraulic jacks are known, as is their use for lifting loads in various technical fields, such as e.g. for lifting earth-moving machinery or vehicles for maintenance purposes.

[0006] The hydraulic jacks of known type comprise a supporting frame provided with wheels for moving it on the ground and an extendable lifting member. The lifting member is positioned below the load and extended by supplying pressurized oil inside it.

[0007] In known systems, the oil is supplied by a pump that is usually sized for the type of application for which the hydraulic jack is intended. In fact, in addition to supplying pressurized oil, the pump must withstand the reaction of the oil once the load is lifted and block its reverse flow exiting the lifting member.

[0008] Therefore, it is common for the pump to fail as a result of high pressure stresses caused by lifting the load, allowing oil to flow out of the lifting member and thus making the jack unsafe to operate.

[0009] Furthermore, it is well known that for some applications it is necessary to lift loads quickly. However, gear pumps do have significant limitations in terms of maximum achievable operating pressures.

[0010] Therefore, it has been realized that the hydraulic jacks of known type are susceptible to certain improvements, particularly with regard to safety of use and load lifting speed.

[0011] Description of the Invention

[0012] The main aim of the present invention is to devise a hydraulic jack and a related process for using that allow the extension of the lifting member to be controlled with greater sensitivity.

[0013] A further object of the present invention is to devise a hydraulic jack and a related process for using that allow a load to be lifted more quickly and in complete safety.

[0014] An additional object of the present invention is to devise a hydraulic jack and a related process for using that allow for greater versatility and ease of use of the jack itself

[0015] Yet another object of the present invention is to devise a hydraulic jack that requires less maintenance.

[0016] Yet another object of the present invention is to devise a hydraulic jack that allows remote control and interaction and management through computer systems.

[0017] Another object of the present invention is to devise a hydraulic jack and a related process for using that allow the aforementioned drawbacks of the prior art to be overcome within a simple, rational, easy and effective to use as well as affordable solution.

[0018] The aforementioned objects are achieved by the present hydraulic jack having the characteristics of claim 1.

[0019] The aforementioned objects are achieved by the present process for using having the characteristics of claim 10.

[0020] Brief Description of the Drawings

[0021] Other characteristics and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the description of a preferred, but not exclusive, embodiment illustrated by way of an indicative yet non-limiting example, in the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0022] Figure 1 is a perspective view of the hydraulic jack according to any of the embodiments described herein;

[0023] Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the hydraulic jack in Figure 1 with some elements concealed in order to better show others;

[0024] Figure 3 is a perspective view of a detail of the hydraulic jack in accordance with the present invention;

[0025] Figure 4 shows a partial cross-section of the detail in Figure 3 along plane IV;

[0026] Figure 5 shows a block diagram of a detail of the jack according to the present invention.

[0027] Embodiments of the Invention With particular reference to these figures, reference numeral 1 is globally used to denote a hydraulic jack, particularly for the quick lifting of a load.

[0028] The hydraulic jack 1 comprises a supporting frame 2. In particular, the hydraulic jack 1 comprises movement means for moving on the ground, e.g. wheels 2a as shown in Figure 1. Alternative embodiments in which the supporting frame 2 is of the fixed-to-ground type cannot however be ruled out. Advantageously, the hydraulic jack 1 is easily movable and transportable on different types of ground, e.g. on construction sites for lifting earth-moving machinery or even in workshops for lifting vehicles.

[0029] The hydraulic jack 1 comprises a lifting member 3 associated with the supporting frame 2. In particular, the lifting member 3 is adapted to abut against a load and to lift it. The lifting member 3 is extendable along a direction of work A to move close to and away from the load to be lifted and, therefore, from the supporting frame 2. In use, the lifting member 2 is positioned below the load to be lifted and then extended to contact the load and to lift it.

[0030] In detail, the lifting member 2 is provided with at least one stem 4 and with one liner 5 sliding around the stem 4. The stem 4 is associated with the supporting frame 2. The stem 4 can be connected to the supporting frame 2 in such a way as to be locked together therewith. The liner 5 is coupled to the stem 4 so as to slide around it and movable along the direction of work.

[0031] The stem 4 and the liner 5 define a supply chamber 3 a of at least one fluid. In fact, the lifting member 3 is extended by means of the supply of a pressurized fluid inside the supply chamber. The fluid may be air or oil.

[0032] The lifting member 3 is movable, in particular, between a lifting configuration and at least one lowering configuration wherein it extends and retracts along the direction of work A, respectively.

[0033] The hydraulic jack 1 comprises pumping means 6, 7 activatable to send the fluid into the supply chamber 3 a and to move the lifting member to the lifting configuration. The pumping means 6, 7 can be activated to expel and / or remove the fluid from the supply chamber 3 a and to move the lifting member 3 to the lowering configuration.

[0034] The pumping means 6, 7 comprise first pumping means 6 and second pumping means 7 configured to send the fluid to the supply chamber 3 a to extend the lifting member 3 and to lift the load. In particular, the first and second pumping means 6, 7 are configured to send the fluid to the supply chamber 3 a to move the liner 5 and / or the stem 4 along the direction of work A.

[0035] In detail, the first pumping means 6 and the second pumping means 7 can be selectively activated. In other words, the first and the second pumping means 6, 7 can be activated or deactivated individually, depending on requirements.

[0036] As will be clarified in the remainder of this disclosure, the operation of the first pumping means 6 and of the second pumping means 7, during the lifting and / or lowering configuration, can be controlled depending on the presence or absence of a load acting on the lifting member 2 and / or depending on the extension of the lifting member 2 itself and / or depending on the weight of the load acting on the lifting member 3.

[0037] In addition, the hydraulic jack 1 comprises a tank 10 adapted to contain the fluid. The first pumping means 6 and the second pumping means 7 are in fluidic communication with the tank 10 to receive the fluid. At least one of either the first pumping means or the second pumping means 6, 7 is adapted to cause a flow of fluid from the tank towards the supply chamber 3 a and / or from the supply chamber 3a towards the tank 10.

[0038] According to one aspect, the first pumping means 6 and the second pumping means 7 are different from each other, e.g. they have different technical characteristics. In particular, the first pumping means 6 and the second pumping means 7 may have a first head and a second head, respectively. The first head and the second head are different from each other. In detail, the first head is lower than the second head. In other words, the first pumping means 6 and the second pumping means 7 have different technical and operational characteristics. In fact, the first pumping means 6 have a lower maximum operating pressure than the maximum operating pressure of the second pumping means 7.

[0039] In one embodiment, the first pumping means 6 and the second pumping means 7 do have respective maximum flow rates. The first pumping means 6 have a first maximum flow rate and the second pumping means 7 have a second maximum flow rate. The first maximum flow rate is greater than the second maximum flow rate.

[0040] In detail, the first pumping means 6 have a lower maximum pressure and higher pumping speed than the second pumping means 7.

[0041] According to one aspect, the first pumping means 6 comprise at least one gear pump 8 in fluidic communication with the supply chamber 3 a to send the fluid to the latter. In detail, the gear pump 8 is of the bidirectional type. The gear pump 8 can send the fluid to the supply chamber 3 a and can also extract the fluid from the same supply chamber.

[0042] Advantageously, the gear pump 8 is adapted to send the pressurized fluid towards the supply chamber. In addition, the gear pump 8 may be adapted to remove the fluid from the supply chamber, e.g. in the lowering configuration when the lifted load is lowered and / or the lifting member 2 is moved away from the load. In detail, the gear pump 8 is adapted to remove the fluid from the supply chamber 3a and send it to the tank 10.

[0043] According to one aspect, the gear pump 8 is configured to obstruct and / or at least partly prevent the pressurized fluid from flowing out of the supply chamber.

[0044] Conveniently, the second pumping means 7 comprise at least one reciprocating pump 9 in fluidic communication with the supply chamber. In detail, the reciprocating pump 9 is adapted to send the fluid to the latter.

[0045] According to one aspect, the gear pump 8 has a maximum flow rate, and therefore a pumping speed greater than the maximum flow rate and pumping speed of the reciprocating pump 9.

[0046] Advantageously, the gear pump 8 and the reciprocating pump 9 can be operated at the same time and individually and allow the load lifting speed to be increased and the safety of the hydraulic jack 1 to be improved.

[0047] In one embodiment, the second pumping means 7 comprise an activation assembly 12 and a plurality of reciprocating pumps 9 associated therewith. In particular, the reciprocating pumps 9 are arranged in the proximity of the activation assembly 12 so that operating the activation assembly can activate each of said plurality of reciprocating pumps 9. In detail, the reciprocating pumps 9 are arranged around the activation assembly 12.

[0048] The activation assembly 12 is coupled to each reciprocating pump 9 to individually activate each reciprocating pump and cause the fluid to be supplied to the supply chamber. In fact, each reciprocating pump is configured to send the pressurized fluid to the supply chamber 3 a when activated by the activation assembly.

[0049] According to one aspect, the activation assembly 12 comprises a cam 12a adapted to sequentially and / or selectively activate each reciprocating pump 9. In particular, in use, the movement of the cam 12a operates the reciprocating pumps 9 sequentially. More specifically, the cam 12a is configured to abut against the piston of each reciprocating pump and cause it to move when set in rotation. In fact, the rotation of the cam 12a around its own axis of rotation causes it to compress the piston of each reciprocating pump 9 of the plurality of reciprocating pumps of the second pumping means 7.

[0050] In one embodiment, the hydraulic jack 1 comprises at least one electric motor 11 operationally connected to the first pumping means 6 and / or to the second pumping means 7. The electric motor 11 is configured to activate at least one of either the first pumping means 6 or the second pumping means 7.

[0051] In detail, the hydraulic jack 1 comprises two electric motors I la, 11b, each connected to respective pumping means 6, 7. In this way, the two electric motors I la, 11b are configured to activate the respective pumping means 6, 7. In detail, one of the electric motors I la is adapted to activate the first pumping means 6, while the other of the two electric motors 1 lb is adapted to activate the second pumping means 7. Advantageously, the two electric motors I la, 11b allow the first and second pumping means 6, 7 to be selectively activated.

[0052] According to one aspect, at least one electric motor 11 is operationally connected to the activation assembly 12 of the plurality of reciprocating pumps and configured to activate said activation assembly 12. In detail, at least one electric motor 11 is operationally connected to the cam 12a and configured to set it in rotation around its own axis of rotation so that the cam 12a can cause the activation of one or more reciprocating pumps of the plurality of reciprocating pumps. According to one aspect, the hydraulic jack 1 comprises electrical energy storage means 17, preferably mounted on the supporting frame 2 and comprising one or more batteries, preferably of the rechargeable type.

[0053] In particular, the storage means 17 are configured to electrically power the jack 1, e.g. by powering one or more of the motors.

[0054] In this way, the jack 1 can be used in a substantially portable maimer, i.e., without the need for fixed connections to an external power source.

[0055] Preferably, the storage means 17 may comprise a single battery adapted to power all the electric motors 11 or one battery for each electric motor.

[0056] In one embodiment, the hydraulic jack 1 comprises a graduated valve 16 coupled to the supply chamber. The graduated valve 16 is adapted to control the passage of fluid into and / or out of the supply chamber. In other words, the graduated valve 16 allows and prevents the passage of fluid from and / or towards the supply chamber. The graduated valve 16 is activatable to allow and prevent the fluid ejection from the supply chamber. The graduated valve 16 may be of the type of a solenoid valve. It cannot be ruled out that the jack 1 may comprise two or more graduated valves 16 associated with the supply chamber 3a to allow and / or prevent the passage of fluid into and out of the supply chamber 3 a itself.

[0057] More specifically, the graduated valve 16 is configured to precisely regulate the flow of fluid into and / or out of the supply chamber, i.e., it controls the flow of fluid in a gradual and measured manner, rather than simply opening or closing the passage of the same.

[0058] For example, in the lowering configuration, the graduated valve 16 is activated to allow fluid to be ejected from the supply chamber. Conversely, in the lifting configuration, the graduated valve 16 is activated to prevent fluid from being ejected from the supply chamber.

[0059] In one embodiment, the graduated valve 16 is activated to allow and / or prevent the ejection of fluid from the supply chamber 3a depending on the presence / absence of the load acting on the lifting member 3 and / or depending on the weight of the load.

[0060] In particular, in at least part of the lowering configuration, the first pumping means 6 and the graduated valve 16 are active at the same time.

[0061] According to one aspect, in the lifting configuration, the lifting member 3 is extended along the direction of work A, substantially away from the supporting frame 2.

[0062] In particular, in this configuration, at least one of either the first pumping means 6 or the second pumping means 7 is activated.

[0063] Preferably, in at least part of the lifting configuration, the pumping means 6, 7 are activated at the same time.

[0064] In other words, during part or all of the lifting configuration, the pumping means 6, 7 are activated at the same time.

[0065] Advantageously, activating both the first and second pumping means 6, 7 in the lifting configuration allows the lifting member 3 to be extended and the load to be lifted quickly.

[0066] Usefully, in at least part of the lifting and / or lowering configuration, the pumping means 6, 7 can be selectively activated depending on the presence and / or absence of load acting on the lifting member 3.

[0067] In one embodiment, the hydraulic jack 1 comprises at least one load sensor coupled to the lifting member 3 to detect the presence or absence of a load acting on the lifting member 3.

[0068] The load sensor is adapted to detect a load acting on the lifting member and to generate loading data representative of the presence and / or absence of a load acting on the lifting member 3.

[0069] The load sensor may comprise one or more of either a load cell or a pressure sensor. Preferably, the load sensor is of the pressure switch type. The load sensor may be adapted to measure a pressure of the fluid inside the supply chamber 3a. The presence of a load acting on the lifting member is detected depending on the pressure of the fluid inside the supply chamber 3a.

[0070] The load sensor may be configured to detect and determine the weight of the load individually or aggregated with the weight of the lifting member itself or part thereof. For example, the load sensor may detect the weight of the load and of the liner of the lifting member 3.

[0071] According to one aspect, during the lifting configuration and / or during the lowering configuration, at least one of either the first pumping means 6 or the second pumping means 7 are configured to activate depending on the loading data.

[0072] In at least part of the lifting configuration and / or in at least part of the lowering configuration, the first pumping means 6 and the second pumping means 7 may be configured to be activated and deactivated depending on the presence and absence of a load in contact with the lifting member 3 and / or depending on the weight of the load acting on the lifting member 3.

[0073] According to one aspect, during the lifting configuration in the absence of a load acting on the lifting member 3, the first pumping means 6 are active to introduce the fluid into the supply chamber.

[0074] Preferably, both the first and second pumping means 6, 7 are active to send the fluid to the supply chamber 3a during the lifting configuration in the absence of a load acting on the lifting member 3.

[0075] It cannot, however, be ruled out that only the first pumping means 6 may be active, and therefore the second pumping means 7 are inactive, during the lifting configuration in the absence of load.

[0076] Advantageously, in at least part of the lifting configuration in the presence of a load acting on the lifting member 3, the second pumping means 7 are active to introduce the fluid into the supply chamber.

[0077] Preferably, both the first and second pumping means 6, 7 are active to send the fluid to the supply chamber 3 a during the lifting configuration in the presence of a load acting on the lifting member 3.

[0078] It cannot, however, be ruled out that the first pumping means 6 may be inactive and the second pumping means 7 active during the lifting configuration in the presence of a load.

[0079] According to one aspect, during the lowering configuration in the presence of a load acting on the lifting member 3, the graduated valve 16 is active to allow the fluid to be ejected from the supply chamber.

[0080] Preferably, the graduated valve 16 is active to remove the fluid from the supply chamber 3 a and the first pumping means 6 are inactive during the lowering configuration in the presence of a load. Even more preferably, both the first and second pumping means 6, 7 are inactive and the graduated valve 16 is active during the lowering configuration in the presence of a load.

[0081] It cannot, however, be ruled out that the first pumping means 6 may be active to remove the fluid from the supply chamber during the lowering configuration in the presence of a load.

[0082] Usefully, during the lowering configuration, in the absence of a load acting on the lifting member 3, the first pumping means 6 are active to remove the fluid from the supply chamber 3a and the second pumping means 7 are inactive.

[0083] Preferably, both the graduated valve 16 and the first pumping means 6 are active to remove the fluid from the supply chamber 3 a during the lowering configuration in the absence of a load.

[0084] It cannot, however, be ruled out that the graduated valve 16 may be inactive in at least part of the lowering configuration in the absence of a load.

[0085] In one preferred embodiment of the present invention, in the lifting configuration: in the absence of load, both the first and second pumping means 6, 7 are active and the graduated valve 16 is inactive; in the presence of load, the first pumping means 6 are inactive, the second pumping means 7 are active, and the graduated valve 16 is inactive.

[0086] Furthermore, in the lowering configuration: in the absence of load, the graduated valve 16 and the first pumping means 6 are active and the second pumping means 7 are inactive; in the presence of load, the graduated valve 16 is active and the first and second pumping means 6, 7 are inactive.

[0087] According to one aspect, as can be seen from the present description, the first pumping means 6 are bidirectional and are configured to send the fluid to the supply chamber 3 a and to remove the fluid from the supply chamber.

[0088] In one embodiment, the first pumping means 6, preferably the gear pump 8, are connected to the supply chamber 3a through a respective valve operated in conjunction with such first pumping means 6. In other words, the first pumping means 6, preferably the gear pump, are placed in fluidic communication with the supply chamber 3a by means of the respective valve.

[0089] In one embodiment, the hydraulic jack 1 comprises a gripping portion 13 adapted to be grasped by a user when moving the hydraulic jack 1. Advantageously, the gripping portion 13 allows providing an ergonomic grip for the user so that the user can displace the hydraulic jack quickly and safely on the ground.

[0090] In addition, the hydraulic jack 1 may comprise a command device 14 in signal communication (e.g., via cable and / or wirelessly) with the first pumping means 6 and / or with the second pumping means 7 (e.g., via the electric motor(s)) to activate such pumping means. In detail, the command device 14 can be used by a user to switch the lifting member 3 between the lifting configuration and the lowering configuration. More specifically, the command device 14 is in signal communication with at least one electric motor 11 to control the operation thereof.

[0091] The command device 14 can allow a user to control the operation of one or more components of the hydraulic jack remotely.

[0092] According to one aspect, the command device 14 may comprise a first button 18 for moving or maintaining the lifting member in the lifting configuration when pressed by a user.

[0093] The command device 14 may comprise a second button 19 configured to move or maintain the lifting member 3 in the lowering configuration when pressed by a user.

[0094] In one embodiment, the jack 1 comprises a user interface adapted to display information relating to the operation of the lift. The user interface is in signal communication with one or more of the components described herein and forming part of the jack 1, such as e.g. the storage means, the first pumping means 6, the second pumping means 7, and / or the graduated valve.

[0095] In particular, the user interface may comprise a screen adapted to display said operational information. For example, the user interface is adapted to display a charge level of one or more batteries.

[0096] The user interface may comprise a visual and / or audible alert system configured to alert the user of the jack to a critical charge level of one or more batteries. For example, the alert system may be configured to emit an audible signal to the user when the charge of one or more batteries is less than a threshold value, e.g., 30% of the maximum charge capacity of one or more batteries.

[0097] According to one aspect, the jack 1 may comprise a switch actuatable by a user and adapted to connect and disconnect the storage means and the electric motors. In other words, the switch is adapted to turn the jack 1 on and off to enable and prevent the operation thereof, respectively.

[0098] In addition, the jack 1 may be provided with a timer adapted to switch off one or more electric motors and / or adapted to interrupt the electrical connection between one or more motors and the storage means. The timer may be associated with the switch and configured to interrupt the power supply to the electric motors depending on the use of said first and second buttons. In other words, the timer is adapted to interrupt the supply of electricity to the motors after a period of time during which the first and second pumping means are not activated.

[0099] Advantageously, the jack 1 comprises a control unit 20 configured to command the first pumping means 6, the second pumping means 7, and / or the graduated valve 16 in a substantially automatic or semi-automatic maimer, e.g. to move the jack 1 in the lifting and / or lowering configuration.

[0100] In particular, the control unit 20 is configured to command the first pumping means 6, the second pumping means 7 and / or the graduated valve 16 in a substantially automatic or semi-automatic manner during the lifting and / or lowering configuration depending on the presence and absence of the load.

[0101] Preferably, the command device 14 is operationally connected to the pumping means 6, 7 (e.g., via the electric motor(s)) and / or to the graduated valve 16 by interposition of the control unit 20.

[0102] In other words, via the command device 14, the user sends one or more signals (e.g., a lifting and / or lowering signal) to the control unit 20, which then commands the jack 1, the first pumping means 6, the second pumping means 7, and / or the graduated valve 16 accordingly.

[0103] In particular, the user sends these signals (e.g., the lifting and / or lowering signal) to the control unit 20 by means of the first button and / or the second button.

[0104] Advantageously, the control unit 20 is configured to selectively activate and / or deactivate the first pumping means 6 and the second pumping means 7 during the lifting configuration, e.g. depending on the presence and absence of the load.

[0105] Conveniently, the control unit 20 is configured to selectively activate and / or deactivate the first pumping means 6 and the graduated valve 16 during the lowering configuration, e.g. depending on the presence and absence of the load. In this way, during the lifting and / or lowering configuration, the control unit 20 activates and / or deactivates the first pumping means 6, the second pumping means 7, and / or the graduated valve in a substantially automatic or semiautomatic maimer, e.g., depending on the presence and absence of the load.

[0106] In one embodiment, the hydraulic jack 1 comprises connection means 15 electrically connected, preferably in a removable manner, to a source of electrical energy, such as e.g. an electrical network and / or an electrical energy generator, so as to electrically power one or more of the electric motors and / or the storage means.

[0107] In this way, the connection means 15 allow both to directly power the jack 15, substantially maintaining the latter electrically connected to the power source, and to electrically recharge one or more of the batteries, substantially allowing the latter to power one or more of the motors.

[0108] More specifically, the use of the storage means allows the jack 1 to be used in a portable manner, i.e., disconnected from the power source.

[0109] Preferably, the electrical connection means 15 are suitable for indoor and outdoor applications, i.e., for example, suitable for use in the presence of moisture and water.

[0110] In particular, the connection means 15 are manufactured in accordance with IP54 classification or higher.

[0111] According to a further aspect, the present invention relates to a process for using the hydraulic jack 1 in accordance with the present description.

[0112] The process comprises the phase of providing at least one hydraulic jack 1 and the phase of extending the lifting member 2 along the direction of work A to lift a load arranged above the lifting member 3.

[0113] The phase of extending the lifting member 3 comprises moving the liner 5 with respect to the stem 4 along the direction of work A.

[0114] In detail, extending the lifting member 3 comprises selectively activating the first pumping means 6 and / or the second pumping means 7 to send the fluid to the supply chamber.

[0115] According to one aspect, the phase of extending the lifting member 3 comprises the sub-phase of at least partly activating at the same time the first pumping means 6 and the second pumping means 7.

[0116] The process for using may comprise the phase of detecting the presence of a load acting on the lifting member 3. In detail, the phase of activating the first pumping means 6 is carried out in the absence of the load on the lifting member 3. The phase of activating the second pumping means 7 is carried out in the presence of the load on the lifting member 3.

[0117] In other words, the first pumping means 6 are activated as long as the lifting member 3 is not in contact with the load. Conversely, the second pumping means 7 can be activated in both cases, whether the lifting member 3 is in contact with the load or not. Advantageously, activating the first pumping means 6 for moving the lifting member 3 only in the absence of the load allows the operation of the first pumping means 6 themselves to be preserved, preventing these from being subjected to excessive pressure. It cannot, however, be ruled out that the first pumping means 6 may be activated in the lifting configuration even in the presence of a load.

[0118] The process for using comprises the phase of retracting the lifting member 3 along the direction of work A. Retracting the lifting member 3 comprises one or more sub-phases among: activating the graduated valve 16 to allow the fluid to be ejected from the supply chamber, and / or activating the first pumping means 6 to remove the fluid from the supply chamber.

[0119] In detail, the phase of activating the graduated valve 16 to allow the fluid to be ejected from the supply chamber 3a is carried out before the phase of activating the first pumping means 6 to remove the fluid from the supply chamber. The phase of activating the graduated valve 16 to allow the fluid to be ejected from the chamber and the phase of activating the first pumping means 6 to remove the fluid may be carried out at least partly at the same time.

[0120] In particular, the phase of retracting the lifting member 3 comprises the subphase of maintaining the second pumping means 7 deactivated.

[0121] Preferably, according to the invention, steps or phases are meant to be comprised in the process for using one or more of the operations carried out by one or more of the components of the hydraulic jack 1 and which are generally anticipated in this disclosure by the term “configured to” or equivalent terms. These phases or steps are preferably, but not necessarily, carried out by the same components in question and / or by the hydraulic jack 1 for the execution of the process itself.

[0122] Usefully, the process and / or one or more of the phases are carried out automatically or semi-automatically by the control unit 20.

[0123] It has, in practice, been ascertained that the described invention achieves the intended objects.

[0124] In particular, it should be noted that the pumping means allow the extension of the lifting member to be controlled with greater sensitivity.

[0125] Furthermore, the pumping means allow a load to be lifted more quickly and in complete safety.

[0126] In addition, the lifting and lowering configuration allows for greater versatility and ease of use of the jack itself.

[0127] Furthermore, the use of one or more electric motors reduces the maintenance required by the jack.

[0128] In addition, the use of one or more electric motors allows the jack to be controlled, interacted with, and managed through computer systems.

Claims

1.CLAIMS1) Hydraulic jack (1) for quick lifting, comprising: at least one supporting frame (2); at least one lifting member (3) associated with said supporting frame (2) and movable between at least one lifting configuration and at least one lowering configuration wherein it extends and retracts respectively along a direction of work (A), said lifting member (3) being provided with: at least one stem (4) associated with said supporting frame (2); at least one liner (5) sliding around said stem (4) along said direction of work (A), said liner (5) and said stem (4) defining at least one supply chamber (3 a) of at least one fluid; pumping means (6, 7) activatable to send said fluid within the supply chamber (3 a) and to move said lifting member in said lifting configuration; characterized by the fact that said pumping means (6, 7) comprise first pumping means (6) and second pumping means (7) which can be selectively activated, at least one of either said first pumping means (6) or said second pumping means (7) being active in said lifting configuration.2) Hydraulic jack (1) according to claim 1, wherein: said first pumping means (6) and said second pumping means (7) have a first head and a second head respectively, the first head of the first pumping means (6) being less than the second head of the second pumping means (7), and / or said first pumping means (6) and said second pumping means (7) have a first maximum flow rate and a second maximum flow rate respectively, the first maximum flow rate being greater than the second maximum flow rate.3) Hydraulic jack (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: said first pumping means (6) comprise at least one gear pump (8) in fluidic communication with said supply chamber (3 a) to send and / or to extract said fluid, and / or said second pumping means (7) comprise at least one reciprocating pump (9) in fluidic communication with said supply chamber (3 a) to send said fluid.4) Hydraulic jack (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said second pumping means (7) comprise an activation assembly (12) and a plurality of reciprocating pumps (9) in fluidic communication with the supply chamber (3a), the activation assembly (12) being coupled to the plurality of reciprocating pumps (9) to individually activate each reciprocating pump (9) and cause said fluid to be sent to said supply chamber (3 a).5) Hydraulic jack (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising at least one electric motor (11) operationally connected to at least one of either said first pumping means (6) or said second pumping means (7), said electric motor (11) being configured to activate at least one of either said first pumping means or said second pumping means (6, 7).6) Hydraulic jack (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a graduated valve (16) coupled to the supply chamber (3 a) and activatable to allow / prevent fluid ejection from the supply chamber (3a), said graduated valve (16) being active in said lowering configuration to allow fluid ejection from the supply chamber (3 a).7) Hydraulic jack (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: in at least part of said lifting configuration, said first pumping means (6) and said second pumping means (7) are active at the same time, and / or in at least part of said lowering configuration said first pumping means (6) and said graduated valve (16) are active at the same time.8) Hydraulic jack (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: during said lifting and / or lowering configuration said first pumping means (6) and said second pumping means (7) are configured to be activated and deactivated depending on the presence and absence of a load acting on said lifting member (3), and / or said hydraulic jack (1) comprises at least one load sensor coupled to the lifting member (3) and adapted to detect a load arranged on said lifting member (3) and to generate one or more load data representative of the presence and / or absence of a load acting on said lifting member (3), said first pumping means (6) and / or said second pumping means (7) being activated and / or deactivated depending on said load data during said liftingand / or lowering configuration.9) Hydraulic jack (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: during said lifting configuration, in the absence of a load acting on said lifting member (3), said first pumping means (6) are active to introduce fluid into the supply chamber (3 a), and / or during said lifting configuration, in the presence of a load acting on said lifting member (3), said second means are active to introduce fluid into the supply chamber (3a), and / or during said lowering configuration, in the presence of a load acting on said lifting member (3), said graduated valve (16) is active to allow fluid to be ejected from the supply chamber (3a), and / or during said lowering configuration, in the absence of a load acting on said lifting member (3), said first pumping means (6) are active to remove fluid from the supply chamber (3 a), said first pumping means (6) being bidirectional.10) Process for using a hydraulic jack (1), comprising: providing at least one hydraulic jack (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, extending the lifting member (3) along the direction of work (A) to lift a load, wherein extending said lifting member (3) comprises selectively activating said first pumping means (6) and / or said second pumping means (7) to send said fluid to the supply chamber (3 a).

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