Elevating apparatus for lifting at least one wheel of a motorcycle, tricycle or quadricycle

Abstract

The invention relates to an elevating apparatus (1) for lifting an oscillating arm (90) and at least one wheel (91) of a motorcycle, tricycle or quadricycle, the elevating apparatus (1) comprising two lifting devices (2) that are spaced apart from one another to allow positioning of the wheel (91) between the two lifting devices (2) and that can be configured between a lowered configuration and a raised configuration, wherein the two lifting devices (2) are interconnected by a control connection (5), which allows for lifting and lowering control of the two lifting devices (2), and by a mechanical connection, which is adjustable in order to allow the spacing between the two lifting devices (2) to be adjusted. Each of the two lifting devices (2) comprises a base provided to rest on the ground, a support (24) provided for supporting a lateral arm (92) of the oscillating arm (90), and an actuator (21) coupled to the support (24) for lifting / lowering the support (24).

Description

[0001] DESCRIPTION

[0002] TITLE: Lifting device for lifting at least one wheel of a motorcycle, tricycle or quadricycle

[0003] [Technical field]

[0004] The invention relates to a lifting device for lifting together a swing arm and at least one wheel of a two-wheeled or three-wheeled motorcycle, or of a quadricycle, also called a quad, such as an ATV for "All-Terrain Vehicle" or an SSV for "Side by Side Vehicle".

[0005] Such a lifting device finds a favorite, but not limited, application for carrying out maintenance or repair operations on the motorcycle, tricycle or quadricycle, such as for example the maintenance of a transmission chain, the changing of a tire, the changing of brake pads or discs, etc.

[0006] [State of the art]

[0007] It is common to use a paddock stand (or workshop stand), which is a U-shaped structure with wheels and two legs that support the motorcycle's swingarm. However, such a stand is impractical because, when working alone, it requires holding the motorcycle with one hand while simultaneously supporting the stand with the other to raise the motorcycle vertically and then pressing down on the stand to lift it. This operation is both complex and prone to falls and accidents.

[0008] It is also known, notably from document EP3878796, to employ a lifting device which is in the form of a scissor mechanism on which a platform is mounted and coupled to a jack allowing the scissor mechanism and therefore the platform to be raised / lowered.

[0009] This lifting device is only suitable for motorcycles with a flat bottom or shoe that can be supported on the platform, such as certain models of "trail", "motocross" or "enduro" motorcycles, which greatly limits its use.

[0010] The prior art can also be illustrated by the teachings of document EP2444358, which proposes a lifting device for a light vehicle such as a motorcycle or quadricycle. This device comprises two scissor mechanisms on which two respective platforms are mounted and coupled to jacks that allow the two platforms to be lowered synchronously. It also describes the possibility of bringing the two platforms closer together or further apart depending on the vehicle's wheelbase, as such a lifting device is designed to lift the entire vehicle. Thus, for a motorcycle, the two platforms are brought closer together to allow both wheels to rest on both platforms, and for a quadricycle, the two platforms are moved further apart to allow the two right wheels to rest on the right platform and the two left wheels on the left platform.However, such a lifting device is unsuitable for maintenance operations such as changing a tire or changing a chain, because the entire vehicle is lifted.

[0011] [Summary of the invention]

[0012] The invention aims to resolve in whole or in part the aforementioned drawbacks, by proposing a lifting device that can be used for a large number of motorcycles and quadricycles.

[0013] Another goal of the invention is to have a robust and reliable lifting solution over time.

[0014] To this end, the invention proposes a lifting device for lifting a swing arm and at least one wheel of a motorcycle, tricycle or quadricycle, this lifting device comprising two lifting devices spaced apart to allow positioning of the wheel between the two lifting devices and configurable between a lowered configuration and a raised configuration, and in which the two lifting devices are connected to a control system allowing lifting and lowering control of the two lifting devices and the two lifting devices are connected to each other by a mechanical link which is adjustable in order to allow adjustment of the spacing between the two lifting devices.

[0015] Furthermore, each of the two lifting devices includes a base intended to rest on a floor, a support intended to support a lateral branch of the swing arm, and an actuator coupled to the support to raise / lower said support, and in which the control link is established between the actuators of the two lifting devices.

[0016] Thus, the invention proposes to use two lifting devices, which allow the swing arm and therefore the wheel or wheels of the motorcycle, tricycle or quadricycle which is or are coupled to the swing arm to be raised / lowered together.

[0017] In this way, this lifting device can be used without difficulty by a single person; it is enough to position the wheel between the two lifting devices, to position the lateral arms of the swing arm above the two lifting devices and then to command the lifting of the two lifting devices by means of the control system so as to lift the two lateral arms of the swing arm and thus lift the wheel or wheels which is or are coupled to this swing arm; this control system can be electronic, hydraulic or pneumatic.

[0018] The ability to adjust the spacing between the two lifting devices, thanks to the mechanical link between the two lifting devices, advantageously allows adaptation to different spacing widths between the two lateral arms of the swing arm.

[0019] Depending on one possibility, the control system is configured for symmetrical control in lifting and lowering of the two lifting devices.

[0020] In other words, the two lifting devices can be controlled symmetrically in order to raise / lower the swing arm symmetrically, that is to say that the two lifting devices go up and down at the same time and to the same height and therefore symmetrically, for example in the case where the ground is horizontal.

[0021] Advantageously, the control system is configured for symmetrical and asymmetrical control in lifting and lowering of both lifting devices.

[0022] In other words, this control system allows the two lifting devices to be controlled symmetrically, as described above, and it also allows the two lifting devices to be controlled asymmetrically, which is advantageous if the ground is not flat or is sloping; the two lifting devices being configured for vertical lifts.

[0023] The two lifting devices are controlled asymmetrically in order to raise / lower the swing arm asymmetrically, that is to say the two lifting devices go up and down with a height offset of one relative to the other and therefore asymmetrically, for example in the case where the swing arm is asymmetric or in the case where the ground is not horizontal and is therefore sloping (which leads to a height offset between the two lifting devices).

[0024] This asymmetry in the lifting of the two lifting devices can be adapted / adjusted to compensate for this slope or height difference so that the swing arm is raised / lowered in a vertical direction.

[0025] In a first embodiment, the control system includes a setting system to adjust a time lag in the activation of the two lifting devices, so that if the time lag is zero then the two lifting devices are activated at the same time and therefore symmetrically, and if the time lag is non-zero then the two lifting devices are activated with this time lag and therefore asymmetrically.

[0026] This adjustment system allows for setting this time lag before activating the lifting or lowering of the two lifting devices. Thus, in the case of a slope, the adjustment system allows for adjusting the time lag between the two lifting devices (i.e., the two lifting devices are not activated simultaneously and are therefore desynchronized) in order to create the asymmetry that will compensate for the slope.

[0027] This adjustment system can be automated, for example by using one or more sensors to assess a flatness defect or a slope, and / or be manual, with adjustment by the user.

[0028] In a second embodiment, the two lifting devices are height-adjustable to set a height difference between the two lifting devices, so that if the height difference is zero then the two lifting devices are activated at the same time and therefore symmetrically, and if the height difference is non-zero then the two lifting devices are activated at the same time with this height difference and therefore asymmetrically.

[0029] In other words, it is enough to adjust the height of the two lifting devices at the start, creating a height offset to compensate for, for example, a lack of flatness or a slope, so that the two lifting devices can be operated at the same time but with distinct starting vertical positions.

[0030] It should be noted that the first implementation (the one with the time offset) and the second implementation (the one with the height offset) can be considered alone or in combination.

[0031] Advantageously, the mechanical link features a scale allowing visualization of the distance between the two lifting devices.

[0032] Thus, this graduation allows the position of each of the two lifting devices to be located and therefore the spacing between them to be managed.

[0033] Advantageously, the mechanical link is established between the bases of the two lifting devices.

[0034] Thus, the spacing adjustment is made at the base of the lifting devices, for improved stability of the lifting equipment, regardless of the spacing and therefore the wheel model. According to one characteristic, the mechanical linkage comprises a connecting bar having two opposing ends mounted on the respective bases of the two lifting devices, where the base of at least one of the two lifting devices includes a slide in which the corresponding end of the connecting bar is slidably mounted, and a clamping element is provided on the slide to cooperate with said end in order to lock / release the sliding of said end and thus adjust the spacing between the two lifting devices.

[0035] In this way, it is sufficient to loosen the clamping element to free the sliding of the connecting bar in the slide, and thus allow the spacing to be adjusted, then to tighten the clamping element to block the connecting bar and lock the spacing between the two lifting devices.

[0036] According to one possibility, the base of each of the two lifting devices has the slide on which the clamping element is provided.

[0037] Thus, the spacing can be adjusted in one and / or the other of the two slides.

[0038] According to another possibility, the lifting device includes a chute mounted on the connecting bar to receive and guide the wheel in the chute between the two lifting devices.

[0039] Such a chute allows the wheel to be centered between the two lifting devices, and to be held in place before initiating the lifting.

[0040] According to one possibility, the channel is adjustable in position on the connecting bar, in order to be able to adjust the channel deliberately off-center in the case of a swing arm for which the wheel is not in the center (asymmetry in the direction of the wheel axis).

[0041] According to another possibility, for each of the two lifting devices, the actuator is a cylinder comprising a cylinder body articulated on the base and a cylinder rod having a free end on which the support is mounted.

[0042] The use of jacks is advantageous because they can easily be synchronized or desynchronized in the deployment of their jack rods (lifting direction) and in the retraction of their jack rods (lowering direction).

[0043] In a particular embodiment, each of the two lifting devices includes an articulated structure mechanically linking the base to the support, reinforcing the cylinder.

[0044] Each cylinder can thus be associated with such an articulated structure, which reinforces the cylinder's mechanical strength, particularly under horizontal stress. Alternatively, each cylinder can be provided individually, i.e., without such an articulated structure.

[0045] According to one possibility, for each of the two lifting devices, the articulated structure comprises a lower arm fixed to the base and having a free end, and a movable upper arm having a first end and a second end opposite each other, where the first end of the movable upper arm is articulated on the free end of the lower arm, and the second end of the movable upper arm is articulated on the support.

[0046] In an advantageous embodiment, the control system includes a control pedal connected to at least one of the actuators of the two lifting devices, to allow, by pressing on said control pedal, a lifting or lowering of the two lifting devices.

[0047] Thus, the user keeps their hands free, for example to hold the motorcycle, tricycle or quadricycle, during lifting and lowering.

[0048] The invention also relates to a method for lifting a swing arm and at least one wheel of a motorcycle, tricycle or quadricycle, said swing arm having two lateral arms extending on either side of the wheel, said method employing a lifting device as described above and comprising:

[0049] - an adjustment step consisting of adjusting the spacing between the two lifting devices according to a spacing width between the two lateral branches of the swing arm, by acting on the mechanical link;

[0050] - a positioning step consisting of positioning the wheel between the two lifting devices, in order to bring the two lateral arms of the swing arm above the supports of the two respective lifting devices; and

[0051] - a lifting step consisting of carrying out a lifting command of the two lifting devices so that the supports of the two lifting devices come into contact with the two respective lateral branches of the swing arm and lift said swing arm with the wheel to a given height.

[0052] According to one variant, the lifting control of the two lifting devices is a symmetrical control; in other words, the two lifting devices are controlled symmetrically and therefore symmetrically.

[0053] According to another variant, the lifting control of the two lifting devices is chosen between symmetrical control and asymmetrical control; in other words, the user can choose either that the two lifting devices are controlled symmetrically (if the ground is flat and horizontal), or that the two lifting devices are controlled asymmetrically (if the ground has a lack of flatness and / or a slope).

[0054] In a first embodiment, the process includes a step of setting a time offset in the activation of the two lifting devices, so that if the time offset is zero then the two lifting devices are activated at the same time and therefore symmetrically for the symmetric control, and if the time offset is non-zero then the two lifting devices are activated with this time offset and therefore asymmetrically for the asymmetric control.

[0055] This time offset setting step is performed before the lifting step, and the time offset can be set according to a symmetry / asymmetry of the swing arm and / or according to a horizontality / non-horizontality of the ground on which the lifting device rests.

[0056] In a second embodiment, the process includes a step of adjusting a height offset between the two lifting devices, so that if the height offset is zero then the two lifting devices are activated at the same time and therefore symmetrically, and if the height offset is non-zero then the two lifting devices are activated at the same time with this height offset and therefore asymmetrically.

[0057] This height offset adjustment step is performed before the lifting step, and the height offset can be adjusted according to a symmetry / asymmetry of the swing arm and / or according to a horizontality / non-horizontality of the ground on which the lifting device rests.

[0058] It is also possible to combine the first implementation with the second implementation, so that the two lifting devices are activated with a height offset and with a time offset.

[0059] [Brief description of the figures]

[0060] Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, of a non-limiting example of implementation, made with reference to the accompanying figures in which:

[0061] Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of a lifting device according to the invention, in the lowered configuration and with a first gap between the two lifting devices;

[0062] Figure 2 is a schematic perspective view of the lifting device of Figure 1, in the lowered configuration and with a second spacing between the two lifting devices, which is greater than the first spacing; Figure 3 is a schematic perspective view of the lifting device of Figure 1, in the lowered configuration and with a wheel positioned between the two lifting devices, which wheel being connected to a swing arm with two lateral arms;

[0063] Figure 4 is a schematic side view of the lifting device in Figure 3, in the lowered configuration and with the wheel positioned between the two lifting devices;

[0064] Figure 5 is a schematic perspective view of the lifting device of Figure 3, in the raised configuration which provides the lifting of the wheel and the swing arm, the swing arm having its two lateral branches resting on the supports of the two lifting devices;

[0065] Figure 6 is a schematic side view of the lifting device of Figure 5, in the raised configuration and with the wheel and swing arm lifted by the two lifting devices.

[0066] [Detailed description of one or more embodiments of the invention]

[0067] The Figures illustrate a lifting device 1 for lifting a swing arm 90 and at least one wheel 91 of a motorcycle, tricycle or quadricycle; this swing arm 90 having two lateral arms 92 extending on either side of the wheel 91 and coupled to the wheel 91.

[0068] In the illustrated example, the swing arm 90 is coupled to a single wheel 91, but in other variants, such as for a quadricycle, the swing arm 90 can be coupled to two wheels 91, so that the lifting device 1 can lift the swing arm 90 and the two wheels 91 coupled to it.

[0069] This lifting device 1 comprises two lifting devices 2 which are connected to each other by a mechanical link 3. Each lifting device 2 is configurable between a lowered configuration (visible in Figures 1 to 4) and a raised configuration (visible in Figures 5 and 6), in order to place the wheel 91 between the two lifting devices 2 and raise the swing arm 90 with the wheel 91 to a given height to lift the wheel 91 off the ground.

[0070] Each lifting device 2 includes:

[0071] - a base 20 designed to rest on the ground;

[0072] - a cylinder 21 comprising a cylinder body 22 articulated on the base 20 and a cylinder rod 23 having a free end 231;

[0073] - a support 24 mounted (or articulated) on the free end 231 of the cylinder rod 23;

[0074] - an articulated structure 25 mechanically connecting the base 20 to the support 24, in reinforcement of the cylinder 21, such an articulated structure 25 comprising a lower arm 26 fixed on the base 20 and having a free end 261, and a movable upper arm Tl having a first end 271 and a second end T1 opposite, where the first end 271 of the movable upper arm Tl is articulated on the free end 261 of the lower arm 26, and the second end T1 of the movable upper arm Tl is articulated on the support 24 or on the free end 231 of the cylinder rod 23.

[0075] The support 24 is designed to bear against one of the two lateral arms 92 of the swing arm 90, so that the cylinder 21 can push from below this lateral arm 92 when its cylinder rod 23 is deployed. Thus, the cylinder 21 forms an actuator coupled to the support 24 to raise / lower this support 24, and therefore to raise / lower the corresponding lateral arm 92; the wheel 91 being mounted on the lateral arms 92 of the swing arm 90, it follows the movement of these lateral arms 92.

[0076] The support 24 can be made of an elastically deformable material. The cylinder 21 can be mounted on the base 20 so that the cylinder rod 23 is substantially vertical when fully extended, i.e., vertical to within ±10 degrees.

[0077] The lower arm 26 is fixed to the base 20 and extends obliquely at an angle between 30 and 70 degrees from the vertical. In the illustrated example, the lower arm 26 and the base 20 are a single unit, forming a single piece, for example, made of sheet metal or steel. During the deployment of the cylinder rod 23 (and thus during lifting), the movable upper arm T1 has its second end TT1 which rises with the support 24, and its first end 271 which pivots on the free end 261 of the lower arm 26.

[0078] Thus, the articulated structure 25 helps to distribute the forces exerted on the support 24 by the motorcycle, tricycle or quadricycle, both in the cylinder rod 23 and in the upper movable arm Tl of this articulated structure 25; so that this articulated structure 25 contributes to the reinforcement of the lifting device 2 and therefore improves the overall mechanical strength of the lifting device 1, in particular to cope with horizontal stresses on the cylinder rods 23.

[0079] The two lifting devices 2 are connected to each other by the mechanical link 3 which keeps the two lifting devices 2 apart so that the wheel 91 can be positioned between the two lifting devices 2. This mechanical link 3 is adjustable to allow adjustment of the spacing between the two lifting devices 2, according to the width of the gap between the two lateral arms 92. Once the adjustment has been made, the mechanical link 3 can be locked to permanently connect the two lifting devices 2 to each other.

[0080] In the illustrated example, the mechanical linkage 3 comprises a connecting bar 30 having two opposite ends 31 which are mounted on the respective bases 20 of the two lifting devices 2. More specifically, the base 20 of each of the two lifting devices 2 comprises a slide 28 in which the corresponding end 31 of the connecting bar 30 is slidably mounted, and a clamping member 29 is provided on the slide 28 to cooperate with said end 31 in order to block / release the sliding of said end 31 and thus adjust the spacing between the two lifting devices 2.

[0081] This clamping element 29 is here in the form of a screw which, when screwed in, comes into contact with the end 31 of the connecting bar 30 or fits into an oblong slot 32 (visible in particular in Figure 1) provided in this end 31 in order to lock it and, when unscrewed, leaves the contact with the end 31 of the connecting bar 30 or moves out of the oblong slot 32 provided in this end 31, in order to release it by sliding.

[0082] Thus, it is sufficient to loosen the clamping elements 29 to adjust the spacing between the two lifting devices 2, and then tighten the clamping elements 29 to lock the position. In Figure 1, the spacing between the two lifting devices 2 is at a first spacing value El (which corresponds here to the minimum value for this spacing), in Figure 2, the spacing between the two lifting devices 2 is at a second spacing value E2 (which corresponds here to the maximum value for this spacing), and in Figure 3, the spacing between the two lifting devices 2 is at a third spacing value E3, which is intermediate between the values ​​El and E2 and which has been adjusted according to the spacing width between the two lateral arms 92.

[0083] Furthermore, a chute 4 is mounted on the connecting bar 30 to receive and guide the wheel 91 in the chute between the two lifting devices 2.

[0084] In an unillustrated version, the connecting bar 30 is equipped with a graduation which allows the position of each of the two lifting devices 2 to be located, and therefore the spacing between them to be managed as well as the centering / decentering of the chute 4.

[0085] This lifting device 1 also includes a control system 5 for controlling the two lifting devices 2 in lifting and lowering positions. This control system 5 includes a control link 50 that connects the two lifting devices 2; this control link 50 is schematically represented as a cable in Figures 3 and 5. As can be seen in Figures 3 and 5, this control link 50 can pass over the rear (the side opposite the cylinders 21) so that the wheel 91 does not roll over it; this wheel 91 being engaged at the front (on the side of the cylinders 21).

[0086] This control system 5 allows symmetrical control in lifting and lowering of the two lifting devices 2.

[0087] Optionally and advantageously, this control system 5 also allows asymmetrical control in lifting and lowering of the two lifting devices 2, so that the user has the choice between symmetrical control (lifting and lowering of the two lifting devices 2 symmetrically) and asymmetrical control (lifting and lowering of the two lifting devices 2 asymmetrically).

[0088] Thus, this control link 50 is established between the cylinders 21 of the two lifting devices 2 in order to deploy / retract the cylinder rods 23 symmetrically or asymmetrically; the aim being to raise / lower symmetrically or asymmetrically the two lateral arms 92 of the swing arm 90. This control link 50 can be electrical, mechanical, pneumatic or hydraulic depending on the technology of the cylinders 21.

[0089] This control system 5 further includes a control pedal 6 (illustrated schematically in Figures 3 and 5) which is connected to at least one of the cylinders 21 of the two lifting devices 2, to allow the lifting or lowering of the two lifting devices 2 to be controlled by pressing the control pedal 6 with the foot. This control pedal 6 can be connected to one of the two cylinders 21 by a cable, this cable can also pass over the rear (opposite side of the cylinders 21) so that the wheel 91 does not roll over it.

[0090] In use, this lifting device 1 allows the implementation of a method to lift the swing arm 90 and the wheel 91 of the motorcycle, tricycle or quadricycle, by following these steps:

[0091] - an adjustment step consisting of adjusting the spacing between the two lifting devices 2 according to the width of the spacing between the two lateral arms 92, by acting on the mechanical linkage 3 (as described above, i.e. by acting on the clamping elements 29 to adjust this spacing and then lock the position);

[0092] - a positioning step consisting of positioning the wheel 91 between the two lifting devices 2, inside the chute 4 provided for this purpose, and in order to bring the two lateral arms 92 of the swing arm 90 above the supports 24 of the two respective lifting devices 2 (as seen in Figures 3 and 4); and - a lifting step consisting of carrying out a (synchronized or asymmetric) lifting command of the cylinders 21 of the two lifting devices 2, by pressing on the control pedal 6, so that their supports 24 come into contact with the two respective lateral arms 92 of the swing arm 90 and lift the swing arm 90 with the wheel 91 to a given height (as seen in Figures 5 and 6) so that the wheel 91 rises above the chute 4 and thus lifts off the ground.

[0093] It is therefore possible, in a first embodiment, that the control system 5 includes an adjustment system (automatic and / or manual) to adjust a time offset in the activation of the two lifting devices 2.

[0094] If the time lag is zero, then both lifting devices 2 are activated simultaneously and therefore symmetrically (whether raising or lowering). This synchronized operation is suitable for a symmetrical swing arm 90 (i.e., the two lateral arms 92 are symmetrical on either side of the wheel 91) and a horizontal surface. Thus, the two lateral arms 92 are raised / lowered symmetrically and therefore in a vertical direction that promotes stability.

[0095] If the time lag is non-zero, then the two lifting devices 2 are activated with this time lag and therefore asymmetrically (whether raising or lowering); so that one of the two lifting devices 2 begins to raise (or lower) and then, after a time interval corresponding to the time lag, the other of the two lifting devices 2 begins to raise (or lower) in turn. This asynchronous operation can occur when the two lateral arms 92 are not in the same horizontal plane (in other words, there is a height difference between the two lateral arms 92), either because the swing arm 90 is not symmetrical or because the ground is not horizontal (i.e., the ground is sloped).Thus, the two lateral arms 92 are raised / lowered asymmetrically so that the swing arm 90 and the wheel 91 are raised / lowered in a vertical direction which promotes stability; the time lag being precisely set to compensate for the height difference between the two lateral arms 92.

[0096] In a second embodiment not illustrated and adapted for asymmetric lifting, a mechanical adjustment system is provided to adjust a height difference between the two lifting devices 2, and more precisely between the two supports 24. In this way, one of the two supports 24 can be positioned at a different height compared to the other of the two supports 24 (to compensate for example for a lack of flatness and / or horizontality of the ground, and / or an asymmetry of the swing arm 90), and then the two lifting devices 2 are operated at the same time (therefore without time difference) to operate an asymmetric lifting and in such a way that their thrusts remain vertical.

[0097] In the illustrated embodiment, the lower arm 26 is static and has a fixed inclination relative to the base 20, as previously described. However, in this unillustrated variant, which includes a mechanical adjustment system adapted to adjust the height difference between the two lifting devices 2, it is conceivable that:

[0098] - the lower arm 26 of each of the two lifting devices 2 is articulated on the base 20 in an adjustable manner, so as to be able to adjust and lock the inclination of each of the lower arms 26,

[0099] - the cylinder 21 of each of the two lifting devices 2 is articulated on the base 20 in an adjustable manner, so as to be able to adjust and lock the inclination of each of the cylinders 21,

[0100] - the lower arms 26 and / or the upper mobile arms Tl are adjustable in length; this will allow the height offset to be adjusted by playing on the inclinations of the two lower arms 26 with respect to their respective bases 20, and also to adjust the inclinations of the cylinders 21 with respect to their respective bases 20 and the lengths of the lower arms 26 and / or the upper mobile arms Tl so that these cylinders 21 remain in a vertical position to exert vertical thrusts.

[0101] In this second embodiment, it is possible that no adjustment system is provided to adjust a time lag in the activation of the two lifting devices 2, just as it is possible to provide such an adjustment system to adjust a time lag in the activation of the two lifting devices 2. In other words, the first embodiment and the second embodiment are compatible and can be considered alone or in combination.

[0102] In one configuration, control pedal 6 comprises two pedals arranged side by side: a lifting pedal for raising the vehicle and a lowering pedal for lowering it. Alternatively, control pedal 6 comprises a single pedal and a selector switch for selecting either raising or lowering the vehicle.

[0103] According to another possibility, control pedal 6 has:

[0104] - an active state in which the control pedal 6 sends a lifting or lowering command to the cylinders 21 when the user presses the control pedal 6 (for example, depending on whether they press the lifting pedal or the lowering pedal); and

[0105] - a standby state in which the control pedal 6 does not send a command to raise or lower the cylinders 21, even if the user presses the control pedal 6.

[0106] Thus, in the standby state, an unintentional press on the control pedal 6 is unlikely to raise or lower the lifting device 1, which constitutes a safety function.

[0107] It is possible to have an automatic switch from active state to standby state after a predefined time delay from the last press of the control pedal 6.

[0108] It is possible to switch from standby to active state by simultaneously pressing the lift pedal and the lower pedal for a predetermined time (e.g. a long press), or alternatively by pressing a dedicated button.

[0109] Alternatively, control pedal 6 could include a light system to indicate and distinguish between active and standby states, for example, using two distinct colors depending on the state. A malfunction could also be indicated by a specific light.

Claims

DEMANDS 1. Lifting device (1) for lifting a swing arm (90) and at least one wheel (91) of a motorcycle, tricycle or quadricycle, said lifting device (1) comprising two lifting devices (2) spaced apart to allow positioning of the wheel (91) between the two lifting devices (2) and configurable between a lowered configuration and a raised configuration, wherein the two lifting devices (2) are connected to a control system (5) allowing lifting and lowering control of the two lifting devices (2) and the two lifting devices (2) are connected to each other by a mechanical linkage (3) which is adjustable to allow adjustment of the spacing between the two lifting devices (2), wherein each of the two lifting devices (2) comprises a base (20) intended to rest on the ground, a support (24) intended to support a lateral arm (92) of the swing arm (90),and an actuator (21) coupled to the support (24) for raising / lowering said support (24), and wherein the control link (5) is established between the actuators (21) of the two lifting devices (2).

2. Lifting device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the control system (5) is configured for symmetrical control in lifting and lowering of the two lifting devices (2).

3. Lifting device (1) according to claim 2, wherein the control system (5) is configured for symmetrical and asymmetrical control in lifting and lowering of the two lifting devices (2) 4. Lifting device (1) according to claim 3, wherein the control system (5) includes an adjustment system for setting a time offset in the activation of the two lifting devices (2), such that if the time offset is zero then the two lifting devices (2) are activated at the same time and therefore symmetrically, and if the time offset is non-zero then the two lifting devices (2) are activated with this time offset and therefore asymmetrically.

5. Lifting device (1) according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the two lifting devices (2) are height-adjustable to regulate a height difference between the two lifting devices (2), such that if the height difference is zero then both lifting devices (2) are activated simultaneously and thus symmetrically, and if the height difference is non-zero then the two devices lifting (2) are activated simultaneously with this height offset and therefore asymmetrically.

6. Lifting device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the mechanical linkage (3) has a graduation allowing visualization of the spacing between the two lifting devices (2).

7. Lifting device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the mechanical link (3) is established between the bases (20) of the two lifting devices (2).

8. Lifting device (1) according to claim 7, wherein the mechanical linkage (3) comprises a connecting bar (30) having two opposite ends (31) mounted on the respective bases (20) of the two lifting devices (2), wherein the base (20) of at least one of the two lifting devices (2) comprises a slide (28) in which the corresponding end (31) of the connecting bar (30) is slidably mounted, and a clamping member (29) is provided on the slide (28) to cooperate with said end (31) in order to block / release the sliding of said end (31) and thus adjust the spacing between the two lifting devices (2).

9. Lifting device (1) according to claim 8, wherein the base (20) of each of the two lifting devices (2) has the slide (28) on which the clamping member (29) is provided.

10. Lifting device (1) according to claim 8 or 9, comprising a chute (4) mounted on the connecting bar (30) to receive and guide the wheel (91) in the chute (4) between the two lifting devices (2).

11. Lifting device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, for each of the two lifting devices (2), the actuator is a cylinder (21) comprising a cylinder body (22) articulated on the base (20) and a cylinder rod (23) having a free end (231) on which the support (24) is mounted.

12. Lifting device (1) according to claim 11, in which each of the two lifting devices (2) comprises an articulated structure (25) mechanically connecting the base (20) to the support (24), in reinforcement of the cylinder (21).

13. Lifting device (1) according to claim 12, wherein, for each of the two lifting devices (2), the articulated structure (25) comprises a lower arm (26) fixed on the base (20) and having a free end (261), and a movable upper arm (27) having a first end (271) and a second end (272) opposite, wherein the first end (271) of the movable upper arm (27) is articulated on the free end (261) of the lower arm (26), and the second end (272) of the movable upper arm (27) is articulated on the support (24).

14. Lifting device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the control system (5) comprises a control pedal (6) connected to at least one of the actuators (21) of the two lifting devices (2), to allow, by pressing on said control pedal (6), a lifting or lowering of the two lifting devices (2).

15. A method for lifting a swing arm (90) and at least one wheel (91) of a motorcycle, tricycle or quadricycle, said swing arm (90) having two lateral arms (92) extending on either side of the wheel (91), said method employing a lifting device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims and comprising: - an adjustment step consisting of adjusting the spacing between the two lifting devices (2) according to a spacing width between the two lateral branches (92) of the swing arm (90), by acting on the mechanical linkage (3); - a positioning step consisting of positioning the wheel (91) between the two lifting devices (2), in order to bring the two lateral arms (92) of the swing arm (90) above the supports (24) of the two respective lifting devices (2); and - a lifting step consisting of carrying out a lifting command of the two lifting devices (2) so that the supports (24) of the two lifting devices (2) come into contact with the two respective lateral branches (92) of the swing arm (90) and lift said swing arm (90) with the wheel (91) to a given height.

16. Method according to claim 15, wherein the lifting control of the two lifting devices (2) is a symmetrical control.

17. Method according to claim 15, wherein the lifting control of the two lifting devices (2) is chosen between a symmetrical control and an asymmetrical control.

18. Method according to claim 17, comprising a step of setting a time offset in the activation of the two lifting devices (2), such that if the time offset is zero then the two lifting devices (2) are activated at the same time and therefore symmetrically for symmetrical control, and if the time offset is non-zero then the two lifting devices (2) are activated with this time offset and therefore asymmetrically for asymmetrical control.

19. Method according to claim 17 or 18, comprising a step of adjusting a height offset between the two lifting devices (2), such that if the height offset is zero then the two lifting devices (2) are activated at the same time and therefore symmetrically, and if the height offset is non-zero then the two lifting devices (2) are activated at the same time with this height offset and therefore asymmetrically.

Images