Lifting system for lifting a vehicle comprising one or more lifting devices and a release system, and method there for

Abstract

Lifting system for lifting a vehicle and a method there for. The system comprises one or more lifting devices, wherein each lifting device includes: a frame with a carrier configured for carrying the vehicle; a drive for driving the carrier in at least one of the ascent or decent of the carrier; a sensor for measuring at least one of the ascent or descent of the carrier; and a controller including: a connection for connecting to the sensor; a release system for releasing the carrier enabling the lifting system to lift the vehicle.

Claims

1. A lifting system for lifting a vehicle comprising one or more lifting devices, each lifting device comprising: a frame with a carrier configured for carrying the vehicle; a drive for driving the carrier in at least one of an ascent or decent of the carrier; a sensor for measuring at least one of the ascent or descent of the carrier; and a controller comprising: connection for connecting to the sensor; a release system for releasing the carrier enabling the lifting system to lift the vehicle; and an input for receiving a clearance signal from a clearance system, wherein the controller is configured to put the lifting system into operation after receipt of the clearance signal by releasing the lifting system, wherein the clearance system collects payment or debiting data from a user in order to enable a direct coupling of the lifting system to the user after the clearance system receives the payment or debiting data, wherein the sensor comprises an activity sensor configured for providing the controller with information on an actual use of the lifting system, wherein the activity sensor is configured to directly or indirectly sense movement of the carrier, and wherein the activity sensor enables a direct coupling of a lifting operation for a specific vehicle to a cost associated with using the lifting system based on a load of the specific vehicle, wherein the clearance system provides the clearance signal in response to at least one of receiving and generating payment instructions.

2. The lifting system according to claim 1, wherein the sensor comprises a displacement sensor for measuring a displacement of the carrier.

3. The lifting system according to claim 1, wherein the sensor comprises a load sensor.

4. The lifting system according to claim 1, wherein the sensor comprises a pump activity sensor.

5. The lifting system according to claim 1, wherein the sensor comprises a motor run time sensor.

6. The lifting system according to claim 1, further comprising a vehicle detector.

7. The lifting system according to claim 1, wherein the controller comprises at least one of a transmitter and a receiver for remotely controlling the release system.

8. The lifting system according to claim 1, wherein the controller comprises a communication optimiser for determining an appropriate communication route in the lifting system.

9. A method for controlling a lifting system for lifting a vehicle comprising the steps: providing a lifting system according to claim 1; and controlling the lifting system with the controller and providing a release signal to the lifting system releasing the carrier with the release system thereby enabling the lifting system to lift the vehicle.

10. The method according to claim 9, wherein the release signal is provided after receiving a clearance signal from a clearance system.

11. The method according to claim 10, wherein the clearance system provides the clearance signal in response to at least one of receiving and generating payment instructions.

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein the clearance signal comprises a payment.

13. The method according to claim 12, further comprising determining an appropriate communication route in the lifting system with a communication optimiser.

14. The method according to claim 9, further comprising determining an appropriate communication route in the lifting system with a communication optimiser.

15. The lifting system according to claim 1, wherein the clearance signal comprises a payment.

16. A lifting system for lifting a vehicle comprising one or more lifting devices, each lifting device comprising: a frame with a carrier configured for carrying the vehicle; a drive for driving the carrier in at least one of the ascent or decent of the carrier; a sensor for measuring at least one of an ascent or descent of the carrier; and a controller comprising: a connection for connecting to the sensor; a release system for releasing the carrier enabling the lifting system to lift the vehicle; and an input for receiving a clearance signal from a clearance system, wherein the controller is configured to put the lifting system into operation after receipt of the clearance signal by releasing the lifting system, wherein the clearance system collects payment or debiting data from a user in order to enable a direct coupling of the lifting system to the user after the clearance system receives the payment or debiting data, wherein the sensor comprises an activity sensor configured for providing the controller with information on an actual use of the lifting system, wherein the activity sensor is configured to directly or indirectly sense movement of the carrier, and wherein the activity sensor enables a direct coupling of a lifting operation for a specific vehicle to a cost associated with using the lifting system based on a load of the specific vehicle, wherein the clearance system provides the clearance signal in response to at least one of receiving and generating payment instructions.

17. The lifting system according to claim 16, wherein the sensor comprises a motor run time sensor.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF TILE DRAWINGS

(1) Further advantages, features and details and of the embodiment will be elucidated on the basis of preferred embodiments therefore wherein reference is made to the accompanying drawings, in which:

(2) FIG. 1 shows a schematic overview of a vehicle lifted by lifting columns of a lifting system according to the invention;

(3) FIG. 2A shows a lifting column of a lifting system according to the invention;

(4) FIG. 2B shows communication routes in the lifting system comprising a number of lifting columns according to the invention;

(5) FIGS. 3-4 show a schematic overview of lifting operations according to the present invention;

(6) FIGS. 5-7 show alternative embodiments of lifting columns of lifting systems according to the invention; and

(7) FIGS. 8A-B and 9 show further alternative in-ground embodiments of lifting devices of a lifting system according to the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

(8) The following description is merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the invention, its application, or uses. While the disclosure is described as having exemplary attributes and applications, the present disclosure can be further modified. This application is therefore intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the disclosure using its general principles. Further, this application is intended to cover such departures from the present disclosure as come within known or customary practice of those skilled in the art to which this disclosure pertains and which fall within the limits of the appended claims. Accordingly, the following description of certain embodiments and examples should be considered merely exemplary and not in any way limiting.

(9) The lift control system of the present invention is suitable for use with lift systems comprising any number of lifting devices that require height control columns, including without limitation scissor lifts and systems having one, two or four columns. The columns may achieve lifting and lowering capability by any means known to those of skill in the art, including hydraulically, electrically, mechanically, and electromechanically. Lift systems compatible with the present lift control system may be stationary and/or permanently affixed or attached to a certain location or may be mobile, capable of being transported via wheels or any other suitable means known to those in the art. With reference to the figures, like element numbers refer to the same element between drawings. A system 2 for efficient lifting and lowering a load (FIG. 1) comprises four mobile lifting columns 4 in the illustrated embodiment. Lifting columns 4 lift a passenger car 6 from the ground 8. Lifting columns 4 are connected to each other and/or a control system by wireless communication means or alternatively by cables. Lifting columns 4 comprise a foot 10 which can travel on running wheels 12 over ground surface 8 of for instance a floor of a garage or workshop. In the forks of foot 10 is provided an additional running wheel (not shown). Lifting column 4 furthermore comprises a mast 14. A carrier 16 is moveable upward and downward along mast 14. Carrier 16 is driven by a motor 18 that is provided in a housing of lifting column 4. Motor 18 is supplied with power from the electrical grid or by a battery that is provided on lifting column 4 in the same housing as motor 18, or alternatively on foot 10 (not shown). Control with control panel 20 is provided to allow the user of system 2 to control the system, for example by setting the speed for the carrier 16.

(10) The illustrated lifting system 2 includes at least two lifting columns 4. Each of the lifting columns has at least one ascent mode and one descent mode, and is under the influence of a control 20. Control 20 can be designed for each lifting column 4 individually, or for the lifting columns 4 together.

(11) An illustrated column 22 (FIG. 2A) of a lifting system 24 is a mobile lifting column that communicates by transmitter-receiver 26 to a transmitter-receiver 28 of a central controller 30. A connection 32 to the electrical grid is provided on a side wall 33 in the neighbourhood of controller 30. Sensor 34 is capable of measuring position and/or speed of carrier 16. The resulting measurement signal is communicated via transmitter 38 to transmitter-receiver 28 of controller 30 directly or indirectly through transmitter-receiver 26. Controller 30 may send data to lifting column 22 such as an activation signal for sensor 34 using transmitter-receiver 28 and receiver 40. In the illustrated embodiment sensor 34 is a potentiometer and/or an inclinometer.

(12) It will be understood that transmitters and/or receivers 26, 38, 40 can be combined or separated. In the illustrated embodiments sensor 34 is a potentiometer.

(13) Control system 42 operates as controller for the lifting devices, optionally in cooperation with controller 30, control 20 and/or other control components. In the illustrated embodiment control system 42 comprises housing 44, a display 46, preferably a touch screen, a number of buttons 48, an RFID antenna 50 enabling a user to identify himself with an ID-key 52 and/or pay for a number of lifts with a pre-paid card 52. Control system 42 further comprises position determining means 54 and communication means 56, preferably providing wireless functionality to communicate in one or more environments such as LAN, WAN, VPN intranet, internet etc., that are schematically shown in the illustrated embodiments. Control system 42 is further provided with input/output ports, such as USB, SD card reader, smart phone communication possibilities etc. to improve the functionality. The output may provide warning signals to the user. Display 46, preferably a TFT-LCD), is protected by a display lens cover of a resilient material, preferably scratch-resistant.

(14) In the illustrated embodiment control system 42 provides a clearance signal to control 20, 30 that provides a release signal enabling the effective use of carrier 16, 36. The release signal may release a software lock preventing motor 84 and/or pump 88 to operate. Alternatively or in addition thereto release signal may release a hardware lock, for example a clamp locking carrier 16, 36. Payments are received via card 52, generating payment instructions and sending the instructions to the accounting department of the user and/or receiving an authorization signal authorizing the system and user to perform a number of lifts and/or use lifting system 2 for a specific period of time.

(15) Communication (FIG. 2B) between lifting columns 4,22 in a lifting system 2,24 may follow a number of different routes. For example, in case communication is required between two lifting columns a direct route A can be used for the communication. In case route A is blocked, hindered or otherwise disturbed an alternative indirect route B can be used for the communication. In this alternative route B another lifting column 4,22 receives and forwards the communication, preferably without reading, writing or performing any action on basis of the communication. In a similar manner another alternative indirect route C can be used involving two, or even more, intermediate lifting columns 4,22. The choice for a specific route A,B,C can be made by a (group) controller. Also, the receiving destination lifting column 4,22 may provide a “message received”-signal thereby ending communication via other routes. It will be understood that a skilled person would know several ways to correctly implement dealing with different routes for communication. The advantage of enabling more than one route for communication is that in case of signal disturbance of signal blocking communication may continue via alternative routes. This provides a robust and stable control of the lifting system 2,24 according to the invention.

(16) Operation of lifting system 2 involves method 58 (FIG. 3) starting with initiation step 60. In clearance step 62 the clearance check is performed. In case clearance is confirmed system 2 is released by the release system in release step 64 and lifting step 66 can be started to perform the desired lifting.

(17) In an alternative method 68 (FIG. 4) clearance step 62 involves communication with a clearance system involving a requesting step sending a request 72 for an authorization to use lifting system 2 and/or a reply step receiving a reply 74 relating to the authorization or denial to use lifting system 2. In order to send any authorization and/or clearance signals clearance system receives payments, for example with a pre-paid lift card 52, or payment confirmations, for example via an automatic debit order 78, and/or sends payment instructions 80.

(18) Sensor 34 can be used to inform controller 30 of lifting activities of carrier 16, 36. Alternatively, or in addition thereto, motor run time sensor 82 (FIG. 2.) may provide controller 30 with motor run time information of motor 84 and/or pump activity sensor 86 may provide controller 30 with pump activity information of pump 88 and/or load sensor 90 may provide controller 30 with information on the actual loads carried by carrier 16, 36, preferably in combination with the time period the carrier 16, 36 is exposed to the load.

(19) Optionally, camera 92 (FIG. 1) provides information about the type of vehicle, such as a bus, truck or passenger car, to controller 20, 30 enabling the controller to adjust the settings of lifting system 2 and/or use vehicle specific information for debiting the user for the lifting operation that is performed. Optionally, camera 92 detects the vehicle registration, for example by the license plates, optionally providing the relevant information to the accounting department such that the vehicle owner can be debited for the actual lifting operation(s).

(20) The present invention can be applied to the (wireless) lifting columns illustrated in FIGS. 1-2. Alternatively, the invention can also be applied to other types of lifting columns and lifting systems.

(21) For example, a four-post lifting system 102 (FIG. 5) comprises four columns 106 carrying runways 106. Columns 104 comprise a sensor 108, preferably each column 104 has one sensor 108. In the illustrated embodiment an indicator 110 with a green light 112 and a red light 114 is provided. Light 110 signals to the driver when vehicle 6 is positioned correctly relative to columns 104 and the vehicle 6 can be lifted. In case each column 104 is provided with sensor 108 the position of the carrier 106 can be checked. This contributes to the overall safety of the lifting operation.

(22) As a further example, lifting system 202 (FIG. 6) comprises a so-called sky-lift configuration with four posts 204 carrying runways 206. In the illustrated embodiment a sensor 208 is provided for every post 204. This enables the check on positioning of the carrier as described earlier. A light 210 with green 212 and red 214 lights can be provided on wall 216 to indicate to the driver of vehicle 6 that the vehicle is positioned correctly or needs to be repositioned.

(23) As an even further example, lifting system 302 (FIG. 7) comprises a so-called two-post configuration with two posts 304 that are provided with carrier arms 306. In the illustrated embodiment to measure position and speed of carrier arms 306 sensor 308 is provided. This enables the check on positioning of arms 306 as described earlier. A light 310 with green 312 and red 314 lights can be provided to indicate to the driver of vehicle 6 that the vehicle is positioned correctly or needs to be repositioned.

(24) In the illustrated embodiments control system 42 can be applied obviously including lifting system type specific adaptations.

(25) In a further alternative embodiment lifting system 402 (FIG. 8A-B) is of the in-ground lift type comprising stationary lifting column/device 404 and a moveable lifting column/device 406 that are located on or in floor 408. The front lifting column/device 404 is provided in cassette or box 410 with a telescopic lifting cylinder 412. On top of cylinder 412 there is provided carrier 414 with axle carriers 416. In the illustrated embodiment wheel edges or wheel recesses 418 are provided. Recesses 418 define the position of the front wheels of the vehicle. Furthermore, in the illustrated embodiment a hatch 420 is provided in front of the front lifting column/device 404 for maintenance, for example.

(26) The moveable lifting column/device 406 moves in cassette or box 422 comprising a telescopic lifting cylinder 430. Box 422 provides a pit with a slot or recess 424 for guiding the moveable lifting column/device 406. Moveable lifting column/device 406 is provided with carrier 426 whereon axle carriers 428 are mounted. Depending on the type of vehicle 432 additional adapters can be provided that cooperate with carriers 414, 426 to enable engagement with different axle dimensions.

(27) In an alternative lifting system 502 of the in-ground type (FIG. 9) the telescopic lifting cylinders 412, 430 of lifting system 402 are replaced by scissor type lifts 504, 506. It will be understood that operation of lifting systems 402, 502 of the in-ground type is similar.

(28) It will be understood that the invention can be applied to a range of lifting systems, including but not limited to four-post and two-post lifting columns, such as the Stertil-Koni one post lifts ST1075, the Stertil-Koni two post lifts SK 2070, and the Stertil-Koni four post lifts ST 4120, skylift, mobile columns, and in-ground lifts, such as the Stertil in-ground Ecolift and the Stertil in-ground Diamond lift. Also, it will be understood that additional embodiments of the invention can be envisaged combining and/or switching features from the described and/or illustrated embodiments. For example, instead of light 110, 210, or in addition thereto, sound signals, indications on a control system etc. can be applied.

(29) The present invention is by no means limited to the above described preferred embodiments. The rights sought are defined by the following claims within the scope of which many modifications can be envisaged. The present invention is described using a lifting device such as a lifting column and more specifically a mobile lifting column. The invention can also be applied to other type of lifting columns such as so-called boom-lifts, scissor-lifts and loading platforms. Such lifting equipment can be provided with the measures illustrated above according to the invention.