Flexible In-Ground Lifting System for Lifting a Vehicle and Method Therefor

Abstract

The invention relates to an in-ground lifting system and corresponding methods for lifting a vehicle. The lifting system includes: a pit provided with a pit frame; two or more moveable lifting devices configured for moving in the pit; and a system controller configured for defining at least one set of lifting devices for lifting a vehicle.

Claims

1. An in-ground lifting system for lifting a vehicle, the lifting system comprising: a pit provided with a pit frame; two or more moveable lifting devices configured for moving in the pit; and a system controller configured for defining at least one set of lifting devices from available lifting devices for lifting a vehicle.

2. The in-ground lifting system according to claim 1, wherein the system controller is configured for defining two or more sets of lifting devices.

3. The in-ground lifting system according to claim 2, wherein the system controller is configured for lifting multiple vehicles.

4. The in-ground lifting system according to claim 1, further comprising one or more mobile lifting columns.

5. The in-ground lifting system according to claim 1, wherein the system controller comprises a number of local controllers that are associated to the individual lifting devices.

6. The in-ground lifting system according to claim 1, wherein the system controller comprises a central controller that is configured for controlling multiple sets of lifting devices.

7. The in-ground lifting system according to claim 1, wherein the pit comprises a number of modular pit structures.

8. The in-ground lifting system according to claim 1, wherein the individual lifting devices comprise an individual hydraulic unit.

9. The in-ground lifting system according to claim 1, wherein the lifting devices comprise an energy system.

10. The in-ground lifting system according to claim 9, wherein the energy system comprises a regenerative energy system configured for charging the energy system when lowering the vehicle.

11. The in-ground lifting system according to claim 9, wherein the energy system comprises a wireless charging system.

12. The in-ground lifting system according to claim 9, wherein the energy system comprises a continuous charging system.

13. The in-ground lifting system according to claim 1, wherein the moveable lifting device comprises a piston type lifting device.

14. The in-ground lifting system according to claim 1, wherein the moveable lifting device comprises a scissor type lifting device.

15. The in-ground lifting system according to claim 1, further comprising a cover.

16. The in-ground lifting system according to claim 10, wherein the energy system comprises a wireless charging system.

17. An in-ground lifting system for lifting a vehicle, the lifting system comprising: a pit provided with a pit frame; two or more moveable lifting devices configured for moving in the pit; and a system controller configured for defining at least one set of lifting devices from available lifting devices for lifting a vehicle, wherein the system controller is configured for defining two or more sets of lifting devices, wherein the system controller comprises a number of local controllers that are associated to the individual lifting devices, and wherein the system controller comprises a central controller that is configured for controlling multiple sets of lifting devices.

18. An in-ground lifting system for lifting a vehicle, the lifting system comprising: a pit provided with a pit frame; two or more moveable lifting devices configured for moving in the pit; and a system controller configured for defining at least one set of lifting devices from available lifting devices for lifting a vehicle, wherein the lifting devices comprise an energy system, and wherein the energy system comprises a regenerative energy system configured for charging the energy system when lowering the vehicle.

19. A method for configuring an in-ground lifting system, the method comprising the steps of: defining the dimensions of the lifting system; placing two or more moveable lifting devices in the pit; and providing a system controller configured for defining at least one set of lifting devices from available lifting devices for lifting a vehicle.

20. A method for lifting a vehicle, comprising the step of providing an in-ground lift according to in-ground lifting system for lifting a vehicle, the lifting system comprising: a pit provided with a pit frame; two or more moveable lifting devices configured for moving in the pit; and a system controller configured for defining at least one set of lifting devices from available lifting devices for lifting a vehicle.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0042] Further advantages, features and details of the invention will be elucidated on the basis of preferred embodiments thereof, wherein reference is made to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0043] FIG. 1 shows an in-ground lifting system of the invention;

[0044] FIG. 2 shows a moveable device of the system illustrated in FIG. 1;

[0045] FIG. 3 shows the in-ground lifting system of FIG. 1 wherein two sets of lifting devices are defined; and

[0046] FIG. 4 shows a piston type cylinder that can be used as an alternative lifting device in the in-ground lifting system of FIG. 1.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0047] 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, users, or annotations of the disclosure using its general principles. Further, this application is intended to cover such departures from the present disclosure as commonly known or customary practice of the 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.

[0048] The lifting system of the present invention is suitable for use with lifting systems comprising any number of lifting devices, including without limitation piston and scissor lifts and systems having one, two, four or another number of suitable lifting devices. The lifting devices may achieve lifting and lowering capability by means known to those of skill in the art, including hydraulically, electrically, mechanically, and electromechanically. Lifting systems compatible with the present lifting system may be stationary and/or permanently affixed or attached to a certain location or may be mobile, or capable of being transported. With reference to the figures, alike element numbers refer to the same element between drawings.

[0049] In-ground lifting system 2 (FIG. 1) comprises a number of moveable lifting devices 4. In the illustrated embodiment four moveable lifting devices 4a, b, c, d are provided in pit 6 that is provided in workshop floor 8. Pit 6 comprises a number of modular intermediate pit structures 10a, b, c, d, e, f. End structures 12a, b are provided at the end of pit 6. It will be understood that end structures 12a, b can be similar to the intermediate structures 10a-f. Moveable lifting devices 4 comprise a piston 14 and carrier 16 with axle carriers 18. Pit 6 is provided with length L, depth D, width W.

[0050] In the illustrated embodiment lifting system 2 also comprises mobile lifting columns 20 having a foot 22, mast 24 and carrier 26.

[0051] In the illustrated embodiment, lifting system 2 is provided with a number of local controllers 28 that are provided at wall 31 and are associated with individual lifting devices 4a-d. Alternatively, local controllers 28 are attached to moveable lifting devices 4a-d and/or are also moveable. In the illustrated embodiment remote control 30 is provided. Optionally, transmitter 32 is located in the workshop to enable wireless communication between the individual components of system 2. Mobile lifting columns 20 can be provided with a separate local controller 34. System controller 36 may comprise one or more of the local controllers 28, 34 and/or may optionally comprise remote controller 30 and/or may use transmitter 32 that can also act as a central control unit with a remote input device such as remote controller 30. Optionally, an individual local controller 28, 34 can be used as a master or central controller. It will be understood that different control configurations can be applied in system 2 of the invention. Local controllers 28, 34 comprise a display 38 and a number of buttons 40. Also, in the illustrated embodiment identification device 42 is provided enabling a user to identify himself or herself to the system controller 36 that may comprise one or more of the control components 28, 30, 32, 34. Also remote control 30 can be provided with display 44, button 46 and identification means 48. It will be understood that identification means 48 may also use button(s) 46 for entry of a pin-code and/or display 38, 44 for fingerprint scanning or other appropriate manners, for example.

[0052] Moveable lifting device 4 (FIG. 2) comprises piston 14 and carrier 16. Device 4 is provided in frame 44 of pit 6 and moves in direction x along pit 6. In the illustrated embodiment energy system 47 comprises regenerative energy system 49 that regenerates energy when lowering carrier 16. This may involve redirecting the hydraulic fluid in a regeneration loop. Energy system 47 may also comprise inductive charging system 50 (schematically illustrated in FIG. 2). As an alternative, or in addition thereto, charging plate 52 is provided in the bottom of pit 6. Other charging means may comprise charging cable 54 and/or wireless conductive charging system 56.

[0053] In-ground lifting system 2 may comprise multiple sets of lifting devices 4 (FIG. 3). First set 58 comprises moveable lifting devices 4a, b and second set 60 comprises moveable lifting device 4c, d for respectively lifting truck 62 and passenger car 64. It will be understood that another number of sets 58, 60 and/or different types of vehicles 62, 64 can also be provided. Furthermore, it will be understood that an individual set 58, 60 may comprises any number of lifting devices 4, including mobile lifting columns 20. An individual set can be controlled with local controller 38 optionally using central transmitter 32. Although moveable lifting devices 4 are illustrated as piston-type lifting devices 4, it will be understood that as an alternative also scissor type lifting devices 66 can be used (FIG. 4).

[0054] When lifting a vehicle 58, 60 a user first positions vehicle 58, 60 over pit 6. Next, moveable lifting devices 4, optionally with additional mobile columns 20, are positioned correctly. A user identifies himself with identification device 42 and/or another suitable system. The appropriated lifting devices 4, 20 are selected for an individual vehicle 58, 60 to define lifting set 58, 60. The lifting operation can be controlled with a local controller 28, 34 and/or remote controller 30 and/or another appropriate controller. Remaining lifting devices 4, 20 that are not used in selection 58, 60 remain available for a further set that can be defined by the same or another user working with the same lifting system 2.

[0055] When installing lifting system 2 a hole suitable for receiving pit 6 is provided in workshop floor 8. Pit structures 10, 12 are provided in the hole to define pit 6. Thereafter the individual moveable lifting devices 4 are positioned in pit 6. Optionally, one or more stationary lifting devices can also be provided in pit 6. However, in a presently preferred embodiment of the invention the use of moveable lifting devices is preferred. Control system 36 is provided to enable selecting and controlling the lifting devices. Energy system 47 is provided to enable charging of the moveable lifting devices. Thereafter a user may operate the lifting devices for lifting operations of one or more vehicles 58, 60.

The present invention is by no means limited to the above described preferred embodiments thereof. The rights sought are defined by the following claims, wherein the scope of which many modifications can be envisaged. For example, it is explicitly mentioned that combinations of the illustrated embodiments, including combination of individual features thereof, are possible.