Lifting column with modular power system for lifting a vehicle and system and method therefor

Abstract

The present invention relates to a lifting column, lifting system and method for lifting a vehicle. The lifting column according to the invention 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 descent of the carrier; and a modular power system configured for providing power to the drive and adapted to comprise a variable number of energy storage systems.

Claims

1. A lifting system for lifting a vehicle, comprising: a plurality of individual lifting columns, wherein each of the individual lifting columns comprises: a frame with a carrier configured for carrying the vehicle; a drive for driving the carrier in at least one of an ascent or descent of the carrier; and a modular power system configured for providing power to the drive and adapted to comprise a variable number of energy storage systems, wherein the variable number of energy storage systems can be selected based on the lifting requirements of the lifting column; and a central controller comprising a central energy storage management system capable of monitoring energy storage system status of the energy storage systems of each of the individual lifting columns.

2. The lifting system according to claim 1, wherein the modular power system of each of the individual lifting columns comprises a modular rack configured for removing, switching and adding the variable number of energy storage systems.

3. The lifting system according to claim 1, wherein each of the individual lifting columns further comprises an energy regeneration system.

4. The lifting system according to claim 3, wherein the energy regeneration system of each of the individual lifting columns comprises an ascent mode and a descent mode, wherein in the ascent mode, a motor drives a pump, and in the descent mode, the pump drives the motor as a generator.

5. The lifting system according to claim 1, wherein the central controller comprises: a transmitter/receiver for communication with the individual lifting columns; and a processor for determining required control actions for the individual lifting columns; wherein at least one of the central controller or at least one of the individual lifting columns comprises user input means configured for providing the central controller with input.

6. The lifting system according to claim 1, wherein the central controller controls two or more independent groups of selected lifting columns.

7. The lifting system according to claim 1, further comprising a signal distributor for receiving and forwarding signals between the central controller and one or more of the individual lifting columns.

8. A method for, performing a lifting operation, comprising the steps of providing the lifting system according to claim 1, providing to each of the individual lifting columns the modular power system comprising at least one of the energy storage systems, and operating the lifting system to perform the lifting operation, wherein power is supplied to each of the individual lifting columns during the lifting operation from the modular power system provided to that individual lifting column.

9. The method according to claim 8, further comprising the step of providing an indication to a user or external system of energy storage system status of each of the individual lifting columns.

10. The method according to claim 8, further comprising the step of performing an energy storage system planning for each of the individual lifting columns.

11. The method according to claim 10, wherein the energy storage system planning involves lifecycle management of the energy storage system of each of the individual lifting columns.

12. The method according to claim 10, wherein the energy storage system planning involves indicating energy storage system status for each of the individual lifting columns in the selection process for a new group of lifting columns.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

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

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

(3) FIG. 2 shows one of the lifting columns of FIG. 1;

(4) FIG. 3 shows the lifting column of FIG. 2 with another number of batteries;

(5) FIGS. 4A-B shows a schematic overview of a vehicle lifted by lifting columns with a central group controller; and

(6) FIG. 5 shows an alternative system comprising a central group controller.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

(7) 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.

(8) The system of the present invention is suitable for use with lifting systems comprising any number of lifting columns, including systems having one, two, four or another number of 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. Lifting systems 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.

(9) 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 there 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 an energy storage system, more specific a battery, that is provided on lifting column 4 in the same housing as motor 18, or alternatively on foot 10 (not shown). Lift control with control panel 20 is provided to allow the user of system 2 to control the system, for example by enabling user input through panel 20, such as setting the speed for the carrier 16. 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. Each lifting column 4 includes a frame 5.

(10) Lifting column 22 (FIGS. 2-3) comprises wheel 12 and additional running wheel 24 in foot 10. Mobile column 22 can be relocated using handle 26. Carrier 16 is moved along mast 14 using hydraulic cylinder 28. Hydraulic unit 30 comprises motor 18, a hydraulic pump, valves and a hydraulic tank. Column 22 is provided with touch screen 32 to enable user input. Modular power system 34 comprises a number a energy storage systems/batteries 36 that can be adjusted to user requirements. For example, column 22 may comprise two batteries (FIG. 2) or four batteries (FIG. 3). It will be understood that another number of batteries would also be possible. In the illustrated embodiment batteries 36 are placed in modular rack 37 enabling removing, changing and/or adding batteries. Energy storage system/battery management system 38 monitors battery status of modular power system 34 in its entirety and/or of individual batteries 36. Connector 40 enables charging batteries 36 by regeneration of energy in the descent mode of lifting column 2 operating hydraulic unit 30 as generator. External connector 42 enables charging batteries 38 from an external source.

(11) Lifting system 102 (FIG. 4A,B) comprises four mobile lifting columns 4,22 in the illustrated embodiment. Lifting columns 4,22 lift passenger car 6 from ground 8. Display unit 120 may provide the user with information about the lifting system.

(12) Lifting columns 4,22 are connected to central controller 122 by wireless communication means 124 on individual lifting column 4,22 and wireless communication means 126 on central controller 122. Wireless communication means 124, 126 involve one ore more transmitters and/or receivers.

(13) The illustrated lifting system 2 includes at least two lifting columns 4,22. Each of the lifting columns has at least one ascent mode and one descent mode, and is under the influence of central controller 122. In the illustrated embodiment controller 122 is positioned centrally above lifting columns 4,22 assuring a good communication path between the individual lifting columns 4,22 and the central controller 122.

(14) Central controller 122 determines the desired control actions. This may involve receiving a measurement signal representing the actual height of a carrier of an individual lifting column that is measured with height sensor 128 attached to an individual lifting column 4,22. Sensor 128 is capable of measuring position and/or speed of carrier 16. In the illustrated embodiment sensor 128 is a potentiometer and/or an inclinometer.

(15) Central controller 122 detects height differences between lifting columns, calculates the required control actions with computing means 130, such as a processor, for individual lifting columns, and communicates the control actions to the relevant individual lifting columns. In the illustrated embodiment battery 132 provides power to central controller 122. Alternatively, or in addition, power is provided through connection 134 to controller 122 from the electrical grid. Data can be stored in memory/storage 136.

(16) Central energy storage system/battery monitoring system 137 monitors battery status of individual lifting columns 4,22 and/or the group of selected lifting columns together. Central system 137 may operate directly in communication with power systems 34 and/or battery monitoring systems 38 of individual lifting columns 4,22.

(17) Central controller 122 is provided with a wired and/or wireless connection 138 to enable connection between communication module 139 of central controller 122 to internal and/or external networks, involving internal company networks for workshop control 140, financial control 142 and maintenance 144, for example, and external networks 146 of suppliers and/or customers, for example, including battery handling departments or companies to enable timely removing, switching and/or adding one or more batteries 36 of power system 34 in response to battery monitoring system 38 of an individual lifting column 4,22.

(18) Display unit 120 (FIG. 4B) comprises housing 150, a display 152, preferably a touch screen, optionally a number of buttons 154, an RFID antenna 156 enabling a user to identify himself with an ID-key 158 and/or pay for a number of lifts with a pre-paid card. In the illustrated embodiment unit 120 further comprises position determining means 160 and communication means 124, 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. Unit 120 is further provided with input/output ports, such as USB, SD card reader, smart phone communication possibilities etc. to improve the functionality. Display 152 may provide warning signals to the user. Display 152, preferably a TFT-LCD, is protected by a display lens cover of a resilient material, preferably scratch-resistant.

(19) In the illustrated system 102 a user preferably performs a selection of lifting columns 4,22 that are incorporated in a group of selected lifting columns with a key or card 158 or other means. Central battery monitoring system 137 may suggest specific lifting columns 4,22 to select and/or prevent lifting columns 4,22 from being selected in case of insufficient battery power, for example. Preferably, the selected group of lifting columns 4,22 in system 102 is provided with user instructions on one of the lifting columns 4, using display 152, for example.

(20) Transmitter/receivers 124, 126 provide the instructions to central system controller 122. On a central level, controller 122 determines the individual control actions to be taken for all lifting columns 4,22 in system 102. Transmitter/receivers 124, 126 provide the control actions from the central controller to the individual lifting column 4,22. Information about the actual position of carrier 16 and/or other relevant data is measured and the measurement data is provided to central controller 122 that determines if and what control actions are required. No direct communication between individual lifting columns 4,22 is required. This significantly contributes to the robustness of lifting system 102.

(21) In an advantageous embodiment according to the invention, central controller 122 (FIG. 5) can be used to control a first group 102a of lifting columns 4 and a second group 102b of lifting columns 4. Operation and control of a single group 102a, 102b is substantially similar to the operation and control of a single system 102 with lifting columns 4,22. Optionally, first computing means 130 is provided with second or further computing means 230. Furthermore, central controller 122 can be provided with additional multiple components to improve overall control operation and robustness.

(22) In a further embodiment central controller 222 (FIG. 5) is provided with a number of communicators/distributors 224, such as an RF-host, that send and/or receive signals 226 between lifting columns 4 and communicator 224, and signals 228 between communicator/distributor 224 and central controller 222. Communicators/distributors 224 provide additional robustness to the overall operation of the groups 102a, 102b of lifting columns 4,22.

(23) In an alternative embodiment central controller 122 is placed in a portable housing.

(24) Optionally, camera system 192 is used as vehicle identification system and/or monitoring means to monitor the lifting operation or parts thereof.

(25) In a further alternative embodiment, lifting system 102, for example involving card or key 158, can be used to select lifting columns 4,22 and/or in a pay-per-lift or release procedure.

(26) When selecting individual lifting columns for a lifting system, battery management system 137,38 may suggest which lifting columns to chose. After the selection is made, the mobile lifting columns are positioned relative to vehicle 6 to be lifted. The lifting operation can be performed knowing that sufficient energy is available. Battery management system 137, 38 provides indications involving audio and/or visual signals and/or messages to a user or external system in case a battery status is below a limit.

(27) The present invention can be applied to mobile (wireless) lifting columns illustrated in the figures. Alternatively the invention can be also be applied to other types of lifting columns and lifting systems.

(28) The present invention is by no means limited to the above described preferred embodiments thereof. The rights sought are defined by the following claims within the scope of which many modifications can be envisaged.