Vehicle lifting system with central controller and method of use thereof

Abstract

A lifting system and method of use thereof for lifting a vehicle. The lifting system includes one or more lifting devices. 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 descent of the carrier, a transmitter/receiver for wireless communication with a central controller that is configured for centrally controlling the one or more lifting devices, and a sensor for measuring at least one of the ascent or descent of the carrier. The central controller includes a transmitter/receiver for communication with the individual lifting devices and a processor for determining required control actions for individual lifting devices. The central controller and/or at least one of the lifting devices includes a user input. The central controller controls two or more independent groups of selected lifting devices.

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 the ascent or descent of the carrier; a transmitter/receiver for wireless communication with a central controller; a sensor for measuring at least one of the ascent or descent of the carrier and generating a measurement signal; and wherein the lifting system comprises the central controller for centrally controlling the one or more lifting devices, the central controller comprising: a transmitter/receiver for communication with individual lifting devices; and computing means for determining required control actions for individual lifting devices; wherein at least one of the central controller or at least one of the lifting devices comprises user input means configured for providing the central controller with input; and wherein the central controller is configured to synchronize a height of the carriers in each lifting device by altering a power supply supplied to the carrier in at least one lifting device based on at least one measurement signal.

2. The lifting system according to claim 1, wherein the central controller controls one or more groups of selected lifting devices.

3. The lifting system according to claim 2, wherein the central controller controls two or more independent groups of selected lifting devices.

4. 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 devices.

5. The lifting system according to claim 1, wherein the central controller is movable.

6. The lifting system according to claim 1, wherein the central controller comprises communication means for communication with external networks.

7. The lifting system according to claim 1, wherein the central controller comprises an input for receiving a clearance signal from a clearance system.

8. The lifting system according to claim 7, wherein the system comprises a release system for releasing the carrier enabling the lifting system to lift the vehicle in response to the clearance signal.

9. The lifting system according to claim 8, wherein the central controller comprises a transmitter and/or receiver for remotely controlling the release system.

10. The lifting system according to claim 1, wherein the sensor comprises a motor run time sensor, a load sensor, a displacement sensor and/or a pump activity sensor.

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

12. The lifting system according to claim 4, wherein the central controller comprises communication means with external networks.

13. The lifting system according to claim 4, wherein the controller comprises an input for receiving a clearance signal from a clearance system.

14. The lifting system according to claim 13, wherein the system comprises a release system for releasing the carrier enabling the lifting system to lift the vehicle in response to the clearance signal.

15. The lifting system according to claim 4, wherein the central controller is positioned above the lifting devices it is controlling.

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 descent of the carrier; a transmitter/receiver for wireless communication with a central controller; a sensor for measuring at least one of the ascent or descent of the carrier and generating a measurement signal; and wherein the lifting system comprises a central controller for centrally controlling the one or more lifting devices, the central controller comprising: a transmitter/receiver for communication with individual lifting devices; computing means for determining required control actions for individual lifting devices; and a signal distributor for receiving and forwarding signals between the central controller and one or more of the individual lifting devices, wherein at least one of the central controller or at least one of the lifting devices comprises user input means configured for providing the central controller with input, and wherein the central controller is positioned above the lifting devices it is controlling; and wherein the central controller is configured to synchronize a height of the carriers in each lifting device by altering a power supply supplied to the carrier in at least one lifting device based on at least one measurement signal.

17. The lifting system according to claim 16, wherein the central controller comprises an input for receiving a clearance signal from a clearance system.

18. The lifting system according to claim 17, wherein the system comprises a release system for releasing the carrier enabling the lifting system to lift the vehicle in response to the clearance signal.

19. 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 central controller.

20. The method according to claim 19, wherein a release signal is provided after receiving a clearance signal from a clearance system.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE 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. 1A shows a schematic overview of a lifting system according to the invention;

(3) FIG. 1B shows an isolated view of a single controller of FIG. 1A;

(4) FIG. 2 shows an alternative system comprising a central group controller;

(5) FIG. 3 shows a further alternative system comprising the central group controller of FIG. 2 and additional communicators;

(6) FIG. 4 shows a portable embodiment of a central controller;

(7) FIG. 5 shows a release system; and

(8) FIGS. 6 and 7 show pay-per-lift method(s).

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

(9) 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.

(10) 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 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. 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.

(11) Lifting system 2 (FIG. 1A) comprises four mobile lifting columns 4 in the illustrated embodiment. Lifting columns 4 lift passenger car 6 from ground 8. 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 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). A display unit 20 of each column 4 may provide the user with information about the lifting system.

(12) Lifting columns 4 are connected to central controller 22 by wireless communication means 24 on individual lifting column 4 and wireless communication means 26 on central controller 22. Wireless communication means 24, 26 involve one or more transmitters and/or receivers.

(13) 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 central controller 22. In the illustrated embodiment controller 22 is positioned centrally above lifting columns 4 assuring a good communication path between the individual lifting columns 4 and the central controller 22.

(14) Central controller 22 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 28 attached to an individual lifting column 4. Sensor 28 is capable of measuring position and/or speed of carrier 16. In the illustrated embodiment sensor 28 is a potentiometer and/or an inclinometer.

(15) Central controller 22 detects height differences between lifting columns, calculates the required control actions with computing means 30, such as a processor, for individual lifting columns, and communicates the control actions to the relevant individual lifting columns. In the illustrated embodiment battery 32 provides power to central controller 22. Alternatively, or in addition, power is provided through connection 34 to the electrical grid. Data can be stored in memory/storage 36. Central controller is provided with a wired and/or wireless connection 38 to enable connection between communication module 39 of central controller 22 to internal and/or external networks, involving internal company networks for workshop control 40, financial control 42 and maintenance 44, for example, and external networks 46 of suppliers and/or customers, for example.

(16) Display unit 20 (FIGS. 1A and 1B) comprises housing 50, a display 52, preferably a touch screen, optionally a number of buttons 54, an RFID antenna 56 enabling a user to identify himself with an ID-key 58 and/or pay for a number of lifts with a pre-paid card. In the illustrated embodiment unit 20 further comprises position determining means 60 and communication means 24, 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 20 is further provided with input/output ports, such as USB, SD card reader, smart phone communication possibilities etc. to improve the functionality. Display 52 may provide warning signals to the user. Display 52, preferably a TFT-LCD, is protected by a display lens cover of a resilient material, preferably scratch-resistant.

(17) In system 2 a user performs a selection of lifting columns 4 that are incorporated in a group of selected lifting columns with a key or card 58 or other means. Preferably the selected group of lifting columns 4 in system 2 is provided with user instructions on one of the lifting columns 4, using display 52, for example. Transmitter/receivers 24, 26 provide the instructions to central system controller 22. On a central level controller 22 determines the individual control actions to be taken for all lifting columns 4 in system 2. Transmitter/receivers 24, 26 provide the control actions from the central controller to the individual lifting column 4. Information about the actual position of carrier 16 and/or other relevant data is measured, e.g., via height sensor 28, 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 is required. This significantly contributes to the robustness of lifting system 2.

(18) In an advantageous embodiment according to the invention, central controller 122 (FIG. 2) 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 2 with lifting columns 2. Optionally, first computing means 30 is provided with second or further computing means 130. Furthermore, central controller 122 can be provided with additional multiple components to improve overall control operation and robustness.

(19) In a further embodiment central controller 222 (FIG. 3) 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.

(20) In an alternative embodiment central controller 322 (FIG. 4) comprises a portable housing 323 with display 324, such as a touch screen, and wheels 325.

(21) Transmitter/receiver 326 communicates signals between lifting columns 4 and central controller 322. Buttons 328 provide additional input means for a user. Central controller 322 further comprises computing means 330, battery 332, electrical grid connector 334, memory/storage 336, and separate external transmitter/receiver 338 as part of, or cooperating with, communication module 339.

(22) Card or key 58 can be used to select lifting columns 4 and/or in a pay-per-lift or release procedure. Such pay-per-lift or release system will be described next and may be applied to all embodiments of the present invention.

(23) In a presently preferred embodiment lifting column 4 is provided with release system 402 (FIG. 5). In the illustrated embodiment central controller 22 provides a clearance signal to an individual lifting column 4 involving a release signal enabling the effective use of carrier 16. The release signal may release a software lock preventing motor 404 and/or pump 406 of lifting column 4 to operate. Alternatively, or in addition thereto, release signal may release a hardware lock, for example a clamp locking carrier 16. Payments can be 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.

(24) Operation of lifting system 2 involves method 502 (FIG. 6) starting with initiation step 504. In clearance step 506 the clearance check is performed. In case clearance is confirmed system 2 is released by the release system in release step 508 and lifting step 510 can be started to perform the desired lifting.

(25) In an alternative method 512 (FIG. 7) clearance step 506 involves communication with a clearance system 522 involving a requesting step sending a request 514 for an authorization to use lifting system 2 and/or a reply step receiving a reply 516 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 516, for example with a pre-paid lift card 52, or payment confirmations 518, for example via an automatic debit order, and/or sends payment instructions 520.

(26) Sensor 28 can be used to inform controller 22 of lifting activities of carrier 16. Alternatively, or in addition thereto, motor run time sensor 408 (FIG. 5) may provide controller 22 with motor run time information of motor 404 and/or pump activity sensor 410 may provide controller 22 with pump activity information of pump 406 and/or load sensor 412 may provide central controller 22 with information on the actual loads carried by carrier 16, preferably in combination with the time period the carrier 16 is exposed to the load.

(27) 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).

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

(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.