Lifting device for lifting a vehicle with a locking system and lifting system and method therefor

Abstract

The present invention relates to a lifting system for lifting a vehicle and method therefor. The lifting system according to the invention includes a frame with a moveable carrier configured for carrying the vehicle, with the carrier including a carrying part and a guiding part; a drive which acts on the carrier and is configured for raising and/or lowering the carrier relative to the frame; a locking system for locking and unlocking the moveable carrier relative to the frame; and a controller configured for controlling the height of the carrier. The locking system includes a lock actuator, a locking rail, a locking drive configured for moving the lock actuator between a locked state and an unlocked state, and a lock and is configured for engaging and/or disengaging the locking rail in response to a movement of the lock actuator.

Claims

1. A lifting device for lifting a vehicle, the device comprising: a frame with a moveable carrier configured for carrying the vehicle, wherein the carrier comprises a carrying part and a guiding part; a drive which acts on the carrier and configured for at least one of raising and lowering the carrier relative to the frame; a locking system for locking and unlocking the moveable carrier relative to the frame; and a controller configured for controlling the height of the carrier, wherein the locking system comprises: a lock actuator and a locking rail that both extend over at least a part of the height of the frame; a locking drive configured for moving the lock actuator between a locked state and an unlocked state; and a lock that is provided at or on the moveable carrier and is configured for at least one of engaging and disengaging the locking rail in response to a movement of the lock actuator.

2. The lifting device according to claim 1, wherein the lock actuator and the locking rail are provided in or at the frame.

3. The lifting device according to claim 2, wherein the locking actuator is provided in the frame with a connection such that the locking actuator may rotate around its axis when moving between the locked and unlocked states.

4. The lifting device according to claim 1, wherein the locking system comprises a locking mechanism that further comprises a rod extending between the lock and the carrier.

5. The lifting device according to claim 4, wherein the rod is connected to the carrier with a hinged connection and substantially extends in a vertical direction.

6. The lifting device according to claim 5, wherein the hinged connection is configured to automatically move the lock in the locked state when the lock actuator is not activated.

7. The lifting device according to claim 1, wherein the locking actuator comprises a locking frame and an anti-wear strip extending over substantially the length of the locking actuator.

8. The lifting device according to claim 7, wherein the locking frame comprises a lightweight material.

9. The lifting device according to claim 7, wherein the anti-wear strip comprises polyethylene.

10. The lifting device according to claim 1, wherein the ratio of the length of the guiding part of the carrier and the length of the frame is below 1.

11. The lifting device according to claim 1, wherein the lifting device comprises a mobile lifting column.

12. The lifting device according to claim 3, wherein the locking system comprises a locking mechanism that further comprises a rod extending between the lock and the carrier.

13. The lifting device according to claim 12, wherein the rod is connected to the carrier with a hinged connection and substantially extends in a vertical direction.

14. The lifting device according to claim 13, wherein the hinged connection is configured to automatically move the lock in the locked state when the lock actuator is not activated.

15. The lifting device according to claim 14, wherein the locking actuator comprises a locking frame and an anti-wear strip extending over substantially the length of the locking actuator.

16. The lifting device according to claim 15, wherein the ratio of the length of the guiding part of the carrier and the length of the frame is below 1.

17. A lifting system comprising at least one group of two or more lifting devices for lifting a vehicle, the lifting device comprising: a frame with a moveable carrier configured for carrying the vehicle, wherein the carrier comprises a carrying part and a guiding part; a drive which acts on the carrier and configured for at least one of raising and lowering the carrier relative to the frame; a locking system for locking and unlocking the moveable carrier relative to the frame; and a controller configured for controlling the height of the carrier, wherein the locking system comprises: a lock actuator and a locking rail that both extend over at least a part of the height of the frame; a locking drive configured for moving the lock actuator between a locked state and an unlocked state; and a lock that is provided at or on the moveable carrier and is configured for at least one of engaging and disengaging the locking rail in response to a movement of the lock actuator.

18. The lifting system according to claim 17, wherein the ratio of the length of the guiding part of the carrier and the length of the frame is below 1.

19. A method for lifting a vehicle, the method comprising the steps of: providing a lifting device or lifting system comprising at least one group of two or more of such lifting devices, with the lifting device comprising: a frame with a moveable carrier configured for carrying the vehicle, wherein the carrier comprises a carrying part and a guiding part; a drive which acts on the carrier and configured for at least one of raising and lowering the carrier relative to the frame; a locking system for locking and unlocking the moveable carrier relative to the frame; and a controller configured for controlling the height of the carrier, wherein the locking system comprises: a lock actuator and a locking rail that both extend over at least a part of the height of the frame; a locking drive configured for moving the lock actuator between a locked state and an unlocked state; and a lock that is provided at or on the moveable carrier and is configured for at least one of engaging and disengaging the locking rail in response to a movement of the lock actuator; lifting the vehicle with the drive acting on the carrier; and locking the carrier at a certain height relative to the frame by: actuating the lock actuator; moving the lock with the locking drive between a locked state and an unlocked state; and engaging or disengaging the lock from the locking rail in response to a movement of the lock actuator.

20. The method according to claim 19, wherein the locking system moves to the locked state in case of a power failure.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) Exemplary embodiments of a lifting system and/or the method according to the present invention are described here below on the basis of a non-limitative exemplary embodiment therefor shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein:

(2) FIG. 1 shows a lifting system comprising a number of mobile lifting columns according to the present invention;

(3) FIG. 2 shows a mobile lifting column of the type shown in FIG. 1 with a locking system;

(4) FIG. 3 shows the carrier and locking system of the mobile lifting column of FIG. 2;

(5) FIG. 4 shows a detail of the lock actuator and locking drive of the locking system of FIG. 3; and

(6) FIG. 5 shows details of the lock actuator shown in FIGS. 3 and 4.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

(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 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 involve wired and/or wireless communication. With reference to the figures, like element numbers refer to the same element between drawings.

(9) System 2 for efficient lifting and lowering load 6 (FIG. 1) comprises four wireless mobile lifting columns 4. Lifting columns 4 lift passenger car 6 from ground 8. In the illustrated embodiment 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 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 13 (FIG. 2). Running wheel 12 is part of pallet truck mechanism 14 enabling easy manoeuvring of lifting column 4. Lifting column 4 furthermore comprises mast 16. Carrier 18 is moveable upward and downward along mast 16. Optionally, adapters can be used to adjust carrier 18 to specific wheel dimensions. Carrier 18 is driven by motor/drive system 20 that is preferably provided in a housing of lifting column 4. System 20 is supplied with power from the electrical grid or by a battery that is provided on lifting column 4 in the same housing as system 20, or alternatively on foot 10 (not shown), for example. Lifting column 4 is provided with control panel 22 to allow the user of system 2 to control the system, for example by setting the speed for carrier 18. In one embodiment, the motor of system 20 is a 3-phase low voltage motor controlled by a separate controller. In another embodiment, the motor of system 20 is a 3-phase low voltage motor with integrated controller. Such motor with integrated controller can also be used in combination with conventional lifting devices with conventional height measurement systems.

(10) Each of the lifting columns has at least one ascent mode and one descent mode, and is under the influence of integrated controller with control panel 22. Controller 22 can be designed for each lifting column 4 individually, or for the lifting columns 4 together. A pressure or load sensor may be used for monitoring, control and indication of the correct positioning of the load that is lifted with lifting system 2.

(11) Carrier 18 (FIG. 2) comprises carrying part 24 and guiding part 26. Guiding part 26 extends over length d.sub.1 along guide rail 28 in a substantial vertical direction. Guide rail 28 is provided with cylinder 30. Guide rail 28 extends over length d.sub.2 along mast 16. It is noted that this length d.sub.2 is mostly related to the length or height of cylinder 30. Mast 16 also houses locking system 32 and locking rail 34. In the illustrated embodiment locking rail 34 extends over a substantial part of the length or height of mast 16.

(12) Locking system 32 (FIG. 3) comprises lock actuator 36 that extends over a substantial part of the length or height of mast 16. Lock 38 comprises a block/blocking element capable of engaging with locking rail 34, and optionally a pawl with pen 40. Lock 38 is provided at one end of rod 42. Rod 42 is connected to lock or block 38 with connection 44. Furthermore, rod 42 is connected to guiding part 26 of carrier 18 at upper connection 46. Carrier 18 moves along mast 16 with upper guide wheels 48 and lower guide wheels 50.

(13) Lock actuator 36 (FIG. 4) comprises aluminium profile or frame 52 and polyethylene anti-wear strip 54 that may contact block 38. In the illustrated embodiment lock actuator 56 comprises an electromagnet.

(14) Profile 52 (FIG. 5) comprises hole or opening 58 with a number of protrusions or nocks 59. The other end profile frame 52 is provided with hole or opening 60 having a number of protrusions or nocks 62, with hole 60 capable of receiving PE strip 54.

(15) When lifting car 6 a number of mobile lifting columns 4 are positioned around vehicle 6. When the lifting operation is approved carriers 18 start moving along masts 16. As soon as the desired height D above ground surface 8 of carriers 18 is reached a locking system 32 is activated. Locking system 32 activates lock actuator 56 to rotate lock actuator 36, with lock actuator 36 comprising profile 52 and anti-wear strip 54. Lock actuator 36 is pivotally connected at its outer ends to mast 16 or other parts of the lifting device. When rotating lock actuator 36 block or pawl 38 will engage or disengage from locking rail 34. Rail 34 preferably extends along mast 16. As a further advantage, as the length of lock actuator 36 corresponds to the length of stroke of cylinder 30 carrier 18 can be locked at any desired height along mast 16. This further improves the operation of lifting device of the present invention.

(16) Preferably, in case of a power failure, the electromagnet of lock actuator 56 is turned off and profile 52 returns to its inactive position wherein block 38 engages locking rail 34. Optionally, a user may manually operate rod 42 to disengage block 38 from locking rail 34 to lower carriers 16, for example. This contributes to providing a safe working environment with an effective lifting device.

(17) 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. For example, the present invention can be applied to the (wireless) lifting columns illustrated in FIG. 1. Alternatively the invention can also be applied to other types of lifting columns and lifting systems.