Lifting Device for Lifting a Vehicle with Integrated Motor Control, and System and Method Therefor

Abstract

The present invention relates to a lifting device system for lifting a vehicle, and lifting system and method therefor. The lifting device according to the invention includes a frame with a moveable carrier configured for carrying the vehicle; a drive system which acts on the carrier and is configured for raising and/or lowering the carrier relative to the frame; and a controller and a control measurement system. The controller is configured for controlling the height of the carrier in response to a measurement signal from the control measurement system. The drive system comprises a motor with an integrated motor controller.

Claims

1. A lifting device for lifting a vehicle, the device comprising: a frame with a moveable carrier configured for carrying the vehicle; a drive system which acts on the carrier and is configured for raising and/or lowering the carrier relative to the frame; and a controller and a control measurement system, wherein the controller is configured for controlling the height of the carrier in response to a measurement signal from the control measurement system, wherein the drive system comprises a motor with an integrated motor controller.

2. The lifting device according to claim 1, wherein components of the drive system are connected with watertight connectors.

3. The lifting device according to claim 2, wherein the connectors connect a first component to a second component of the drive system from below.

4. The lifting device according to claim 1, wherein the motor is a permanent-magnet (PM) motor.

5. The lifting device according to claim 1, wherein the drive system comprises a hydraulic system having a hydraulic reservoir, wherein the reservoir extends over a substantial height of the frame.

6. The lifting device according to claim 5, wherein the control measurement system comprises a sensor configured for generating the measurement signal for determining a control action with the controller related to the drive system of the lifting device, with the sensor configured for generating an indirect measurement signal from the hydraulic system.

7. The lifting device according to claim 1, wherein the drive system comprises a piston rod that is operatively connected to the drive system for raising and/or lowering the carrier relative to the frame, and wherein the control measurement system comprises a piston rod displacement measurement system configured for measuring the displacement of the piston rod.

8. The lifting device according to claim 1, wherein the drive system further comprising an energy supply with one or more batteries.

9. The lifting device according to claim 8, wherein the energy supply comprises at least two batteries.

10. The lifting device according to claim 8, wherein the one or more batteries are provided in or at the frame at a position below the drive system.

11. The lifting device according to claim 8, further comprising a charging device.

12. The lifting device according to claim 11, wherein the controller comprises a charging monitor configured for monitoring a regenerative charging process when lowering a load.

13. The lifting device according to claim 12, wherein the controller further comprises a resistance and a switch circuit that are operatively connected to the charging monitor and capable of preventing overcharging of the one or more batteries.

14. The lifting device according to claim 1, wherein the frame comprises a foot having a tapering part with an additional running wheel at or near a front of the foot of the frame.

15. The lifting device according to claim 1, further comprising a modular cartridge comprising an additional running wheel at or near a front of a foot of the frame.

16. The lifting device according to claim 1, wherein the controller comprises a connectivity module configured for communicating with an external system.

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

18. The lifting device according to claim 3, wherein the drive system further comprises an energy supply with one or more batteries, wherein the energy supply comprises at least two batteries, wherein the one or more batteries are provided in or at the frame at a position below the drive system, the lifting device further comprising a charging device, wherein the controller comprises a charging monitor configured for monitoring a regenerative charging process when lowering a load, and wherein the controller further comprises a resistance and a switch circuit that are operatively connected to the charging monitor and capable of preventing overcharging of the one or more batteries.

19. A lifting system comprising at least one group of two or more lifting devices, wherein the lifting devices comprise: a frame with a moveable carrier configured for carrying the vehicle; a drive system which acts on the carrier and is configured for raising and/or lowering the carrier relative to the frame; and a controller and a control measurement system, wherein the controller is configured for controlling the height of the carrier in response to a measurement signal from the control measurement system, wherein the drive system comprises a motor with an integrated motor controller.

20. A method for lifting a vehicle with a lifting device or lifting system, the method comprising the steps of: providing a lifting device or a lifting system comprising at least one group of two or more lifting devices, wherein the lifting devices comprise: a frame with a moveable carrier configured for carrying the vehicle; a drive system which acts on the carrier and configured for raising and/or lowering the carrier relative to the frame; and a controller and a control measurement system, wherein the controller is configured for controlling the height of the carrier in response to a measurement signal from the control measurement system, wherein the drive system comprises a motor with an integrated motor controller; and lifting the vehicle with the drive system acting on the carrier.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0062] 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:

[0063] FIG. 1 shows a lifting system comprising a number of mobile lifting columns according to the present invention;

[0064] FIG. 2 shows a mobile lifting column of the type shown in FIG. 1;

[0065] FIG. 3 shows a further view of the mobile lifting column of FIG. 2;

[0066] FIG. 4 shows the configuration of the drive system of the lifting column of FIGS. 1-3;

[0067] FIG. 5 shows details of the drive with motor and integrated motor controller;

[0068] FIG. 6 shows details of the hydraulic reservoir; and

[0069] FIG. 7 shows the foot of the lifting column with modular cartridge.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0070] 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.

[0071] 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.

[0072] 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. 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. 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.

[0073] Lifting column 4 comprises pallet truck mechanism 36 (FIG. 3) for displacing/positioning lifting column 4. An operator is provided with information and/or provides input to lifting column 4 with control unit 38 that comprises display 40. Lifting column 4 further comprises cover 42. Cover 42 protects a number of components against fouling and damage. Charger 98 and connector 100 (FIG. 3) are provided behind cover 42. This provides an integrated design.

[0074] Mounting rail 44 (FIG. 4) enables a robust connection of cover 42 to frame of lifting column 4. An energy system 46 comprises first battery 48 and second battery 50. Drive system 52 is in the illustrated embodiment provided above energy system 46. An overcharge monitor 104 is provided in control unit 38 that also comprises an integrated switch circuit 38a and resistance 38b for a safety measure to prevent overcharging of batteries 48, 50. Connectivity module 106 is also provided in control unit 38 to connect lifting column 4 with other systems. Optionally sensor 108 is provided at mast 16 of lifting column 4 to detect the velocity of a moving carrier 18.

[0075] Drive system 52 comprises integrated system 54 (FIG. 5) comprising motor and pump assembly 56 and motor controller 58. Assembly 56 comprises pump and valve 60 and PM motor 62. Motor controller 58 comprises plate 64, print 66 and cover 68.

[0076] Drive system 52 further involves reservoir 70 (FIG. 6). In the illustrated embodiment reservoir 70 has bottom part 72 with opening 74 and pump connection 76. Reservoir 70 is further provided with vertical extending part 78.

[0077] In use, reservoir 70 is filled with hydraulic oil 80 defining oil level 82. In the illustrated embodiment several sensors have been illustrated. It will be understood that these relate to exemplary embodiments of the invention and other configurations of one or more of these sensors or further alternative sensors can also be envisaged in accordance with the invention. In the illustrated embodiment ultrasonic sensor 84 is mounted at the top of the vertical part 78 of reservoir 70. Sensor 84 provides signal 86 that is reflected by oil level 82. This indicates the position of oil level 82. Float 88a also measures oil level 82. Load cell 88b measures the amount of oil in reservoir 70. Pressure sensor 88c measures pressure differences indicating the position of oil level 82. Flow sensor 88d measures the amount of flow from and/or to reservoir 70. Furthermore, in addition or as an alternative to the aforementioned sensor(s), a flow sensor can be provided in hydraulic circuit, for example in suction pipe. It will be understood that other locations for flow sensor can also be envisaged in accordance with the present invention.

[0078] Reservoir 70 is provided with connection 90 to connect sensors 84, 86, 88a-d to control unit 38.

[0079] Foot 10 of lifting column 4 (FIG. 7) comprises connecting part 92 having height hi, curve part 94 with height h.sub.2 and front part 96 having height h.sub.3, with decreasing height from h.sub.1 to h.sub.3. This provides maximum strength at connecting part 92 and maximum space for manoeuvring at part 96.

[0080] Front running wheel or additional wheel 13 is provided in cartridge 102 that is located in front part 96 of foot 10. Cartridge 102 (detail of FIG. 7) comprises frame 112 and spring element 114. Cartridge 102 is designed that it may be replaced as a whole, including additional wheel 13. In an alternative embodiment lifting column 4 is provided with a further measurement system 110 that measures displacement of a piston that drives carrier 18. Such measurement system is disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0052757, which is incorporated herein by reference. This measurement system a hydraulic circuit is operatively connected to hydraulic cylinder with the piston. Controller 38 receives measurement signals from sensors 84, 86, 88a-d and/or other sensors. Controller 38 determines the height of carrier 18. Preferably, controller 38 is connected to a central controller configured for controlling the lifting columns, optionally communicating with (local) controllers of lifting devices. The central controller and/or controller 38 determine the height and/or speed differences between individual carriers 18 of a lifting system (FIG. 1) and determine required control actions. These control actions may result in sending control signals/actions to motor/pump assembly 54 of drive system 52.

[0081] 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 carriers 18 are stopped.

[0082] 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.