NL2007957C2

NL2007957C2 - Vehicle lift system with moveable lifting device and method for lifting a vehicle.

Info

Publication number: NL2007957C2
Application number: NL2007957A
Authority: NL
Inventors: Jan Willem Fijnvandraat; Jurjen Jan Jong
Original assignee: Stertil Bv
Priority date: 2011-12-13
Filing date: 2011-12-13
Publication date: 2013-06-17

Description

VEHICLE LIFT SYSTEM WITH MOVEABLE LIFTING DEVICE AND METHOD

FOR LIFTING A VEHICLE

The invention relates to a vehicle lifting system 5 and more specifically to a system comprising a moveable lifting device. These lifting systems are specifically used for lifting trucks and busses, or other vehicles with different axle distances.

A known vehicle lifting system with a moveable 10 lifting device is disclosed in WO 2006/112857. Such a lifting system relates to a moveable in-ground lifting system that is provided with a scissor type lifting device with the additional advantage that the installation depth is relatively small. The moveable lifting device is manoeuvred 15 under the rear axle of the vehicle, like a bus or truck, in accordance with the specific axle distance of this vehicle. In case of an incorrect positioning, the vehicle may fall off the lifting device, thereby creating a safety concern. Especially when confronted with different types of vehicles 20 on the lifting system, it is problematic to guarantee a correct position of the moveable lifting device under the vehicle. For example, companies are confronted with over 200 types of vehicles that have different dimensions.

An object of the invention is to obviate or at 25 least reduce the above problems and to improve safety when lifting a vehicle.

This object is achieved with a vehicle lifting system according to the invention, the vehicle lifting system comprising: 30 - a first lifting device for lifting a first part of a vehicle; - a moveable lifting device for lifting a second part of the vehicle; 2 - detector means for automatically detecting the desired lifting position; and - control means for controlling the movement of the moveable lifting device in a substantially horizontal 5 direction for reaching a desired lifting position.

When lifting a vehicle, preferably the vehicle is positioned with the front part over the first lifting device. Preferably, the front wheels are positioned in a wheel positioning edge or recess, preferably adjacent to the 10 first lifting device. The first lifting device lifts the first or front part of the vehicle.

A moveable lifting device is positioned under a second part of the vehicle. Preferably, this second part is the rear part of the vehicle. Alternatively, the second part 15 is the front part of the vehicle. The desired position is detected by detector means. The control means move the moveable lifting device in a substantially horizontal direction to reach the desired lifting position. The second or moveable lifting device lifts the rear part of the 20 vehicle.

By automatically detecting the desired lifting position, and controlling the movement of the moveable lifting device, the lifting device is positioned correctly for the type of vehicle that needs to be lifted. Preferably, 25 the lifting devices lift the vehicle by engaging the vehicle axles. Alternatively, the vehicle can be lifted by the lifting devices engaging on another part of the vehicle.

Automatically detecting the desired lifting position and next, preferably fully automatic, moving the 30 moveable lifting device to the desired position, guarantees a correct positioning of the lifting devices under the vehicle independent of the type of vehicle. Furthermore, the system according to the invention guarantees a correct and 3 safe lifting operation. A further advantage of the vehicle system according to the invention is that the operation of the vehicle lifting system does not depend on the type of vehicle that needs to be lifted. New vehicle types can be 5 lifted as easily as known, conventional vehicles.

In a presently preferred embodiment the system according to the invention relates to a so-called in-ground lifting device. Such vehicle lifting system comprises a first lifting device that preferably has a stationary 10 position and is used for lifting the front, or alternatively the rear, of the vehicle. The system further comprises at least one second moveable lifting device for lifting the rear part, or alternatively the front part, of the vehicle. The lifting devices are provided in a pit. The pit enables a 15 translational movement in the length of the vehicle to be lifted for the moveable lifting device. Preferably, the pit is covered with a pit cover. Depending on the dimensions of the vehicle, for example the amount of axles, more than one moveable lifting device according to the invention may be 20 provided.

The vehicle lifting system according to the invention may comprise lifting devices of a scissor type or alternatively of a telescopic type. The scissor type lifting device has the additional advantage that a relatively 25 shallow pit construction can be used which can be applied beneficially to situations with bedrock, water table or unstable soil conditions. Both types accommodate vehicles with relatively low ground clearance. The moveable lifting device moves in a pit such that can be dealt with a wide 30 range of vehicle dimensions. Preferably, the moveable lifting device is connected to the pit cover such that the pit remains covered during the operation.

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In an advantageous preferred embodiment the vehicle is lifted by the lifting devices engaging the axles of the vehicle. Therefore, the detection means detect the axle position. This detection is performed either directly 5 or indirectly. Direct detection involves detection of the axle, while indirect detection may involve detection of a vehicle wheel position such that also the axle position is known. So, the system according to the invention preferably provides an automatic axle finder, preferably including 10 means for engaging vehicle axles for lifting the vehicle.

The detection means can be provided such that an axle or wheel can be detected on one side/position or, alternatively, on two sides/positions. For example, when the moveable lifting device is provided with two detection means 15 on both sides thereof, a robust detection of the desired lifting position is possible that takes into account a misalignment of the vehicle with the lifting system.

In a preferred embodiment according to the invention the detection means comprise an antenna.

20 By providing at least one antenna the correct lifting position can be determined. In a presently preferred embodiment the axle position is determined using an antenna. The antenna measures the axle position directly or indirectly. In a presently preferred embodiment according to 25 the invention the antenna senses a wheel position of the vehicle using a contact sensor such that the axle position is known to the system and the moveable lifting device can be positioned correctly.

In a presently preferred embodiment the antenna is 30 integrated with a moveable lifting device.

When integrating the antenna with a moveable lifting device the moveable lifting device is moved along the pit until a correct lifting position is detected. This 5 has the advantage that only one moveable device needs to be provided such that additional moveable parts are not required. This achieves an effective and reliable lifting system.

5 The antenna can be fixed and stationary.

Alternatively, the antenna comprises a hinge or other rotating means for rotating the antenna around an axis. When detecting a vehicle wheel this axis relates to a substantially vertical axis. This increases the flexibility 10 for dealing with different sizes of vehicle wheels and tires. For example, this enables positioning the vehicle to be lifted over the system. Next, the antennas are brought into the correct detection position using the hinge or other rotating means so that the lifting position can be 15 determined.

In an advantageous preferred embodiment according to the invention the detection means further comprise a second antenna cooperating with the first antenna for detecting a wheel of a vehicle.

20 By providing a second antenna the detection of the desired lifting position can be performed independent of the wheel size of the vehicle. Preferably, the antennas engage the wheel on both sides of the axle such that, when the antennas are mounted at the same height, the axle position 25 is correctly defined. This further improves the reliability of the system.

In a further advantageous preferred embodiment according to the invention the antenna comprises a sliding contact.

30 Providing a sliding contact for the antenna enables the antenna to pass along the wheel when encountering the wheel, thereby measuring a start and end position of this wheel, such that the middle or centre 6 thereof, which corresponds with the axle position, is determined correctly. This provides further flexibility to deal with different sizes of wheels and tires.

In a further advantageous preferred embodiment 5 according to the present invention, the detection means comprise a contactless sensing device.

By providing a contactless sensing device the robustness of the system is further improved. No physical contact between the detection means and the vehicle is 10 required for detecting the desired lifting position.

In a further advantageous preferred embodiment according to the present invention, the system further comprises a camera system for checking lifting contact between the lifting device and the vehicle.

15 By providing a camera a safety check is facilitated such that the safety and reliability of the system when lifting a vehicle is further improved. This camera system may comprise a monitor that is preferably integrated with the operator panel.

20 The invention further relates to a method for lifting a vehicle, the method comprising the steps of: - providing a vehicle lifting system as described above; - moving a vehicle in or over the system; - automatically detecting the lifting position; 25 - moving the moveable lifting device to the lifting position; and - lifting the vehicle.

The same effect and advantages apply for the method as described for the system.

30 Further advantages, features and details of the invention will be elucidated on the basis of the preferred 7 embodiments thereof, wherein reference is made to the accompanying drawings, in which: - figures 1-2 show a view of the system according to the invention; 5 - figure 3 shows a schematic diagram of the system of figure 1; - figures 4-6 show further embodiments of the system according to the invention; - figures 7-8 shows a vehicle being lifted by the 10 system; and - figures 9-11 show an illustrative operation of the system.

A lifting system 2 (figure 1) comprises a stationary lifting column 4 and a moveable lifting column 6 15 that are located on or in floor 8. The front lifting column 4 is provided in cassette or box 10 with a telescopic lifting cylinder 12. On top of cylinder 12 there is provided carrier 14 with axle carriers 16. In the illustrated embodiment wheel edges or wheel recesses 18 are provided.

20 Recesses 18 define the position of the front wheels of the vehicle. Furthermore, in the illustrated embodiment a hatch 20 is provided in front of the front lifting column 4 for maintenance, for example.

The moveable lifting column 6 moves in cassette or 25 box 22. Box 22 provides a pit with a slot or recess 24 for guiding the moveable lifting column 6. Moveable lifting column 6 is provided with carrier 26 whereon axle carriers 28 are mounted. Depending on the type of vehicle additional adapters can be provided that cooperate with carriers 14, 26 30 to enable engagement with different axle dimensions.

Moveable lifting column 6 is provided with antenna 30 for detecting a wheel of the vehicle.

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Box 22 is provided with guides 32 on which the translation device 34 of the moveable column 6 moves. A pit cover 36 is connected to moveable lifting column 6 such that recess 24 remains closed during operation.

5 Lifting column 6 is additionally provided with camera 37 that enables a safety check when system 2 is about to lift the vehicle and allows the operator to additionally check the engagement of the carrier 26 on axle of the vehicle. Camera 37 can also be provided in the other 10 embodiments. Depending on the dimensions and configuration of the axle of the vehicle additional adapters (not shown) can be provided with the carriers 14, 26. Optionally, camera 37 is provided as a stand-alone system to assist the operator when using system 2. In addition or alternatively, 15 camera 37 can be used as an axle or wheel recognition system capable of determining the type and/or dimensions of an axle or wheel to be lifted.

Using system 2 enables positioning the moveable lifting column 6 with an accuracy of at least 2.5 cm and 20 preferably within the range of about 1.25 cm.

Further details of conventional paths of system 2 are disclosed in WO 2006/112857 which is included by reference herein. WO 2006/112857 specifically discloses a scissor type lifting device that is positioned in a pit.

25 This pit with a pit cover and lifting means involving auxiliary adapters engaging the axle of the vehicle have been described in detail herein.

In lifting operation 38 (figure 3) in a first positioning step 40 a vehicle is positioned over system 2.

30 After the start 42 of operation 38 it begins with moving step 44 wherein antenna 30 is moved along recess 24 for the detection step 46. In the illustrated embodiment antenna 30 detects a wheel position. Next, in an axle determining step 9 48 the exact position of the axle is determined after which in positioning step 50 the moveable lifting column 6 is positioned in the desired lifting position. After the lifting position is reached the lifting operation 52 is 5 started. This may involve additional checking operations. After lifting step 52 operations 54 can be performed on the vehicle. After operations 54 have been ended the lifting devices 4, 6 are lowered in lowering step 56. Finally, in the end step 58 the vehicle is removed from system 2. So, 10 system 2 provides an automatic axle finder and, preferably, means for engaging vehicle axles for lifting the vehicle.

In an alternative embodiment for system 2 (figure 4) moveable lifting column 6 is provided with a first antenna 60 and a second antenna 62 which is rotatable around 15 a substantially vertical axis. Using two antennas enables detecting a wheel from both sides seen in longitudinal direction of the vehicle. Independent of the height of the antennas 60, 62 relative to the wheel the centre position relates to the axle position of the vehicle. In the 20 illustrated embodiment antenna 62 is rotatable. In alternative embodiments none or both antennas 60, 62 are rotatable. In a further alternative embodiment, antennas 60, 62 are provided on separate movable devices to independently determine the axle position of the vehicle.

25 In a further alternative embodiment of system 2 (figure 5) antenna 64 provides a sliding contact for detecting the axle position. In the illustrated embodiment the moveable lifting column 6 is not stopped when antenna 64 detects a wheel. Instead, moveable column 6 continues moving 30 until the sliding contact loses its contact with the wheel. By determining the start and end positions of the wheel the axle position is determined independent of the height of the 10 antenna 64. Next, the moveable lifting column is moved to the desired lifting position.

In a further alternative embodiment of system 2 (figure 6) sensors 66 have been included in moveable lifting 5 device 6. Sensors 66 can be activated and with detection signal 68 measure the presence of a wheel. Signal 68 may use infrared, ultrasound and/or another detection signal 68. The use of sensor 66 prevents physical contact between moveable lifting column 6 and the wheels of the vehicle.

10 A vehicle 70 (figures 7-8) is positioned over system 2. Moveable lifting device 6 is positioned under the rear axle of vehicle 70 using integrally provided detection means 30, 60, 64, 66. Next, vehicle 70 is lifted by the lifting devices 4, 6. Positioning moveable lifting device 6 15 with integrated detection means 30, 60, 64, 66 under rear axle 72 of vehicle 70 (figures 9-11) requires moving the device 6 along the pit to detect axle 72 directly or indirectly via wheel 74 of vehicle 72. In the illustrated embodiment, lifting device 6 first moves beyond wheel 74 to 20 detect axle 72. Next, the point of engagement 76 is positioned such that engagement means may engage with axle 74 when lifting vehicle 70.

In the illustrated embodiments, antennas 30, 60, 64 and sensors 66 are integrated with the moveable lifting 25 column 6. Alternatively, these antennas and sensors are provided on separate moveable devices, in one possible embodiment approaching a wheel from both sides. Furthermore, in the illustrated embodiments one moveable lifting column 6 is shown. Alternatively, more than one, for example two, 30 moveable lifting columns 6 can be provided for system 2.

When engaging the axles of the vehicle for lifting, the number of lifting devices 4, 6 may depend on the size of the 11 vehicle and/or number of axles of the vehicle. Also, carriers 14, 26 may engage other parts of the vehicle.

The present invention is by no means limited to the above described preferred embodiments thereof. The 5 rights sought are defined by the following claims, within the scope of which many modifications can be envisaged. For example, it is explicitly mentioned that the combinations of the illustrated embodiments are possible.

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CLAUSES

1. Vehicle lifting system, comprising: - a first lifting device for lifting a first part of a 5 vehicle; - a moveable lifting device for lifting a second part of the vehicle; - detector means for automatically detecting the desired lifting position; and 10 - control means for controlling the movement of the moveable lifting device in a substantially horizontal direction for reaching a desired lifting position.

2. Vehicle lifting system according to clause 1, 15 wherein the detection means detect the axle position.

3. Vehicle lifting system according to clause 1 or 2, wherein the detection means comprise an antenna.

20 4. Vehicle lifting system according to clause 3, wherein the antenna is integrated with the moveable lifting device.

5. Vehicle lifting system according to clause 3 or 25 4, wherein the antenna comprises rotating means for rotating the antenna.

6. Vehicle lifting system according to clause 3, 4 or 5, wherein the detection means comprise a second antenna 30 cooperating with the first antenna for detecting a wheel of the vehicle.

13 7. Vehicle lifting system according to any of clauses 3-6, wherein the antenna comprises a sliding contact.

5 8. Vehicle lifting system according to any of the foregoing clauses, wherein the detection means comprises a contactless sensing device.

9. Vehicle lifting system according to any of the 10 foregoing clauses, the system further comprising a camera system for checking lifting contact between the lifting device and the vehicle.

10. Vehicle lifting system according to any of the 15 foregoing clauses wherein the lifting device is a scissor- type lifting device.

11. Vehicle lifting system according to any of the foregoing clauses, wherein the lifting device is a 20 telescopic-type lifting device.

12. Method for lifting a vehicle, comprising the steps of: - providing a vehicle lifting system according to any of 25 the foregoing clauses; - moving a vehicle in or over the system; - automatically detecting the lifting position; - moving the moveable lifting device to the lifting position; and 30 - lifting the vehicle.

Claims

A lifting system for a vehicle, comprising: - a first lifting device for lifting a first part of a vehicle; - a movable lifting device for lifting a second part of the vehicle; - detection means for automatically detecting the desired lifting position; and 10. control means for controlling the movement of the movable lifting device in substantially a horizontal direction for achieving a desired lifting position.

A vehicle lifting system according to claim 1, wherein the detection means detect the axle position.

3. A lifting system for a vehicle according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the detection means comprise a feeler blade. 20

A vehicle lifting system according to claim 3, wherein the feeler blade is integrated with the movable lifting device.

A vehicle lifting system according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the feeler blade comprises rotation means for rotating the feeler blade.

A vehicle lifting system according to claim 3, 4 or 5, wherein the detection means comprise a second antenna suitable for cooperating with the first antenna for detecting a wheel of the vehicle.

A vehicle lifting system according to one or more of claims 3-6, wherein the feeler blade comprises a sliding contact.

A lifting system for a vehicle according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the detection means comprise a contactless measuring device.

9. Vehicle lifting system according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the system further comprises a camera system for controlling the lifting contact between the lifting device and the vehicle.

10. Vehicle lifting system as claimed in one or more of the foregoing claims, wherein the lifting device is a scissor type lifting device.

11. Vehicle lifting system according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the lifting device 20 is a telescopic type lifting device.

12. Method for lifting a vehicle, comprising the steps of: - providing a lifting system for a vehicle according to one or more of the preceding claims; - driving a vehicle in or over the system; - automatically detecting the lifting position; - moving the movable lifting device to the lifting position; and - the lifting of the vehicle.