EP2708489B1 - Lifting platform for vehicles - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a lift for vehicles, consisting of two lifting columns, which are arranged on both sides of the vehicle and each have two support arms, said support arms are mounted horizontally pivotable and adjustable in length on its lifting column and each have at their free end a support plate, said support plate be positioned below the vehicle by appropriate movement of its support arm in prescribed by the vehicle manufacturer support positions.

Lifting platforms of the type described above are known in numerous variants and have proven themselves in practice, because they are suitable by their variable support arms for small as well as large vehicles. The pivoting and the length adjustment of the support arms to position their carrier plates in the vehicle manufacturer prescribed support positions below the vehicle is carried out by the operator after the vehicle has been retracted into the lift. The WO 02/034665 discloses a lift according to the preamble of claim 1.

The present invention is based on the recognition that the sense of proportion and the thoroughness, which is necessary for the accurate adjustment of the support arms, can not be readily assumed by every operator. Therefore, the present invention seeks to improve a lift of the type described above in that the adjustment of the support arms in the prescribed support positions can be realized more reliable than before the task.

This object is achieved according to the invention in that the coordinates of the bearing positions prescribed by the manufacturer are stored as nominal positions in connection with the respectively associated vehicle type in a data memory of the lifting platform, that the coordinates of the actual positions of the carrier plates are determined by measurement and optionally calculation, that by means of a computer, a balance between the desired and actual coordinates and a lifting operation of the support arms is only released when the differences between the desired and actual coordinates are within a predetermined tolerance.

According to the invention, therefore, it comes to a monitoring of the support arm setting. The safety in the lifting process is therefore no longer dependent on the eye and the reliability of the operator, but a lifting operation is only possible if it is guaranteed that all four support arms are in the right position with their support plates. The lift according to the invention is therefore characterized by a significantly increased reliability; It can no longer happen that the carrier plate dent in due to incorrect positioning of the vehicle underbody or the vehicle slipping due to too far outward seated carrier locally.

An advantageous development of the invention is that the setpoint and actual positions are additionally displayed in a display. As a result, the operator recognizes which of the four support arms must be adjusted and to what extent this has to be done. In particular, the operator no longer needs to kneel on the workshop floor to control the poorly visible area below the vehicle. Rather, this control can be done conveniently with the help of the display.

In this context, a further advantageous embodiment of the invention is that the displayed desired positions in their entirety and / or the displayed actual positions in their entirety are displaceable on the display. With this displaceability under which not only a linear displacement in the X and Y direction is understood, but also a rotation, it has the following Bewandnis: It can not always be ensured in practice that the vehicle is retracted in the ideal position in the lift has been; For example, the vehicle may have been moved obliquely, laterally offset or slightly too short or too far into the lift. In order for this result no adjustment errors, the displayed desired positions are expediently shifted in their entirety so that they match the vehicle position. This can be done in such a way that at one or two easily visible from the outside bearing positions of the vehicle of the associated Support arm is moved up and that then the associated here target position on the display is brought into line with the actual position of this carrier plate. In this coincidence bring the remaining predetermined target positions are of course taken to the same extent, so that all four target positions now fit the vehicle position. The adjustment of the remaining support arms can then be conveniently monitored via the display.

Sometimes it may be sufficient if the displacement of the displayed desired positions or the displayed actual positions on the display is only possible in the X direction and in the Y direction. However, if a designed for large vehicles lift with a correspondingly wide Hubsäulen distance is to be used for vehicles of the mini-class, it is expedient to perform the shift of the desired or actual positions on the display not only translationally, but also rotationally, in order to better take into account a tilt of the vehicle in the lift.

The determination of the actual coordinates of the carrier plates is expediently carried out by measuring the swivel angle of the carrier arms and by measuring the Tragarmlänge. Corresponding angle and distance measuring sensors are known.

To further increase the reliability of the lift, it is recommended that a sensor is arranged on the support arm, which checks whether the usual locking lever is plugged in order to block an unwanted pivotal movement of the support arm and in the absence thereof prevents operation of the lift.

A further improvement of the present invention is that the pivoting and / or length adjustment of the support arms is motorized and automatically by means of the computer performing the comparison between the desired and actual coordinates. As a result, the complete adjustment of the support arms can be automated both before the lifting process as well as after the lifting process. At most, the first support arm is still to be brought by the operator in the desired position, so that the displayed target positions can be adapted to the vehicle position.

If, on the other hand, the position of the vehicle standing in the lifting platform is optically detected and this position is supplied to the computer performing compensation between the desired and actual coordinates, the tracking of the desired positions to the vehicle position can also be automated and also the first support arm does not need be moved more by the operator in the desired position.

In some vehicles, the support position of the vehicle front and rear are not at an identical level. In this case, the target and actual coordinates can be detected not only in the X and Y directions, but also in the Z direction, so that the computer also performs compensation in the Z direction. In this case, it is then recommended to automate the lift that the carrier plates are each combined with a lift motor, which is controlled by the computer.

Another expedient development of the invention, which is helpful regardless of the measurement and the adjustment of the setpoint and actual values of the support positions, is that the support arms each have a sensor for determining the force acting on the support arm weight of the vehicle. This sensor is preferably formed by strain gauges; However, other suitable sensors are also suitable for this purpose.

It is essential that the determined weights of each sensor are fed to a computer for checking the total load and for checking the load distribution. In this case, each individual arm is checked for the allowable load, as well as the load distribution between the front and rear support arms to ensure the stability of the lifting columns. If the determined weight forces per support arm or altogether are too high or if the load distribution is too uneven, this computer can prevent a lifting process.

In this context, a plausibility check of the weight forces measured on the support arms, on the one hand, with the weight forces resulting in the two lifting columns, on the other hand, can also take place. If the lifting columns are hydraulically driven, for example, then the weight force recorded there results from the hydraulic pressure and the known piston area and this weight force can then be balanced with the sum of the determined by the front and the rear arm of this lifting column weight forces by means of said computer. This results in a further increase in operational safety.

Another development in terms of safety is that the lift documented each lifting operation with respect to the desired and actual positions of the carrier plate, possibly also in terms of weight forces and possibly also in terms of a support arm lock. As a result, in case of faults, accidents or the like reliably traceable, where the causes were.

Finally, it is within the scope of the invention that the data storage and the computer are responsible not only for one, but for multiple lifts. This reduces the installation effort. In order to avoid the laying of long data lines, the transmission of the data to the central computer is possible wirelessly.

Figur 1

ein Schrägbild der Hebebühne mit einfahrendem Fahrzeug;

Figur 2

eine vergrößerte Schrägansicht einer Hubsäule mit Display;

Figur 3

das Display mit den Soll- und Ist-Positionen bei noch nicht eingeschwenkten Tragarmen;

Figur 4

das Display mit den Soll- und Ist-Positionen und mit den Gewichtskräften bei eingeschwenkten und angehobenen Tragarmen;

Figur 5

eine Ausschnittvergrößerung der Tragarm-Anlenkung an der Hubsäule;

Figur 6

ein Blockschaltbild.

Further features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description of an embodiment and from the drawing; shows

FIG. 1

an oblique view of the lift with retracting vehicle;

FIG. 2

an enlarged oblique view of a lifting column with display;

FIG. 3

the display with the setpoint and actual positions for not yet pivoted support arms;

FIG. 4

the display with the nominal and actual positions and with the weight forces with swiveled in and raised support arms;

FIG. 5

an enlarged detail of the support arm articulation on the lifting column;

FIG. 6

a block diagram.

In FIG. 1 you can see two lifting columns 1 and 2, which are arranged on both sides of a vehicle located in the driveway 2. Both lifting columns are equipped with support arms 11 and 12 or 21 and 22. These support arms are mounted in a conventional manner horizontally pivotally mounted on their respective lifting column and also telescoping in the longitudinal direction, so that they can be pivoted from its outer rest position under the vehicle after the vehicle retracts before the lifting operation begins. At their free ends, the support arms each have a height-adjustable support plate 11 a, 12 a and 21 a and 22 a. These carrier plates must be positioned under certain vehicle support positions specified by the manufacturer so that they can take up vehicle weight during lifting without damaging the vehicle.

For synchronization control, both lifting columns 1 and 2 are interconnected by a bridge 4, which contains known control lines.

It is essential that the entry area of the lift, optically detected by a camera 5, for example. It has the task to detect the vehicle contour of the vehicle relative to the lift after the vehicle has been moved into the lift.

FIG. 2 shows a section enlargement of the lifting column 1 seen from the outside. It can be seen that this lifting column is equipped with a display 6. This display shows the nominal and actual positions of the four carrier plates 11a, 12a, 21a, 22a and the loads received by the support arms.

FIG. 3 shows the display in an enlarged view after the vehicle has been moved into the lift, but the support arms are still in their outer rest position. Consequently one recognizes in FIG. 3 in that both the front carrier plates 11a and 21a and the rear carrier plates 12a and 22a appear at the outermost edge of the display.

In addition, the display already shows the from a data memory 16 (see FIG. FIG. 6 ) dubbed desired support positions, which are specified by the manufacturer. These desired positions are for ease of assignment with the same reference numeral, but additionally marked with ', ie 11a', 12a ', 21a' and 22a '.

In FIG. 3 the setpoint values for the support positions are not exactly symmetrical to the center axis. Rather, they are slightly offset to the passenger side. The reason for this is the detected by the camera 5 vehicle contour. This vehicle contour is not exactly centered between the two lifting columns 1 and 2 in the embodiment, but slightly offset passenger side. This was detected by a computer evaluation of the camera image and resulted in a corresponding displacement of the desired positions 11a ', 12a', 21a 'and 22a', ie for adapting these desired positions to the actual vehicle position.

Starting from FIG. 3 The operator can now pivot the four support arms from its outer rest position inwards under the vehicle until all carrier plates reach the target positions indicated in the display. This condition is in FIG. 4 shown. The achievement of these target positions is easily comprehensible on the basis of the display, if necessary also easy to correct, because the actual positions of the carrier plates are permanently measured and transmitted to the computer and thus also to the display 6. Only when all carrier plates have reached their desired positions, the lifting process is released.

FIG. 4 shows the display 6 in another application, namely the simultaneous measurement of the force acting on the support arms weight. It can be seen that the front left arm is loaded with 314 kg, the front right arm with 298 kg, whereas the rear arm is loaded on the left with 452 kg and on the right with 414 kg. This load distribution between the individual support arms, as well as the load sum left, right front, back and total is continuously recorded and must be within predetermined limits; otherwise, a computer 15 fed with these data (see FIG. FIG. 6 ) the lifting process. Appropriately, this is the same computer, which is responsible for the adjustment of the desired and actual coordinates.

The display in FIG. 4 also shows if the brackets are locked with respect to their swivel range. This locking is done by a so-called support arm lock and is scanned by a corresponding sensor. If one of the support arms is not locked, this will be displayed and the lifting process blocked.

FIG. 5 shows a section enlargement in the articulation of a support arm, in the embodiment of the support arm 11 on its column 1. Here, the support arm 11 in a conventional manner via a pivot bearing 110 with vertical Rotary axis mounted on a lifting 1a of the lifting column 1. The lifting 1 a can be driven mechanically or hydraulically in a conventional manner.

It is essential that the pivot bearing 110 is combined with an angle measuring device. The expert has various options for this angle measuring device. In the exemplary embodiment, it consists of a pivoting movement of the support arm 11 mitmachenden magnetic ring 111 and a mounted on the lifting Hall sensor 1 b. This Hall sensor detects the tilt angle and outputs corresponding signals to the computer 15 on.

Furthermore, each support arm is equipped with a length measuring device connected to the computer 15. It is not shown in detail in the drawing, since many known systems are suitable.

Also shows FIG. 5 in that the support arm 11 is equipped with a sensor 12 for determining the weight force acting on the support arm. This sensor is designed as a strain transducer and also gives its signals to the aforementioned computer.

Finally shows FIG. 5 Usually, the support arm 11 after it has reached the desired pivot position, blocked by a toothed locking lever, which is not shown in detail in the drawing. The lifting 1 a is now equipped with a sensor 13 which responds to this locking lever. The sensor 13 is also connected to said computer 15, so that the computer then, if the locking lever has not been inserted in the blocking position, prevents the lifting operation of the lift.

FIG. 6 shows a graphical representation of the data flow. The focus is a computer 15. This computer 15 also contains the data memory 16, wherein the manufacturer-specified desired positions for the carrier plates are stored in combination with the respectively associated vehicle type.

The computer 15 receives via the each arm associated sensors whose angular position and extension length and calculates the actual positions of the carrier plates. He compares these actual positions with the predetermined desired positions and then outputs appropriate control signals to the actuators 17 for the Tragarmwinkel and actuators 18 for the Tragarmlänge.

Furthermore, the computer 15 receives signals from the strain transducers 12 of each support arm and determines therefrom the weight forces in the individual support arms, checks their permissibility and the weight distribution and their plausibility by comparison with the weight forces that occur in the lifting columns.

In addition, the computer 15 receives data from the sensors 13, which check the Tragarmarretierung and finally data from the camera 5, which detects the vehicle position relative to the stage. With the latter data, practically follows the adjustment of the desired positions to the actual vehicle position.

The data transmitted to the computer, if necessary, displayed on the display 6 of the lift and independently stored in the data memory 16 for control purposes permanently.

In summary, the present invention thus provides a significant safety gain, because incorrect operation of the lift are virtually eliminated. At the same time, the operation of the lift is much more comfortable because the operator can monitor the setting of the support arms on the display and motor drive the pivot lever of the whole process is automated.

Claims (20)

1. Lifting platform for vehicles, consisting of at least two lifting columns (1, 2) which are arranged on either side of the vehicle (3) and which each have two supporting arms (11, 12, 21, 22), the supporting arms being mounted on their lifting columns (1, 2) so as to be horizontally pivotable and longitudinally displaceable and having on their free ends respective supporting plates (11a, 12a, 21 a, 22a), which supporting plates are positionable by corresponding movement of their supporting arms into bearing positions (11a', 12a', 21 a', 22a'), prescribed by the vehicle manufacturer, below the vehicle (3), characterised in that
   the co-ordinates of the bearing positions (11a', 12a', 21a', 22a') prescribed by the manufacturer are stored as desired positions in conjunction with the respectively associated vehicle type in a data memory (16) of the lifting platform,
   the co-ordinates of the actual positions of the supporting plates (11a, 12a, 21 a, 22a) are determined by measurement and optionally calculation,
   the desired and actual co-ordinates are compared by means of a computer (15), and
   a lifting operation of the supporting arms (11, 12, 21, 22) is allowed only if the differences between the desired and actual co-ordinates lie within a predetermined tolerance.
2. Lifting platform according to claim 1,
   characterised in that
   the desired and actual positions of the supporting plates (11 a, 12a, 21 a, 22a) are indicated on a display (6).
3. Lifting platform according to claim 2,
   characterised in that
   the indicated desired positions in their entirety or the indicated actual positions in their entirety are displaceable on the display (6).
4. Lifting platform according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that
   the determination of the actual co-ordinates of the supporting plates (11 a, 12a, 21 a, 22a) is effected by measurement of the pivot angles of the supporting arms (11, 12, 21, 22) and by measurement of the length of the supporting arms (11, 12, 21, 22).
5. Lifting platform according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterised in that
   the determination of the actual co-ordinates of the supporting plates (11 a, 12a, 21 a, 22a) is effected by measurement of the pivot angles of the supporting arms (11, 12, 21, 22) and calculation of the supporting arm length.
6. Lifting platform according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterised in that
   the determination of the actual co-ordinates of the supporting plates (11 a, 12a, 21 a, 22a) is effected by measurement of the length of the supporting arms (11, 12, 21, 22) and calculation of the supporting arm pivot angles.
7. Lifting platform according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that
   it has sensors (1 b) which serve for monitoring locking levers that are associated with each supporting arm (11, 12, 21, 22) and block the pivoting movement thereof.
8. Lifting platform according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that
   the pivoting movement and longitudinal displacement of the supporting arms (11, 12, 21, 22) is effected using motors and automatically by means of the computer (15) carrying out the comparison between desired and actual co-ordinates.
9. Lifting platform according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that
   the position of the vehicle (3) standing in the lifting platform is detectable optically, and that position is arranged to be supplied to the computer (15) carrying out the comparison between desired and actual co-ordinates.
10. Lifting platform according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that
    the desired and actual co-ordinates of the supporting plates (11 a, 12a, 21 a, 22a) are recorded not only in the X- and Y-directions but also in the Z-direction.
11. Lifting platform according to claim 10,
    characterised in that
    the supporting plates (11a, 12a, 21 a, 22a) are combined with a lifting motor.
12. Lifting platform, especially according to any one of the preceding claims,
    characterised in that
    each supporting arm (11, 12, 21, 22) has a sensor (12) for determining the weight force acting thereon.
13. Lifting platform according to claim 12,
    characterised in that
    the sensor (12) is in the form of a strain gauge.
14. Lifting platform according to claim 12,
    characterised in that
    the weight forces determined are arranged to be supplied to a computer (15) for testing the total load and the load distribution.
15. Lifting platform according to claim 14,
    characterised in that
    the computer (15) compares the weight forces determined at the supporting arms (11, 12, 21, 22) with the weight forces determined at the lifting columns (1, 2) and gives a signal if a predetermined tolerance is exceeded.
16. Lifting platform according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that
    each lifting operation can be documented in respect of the desired and actual positions of the supporting plates (11 a, 12a, 21 a, 22a), optionally also in respect of the weight forces and optionally also in respect of supporting arm locking.
17. Lifting platform according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that
    the data memory (16) and the computer (15) are responsible for a plurality of lifting platforms.
18. Lifting platform according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that
    the actual co-ordinates of the supporting plates (11 a, 12a, 21 a, 22a), optionally the determined weight forces and optionally the activation of supporting arm locking are transmitted wirelessly to the data memory (16).
19. Method of operating a lifting platform for vehicles, consisting of at least two lifting columns (1, 2) which are arranged on either side of the vehicle (3) and which each have two supporting arms (11, 12, 21, 22), the supporting arms being mounted on their lifting columns (1, 2) so as to be horizontally pivotable and longitudinally displaceable and having on their free ends respective supporting plates (11 a, 12a, 21 a, 22a), which supporting plates are positionable by corresponding movement of their supporting arms into bearing positions (11 a', 12a', 21 a', 22a'), prescribed by the vehicle manufacturer, below the vehicle (3),
    characterised in that
    the co-ordinates of the bearing positions (11a', 12a', 21a', 22a') prescribed by the manufacturer are stored as desired positions in conjunction with the respectively associated vehicle type in a data memory (16) of the lifting platform,
    the co-ordinates of the actual positions of the supporting plates (11a, 12a, 21a, 22a) are determined by measurement and optionally calculation,
    the desired and actual co-ordinates are compared by means of a computer (15), and
    a lifting operation of the supporting arms (11, 12, 21, 22) is allowed only if the differences between the desired and actual co-ordinates lie within a predetermined tolerance.
20. Method of operating a lifting platform according to any one of claims 2 to 17.

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