CA1294950C - Elevator for motor vehicles - Google Patents
Elevator for motor vehiclesInfo
- Publication number
- CA1294950C CA1294950C CA000593728A CA593728A CA1294950C CA 1294950 C CA1294950 C CA 1294950C CA 000593728 A CA000593728 A CA 000593728A CA 593728 A CA593728 A CA 593728A CA 1294950 C CA1294950 C CA 1294950C
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- elevator
- vehicle
- arms
- floor space
- arm
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired - Fee Related
Links
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B66—HOISTING; LIFTING; HAULING
- B66F—HOISTING, LIFTING, HAULING OR PUSHING, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR, e.g. DEVICES WHICH APPLY A LIFTING OR PUSHING FORCE DIRECTLY TO THE SURFACE OF A LOAD
- B66F7/00—Lifting frames, e.g. for lifting vehicles; Platform lifts
- B66F7/28—Constructional details, e.g. end stops, pivoting supporting members, sliding runners adjustable to load dimensions
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B66—HOISTING; LIFTING; HAULING
- B66F—HOISTING, LIFTING, HAULING OR PUSHING, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR, e.g. DEVICES WHICH APPLY A LIFTING OR PUSHING FORCE DIRECTLY TO THE SURFACE OF A LOAD
- B66F7/00—Lifting frames, e.g. for lifting vehicles; Platform lifts
- B66F7/02—Lifting frames, e.g. for lifting vehicles; Platform lifts with platforms suspended from ropes, cables, or chains or screws and movable along pillars
Landscapes
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Geology (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Structural Engineering (AREA)
- Vehicle Cleaning, Maintenance, Repair, Refitting, And Outriggers (AREA)
Abstract
ABSTRACT
ELEVATOR FOR MOTOR VEHICLES
An elevator for motor vehicles wherein the floor area to be occupied by a vehicle is flanked by two columns for vertically movable followers each of which carries the first end of a first arm which, in turn, carries the first end of a second arm. The first arms are extendible and contractible at right angles to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle to be lifted, and their second ends carry the first ends of the second arms. The second ends of the second arms are extendible and retractible and carry platforms for designated regions of the underside of the frame of the vehicle between the two pairs of arms. Additional platforms are mounted at the first ends of the second arms which latter extend in parallelism with the longitudinal direction of the vehicle to be lifted. The first arms are extended, while they are located at a level below the underside of the frame of the vehicle between the two sets of arms, to move the second platforms into register with two designated regions, and the second arms are then extended to move the first platforms into register with additional designated regions before the first arms are lifted to thus cause the four platforms to engage the respective designated regions at the underside of the frame and to lift the vehicle above the floor.
ELEVATOR FOR MOTOR VEHICLES
An elevator for motor vehicles wherein the floor area to be occupied by a vehicle is flanked by two columns for vertically movable followers each of which carries the first end of a first arm which, in turn, carries the first end of a second arm. The first arms are extendible and contractible at right angles to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle to be lifted, and their second ends carry the first ends of the second arms. The second ends of the second arms are extendible and retractible and carry platforms for designated regions of the underside of the frame of the vehicle between the two pairs of arms. Additional platforms are mounted at the first ends of the second arms which latter extend in parallelism with the longitudinal direction of the vehicle to be lifted. The first arms are extended, while they are located at a level below the underside of the frame of the vehicle between the two sets of arms, to move the second platforms into register with two designated regions, and the second arms are then extended to move the first platforms into register with additional designated regions before the first arms are lifted to thus cause the four platforms to engage the respective designated regions at the underside of the frame and to lift the vehicle above the floor.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
_ The invention relates to elevators in general, and more particularly to improvements in elevators which can be used with advantage to lift motor vehicles in repair shops and similar establishments. Still more particularly, the invention relates to improvements in elevators of the type wherein two elevator units are disposed at opposite sides of a vehicle which is ready to be li~ted in order to afford access to its wheels, to the muffler or mufflers, to the axles and/or to other parts at the underside of the vehicle frame.
German Auslegeschrift No. 18 16 919 of Heyne discloses a twin-column elevator which is mounted above the floor level. Each column supports two arms which are movable up and down and are pivotable about vertical axes. This enables the elevator to lower the arms to a level beneath the underside of the frame of a vehicle between the two columns and to permit pivoting OL
the arms to positions of registry with designated portions of the underside preparatory to lifting of the arms. Each arm is assembled of parts which are telescoped into each other to facilitate a change of the effective length of each arm and to thus select the distance between the pivot axis and the locus of engagement o the arm with a designated portion of the underside of the vehicle frame. The arrangement is such that the free end portions of the arms engage designated portions of the underside of the vehicle'frame. This renders it necessary that an operator crawl under the ~ehicle or lie on the floor in order to manually steer the free end portions of tne arms to_positions o~ register with designated'portions,at the underside,,of the frame of a vehicle which is a~out to ~e lifted above the floor leve~. ~he e~fective len~th of each arm must be changed for each make of the vehicle. The just described elevator is reliable but its manipulation takes up much time and involves contamination of the garment (e~g., overalls) of the person in charge of preparing the elevator for the lifting of a vehicle.
~ erman Offenlegungsschrift No. 28 12 971 of Vogler discloses an elevator with four discrete columns each of which carries a vertically movable platform for a wheel of a motor vehicle. Two or the columns are movable in synchronism toward or away from the other two colu~ns in order to ensure that the elevator can properly lift different types of vehicles, namely vehicles wherein the front wheels are disposed at different distances from the rear wheels. ~ drawback of this elevator is that the vehicle is not lifted by parts which engage the underside of its frame. The elevator of Vogler is less reliable than elevators wherein the vehicles are not lifted by their wheels but rather by platforms which directly engage the underside of the frame of a vehicle. In addition, the mechanisms for moving two of the four columns toward and away from the other two columns are bulky, complex and expensive.
Still further, and since the wheels of a lifted vehicle rest on platforms and carry the weight of the entire vehicle frame, the elevator of Vogler is not suitable for certain types of inspection and/or repair work which necessitates ree access to and rotation of the wheels on the lifted vehicle.
Moreover, the platforms prevent access to relatively large parts of the underside of a lifted vehicle, e.g., to the wheels, to the axles and to parts which are adjacent the wheels and axles. Another drawback of the ~ust described elevator is that many ~Z9~
drivers are not sufficiently skilled to reliably drive a vehicle in proper direction and to the extent which is necessary to ensure proper positioning of the wheels on the respective platforms.
As a rule, a person in charge of driving a vehicle onto ramps should be capable of estimating the distance between the right-hand and left-hand wheels to ensure proper adjustment of the ramps for a particular make of motor vehicle. This cannot be expected from an inexperienced driver.
In addition, man~ drivers are reluctant to drive their vehicles onto small platforms because they are afraid that the vehicle will fall off the platforms or that the vehicle will be damaged during travel along ramps which are used to provide paths for the travel of wheels onto and off the respective platforms.
A drawback which is common to all elevators of presently known design is that they are not suitable or are not adequately suited for demonstration of damages, defects and necessary repair or maintenance wor] to a customer who drives her or his vehicle into the receiving area of a repair shop. In many instances, the person in charge of giving estimates for repair and/or maintenance work will wish to have the vehicle lifted so that a skeptical customer can be more readily convinced of the need for certain types of servicing or repair wcrk. Thus, there e~ists an urgent need for a versatile, compact and reliable elevator which does not take up much floor space and can be readily converted for the lifting of all or practically all makes of vehicles with the same degree of facility and safety. ~loreover, and since a customer will often desire to stand beneath a lifted vehicle in order to more readily observe the damaged part or parts, or the part or parts which require extensive maintenance work, the floor beneath the lifted vehicle should be smooth (i.e., devoid of recesses and/or protuberances) to avoid injury and unnecessary expenses for civil actions and payment of damages.
Still further, the 100r beneath the lited vehicle should be devoid of slick oil spots, grease spots and/or other eyesores which can represent a danger to a customer or to an employee. Last but not least, many customers prefer to deal with a properly attired inspector, mechanic or estimator whose garment is spotless, not only in the morning but also at the end of a day's work.
, OBJECTS OF THE I~VENTION
An object of the invention is to provide a novel and improved elevator which affords convenient access to the wheels and to practically all other parts at the underside of a lifted vehicle.
Another object of the invention is to provide an elevator whose operation can be fully automated so that it can lift any one of a variety of different makes of vehicles within a short interval of time and without any or with minimal assistance from an attendant.
A further object ~f the invention is to provide an elevator which exhibits the above outlined features and advantages even though it is actually simpler and more compact than many heretofore known elevators.
An additional object of the invention is to provide the elevator with novel and improved means for locatin~ prescribed regions of a vehicle for safe lifting o~ the vehicle above the floor level.
Still another object of the inYention is ~o provide an elevator which need not be recessed into the floor, which can be started and arrested automatically or by remote control so that the person in charge need not come in contact with any parts of the elevator and/or with the vehicle which is being lifted, and which can be used as a superior substitute for existing elevators in ; ~ 3:0 vehicle repair or maintenance shops.
Another object of the invention is to : provide novel and improved vehicle lifting elements for use in the above outlined elevator.
A further object of the invention is to provide the above outlined elevator with novel and _ 5 lZ94~
improved ~eans for initiating and terminating the lifting of a vehicle which assumes a prescribed position with reference to the elevator.
Another object of the invention is to provide novel and improved controls for operating the above outlined elevator.
An additional object of the invention is to provide an elevator which is designed in such a way that even an unskilled driver is not frightened or discouraged from driving her or his vehicle to a proper position for lifting.
Another object of the invention is to provide an elevator which is capable of safely and reliably ].ifting a vehicle even if the vehicle is not in an optimum position wlth reference to the lifting instrumentalities.
SUM~IARY OF T~IE INVENTION
The invention is embodied in an elevator ~or vehicles, particularly motor vehicles, which occupy a predeterminea floor space and have frames with undersides including spaced apart regions designated for engagement by lifting instrumentalities.
The improved elevator comprises first and second lifting units which are disposed at opposite sides of the predetermined floor space and each of which includes a plurality of supporting arms at least one of which has vehicle-engaging sections, level changing means for raising and lowering the arms, and means for moving the arms substantially horizontally to place the sections into register with the designated regions at the underside of the frame of the vehicle occupying the predetermined floor space prior to raising of the arms, and control means for the moving means.
Each level changing means can comprise an upright member and a support for the respective arms. Each support is movable up and down longitudinally of the respective upright member, and the arms of each unit preferably include a first arm which is affixed to the respective support and extends generally toward the vehicle occupy~ing the predetermined floor space, and a second arm which extends substantially transversely of the first arm~
The vehicle-engaging sections are or can be provided on the second arms. The moving means of such elevator can comprise means for shifting the second arms toward and away from each other through the medium of the respective first arms.
Each second arm is preferably provided with discrete first and second vehicle-engaging sections, and the moving means of each unit preferably includes means for varying the distance between the first and second sections of each second arm.
The arrangement is preferably such that the vehicle which is to occupy the predetermined floor space or which is to be moved off such floor space is advanced in a predetermined direction substantially transversely of the first arms of the two units. The first and second arms of each unit are or can be disposed at right angles to each other.
~ ach first arm can include a first portion which is connected to the respective support and a second portion which is movable relative to the first por~ion. The shifting means of each such unit includes means for moving the second portions of the first arms relative to the respective first portions. Each second arm can include a first part connected to the second portion of the respective first arm, and a ~second part ~hich is movable relative to the first part. The distance varying means of such units include means for moving the second parts of the second arms relative to the first parts of the respective second arms. The first vehicle-engaging sections can be provided on the first parts, and the second vehicle-engagin~
sections can be provided on the second parts of the respective second arms. Since the first parts of the second arms are connected to the second portions o~ the respective first arms, mounting of the first vehicle-engaging sections on the first parts of the respective second arms is tantamount to mounting o such first sections on the second portions of the respective first arms, The aforementioned supports of the level changing means can include carriers for the first portions of the respective 129~
first arms. One portion of each ~irst arm can be non-rotatably but longitudinally slidably telescoped into the other portion of the respective first arm.
It is preferred to telescope the second portions of the first arms into the respective first portions.
Each shifting means can include an internally threaded member (e.g., a standard nut) which is affixed to the one portion of the respective first arm, a feed screw which mates with the internally threaded memher and is rotatably mounted in the other portion of the respective first arm, and a reversible electric motor or other suitable means for rotating the feed screw in clockwise and counterclockwise directions.
lS One part of each second arm can be non-rotatably but longitudinally slidably telescoped into the other part of the respective second arm.
It is preferred to slidably telescope the second part of each second arm into the respective first partl Each distance varying means of such elevator can comprise an internally threaded member (such as a standard nut) which is affixed to the respective one part, a feed screw which mates with the internally threaded member and is rotatably mounted ~5 in the other part, and a reversible electric motor or other suitable means for rotating the feed screw in clockwise and counterclockwise directions.
The first and second vehicle-engaging sections of each second arm can be spaced apart from each other in the direction o~ advancement of a vehicle to a postion above and away from the predetermined floor space. As mentioned above, each ~irst vehicle-engaging section can be rigid with the first part of the respective second arm. Instead of employing electric motors, the shifting and g :1~2~49~) distance varying means can emplo~ fluid-operated (hydraulic or pneumatic) motors, electromechanical drives with step-down transmissions or any other suitable means for rotating the respective feed screws.
The control means can include switches which initiate and terminate the operation of the shifting and distance varying means. Alternatively, the control means can include sensors which serve to initiate or terminate the operation of the shifting and distance varying means.
If the elevator is to be designed to lift different makes of motor vehicles which have frames with undersides including spaced-apart designated regions in distributions dependent upon the makes of the vehicles, the control means can include means for memorizing information pertaining to the distribution of spaced-apart designated regions at the undersides of the frames of different makes of vehicles, and a computer or other suitable means for operating the shifting and distance varying means on the basis of information pertaining to the distribution of designated regions at the underside of the frame of the vehicle above the predetermined floor space.
The control means can include an opto-electronic sensor or other suitable means for monitoring the progress of a vehicle which advances to a position above the predetermined floor space, and for generatins signals when the designated regions of the advancing vehicle reach predetermined positions. The arrangement is preferably such that the centers of two of the designated regions at the underside of the frame of a vehicle occupying or overlying the predetermined floor space are ~2~ 0 disposed between and are aligned with the centers of the first vehicle-engaging sections on the second arms of the two units when the two designated regions reach the respective predetermined positions The monitoring means of the control means can be used in conjunction with the aforediscussed memorizing means and computer. The memorizing means can be used to adjust the posit~on of the monitoring means relative to the predetermined floor space in dependency on the make of the vehicle which is about to overlie the predetermined floor space. The monitoring means can also include a depression in the predetermined floor space. A
wheel of a properly positioned vehicle enters the depression to thereby initiate the generation of a signal which is used to operate the shifting and distance varying means in accordance with information which is supplied hy the memorizing means. Sensors can be provided to arrest the shifting means and the distance varying means when each vehicle-engaging section is in register with a different designated region. These sensors can be mounted on at least one arm o~ each unit, e.g., on the second arms, and can be arranged to generate signals in response to engagement with the vehicle above the predetermined floor space.
The novel features which are considered as characteristic of the invention are set forth in particular in the appended claims. The improved elevator itself, however, both as to its construction and its mode of operation, to~ether with additional features and advantages thereof, will be best understood upon perusal of the following detailed description of certain spe~ific embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawing.
~L29~
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
FIG. 1 is a schematic plan view of an elevator which embodies one form of the invention and is ready to engage and lift a motor vehicle which is located above a predetermined floor space;
FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of one-half of the elevator which is shown in FIG. 2 but embodies different control means; and FIG. 3 is a diagrammatic view of the elevator o FIG. 1 with controls for automatic operation of the vehicle engaging and lifting instrumentalities~
DESCRIPTION OF PREFERR~D EMBODIMENTS
:
FIG. 1 ~hows an elevator 1 which includes two lifting units I and II at opposite sides of a predetermined floor space B which is occupied by a motor vehicle 2 before the vehicle is lifted above the floor level. The arrow R indicates the direction in which a vehicle 2 about to be lifted is driven or otherwise moved above, and in which the vehicle can be moved away from, the floor space B.
The units I and II are preferably mirror sy~metrical images of each other. Each of these units comprises two supporting arms 4, 5 and a level changing device for the arms. Each level changing device comprises an upright member 3 (preferably a column which is safely anchored in and extends above the floor level), a plate~like support 7 which is rigidly connected with the respective arm 4, and a follower 6 which is rigid with the support 7 and is movable up and down along the upri~ht member 3 by a mechanism of any conventional design not forming part of the present invention.
For example, the mechanism for moving the follower 6 and the support 7 for the arms 4, 5 up and down along the upright member 3 can comprise a reversible electric motor serving to drive a vertical feed screw which is confined in the member 3 and mates with a nut on the ollower 6. Other types of means for moving the followers 6 up and down can be u9ed with equal or similar advantage.
The arms 4 extend substantially transversely of the direction which is indicated ~v the arrow R, and the arms 5 extend in substantial parallelism with such direction. The arms 4 and 5 are disposed in a horizontal plane and the arm 5 has two spaced-13 ~
:
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apart vehicle-engaging sections or platforms 9a, 9b which are spaced apart from each other in the direction of the arrow R. The purpose of the sections 9a, 9b is to move into register with and to thereupon engage designated regions 15 (FIG~ 2) at the underside of the frame of a vehicle 2 above the floor space B. The reference characters ~
denote those end portions of the arms 4 which are connected ~ith the respective arms 5.
Each arm 4 includes a first or outer portion 18 which is rigidly connected with the respective support 7 and resembles an open-ended tube for reception of a second or inner portion 17.
The inner portion 17 is axially shiftable in but cannot rotate relative to the outer portion 18 so that the upper sides of the vehicle-engaging sections 9a, 9b remain in horizontal planes. The means for shifting the second or inner portions 17 of the arr:ls 4 with respect to the corresponding first or outer portions 18 includes reversible electric motors 14 which can drive feed screws 20 in the respective inner portions 17, and nuts 19 which mate with the feed screws 20 and are rigidly connected with the respective inner portions 17.
Those ends of the inner portions 17 which are remote from the corresponding motors 14 are rigidly connected with the first or outer parts 118 of the respective arms 5. The first parts 118 carry the respective sections 9a and slidably but-non-rotatably confine the respective second parts 117.The means for moving the second par.~s 117 of the arms 5 relative to the first parts 118 comprise reversible e~ectric motors 11~ for feed screws 120 in the corresponding second parts 117, and nuts 119 which mate with the respective feed s~rews 119 and 9~;~
are non-rotatably connected to the second parts 117.
The sections 9b are mounted at those ends of the second parts 117 which project from the respective first parts 118.
The motors 14 can be driven to move the sections 9a, 9b of each of the two units I, II
from the solid-line positions to the broken-line positions 9a', 9b' of FIG. 1 or vice versa, and the motors 114 can be driven to move the sections 9b relative to the corresponding sections 9a between the solid-line positions or the positions 9b' and the broken-line positions 9b". Thus, each motor 1~ can drive the corresponding sections 9a, 9b between positions outwardly adjacent the respective sides of a vehicle 2 above the floor space B and positions beneath the underside of the frame of such vehicle, and the motors 114 can be used to change the mutual spacing of the respective pairs of sections 9a, 9b in order to ensure that each of these sections can be located beneath one of the four desiynated regions 15 at the underside of the frame of the vehicle 2 before the followers 6 are caused to move upwardly along the respective upright members 3 in order to lift the wheels of the vehicle-2 above and away from the floor, e~g., to a levelsuch that a grown person can move beneath the lifted vehicle in order to inspect the wheels, the axles and/or other parts at the underside of the frame of the lifted vehicle.
~ ~ The hatched area lOa denotes in FIG. 1 the range of positions which a section 9a of the unit II can assume in addition to the position which is shown by ~olid lines. The other sectio]l 9a can be moved to a similar range of positions.
The hatched area lOb denotes the range of positions which the section 9b of the unit II can assume (in addition to the position shown by solid lines) in response to actuation of the motor 14 and/or 114 of the unit II. The section 9b of the unit ~ can cover a similar range of positions. This suffices to enable the improved elevator 1 to lift all or practically all makes of motor vehicles which are expected to be inspected, serviced and/or repaired in a particular shop.
The sections 9a, 9b of the units I and II
assume the solid-line positions of FIG. 1 when the second portions 17 of the arms 5 are fully retracted into the respective first portions 18. The sections 9a and 9b assume the positions 9a' and 9b' when the inner portions 17 of the arms 4 are caused to assume their fully extended positions, and the sections 9b are caused to assume their positions 9b" when the parts 117 of the arms 5 are caused to assume their fulLy extended positions with reference to the respective parts 118. It will be seen that the sections 9a can move only in or counter to the direction of arrow ~ whereas the sections 9b can move in and counter to the direction of arrow X and/or Y. This accounts for the pronounced difference between the areas lOa and lOb.
The basic mode of operation of the elevator 1 of FIGS. 1 and 2 is as follows: -A vehicle 2 which is to be lifted for the purposes of inspection, maintenance and/or repair is first driven, pushed or towed to the position which is shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, i.e., above the floor space B~ The direction of advancement of the vehicle 2 is in or counter to the direction of arrow R. At such time, the arms 4, 5 of the units I and II are maintained in the solid-line positions, i.e., ~2g~9~0 outwardly adjacent the sides of the vehicle 2. The floor space B need not exhibit any pits, other recesses or depressions and/or any protuberances because all floor-mounted parts of the elevator 1 are located outside the floor space B. Such design of the elevator is desirable and advantageous because a customer or an employee is highly unlikely to be injured on the smooth and even floor between the units I and II. There is no need for recesses for the wheels of a vehicle which is about to be lifted because the vehicle 2 is preferably positioned in an optimum way by means other than recesses in the floor. Thus, and as shown in FI~,. 1, the control means 11 of the elevator 1 can include a photoelectronic sensor or monitoring device 12 which is operativel~ connected with a signal lamp 13, e.g., a standard signal lamp having a green and a red light source. The ~reen li~ht source is on until the foremost part of the vehicle 2 advancing in the direction of arrow R reaches the beam 12a of radiation between the radiation source 12b and the transducer 12c of the sensor 12. This causes the transducer 12c to generate a signal which is used to turn off the ~reen li~ht source and to turn on the red light source of the signal lamp 13. The latter is seen b~ the driver of the vehicle 2 which advances in the direction of arrow R. Thus, the vehicle can be arrested in the illustrated position in which the ront designated regions 15 at ihe underside of the vehicle frame are in line (as at L-L) with the sections 9a of the units I and II.
~ he sensor 12 is adjustable in and counter to the direction of arrow R in order to ensure that, depending on the type o~ the vehicle which is about to move above the floor space B, the front re~ions 94~
15 at the underside of the frame of such vehicle will be in line with the sections ~a when the foremost part of the oncoming vehicle interrupts the beam 12a of radiation between the source 12b and the transducer 12c of the sensor 12. The manner in which the sensor 12 can be adjusted in and counter to the direction of arrow R i5 shown schematically in FIG. 3. The control means ll of the elevator which is shown in FIG. 3 comprises a memory 101 1~ which stores information pertaining to all or practically all makes of vehicles which are expected to be inspected in the shop or plant utilizing the elevator 1. The operator transmits to the memory lOl information identifying the vehicle 2 which is lS about to be lifted, and the memory lOl then transmiis a signal to a motor 112 which moves the sensor 12 in or counter to the direction of arrow R so that the sensor 12 assumes a proper position (i.e., a position at a requisite distance from the sections 20 ~9a) to ensure that the front designated regions 15 at the underside of the frame of the oncoming vehicle will be in line with the sections 9a when the vehicle reaches the desired position so that its foremost part interrupts the beam 12a of radiation between the radiation source 12b and the transducer 12c of the properly ad~usted sensor 12.
If the operation of the elevator 1 is fully automated, the memory 101 further transmits signals to a computer 102 which constitutes a means for operating the motors 14 and 114. Thus, the motors 1~ of the units I and II receive signals to move the inner portions 17 of the arms 4 to those extended positions in which the sections 9a are located at levels directly beneath the respective front designated re~ions 15. At the same time or 4~
prior or subsequent to actuation of the motors 14, the motors 114 are started to move the sections 9b relative to the corresponding sections 9a (in or counter to the direction of arrow R, depending on the make of the vehicle and on the starting positions of sections 9b relative to the corresponding sections 9a) until each of the sections 9b reaches a position in which it is spaced apart from the correspondiny section 9a a distance matching that between the front and rear designated re~ions 15 at the underside of the frame of the vehicle 2 above the floor space B. In the next step, the corresponding outputs of the computer 102 transmit siynals to the motors which move the followers 6 along the respective upright members 3 so that the vehicle 2 is lifted off the floor and is moved to a desired level. Those outputs of the computer 102 which transmit signals to the motors for the followers 6 are shown but not referenced in FIG. 3.
It is clear that the arms 4, S of the units I and II are located at a level below the underside of the frame of the vehicle ~ occupyiny the floor space B before the motors 14 are started to move the inner portions 17 of the arms 4 toward each other.
Instead of employing a computer 102 which is progra~med to automatically operate the motors 1~ and 114 to an extent and/or in a sequence depending on the make of the vehicle 2 which is about to be lifted, the control means 11 of the elevator 1 can employ actuating levers ~e.~., multiple-position levers), pushbutton switches andfor other startiny and arrestiny means for such motors.
This will be described with reference to FIG. 2.
The exact positions of the designated 12~9~g~
regions 15 are selected and/or recommended by the makers of various types of motor vehicles and are selected with a view to ensure that the respective vehicles can be lifted safely as well as in a manner such that the parts ~namely the sections 9a, 9b) which engage the designated regions 15 will not interfere with inspection, repair and/or maintenance work upon those parts (such as the muffler or mufflers, the wheels, the front axle and the rear axle) which are most likely or highly likely to require inspection and should be readily accessible when the vehicle is lifted.
The portions 17, 18 of the arms 4 and the parts 117, 118 of the arms 5 can be made of tubular steel stock or of any other material which can stand the weight of a motor vehicle when the latter is lifted off the floor. Each motor 14 or 114 can drive the respective feed screw 20 or 120 through the medium of a suitable step-down transmission, e.g., a bevel gear drive or a worm wheel drive.
Since the arms 4 must carry the respective arms 5 as~well as the respèctive sections 9a and 9b, the units I and II can be designed in such a way that the arms 4 are capable of standing forces greater than those which must be withstood by the arms 5.
For example, the wall thickness and/or the diameters of the tubular portions 17, 18 can be greater than the wall thickness and/or diameters of the tuhular parts 117, 118. This reduces the overall weight and cost of the elevator 1 without affecting its reliability and safety. Another reason for using strong arms 4 (i.e., arms which can be stronger than the arms 5) is that the extended arms 4 are subjected to rather pronounced bending stresses when their portions 17 assume extended positions at a substantial -- ~0 -- .
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distance from the respective motors 14.
For example, the outer portion 18 of each arm 4 can be made of a tube having a rectanyular cross sectional outline (140 x 120 mm), and each inner portion 17 can constitute a piece of tubing having a rectangular cross-sectional outline (120 x 100 mm) and being telescoped into and non-rotatably slidable in the respective outer portion 18. The outer part 118 of each arm 5 can have a rectangular cross-sectional outline (120 x 100 mm) and can - receive an inner part 117 having a rectangular cross-sectional outline (100 ~ 80 mm) and being non-rotatably slidable in the outer part 118. Each motor 14 and each motor 114 can constitute a reversible electric motor which can rotate the respective feed screw 20 or 120 continuously or stepwise.
An important advantage of the improved elevator 1 is that its operation can be automated to any desired extent. Thus, the arms 4, 5 and both sections 9a, 9b of each of the two units I and II can be adjusted jointly in and counter to the direction of arrow Y, and the sections 9b can be moved relative to the sections 9a in and counter to the direction of arrow X so that the sections 9a can cover the areas lOa and the sections 9b can cover the areas lOb. This is amply sufficient to enable the improved elevator to move the two pairs of sections 9a, 9b to optimum positions for engagement with designated regions 15 at the underside of the frame of an~ one of a number of different ~akes of vehicles. In addition, movements of the sections 9b with the sections 9a and/or relative to the sections 9a can be automated, the same as the movements o followers 6 between their upper and .
' ~2~49CO
lower end positions. ~oreover, the sections 9a and 9b can perform simple translatory movements and need not be pivotably mounted by means of hinges or like parts which are likely to constitute weak spots of the elevator.
As mentioned above, a simple photo-electronic sensor 12 (which is adjustable in and counter to the direction of arrow ~) suffices to ensure proper positioning of a vehicle of practically any make in an optimum position for movement of sections 9a and 9b into register with the four designated re~ions 15 at the underside of the frame of such vehicle. Once the vehicle 2 reaches an optimum position with reference to the floor space B, the computer 102 takes over and initiates the operation of motors 14 and 114 for the purpose of lengthening the arms 4 and, if necessary, moving the sections 9b relative to the respective sections 9a before the followers 6 are caused to move upwardly in order to move the sections 9a, 9b into actual engayement with the respective designated regions 15 and to thereupon actually lift the vehicle 2 off the floor. A vehicle 2 is in proper position relative to the floor space B when the distance a (FIG. 2) between its foremost point and the foremost points of the sections 9a equals the distance between the beam 12a and the foremost points of the front designated re~ions 15 of such vehicle It is assumed here that the position of the sensor 12 has been adjusted ~e.g., in response to a si~nal ; ~ from the memory 101) so that lt matches the position which is required for proper registry of the floor space B with a vehicle 2 o~ a particular type. If the driver of the vehicle is capable of arrestin~
the vehicle 2 as soon as the beam 12a is interrupted, ~29~
a simple translatory movement of the second or inner portions 17 of arms 4 will suffice to move the sections 9a into register with the respective front designated regions 15 because the line L-L
then halves the front designated regions 15 and the front sections 9a. If desired, the optical signal which is generated by the lamp 13 can be replaced with or generated in addition to an acoustic signal.
The positions of the sections 9a, 9b in each of the units I and II can be reversed, i.e., that the sections 9b can be located in front of the sections 9a. The sensor 12 is then adjustable to be located at a predetermined distance from the foremost portions or from other selected portions of the rear sections ~9a) before the front sections (9b) are caused to move in or counter to the direction of arrow X in order to be disposed beneath the front designated portions 15~ This would merely involve a reversal of the orientation of arms 5 relative to the arms 4 and would necessitate only minor (if any) changes in the control means for the motors 14, 114.
Once the vehicle 2 reaches the position of FIG. 1, the computer 102 transmits signals to the motors 14 to extend the arms 4 through distances c and/or to extend the arms 5 through distances b.
This ensures that each section 9b registers with one of the rear designated regions 15. The computer 102 then transmits signals to the means for moving the followers 6 up and down along the respective upright members 3 so that the vehicle 2 is lifted by the four sections 9a, 9b while each of these sections engages one of the four designated regions 15.
If the control means of the elevator 1 is ~ 23 -49~
not or should not be computerized, such control means can utilize suitable mechanical and/or other types of sensors which actually detect the position of the vehicle 2 above the floor space B with reference to the sections 9a, 9b on the arms 5 of the units I and II. FIG. 2 shows a first sensor 21 adjacent the section 9a and a second sensor 22 adjacent the section 9b of the illustrated arm ~.
The sensors 21, 22 can be of the type commonly used in many car washing establishments to mechanically detect the positions of the wheels of a vehicle which is in the process of advancing through the washing tunnel. The sensor Zl is secured to the section 9a by a first connector 23 (e.g., a short arm), and the sensor 22 is secured to the section 9b by a second connector 23. The sensor 21 arrests the motor 14 of the means for shifting the inner portion 17 of the respective arm ~ when the section 9a is in register with the corresponding designated region 15 because the sensor 21 contacts the adjacent side of the vehicle 2 above the floor space B. The distance d Erom the sensor 21 to the center of the respective section 9a is selected with a view to ensure that the sensor 21 contacts the vehicle 2 when the section 9a of FIG. 2 is in register with the respective front designated region 15. The sensor 21 extends vertically upwardly, and the sensor 22 extends horizontally or substantially horizontally.
The distance e of the sensor 22 from the center of the respective section 9b is selected in such a way that the sensor 22 engages the adjacent (rear right-hand) wheel 16 of the vehicle 2 above the floor space B when the section 9b is~properly aligned with the corresponding rear designated region 150 The sensor 22 then generates a signal which is used to arrest ~2949~() the corresponding motor 114. A control system which employs two sensors 21, 22 in each of the units I and II is also capable of automating the operation of the elevator. The sensor 12 of such control system is adjustable in the same way as described above, i.e., so that the foremost portion of a vehicle 2 interrupts the beam 12a at the very instant when the centers of the front designated regions 15 and the centers of the front sections 9a are located on the line L-L. The motors 14 are thereupon started in response to a signal from the sensor 12~ the motors 14 are arrested in response to signals from the corresponding sensors 21 (such signals can also start the motors 114), and the motors 114 are arrested by the corresponding sensors 22 when each of the two pairs of sections 9a, 9b is in register with the respective designated re~ion 15. The vehicle 2 is then ready to be lifted, e.g., in response to signals from the sensors 22.
When the inspection and/or maintenance and/or repair work upon a lifted vehicle 2 is completed, the motors for the followers 6 are started to lower the vehicle onto the floor and to disengage the sections 9a, 9b from the respective designated regions 15 before the effective length of the arms 4 is reduced and the sections 9b are moved (if necessary) toward or away from the respective sections 9a in order to disengage~the units I from the vehicle and to move the arms 4, 5 and the sections 9a, 9b out of the way so that the vehicle 2 can be removed ~rom the position above the floor space B.
Such vehicle can be driven in or counter to the direction which is indicated by the arrow R.
If necessary, the improved elevator can be equipped with means for changing the level of each 9~
section 9a relative to the level of the corresponding section 9b and/or vice versa. Such adjustments might be necessary if all four designated regions 15 at the underside of the frames of certain makes of vehicles are not located in a common horizontal plane. For examplel the rear end portions of the parts 117 of arms 5 can be provided with means for moving the respective sections 9b up or down within a range which is needed to change the level of the upper sides of the sections 9b relative to the level of the upper sides of the sections 9a.
Another important advantage of the improved elevator is that even an unskilled driver can move her or his vehicle to a position above the predetermined floor space B because the vehicle can reach such position without advancing over ramps and onto platforms for the wheels. Moreover, even a novice driver can understand the meaning of the green and red lights at 13 so that such novice driver can move the vehicle all the way to the optimum position for liftin~ by the two pairs of sections or platforms 9a, 9b.
A further important advantage of the improved elevator is that the two pairs of sections 9a, 9b can be moved into reglster with the coresponding designated regions 15 even if the vehicle 2 is not in an optimum position with reference to the floor space B. Thus, the sections 9a and 9b can be sufficiently large to ensure proper engagement with the designated regions 15 of a vehicle which has been arrested with its foremost point forwardly of or slightly behind the path for the radiation beam 12a. The extenda~ble and retractible parts 117 of the second arms 5 can also compensate for eventual departure of the positions of sections ~a from ~Z9~iO
optimum positions relative to the two front designated regions 15. The shifting means 14, 19, 20 for the second portions 17 of the arms 4 and the means 114, 119, 120 for varying the distance between the sections 9a and the respective sections 9b permit highly accurate adjustments of the positions of sections 9a and 9b relative to each other and with reference to the designated regions 15. All that is necessary to properly select the lead of the feed screws 20, 120 and the increments through which the feed screws 20, 120 can be rotated by the respective motors 14 and 114.
The operation of one of the motors 14 is preferably synchronized with that of the other motor 14 to thus ensure that the extent of movement of one section 9a toward the central longitudinal symmetry plane of the vehicle between the units I and II
matches the extent of movement of the other section 9a toward such plane. The same applies for the operation of the two motors 114 and for the operation of motors which cause the followers 6 to move up and down along the respective upright members 3.
It is further possible to replace the arms 5 with arms which have central por-tions fixedly secured to mobile portions 17 of the respective first arms 4, and pairs of outer portions which are movable relative to the respective central portions and each of which carries a vehicle-en~aging section or platform. The construction which is shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 (wherein the sections 9a are fixedly mounted on the parts 118 of the second arms 5) is preferred at this time because it is simpler and can be properly operated by relatively simple and inexpensive control means.
94~
As a rule, the centers of the two pairs of designated regions 15 at the underside of the frame of a vehicle are located in two ver~ical planes which are parallel to and equidistant from the central longitudinal vertical symmetry plane of the vehicle. This simplifies the design of the arms 5 because the rear sections 9b can be mounted in positions of alignment with the respective front sections 9a (as seen in the direction of arrow R).
In other words, the distance of rear designated regions 15 from the aforementioned central longitudinal vertical symmetry plane of the vehicle of any make is normally the same as the distance of such symmetry plane from the front designated regions 15.
The lamp 13 can be replaced with a device which generates dif~erent types of signals, e.g., illuminated words "forward", "stop" and "backwards"
to thus inform the driver of the vehicle which is in the process of advancin~ above the floor space B
that the vehicle is yet to assume the optimum position, that the vehicle has assumed the optimum position or that the vehicle has advanced beyond the optimum position for engagement by the two pairs of sections 9a, 9b preparatory to lifting of the vehicle above the floor. Such types of signals are used in certain car washing establishments.
If the control system of the improved elevator employs a computer as well as the afore-discussed sensors 21, 22 or equivalent sensors, the sensors can merely serve to terminate the operation of the respective motors 14, 114 and/or to ensure a highly accurate positioning of sections 9a, 9b relative to the corresponding designated regions 15. Thus, the sensors 21 will generate signals only when the front sections 3a are in optimum positions ~9~
relative to the corresponding front designated regions 15, and the rear sensors 22 will generate signals ~as a result of contact with the adjacent rear wheels 16) only when the sections 9b are in highly accurate register with the respective rear designated regions 15.
~Z9~9~
Without further analysis, the foregoing will so fully reveal the gist of the present invention that others can, by applying ~urrent knowledge, readily adapt it for various applications without omittin~ ~eatures that, from the standpoint of prior art, fairly constitute essential characteristics of the generic and specific aspects of our contribution to the art and, therefore, such adaptations should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalence of the appended claims.
:: :
_ 30 -
_ The invention relates to elevators in general, and more particularly to improvements in elevators which can be used with advantage to lift motor vehicles in repair shops and similar establishments. Still more particularly, the invention relates to improvements in elevators of the type wherein two elevator units are disposed at opposite sides of a vehicle which is ready to be li~ted in order to afford access to its wheels, to the muffler or mufflers, to the axles and/or to other parts at the underside of the vehicle frame.
German Auslegeschrift No. 18 16 919 of Heyne discloses a twin-column elevator which is mounted above the floor level. Each column supports two arms which are movable up and down and are pivotable about vertical axes. This enables the elevator to lower the arms to a level beneath the underside of the frame of a vehicle between the two columns and to permit pivoting OL
the arms to positions of registry with designated portions of the underside preparatory to lifting of the arms. Each arm is assembled of parts which are telescoped into each other to facilitate a change of the effective length of each arm and to thus select the distance between the pivot axis and the locus of engagement o the arm with a designated portion of the underside of the vehicle frame. The arrangement is such that the free end portions of the arms engage designated portions of the underside of the vehicle'frame. This renders it necessary that an operator crawl under the ~ehicle or lie on the floor in order to manually steer the free end portions of tne arms to_positions o~ register with designated'portions,at the underside,,of the frame of a vehicle which is a~out to ~e lifted above the floor leve~. ~he e~fective len~th of each arm must be changed for each make of the vehicle. The just described elevator is reliable but its manipulation takes up much time and involves contamination of the garment (e~g., overalls) of the person in charge of preparing the elevator for the lifting of a vehicle.
~ erman Offenlegungsschrift No. 28 12 971 of Vogler discloses an elevator with four discrete columns each of which carries a vertically movable platform for a wheel of a motor vehicle. Two or the columns are movable in synchronism toward or away from the other two colu~ns in order to ensure that the elevator can properly lift different types of vehicles, namely vehicles wherein the front wheels are disposed at different distances from the rear wheels. ~ drawback of this elevator is that the vehicle is not lifted by parts which engage the underside of its frame. The elevator of Vogler is less reliable than elevators wherein the vehicles are not lifted by their wheels but rather by platforms which directly engage the underside of the frame of a vehicle. In addition, the mechanisms for moving two of the four columns toward and away from the other two columns are bulky, complex and expensive.
Still further, and since the wheels of a lifted vehicle rest on platforms and carry the weight of the entire vehicle frame, the elevator of Vogler is not suitable for certain types of inspection and/or repair work which necessitates ree access to and rotation of the wheels on the lifted vehicle.
Moreover, the platforms prevent access to relatively large parts of the underside of a lifted vehicle, e.g., to the wheels, to the axles and to parts which are adjacent the wheels and axles. Another drawback of the ~ust described elevator is that many ~Z9~
drivers are not sufficiently skilled to reliably drive a vehicle in proper direction and to the extent which is necessary to ensure proper positioning of the wheels on the respective platforms.
As a rule, a person in charge of driving a vehicle onto ramps should be capable of estimating the distance between the right-hand and left-hand wheels to ensure proper adjustment of the ramps for a particular make of motor vehicle. This cannot be expected from an inexperienced driver.
In addition, man~ drivers are reluctant to drive their vehicles onto small platforms because they are afraid that the vehicle will fall off the platforms or that the vehicle will be damaged during travel along ramps which are used to provide paths for the travel of wheels onto and off the respective platforms.
A drawback which is common to all elevators of presently known design is that they are not suitable or are not adequately suited for demonstration of damages, defects and necessary repair or maintenance wor] to a customer who drives her or his vehicle into the receiving area of a repair shop. In many instances, the person in charge of giving estimates for repair and/or maintenance work will wish to have the vehicle lifted so that a skeptical customer can be more readily convinced of the need for certain types of servicing or repair wcrk. Thus, there e~ists an urgent need for a versatile, compact and reliable elevator which does not take up much floor space and can be readily converted for the lifting of all or practically all makes of vehicles with the same degree of facility and safety. ~loreover, and since a customer will often desire to stand beneath a lifted vehicle in order to more readily observe the damaged part or parts, or the part or parts which require extensive maintenance work, the floor beneath the lifted vehicle should be smooth (i.e., devoid of recesses and/or protuberances) to avoid injury and unnecessary expenses for civil actions and payment of damages.
Still further, the 100r beneath the lited vehicle should be devoid of slick oil spots, grease spots and/or other eyesores which can represent a danger to a customer or to an employee. Last but not least, many customers prefer to deal with a properly attired inspector, mechanic or estimator whose garment is spotless, not only in the morning but also at the end of a day's work.
, OBJECTS OF THE I~VENTION
An object of the invention is to provide a novel and improved elevator which affords convenient access to the wheels and to practically all other parts at the underside of a lifted vehicle.
Another object of the invention is to provide an elevator whose operation can be fully automated so that it can lift any one of a variety of different makes of vehicles within a short interval of time and without any or with minimal assistance from an attendant.
A further object ~f the invention is to provide an elevator which exhibits the above outlined features and advantages even though it is actually simpler and more compact than many heretofore known elevators.
An additional object of the invention is to provide the elevator with novel and improved means for locatin~ prescribed regions of a vehicle for safe lifting o~ the vehicle above the floor level.
Still another object of the inYention is ~o provide an elevator which need not be recessed into the floor, which can be started and arrested automatically or by remote control so that the person in charge need not come in contact with any parts of the elevator and/or with the vehicle which is being lifted, and which can be used as a superior substitute for existing elevators in ; ~ 3:0 vehicle repair or maintenance shops.
Another object of the invention is to : provide novel and improved vehicle lifting elements for use in the above outlined elevator.
A further object of the invention is to provide the above outlined elevator with novel and _ 5 lZ94~
improved ~eans for initiating and terminating the lifting of a vehicle which assumes a prescribed position with reference to the elevator.
Another object of the invention is to provide novel and improved controls for operating the above outlined elevator.
An additional object of the invention is to provide an elevator which is designed in such a way that even an unskilled driver is not frightened or discouraged from driving her or his vehicle to a proper position for lifting.
Another object of the invention is to provide an elevator which is capable of safely and reliably ].ifting a vehicle even if the vehicle is not in an optimum position wlth reference to the lifting instrumentalities.
SUM~IARY OF T~IE INVENTION
The invention is embodied in an elevator ~or vehicles, particularly motor vehicles, which occupy a predeterminea floor space and have frames with undersides including spaced apart regions designated for engagement by lifting instrumentalities.
The improved elevator comprises first and second lifting units which are disposed at opposite sides of the predetermined floor space and each of which includes a plurality of supporting arms at least one of which has vehicle-engaging sections, level changing means for raising and lowering the arms, and means for moving the arms substantially horizontally to place the sections into register with the designated regions at the underside of the frame of the vehicle occupying the predetermined floor space prior to raising of the arms, and control means for the moving means.
Each level changing means can comprise an upright member and a support for the respective arms. Each support is movable up and down longitudinally of the respective upright member, and the arms of each unit preferably include a first arm which is affixed to the respective support and extends generally toward the vehicle occupy~ing the predetermined floor space, and a second arm which extends substantially transversely of the first arm~
The vehicle-engaging sections are or can be provided on the second arms. The moving means of such elevator can comprise means for shifting the second arms toward and away from each other through the medium of the respective first arms.
Each second arm is preferably provided with discrete first and second vehicle-engaging sections, and the moving means of each unit preferably includes means for varying the distance between the first and second sections of each second arm.
The arrangement is preferably such that the vehicle which is to occupy the predetermined floor space or which is to be moved off such floor space is advanced in a predetermined direction substantially transversely of the first arms of the two units. The first and second arms of each unit are or can be disposed at right angles to each other.
~ ach first arm can include a first portion which is connected to the respective support and a second portion which is movable relative to the first por~ion. The shifting means of each such unit includes means for moving the second portions of the first arms relative to the respective first portions. Each second arm can include a first part connected to the second portion of the respective first arm, and a ~second part ~hich is movable relative to the first part. The distance varying means of such units include means for moving the second parts of the second arms relative to the first parts of the respective second arms. The first vehicle-engaging sections can be provided on the first parts, and the second vehicle-engagin~
sections can be provided on the second parts of the respective second arms. Since the first parts of the second arms are connected to the second portions o~ the respective first arms, mounting of the first vehicle-engaging sections on the first parts of the respective second arms is tantamount to mounting o such first sections on the second portions of the respective first arms, The aforementioned supports of the level changing means can include carriers for the first portions of the respective 129~
first arms. One portion of each ~irst arm can be non-rotatably but longitudinally slidably telescoped into the other portion of the respective first arm.
It is preferred to telescope the second portions of the first arms into the respective first portions.
Each shifting means can include an internally threaded member (e.g., a standard nut) which is affixed to the one portion of the respective first arm, a feed screw which mates with the internally threaded memher and is rotatably mounted in the other portion of the respective first arm, and a reversible electric motor or other suitable means for rotating the feed screw in clockwise and counterclockwise directions.
lS One part of each second arm can be non-rotatably but longitudinally slidably telescoped into the other part of the respective second arm.
It is preferred to slidably telescope the second part of each second arm into the respective first partl Each distance varying means of such elevator can comprise an internally threaded member (such as a standard nut) which is affixed to the respective one part, a feed screw which mates with the internally threaded member and is rotatably mounted ~5 in the other part, and a reversible electric motor or other suitable means for rotating the feed screw in clockwise and counterclockwise directions.
The first and second vehicle-engaging sections of each second arm can be spaced apart from each other in the direction o~ advancement of a vehicle to a postion above and away from the predetermined floor space. As mentioned above, each ~irst vehicle-engaging section can be rigid with the first part of the respective second arm. Instead of employing electric motors, the shifting and g :1~2~49~) distance varying means can emplo~ fluid-operated (hydraulic or pneumatic) motors, electromechanical drives with step-down transmissions or any other suitable means for rotating the respective feed screws.
The control means can include switches which initiate and terminate the operation of the shifting and distance varying means. Alternatively, the control means can include sensors which serve to initiate or terminate the operation of the shifting and distance varying means.
If the elevator is to be designed to lift different makes of motor vehicles which have frames with undersides including spaced-apart designated regions in distributions dependent upon the makes of the vehicles, the control means can include means for memorizing information pertaining to the distribution of spaced-apart designated regions at the undersides of the frames of different makes of vehicles, and a computer or other suitable means for operating the shifting and distance varying means on the basis of information pertaining to the distribution of designated regions at the underside of the frame of the vehicle above the predetermined floor space.
The control means can include an opto-electronic sensor or other suitable means for monitoring the progress of a vehicle which advances to a position above the predetermined floor space, and for generatins signals when the designated regions of the advancing vehicle reach predetermined positions. The arrangement is preferably such that the centers of two of the designated regions at the underside of the frame of a vehicle occupying or overlying the predetermined floor space are ~2~ 0 disposed between and are aligned with the centers of the first vehicle-engaging sections on the second arms of the two units when the two designated regions reach the respective predetermined positions The monitoring means of the control means can be used in conjunction with the aforediscussed memorizing means and computer. The memorizing means can be used to adjust the posit~on of the monitoring means relative to the predetermined floor space in dependency on the make of the vehicle which is about to overlie the predetermined floor space. The monitoring means can also include a depression in the predetermined floor space. A
wheel of a properly positioned vehicle enters the depression to thereby initiate the generation of a signal which is used to operate the shifting and distance varying means in accordance with information which is supplied hy the memorizing means. Sensors can be provided to arrest the shifting means and the distance varying means when each vehicle-engaging section is in register with a different designated region. These sensors can be mounted on at least one arm o~ each unit, e.g., on the second arms, and can be arranged to generate signals in response to engagement with the vehicle above the predetermined floor space.
The novel features which are considered as characteristic of the invention are set forth in particular in the appended claims. The improved elevator itself, however, both as to its construction and its mode of operation, to~ether with additional features and advantages thereof, will be best understood upon perusal of the following detailed description of certain spe~ific embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawing.
~L29~
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
FIG. 1 is a schematic plan view of an elevator which embodies one form of the invention and is ready to engage and lift a motor vehicle which is located above a predetermined floor space;
FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of one-half of the elevator which is shown in FIG. 2 but embodies different control means; and FIG. 3 is a diagrammatic view of the elevator o FIG. 1 with controls for automatic operation of the vehicle engaging and lifting instrumentalities~
DESCRIPTION OF PREFERR~D EMBODIMENTS
:
FIG. 1 ~hows an elevator 1 which includes two lifting units I and II at opposite sides of a predetermined floor space B which is occupied by a motor vehicle 2 before the vehicle is lifted above the floor level. The arrow R indicates the direction in which a vehicle 2 about to be lifted is driven or otherwise moved above, and in which the vehicle can be moved away from, the floor space B.
The units I and II are preferably mirror sy~metrical images of each other. Each of these units comprises two supporting arms 4, 5 and a level changing device for the arms. Each level changing device comprises an upright member 3 (preferably a column which is safely anchored in and extends above the floor level), a plate~like support 7 which is rigidly connected with the respective arm 4, and a follower 6 which is rigid with the support 7 and is movable up and down along the upri~ht member 3 by a mechanism of any conventional design not forming part of the present invention.
For example, the mechanism for moving the follower 6 and the support 7 for the arms 4, 5 up and down along the upright member 3 can comprise a reversible electric motor serving to drive a vertical feed screw which is confined in the member 3 and mates with a nut on the ollower 6. Other types of means for moving the followers 6 up and down can be u9ed with equal or similar advantage.
The arms 4 extend substantially transversely of the direction which is indicated ~v the arrow R, and the arms 5 extend in substantial parallelism with such direction. The arms 4 and 5 are disposed in a horizontal plane and the arm 5 has two spaced-13 ~
:
~Z~4~5~
apart vehicle-engaging sections or platforms 9a, 9b which are spaced apart from each other in the direction of the arrow R. The purpose of the sections 9a, 9b is to move into register with and to thereupon engage designated regions 15 (FIG~ 2) at the underside of the frame of a vehicle 2 above the floor space B. The reference characters ~
denote those end portions of the arms 4 which are connected ~ith the respective arms 5.
Each arm 4 includes a first or outer portion 18 which is rigidly connected with the respective support 7 and resembles an open-ended tube for reception of a second or inner portion 17.
The inner portion 17 is axially shiftable in but cannot rotate relative to the outer portion 18 so that the upper sides of the vehicle-engaging sections 9a, 9b remain in horizontal planes. The means for shifting the second or inner portions 17 of the arr:ls 4 with respect to the corresponding first or outer portions 18 includes reversible electric motors 14 which can drive feed screws 20 in the respective inner portions 17, and nuts 19 which mate with the feed screws 20 and are rigidly connected with the respective inner portions 17.
Those ends of the inner portions 17 which are remote from the corresponding motors 14 are rigidly connected with the first or outer parts 118 of the respective arms 5. The first parts 118 carry the respective sections 9a and slidably but-non-rotatably confine the respective second parts 117.The means for moving the second par.~s 117 of the arms 5 relative to the first parts 118 comprise reversible e~ectric motors 11~ for feed screws 120 in the corresponding second parts 117, and nuts 119 which mate with the respective feed s~rews 119 and 9~;~
are non-rotatably connected to the second parts 117.
The sections 9b are mounted at those ends of the second parts 117 which project from the respective first parts 118.
The motors 14 can be driven to move the sections 9a, 9b of each of the two units I, II
from the solid-line positions to the broken-line positions 9a', 9b' of FIG. 1 or vice versa, and the motors 114 can be driven to move the sections 9b relative to the corresponding sections 9a between the solid-line positions or the positions 9b' and the broken-line positions 9b". Thus, each motor 1~ can drive the corresponding sections 9a, 9b between positions outwardly adjacent the respective sides of a vehicle 2 above the floor space B and positions beneath the underside of the frame of such vehicle, and the motors 114 can be used to change the mutual spacing of the respective pairs of sections 9a, 9b in order to ensure that each of these sections can be located beneath one of the four desiynated regions 15 at the underside of the frame of the vehicle 2 before the followers 6 are caused to move upwardly along the respective upright members 3 in order to lift the wheels of the vehicle-2 above and away from the floor, e~g., to a levelsuch that a grown person can move beneath the lifted vehicle in order to inspect the wheels, the axles and/or other parts at the underside of the frame of the lifted vehicle.
~ ~ The hatched area lOa denotes in FIG. 1 the range of positions which a section 9a of the unit II can assume in addition to the position which is shown by ~olid lines. The other sectio]l 9a can be moved to a similar range of positions.
The hatched area lOb denotes the range of positions which the section 9b of the unit II can assume (in addition to the position shown by solid lines) in response to actuation of the motor 14 and/or 114 of the unit II. The section 9b of the unit ~ can cover a similar range of positions. This suffices to enable the improved elevator 1 to lift all or practically all makes of motor vehicles which are expected to be inspected, serviced and/or repaired in a particular shop.
The sections 9a, 9b of the units I and II
assume the solid-line positions of FIG. 1 when the second portions 17 of the arms 5 are fully retracted into the respective first portions 18. The sections 9a and 9b assume the positions 9a' and 9b' when the inner portions 17 of the arms 4 are caused to assume their fully extended positions, and the sections 9b are caused to assume their positions 9b" when the parts 117 of the arms 5 are caused to assume their fulLy extended positions with reference to the respective parts 118. It will be seen that the sections 9a can move only in or counter to the direction of arrow ~ whereas the sections 9b can move in and counter to the direction of arrow X and/or Y. This accounts for the pronounced difference between the areas lOa and lOb.
The basic mode of operation of the elevator 1 of FIGS. 1 and 2 is as follows: -A vehicle 2 which is to be lifted for the purposes of inspection, maintenance and/or repair is first driven, pushed or towed to the position which is shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, i.e., above the floor space B~ The direction of advancement of the vehicle 2 is in or counter to the direction of arrow R. At such time, the arms 4, 5 of the units I and II are maintained in the solid-line positions, i.e., ~2g~9~0 outwardly adjacent the sides of the vehicle 2. The floor space B need not exhibit any pits, other recesses or depressions and/or any protuberances because all floor-mounted parts of the elevator 1 are located outside the floor space B. Such design of the elevator is desirable and advantageous because a customer or an employee is highly unlikely to be injured on the smooth and even floor between the units I and II. There is no need for recesses for the wheels of a vehicle which is about to be lifted because the vehicle 2 is preferably positioned in an optimum way by means other than recesses in the floor. Thus, and as shown in FI~,. 1, the control means 11 of the elevator 1 can include a photoelectronic sensor or monitoring device 12 which is operativel~ connected with a signal lamp 13, e.g., a standard signal lamp having a green and a red light source. The ~reen li~ht source is on until the foremost part of the vehicle 2 advancing in the direction of arrow R reaches the beam 12a of radiation between the radiation source 12b and the transducer 12c of the sensor 12. This causes the transducer 12c to generate a signal which is used to turn off the ~reen li~ht source and to turn on the red light source of the signal lamp 13. The latter is seen b~ the driver of the vehicle 2 which advances in the direction of arrow R. Thus, the vehicle can be arrested in the illustrated position in which the ront designated regions 15 at ihe underside of the vehicle frame are in line (as at L-L) with the sections 9a of the units I and II.
~ he sensor 12 is adjustable in and counter to the direction of arrow R in order to ensure that, depending on the type o~ the vehicle which is about to move above the floor space B, the front re~ions 94~
15 at the underside of the frame of such vehicle will be in line with the sections ~a when the foremost part of the oncoming vehicle interrupts the beam 12a of radiation between the source 12b and the transducer 12c of the sensor 12. The manner in which the sensor 12 can be adjusted in and counter to the direction of arrow R i5 shown schematically in FIG. 3. The control means ll of the elevator which is shown in FIG. 3 comprises a memory 101 1~ which stores information pertaining to all or practically all makes of vehicles which are expected to be inspected in the shop or plant utilizing the elevator 1. The operator transmits to the memory lOl information identifying the vehicle 2 which is lS about to be lifted, and the memory lOl then transmiis a signal to a motor 112 which moves the sensor 12 in or counter to the direction of arrow R so that the sensor 12 assumes a proper position (i.e., a position at a requisite distance from the sections 20 ~9a) to ensure that the front designated regions 15 at the underside of the frame of the oncoming vehicle will be in line with the sections 9a when the vehicle reaches the desired position so that its foremost part interrupts the beam 12a of radiation between the radiation source 12b and the transducer 12c of the properly ad~usted sensor 12.
If the operation of the elevator 1 is fully automated, the memory 101 further transmits signals to a computer 102 which constitutes a means for operating the motors 14 and 114. Thus, the motors 1~ of the units I and II receive signals to move the inner portions 17 of the arms 4 to those extended positions in which the sections 9a are located at levels directly beneath the respective front designated re~ions 15. At the same time or 4~
prior or subsequent to actuation of the motors 14, the motors 114 are started to move the sections 9b relative to the corresponding sections 9a (in or counter to the direction of arrow R, depending on the make of the vehicle and on the starting positions of sections 9b relative to the corresponding sections 9a) until each of the sections 9b reaches a position in which it is spaced apart from the correspondiny section 9a a distance matching that between the front and rear designated re~ions 15 at the underside of the frame of the vehicle 2 above the floor space B. In the next step, the corresponding outputs of the computer 102 transmit siynals to the motors which move the followers 6 along the respective upright members 3 so that the vehicle 2 is lifted off the floor and is moved to a desired level. Those outputs of the computer 102 which transmit signals to the motors for the followers 6 are shown but not referenced in FIG. 3.
It is clear that the arms 4, S of the units I and II are located at a level below the underside of the frame of the vehicle ~ occupyiny the floor space B before the motors 14 are started to move the inner portions 17 of the arms 4 toward each other.
Instead of employing a computer 102 which is progra~med to automatically operate the motors 1~ and 114 to an extent and/or in a sequence depending on the make of the vehicle 2 which is about to be lifted, the control means 11 of the elevator 1 can employ actuating levers ~e.~., multiple-position levers), pushbutton switches andfor other startiny and arrestiny means for such motors.
This will be described with reference to FIG. 2.
The exact positions of the designated 12~9~g~
regions 15 are selected and/or recommended by the makers of various types of motor vehicles and are selected with a view to ensure that the respective vehicles can be lifted safely as well as in a manner such that the parts ~namely the sections 9a, 9b) which engage the designated regions 15 will not interfere with inspection, repair and/or maintenance work upon those parts (such as the muffler or mufflers, the wheels, the front axle and the rear axle) which are most likely or highly likely to require inspection and should be readily accessible when the vehicle is lifted.
The portions 17, 18 of the arms 4 and the parts 117, 118 of the arms 5 can be made of tubular steel stock or of any other material which can stand the weight of a motor vehicle when the latter is lifted off the floor. Each motor 14 or 114 can drive the respective feed screw 20 or 120 through the medium of a suitable step-down transmission, e.g., a bevel gear drive or a worm wheel drive.
Since the arms 4 must carry the respective arms 5 as~well as the respèctive sections 9a and 9b, the units I and II can be designed in such a way that the arms 4 are capable of standing forces greater than those which must be withstood by the arms 5.
For example, the wall thickness and/or the diameters of the tubular portions 17, 18 can be greater than the wall thickness and/or diameters of the tuhular parts 117, 118. This reduces the overall weight and cost of the elevator 1 without affecting its reliability and safety. Another reason for using strong arms 4 (i.e., arms which can be stronger than the arms 5) is that the extended arms 4 are subjected to rather pronounced bending stresses when their portions 17 assume extended positions at a substantial -- ~0 -- .
~2~4~
distance from the respective motors 14.
For example, the outer portion 18 of each arm 4 can be made of a tube having a rectanyular cross sectional outline (140 x 120 mm), and each inner portion 17 can constitute a piece of tubing having a rectangular cross-sectional outline (120 x 100 mm) and being telescoped into and non-rotatably slidable in the respective outer portion 18. The outer part 118 of each arm 5 can have a rectangular cross-sectional outline (120 x 100 mm) and can - receive an inner part 117 having a rectangular cross-sectional outline (100 ~ 80 mm) and being non-rotatably slidable in the outer part 118. Each motor 14 and each motor 114 can constitute a reversible electric motor which can rotate the respective feed screw 20 or 120 continuously or stepwise.
An important advantage of the improved elevator 1 is that its operation can be automated to any desired extent. Thus, the arms 4, 5 and both sections 9a, 9b of each of the two units I and II can be adjusted jointly in and counter to the direction of arrow Y, and the sections 9b can be moved relative to the sections 9a in and counter to the direction of arrow X so that the sections 9a can cover the areas lOa and the sections 9b can cover the areas lOb. This is amply sufficient to enable the improved elevator to move the two pairs of sections 9a, 9b to optimum positions for engagement with designated regions 15 at the underside of the frame of an~ one of a number of different ~akes of vehicles. In addition, movements of the sections 9b with the sections 9a and/or relative to the sections 9a can be automated, the same as the movements o followers 6 between their upper and .
' ~2~49CO
lower end positions. ~oreover, the sections 9a and 9b can perform simple translatory movements and need not be pivotably mounted by means of hinges or like parts which are likely to constitute weak spots of the elevator.
As mentioned above, a simple photo-electronic sensor 12 (which is adjustable in and counter to the direction of arrow ~) suffices to ensure proper positioning of a vehicle of practically any make in an optimum position for movement of sections 9a and 9b into register with the four designated re~ions 15 at the underside of the frame of such vehicle. Once the vehicle 2 reaches an optimum position with reference to the floor space B, the computer 102 takes over and initiates the operation of motors 14 and 114 for the purpose of lengthening the arms 4 and, if necessary, moving the sections 9b relative to the respective sections 9a before the followers 6 are caused to move upwardly in order to move the sections 9a, 9b into actual engayement with the respective designated regions 15 and to thereupon actually lift the vehicle 2 off the floor. A vehicle 2 is in proper position relative to the floor space B when the distance a (FIG. 2) between its foremost point and the foremost points of the sections 9a equals the distance between the beam 12a and the foremost points of the front designated re~ions 15 of such vehicle It is assumed here that the position of the sensor 12 has been adjusted ~e.g., in response to a si~nal ; ~ from the memory 101) so that lt matches the position which is required for proper registry of the floor space B with a vehicle 2 o~ a particular type. If the driver of the vehicle is capable of arrestin~
the vehicle 2 as soon as the beam 12a is interrupted, ~29~
a simple translatory movement of the second or inner portions 17 of arms 4 will suffice to move the sections 9a into register with the respective front designated regions 15 because the line L-L
then halves the front designated regions 15 and the front sections 9a. If desired, the optical signal which is generated by the lamp 13 can be replaced with or generated in addition to an acoustic signal.
The positions of the sections 9a, 9b in each of the units I and II can be reversed, i.e., that the sections 9b can be located in front of the sections 9a. The sensor 12 is then adjustable to be located at a predetermined distance from the foremost portions or from other selected portions of the rear sections ~9a) before the front sections (9b) are caused to move in or counter to the direction of arrow X in order to be disposed beneath the front designated portions 15~ This would merely involve a reversal of the orientation of arms 5 relative to the arms 4 and would necessitate only minor (if any) changes in the control means for the motors 14, 114.
Once the vehicle 2 reaches the position of FIG. 1, the computer 102 transmits signals to the motors 14 to extend the arms 4 through distances c and/or to extend the arms 5 through distances b.
This ensures that each section 9b registers with one of the rear designated regions 15. The computer 102 then transmits signals to the means for moving the followers 6 up and down along the respective upright members 3 so that the vehicle 2 is lifted by the four sections 9a, 9b while each of these sections engages one of the four designated regions 15.
If the control means of the elevator 1 is ~ 23 -49~
not or should not be computerized, such control means can utilize suitable mechanical and/or other types of sensors which actually detect the position of the vehicle 2 above the floor space B with reference to the sections 9a, 9b on the arms 5 of the units I and II. FIG. 2 shows a first sensor 21 adjacent the section 9a and a second sensor 22 adjacent the section 9b of the illustrated arm ~.
The sensors 21, 22 can be of the type commonly used in many car washing establishments to mechanically detect the positions of the wheels of a vehicle which is in the process of advancing through the washing tunnel. The sensor Zl is secured to the section 9a by a first connector 23 (e.g., a short arm), and the sensor 22 is secured to the section 9b by a second connector 23. The sensor 21 arrests the motor 14 of the means for shifting the inner portion 17 of the respective arm ~ when the section 9a is in register with the corresponding designated region 15 because the sensor 21 contacts the adjacent side of the vehicle 2 above the floor space B. The distance d Erom the sensor 21 to the center of the respective section 9a is selected with a view to ensure that the sensor 21 contacts the vehicle 2 when the section 9a of FIG. 2 is in register with the respective front designated region 15. The sensor 21 extends vertically upwardly, and the sensor 22 extends horizontally or substantially horizontally.
The distance e of the sensor 22 from the center of the respective section 9b is selected in such a way that the sensor 22 engages the adjacent (rear right-hand) wheel 16 of the vehicle 2 above the floor space B when the section 9b is~properly aligned with the corresponding rear designated region 150 The sensor 22 then generates a signal which is used to arrest ~2949~() the corresponding motor 114. A control system which employs two sensors 21, 22 in each of the units I and II is also capable of automating the operation of the elevator. The sensor 12 of such control system is adjustable in the same way as described above, i.e., so that the foremost portion of a vehicle 2 interrupts the beam 12a at the very instant when the centers of the front designated regions 15 and the centers of the front sections 9a are located on the line L-L. The motors 14 are thereupon started in response to a signal from the sensor 12~ the motors 14 are arrested in response to signals from the corresponding sensors 21 (such signals can also start the motors 114), and the motors 114 are arrested by the corresponding sensors 22 when each of the two pairs of sections 9a, 9b is in register with the respective designated re~ion 15. The vehicle 2 is then ready to be lifted, e.g., in response to signals from the sensors 22.
When the inspection and/or maintenance and/or repair work upon a lifted vehicle 2 is completed, the motors for the followers 6 are started to lower the vehicle onto the floor and to disengage the sections 9a, 9b from the respective designated regions 15 before the effective length of the arms 4 is reduced and the sections 9b are moved (if necessary) toward or away from the respective sections 9a in order to disengage~the units I from the vehicle and to move the arms 4, 5 and the sections 9a, 9b out of the way so that the vehicle 2 can be removed ~rom the position above the floor space B.
Such vehicle can be driven in or counter to the direction which is indicated by the arrow R.
If necessary, the improved elevator can be equipped with means for changing the level of each 9~
section 9a relative to the level of the corresponding section 9b and/or vice versa. Such adjustments might be necessary if all four designated regions 15 at the underside of the frames of certain makes of vehicles are not located in a common horizontal plane. For examplel the rear end portions of the parts 117 of arms 5 can be provided with means for moving the respective sections 9b up or down within a range which is needed to change the level of the upper sides of the sections 9b relative to the level of the upper sides of the sections 9a.
Another important advantage of the improved elevator is that even an unskilled driver can move her or his vehicle to a position above the predetermined floor space B because the vehicle can reach such position without advancing over ramps and onto platforms for the wheels. Moreover, even a novice driver can understand the meaning of the green and red lights at 13 so that such novice driver can move the vehicle all the way to the optimum position for liftin~ by the two pairs of sections or platforms 9a, 9b.
A further important advantage of the improved elevator is that the two pairs of sections 9a, 9b can be moved into reglster with the coresponding designated regions 15 even if the vehicle 2 is not in an optimum position with reference to the floor space B. Thus, the sections 9a and 9b can be sufficiently large to ensure proper engagement with the designated regions 15 of a vehicle which has been arrested with its foremost point forwardly of or slightly behind the path for the radiation beam 12a. The extenda~ble and retractible parts 117 of the second arms 5 can also compensate for eventual departure of the positions of sections ~a from ~Z9~iO
optimum positions relative to the two front designated regions 15. The shifting means 14, 19, 20 for the second portions 17 of the arms 4 and the means 114, 119, 120 for varying the distance between the sections 9a and the respective sections 9b permit highly accurate adjustments of the positions of sections 9a and 9b relative to each other and with reference to the designated regions 15. All that is necessary to properly select the lead of the feed screws 20, 120 and the increments through which the feed screws 20, 120 can be rotated by the respective motors 14 and 114.
The operation of one of the motors 14 is preferably synchronized with that of the other motor 14 to thus ensure that the extent of movement of one section 9a toward the central longitudinal symmetry plane of the vehicle between the units I and II
matches the extent of movement of the other section 9a toward such plane. The same applies for the operation of the two motors 114 and for the operation of motors which cause the followers 6 to move up and down along the respective upright members 3.
It is further possible to replace the arms 5 with arms which have central por-tions fixedly secured to mobile portions 17 of the respective first arms 4, and pairs of outer portions which are movable relative to the respective central portions and each of which carries a vehicle-en~aging section or platform. The construction which is shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 (wherein the sections 9a are fixedly mounted on the parts 118 of the second arms 5) is preferred at this time because it is simpler and can be properly operated by relatively simple and inexpensive control means.
94~
As a rule, the centers of the two pairs of designated regions 15 at the underside of the frame of a vehicle are located in two ver~ical planes which are parallel to and equidistant from the central longitudinal vertical symmetry plane of the vehicle. This simplifies the design of the arms 5 because the rear sections 9b can be mounted in positions of alignment with the respective front sections 9a (as seen in the direction of arrow R).
In other words, the distance of rear designated regions 15 from the aforementioned central longitudinal vertical symmetry plane of the vehicle of any make is normally the same as the distance of such symmetry plane from the front designated regions 15.
The lamp 13 can be replaced with a device which generates dif~erent types of signals, e.g., illuminated words "forward", "stop" and "backwards"
to thus inform the driver of the vehicle which is in the process of advancin~ above the floor space B
that the vehicle is yet to assume the optimum position, that the vehicle has assumed the optimum position or that the vehicle has advanced beyond the optimum position for engagement by the two pairs of sections 9a, 9b preparatory to lifting of the vehicle above the floor. Such types of signals are used in certain car washing establishments.
If the control system of the improved elevator employs a computer as well as the afore-discussed sensors 21, 22 or equivalent sensors, the sensors can merely serve to terminate the operation of the respective motors 14, 114 and/or to ensure a highly accurate positioning of sections 9a, 9b relative to the corresponding designated regions 15. Thus, the sensors 21 will generate signals only when the front sections 3a are in optimum positions ~9~
relative to the corresponding front designated regions 15, and the rear sensors 22 will generate signals ~as a result of contact with the adjacent rear wheels 16) only when the sections 9b are in highly accurate register with the respective rear designated regions 15.
~Z9~9~
Without further analysis, the foregoing will so fully reveal the gist of the present invention that others can, by applying ~urrent knowledge, readily adapt it for various applications without omittin~ ~eatures that, from the standpoint of prior art, fairly constitute essential characteristics of the generic and specific aspects of our contribution to the art and, therefore, such adaptations should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalence of the appended claims.
:: :
_ 30 -
Claims (28)
1. Elevator for vehicles, particularly motor vehicles, which occupy a predetermined floor space and have frames with undersides including spaced-apart regions designated for engagement by lifting instrumentalities, comprising first and second lifting units disposed at opposite sides of the predetermined floor space and each including a plurality of supporting arms at least one of which has vehicle engaging sections, level changing means for raising and lowering said arms, and means for moving said arms substantially horizontally to place said sections into register with the designated regions of the vehicle occupying the predeter-mined floor space prior to raising of the arms; and control means for said moving means.
2. The elevator of claim 1, wherein each of said level changing means includes an upright member and a support for the respective arms, each support being movable up and down longi-tudinally of the respective upright member, the arms of each of said units including a first arm affixed to the respective support and extending generally toward the vehicle occupying the predeter-mined floor space, and a second arm exending substantially trans-versely of the first arm, said vehicle-engaging sections being provided on said second arms.
3. The elevator of claim 2, wherein said moving means include means for shifting said second arms toward and away from each other through the medium of the respective first arms.
4. The elevator of claim 3, wherein each of said second arms is provided with discrete first and second vehicle-engaging sections and said moving means further comprise means for varying the distance between the sections of each of said second arms.
5. The elevator of claim 4 for vehicles which are advanced onto and removed from the predetermined floor space by moving in a predetermined direction, wherein said first arms extend substantially transversely of said direction.
6. The elevator of claim 4, wherein the first and second arms of each of said units are disposed substantially at right angles to each other.
7. The elevator of claim 4, wherein each first arm includes a first portion connected to the respective support and a second portion movable relative to the first portion, said shifting means including means for moving the second portions relative to the first portions of the respective first arms, each of said second arms including a first part connected with the second portion of the respective first arm and a second part movable relative to the first part, said distance varying means including means for moving the second parts relative to the first parts of the respective second arms, said first and second vehicle-engaging sections being provided on the first and second parts of the respective second arms.
8. The elevator of claim 7, wherein said supports include carriers for the first portions of the respective first arms.
9. The elevator of claim 7, wherein one portion of each first arm is non-rotatably and longitudinally movably telescoped into the other portion.
10. The elevator of claim 9, wherein each of said shifting means includes an internally threaded member affixed to the one portion of the respective first arm, a feed screw mating with the internally threaded member, and means for rotating the feed screw in clockwise and counterclockwise directions.
11. The elevator of claim 7, wherein one part of each second arm is non-rotatably and longitudinally movably telescoped into the other part.
12. The elevator of claim 11, wherein each of said distance varying means comprises an internally threaded member affixed to the respective one part, a feed screw mating with the internally threaded member, and means for rotating the feed screw in clockwise and counterclockwise directions.
13. The elevator of claim 7 for vehicles which are advanced onto and removed from said floor space by moving in a predetermined direction, wherein the first and second vehicle-engaging sections on each of said second arms are spaced apart from each other in said direction.
14. The elevator of claim 7, wherein the first vehicle-engaging section on each second arm is rigid with the respective first part.
15. The elevator of claim 7, wherein each of said shifting and distance varying means comprises a fluid-operated motor.
16. The elevator of claim 7, wherein each of said shifting and distance varying means comprises an electromechanical drive.
17. The elevator of claim 7, wherein said control means includes switches for initiating and terminating the operation of said shifting and distance varying means.
18. The elevator of claim 7, wherein said control means includes sensor means arranged to initiate and terminate the operation of said shifting and distance varying means.
19. The elevator of claim 7 for different makes of motor vehicles which have frames with undersides including spaced-apart designated regions in distributions dependent upon the makes of the vehicles, wherein said control means includes means for memorizing information pertaining to the distribution of spaced-apart designated regions at the undersides of the frames said different makes of vehicles, and means for operating said shifting and said distance varying means on the basis of information pertaining to the distribution of designated regions at the underside of the frame of the vehicle above the predetermined floor space.
20. The elevator of claim 19, wherein said operating means includes a computer.
21. The elevator of claim 7 for vehicles which are advanced onto and removed from said floor space by moving in a predetermined direction, wherein said control means includes means for monitoring the progress of a vehicle which advances to a position above the predetermined floor space and for generating signals when the designated regions of the advancing vehicle reach predetermined positions.
22. The elevator of claim 21, wherein two of the designated regions of a vehicle occupying the predetermined floor space are disposed between and are aligned with the first vehicle-engaging sections on said second arms when said two designated regions reach said predetermined positions.
23. The elevator of claim 22 for different makes of motor vehicles which have frames including undersides with spaced-apart designated regions in predetermined distributions dependent upon the makes of the vehicles, wherein said control means further includes means for memorizing information pertaining to the distribution of spaced-apart regions at the undersides different makes of vehicles, and means for operating said shifting and distance varying means in response to signals from said monitoring means on the basis of information pertaining to the distribution of spaced-apart regions at the underside of the vehicle above said floor space in order to move each of said vehicle-engaging sections into engagement with a different designated region at the underside of the frame of the vehicle above the predetermined floor space.
24. The elevator of claim 23, wherein said monitoring means includes photoelectric detector means.
25. The elevator of claim 23, wherein said monitoring means includes a depression for at least one wheel of the motor vehicle above the predetermined floor space.
26. The elevator of claim 7, further comprising means for arresting said shifting means and said distance varying means when each section of each second arm registers with a different designated region at the underside of the vehicle above the predetermined floor space.
27. The elevator of claim 26, wherein said arresting means includes sensors.
28. The elevator of claim 27, wherein said sensors are mounted on at least one arm of each of said units and are arranged to generate signals in response to engagement with the vehicle above the predetermined floor space.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| DE19883808700 DE3808700A1 (en) | 1988-03-16 | 1988-03-16 | LIFT FOR MOTOR VEHICLES |
| DEP3808700.6 | 1988-03-16 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1294950C true CA1294950C (en) | 1992-01-28 |
Family
ID=6349826
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000593728A Expired - Fee Related CA1294950C (en) | 1988-03-16 | 1989-03-15 | Elevator for motor vehicles |
Country Status (3)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| EP (1) | EP0332758A1 (en) |
| CA (1) | CA1294950C (en) |
| DE (1) | DE3808700A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DE9414605U1 (en) * | 1994-09-08 | 1994-11-03 | Maschinenbau Haldenwang GmbH & Co KG, 87490 Haldenwang | Lift |
| DE102012024286A1 (en) * | 2012-12-12 | 2014-06-12 | Roland Hörnstein GmbH & Co. KG | Support arm for vehicle lifting platform, has pull structures that are pneumatically or hydraulically or electromechanically adjusted in height by lift element along longitudinal direction over adjusting element and/or vehicle support |
| CN105293375A (en) * | 2015-11-24 | 2016-02-03 | 胡和萍 | Traction controller of automobile elevator |
Family Cites Families (5)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FR2302272A1 (en) * | 1975-02-28 | 1976-09-24 | Cfea | Double column vehicle jack safety device - prevents supporting arms slewing when working |
| CH596085A5 (en) * | 1977-03-29 | 1978-02-28 | Walter Vogler | |
| FR2446797A1 (en) * | 1979-01-16 | 1980-08-14 | Villars Julio | Safety nut assembly for vehicle lifting installation - interrupts motor supply current to threaded shaft if operating distance between two nuts decreases |
| FR2507168B1 (en) * | 1981-06-04 | 1985-10-18 | Souriau & Cie | ELEVATOR |
| JPH0537990Y2 (en) * | 1985-08-30 | 1993-09-27 |
-
1988
- 1988-03-16 DE DE19883808700 patent/DE3808700A1/en not_active Withdrawn
- 1988-12-20 EP EP88121283A patent/EP0332758A1/en not_active Withdrawn
-
1989
- 1989-03-15 CA CA000593728A patent/CA1294950C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| DE3808700A1 (en) | 1989-10-05 |
| EP0332758A1 (en) | 1989-09-20 |
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