EP3293146A1

EP3293146A1 - Mechanical lifting device for vehicles

Info

Publication number: EP3293146A1
Application number: EP17190725.6A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Dino Sodini
Original assignee: Cmo Srl
Current assignee: Cmo Srl
Priority date: 2016-09-12
Filing date: 2017-09-12
Publication date: 2018-03-14
Anticipated expiration: 2037-09-12
Also published as: IT201600091689A1; EP3293146B1

Abstract

A system for lifting vehicles by a ground, said system comprising at least one lifting device (100,100') comprising a support base (110,110') and a mechanism (120,120') arranged to pass between a lower position, where the support base (110,110') is located close to the ground, and an upper position, where the support base (110,110') is located at a predetermined distance from the ground. The lifting device (100,100') comprises then actuating means (130,130') configured for actuating the mechanism (120,120') to make it pass between the lower position and the upper position, blocking means (140,140') arranged to block the mechanism (120,120') in the upper position, and an unlocking means (150,150') arranged to deactivate the blocking means (140,140') for unlocking the mechanism (120,120') from the upper position. In particular, the lifting device (100,100') also comprises driving means (200) arranged to operate the unlocking means (150,150') in a mechanical way and by a remote position with respect to the or to each lifting device (100,100'). [Fig.2,2A]

Description

Field of the invention

The present invention relates to the field of mechanical lifting devices for cars and vehicles in general.
In particular, the invention relates to a locking and unlocking system for a lifting device.

Description of the prior art

In prior art is present a wide variety of mechanical lifting devices useful to provide access to the underside of a vehicle.
Such mechanical lifting devices normally provide a mechanism arranged to lift a support base, by hydraulic or pneumatic actuators. The mechanism can be "a parallelogram type" mechanism, comprising a four-bar linkage, or "a scissors type" mechanism, comprising two linear elements crossed to each other.
Such lifting devices can also be permanently connected to the ground, normally used in the professional field, or be removable, most commonly used in the area of home and hobby.
The latter kind of lifting devices is in strong commercial growth, since it entails significantly lower installation and maintenance costs than the lifting devices connected to the ground, as well as the possibility to place the device to your own pleasure, owing to contained encumbrances and weights.
In US2015076431A1 , for example, a system for lifting vehicles is shown comprising two portable lifting devices, having contained weight and encumbrance, with a four-bar linkage mechanism.
However, the portability of the object cannot reduce its safety, and it is necessary to adhere to the parameters imposed by the regulations to ensure the reliability of the mechanical components and the overall structure.
In particular, one of the more critical aspects relates to the block the lifting device once the upper position is reached. In this position, in fact, all the weight of the vehicle burdens the mechanism which raises the base and it directly contrasts the force expressed by the hydraulic or pneumatic actuator. If the actuator loses suddenly pressure for a failure, the mechanism would close on itself, returning to the lower position and risking to cause substantial damage to people or things.
For this reason, devices of block are generally provided arranged to provide redundancy in the security system. Such devices, in fact, mechanically block the mechanism, preventing it from closing on itself, even in case of actuator's failure. An example of such blocking device is shown for example in US4848732A .
However, the blocking device shown in US4848732A is mechanically complex and involves costs and dimensions not suitable for a portable lifting device. Furthermore, in this document it is provided that, for unlocking the mechanism, the user must approach the lifting device, making this operation as risky as it is to activate the blocking system.
In prior art, only remote electronic unlocking systems are provided. Such systems generally apply to non-removable and/or high-cost lifting devices.

Summary of the invention

It is therefore a feature of the present invention to provide a system for lifting vehicles having contained encumbrance and weight.
It is also a feature of the present invention to provide such a system that provides a blocking and unlock means of the mechanism that is not expensive, space-saving and safe for the user.
Is still a feature of the present invention to provide such a system that provides a simultaneous use of more lifting devices by a same control unit and a same device actuating the unlock of the mechanism.
These and other objects are achieved by a system for lifting vehicles by a ground, said system comprising at least one lifting device comprising:

a support base;
a mechanism arranged to pass between a lower position, where the support base is located close to the ground, and an upper position, where the support base is located at a predetermined distance from the ground;
actuating means configured for actuating the mechanism to make it pass between the lower position and the upper position;
a blocking means arranged to block the mechanism in the upper position, said blocking means comprising a lever having a first end hinged to the support base and a second end arranged to slide on a guide whereas the mechanism passes through between the lower position and the upper position, said second end arranged to enter in a block housing for blocking the mechanism in the upper position;
an unlocking means arranged to deactivate the blocking means for unlocking the mechanism from the upper position;
driving means arranged to operate the unlocking means by a remote position with respect to the or to each lifting device;

This way, for operating the blocking means the user doesn't need to approach the lifting device. This avoids the risk that, also in case of failure of the actuator, the mechanism can closing on itself, damaging the user or the system itself.
Furthermore, this locking means is easy to use, space-saving and lightweight, and it is low in cost. It is therefore particularly suitable for a portable lifting device.
In particular, the actuating means comprises a hydraulic linear actuator.
In particular, the percussion element is a linear actuator.
Advantageously, the linear actuator is selected from the group consisting of:

a pneumatic actuator;
a hydraulic actuator;
an electromechanical actuator;
a combining the previous.

In particular, the linear actuator is a pneumatic actuator and the driving means comprises a pneumatic duct arranged to connect the pneumatic actuator with a source of compressed air, said pneumatic duct comprising a valve element arranged to open and close the pneumatic duct, said valve element being arranged to be operated by a user located in remote with respect to the system for lifting vehicles.
In particular, the unlocking means comprises also a spring arranged to keep the percussion element in the first position, said driving means arranged to counteract the spring for bringing the percussion element in the second position.
The spring allows the percussion element to return in the first position immediately after the unlock of the mechanism.
In particular, said driving means comprises:

a Bowden cable comprising a metal wire connected to the percussion element;
a mechanical control arranged to pull the metal wire for bringing the percussion element in the second position, said mechanical control being located remotely with respect to the lifting device.

In particular, the mechanical control is a pedal.
This unlocking means is easy to use, space-saving and lightweight, and it is low in cost. It is therefore particularly suitable for a portable lifting device.
Advantageously, the mechanism is a "parallelogram type" mechanism and comprises a four-bar linkage.
Alternatively, the mechanism is a "scissors type" mechanism and comprises two linear elements crossed and hinged to each other.
Advantageously, two lifting devices are provided, said driving means arranged to concurrently operate the unlocking means of both the lifting devices, said driving means being concurrently operated by an electric control unit located remotely.
This way, it is possible to obtain a big lifting power by means of easy components, which, singularly, have low weight and encumbrance.

Brief description of the drawings

Further characteristic and/or advantages of the present invention are more bright with the following description of an exemplary embodiment thereof, exemplifying but not limitative, with reference to the attached drawings in which:

Fig. 1 shows a first exemplary embodiment of the system for lifting vehicles according to the present invention;
Fig. 1A shows a particular of Fig. 1;
Fig. 2 shows a second exemplary embodiment of the system for lifting vehicles according to the present invention;
Fig. 2A shows a particular of Fig. 2;
Fig. 3 shows a third exemplary embodiment of the system for lifting vehicles, according to the present invention, wherein two lifting devices are provided concurrently operated;
Fig. 4 shows a fourth exemplary embodiment of the system for lifting vehicles, according to the present invention, wherein a "scissors type" mechanism is provided.

Description of some preferred exemplary embodiments

In the figures 1 and 1A a first exemplary embodiment is shown of the system for lifting vehicles, according to the present invention, comprising a lifting device 100 comprising a support base 110 and a mechanism 120 arranged to pass between a lower position, where the support base 110 is located close to the ground, and an upper position, where the support base 110 is located at a predetermined distance from the ground.
In particular, in the above described exemplary embodiment the mechanism is a "parallelogram type" mechanism and it comprises a four-bar linkage.
The lifting device 100 also comprises actuating means 130 configured for actuating the mechanism 120 and making it pass between the lower position and the upper position. In particular, the actuating means 130 comprises a hydraulic linear actuator actuated in remote.
The lifting device 100 comprises then blocking means 140 arranged to block the mechanism 120 in the upper position. In particular, the blocking means 140 comprises a lever 141 having a first end 141a hinged to the support base 110 and a second end 141b arranged to slide on a guide 142 whereas the mechanism 120 passes between the lower position and the upper position. At the end of the guide 142, a block housing 143 is provided in which the second end 141b is adapted to enter for blocking the mechanism 120 in the upper position.
In this case, an unlock means 150 is provided for deactivating the blocking means 140, and thus allowing the mechanism 120 to go back in the lower position. In particular, the unlocking means 150 comprises a percussion element 151 arranged to pass between a first position and a second position, so that the percussion element 151 hits the second end 141b in order to cause it exit from the block housing 143. The unlocking means 150 comprises also a spring 152 arranged to keep the percussion element 151 in the first position.
Driving means 200 are also provided arranged to counteract the spring 152 for bringing the percussion element 151 in the second position. In particular, the driving means 200 comprise a Bowden cable 210, containing a metal wire connected to the percussion element 151, and a mechanical control 220, which is located in remote, arranged to pull the metal wire for bringing the percussion element 151 in the second position.
With reference to Figs. 2 and 2A, in an exemplary embodiment the percussion element 151 is a linear pneumatic actuator and the driving means 200 comprises a pneumatic duct 205 arranged to connect the pneumatic actuator with a source of compressed air. In particular, the pneumatic duct 205 comprises a valve element arranged to open and close the pneumatic duct 205 itself. The valve element can be a mechanical valve or a solenoid valve and can be operated by a user located in remote with respect to the system for lifting vehicles, in a manual way or by means of an electronic control.
With reference even at Fig. 3, in a further exemplary embodiment, the system of lifting provides the presence of two lifting devices 100,100', each of them similar to the lifting device 100 shown in Figs. 1 and 1A.
In this exemplary embodiment, an electric control unit 300 is provided located in remote and arranged to operate concurrently the actuating means 130,130' of the respective lifting devices 100,100'.
Furthermore, in this exemplary embodiment the mechanical control 220 is a pedal located at the electric control unit 300 and arranged to operate both the unlocking means 150,150' by two Bowden cables 210,210'.
In a similar manner, the present invention provides an exemplary embodiment in which two lifting devices 100,100' are provided, each of them similar to the lifting device 100 shown in Figs. 2 and 2A. In this case is the systems are operated by pneumatic ducts 205 operated concurrently by means of dedicated valves.
In Fig. 4 a further exemplary embodiment is shown of the system for lifting vehicles, where the mechanism is a "scissors type" mechanism and comprises two linear elements crossed and hinged to each other. In this exemplary embodiment, the blocking means 140 comprises two hanging elements 145 arranged to engage on the bar 146 for blocking the mechanism 120. Even in this exemplary embodiment, the Bowden cable 210 is connected to the blocking means 140, and, in particular to the connection table 147, so that it is pulled upwards and the hanging elements 145 are unblocked.
The foregoing description some exemplary specific embodiments will so fully reveal the invention according to the conceptual point of view, so that others, by applying current knowledge, will be able to modify and/or adapt in various applications the specific exemplary embodiments without further research and without parting from the invention, and, accordingly, it is meant that such adaptations and modifications will have to be considered as equivalent to the specific embodiments. The means and the materials to realise the different functions described herein could have a different nature without, for this reason, departing from the field of the invention. it is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology that is employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation.

Claims

A system for lifting vehicles by a ground, said system comprising at least one lifting device (100,100') comprising:
- a support base (110,110');

- a mechanism (120,120') arranged to pass between a lower position, wherein said support base (110,110') is located close to said ground, and an upper position, wherein said support base (110,110') is located at a predetermined distance from said ground;

- actuating means (130,130') configured for actuating said mechanism (120,120') to make it pass between said lower position and said upper position;

- a blocking means (140,140') arranged to block said mechanism (120,120') in said upper position, said blocking means (140,140') comprising a lever (141,141') having a first end (141a,141a') hinged to said support base (110,110') and a second end (141b,141b') arranged to slide on a guide (142,142') whereas said mechanism (120,120') passes between said lower position and said upper position, said second end (141b,141b') arranged to enter in a block housing (143,143') for blocking said mechanism (120,120') in said upper position;

- an unlocking means (150,150') arranged to deactivate said blocking means (140,140') for unlocking said mechanism (120,120') from said upper position;

- driving means (200) arranged to operate said unlocking means (150,150') by a remote position with respect to said or each lifting device (100,100');
said system characterized in that said unlocking means (150,150') comprise a percussion element (151,151') arranged to pass between a first position and a second position, in said second position said percussion element (151,151') arranged to hit said second end (141b,141b') in a direction substantially parallel to said guide (142,142') for in order to cause said second end (141b,141b') to exit from said block housing (143,143').
The system for lifting vehicles, according to claim 1, wherein said actuating means (130,130') comprise a hydraulic linear actuator.
The system for lifting vehicles, according to claim 1, wherein said percussion element (151,151') is a linear actuator.
The system for lifting vehicles, according to claim 3, wherein said linear actuator is selected from the group consisting of:
- a pneumatic actuator;

- a hydraulic actuator;

- an electromechanical actuator;

- a combining the previous.
The system for lifting vehicles, according to claim 4, wherein said linear actuator is a pneumatic actuator and said driving means (200) comprises a pneumatic duct (205) arranged to connect said pneumatic actuator with a source of compressed air, said pneumatic duct (205) comprising a valve element arranged to open and close said pneumatic duct (205), said valve element being arranged to be operated by a user located in remote with respect to said system for lifting vehicles.
The system for lifting vehicles, according to claim 1, wherein said unlocking means (150,150') comprises also a spring (152,152') arranged to keep said percussion element (151,151') in said first position, said driving means (200) arranged to counteract said spring (152,152') for bringing said percussion element (151,151') in said second position.
The system for lifting vehicles, according to claim 1, wherein said driving means (200) comprises:
- a Bowden cable (210,210') comprising a metal wire connected to said percussion element (151,151');

- a mechanical control (220) arranged to pull said metal wire for bringing said percussion element (151,151') in said second position, said mechanical control (220) being located remotely with respect to said lifting device (100,100').
The system for lifting vehicles, according to claim 1, wherein said mechanism is a "parallelogram type" mechanism and comprises a four-bar linkage.
The system for lifting vehicles, according to claim 1, wherein said mechanism is a "scissors type" mechanism and comprises two linear elements crossed and hinged to each other.
The system for lifting vehicles, according to claim 1, wherein two lifting devices (100,100') are provided, said driving means (200) arranged to concurrently operate the unlocking means (150,150') of both said lifting devices (100,100'), said actuating means (130,130') being concurrently operated by an electric control unit (300) located remotely.