Vehicle lifting platform

#1. Field of the Invention

#The invention relates to a lifting platform and more particularly to a vehicle lifting platform having a flexible traction cable coupling an electric motor to support arms.

#2. Background Discussion

#The objects, advantages and features of the invention will be more clearly understood from the following detailed description, when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawing, in which:

#FIG. 1 is a schematic front view of a two-column lifting platform;

#FIG. 2 is a schematic front view of another embodiment of the lifting platform; and

#The two-column lifting platform according to FIG. 1 is designed for two-track vehicles, particularly passenger cars, and comprises two columns, 1a and 1b, which are fixedly anchored in floor foundation 3 with associated bases 2a and 2b. On each of columns 1a and 1b is a horizontal support arm, 4a and 4b, respectively, arranged so as to be vertically shiftable. Each of support arms 4a and 4b is extensible in a telescope-like manner and each is provided with a support 5a and 5b respectively, at its end. Each of the support arms is attached to a vertical guide, 6a and 6b, respectively, at its end which at least partly encloses the respective columns 1a and 1b in the illustrated embodiment. The length of guides 6a and 6b ensures a tilt-free support of the support arms even with a vehicle driven on, as well as ensuring their free movement.

#On each of columns 1a and 1b, a stable elongation beam 7a and 7b, respectively, is provided comprising upper bearing 8a and 8b, respectively, for transverse shaft 9 provided with a sprocket wheel on its right end according to FIG. 1. In the upper end portion of the embodiment in FIG. 1, on right elongation beam 7b, a prime mover in the shape of an electric motor 11 is installed which rotates transverse shaft 9 by means of sprocket wheel 12 and a closed-loop chain 13 running on two sprocket wheels 10 and 12. Traction cables 15a and 15b, which may be steel cables, belts or link chains, run on disks 14a and 14b, respectively. Traction cables 15a and 15b are preferably sheathed. Disks 14a and 14b are fixedly mounted on transverse shaft 9. In the embodiment shown, each of traction cables 15a and 15b is a steel cable fixed to associated vertical guides 6a and 6b, respectively, via terminals 16a and 16b with its one end while its other end portion is fixed on associated disks or drums 14a and 14b, respectively.

#By turning on electric motor 11, transverse shaft 9 is rotated together with the two disks or drums 14a and 14b by means of chain drive 10 to 13, so that both traction cables 15a and 15b are wound up with a uniform speed and, thus, two support arms 4a are 4b are synchronously lifted. The lowering movement of support arms 4a and 4b is efficiently effected by their own weight or the additional weight of a supported vehicle and also with a speed determined by a brake or electric motor 11.