Patent Description:
Apparatuses for lifting a load are known, and more particularly for lifting motor vehicles, which are generally used inside workshops in order to allow operators to access the lower areas of the motor vehicles for carrying out maintenance and/or repair.

Among the known vehicle lifting equipment there are those consisting of two or more column devices which are mobile inside the workshop, or of another room or yard, and which are mechanically independent, but are electronically connected and in communication between them, wired or wireless.

In particular, each column device comprises a vertical support column along which a structure comprising a carriage provided with substantially horizontal and variously shaped arms for the engagement of the corresponding areas of the vehicle to be lifted slides vertically. Suitably, the carriage with the arms that engage and come into contact with the load to be lifted defines, within the lifting device, the structure designed to support the load and keep it in a suspended condition following its lifting.

The column is also provided with actuation means, for example of an electromechanical or hydraulic type, for raising/lowering the carriage with the arms with respect to the vertical support, as well as a suitable control system and a display for interfacing with the operator.

In order to ensure the synchronism of the actuation means to cause the carriages to move along the respective columns, a connection is provided between the actuators themselves and this connection can be provided at the base of the two columns or at the upper end of the same.

In more detail, the arms of each column device are cantilevered to the carriage sliding along the column and are provided at the free end with support and/or grip members that can be positioned under a motor vehicle placed between two of these devices for its lifting.

Conveniently, each arm of the supporting structure of each column device can advantageously be of the telescopic type, so that the supporting and/or gripping member provided at the free end thereof can reach practically any position below the body of the motor vehicle, previously positioned on the ground between the two columns to be raised.

Examples of these known column devices for lifting motor vehicles are described for example in <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT> and <CIT>.

A drawback that often occurs in the use of these known lifting devices is linked to the need to position the supports, provided at the free end of the articulated arms, exactly at the points of the body of the motor vehicle intended for their support for lifting. This correct positioning is very often made difficult by the movements that the horizontal arms make to reach it, since each movement of the arm, both angular and telescopic, determines both a longitudinal and a transverse movement of the respective support.

Another drawback consists in the fact that when the vehicle is raised the two arms of each column device constitute two obstacles for the personnel who must work on the motor vehicle and who must move alongside it.

Another drawback consists in the fact that very often the columns also constitute an obstacle to the normal work that the personnel must carry out alongside the vehicle and can in particular prevent the complete opening of the doors, especially the front doors, to allow access to the front of the passenger compartment, as is often required in maintenance work on cars in general and electric cars in particular.

Another drawback consists in the fact that for balancing reasons the motor vehicle must be placed between the two lifting devices in a longitudinally centered position and this means that the presence of the columns and the arms articulated to them accentuate the previous drawback, given that the effect of obstruction to the free movement of personnel alongside the vehicle occurs precisely at the most critical position for carrying out these movements.

Another drawback consists in the fact that, when the motor vehicle must be positioned between the two column lifting devices, the two arms articulated to each column must be arranged parallel to the longitudinal axis of the motor vehicle so as not to hinder the positioning of the motor vehicle itself in the correct position for its lifting, and only after this positioning the arms must be swung to position their free end under the body. However, depending on the final position of the motor vehicle to be lifted, its dimensions and its conformation, its wheels and any parts of the body protruding from the bottom can be an obstacle to this swing and very often require to be kept in a minimum size configuration. until they have to be rotated and only afterwards can they be stretched until they are brought to the required size. However, this stretching maneuver can be uncomfortable and laborious due to the presence of the motor vehicle.

<CIT> describes a device for lifting a vehicle according to the preamble of claim <NUM>, in which each column is provided with a carriage movable vertically along said column. Each carriage is provided with a pair of arms, both bearing, arranged so that one arm acts at the front of the vehicle while the other arm acts at the rear of the vehicle. In particular, means for receiving the tires of the vehicle are mounted at the ends of each arm of said pair of supporting arms.

<CIT> describes a lifting device with two columns which are connected to each other by means of an articulated element consisting of a plurality of arms.

<CIT> describes a lifting apparatus comprising an "L" -shaped structure and consisting of a vertical frame, consisting of four fixed uprights, from whose base protrude two arms, telescopically adjustable in length and diverging from each other, and a second articulated frame with respect to the first and operable with upward movement through a cylinder with an hydraulic piston; the second frame is solidly constrained to a horizontal support base of the load to be lifted which is substantially double "T" shaped.

<CIT> describes a towing device to be mounted on the chassis of a vehicle; in particular, said device comprises a first frame mounted on the vehicle and a second frame which is rotatably fixed to said first frame to move between a retracted position, adjacent to the first frame and an extended position, spaced from the first frame. The telescopic beam extends from the second frame and ends in a carriage, which is adapted to support the wheels of a vehicle to be towed.

The object of the invention is to propose a column device for lifting a load, in particular a motor vehicle, which eliminates, as a whole or in part, the drawbacks of traditional solutions.

Another object of the invention is to propose a device which allows a precise, rapid and easy positioning of the supports for the body of the motor vehicle to be raised at the points provided by the vehicle manufacturer.

Another object of the invention is to propose a device which involves a limited obstacle for operators who have to work on the sides of the raised vehicle.

Another object of the invention is to propose a device which allows an easy and complete opening of the doors, especially of the front doors of the motor vehicle, to allow personnel to access, as in particular electric motor vehicles is required, in the front part of the interior.

Another object of the invention is to propose a device which does not involve any obstacle to the correct positioning of the lifting arms by the wheels of the motor vehicle to be lifted.

Another object of the invention is to propose a device which allows to keep the motor vehicle raised in an advanced position with respect to the columns, so that these are of limited obstacle to the complete opening of its front doors.

Another object of the invention is to propose a device which is alternative and/or improving compared to traditional solutions.

Another object of the invention is to propose a device which is simple and easy to use.

Another object of the invention is to propose a device which allows to lift motor vehicles of various lengths.

Another object of the invention is to propose a device which can be implemented easily, quickly and with low costs.

All these purposes, considered both individually and in any combination thereof, and others that will result from the following description are jointly or separately achieved with a device with the characteristics indicated in claim <NUM>.

The present invention is further clarified below in some of its details. Preferred forms of practical embodiment, given purely by way of non-limiting example with reference to the attached drawings, in which:.

As can be seen in <FIG>, the apparatus <NUM> comprises two devices <NUM>, according to the invention, for lifting a load, preferably a motor vehicle.

Conveniently, the apparatus <NUM> described below comprises a pair of devices <NUM>, however it is understood that it could also include two or more pairs of devices <NUM>.

Each device <NUM> comprises a column structure <NUM>, advantageously with a quadrangular section.

Conveniently, the column <NUM> can be provided at the bottom with a plate anchoring to a floor, for example a workshop or a yard. Conveniently, the column <NUM> can be provided at the bottom with means, for example a base with wheels, for its movement within the work room.

The device <NUM> also comprises a carriage <NUM> which is moved/slides along the column <NUM>.

The carriage <NUM> is associated with a supporting structure <NUM> for loading.

The supporting structure <NUM> comprises an arm <NUM> with a substantially longitudinal development and, at each (at least one) end of said longitudinal arm <NUM>, an arm <NUM> is installed. The supporting structure <NUM> comprises a single longitudinal arm <NUM>. Preferably, the longitudinal arm <NUM> is straight, but could have longitudinal development with one or more curved sections.

The supporting structure <NUM> also comprises arms <NUM>, which are provided at both ends of said longitudinal arm <NUM> which develop in a direction substantially transverse, or in any case angled, with respect to the axis of said longitudinal arm <NUM>. The arms <NUM> are provided and/or configured to be engaged by members <NUM> for supporting and/or sustaining the load to be lifted.

In particular, the longitudinal arm <NUM> is arranged substantially horizontally, while the column <NUM> develops vertically. Preferably, the longitudinal arm <NUM> lies on a substantially horizontal plane (or parallel to the supporting floor of the column <NUM>), and is moved with respect to the column <NUM> and the carriage <NUM>.

Each lifting device <NUM> is also provided with means for moving the carriage <NUM> along said column <NUM>. In particular, said moving means of the carriage <NUM> comprise at least one actuator <NUM>, of the electromechanical or hydraulic or pneumatic type, for moving the carriage <NUM>, with the load supporting structure <NUM>, along the column <NUM>.

Preferably, the actuator <NUM> is housed inside the column <NUM>. Advantageously, the actuator <NUM> can be constituted by a hydraulic jack, with a cylinder fixed to the same column and with a sliding piston inside the cylinder and having the stem protruding upwards and mechanically constrained to the carriage <NUM>, thus causing the latter to slide along the column <NUM>.

Advantageously, the apparatus <NUM> also comprises at least one control unit which, preferably, can be defined by a control unit <NUM>, to control the actuator <NUM> for moving the carriage <NUM> and/or other actuator elements provided in the device <NUM>. Suitably, each device <NUM> can be equipped with a control unit, or a single/single control unit can be provided for all the devices <NUM> of the apparatus <NUM>. Suitably, the control unit can be installed on board the device <NUM> , or of all the devices <NUM> of the apparatus <NUM>, or it can be installed externally with respect to the devices <NUM> of the said apparatus.

Advantageously, it can also be provided that the actuator <NUM> of each lifting device <NUM> of the apparatus <NUM> can be controlled by its own/dedicated control unit, and that the control units of the devices are connected to each other with cable connections or wireless, preferably Wi-Fi, to ensure synchronism of operation. Preferably, the control of the lifting devices <NUM> of the apparatus <NUM> can be of the master-slave type, where one device is set to operate as a master, while the other (or the other) device (s) are set to operate as a slave.

Conveniently, the apparatus <NUM> comprises a user interface for controlling and commanding each device <NUM> of the apparatus itself. Suitably, a single/unic user interface can be provided for all the devices of the apparatus <NUM>, which is mounted on board one or all of the devices or which can be external with respect to the devices (thus operating substantially as a remote control). Conveniently, each lifting device <NUM> can comprise its own dedicated user interface for the control and command of the device itself or of the other devices with which it is connected and in communication. In particular, the user interface can comprise a display apparatus, for example a screen <NUM>, and a configuration panel provided with input means which can be operatively activated by the operator. For example, the user interface may comprise a touch screen and/or a display monitor associated with a keyboard/pushbutton panel.

Advantageously, each lifting device <NUM> can also be provided with an electromechanical stop to permanently block the vertical movement of the load supporting structure <NUM> with respect to the column <NUM>.

Advantageously, according to the requirements, the carriage <NUM> can be directly connected to a transmission pulley of a chain fixed with one end to the column <NUM> and with the other end to the carriage <NUM>. Conveniently, in the first case the stroke of the carriage <NUM> along the respective column <NUM> is equal to the elongation of the piston, while in the second case the travel of the carriage <NUM> along the respective column <NUM> is double with respect to the elongation of the piston.

Advantageously, the actuators <NUM> of the facing columns <NUM> of the respective lifting devices <NUM> can be synchronized with each other so as to ensure that the carriages <NUM> move identically along the respective columns <NUM>. Conveniently, this synchronization can be obtained in the traditional way by suitable control systems, and in particular with a Master-Slave hydraulic connection in series, with conduits running on the ground and protected by a conduit <NUM>, flattened so as not to obstruct the transit of the motor vehicle to be lifted, or running at high altitude, supported by special air connection structures.

Advantageously, as mentioned, the two columns <NUM> of the devices <NUM> can be connected to each other by means of a conduit <NUM> positioned in correspondence of the floor and inside which electrical connection cables run between the two devices and/or hydraulic connection pipes between said two devices. Conveniently, the conduit <NUM> containing the electrical connection cables and/or the hydraulic connection pipes could be mounted at the upper ends/areas of the two columns <NUM>.

Advantageously, in an embodiment not shown, the two columns <NUM> of the devices <NUM> can be connected to each other by means of an elastic compensation element - for example a spring - which can be associated at the lower ends/areas or - preferably - the upper ends/areas of the two columns <NUM>. Advantageously, the elastic element of compensation contains and/or supports the electrical connection cables between the two devices and/or the hydraulic connection pipes between said two devices. Suitably, being flexible, in the event of an impact, the elastic element does not cause damage to the devices and/or to the load positioned between them.

Advantageously, in a possible embodiment, the control unit <NUM> is applied to one of the two columns <NUM> which, preferably, is electronically connected to a drive motor of a hydraulic pump associated with an oil tank which feeds the actuator jacks <NUM>. Advantageously, in a possible embodiment, a series of control buttons for operating the control unit <NUM> and indicators (for example defined by lights) for signaling the various conditions can be provided on the upper part of the control unit casing, which are suitably viewable in a possible screen <NUM>, which can be applied to the column <NUM>, in a position above the control unit <NUM>.

Advantageously, in a possible/alternative embodiment, the actuator <NUM> of each column <NUM> can be powered and controlled by its own control unit, and that the two control units are connected to each other with wireless connections, preferably of the Wi-Fi type, to ensure synchronism of operation.

As mentioned, to the carriage <NUM> is associated - particularly articulated - the supporting structure <NUM>. Advantageously, the supporting structure is associated with the carriage <NUM> so as to be able to rotate, relative to the latter, around an axis of articulation that is vertical or substantially vertical.

The supporting structure <NUM> comprises a single supporting arm <NUM> which is articulated to the longitudinal arm <NUM> and which is also articulated to the carriage <NUM>. Conveniently, the supporting arm <NUM> connects the carriage <NUM> to the longitudinal arm <NUM>, and in particular to a bracket <NUM> fixed to the latter.

Conveniently, only one supporting arm <NUM> is hinged to the carriage <NUM> of each device <NUM>.

Conveniently, the supporting arm <NUM> is articulated to the the longitudinal arm <NUM> by means of a bracket <NUM>, which is fixed/integral with the latter while it is articulated to the supporting arm <NUM>. Conveniently, the articulation axis of the supporting arm <NUM> to the carriage <NUM> and the articulation axis of the supporting arm <NUM> to the longitudinal arm <NUM> are parallel to each other and are oriented substantially vertically.

Suitably, the supporting arm <NUM> is configured as a robust arm that supports/sustains the longitudinal arm <NUM>, the arms <NUM> mounted on the latter, and also the load to be lifted resting on said arms. In essence, the supporting arm <NUM> is configured - in terms of shape, dimensions and/or materials - so as to support/sustain substantially by itself the weight of the longitudinal arm <NUM> and of the arms <NUM>, as well as the weight of the relative load to be lifted.

Conveniently, the supporting structure <NUM> also comprises a secondary arm <NUM> which has no substantial carrying and supporting function of the longitudinal arm <NUM>, of the arms <NUM> mounted on the latter, and/or of the load to be lifted. Suitably, also the secondary arm <NUM> is articulated to the longitudinal arm <NUM> and is also articulated to the carriage <NUM>. Conveniently, the secondary arm <NUM> serves substantially to vary the inclination of the longitudinal arm <NUM> with respect to the supporting arm <NUM>, and in particular therefore allows to varying the angle that the longitudinal arm <NUM> forms with the supporting arm <NUM>.

Advantageously, the longitudinal development of the secondary arm <NUM> can be adjustable - manually or preferably by means of a corresponding actuator mounted and/or associated with the secondary arm <NUM> - to thus modify the angle defined between the longitudinal arm <NUM> and the supporting arm <NUM>; suitably, in this way, it is possible to vary the inclination of the longitudinal arm <NUM> on a corresponding horizontal plane in which the arm lies, to orient it/position it appropriately with respect to the load to be lifted, preferably with respect to the points of grip of said load or of the load. vehicle to be lifted, for example in order to align it or orient it/position it substantially parallel to the side of the vehicle to be lifted. Advantageously, while the supporting arm <NUM> is formed from a single piece, it is preferable that the secondary arm <NUM> is telescopic. Advantageously, for example, said secondary arm <NUM> can be made in two parts which can be screwed together to vary the length of the arm itself and therefore to deform the parallelogram structure during the setting up of the device <NUM> and/or of the apparatus <NUM>, and this in order to compensate for any installation irregularities of the former.

In particular, the secondary arm <NUM> is articulated to the carriage <NUM> in a point/axis of articulation different and distinct from that in which said supporting arm <NUM> articulates to said carriage <NUM>. More in detail, said supporting arm <NUM> and said secondary arm <NUM> are articulated to the carriage <NUM> around two distinct articulation axes, parallel to each other but spaced apart.

In particular, the secondary arm <NUM> is associated in an articulated way with the longitudinal arm <NUM> by means of a corresponding articulation provided on the bracket <NUM> which is fixed/integral with said longitudinal arm <NUM> while it is articulated with the secondary arm <NUM>. Conveniently, the supporting arm <NUM> and the secondary arm <NUM> are articulated to the bracket <NUM> which is integral with the longitudinal arm <NUM>, or directly to the latter, around two distinct articulation axes which are parallel and spaced apart from each other.

The supporting structure <NUM> comprises an articulated parallelogram configuration. The secondary arm <NUM> defines a parallelogram structure with the main supporting arm <NUM>, with the carriage <NUM> and with the bracket <NUM>, thanks to a suitable choice of the points of articulation between the various elements. Conveniently, the articulation axes of said components are parallel to each other and oriented substantially vertically.

Advantageously, the longitudinal arm <NUM> comprises a first element <NUM>', in particular tubular with a preferably rectangular section, which is constrained with its central portion, in particular by means of the respective bracket <NUM> and the supporting arm <NUM> - and preferably also with the secondary arm <NUM> - to the corresponding carriage <NUM>. Advantageously, the longitudinal arm <NUM> can comprise a pair of second elements <NUM>", also tubular and configured so as to come out from both ends of the first element <NUM>' and sliding along the latter in order to make the overall length of the arm itself telescopically variable and therefore make it adaptable to vehicles of different characteristics.

Suitably, the telescopic lengthening/shortening of the longitudinal arm <NUM> can be motorized; advantageously, for this purpose, the second elements <NUM>" are associated with suitable handling members, which preferably can be housed inside the first element <NUM>'.

In a possible alternative embodiment, not shown in the figures, it is envisaged that the first element <NUM>' is associated with a single second element <NUM>" removable axially from one end of said element <NUM>', which to the other end bears an arm <NUM>.

Suitably, as said, at each (or at least one) end of the longitudinal arm <NUM>, which is telescopic, of the supporting structure <NUM>, an arm <NUM> is associated. Preferably, the free end of the longitudinal arm <NUM> - and in particular of the first element <NUM>' and/or at least a second element <NUM>" - an arm <NUM> is applied. Advantageously, the longitudinal development axis of the arm <NUM> is substantially orthogonal, or in any case angled, with respect to the axis of the longitudinal arm <NUM>.

Conveniently, each arm <NUM> is axially movable within a corresponding insertion seat <NUM> provided in the longitudinal arm <NUM>.

Conveniently, each insert seat <NUM> is defined by a tubular section welded to the end of the longitudinal arm <NUM>. Conveniently, the insertion seat or seats <NUM> for the arms <NUM> develop orthogonally/transversely with respect to the longitudinal development of said longitudinal arm and, preferably, the longitudinal axes which pass through said insertion seat(s) <NUM> substantially lie on the same horizontal plane (i.e. substantially parallel with respect to the floor on which the column <NUM> of the device <NUM> rests). Advantageously, in a possible embodiment variant not shown, the insertion seat or seats <NUM> for the arms <NUM> are associated with the longitudinal arm <NUM> so as to be inclined with respect to the horizontal, and in particular with respect to a horizontal plane on which the arm lies longitudinal, to compensate for any play and deformation.

Advantageously, the coupling between each arm <NUM> and the respective insertion seat <NUM> is such as to ensure axial mobility of the arm <NUM> within its insertion seat <NUM>, but to prevent its axial rotation. Suitably, this is preferably achieved by making the arm <NUM> with a non-circular section and complementary to the section of the seat which houses it.

Conveniently, in each arm <NUM> one can distinguish the inner end, furthest from the column <NUM>, and the outer end, closest to it. Conveniently, each arm <NUM> is associated with a traditional member <NUM> for supporting and/or sustaining the load to be lifted; preferably, said member <NUM> is configured and intended to receive the provided body part of the motor vehicle to be raised in support. Preferably, the member <NUM> is mounted at the end of each arm <NUM> furthest from the column <NUM>.

Advantageously, each arm can be from the constructive and functional point of view substantially of the type described and shown in the <CIT>.

Conveniently, the member <NUM> can be permanently fixed on the arm <NUM> or, given the considerable diversity between the various motor vehicles, it is advantageous that the support member <NUM> is removably mounted on the respective arm <NUM>, in order to be replaced with another support member <NUM> of characteristics more suitable for the vehicle to be lifted; this can be achieved in a very simple way by making each arm <NUM> with the internal end presenting a hole <NUM> with a vertical axis and the support member <NUM> with a lower appendage which can be inserted removably within said hole.

Advantageously, the axial stroke of each arm <NUM> in its seat at the end of the longitudinal arm <NUM> is limited towards the outside by the presence of an enlargement, in which the through hole <NUM> is obtained (see <FIG>), and towards the inside by an enlarged head <NUM>.

Advantageously, the telescopic movements of the two second elements <NUM>" of the longitudinal arm <NUM> towards the outside also have a limit stop to avoid their complete withdrawal. Preferably, this stop is obtained with an elongated plate <NUM>, applied to the internal end of the corresponding second element <NUM>"and running inside the first element <NUM>'. It is presenting a longitudinal slot <NUM>, in which a transverse pin <NUM> is fixed, fixed to the central part of the element <NUM>'of the arm <NUM> (see <FIG>).

Suitably, the installation of each device <NUM> according to the invention can take place as described below. Preliminarily, it is advantageously provided that the respective column <NUM> is anchored with its plate <NUM> to the floor at the predetermined distance from the other device and it is preferable that the vertical surfaces of the two columns, from which the two carriages <NUM> protrude, are not parallel facing each other, but are oriented towards the front of the motor vehicle to be lifted, since generally the center of gravity of this is located towards its front.

After the columns <NUM> of the two lifting devices <NUM> have been firmly anchored to the floor at the distance provided for the range of widths of the motor vehicles to be lifted, it is necessary to make the fine adjustment of the longitudinal orientation of the two longitudinal arms <NUM> of the respective devices <NUM>. Suitably, already at the design stage, the arrangement of the various parts is defined so that the longitudinal arms <NUM> are perfectly parallel to each other and to the longitudinal direction of the passage delimited between the two columns for positioning the motor vehicle to be lifted, but for the purpose to correct possible installation inaccuracies, it is possible to adjust the length of the secondary arms <NUM> of the two structures <NUM> with high precision, so as to ensure the perfect orientation of the two longitudinal arms <NUM>.

Once these adjustments have been made, the apparatus <NUM>, comprising the two devices <NUM> according to the invention, it is advantageously ready to work.

Conveniently, in the rest condition (<FIG>) the two carriages <NUM> are on the ground, the two longitudinal arms <NUM> are close to the respective columns <NUM> and are in a condition of minimum elongation, and the arms <NUM> present at their ends are arranged at the end of the external stroke. To lift a motor vehicle, it must be positioned between the two columns <NUM> in a position suitable for the correct positioning of the two longitudinal arms <NUM>.

After the vehicle has been correctly positioned, the operator brings the two longitudinal arms <NUM> closer to the sides of the motor vehicle and to extend them telescopically until the distance between the arms <NUM> of each longitudinal arm <NUM> corresponds to the distance between the points of the body, to which the supports <NUM> must then rest.

Suitably, this telescopic extension can be carried out manually, or it can be motorized, if the longitudinal arms <NUM> are equipped with suitable moving members, and can advantageously be controlled by suitable commands provided in the control unit <NUM> or also by radio commands, if the control unit it is configured to receive and run them.

Subsequently, the operator brings the longitudinal arms <NUM> closer to the motor vehicle until the supports supported by the arms <NUM> are positioned at the points of the body of the motor vehicle provided for lifting it. Then it axially pushes the arms themselves towards the motor vehicle, so that their supports <NUM> are positioned exactly below those points.

Suitably, also in this case the maneuver can be performed manually or it can be motorized and in this case it can be controlled with the command interface associated with the control unit, for example by means of the buttons associated with the control unit <NUM> or by radio control.

Once this positioning maneuver is complete, the vehicle is ready to be lifted. In particular, by acting on the command interface, corresponding signals are sent to the control unit which thus activates the actuator <NUM> which causes the carriage <NUM> to rise until the supports <NUM> rest on the body of the motor vehicle and then, continuing the upward stroke, raise it to the desired height. Conveniently, for example in a possible embodiment, by giving a suitable command, the control unit <NUM> activates the pump which introduces oil into the jacks of the actuators <NUM>, which extend, causing the carriages <NUM> to rise along the respective columns <NUM> until the supports <NUM> rest on the body of the motor vehicle and then, continuing the stroke, raise it to the desired height.

Thanks to the synchronization between the actuators <NUM> of the two devices <NUM> of the apparatus <NUM>, their identical extension is ensured in order to maintain the balanced lifting of the motor vehicle.

Advantageously, it should be noted that the motor vehicle rests exclusively on the support members <NUM> and therefore weighs with its weight on the arms <NUM> and on the longitudinal arms <NUM> of the devices <NUM>, and thus ensures by friction the locking of the second elements <NUM>" to the respective first elements <NUM>' and arms <NUM> to the respective second elements <NUM>".

Advantageously, at the articulation of each supporting arm <NUM> of the supporting structure <NUM> to the respective carriage <NUM> one or more load cells can be provided, through which it is possible to control the weight of the raised vehicle.

Advantageously, the apparatus <NUM> comprises an optical mechanism for checking the alignment between the respective columns <NUM> and/or between the carriages <NUM> of the lifting devices <NUM>, in particular during the lifting movement of the load. Preferably, this optical mechanism comprises a light emitter mounted on a column <NUM> and a photodetector (for example a photocell) mounted on the other column <NUM>, or on the same column in which the emitter is mounted, and in this case on the other column a reflective element is mounted.

Advantageously, the optical mechanism is configured to activate automatically by going down by gravity when the carriages <NUM> of said lifting devices <NUM> reach a predefined height. In particular, suitably, the emitter/photodetector pair are mounted on a bracket which is vertically movable/sliding along the respective column <NUM> and which is configured to descend by gravity when the load supported by the supporting structure <NUM> is raised by the movement vertical upward movement of the carriage <NUM>.

Claim 1:
Device (<NUM>) for lifting a load, particularly for lifting a motor vehicle, of the type comprising:
- a column (<NUM>) with a carriage (<NUM>) sliding along said column (<NUM>),
- a structure (<NUM>), which is associated with said carriage (<NUM>), for supporting the load to be lifted,
- means (<NUM>) for moving said carriage (<NUM>) along said column (<NUM>), thus causing the load supporting structure (<NUM>) to rise and/or descend,
wherein said supporting structure (<NUM>) of the load includes:
- a single supporting arm (<NUM>) which, at a first end thereof, is articulated to said carriage (<NUM>),
- a longitudinal arm (<NUM>) which is associated with said supporting arm (<NUM>), at the other end of said supporting arm (<NUM>), so as to be able to rotate with respect to said supporting arm (<NUM>),
- arms (<NUM>) which are provided at one or, preferably, both ends of said longitudinal arm (<NUM>) and which develop in a substantially transverse, or in any case angled, direction with respect to said longitudinal arm (<NUM>), said arms (<NUM>) being provided and/or configured to be engaged by members (<NUM>) to support and/or support the load to be lifted,
and characterized in that said longitudinal arm (<NUM>) is telescopic at one or, preferably, both of its two ends,
and that the supporting structure (<NUM>) comprises an articulated parallelogram configuration of which one side is defined by said supporting arm (<NUM>), said articulated parallelogram configuration of said supporting structure (<NUM>) comprising:
- a first side defined by said single supporting arm (<NUM>),
- a second side, articulated at one end of the first side and defined by a portion of said carriage (<NUM>),
- a third side, articulated at the other end of the first side, and defined by a portion of said longitudinal arm (<NUM>), and
- a fourth side consisting of a secondary arm (<NUM>) configured so as not to have any substantial load-bearing function and configured to define, with the other three sides, said articulated parallelogram structure (<NUM>).