Vehicle handling device

Abstract

The present invention provides a vehicle transport device. The vehicle transport device includes a trolley frame, a device body and an upright frame. The upright frame connects the trolley frame to the device body at the front end of the trolley frame. The trolley frame includes two frame members and at least two tubes. The at least two tubes are arranged in parallel with the length direction of the trolley frame. The two frame members are arranged on the outside of the trolley frame in the width direction and in parallel with the at least two tubes. The at least two tubes include two tubes facing each other in a direction orthogonal to the length direction. A reinforcement member extending in an orthogonal direction is provided at the front end of the trolley frame and between the two facing tubes. At the front end of the trolley frame, the two frame members and the reinforcement member are respectively connected to the upright frame.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a device for transporting a four-wheeled vehicle. Background Art

[0002] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2019-078099 discloses a device for transporting a four-wheeled vehicle. This conventional device includes a trolley body and a trolley frame towed by the trolley body. The trolley body and the trolley frame are connected at the base end of the trolley frame, and a vertical frame is provided thereon. The vertical frame is provided vertically relative to the plane formed by the trolley frame. The trolley body also includes a base end lifting unit for lifting and lowering the base end. When the base end is moved upward based on the base end lifting unit, the vertical frame moves upward together with the base end.

[0003] When transporting a four-wheeled vehicle, the base end portion is moved upward based on the base end lifting unit. Therefore, during the upward movement of the base end portion, a bending moment caused by the load of the four-wheeled vehicle acts on the connection portion between the base end portion and the vertical frame. Therefore, the connection portion is required to have a strength that can withstand the bending moment. However, the trolley frame of the conventional device is a simple structure in which two frames are arranged in parallel. Therefore, from the viewpoint of increasing the strength of the connection portion, further improvement is required. Summary of the invention

[0004] One of the objects of the present invention is to provide a technique capable of improving the strength of a connection portion between a device body and a carriage frame of a device for transporting a four-wheeled vehicle.

[0005] The present invention is a vehicle transport device for transporting a four-wheeled vehicle, and has the following features.

[0006] The vehicle transport device comprises a trolley frame, a device body, and a vertical frame. The trolley frame is inserted into the space below the vehicle body from the front or rear of the four-wheeled vehicle. The device body performs lifting and pulling of the trolley frame. The vertical frame is arranged vertically relative to the plane formed by the trolley frame. The vertical frame connects the trolley frame and the device body at the front end of the trolley frame.

[0007] The trolley frame includes at least two tubes and two frame members. The at least two tubes are arranged in parallel with the longitudinal direction of the trolley frame. The two frame members are arranged in parallel with the at least two tubes on the outer sides of the at least two tubes in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction.

[0008] The at least two tubes include two tubes facing each other in the orthogonal direction.

[0009] The vehicle transport device further includes a reinforcement member extending in the orthogonal direction at the front end portion and between the two opposing pipes.

[0010] At the front end portion, the two frame members and the reinforcement member are respectively connected to the upright frame.

[0011] In the present invention, the vehicle transport device may further include a first and a second additional reinforcement. The first additional reinforcement may be provided parallel to the reinforcement at a position closer to the end side of the trolley frame than the front end portion and between the two facing pipes. The second additional reinforcement may be connected to the first additional reinforcement. The second additional reinforcement may be provided parallel to the length direction between the two facing pipes.

[0012] In the present invention, the two facing pipes and the reinforcement member may be connected by welding.

[0013] In the present invention, the two facing pipes and the first additional reinforcement member may be connected by welding. The first additional reinforcement member and the second additional reinforcement member may be connected by welding.

[0014] According to the present invention, the strength of the front end of the trolley frame, that is, the connection portion between the device body and the trolley frame, can be increased. Therefore, it is possible to transport a heavy four-wheeled vehicle, which helps to expand the range of four-wheeled vehicles that can be transported. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] The features, advantages, and technical and industrial significance of exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals represent like elements, and in which:

[0016] Figure 1 It is a perspective view of the vehicle transport device according to the embodiment.

[0017] Figure 2 It is a top view of the vehicle transport device according to the embodiment.

[0018] Figure 3A This is a diagram for explaining an example of operation when the vehicle transport device according to the embodiment transports a four-wheeled vehicle.

[0019] Figure 3B This is a diagram for explaining an example of operation when the vehicle transport device according to the embodiment transports a four-wheeled vehicle.

[0020] Figure 4A This is a diagram for explaining an example of operation when the vehicle transport device according to the embodiment transports a four-wheeled vehicle.

[0021] Figure 4B This is a diagram for explaining an example of operation when the vehicle transport device according to the embodiment transports a four-wheeled vehicle.

[0022] Figure 5AIt is a diagram for explaining the features of the vehicle transport device according to the embodiment.

[0023] Figure 5B It is a diagram for explaining the features of the vehicle transport device according to the embodiment.

[0024] Fig. 6A It is a diagram for explaining the features of the vehicle transport device according to the embodiment.

[0025] Figure 6B It is a diagram for explaining the features of the vehicle transport device according to the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] Hereinafter, a vehicle transport device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that in each of the drawings, the same reference numerals are given to the same or corresponding parts, and the description thereof will be simplified or omitted.

[0027] 1. Example of the configuration of a vehicle transport device

[0028] The vehicle transport device of the embodiment is a device for transporting a four-wheeled vehicle. Figure 1 and Figure 2 , describing an example of the structure of the vehicle transport device. Figure 1 is a perspective view of a vehicle transport device according to an embodiment, Figure 2 2 is a top view of a vehicle transport device according to an embodiment. Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the vehicle transport device 1 includes a device body 2, a carriage frame 3, and a total of eight arms 51L to 54L and 51R to 54R as main components.

[0029] The device body 2 has the function of traveling while pulling the trolley frame 3. As a structure for the traction function, the device body 2 has, for example, a driving device, a braking device, and a steering device. The driving device is, for example, a motor, which drives the trolley front wheels 21. It should be noted that the trolley front wheels 21 extend in the width direction ( Figure 1 and Figure 2 The brake device applies braking force to the front wheels 21 of the carriage. The steering device operates the steering angle of the front wheels 21 of the carriage. It should be noted that there is no particular limitation on the structure used to function as a travel device, and a known structure is applicable.

[0030] The device body 2 also has a lifting function of the trolley frame 3. As a structure of the lifting function, the device body 2 has, for example, a vertical frame 22 and a lifting device 23. The vertical frame 22 is vertically arranged at the front end of the trolley frame 3 relative to the plane formed by the trolley frame 3. The device body 2 and the trolley frame 3 are connected by the vertical frame 22. The lifting device 23 is arranged in a space surrounded by the vertical frame 22. The structure of the lifting device 23 is not particularly limited. The lifting device 23 is composed of, for example, an air spring using compressed air. In other examples, the lifting device 23 is composed of a hydraulic cylinder.

[0031] The carriage frame 3 has two or more pipes (e.g., square pipes) as main components. Electric wires for supplying power to various actuators provided on the carriage frame 3 and electric wires for sending control signals to various actuators are provided in the internal spaces of these pipes. The carriage frame 3 also has a frame member surrounding these pipes and a cover member covering the space surrounded by the frame member. Figure 1 and Figure 2 Three upper surface covers 31 are depicted as the cover member. These upper surface covers 31 are arranged along the longitudinal direction ( Figure 1 and Figure 2 It should be noted that, in the carriage frame 3, a plurality of lower surface covers as cover members are arranged at positions substantially corresponding to the arrangement positions of these upper surface covers 31.

[0032] The trolley frame 3 is provided with upper surface plates 41, 42 and 43. The upper surface plates 41 and 42 are located between the two upper surface covers 31. The upper surface plate 43 is located at a rearward position relative to the trolley frame 3. The positions of the upper surface plates 41, 42 and 43 in the height direction are substantially equal to the position of the upper surface cover 31 in the height direction. The upper surface plates 41 and 43 are extended along the width direction of the trolley frame 3. The width of the upper surface plates 41 and 43 is wider than the width of the trolley frame 3. The local width of the upper surface plate 42 is wider than the width of the trolley frame 3. It should be noted that the width of the upper surface plates 41 and 43 is designed to be shorter than the wheelbase of the specified four-wheeled vehicle that the vehicle transport device 1 is intended to transport. The upper surface plates 41 and 43 are equivalent to the "first and second upper surface plates".

[0033] A lower surface plate combined with the outer peripheral area of ​​the upper surface plate 41 is arranged at a position corresponding to the outer peripheral area of ​​the upper surface plate 41, which is located on the outside of the carriage frame 3. Arms 51L and 51R, and arms 52L and 52R are provided in the outer peripheral area of ​​the upper surface plate 41. Arm 51L and arm 52L form a pair. Arm 51R and arm 52R also form a pair. Arms 51L and 51R are fixed to the upper surface plate 41. On the other hand, arms 52L and 52R are respectively supported on the upper surface plate 41 so as to be freely rotatable. That is, arms 51L and 51R are equivalent to "non-rotating arms", and arms 52L and 52R are equivalent to "rotating arms". However, arms 51L and 51R may also be "rotating arms".

[0034] The arm 52L is rotated by operating the arm drive unit 61L. The arm drive unit 61L is connected to the width direction ( Figure 1 and Figure 2 The connecting member 32L is mounted on the side of the frame member whose upper surface is covered by the upper surface plate 42. The connecting member 32L supports the end of the arm driving unit 61L so that it can rotate freely. The structure of the arm 52R is the same as that of the arm 52L. That is, the structure of the arm driving unit 61R is the same as that of the arm driving unit 61L, and the structure of the connecting member 32R is the same as that of the connecting member 32L.

[0035] Similar to the upper surface plate 41, a lower surface plate combined with the outer peripheral area is also arranged at a position corresponding to the outer peripheral area of ​​the upper surface plate 43 located outside the carriage frame 3. Arms 53L and 53R, and arms 54L and 54R are provided in the outer peripheral area of ​​the upper surface plate 43. The arm 53L and the arm 54L form a pair. The arm 53R and the arm 54R also form a pair. The arms 53L, 53R, 54L, and 54R are respectively supported by the upper surface plate 43 so as to be freely rotatable. That is, the arms 53L, 53R, 54L, and 54R are equivalent to "rotating arms".

[0036] The arm 53L is rotated by operating the arm drive unit 62L. The arm drive unit 62L is connected to the width direction ( Figure 1 and Figure 2 The connecting member 33L is mounted on the side of the frame member. The connecting member 33L supports the end of the arm driving unit 62L so that it can rotate freely. The structure of the arm 53R is the same as that of the arm 53L. That is, the structure of the arm driving unit 62R is the same as that of the arm driving unit 62L, and the structure of the connecting member 33R is the same as that of the connecting member 33L.

[0037] The arm 54L is rotated by operating the arm driving unit 63L. The arm driving unit 63L is connected to the support shaft 34. The support shaft 34 extends from the rear center of the carriage frame 3 along the longitudinal direction of the carriage frame 3 ( Figure 1 and Figure 2The support shaft 34 supports the end of the arm driving unit 63L so that it can rotate freely. The structure of the arm 54R is the same as that of the arm 54L. That is, the structure of the arm driving unit 63R is the same as that of the arm driving unit 63L. The support shaft 34 is shared by the arm driving units 63L and 63R.

[0038] 2. Example of operation during vehicle transport

[0039] Reference Figure 3A , Figure 3B and Figure 4A , Figure 4B , an example of the operation of the vehicle transport device of the embodiment when transporting a four-wheeled vehicle is described. Figure 3A , Figure 3B In the figure, the action of the arm is mainly described. Figure 4A , Figure 4B In this chapter, we mainly explain the movement of the trolley frame. Figure 3A , Figure 3B and Figure 4A , Figure 4B 4 shows a four-wheeled vehicle VH and its front tires FT and rear tires RT. Figure 3A , Figure 3B and Figure 4A , Figure 4B In the example shown, the front tire FT is located in the front direction of the carriage frame 3, but the rear tire RT may also be located at this position.

[0040] Figure 3A 1 is a diagram for explaining the tire release state based on the vehicle transport device 1. Figure 3A In the example shown, the dolly frame 3 is inserted into the space under the vehicle body of the four-wheeled vehicle VH. The insertion into the space under the vehicle body is performed by moving the dolly frame 3 backward from the front of the stopped four-wheeled vehicle VH. Since the arms 51L and 51R are fixed to the upper surface plate 41, the insertion of the dolly frame 3 ends at the position where the front part of the front tire FT abuts against the arms 51L and 51R.

[0041] During the insertion process into the space below the vehicle body, the six arms except the arms 51L and 51R are extended along the length direction ( Figure 3A Specifically, the front ends of the arms 52L, 52R, 54L, and 54R are folded toward the rear of the carriage frame 3. Furthermore, the front ends of the arms 53L and 53R are folded toward the front of the carriage frame 3. By folding the six arms, the insertion into the space below the vehicle body is smoothly performed.

[0042] Figure 3B 1 is a diagram for explaining the tire support state of the vehicle transport device 1. Figure 3BIn the example shown, the six arms other than the arms 51L and 51R are oriented in the same direction as the extending direction of the arms 51L and 51R ( Figure 3B At this time, the arm 51L and the arm 52L form a pair to support the left front tire FT. The arm 51R and the arm 52R form a pair to support the right front tire FT. The arm 53L and the arm 54L form a pair to support the left rear tire RT. The arm 53R and the arm 54R form a pair to support the right rear tire RT.

[0043] Figure 4A It is a diagram showing a lowered state of the carriage frame 3 by the vehicle transport device 1 . Figure 4A Equivalent to Figure 3B The state of the vehicle transport device 1 after the operation described in is completed. While the vehicle transport device 1 is not transporting the four-wheeled vehicle VH, the bogie frame 3 is in the lowered state.

[0044] from Figure 4A It can be seen that arm 51L supports the front part of the left front tire FT, and arm 52L supports the rear part of the left front tire FT. Arm 53L supports the front part of the left rear tire RT, and arm 54L supports the rear part of the left rear tire RT. Figure 4A With reference to the front-rear direction shown in FIG. 1 ), arms 52L and 53L are classified as "inner arms" indicating "pivoting arms" located relatively inside. On the other hand, arm 54L is classified as "outer arm" indicating "pivoting arms" located relatively outside. This classification of "inner arm" and "outer arm" also applies to arms 52R to 54R.

[0045] Figure 4B It is a diagram showing a state in which the carriage frame 3 is raised by the vehicle transport device 1 . Figure 4B Equivalent to Figure 4A The state after the state described in and before the transfer of the four-wheeled vehicle VH. The lifting of the trolley frame 3 is performed by a combination of the lifting device 23 and the lifting device 35 of the trolley frame 3. It should be noted that the lifting device 35 is accommodated on the back side of the upper surface plate 43. The lifting device 35 is applicable to a known structure such as an air spring and a hydraulic cylinder. When the storage state of the lifting device 35 is released, the trolley frame 3 is lifted while maintaining the position of the trolley rear wheel 36.

[0046] When the carriage frame 3 is raised, the four-wheeled vehicle VH is lifted. When the device body 2 moves forward while maintaining the lifted state, the four-wheeled vehicle VH is transported. After the device body 2 stops at a predetermined position of the transport destination, the carriage frame 3 is lowered when the lifting devices 23 and 35 are operated. Figure 3ADuring the movement of the arms described in the above description, the support state of the front tire FT and the rear tire RT is released.

[0047] 3. Features of the implementation method

[0048] Figure 5A , 5B This is a diagram showing the periphery of the front end portion of the carriage frame 3 as viewed from the bottom surface side of the vehicle transport device 1 . Figure 5A This is the appearance picture. Figure 5B 1 is a diagram showing the main structure associated with the features of the embodiment. Figure 5A and Figure 5B As shown, two tubes 38L and 38R are provided along the length direction of the carriage frame 3. The tubes 38L and 38R are placed on the lower surface cover 37, and various wires are arranged inside them. Figure 5A , Figure 5B Frame members 39L and 39R are provided on both sides (in the left-right direction shown in FIG. 1 ). The lower surface cover 37 is a cover member that covers the space surrounded by the frame members 39L and 39R.

[0049] On the inner side of the width direction of the trolley frame 3, three reinforcement members 71 extending in the width direction are provided between the facing tubes 38L and 38R. The left end of each reinforcement member 71 is welded to the adjacent tube 38L. The right end of each reinforcement member 71 is welded to the adjacent tube 38R. The reinforcement member 72 is provided in parallel with the reinforcement member 71 at a position closer to the rear end of the trolley frame 3 than the reinforcement member 71. Similar to the reinforcement member 71, both ends of the reinforcement member 72 are welded to the tubes 38L and 38R, respectively. A reinforcement member 73 is provided at a position closer to the rear end of the trolley frame 3 than the reinforcement member 72. The reinforcement member 73 extends in the length direction of the trolley frame 3. One end of the reinforcement member 73 is welded to the reinforcement member 72.

[0050] Fig. 6A , Figure 6B This is an enlarged view of the main parts around the front end of the carriage frame 3 . Fig. 6A is a perspective view showing the main structure associated with the features of the embodiment, Figure 6B It is further removed Fig. 6A FIG. 1 is a diagram of a portion of the structure shown. Fig. 6A As shown, the vertical frame 22 is composed of a bottom portion 221 and a vertical portion 222. The bottom portion 221 has a function as a cover member that covers the space surrounded by the frame members 39L and 39R. The bottom portion 221 also has a function as a connector connected to the carriage frame 3. The vertical portion 222 has a function as a connector connected to the device body 2.

[0051] like Figure 6BAs shown, the bottom portion 221 is connected to the frame members 39L and 39R via bolts 9a. The bottom portion 221 is also connected to the reinforcement member 71 via bolts 9b. The size of the bottom portion 221 in the longitudinal direction of the carriage frame 3 is substantially equal to the length of the frame members 39L and 39R. Therefore, the bottom portion 221 is not connected to the reinforcement member 72 or 73. The reinforcement members 72 and 73 are T-shaped reinforcement members independent of the reinforcement member 71.

[0052] The reinforcement 71 is provided for the purpose of counteracting the bending moment acting on the periphery of the front end portion of the trolley frame 3 due to the load of the four-wheel vehicle VH when the trolley frame 3 rises. The purpose of providing the reinforcements 72 and 73 is substantially the same as that of providing the reinforcement 71. However, the reinforcements 72 and 73 are provided in order to suppress a large change in the rigidity distribution of the trolley frame 3 at a certain position in the length direction of the trolley frame 3, wherein the large change in the rigidity distribution of the trolley frame 3 at a certain position in the length direction of the trolley frame 3 is the result of the reinforcement of the front end portion of the trolley frame 3 by the reinforcement 71. Therefore, the reinforcements 72 and 73 can be defined as additional reinforcements added to the reinforcement 71, and the provision of these additional reinforcements can also be omitted.

[0053] 4. Effect

[0054] According to the features of the embodiment described above, the strength of the front end of the trolley frame 3, that is, the connection portion between the device body 2 and the trolley frame 3, can be increased. Therefore, it is possible to transport a four-wheeled vehicle VH with a heavy body weight. This helps to expand the range of four-wheeled vehicles that can be transported.

[0055] 5. Other Examples of Implementation

[0056] The arms 51L and 51R are rotatably supported on the upper surface plate 41. In this case, the arm driving unit for driving the arms 51L and 51R is preferably a coupling member ( Figure 1 and Figure 2 The structure of the connecting member 32R) shown in the figure is the same as the structure of the connecting member.

Claims

1. A vehicle transport device for transporting a four-wheeled vehicle, characterized in that: The vehicle transport device comprises: A trolley frame, the trolley frame is inserted into the space below the vehicle body from the front or rear of the four-wheeled vehicle; A device body, which performs lifting and pulling of the trolley frame; and a vertical frame disposed perpendicularly to a plane formed by the carriage frame, the carriage frame being connected to the device body at a front end portion of the carriage frame, The trolley frame comprises: at least two tubes arranged parallel to the length direction of the trolley frame; and two frame members arranged parallel to the at least two tubes outside the at least two tubes in an orthogonal direction orthogonal to the length direction, The at least two tubes include two tubes facing each other in the orthogonal direction. The vehicle transport device further includes a reinforcement member extending in the orthogonal direction at the front end portion and between the two facing pipes. At the front end, the two frame members and the reinforcement member are connected to the vertical frame respectively. The vehicle transport device further comprises: a first additional reinforcement member provided in parallel with the reinforcement member at a position closer to the end side of the carriage frame than the front end portion and between the two facing pipes; and A second additional reinforcement member is connected to a central portion of the first additional reinforcement member in the orthogonal direction and is provided between the two tubes facing each other in a spaced-apart relationship and in parallel with the longitudinal direction.

2. The vehicle transport device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first additional reinforcement member and the second additional reinforcement member are T-shaped reinforcement members independent of the reinforcement member.

3. The vehicle transport device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The two facing pipes are connected to the reinforcement member by welding.

4. The vehicle transport device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The two facing pipes are connected to the first additional reinforcement member by welding, The first additional reinforcement member and the second additional reinforcement member are connected by welding.

Images