DEVICE FOR RECOVERING A MOTOR VEHICLE

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a device for recovering a crashed, particularly burning, motor vehicle from a danger zone. Such devices are used for crashed and burning motor vehicles, especially electric or hybrid vehicles, so that rescue personnel can pull them safely and as safely as possible from a danger zone that may be inaccessible with firefighting equipment, so that the fire can then be extinguished, for example.

[0002] The term "wrecked" is understood in particular to mean that the motor vehicle is so severely damaged and / or has become unusable in such a way that it can no longer be easily moved, for example after an accident, due to mechanical damage and / or in particular due to fire.

[0003] DE 10 2016 211 854 B3 proposes a container for recovering damaged electric or hybrid vehicles. It is designed as a swap body, a so-called roll-off container. This roll-off container can be accommodated by a swap-body vehicle and transported to the scene of the incident. A burning vehicle can be pulled into the roll-off container through a side opening using a cable winch, the end of which hooks into an eyelet-like attachment device of a lashing strap placed around the burning vehicle. After the opening is closed, cooling or extinguishing agent is introduced into the roll-off container, flooding the vehicle, extinguishing the fire, and cooling the defective battery until spontaneous combustion is no longer possible. Normal extinguishing water is used as the cooling and / or extinguishing agent.

[0004] However, such a roll-off container is very bulky and requires a lot of space for parking using a swap body vehicle, making it unsuitable for use everywhere, especially in buildings such as parking garages or workshops. When using it, and especially when applying the lashing strap around the burning vehicle, the rescue team must move very close to the scene. This poses a risk to the people involved, not least for safety reasons.

[0005] DE 10 2017 010 960 A1 discloses a device for recovering damaged electric vehicles. The damaged vehicles are pulled into a container by means of a charging device. The container can be moved toward the damaged vehicle by means of a transfer device. This allows the damaged vehicle to be transferred into the container autonomously and, in particular, automatically using the charging device. The transfer device can be a cable winch with a gripping device.

[0006] The cable winch can, for example, be attached to the towing eye of a vehicle, which can be extremely dangerous, as the rescuer would have to reach the potentially burning vehicle and hook the winch hook there. According to EP 3 263 402 A1, lashing straps can also be placed around the vehicle, to which the cable winch is then attached. However, this can be life-threatening, especially in the case of a burning vehicle.

[0007] The documents AU 2009 230 812 A1 and US 10,590,669 B2 each disclose a recovery vehicle for recovering vehicles from an accident scene.

[0008] The invention is based on the object of designing a device of the type mentioned at the outset in such a way that it enables simple and safe recovery of an accident-damaged, in particular burning, motor vehicle with sufficient distance of the rescue workers from the source of danger.

[0009] The object is achieved according to the invention for a device of the type mentioned above by the features specified in claim 1. Advantageous embodiments are specified in the dependent claims.

[0010] The object is achieved according to the invention in that the device has an extendable telescopic cylinder, at the tip of which a movable platform provided with wheels or rollers is arranged, in that the platform holds at least one driver which can be moved from a rest position into a locking position, and in that the driver can be brought into the locking position by remote control in the area of ​​the motor vehicle, so that the motor vehicle is taken along when the device is retracted.

[0011] This allows rescue workers to maintain a large distance from the burning vehicle during the rescue operation, extend the telescopic cylinder from there, remotely lock the driver to the vehicle and pull the vehicle out of the danger zone by retracting the telescopic cylinder.

[0012] An actuating device for actuating the at least one driver is arranged along the telescopic cylinder. The actuating device is a cable pull, and an actuating means is attached to the cable pull; this simplifies use.

[0013] It is advantageous that the motor vehicle can be driven under from the platform and that a bolt is provided as a driver which can be moved from its lying rest position into an upright locking position by means of a hinge on the platform.

[0014] After the platform has passed under the vehicle, the bolt initially resting on the platform can be raised remotely. When the platform is retracted, the bolt, now raised, takes the vehicle with it.

[0015] It has proven useful that at least one driver can be moved from the rest position by means of at least one spring.

[0016] A remote release is provided for this purpose. It is also conceivable, however, that the spring always attempts to keep the bolt upright. When the vehicle is driven under, the bolt would then be pivoted by the vehicle toward the platform against the spring force. As soon as the bolt is upright again, the platform could be retracted. This could happen not only after the vehicle has been driven under completely, but also when the bolt comes to rest in a cavity beneath the vehicle.

[0017] It is also advantageous if a remotely operable locking device holds at least one driver in the rest position or in the locked position.

[0018] Alternatively, a tong or claw can be provided as a driver, which can be moved from its open rest position to a closed locking position by means of a joint on the platform.

[0019] The claw can, for example, be closed in the area of ​​at least one wheel of the motor vehicle in such a way that the pulling force on the device can be introduced into the motor vehicle via the pliers, so that the motor vehicle can be pulled out of the danger area.

[0020] It is advantageous that the telescopic cylinder is equipped with carrying handles for transporting the device to the place of use.

[0021] It has proven useful that the telescopic cylinder has a connecting piece by means of which a hydraulic hose can be connected to supply a hydraulic fluid.

[0022] This allows the telescopic cylinder to be connected to a hydraulic rescue kit for operation.

[0023] It has proven advantageous to have a towing eyelet for a cable winch or a multi-purpose winch for retracting the device and the motor vehicle at the end of the telescopic cylinder.

[0024] Advantages can also be achieved if a control at the rear end of the handle determines the flow direction of the hydraulic fluid. This allows control of whether the telescopic cylinder extends or contracts.

[0025] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to exemplary embodiments illustrated in the drawings. They show: Figure 1A device according to the invention for recovering a motor vehicle in the idle state, Figure 2the device according to the invention according to Figure 1 in the recovery state, Figure 3 the operational device according to Figure 1, Figure 4 the device according to Figure 1 in use, Figures 5 and 6 two views of the device according to Figure 1 ready for feeding, Figures 7 and 8 two views of the device according to Figure 1 ready for withdrawal and recovery operation and Figure 9 an alternative embodiment of the device according to the invention according to Figure 1 Figure 10 shows an alternative design of the driver.

[0026] The Figure 1 shows, by way of example, a device (1) for recovering a damaged, for example, burning motor vehicle, hereinafter also referred to as a recovery lance, which has a telescopic cylinder 2 in the form of a telescopic tube, which is shown in the retracted state. The telescopic cylinder (2) is preferably driven hydraulically, e.g., by extinguishing water. Other linear drives, e.g., an electric linear drive, are of course also possible.

[0027] At the tip of the telescopic cylinder 2, a platform 3 is attached, which can be designed in the form of a carriage or sledge. The platform 3 is in Figure 1 provided with wheels or rollers 4 for easier transport and movement. Barbs or carriers 5 are hingedly attached to the platform 3 by means of a hinge 6. In the illustrated case, the carriers 5 are shown folded, lying down, in the rest position. At the short end of the carriers 5, an actuating device in the form of a cable 7 is attached, which runs along the telescopic cylinder 2 by means of deflections, so that the carriers 5 can be erected, i.e. brought into the locking position, by means of an actuating means 8, as will be explained below with reference to the Figure 2is shown. Attached to the top of the telescopic cylinder 2 are two carrying handles 9 for transporting the rescue lance. The telescopic cylinder 2 is provided at its end with a connection piece 10 through which a hydraulic fluid, preferably water such as extinguishing water, can be supplied. Furthermore, attached to the end of the telescopic cylinder 2 is a towing eye 11 for a cable winch or a multi-purpose winch for retracting the device 1 and the motor vehicle 12.

[0028] In the Figure 2 the device 1 or rescue lance is in accordance with Figure 1Also shown in side view, but in the extended state, with the extended telescopic cylinder 2 shown broken away for clarity and comparison. In this working position, the drivers 5 are shown in the locked position, folded up. This locked position was achieved by pulling the actuating means 8, so that the cable 7 acting on the end of the driver 5 pivoted the drivers 5 into the vertical position around the axis of the hinge 6.

[0029] Based on the Figures 3 and 4The operation of the device 1 will now be explained in more detail. If a damaged, for example burning, motor vehicle 12 is to be pulled out of a danger zone, the rescue lance is carried by two or more firefighters 13 as rescue workers, for example, using the carrying handle 9 into the area of ​​the damaged motor vehicle 12, in this case behind the damaged motor vehicle 12. There, a hydraulic hose 14 is then connected to the connecting piece 10, which on the other side is connected to a pump, for example in a fire service vehicle (not shown). The telescopic cylinder 2 can then preferably be driven by the extinguishing water available in the fire service vehicle.

[0030] Telescopic cylinder 2 can also be connected to a hydraulic rescue kit. The hydraulic rescue kit is powered by a high-pressure hydraulic pump. Since the pump and working tools are separate, they are connected by hydraulic hoses. The hoses are often mounted on reels for ease of handling. Optionally, a control unit with a corresponding control system can be provided, which can be used to decide whether the rescue lance is extended or retracted.

[0031] The fluid extends the telescopic cylinder 2, pushing the platform 3 on the rollers 4 beneath the motor vehicle 12 until the pivoting pins 5 are positioned completely in front of the burning motor vehicle 12. A firefighter 13 then pulls the cable 7 to raise the pins 5. The device can then be retracted, for example, by a cable winch (not shown) hooked into the towing eye 11, with the pins 5 pulling the burning motor vehicle 12 out of the danger zone.

[0032] The Figures 5 and 6 show the extended device 1 completely in side view and top view with the carriers 5 folded together, so that it is ready for use.

[0033] In the Figures 7 and 8The extended device 1 is now shown completely in side view and top view with the drivers 5 folded up and ready for use, so that it could pull the burning motor vehicle 12 out of the danger area.

[0034] The Figure 9 shows an alternative embodiment of the device according to the invention, in which the platform 3 is provided with a locking device, for example a locking hook 16, for the carriers 5, which holds the carriers 5 in the rest position against the force of a tension spring 15. The locking device can then be triggered by the cable pull 7. After the cable pull 7 has unlocked the locking hook 16, the carriers 5 are pulled up by the tensioned tension spring 15, so that when the rescue lance is retracted, the burning motor vehicle 12 is retracted along with it.

[0035] In a further embodiment, the catches 5 can be held in the raised position by the tension spring 15. If the platform 3 is pushed under the burning motor vehicle 12, the catches 5 are folded down against the force of the tension spring 15. Only when the platform 3 emerges from under the burning motor vehicle 12 do the catches 5 fold up again, and when the rescue lance 1 is retracted, the catches 5 pull the burning motor vehicle 12 back with them.

[0036] The Figure 10shows an alternative design of the driver 5 in a top view. Here, a pair of pliers 17 is arranged at the tip of the platform 3, the joint 18 of which is fixed to the platform 3. The gripping jaws 19, 19' of the pliers 17 can, for example, grip onto a wheel of the motor vehicle. The ends 20, 20' of the respective two-armed levers opposite the gripping jaws 19, 19' are connected to each other via an actuating cable 21. The cable pull 7 engages centrally on the actuating cable.

[0037] If the actuating means 8 of the cable pull 7 is pulled, the levers pivot with the ends 20, 20' about the joint 18. At the same time, the gripping jaws 19, 19' are pivoted towards each other to clamp the motor vehicle 12 or to clamp parts of the motor vehicle 12. Once the clamping connection to the motor vehicle 12 is established, the vehicle can be pulled out of the danger zone using the device 1. In summary, it can be stated that with this type of device 1, the firefighters can safely rescue the burning motor vehicle 12. The rescue lance can be positioned by the firefighters 13 at a great distance from the danger zone. The telescopic cylinder 2 is then extended so that the platform 3 can be moved into the working area of ​​the drivers 5 in the area of ​​the motor vehicle 12. There, the drivers 5 mounted on the platform 3 are actuated by means of the cable pull 7.The device 1 can then be retracted together with the motor vehicle 12. Since the fire department always has water available, the telescopes of the rescue lance 1 are preferably operated with water. List of reference symbols

[0038] 1Device (Rescue Lance) 2Telescopic Cylinder 3Platform 4Rollers 5Carrier 6Hinge 7Cable 8Actuator 9Carrying Handles 10Connecting Piece 11Towing Eye 12Motor Vehicle 13Firefighters 14Hydraulic Hose 15Tension Spring 16Locking Hook 17Pliers 18Joint 19Gripping Jaws 20Ends 21Actuating Cable

Claims

1. A device (1) for salvaging a motor vehicle (12) that has been involved in an accident, particularly a burning motor vehicle, from a danger zone, wherein the device (1) comprises an extensible telescopic cylinder (2), on the tip of which a movable platform (3) provided with wheels or rollers (4) is arranged, wherein at least one carrier (5), which can be moved from an idle position into a detent position, is mounted on the platform (3), wherein the carrier can be moved into the detent position in the region of the motor vehicle (12) in a remotely controlled manner such that the motor vehicle (12) is towed away as the device (1) is retracted, and wherein an actuating device for actuating the at least one carrier (5) is arranged along the telescopic cylinder (2), characterized in that the actuating device is a cable pull (7), on which an actuating means (8) is arranged.

2. The device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the platform (3) can be moved underneath the motor vehicle (12), and in that the carrier (5) is realized in the form of a stud that can be moved from its horizontal idle position into an upright detent position by means of a hinge (6) on the platform (3).

3. The device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 2, characterized in that the at least one carrier (5) can be moved out of the idle position by means of at least one spring (16) .

4. The device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that a remotely controllable locking device (15) holds the at least one carrier (5) in the idle position or in the detent position.

5. The device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the carrier (5) is realized in the form of a gripper (17) or a claw that can be moved from its open idle position into a closed detent position by means of a joint (18) on the platform (3).

6. The device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the telescopic cylinder (2) is provided with carrying handles (9) for transporting the device (1) to the site of operation.

7. The device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the telescopic cylinder (2) has a connecting piece (10), by means of which a hydraulic hose (14) for supplying a hydraulic fluid can be connected.

8. The device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that a cable lug (11) for a cable winch or a multipurpose pulling mechanism for retracting the device (1) and the motor vehicle (12) is arranged on the end of the telescopic cylinder (2).

9. The device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that a control on the rear handle end of the device (1) determines the flow direction of the hydraulic fluid.