Traction device

Abstract

A towing device 100 for moving a vehicle from a first position to a second position is described, said towing device comprising, in an orientation intended during use, a frame 2, said frame comprising one or more sets of wheels 4 supported on the ground 6, said frame 2 comprising, on its upper portion 10, a support surface 8 having an extension in a longitudinal direction X and in a lateral direction Y perpendicular to said longitudinal direction X, said support surface 8 having a front longitudinal end 12 and a rear longitudinal end 14, said support surface being arranged to be positioned below a vehicle 200 and to support said vehicle to be moved, said towing device comprising propulsion means 16 for propelling said towing device, said towing device comprising a control system 18 for controlling said operation of said towing device, said towing device comprising lift means 20 for raising and lowering said support surface 8 relative to said ground 6.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention generally relates to the field of towing vehicles. In a first aspect, the invention relates to a towing device for moving a vehicle from a first location to a second location. In a second aspect, the invention relates to the use of a towing device according to the first aspect for moving a vehicle. In a third aspect of the invention, the invention relates to a method for moving a vehicle from a first location to a second location. [Background technology]

[0002] Sometimes situations arise where vehicles are abandoned by parking on land where parking is not permitted or where vehicles block access to entrances and exits to other facilities. Such situations may hinder the conduct of traffic in an efficient manner and in order to restore the traffic to be conducted efficiently and to keep free the spaces where vehicles are not permitted to park, the land owners or authorities may in such circumstances remove such vehicles by towing them away.

[0003] For this purpose, a tow truck is used. A tow truck is a type of fairly large vehicle equipped with a towing means that can engage with the vehicle to be towed. The towing means may comprise a frame that can lift the front pair of wheels or the rear pair of wheels of the vehicle from underneath. Another example of a towing means is in the form of a wire winch with a wire that can be attached to the vehicle to be towed.

[0004] While such tow trucks can solve the problem of towing a vehicle away in many situations, limitations to this technology nevertheless exist.

[0005] These limitations relate primarily to the fact that a significant amount of free space is required around the vehicle being towed so that the tow truck can be positioned close to the vehicle being towed in order to tow another vehicle away.

[0006] Such limited space around the vehicle to be towed away is encountered in particular in underground car parks or car park buildings, where the vehicles are typically parked in very narrow spaces on two opposite sides of an aisle connecting the entrance and exit of the car park.

[0007] Due to the tight spaces of such underground parking lots or parking buildings, it would always be nearly impossible for a prior art tow truck to tow away a vehicle parked in such locations, or even to reach such locations due to the free height limitations of such parking lots.

[0008] prior art document CN212201495U of SHUNDE POLYTECHNIC discloses an omni-directional mobile vehicle for transporting passenger cars, the omni-directional mobile vehicle comprises an omni-directional mobile vehicle body, the omni-directional mobile vehicle body comprises a frame, and the two sides of the bottom of the frame are coupled with a plurality of wheels. An electric control box is disposed on one side of the frame, the electric control box is disposed between the wheels, a jack mechanism is disposed on the top of the frame, a tray is coupled to the top of the jack mechanism, the jack mechanism A slide rail is provided, the top of the slide rail is coupled to a support rod, the inner side of the support rod comprises a lead screw, and the top of the support rod comprises a lift rod. This utility model is an omni-directional mobile device based on Mecanum wheels. It is applied to the quick entry and exit of passenger cars in a garage, so as to improve the efficiency of access to cars and save garage space. It can also be used for efficient transportation of passenger cars in other similar occasions, and can supplement traditional garage rail type transportation.

[0009] CN111173338A discloses a parking and transport platform that allows remote controlled vehicle steering in parking operations involving limited space, such as in a parking garage. The parking and transport platform includes an upper platform, a lower platform, and a lifting assembly that raises the upper platform relative to the lower platform. The lower platform includes two sets of wheels that are propelled by a propulsion motor. The platform motor allows the configuration of the lifting assembly to be changed to move the upper and lower platforms further apart or closer together. In use, the driver exits the parked vehicle and uses the remote control to steer the parking and transport platform under the vehicle with the two platforms sufficiently close to each other. The platform motor is then engaged to move the upper and lower platforms further apart, thereby raising the entire vehicle or its rear portion. With the vehicle so elevated, the driver can use the remote control to steer the vehicle into a limited parking lot. Finally, the vehicle can be lowered again by bringing the two platforms closer together. CN111173338A does not disclose that one end of the upper platform can be raised and lowered independently to the opposing end of that platform.

[0010] WO2019 / 148237A1 discloses a trailer for the transportation of vehicles. The trailer comprises a support surface for supporting the wheels of the vehicle to be transported. The trailer also comprises two sets of wheels, each suspended by an individual wheel suspension. Each wheel suspension can raise or lower the wheels of the set suspended therein. The support surface of the trailer is too large to be placed in a position below the vehicle to be transported, without also moving the vehicle, such that the support surface of the trailer supports the wheels of the vehicle to be transported. This document therefore relates to a trailer on top of which the vehicle can be rolled, rather than a device placed below the vehicle.

[0011] CN214246707U discloses a vehicle lifting device for enabling a vehicle to be lifted from a first floor to an upper floor in a parking garage. The vehicle lifting device comprises a chassis having four wheels, a support frame for supporting a vehicle, and a motor. The support frame can be lifted to a predetermined height. CN214246707U does not explicitly disclose that the vehicle lifting device comprises a steering means for enabling the device to be steered in a lateral direction.

[0012] If a vehicle in an underground car park or car park building catches fire, the fires related to the vehicles parked in such car parks Another A much more serious and dangerous problem arises. If the fire in the burning vehicle is not extinguished fairly quickly, there is a significant risk that the fire will spread to other cars in a chain reaction. If such a fire spreads, all the cars in the underground parking lot or parking building may burn up, and even worse, such a large fire may cause structural damage to the building itself that houses the parking lot.

[0013] Statistics show that electric vehicles are more prone to self-ignition and catch fire than traditional vehicles propelled by internal combustion engines, and as electric vehicles become increasingly popular, the risk of a car catching fire in a small parking lot increases.

[0014] Thus, there remains a need for improved and more flexible techniques for towing away vehicles. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0015] [Patent Document 1] CN212201495U Summary of the Invention

[0016] The object of the present invention is to provide such a technique.

[0017] This objective is achieved according to various aspects of the present invention.

[0018] The present invention therefore relates in a first aspect to a towing device for moving a vehicle from a first position to a second position, The traction device, in its intended orientation during use, a frame, the frame having one or more sets of wheels supported on a ground surface; the frame has a support surface at its upper portion, the support surface having an extension in a longitudinal direction X and in a lateral direction Y perpendicular to the longitudinal direction; the support surface has a front longitudinal end and a rear longitudinal end, the support surface being configured to be disposed beneath a vehicle and to support the vehicle being moved; the towing device comprises a propulsion means for propelling the towing device; the towing device comprising a control system for controlling operation of the towing device; the traction device comprising lift means for raising and lowering the support surface relative to the ground; The traction device includes a first set of drive wheels or tracks located on a right side of the traction device and a second set of drive wheels or tracks located on a left side of the traction device. 、 the lifting means comprises a first set of lifting means configured to raise / lower the longitudinal front end of the support surface, and the lifting means comprises a second set of lifting means configured to raise / lower the longitudinal rear end of the support surface; The first set of lifting means comprises wheel suspensions pivotally mounted to the frame, and one or more actuators are mounted between the wheel suspensions and the frame such that actuation of the one or more actuators causes the wheel suspensions to pivot about a pivot axis.

[0019] In a second aspect, the present invention relates to the use of a towing device according to the first aspect of the invention for moving a vehicle from a first location to a second location.

[0020] In a third aspect, the present invention relates to a method for moving a vehicle from one location to another, said method comprising: i) providing a traction device according to a first aspect of the present invention; ii) positioning a traction device along the longitudinal direction of the vehicle to be moved, either at the front or at the rear of the vehicle; iii) ensuring that the support surface is arranged in a lowered configuration; iv) propelling and steering the device using the control system of the towing device to position the support surface of the device, or at least a portion thereof, underneath the vehicle to be moved; v) causing, via said control system, said lifting means to raise said support surface a predetermined distance when positioned under said vehicle to be moved; vi) propelling and steering the towing device using the control system of the towing device to move the vehicle from a first location to a second location; Includes. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0021] [Figure 1] 1 is a side view of a traction device according to a first aspect of the invention, with its support surface in a raised configuration; FIG. [Diagram 2] 1 is a side view of a traction device according to a first aspect of the invention, with its support surface in a lowered configuration; FIG. [Diagram 3] 3 is a schematic diagram showing the working modes of controlling the towing device according to the present invention; FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the towing device of FIGS. 1 and 2, showing details of a first set of lifting means; [Diagram 5] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a towing device according to a first embodiment of the invention, the towing device comprising a wheel support; [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a top view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 5. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing details of a first type of wheel support attached to the frame of the traction device. [Figure 8] FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing details of a second type of wheel support attached to the frame of the traction device. [Figure 9] FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing the presence and position of two receiving devices for the auxiliary wheel assemblies under the wheel suspension of the frame of the traction device. [Figure 10] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a towing device having a wheel suspension with two auxiliary wheel assemblies below it. [Figure 11] FIG. 1 is a side view showing a towing device with a wheel suspension having two auxiliary wheel assemblies below it. [Figure 12] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an auxiliary wheel assembly mounted on a wheel suspension of the towing device frame. [Figure 13]FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the presence and position of two auxiliary actuators, with their associated respective pivot elements in an extended configuration, on the wheel suspension of the towing device frame. [Figure 14] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the presence and position of two auxiliary actuators in the wheel suspension of the tow frame with their associated respective pivot elements in a compressed configuration. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0022] First aspect of the present invention The present invention relates in a first aspect to a towing device for moving a vehicle from a first location to a second location, The traction device, in its intended orientation during use, a frame, the frame having one or more sets of wheels supported on a ground surface; The frame has a support surface at its upper portion, the support surface having an extension in a longitudinal direction (X) and a transverse direction (Y) perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, the support surface has a front longitudinal end and a rear longitudinal end, the support surface being configured to be disposed beneath a vehicle and to support the vehicle being moved; the towing device comprises a propulsion means for propelling the towing device; the towing device comprising a control system for controlling operation of the towing device; the traction device comprising lift means for raising and lowering the support surface relative to the ground; The traction device includes a first set of drive wheels or tracks located on a right side of the traction device and a second set of drive wheels or tracks located on a left side of the traction device. 、 the lifting means comprises a first set of lifting means configured to raise / lower the longitudinal front end of the support surface, and the lifting means comprises a second set of lifting means configured to raise / lower the longitudinal rear end of the support surface; The first set of lifting means comprises wheel suspensions pivotally mounted to the frame, and one or more actuators are mounted between the wheel suspensions and the frame such that actuation of the one or more actuators causes the wheel suspensions to pivot about a pivot axis.

[0023] Thus, in a first aspect of the invention, a towing device is provided which allows a support surface to be placed under the vehicle to be towed away, the support surface being in a lowered configuration when placed under the vehicle, and a towing device is provided which allows the support surface to be raised so that the wheels of the vehicle are lifted off the ground. In this raised configuration, it becomes possible to move the towing device, and therefore also the vehicle to be towed away. Depending on the type of drive means involved, it is ensured that the towing device can be moved around on the ground.

[0024] Moreover, the two independent lifting means make it possible to position the vehicle on the support frame more accurately and also to improve the balance of the vehicle being towed on the support frame when the ground on which the vehicle is towed has a fairly steep slope.

[0025] The method of designing the first set of lifting means provides a compact set of lifting means which can be accommodated in a fairly limited space in the frame of the apparatus and below the support of the apparatus.

[0026] In this specification and the appended claims, the term "towing a vehicle" may be interpreted to mean moving a vehicle over ground without using the vehicle's own propulsion means.

[0027] In this specification and the appended claims, the term "front longitudinal end of the towing device" may be interpreted as meaning the free end of the towing device, access to which is not obstructed by the propulsion means of the towing device or the like.

[0028] In one embodiment of the towing device according to the invention, the control system is configured to receive input from an operator, and the control system is configured to provide control commands to the propulsion means and the lifting means for controlling same based on the input.

[0029] This ensures proper control of the parameters associated with the movement of the towing device on the ground, as well as the raising and lowering of the device's support surface.

[0030] In one embodiment of the towing device according to the invention, the towing device comprises a remote control device comprising a transmitter for transmitting electromagnetic radiation representing control commands, and the control system comprises a receiver for receiving the electromagnetic radiation representing the control commands.

[0031] This allows the towing device to be controlled by an operator located at a safe distance from the device itself, which is highly desirable in the event that the vehicle being towed catches fire.

[0032] In one embodiment of the towing device according to the invention, the towing device comprises one or more image capture units, each configured to capture an image, the towing device comprises a transmitter for transmitting electromagnetic radiation representative of the image, the remote control device comprises a receiver configured to receive the electromagnetic radiation representative of the image, and the remote control device comprises a display configured to display one or more of the images represented by the electromagnetic radiation.

[0033] Such an image capturing unit can assist the operator in operating the towing device in poor lighting conditions and also generally provide the operator with better visual information regarding the positioning of the towing device relative to the vehicle being towed.

[0034] In one embodiment of the towing device according to the invention, the propulsion means is in the form of one or more electric motors, and the towing device comprises one or more electric energy storage devices, such as one or more batteries, for powering the one or more electric motors.

[0035] It is preferable to provide galvanic isolation between the support surface of the frame on which the vehicle is positioned and one or more of the electrical and / or electronic components of the traction device, such as the control system, the propulsion means, and the battery. Such galvanic isolation may be provided by disposing such electrical and / or electronic components on electrically insulating pads or bushings, such as rubber pads or rubber bushings, on the traction device.

[0036] In this way, if a discharge occurs within the vehicle being towed, such discharge will not adversely affect the movement of the towing device.

[0037] In one embodiment of the towing device according to the invention, the lifting means comprises one or more actuators, such as electrical, mechanical or hydraulic actuators, configured to be able to be changed in configuration between an extended configuration and a folded configuration via the control system, thereby causing the raising or lowering of the support surface relative to the ground.

[0038] Such actuators have proven useful for raising and lowering the support surface of a traction device.

[0039] In one embodiment of the towing device according to the invention, the towing device comprises a winch, such as an electric winch including a wire for attaching to the vehicle to be moved thereby securing the vehicle on top of the support surface of the towing device and / or for assisting in bringing the vehicle on top of said support surface.

[0040] A winch with a wire is beneficial in some cases in that it can help position the vehicle being towed away onto a support surface and can also secure the vehicle to the top of the support surface.

[0041] In one embodiment of the towing device according to the invention, the support surface of the towing device is provided at its front longitudinal end with an inclined platform which is inclined downwards in the longitudinal direction by a predetermined distance compared to the inclination of the remainder of the support surface.

[0042] Such an inclined surface allows the vehicle to be towed away to be brought onto a support surface by a winch and wire, even if the support surface has not been previously positioned under the vehicle.

[0043] It should be noted that typically the support surface of the frame of the traction device, or at least a portion thereof, is in the form of a support platform, for example a planar support platform.

[0044] In one embodiment of a towing device according to the invention, a control system for controlling operation of the towing vehicle is configured to steer the towing device by rotating the first set of drive wheels or drive tracks faster or slower relative to the second set of drive wheels or drive tracks.

[0045] In one embodiment of the towing device according to the invention, the propulsion means are integrated with said frame.

[0046] This allows a fairly compact towing device to be realized.

[0047] In one embodiment of the towing device according to the invention, the propulsion means are in the form of a propelled cart which is separable from said frame.

[0048] Such separate propelled carts are commercially available and can be modified to matingly couple to a frame having the features of the towed device frame as defined in this application.

[0049] In one embodiment of the towing device according to the invention, the propelled cart comprises a first coupling means and the frame comprises a second coupling means, the first coupling means and the second coupling means being configured to be releasably engageable with each other.

[0050] In one embodiment of the towing device according to the invention, the first coupling means comprises a convex part of a standard coupling means or hiss for attaching a trailer to a passenger vehicle, and the second coupling means comprises a concave part of a standard coupling means or hiss for attaching a trailer to a passenger vehicle.

[0051] According to these two embodiments, the frame of the towing device can be separated from the propulsion cart, making it easier to transport.

[0052] The one or more actuators are actuated to cause the wheel suspension to 、 A support is mounted between the wheel suspension and the frame for pivotal movement about a pivot axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the support surface.

[0053] In one embodiment of the towing device according to the invention, the frame in the longitudinally arranged beam on its right side and / or on its left side comprises an auxiliary actuator having a first end and a second end, such as a hydraulic actuator or an electric actuator, configured such that by its actuation the auxiliary actuator can change its configuration between a compressed configuration and an extended configuration and vice versa, the frame at the right and / or left longitudinally arranged beam comprises a pivot element, the pivot element being attached to the inside of the longitudinally arranged beam of the frame so as to be pivotable about a pivot axis, the pivot element comprising a pressing part; The first end of the auxiliary actuator is pivotally fastened to the frame and the second end of the auxiliary actuator is pivotally fastened to the pivot element when the longitudinal front end is in its lowered configuration, and then a change in configuration of the auxiliary actuator from its compressed configuration to its expanded configuration enables the pressing portion of the pivot element to press downwardly onto the wheel suspension, either directly or indirectly, thereby assisting the initial movement of the actuator in lifting the support surface relative to the ground.

[0054] Such an auxiliary actuator helps effect the initial pivoting of the wheel suspension so that the actuator more easily effects the remaining pivoting of the wheel suspension.

[0055] In one embodiment of the traction device according to the invention, the pressing part of the pivot element comprises a roller for providing contact with the wheel suspension.

[0056] By providing a roller on the pressing part of the pivot element, the impact and / or pressing of said pressing part on the wheel suspension is made gentler.

[0057] In one embodiment of this embodiment, a control system is configured to receive input from an operator, said control system being configured to provide control commands to said auxiliary actuator for control thereof based on said input.

[0058] In one embodiment of the towing device according to the invention, the towing device further comprises one or more auxiliary wheel assemblies, e.g. one or two auxiliary wheel assemblies, and the wheel suspension device comprises on its underside one or more receiving devices for removably mounting the auxiliary wheel assemblies, the auxiliary wheel assembly comprising a wheel frame and one or more auxiliary wheels, e.g. one or two auxiliary wheels, and for one or more of the auxiliary wheel assemblies, the auxiliary wheel is mounted on its associated wheel frame such that it can rotate relative to the wheel frame, the wheel frame comprising wheel frame engagement means, and the wheel frame engagement means configured to be removably engageable with the receiving devices of the wheel suspension device.

[0059] In one embodiment of this embodiment, the diameter of the auxiliary wheels is selected from the range of 150 to 500 mm or more, for example 200 to 450 mm, for example 250 to 400 mm, for example 300 to 350 mm.

[0060] Such auxiliary wheels allow the towing device to move even over fairly rough ground.

[0061] In one embodiment of this embodiment, the receiving device of the wheel suspension and the wheel frame engagement means of the wheel frame together form a releasable click-on coupling system such as in the Variobloc RO 100 form.

[0062] In one embodiment of the towing device according to the invention, the second set of lifting means comprises a parallelogram suspension, a first end of which is attached to the rear longitudinal end of the support surface and a second opposite end of which is attached to the separable propulsion cart, and one or more actuators are attached to the parallelogram suspension such that actuation of the one or more actuators causes raising or lowering of the rear longitudinal end of the support surface relative to the ground surface.

[0063] This allows a robust second set of lifting means to be provided.

[0064] In one embodiment of the traction device according to the invention, the wheel suspension comprises one or more wheels in the form of rollers, supporting said support frame at their longitudinal front end.

[0065] This ensures proper movement of the front longitudinal end of the towing device over the ground.

[0066] In one embodiment of the traction device according to the invention, the support surface has an extension in its longitudinal direction X of 200 to 550 cm, such as 250 to 500 cm, for example 300 to 450 cm, such as 350 to 400 cm.

[0067] In one embodiment of the traction device according to the invention, the support surface has an extension in its lateral direction Y of 50 to 225 cm, such as 75 to 200 cm, for example 100 to 175 cm, such as 125 to 150 cm.

[0068] In one embodiment of the traction device according to the invention, the support surface, in its lowest position, has a maximum height level above the ground surface 6 of 7.5 to 80 cm, such as 10 to 75 cm, for example 15 to 70 cm, for example 20 to 65 cm, such as 25 to 60 cm, for example 30 to 55 cm, such as 35 to 50 cm or 40 to 45 cm.

[0069] In one embodiment of the traction device according to the invention, the support surface, in its highest raised position, has a height level above the ground surface 6 of 40 to 85 cm, such as 45 to 80 cm, for example 50 to 75 cm, such as 55 to 70 cm or 60 to 65 cm.

[0070] These dimensions have proven advantageous for the intended purpose of towing a vehicle.

[0071] In one embodiment of the towing device according to the invention, the towing device further comprises an array of removable wheel supports, such as an array of wheel supports sufficient to support four wheels of a vehicle to be towed, each wheel support comprising first mounting means and the frame of the towing device comprising second mounting means on opposing longitudinal sides thereof, the first mounting means of the wheel supports being configured to be removably attached to the second mounting means of the frame of the towing device.

[0072] The wheel supports allow the vehicle to be lifted without damaging the vehicle's undercarriage.

[0073] In one embodiment of the towing device according to the invention, the second mounting means comprises upwardly extending rails arranged on opposing longitudinal sides of the frame, said upwardly extending rails optionally comprising an array of longitudinally arranged holes for receiving locking elements such as locking bolts, thereby enabling the first mounting means of the wheel support to be locked to the second mounting means of the frame.

[0074] In one embodiment of this embodiment, the wheel support comprises a rod having a first end and an opposite second end, said first end comprising said first engagement means.

[0075] In one embodiment of this embodiment, the first engagement means comprises a block with a recess, and on the one hand the geometry and dimensions of the upwardly extending rail of the frame and on the other hand the geometry and dimensions of the recess of the block are adapted to each other such that a portion of the rail can be received in the recess of the block.

[0076] In one embodiment of this embodiment, the rail comprises an array of longitudinally arranged holes and the block of the first engagement means comprises holes, which allow the first engagement means of the wheel support to be locked to the second engagement means of the frame, such as by using a locking bolt, via the holes in the rail and via the holes in the block.

[0077] These four embodiments provide a simple yet effective way to lift a vehicle using wheel supports.

[0078] In an alternative embodiment of the wheel support, the frame of the traction device comprises longitudinally disposed beams disposed on both sides thereof, and the second mounting means comprises a hollow interior within each of the beams at a first longitudinal end thereof.

[0079] In one embodiment of this embodiment, the wheel support comprises an L-shaped element having a first end and an opposite second end, the first end of the L-shaped element having a geometry and dimensions that enable the first end of the L-shaped element to be received at its first longitudinal end within a hollow interior of the longitudinally disposed beam of the frame, thereby forming the first engagement means.

[0080] In one embodiment of this embodiment, the wheel support comprises a locking element for locking the first end of the L-shaped element into the hollow interior of the beam of the frame, such as in the form of a locking bolt.

[0081] In an alternative embodiment, the shape of the L-shaped element is not L-shaped, but rather is linear with a first end and an opposing second end, the first end of the linear element having a shape and dimensions that enable the first end of the linear element to be received within a hollow interior of the longitudinally disposed beam of the frame at its first longitudinal end, thereby forming the first engagement means.

[0082] In a preferred embodiment of this embodiment, the linear element comprises attachment means for removably attaching two wheel supports to the parts of the linear element that are not inserted in the longitudinally arranged beams of said frame.

[0083] In a preferred embodiment, such attachment means comprises first attachment means arranged on the two wheel supports and second attachment means arranged on / at the linear shaped element.

[0084] All three of these embodiments provide a simple yet effective way to lift a vehicle using wheel supports.

[0085] It is preferable to use six support elements of the first type and two supports of the second type.

[0086] Second Aspect of the Invention In a second aspect, the present invention relates to the use of a towing device according to the first aspect of the invention for moving a vehicle from a first location to a second location.

[0087] In one embodiment of the use of the towing device according to the invention, the vehicle is a vehicle that has caught fire.

[0088] Third aspect of the present invention In a third aspect, the present invention relates to a method for moving a vehicle from one location to another, said method comprising: i) providing a traction device according to a first aspect of the present invention; ii) positioning a traction device along the longitudinal direction of the vehicle to be moved, either at the front or at the rear of the vehicle; iii) ensuring that the support surface is disposed in a lowered configuration; iv) propelling and steering the device using the control system of the towing device to position the support surface of the device, or at least a portion thereof, underneath the vehicle to be moved; v) causing, via said control system, said lifting means to raise said support surface a predetermined distance when positioned under said vehicle to be moved; vi) propelling and steering the towing device using the control system of the towing device to move the vehicle from a first location to a second location; Includes.

[0089] In one embodiment of the method according to the third aspect of the invention, the method further comprises, following step iv), iva) for each wheel of the vehicle to be towed, engaging the first engagement means of each wheel support with the second engagement means of the frame to position a wheel support in front of the wheel and a wheel support behind the wheel, and optionally locking the wheel supports to the frame 2, wherein the wheel supports are as defined in the above section.

[0090] In order to better explain the invention, reference is now made to the drawings, in which FIG. 1 shows a side view of a traction device according to a first embodiment of the invention, with its support surface in an elevated configuration.

[0091] 1 shows a towing device 100 for moving a vehicle from a first location to a second location. The towing device 100 comprises a frame 2 with a set of wheels 4 that, in its intended orientation during use, is supported on a ground surface 6.

[0092] The frame 2 is provided at its upper part 10 with a support surface 8. The support surface 8 has an extension in a longitudinal direction X and in a transverse direction Y (not shown in FIG. 1) perpendicular to said longitudinal direction.

[0093] The support surface 8 has a front longitudinal end 12 and a rear longitudinal end 14 .

[0094] The towing device 100 also comprises propulsion means 16 for propelling the device. The propulsion means 16 is in the form of a separable propulsion cart 48 which is releasably coupled via a first coupling means 50 to a second coupling means 52 which is mechanically linked to the frame 2. The coupling means 50, 52 are in the form of standard coupling means or hithes for attaching a trailer to a passenger vehicle.

[0095] The separable propulsion cart 48 of the towing device shown in FIG. 1 comprises drive means 46, 46a, 46b in the form of a first set 46a of drive tracks arranged on the right side of the towing device and a second set 46b of drive tracks (not visible in FIG. 1) arranged on the left side of the towing device.

[0096] The traction device 100 comprises lifting means 20 for raising and lowering the support surface 8 relative to the ground surface 6 .

[0097] The lifting means 20 comprises a first set of lifting means 54 configured to raise / lower the longitudinal front end 12 of the support surface 8 and a second set of lifting means 56 configured to raise / lower the longitudinal rear end 14 of the support surface 8.

[0098] It can be seen from FIG. 1 that the first set of lifting means 54 comprises a wheel suspension 64 pivotally mounted to the frame 2, and that the actuators 21, 21a are mounted between the wheel suspension 64 and the frame 2 such that actuation of the actuators 21, 21a results in pivoting of the wheel suspension 64 about a pivot axis 65 perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the support surface 8.

[0099] It can also be seen from Figure 1 that the second lifting means 56 comprises a parallelogram suspension 58 having a first end 60 attached to the rear longitudinal end 14 of the support surface 8 and a second opposite end 62 attached to the separable propelled cart 48. It can also be seen that the actuators 21, 21b are attached to the parallelogram suspension 58 such that actuation of the actuators 21, 21b causes the raising or lowering of said rear longitudinal end 14 of the support surface 8 relative to the ground.

[0100] The wheel suspension 64 comprises a plurality of wheels 4 in the form of rollers 66 and supports the support frame 2 at its front longitudinal end 12 .

[0101] Thus, the first set of lifting means 54 and the second set of lifting means 56 together are capable of raising and lowering the support surface 8 relative to the ground surface 6 .

[0102] A control system 18 is provided for controlling the operation of the towing device, i.e., for controlling the movement of the propelled cart 48, and for controlling the lifting means 20 comprising a first set of lifting means 54 and a second set of lifting means 56.

[0103] As already mentioned, FIG. 1 shows the traction device in a configuration in which the support surface 8 is elevated.

[0104] In its raised position, the upper surface of the support surface 8 preferably has a maximum height level from the ground surface of 40 to 85 cm, such as 45 to 80 cm, for example 50 to 75 cm, such as 55 to 70 cm or 60 to 65 cm.

[0105] The towing device includes a motorized winch 40 that includes a wire for attachment to the vehicle being towed, so that the vehicle being moved can be secured to the top of the support surface 8 of the towing device 100, and the winch 40 further assists in bringing the vehicle onto the top of the support surface 8.

[0106] FIG. 1 also shows that the support surface 8 of the traction device 100 includes an inclined platform portion 44 at the front longitudinal end 12, which is inclined downward in the forward longitudinal direction by a predetermined distance compared to the inclination of the remainder of the support surface 8.

[0107] FIG. 2 is a side view of a traction device according to a first aspect of the invention, with its support surface in a lowered configuration.

[0108] Figure 2 shows the towing device 100 of figure 1. It can be easily seen that when passing from the situation of figure 1 to the situation of figure 2, the actuators 21, 21a of the first set of lifting means 54 and the actuators 21, 21b of the second set of lifting means 56 of the lifting means are actuated to lower the support surface 8 of the frame.

[0109] In its lowered position, the upper surface of the support surface 8 preferably has a maximum height level from the ground surface of 7.5 to 80 cm, such as 10 to 75 cm, for example 15 to 70 cm, for example 20 to 65 cm, such as 25 to 60 cm, for example 30 to 55 cm, such as 35 to 50 cm or 40 to 45 cm.

[0110] Such a low height from the ground 6 ensures that the frame 2 of the towing device 100 can be positioned under most vehicles prior to their movement.

[0111] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing the working modes of controlling the towing device according to the invention.

[0112] 3 shows diagrammatically a traction device 100 comprising a control system. An energy storage device 17 in the form of a battery is coupled to the control system 18. The control system 18 is arranged to supply power to the propulsion means 16 comprising the drive means 46, 46a and 46, 46b when provided with control commands.

[0113] Similarly, the control system 18 is configured, when a control command is provided, to control a first set of lifting means 54 comprising actuators 21, 21a, and to control a second set of lifting means 56 comprising actuators 21, 21b.

[0114] A remote control device 22 is used to provide control commands to the control system 18. The remote control device 22 comprises input means 23 for inputting commands by a human operator.

[0115] The remote control device 22 comprises a transmitter 24 for transmitting electromagnetic radiation 26 representing control commands, which are indicated in Figure 3 by blurry blobs 28. The control system 18 comprises a receiver 30 for receiving the electromagnetic radiation 26 representing the control commands 28. The electromagnetic radiation is transmitted via the antenna 15.

[0116] It can also be seen in Figure 3 that the traction device 100 comprises an image capture unit 32 configured to capture an image and to communicate information about this image to the control system 18. In Figure 3, the information about the image is represented by a blurred blob 34.

[0117] The towing device 100 comprises a transmitter 36 for transmitting electromagnetic radiation 26 representative of an image 34 captured by the image capture unit 32. Furthermore, the remote control device 22 comprises a receiver 37 configured to receive the electromagnetic radiation 26 representative of the image 34. Finally, the remote control device 22 comprises a display 38 for displaying the image 34 represented by said electromagnetic radiation 26 and captured by the image capture unit 32.

[0118] This allows the operator to operate the tow vehicle even in poor light conditions and / or smoke filled environments.

[0119] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the towing device of FIGS. 1 and 2, showing a detail of the first set of lifting means.

[0120] It can be seen from FIG. 4 that the first set of lifting means 54 comprises a wheel suspension 64 pivotally mounted on the frame 2, and that two actuators 21, 21a are mounted between the wheel suspension 64 and said frame 2 such that actuation of the actuators 21, 21a results in pivoting of the wheel suspension 64 about a pivot axis 65.

[0121] A wheel suspension 64 comprises four sets of wheels 4 in the form of rollers 66 and supports said support frame 2 at its front longitudinal end 12 .

[0122] Also, in FIG. 4 it can be seen that the propulsion cart 48 has a first set 46a of drive tracks located to the right of the towing device and a second set 46b of drive tracks located to the left of the towing device.

[0123] In this design, the traction device is configured to steer by rotating a first set of drive caterpillars 46a faster or slower relative to a second set of drive caterpillars 46b, resulting in forward or rearward directional movement of the traction device if the magnitude of rotation of the two sets of drive caterpillars 46a, 46b is the same.

[0124] The towing device designs shown in Figures 1, 2 and 4 are particularly well suited for towing a vehicle without much concern for maintaining the integrity of the vehicle's undercarriage, a situation that exists when the vehicle is on fire.

[0125] However, it can be advantageous to be able to tow the vehicle away without subjecting it to a destructive impact.

[0126] To this end, the first aspect of the invention provides further means.

[0127] This is illustrated in FIGS.

[0128] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a towing device according to a first embodiment of the invention, in which the towing device is provided with a wheel support.

[0129] FIG. 6 is a top view of the embodiment shown in FIG.

[0130] 5 and 6 show a towing device 100 comprising a propelled cart 48 coupled to a frame 2. The frame 2 carries on its opposing longitudinal sides 304, 306 eight wheel supports 300, 300a, 300b which are configured in pairs to support a single wheel of a vehicle.

[0131] It can be seen that six wheel supports 300, 300a in the form of rods are removably attached to rails 310 on each longitudinal side 304, 306 of the frame 2 of the traction device.

[0132] It can also be seen in FIGS. 5 and 6 that two L-shaped wheel supports 300, 300b are attached to the frame 2 at the first longitudinal end 12 of the frame 2.

[0133] Each wheel support comprises first engagement means 302, 302a, 302b configured to engage with second engagement means 308, 308a, 308b of the frame 2, as will be further explained below.

[0134] Details regarding the eight wheel supports are disclosed with reference to FIGS.

[0135] FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing details of a first type of wheel support attached to the frame of the traction device.

[0136] Figure 7 shows a wheel support 300, 300a comprising a rod 316 having a first end 318 and an opposing second end 320. The first end is provided with a first engagement means 302, 302a.

[0137] 7 it can also be seen that the frame 2 carries second attachment means 308, 308a comprising upwardly extending rails 310 disposed on the longitudinal sides 306 of the frame 2.

[0138] 7 shows that the first engagement means 302, 302a comprises a block 322 with a recess 324. The shape and dimensions of the upwardly extending rail 310 of the frame 2, on the one hand, and the shape and dimensions of the recess 324 of the block 322, on the other hand, are adapted to one another such that a part of said rail 310 can be received in said recess 324 of said block 322, as shown.

[0139] Upwardly extending rail 310 includes an array of longitudinally disposed holes 312 for receiving locking elements 314 .

[0140] It can also be seen that the block 322 of the first engagement means 302, 302a is provided with a hole 326.

[0141] This allows the first engagement means 302, 302a of the wheel support 300, 300a to be locked to the second engagement means 308, 308a of the frame 2, for example by using a locking bolt 314 passing through the hole 326 of the block 322 and one of the holes 312 of the frame 2.

[0142] FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing details of a second type of wheel support attached to the frame of the traction device.

[0143] 8 shows that the frame 2 of the traction device comprises longitudinally arranged beams 330 arranged on its sides 306. Second attachment means 308, 308b comprise a hollow interior 332 in each said beam 330 at its first longitudinal end 12.

[0144] Figure 8 also shows that the wheel support 300, 300b comprises an L-shaped element 334 having a first end 336 and an opposite second end 338, the first end 336 of the L-shaped element 334 having a shape and dimensions that enable the first end 336 of the L-shaped element 334 to be received in the hollow interior 332 of the longitudinally arranged beams 328, 330 of the frame 2 at the first longitudinal end 12, thereby forming the first engagement means 302, 302b.

[0145] In an alternative embodiment, the element 334 is not L-shaped, but rather has a straight shape having a first end 336 and an opposite second end 338. This straight first end 336 has a shape and dimensions that allow the first end 336 of the element 334 to be received in the hollow interior 332 of the longitudinally disposed beams 328, 330 of the frame 2 at the first longitudinal end 12, thereby forming the first engagement means 302, 302b. This embodiment is not shown in the figures.

[0146] Moreover, in this embodiment, the linear-shaped element 334 comprises attachment means for removably attaching the two wheel supports 300, 300a to the parts of the element 334 that are not inserted in the longitudinally arranged beams 328, 330 of said frame 2. Such attachment means are preferably as described above with reference to figure 7, in the form of first attachment means 302, 302a on the two wheel supports 300, 300a and by providing second attachment means 308, 308a on the linear-shaped element 334.

[0147] Such an attachment means therefore mimics the principle shown in FIG.

[0148] A locking element 314 (not shown in FIG. 8), for example in the form of a locking bolt, can be used to lock a first end 336 of the L-shaped element 334 within the hollow interior 332 of the beams 328, 330 of the frame 2.

[0149] For a vehicle having four wheels, eight wheel supports 300, 300a, 300b may be required.

[0150] It is preferred to use six support elements 300, 300a having the design shown in FIG. 7 and two support elements 300, 300b having the design shown in FIG.

[0151] During use of the embodiment shown in Figures 5 to 8, the following steps are performed: i) providing a traction device 100 according to a first aspect of the present invention; ii) positioning the towing device 100 along the length of the vehicle 200 to be moved, either at the front or at the rear of the vehicle; iii) ensuring that the support surface 8 is arranged in a lowered configuration; iv) using the control system 18 of the towing device to propel and steer the device so as to position the support surface of the towing device, or at least a portion thereof, underneath the vehicle 200 to be moved; iva) for each wheel of the vehicle to be towed, engaging the first engagement means 302, 302a, 302b of each wheel support with the second engagement means 308, 308a, 308b of the frame 2, thereby positioning the wheel support 300, 300a, 300b in front of the wheel and positioning the wheel support 300, 300a, 300b behind the wheel, and optionally also locking the wheel support 300, 300a, 300b to the frame 2, wherein the wheel supports 300, 300a, 300b are as defined above; v) via said control system 18, causing said lifting means 20 to raise said support surface 8 a predetermined distance when positioned under said vehicle 200 to be moved; vi) propelling and steering the towing device 100 using the control system 18 of the towing device 100 to move the vehicle 200 from the first location to the second location; can be followed.

[0152] FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing the presence and location of two receiving devices for the auxiliary wheel assemblies below the wheel suspension of the traction device frame.

[0153] Figure 9 shows the frame 2 with its support surface 8. From the level of the support surface 8, extending downwards is a wheel suspension 64. Roller wheels 4, 66 are provided to support the wheel suspension 64 above the ground.

[0154] The underside of the wheel suspension 64 includes two receiving fixtures 502 for mounting auxiliary wheel assemblies.

[0155] This can be seen in Figure 10.

[0156] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a towing device having a wheel suspension with two auxiliary wheel assemblies below it.

[0157] FIG. 10 shows the traction device 100 with its wheel suspension 64, in which an auxiliary wheel assembly 506 is attached to each of the two receivers 502 seen in FIG.

[0158] This allows the vehicle to travel significant distances even on very rough ground.

[0159] In doing this, the actuators 21, 21a, 21b seen in Figure 10 are first actuated to raise the wheel suspension 64 which brings the auxiliary wheels 506 into contact with the ground, instead of the roller wheels 4, 66 into contact with the ground. The traction device can then travel over uneven ground.

[0160] FIG. 11 shows traction device 100 in a side view with wheel suspension 64 raised so that auxiliary wheels 506 contact the ground.

[0161] FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing an auxiliary wheel assembly mounted on the wheel suspension of the towing device frame.

[0162] 12 shows an auxiliary wheel assembly 500 comprising a wheel frame 504 and two auxiliary wheels 506. The auxiliary wheels 506 are mounted on the wheel frame 504 such that they can rotate relative to the wheel frame when a torque is applied to them.

[0163] It can be seen that the wheel frame 504 includes a wheel frame engagement means 508 .

[0164] The wheel frame engaging means 508 is configured to be releasably engageable with the receiving device 502 of the wheel suspension 64 shown in FIG. 9 to reach the situation shown in FIGS.

[0165] The receiving device 502 of the wheel suspension 64 and the wheel frame engaging means 508 of the wheel frame 504 together form a click-on coupling system.

[0166] The commercially available system Variobloc RO 100 has been found to be satisfactory for use as the wheel frame engagement means 508 and the receiving device 502 for the wheel suspension 64, respectively.

[0167] FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing the presence and position of two auxiliary actuators, with their associated respective pivot elements in the wheel suspension of the tow frame, in an extended configuration.

[0168] FIG. 13 shows a portion of a frame 2 of a traction device 100 having two longitudinally disposed beams 328,330.

[0169] The two longitudinally arranged beams 328, 330 are provided with a pivot element 406 mounted on their inner side so as to be able to pivot about a pivot axis 407. The pivot element 406 is provided with a pressure portion 408.

[0170] A secondary hydraulic actuator 400 having a first end 402 and a second end 404 is disposed on each of the two longitudinally disposed beams 328, 330.

[0171] A first end 402 of the auxiliary actuator 400 is pivotally fastened to the frame 2 and a second end 404 of the auxiliary actuator 400 is pivotally fastened to said pivot element 406 .

[0172] Each of the auxiliary actuators can be actuated to change its configuration between a compressed configuration and an expanded configuration, or vice versa.

[0173] 13, the auxiliary actuator 400 is in its extended configuration. When the auxiliary actuator 400 is actuated into the extended configuration, the pushing portion 408 of the pivot element 406 is forced downwardly onto the wheel suspension 64.

[0174] In this way, the auxiliary actuators 400 assist the initial movement of the actuators 21 , 21 a , 21 b as soon as they lift the support surface 8 of the frame 2 relative to the ground surface 6 .

[0175] This effect arises from the fact that when the auxiliary actuators 400 are in their extended configuration such that the wheel suspension 64 is pivoted downwards, the height difference between the two opposing ends of the actuators 21, 21a, 21b becomes greater, and this greater height difference makes the auxiliary actuators 400 more efficient when the wheel suspension 64 is pivoted downwards due to its extension.

[0176] FIG. 14 is a perspective view showing the presence and position of two auxiliary actuators in the wheel suspension of the traction unit frame with their associated respective pivot elements in a compressed configuration.

[0177] Figure 14 shows that in this situation, the height difference between the two opposing ends of the actuators 21, 21a, 21b is significantly smaller compared to the situation shown in Figure 13, and therefore, in the absence of the auxiliary actuator 400, it becomes more difficult to effect downward pivoting movement of the wheel suspension 64.

[0178] It will be understood that all of the features and achievements discussed above and in the appended claims in relation to one aspect and embodiment of the invention apply equally well to other aspects and embodiments of the invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0179] 2. Towing device frame 4. Traction device wheels 6 ground 8 Support surface of towing device 10 Top of towing device frame 12 longitudinal front end of the support surface of the traction device 14 Longitudinal rear end of the support surface of the traction device 15 Antenna 16 Propulsion means of towing device 17 Energy storage devices 18 Traction device control system 20 Lifting means of towing device 21, 21a, 21b Actuator 22 A remote control device for controlling the towing device 23 Input means of a remote control device for inputting control commands 24 Transmitters of remote control devices for transmitting electromagnetic radiation 26 Electromagnetic Radiation 28 Control Instructions 30 Receiver of a control system for receiving electromagnetic radiation 32 Image capture unit 34 images 36 Transmitter of a control system for transmitting electromagnetic radiation 37 Receiver of a remote control device for receiving electromagnetic radiation 38 Display 40 Winch 42 Winch Wire 44 Inclined platform at front longitudinal end 46, 46a, 46b Driving means 48 Propulsion Cart 50 First set of coupling means of His 52 second set of coupling means for Hiss 54 First set of lifting means 56 Second set of lifting means 58 Parallelogram suspension 60 First end of parallelogram suspension 62 Second opposing end of parallelogram suspension 64 Wheel suspension system 65 Pivot axis 66 Roller Wheel 100 Traction device according to the present invention 300, 300a, 300b Removable Wheel Supports 302, 302a, 302b First mounting means 304, 306 opposing longitudinal sides of the frame of the traction device 308, 308a, 308b Second mounting means 310 Upward extending rail 312 Hole in rail 314 Locking elements 316 Wheel support rod 318 First end of rod 320 Second end of the rod 322 First engagement means block 324 Block recess 326 Hole in block of first engagement means 328, 330 Beams arranged longitudinally in the frame 332 The hollow interior of a beam arranged longitudinally of the frame 334 L-shaped element of wheel support 336 First end of L-shaped element 338 Second end of L-shaped element 400 Auxiliary Actuator 402 Auxiliary Actuator First End 404 Second end of auxiliary actuator 406 Pivot elements 407 Pivot point of pivot element 408 Pressing part of pivot element 410 Roller of the pressing part of the pivot element 500 Auxiliary Wheel Assembly 502 Receiving device for auxiliary wheel assembly 504 Wheel frame of wheel assembly 506 Auxiliary wheel of auxiliary wheel assembly 508 Wheel frame engagement means

Claims

1. A towing device (100) for moving a vehicle from a first location to a second location, comprising: The traction device comprises, in an orientation intended for use, a frame (2), the frame comprising one or more sets of wheels (4) supported on the ground (6); The frame (2) comprises a support surface (8) on its upper portion (10), the support surface (8) having an extension in a longitudinal direction (X) and in a transverse direction (Y) perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (X), the support surface (8) having a longitudinal front end (12) and a longitudinal rear end (14), the support surface being configured to be positioned below a vehicle (200) and to support the vehicle as it is moved, the towing device comprises a propulsion means (16) for propelling the towing device; the towing device includes a control system (18) for controlling operation of the towing device; The towing device comprises lifting means (20) for raising and lowering the support surface (8) relative to the ground (6), the traction device comprises drive means (46, 46a, 46b) in the form of a first set (46a) of drive wheels or drive tracks arranged on the right side of the traction device and a second set (46b) of drive wheels or drive tracks arranged on the left side of the traction device, the lifting means (20) comprises a first set of lifting means (54) configured to raise / lower the longitudinal front end (12) of the support surface (8), and the lifting means (20) comprises a second set of lifting means (56) configured to raise / lower the longitudinal rear end (14) of the support surface (8); a towing device (100) characterized in that the first set of lifting means (54) comprises wheel suspensions (64) pivotally mounted on the frame (2), and one or more actuators (21, 21 a) are mounted between the wheel suspensions (64) and the frame (2) such that actuation of the one or more actuators (21, 21 a) causes the wheel suspensions (64) to pivot about pivot axes (65).

2. 2. The towing device (100) of claim 1, wherein the towing device comprises a remote control device (22) having a transmitter (24) for transmitting electromagnetic radiation representative of control commands (28), and the control system (18) comprises a receiver (30) for receiving electromagnetic radiation representative of the control commands (28).

3. 3. The towing device (100) of claim 2, wherein the towing device comprises one or more image capturing units (32) each configured to capture an image (34), the towing device comprises a transmitter (36) for transmitting electromagnetic radiation (26) representing the image (34), the remote control device (22) comprises a receiver (37) configured to receive the electromagnetic radiation (26) representing the image (34), and the remote control device (22) comprises a display (38) configured to display one or more of the images (34) represented by the electromagnetic radiation (26).

4. 2. The towing device (100) of claim 1, wherein the lifting means (20) comprises one or more actuators (21, 21a, 21b), such as electrical, mechanical or hydraulic actuators, configured to be able to change configuration between an extended configuration and a folded configuration via the control system (18), thereby causing the raising or lowering of the support surface (8) relative to the ground (6).

5. 2. The towing device (100) of claim 1, comprising a winch (40), such as an electric winch, including a wire (42) for attaching to the vehicle (200) to be moved, thereby securing the vehicle on top of the support surface (8) of the towing device (100) and / or for assisting in bringing the vehicle (200) on top of the support surface (8).

6. said propulsion means (16) being integral with said frame (2), or 2. The towing device (100) of claim 1, wherein the propulsion means (16) is in the form of a propulsion cart (48) separable from the frame (2), and optionally the propulsion cart (48) comprises first coupling means (50) and the frame (2) comprises second coupling means (52), the first coupling means (50) and the second coupling means (52) being configured to be releasably engageable with each other.

7. 7. The towing device (100) of claim 6, wherein the first coupling means (50) comprises a standard coupling means or a convex part of a hiss for attaching a trailer to a passenger vehicle, and the second coupling means (52) comprises a standard coupling means or a concave part of a hiss for attaching a trailer to a passenger vehicle.

8. 7. The towing device (100) of claim 6, wherein the second set of lifting means (56) comprises a parallelogram suspension (58), a first end (60) of the parallelogram suspension (58) attached to the longitudinal rear end (14) of the support surface (8), a second opposite end (62) of the parallelogram suspension (58) attached to the propelled cart (48), and one or more actuators (21, 21 b) attached to the parallelogram suspension (58) such that actuation of the one or more actuators (21, 21 b) causes the raising or lowering of the longitudinal rear end (14) of the support surface (8).

9. 9. The traction device (100) of claim 8, wherein the wheel suspension (64) comprises one or more wheels in the form of rollers (66) supporting the support surface at the front longitudinal end (12).

10. The towing device further comprises an array of removable wheel supports (300, 300a, 300b), such as an array of wheel supports sufficient to support four wheels of the vehicle to be towed, each wheel support (300, 300a, 300b) comprising first attachment means (302, 302a, 302b), the frame (2) of the towing device comprising second attachment means (308, 308a, 308b) on opposite longitudinal sides (304, 306) thereof, the first attachment means (302, 302a, 302b) of the wheel supports (300, 300a, 300b) being attached to the second attachment means (308, 308a, 308b) of the frame (2) of the towing device.

2. The towing device of claim 1, wherein the towing device is configured to be removably attached to the frame, and optionally the second attachment means comprises upwardly extending rails disposed on opposite longitudinal sides of the frame, the upwardly extending rails optionally comprising an array of longitudinally disposed holes for receiving locking elements such as locking bolts, thereby enabling the first attachment means of the wheel support to be locked to the second attachment means of the frame.

11. 11. The towing device (100) of claim 10, wherein the wheel support (300, 300a) comprises a rod (316) having a first end (318) and an opposing second end (320), the first end comprising the first attachment means (302, 302a).

12. 12. The towing device (100) of claim 11, wherein the first mounting means (302, 302a) comprises a block (322) having a recess (324), and the geometry and dimensions of the upwardly extending rail (310) of the frame (2), on the one hand, and the geometry and dimensions of the recess (324) of the block (322), on the other hand, are adapted to each other so that a portion of the rail (310) can be received in the recess (324) of the block (322).

13. 13. The towing device (100) of claim 12, wherein the rail (310) comprises an array of longitudinally arranged holes (312), and the blocks (322) of the first attachment means (302, 302a) comprise holes (326), thereby enabling the first attachment means (302, 302a) of the wheel support (300, 300a) to be locked to the second attachment means (308, 308a) of the frame (2), such as by using locking bolts (314), via the holes (312) in the rail (310) and via the holes (326) in the blocks (322).

14. The frame (2) of the towing device comprises longitudinally disposed beams (328, 330) disposed on both sides (304, 306) thereof, the second attachment means (308, 308b) comprising a hollow interior (332) within each of the beams (328, 330) at a first longitudinal end (12) thereof, and optionally the wheel supports (300, 300b) comprising an L-shaped element (334) having a first end (336) and an opposite second end (338).

11. The towing device (100) of claim 10, wherein the first end (336) of the L-shaped element (334) has a geometry and dimensions that allow the first end (336) of the L-shaped element (334) to be received at its first longitudinal end (12) in the hollow interior (332) of the longitudinally disposed beam (328, 330) of the frame (2), thereby forming the first attachment means (302, 302b).

15. 15. The towing device (100) of claim 14, wherein the wheel support (300, 300b) comprises a locking element (314) for locking the first end (336) of the L-shaped element (334) to the hollow interior (332) of the beam (328, 330) of the frame (2), such as in the form of a locking bolt.

16. the frame (2) at its right and / or left longitudinally disposed beams (328, 330) comprises auxiliary actuators (400) having a first end (402) and a second end (404), such as hydraulic or electric actuators, configured such that actuation of the auxiliary actuators can change their configuration between a compressed configuration and an expanded configuration, and vice versa; the frame (2) at the right and / or left longitudinally arranged beams (328, 330) comprises a pivot element (406), the pivot element (406) being attached to the inside of the longitudinally arranged beams (328, 330) of the frame (2) so as to be pivotable about a pivot axis (407), the pivot element (406) comprising a pressing portion (408); 2. The towing device according to claim 1, wherein the first end (402) of the auxiliary actuator (400) is pivotally fastened to the frame (2) and the second end (404) of the auxiliary actuator (400) is pivotally fastened to the pivot element (406) when the longitudinal front end (12) is in its lowered configuration, and a change in configuration of the auxiliary actuator (400) from its compressed configuration to its expanded configuration then enables the pressing portion (408) of the pivot element to press downwardly on the wheel suspension (64) either directly or indirectly, thereby assisting the initial movement of the actuator (21, 21 a, 21 b) in lifting the support surface (8) relative to the ground (6), and optionally the pressing portion (408) of the pivot element (406) comprises a roller (410) for providing contact with the wheel suspension (64).

17. 17. The towing device of claim 16, wherein the control system is configured to receive input from an operator, and the control system is configured to provide control commands to the auxiliary actuator for control thereof based on the input.

18. The wheel suspension (64) further comprises one or more auxiliary wheel assemblies (500), e.g., one or two auxiliary wheel assemblies (500), the wheel suspension (64) comprising, on its underside, one or more receiving devices (502) for removably mounting the auxiliary wheel assemblies (500), the auxiliary wheel assemblies (500) comprising a wheel frame (504) and one or more auxiliary wheels (506), e.g., one or two auxiliary wheels (506), and for one or more of the auxiliary wheel assemblies (500), 2. The traction device (100) of claim 1, wherein auxiliary wheels (506) are mounted on the wheel frame (504) so ​​as to be rotatable relative to the wheel frame, the wheel frame (504) comprising wheel frame engagement means (508), the wheel frame engagement means (508) being configured to be releasably engageable with the receiving device (502) of the wheel suspension (64), and optionally the receiving device (502) of the wheel suspension (64) and the wheel frame engagement means (508) of the wheel frame (504) together form a click-on coupling system such as in the form of a Variobloc RO 100.

19. 10. Use of the towing device (100) of claim 1 for moving the vehicle from one location to another.

20. 1. A method for moving a vehicle from a first location to a second location, comprising: i) providing a traction device (100) according to claim 1; ii) positioning the traction device (100) along the longitudinal direction of the vehicle to be moved, either at the front or rear of the vehicle; iii) ensuring that said support surface (8) is arranged in a lowered configuration; iv) propelling and steering the towing device using the control system (18) of the towing device to position the support surface (8) of the towing device, or at least a portion thereof, underneath the vehicle to be moved; v) via said control system (18), causing said lifting means (20) to raise said support surface (8) by a predetermined distance when positioned under said vehicle to be moved; vi) propelling and steering the towing device (100) using the control system (18) of the towing device (100) to move the vehicle from the first location to the second location; A method comprising:

Images