Vehicle jacking device

Abstract

The goal is to enable the transport of vehicles that are tilted and on fire by jacking them up. [Solution] The vehicle jacking device comprises a plurality of drive wheels mounted on the chassis, a jack plate placed on the chassis, an extrusion mechanism, and a deployment device. The extrusion mechanism pushes the jack plate forward, causing its leading edge to drop from the chassis to the ground. The deployment device deploys the bag between the jack plate, whose leading edge is on the ground, and the ground.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application mainly discloses a vehicle jack device.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an air lift device for a vehicle. An operator can insert the air lift device under the vehicle body with a damaged wheel to jack up the vehicle body.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] By the way, when a vehicle is subjected to a stronger collision than expected, not only the vehicle body may be damaged, but there is also a possibility of ignition. For example, if a battery or the like of a vehicle is damaged by a collision, the battery may catch fire. In particular, in tests of electrically driven vehicles, when tests such as small overlap collision and pole side collision are performed, there is a possibility that the battery may catch fire. A vehicle that has caught fire becomes unable to travel under its own power. When using the air lift device of Patent Document 1, even if the vehicle is on fire, the operator needs to approach the burning vehicle to perform work in order to transport the burning vehicle. However, for a person to approach a burning vehicle is not a practical option. The operator will approach the vehicle and perform work after the fire is extinguished. Moreover, in a collision test, not only may the vehicle catch fire, but there is also a possibility that a wheel may fall off during traveling. When a wheel falls off a vehicle, the vehicle body tilts and comes into contact with the ground. A vehicle in such a state cannot travel under its own power.

[0005] In vehicle testing and other similar situations, there is a risk of the vehicle catching fire, while at the same time, it is necessary to quickly jack up and transport the vehicle if it is tilted due to a wheel detachment. Furthermore, vehicle jacking devices are required to jack up vehicles that have lost their wheels and are tilting, even while they are on fire. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A vehicle jacking device according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises a chassis, a plurality of drive wheels provided on at least the left and right front sides of the chassis, a jack plate placed on the chassis between the left and right front drive wheels, an extrusion mechanism that pushes the jack plate forward from the chassis and drops the front edge of the jack plate from the chassis to the ground, and an unfolding device that unfolds a bag between the jack plate, whose front edge is on the ground, and the ground. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] In one embodiment of the present invention, the vehicle jacking device moves on its multiple drive wheels to push the jack plate forward from the chassis, dropping the leading edge of the jack plate from the chassis to the ground. The deployment device deploys a bag between the jack plate, whose leading edge is on the ground, and the ground. This allows the vehicle jacking device to deploy the bag-like structure beneath the jack plate, whose leading edge is touching the ground, and jack up the vehicle together with the jack plate. In particular, because the vehicle jacking device has the leading edge of the jack plate touching the ground in front of the chassis, the bag-like structure can push up the jack plate at a position deeply beneath the vehicle body, which is tilted due to the wheel detachment, thereby jacking up the vehicle body. By performing the jacking up at this position deeply beneath the vehicle body, the vehicle body can be jacked up near its center of gravity. The vehicle body is not jacked up in a tilted position due to the wheel detachment, but rather jacked up to a position that reduces the tilt of the vehicle body. Thus, in one embodiment of the present invention, the vehicle jacking device can move under its own power on the drive wheels to approach the vehicle body and go underneath it, even if the vehicle body is on fire. Furthermore, even if the vehicle body is tilted due to a wheel detachment, the vehicle jacking device can jack up the vehicle body from a position deep underneath it, making it ready for transport. In one embodiment of the present invention, even if the vehicle body is tilted due to a wheel detachment and the vehicle is on fire, the vehicle body can be quickly jacked up and transported. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is an illustrative diagram illustrating an example of a vehicle catching fire during a crash test. [Figure 2] This is a schematic top view of a vehicle jack device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] Figure 2 is a left side view of the vehicle jacking device. [Figure 4] Figure 2 is an explanatory diagram of the vehicle jacking device, showing the extrusion mechanism for dropping the front edge of the jack plate to the ground, before it slides. [Figure 5] Figure 2 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the operation of the vehicle jacking device's extrusion mechanism during its sliding motion. [Figure 6] Figure 2 is an explanatory diagram of the operation of the vehicle jack device's extrusion mechanism after the sliding motion. [Figure 7] Figure 2 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the detachment operation of the bag-shaped case of the vehicle jack device. [Figure 8] Figure 2 is an explanatory diagram showing the unfolded state of the bag-shaped part of the vehicle jacking device. [Figure 9] Figure 2 is a schematic block diagram of the control system for the vehicle jacking device. [Figure 10] This diagram illustrates the procedure for jacking up a vehicle that has caught fire during a crash test using the vehicle jacking device shown in Figure 2. [Figure 11] Figure 10 is an explanatory diagram showing the vehicle jacking device in a state where it has been moved to the underside of the vehicle body. [Figure 12] This is an explanatory view showing a state where the front edge of the jack plate is dropped to the ground from the vehicle jack device of Fig. 11. [Figure 13] This is an explanatory view showing a state where the bag body case is detached from the vehicle jack device of Fig. 12. [Figure 14] This is an explanatory view showing a state where the bag body is deployed in the vehicle jack device of Fig. 13, and the vehicle body of a vehicle that has caught fire in a collision test is jacked up. [Figure 15] This is a schematic top view of the vehicle transport device according to the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 16] This is a left side view of the vehicle transport device of Fig. 15. [Figure 17] This is a left side view showing a state where the vehicle body is placed on the left and right inverted plates of Fig. 15. [Figure 18] This is an explanatory view showing a state where the vehicle transport device of Fig. 15 raises the left and right inverted plates under the front portion of the vehicle body. [Figure 19] This is an explanatory view showing a state where the vehicle body of a vehicle that has caught fire in a collision test is placed on the left and right inverted plates of the vehicle transport device of Fig. 18. [Mode for Carrying Out the Invention]

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the first embodiment, an example will be described in which a vehicle jack device is used to jack up a damaged vehicle so that it can be transported. In the first embodiment, after describing the outline of the embodiment, an example in which the vehicle is damaged to the extent that it cannot self-propel and has caught fire, and an example of the vehicle jack device will be described. In the description of the vehicle jack device, each example of the configuration, operation, control system, and jacking up of the vehicle jack device will be described in order. In the second embodiment, an example will be described in which the vehicle body of a vehicle that is on fire and has been jacked up is transported using the vehicle transport device of the vehicle transport system. The following description of the embodiments and the drawings are merely examples of the invention disclosed in the present application, and are not intended to limit the invention disclosed in the present application.

[0010] [First Embodiment] In the first embodiment, an example is described in which a vehicle jacking device is used to jack up a vehicle that is damaged to the point of being unable to move and is on fire, so that it can be transported.

[0011] (Overview) Vehicles can be damaged in a collision. The vehicle's body may become tilted due to a collision, for example, if wheels detach. The vehicle's body may also catch fire as a result of the collision. The vehicle's body must be transported promptly if any of these incidents occur. Therefore, one embodiment of the present invention primarily discloses a vehicle jacking device. The vehicle jacking device is used to jack up and transport the body of a damaged vehicle. A vehicle jacking device according to one embodiment of the present invention is provided with a plurality of drive wheels on at least the left and right front sides of the chassis. Such a vehicle jacking device can move under a burning vehicle using the plurality of drive wheels. A jack plate is placed on top of the chassis of the vehicle jacking device. The jack plate is pushed forward from above the chassis by an extrusion mechanism, and the leading edge of the jack plate falls to the ground. The leading edge of the jack plate falls to the ground so that it spans between the chassis and the ground. The vehicle jacking device also deploys a bag-like structure between the jack plate and the ground using a deployment device. This allows the vehicle jacking device to unfold a bag-like structure beneath the jack plate, with its leading edge touching the ground, and jack up the vehicle body. In particular, even if the vehicle body is tilted due to a wheel detachment, the vehicle jacking device can jack up the vehicle body by dropping the leading edge of the jack plate to the ground at a position deeply beneath the vehicle body. The vehicle body is jacked up near its center of gravity, and even if it is tilted due to a wheel detachment, it is jacked up in a way that reduces the tilt. Thus, one embodiment of the present invention, a vehicle jacking device, can travel under the vehicle even when the vehicle is on fire, and jack up the vehicle to reduce the tilt of the vehicle body that has fallen off and is tilted.

[0012] (An example of a vehicle that is damaged and unable to move under its own power and has caught fire) First, let's describe an example where Vehicle 1 is damaged to the point where it cannot move under its own power and has caught fire. Figure 1 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a vehicle 1 igniting during a crash test. Vehicle 1 in Figure 1 is electrically driven and is in the state after a small overlap collision with the right front portion of vehicle body 2. As a result, the front bumper of vehicle 1 has detached, exposing the bumper beam 4. The right front wheel 3 has also detached from vehicle body 2. In addition, the battery of vehicle body 2 is damaged, and a fire has started on the right side of vehicle body 2. In a crash test of vehicle 1, as shown in the example in Figure 1, the wheel 3 may detach from the vehicle body 2, causing the vehicle body 2 to tilt, and potentially leading to a fire starting from the vehicle body 2. Vehicle 1, with the wheel 3 detached and tilted, is unable to move under its own power.

[0013] By the way, even if vehicle 1 is on fire, the workers must quickly transport the burning vehicle 1 to a location outside the test site. However, having workers approach the burning vehicle 1 to perform their duties is not a realistic option. As a result, workers will have to wait until the fire in vehicle 1 is extinguished before approaching vehicle 1 to perform their work. It is also possible that while vehicle 1 is burning, sparks from vehicle 1 could cause surrounding equipment and buildings to catch fire. Furthermore, the possibility of ignition during the collision test of Vehicle 1 can be considered not only in the case of a small overlap collision test, but also in the case of tests such as a side collision with a pole.

[0014] Thus, even if vehicle 1 catches fire during a crash test or similar event, it is required to be quickly jacked up and transported. Furthermore, in order to transport a vehicle 1 that has tilted due to the detachment of wheels 3 during a crash test or the like, the vehicle body 2 must first be jacked up. By jacking up the tilted vehicle body 2, a device for transporting the vehicle can be placed underneath the vehicle body 2. Therefore, in this embodiment of the present invention, an example of a self-propelled vehicle jacking device 10 will be described.

[0015] (Example of a vehicle jacking device configuration) In this embodiment, a vehicle jacking device 10 is used to jack up a damaged and tilted vehicle 1. Figure 2 is a schematic top view of a vehicle jack device 10 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 is a left side view of the vehicle jack device 10 of Figure 2. The vehicle jacking device 10 of this embodiment moves under the vehicle body 2 of the vehicle 1, drops the front edge of the jack chassis 11 to the ground, and deploys the bag 31 under the jack chassis 11 to jack up the vehicle body 2. In this embodiment, the up, down, left, right, front, and rear directions of the vehicle jack device 10 are based on Figure 2. The width direction of the vehicle jack device 10 is aligned with the left-right direction.

[0016] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the vehicle jacking device 10 of this embodiment has a roughly rectangular flat plate jack chassis 11. Four drive wheels 26-29 are provided on the front, rear, left, and right sides of the roughly rectangular flat plate jack chassis 11. The four drive wheels 26-29 may be wheels equipped with, for example, in-wheel motors that can be driven to rotate independently in forward and reverse directions. A roughly rectangular flat jack chassis 11 is fitted with a crossbar 15, left and right link mechanisms 16 and 17, a bag-type case 18, and a control unit case 19.

[0017] A jack plate 13 is placed on top of a roughly rectangular flat jack chassis 11. The jack plate 13 is formed in a roughly rectangular, flat shape with a width slightly narrower than the jack chassis 11, so as to match the width between the left and right front drive wheels 26 and 27. Multiple hook members 14 are provided protruding downward from the lower surface of the jack plate 13. The multiple hook members 14 are provided on the lower surface of the jack plate 13, near the rear edge of the jack plate 13, and arranged in a left-right direction. Then, as will be described later, the jack plate 13 is pushed forward on the jack chassis 11 and dropped onto the ground 90 from the front edge of the jack chassis 11. The jack plate 13 that has been dropped onto the ground 90 has its front edge touching the ground so that it is stretched between the ground 90 and the jack chassis 11.

[0018] Each of the left and right link mechanisms 16 and 17 has a front link member 16 and a rear link member 17. The rear link member 17 is mounted on a rail (not shown) provided along the left or right side of the jack chassis 11, for example, so as to be slidable and rotatable in the front-rear direction of the jack chassis 11. The front link member 16 is rotatably mounted on the left or right side of the jack chassis 11, in a position in front of the rear link member 17.

[0019] The crossbar 15 is provided between the left and right link mechanisms 16 and 17. The crossbar 15 extends in the left-right direction on the jack chassis 11 on which the jack plate 13 is placed, at a position behind the multiple hook members 14. The left and right front link members 16 have free ends that can rotate around the mounting points to the jack chassis 11, and these are rotatably attached to the left and right ends of the crossbar 15. The left and right rear link members 17 have free ends that can rotate around the mounting points to the jack chassis 11, and are rotatably attached to the left and right ends of the crossbar 15. Then, as the mounting points of the left and right rear link members 17 slide forward along the longitudinal direction of the jack chassis 11, the left and right rear link members 17 and the left and right front link members 16 rise up. The crossbar 15 moves on the jack chassis 11 from the rear to the front of the jack chassis 11. Furthermore, as the crossbar 15 moves forward, it comes into contact with multiple hook members 14 of the jack plate 13, pushing the multiple hook members 14 and the jack plate 13 forward. The crossbar 15 and the left and right link mechanisms 16 and 17 provided on the jack chassis 11 function as an extrusion mechanism that pushes the jack plate 13 forward.

[0020] The bag case 18 is a case for housing the bag 31 of the unfolding device, which will be described later. The bag-shaped case 18 is detachably attached to a recess formed in the center of the front edge of the roughly rectangular flat plate jack chassis 11.

[0021] The control unit case 19 is mounted on the rear upper surface of the jack chassis 11. On the upper surface of the jack chassis 11, the jack plate 13 and the control unit case 19 are arranged front to back.

[0022] (Example of vehicle jacking device operation) Next, the jacking operation of the vehicle body 2 of the vehicle 1 by the vehicle jacking device 10 will be explained using Figures 4 to 8. In this embodiment, the vehicle jacking device 10 lifts the vehicle body 2 by dropping the front edge of the jack chassis 11 to the ground beneath the vehicle body 2 of the vehicle 1 and unfolding the bag 31 beneath the jack chassis 11. In Figure 4, the multiple hook members 14 of the jack plate 13 come into contact with the crossbar 15 as it moves forward.

[0023] Figure 4 is an explanatory diagram of the vehicle jack device 10 in Figure 2 before the sliding operation of the extrusion mechanism for dropping the front edge of the jack plate 13 to the ground. Figure 5 is an explanatory diagram of the operation of the extrusion mechanism of the vehicle jack device 10 in Figure 2 during the sliding operation.

[0024] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the left and right rear link members 17 of the left and right link mechanisms 16 and 17 slide forward. As a result, the crossbar 15 moves from the rear to the front of the jack chassis 11. The jack plate 13, which is mounted on the jack chassis 11, also moves forward with the crossbar 15 because the moving crossbar 15 comes into contact with the multiple hook members 14. The jack plate 13 moves forward with the crossbar 15 in a downward-sloping position, pushed up by the crossbar 15. As the left and right link mechanisms 16 and 17 slide forward, the front edge of the jack plate 13 moves in front of the front edge of the jack chassis 11, as shown in Figure 5. The jack plate 13, which is in a downward-sloping position, drops forward, as shown in Figure 6. In addition, the multiple hook members 14 of the jack plate 13 detach from the crossbar 15. Figure 6 is an explanatory diagram of the operation of the extrusion mechanism of the vehicle jack device 10 after the sliding operation shown in Figure 2. As a result, the jack plate 13 falls to the ground 90. The center of gravity of the jack plate 13 is above the ground 90 in front of the front edge of the jack chassis 11. However, the entire jack plate 13 does not fall from the jack chassis 11. The rear portion of the jack plate 13 remains above the jack chassis 11. In this way, the jack plate 13 is in an oblique position with its front edge touching the ground. The front edge of the jack plate 13 falls to the ground 90 so that it is stretched between the ground 90 and the jack chassis 11. The jack plate 13 is formed to match the width between the left and right front drive wheels 26 and 27. Therefore, the direction of forward movement of the jack plate 13 is restricted by the left and right front drive wheels 26 and 27. The leading edge of the jack plate 13 moves forward guided by the left and right front drive wheels 26 and 27 and can be dropped to the ground in front of the jack chassis 11.

[0025] Next, the vehicle jacking device 10 detaches the bag-shaped case 18 from the jack chassis 11 while the front edge of the jack plate 13 is lowered to the ground 90. Figure 7 is an explanatory diagram of the detachment operation of the bag-shaped case 18 of the vehicle jacking device 10 shown in Figure 2. The case detachment device 25, which will be described later, detaches the bag-shaped case 18, which is attached to the front of the jack chassis 11, from the jack chassis 11 and drops it to the ground 90. The bag-shaped case 18 falls between the jack plate 13, whose front edge is lowered to the ground 90, and the ground 90. In this case, the case detachment device 25 should detach the bag-shaped case 18 toward the front of the jack chassis 11. This allows the bag-shaped case 18 to fall to the ground 90 near the center of gravity of the jack plate 13.

[0026] Next, the vehicle jack device 10 unfolds the bag 31 from the bag case 18 that has fallen to the ground 90. Figure 8 is an explanatory diagram of the state in which the bag 31 of the vehicle jack device 10 shown in Figure 2 has been unfolded. The unfolding device, which will be described later, unfolds the bag 31 contained in the bag case 18 that has fallen to the ground 90. The bag 31 unfolds between the jack plate 13, whose leading edge has fallen to the ground 90, and the ground 90. As a result, the jack plate 13 is lifted off the ground 90. The jack plate 13 is lifted high off the ground 90 by the unfolded bag 31. In this case, the bag-shaped case 18 falls to the ground 90 near the center of gravity of the jack plate 13, whose leading edge is on the ground 90, making it easier for the jack plate 13 to be lifted straight up.

[0027] (An example of a control system for a vehicle jacking device) Figure 9 is a schematic block diagram of the control system 20 of the vehicle jacking device 10 shown in Figure 2.

[0028] The control system 20 of the vehicle jacking device 10 in Figure 9 includes a jacking control unit 21. The jack control unit 21 includes, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and memory (not shown). The memory stores data such as programs for controlling the operation of the vehicle jacking device 10. The CPU reads and executes programs from memory. Thus, the CPU functions as the jack control unit 21, controlling the overall operation of the vehicle jacking device 10. The CPU performs controls for the vehicle jacking device 10 to move on its own, controls for the series of jacking operations shown in Figures 4 to 8, and so on. The jack control unit 21 is connected to a jack communication device 22, an extrusion actuator 23 for the extrusion mechanism, an expansion gas supply device 24 as an expansion device, a case detachment device 25, and four drive wheels 26-29 for the left, right, front, and rear. Furthermore, the components of the control system 20 of the vehicle jack device 10 operate by power supplied from the jack power supply unit 30. Furthermore, the jack control unit 21, jack communication device 22, extrusion actuator 23, deployment gas supply device 24, and case detachment device 25 are located inside the control unit case 19, which is mounted on the jack chassis 11. The control unit case 19 protects the components of the control system 20 of the vehicle jack device 10 from heat from the burning vehicle 1, etc.

[0029] The jack communication device 22 acts as a receiver for the vehicle jacking device 10 and communicates wirelessly with the remote control device 80 operated by the operator. The remote control device 80 may be a controller used by the operator to control the operation of the vehicle jacking device 10. The remote control device 80 may have, for example, a joystick lever or buttons operated by the operator, and transmits signals corresponding to the operation of these operating members to the jack communication device 22, etc. Such signals may include control signals for self-propulsion such as starting, stopping, or steering of the vehicle jacking device 10, and control signals for executing each operation shown in Figures 4 to 8.

[0030] The extrusion actuator 23 slides the left and right rear link members 17 forward under the control of the jack control unit 21. This allows the extrusion mechanism to push the jack plate 13 forward.

[0031] The deploying gas supply device 24 is connected to the bag 31. The deploying gas supply device 24 and the bag 31 may be connected by, for example, an explosion-proof tube, as shown by the dashed arrow in Figure 9. The tube may be connected from the control unit case 19 through the underside of the jack chassis 11 to the bag case 18. The tube may be long enough to connect the bag case 18, which has fallen to the ground 90, to the control unit case 19. The deployment gas supply device 24 may be, for example, an inflator that generates high-pressure gas. The high-pressure gas generated is a non-flammable high-pressure gas of the same type used in the airbag system of the vehicle 1. The deployment gas supply device 24 supplies high-pressure gas to the bag 31 under the control of the jack control unit 21. This allows the bag 31 to deploy from the bag case 18 that has fallen to the ground 90. In this way, the deploying gas supply device 24 can deploy the bag 31 from the bag case 18 as a deploying device.

[0032] As shown in Figure 7, the case detachment device 25 is provided on the lower surface of the jack chassis 11, behind the bag-type case 18. The case detachment device 25 pushes the bag-type case 18 from the rear to the front. As a result, the bag-shaped case 18 can detach from the jack chassis 11 and fall toward a position in front of the leading edge of the jack chassis 11 relative to the ground 90.

[0033] The four drive wheels 26-29, located on the left, right, front, and rear, are equipped with, for example, in-wheel motors that can be driven to rotate independently in both forward and reverse directions. The four drive wheels 26-29, located on the left, right, front, and rear, are individually controlled by the jack control unit 21. When the four drive wheels 26-29 on the left, right, front, and rear rotate forward, the vehicle jacking device 10 moves forward. When the four drive wheels 26-29 on the left, right, front, and rear rotate backward, the vehicle jacking device 10 moves backward. When the two left drive wheels 26 and 28 rotate further forward than the two right drive wheels 27 and 29, the vehicle jacking device 10 pivots to the right and forward. When the two drive wheels 27 and 29 on the right side rotate further forward than the two drive wheels 26 and 28 on the left side, the vehicle jacking device 10 pivots to the right and forward. When the two drive wheels 26 and 28 on the left side and the two drive wheels 27 and 29 on the right side rotate in opposite directions, the vehicle jacking device 10 rotates without changing its position. By having multiple independently driveable drive wheels 26-29 in this manner, the vehicle jacking device 10 can move under the vehicle body 2 even if there are uneven surfaces on the ground 90, overcoming those uneven surfaces.

[0034] (Example of jacking up a vehicle using a vehicle jacking device) Next, an example of the jacking operation of the vehicle 1 using the vehicle jacking device 10 of this embodiment will be described using Figures 10 to 14. In this embodiment, the vehicle jacking device 10 is remotely controlled to move under the vehicle body 2, the front edge of the jack chassis 11 is lowered to the ground 90 under the vehicle body 2, and the bag 31 is unfolded under the jack chassis 11, thereby jacking up the vehicle body 2.

[0035] As shown in Figure 10, the worker is in a safe position away from the vehicle body 2 of the vehicle 1, which is tilted and igniting with the wheel 3 detached. The worker operates the remote control device 80 from this safe position away from the vehicle body 2. The remote control device 80 transmits a control signal based on the worker's operation to the jack communication device 22 of the vehicle jacking device 10. The jack control unit 21 of the vehicle jacking device 10 controls the operation of the vehicle jacking device 10 according to the control signal received by the jack communication device 22. As a result, the extrusion actuator 23, the deployment gas supply device 24, the case release device 25, and the four drive wheels 26-29 on the left, right, front, and rear sides of the vehicle jack device 10 can operate under the control of the jack control unit 21 based on signals received by the jack communication device 22 in accordance with the operator's operation in the remote control device 80.

[0036] Figure 10 is an explanatory diagram of the procedure for jacking up vehicle 1, which is on fire during a crash test, using the vehicle jacking device 10 shown in Figure 2. In Figure 10, the vehicle jacking device 10 is located on the ground 90 at the worker's feet. In this case, the worker operates the remote control device 80 to move the vehicle jacking device 10 toward the vehicle body 2 of the vehicle 1. The jacking control unit 21 operates the four drive wheels 26-29 (front, rear, left, and right) based on the control signals from the remote control device 80 to move the vehicle jacking device 10 toward the vehicle body 2.

[0037] Figure 11 is an explanatory diagram showing the vehicle jacking device 10 from Figure 10 in a state where it has been moved under the vehicle 1. When the vehicle jacking device 10 approaches the vehicle body 2, the operator operates the remote control device 80 to place the vehicle jacking device 10 under the vehicle body 2. The operator remotely operates the vehicle jacking device 10 so that it enters under the vehicle body 2 from the side of the vehicle body 2 that is not burning. If the right front wheel 3 has fallen off and the vehicle body 2 is tilting to the right front as shown in Figure 1, and the vehicle body 2 is burning from the right side of the vehicle body 2, the operator should remotely operate the vehicle jacking device 10 so that it enters under the vehicle body 2 from the direction of the three arrows shown in Figure 1. The jacking control unit 21 operates the four drive wheels 26-29 independently based on the control signals from the remote control device 80, and moves the vehicle jacking device 10 under the vehicle body 2 and stops it so that the front edge of the jack chassis 11 is positioned under the vehicle body 2 as shown in Figure 11.

[0038] Next, the operator operates the remote control device 80 to move the jack plate 13 forward from the jack chassis 11 of the vehicle jack device 10. The jack control unit 21 of the vehicle jack device 10 operates the extrusion actuator 23 based on the control signal from the remote control device 80. The left and right link mechanisms 16 and 17 push the crossbar 15 forward. The crossbar 15 moving forward comes into contact with the multiple hook members 14 and pushes the jack plate 13 forward. Subsequently, the multiple hook members 14 of the jack plate 13 detach from the crossbar 15. As a result, as shown in Figure 12, the jack plate 13 falls to the ground 90 in front of the jack chassis 11, and the front edge of the jack chassis 11 falls to the ground 90. Figure 12 is an explanatory diagram of the state in which the front edge of the jack plate 13 has fallen to the ground 90 from the vehicle jack device 10 of Figure 11.

[0039] Next, the operator operates the remote control device 80 to drop the bag-shaped case 18 of the vehicle jack device 10 to the front and below the jack chassis 11. The jack control unit 21 of the vehicle jack device 10 operates the case drop device 25 based on the control signal from the remote control device 80, causing the bag-shaped case 18 to drop towards the front of the jack chassis 11. As shown in Figure 13, the bag-shaped case 18 falls between the jack plate 13, whose front edge is resting on the ground 90, and the ground 90. Figure 13 is an explanatory diagram showing the state after the bag-shaped case 18 has been dropped from the vehicle jack device 10 shown in Figure 12.

[0040] Next, the operator operates the remote control device 80 to unfold the bag 31 from the bag case 18 that has fallen to the ground 90. The jack control unit 21 of the vehicle jack device 10 operates the unfolding gas supply device 24, which acts as an unfolding device, based on the control signal from the remote control device 80, and unfolds the bag 31 from the bag case 18. As shown in Figure 14, the bag 31 unfolds between the jack plate 13, whose leading edge has fallen to the ground 90, and the ground 90. Figure 14 is an explanatory diagram showing the state in which the vehicle jack device 10 of Figure 13 has unfolded the bag 31 and is jacking up the vehicle 1 that has caught fire in the crash test. As a result, the vehicle body 2, which is tilted due to the wheel coming off and is on fire, is jacked up. The vehicle body 2 is jacked up from its tilted position due to the wheel coming off to a position that is approximately parallel to the ground 90. Between the jacked-up vehicle body 2 and the ground 90 are the jack plate 13 and the unfolded bag 31. The vehicle body 2 is jacked up to the height of the unfolded bag 31 plus the thickness of the jack plate 13.

[0041] (Effects of vehicle jacking devices) As described above, in one embodiment of the present invention, the vehicle jacking device 10 pushes the jack plate 13 forward from above the jack chassis 11 having a plurality of drive wheels 26 to 29, so that the leading edge of the jack plate 13 falls to the ground 90. The deployment device then deploys the bag 31 between the jack plate 13, whose leading edge has fallen to the ground 90, and the ground 90. As a result, the vehicle jacking device 10 can jack up the vehicle 1 by deploying the bag 31 with the front edge of the jack plate 13 touching the ground 90 under the vehicle body 2. In particular, the vehicle jacking device 10 can get deep under the vehicle body 2, which is tilted due to the wheel 3 falling off, and deploy the bag 31 of the deployment device under the jack plate 13 with its front edge touching the ground 90 at a position deep under the vehicle body 2. By jacking up at a position deep under the vehicle body 2, the vehicle jacking device 10 can jack up the vehicle body 2 near its center of gravity, and jack up in a way that reduces the tilt of the vehicle body 2. In contrast, if, for example, the leading edge of the jack plate 13 is not dropped to the ground 90, the jack plate 13 will be pushed up on the jack chassis 11 by the bag 31 that unfolds on the jack chassis 11. The vehicle jacking device 10 has difficulty getting under the vehicle body 2, which is tilted due to the wheels 3 falling off, to near the center of the vehicle body 2 in the width direction. As a result, the bag 31 that unfolds on the jack chassis 11 has difficulty pushing up near the center of the vehicle body 2 in the width direction. If the vehicle body 2 cannot be jacked up near its center of gravity, the vehicle body 2 will be jacked up while remaining in a tilted and unstable position. Thus, in one embodiment of the present invention, the vehicle jacking device 10 can approach the vehicle body 2 on its drive wheels 26-29 even when the vehicle body 2 is on fire, and enter underneath the vehicle body 2 from the opposite side of the fire, for example, and jack up the vehicle body 2, which is tilted due to the wheels 3 falling off, in order to reduce the tilt of the vehicle body 2. Then, by jacking up the vehicle body 2, a device for transporting the vehicle can be placed underneath it. After that, the vehicle body 2 can be transported by the device.

[0042] In this embodiment, the jack plate 13 is formed to a width that matches the space between the left and right front drive wheels 26, 27. This allows the jack plate 13 to be pushed forward of the jack chassis 11 while being guided by the left and right front drive wheels 26, 27. At a desired position in front of the jack chassis 11, the leading edge of the jack plate 13 can drop to the ground 90. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the jack plate 13 has a plurality of hook members 14 arranged in the left-right direction on the lower surface of the jack plate 13. The extrusion mechanism has a crossbar 15 extending in the left-right direction on the jack chassis 11, and link mechanisms 16, 17 that move the crossbar 15 forward. Here, the crossbar 15 extends in the left-right direction behind the plurality of hook members 14. As a result, the jack plate 13 is guided between the left and right front drive wheels 26 and 27 and pushed forward by the link mechanisms 16 and 17 onto the jack chassis 11. Also, as the multiple hook members 14 detach from the crossbar 15, the front edge of the jack plate 13 falls from the jack chassis 11 to the ground 90.

[0043] In this embodiment, the bag 31 of the deployment device is stored in a bag case 18 provided at the front of the jack chassis 11. The case detachment device 25 then detaches the bag case 18 from the jack chassis 11 and drops it to the ground 90. This allows the bag 31 to be deployed on the ground 90 rather than on the jack chassis 11. The bag 31 receives a stable reaction force from the ground 90, enabling it to reliably jack up the vehicle body 2 which is on the jack plate 13.

[0044] In this embodiment, the vehicle jacking device 10 has a jack communication device 22 as a receiver that can communicate wirelessly with the remote control device 80. The multiple drive wheels 26-29, the extrusion mechanism, and the case release device 25 of the vehicle jacking device 10 are operated by signals received by the jack communication device 22 from the remote control device 80. This allows the operator to operate the vehicle jacking device 10 from a distance away from the vehicle 1. The operator can move the vehicle jacking device 10 under the damaged vehicle body 2 without approaching the vehicle 1, and then jack up the vehicle body 2 using the vehicle jacking device 10. For example, even if an electrically driven vehicle 1 is hit by a collision and its wheels 3 fall off, rendering the vehicle 1 unable to move, and the vehicle 1's battery or other components catch fire, the operator can still jack up the vehicle body 2 of the vehicle 1 without approaching the vehicle 1.

[0045] [Second Embodiment] (Overview) In the first embodiment, an example is described in which a vehicle jacking device 10 is used to jack up the damaged vehicle body 2 so that it can be transported. In the second embodiment, an example will be described in which a vehicle body 2, which is jacked up by a vehicle jacking device 10, is transported by a vehicle transport device 40. The vehicle jacking device 10 and the vehicle transport device 40 together constitute a vehicle transport system 70 for quickly transporting a damaged vehicle 1.

[0046] (Example of a vehicle transport system configuration) In this embodiment, a vehicle transport device 40 is used to transport the jacked-up vehicle 1. Figure 15 is a schematic top view of a vehicle transport device 40 according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Figure 16 is a left side view of the vehicle transport device 40 of Figure 15. The vehicle transport device 40 of this embodiment transports the vehicle 1 by moving under the vehicle body 2 of the vehicle 1 and supporting the vehicle body 2 while moving, in accordance with the operation of the remote control device 80 by the operator. The remote control device 80 may be used for the vehicle jack device 10 as well. In this embodiment, the top, bottom, left, right, front, and rear directions of the vehicle transport device 40 are based on Figure 15. The width direction of the vehicle transport device 40 is aligned with the left-right direction.

[0047] The vehicle transport device 40 has a roughly rectangular, plate-shaped transport chassis 41, with a pair of left and right drive wheels 42 on either side. The two drive wheels 42 may be wheels equipped with, for example, in-wheel motors that can be driven to rotate independently in forward and reverse directions. A roughly cylindrical axle support 45 is fixed to the rear of the transport chassis 41 in the left-right direction. The roughly cylindrical axle support 45 supports an axle member 44 that is inserted into the axle support 45. The left and right ends of the axle member 44 are connected to the pair of left and right drive wheels 42. By having a pair of left and right drive wheels 42 that can be driven independently in this way, the vehicle transport device 40 can move under the vehicle body 2 even if the ground 90 is uneven, by overcoming any unevenness. At the front of the transport chassis 41, a balance member 47 protrudes downward from the transport chassis 41 at the center in the width direction of the vehicle. The balance member 47 is formed from a material such as rubber and is designed to be less likely to slip on the ground 90 when pressed against it. With the left and right inverted plates 43 folded down, the vehicle transport device 40 can rotate the left and right drive wheels 42 and self-propel itself to the area under the vehicle body 2 of the vehicle 1, as shown in Figure 18, which will be described later.

[0048] On both the left and right sides of the transport chassis 41, left and right inverted plates 43 are provided between the left and right pair of drive wheels 42. As shown in Figure 16, the inverted plates 43 have plate holes 50 into which the shaft member 44 is inserted. The plate holes 50 have an elongated hole portion 51 and a central dimple portion 52. On both the left and right sides of the substantially cylindrical shaft support 45, as shown in Figure 15, left and right clutch mechanisms 46 are provided. The clutch mechanisms 46 press the inverted plates 43 against the drive wheels 42. With the inverted plates 43 pressed against the drive wheels 42, the left and right drive wheels 42 rotate forward together as shown by the dashed arrows in Figure 16, causing the left and right drive wheels 42 to press the balance member 47 provided on the lower surface of the transport chassis 41 against the ground 90. As the balance member 47 is pressed against the ground 90, the transport chassis 41 remains in its current position. As a result, the left and right drive wheels 42 rotate smoothly on the ground 90. The left and right inverted plates 43 rotate together with the left and right drive wheels 42 as they slide and rotate, and come to an upright position as shown in Figure 17. Figure 17 is a left side view of the vehicle transport device 40 of Figure 16 with the left and right inverted plates 43 in an upright position. As the left and right drive wheels 42 rotate by approximately 90 degrees, the left and right inverted plates 43 move from a tilted position as shown in Figures 15 and 16 to an upright position as shown in Figure 17. As shown in Figure 18, which will be described later, the vehicle transport device 40 can rotate the left and right drive wheels 42 under the vehicle body 2 of the vehicle 1 to raise the left and right inverted plates 43. Furthermore, the height of the left and right inverted plates 43 when they are raised should be less than or equal to the height of the underside of the vehicle body 2 that the vehicle jacking device 10 is jacking up.

[0049] Figure 18 is an explanatory diagram showing the vehicle transport device 40 from Figure 15 with the left and right inverted plates 43 raised under the front of the vehicle body 2. With the left and right inverted plates 43 raised under the vehicle body 2 in this way, the vehicle transport device 40 becomes ready to transport a vehicle. Then, when the bag 31 that was jacking up the vehicle body 2 retracts, the vehicle body 2 rests on the left and right inverted plates 43 of the vehicle transport device 40, as shown in Figure 19. Figure 19 is an explanatory diagram showing the vehicle body 2, which has ignited in a crash test, resting on the left and right inverted plates 43 of the vehicle transport device 40 from Figure 18. When the load of the vehicle body 2 is not acting on the upright left and right inverted plates 43, the axle member 44 moves from the central dimple portion 52 of the plate hole 50 to the elongated hole portion 51, as shown in Figure 17. The left and right inverted plates 43 are supported by the axle member 44 when the load of the vehicle body 2 is acting on them.

[0050] Subsequently, the vehicle transport device 40 moves under its own power by rotating the left and right drive wheels 42 while supporting the vehicle 1 on the left and right inverted plates 43. At this time, the vehicle transport device 40 releases the pressure contact of the left and right clutch mechanisms 46. This allows the vehicle transport device 40 to transport the vehicle 1. By rotating the left and right drive wheels 42 with the pressure contact of the left and right inverted plates 43 released, the vehicle transport device 40 can move under its own power while supporting the vehicle body 2 and transport the vehicle body 2 of the vehicle 1. Here, the predetermined position under the vehicle body 2 on which the vehicle body 2 is placed on the vehicle transport device 40 may be, for example, the center of the vehicle body 2 in the vehicle width direction. Alternatively, the predetermined position under the vehicle body 2 may be any position from the front to the rear in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle body 2, as long as it is the center in the vehicle width direction. For example, if the drive wheels 42 of the vehicle 1 are at the front, the predetermined position may be at the front of the vehicle body 2. This allows the vehicle transport device 40 to transport the vehicle 1, which is supported on the left and right inverted plates 43, by the rotation of the left and right drive wheels 42.

[0051] (effect) As described above, in one embodiment of the present invention, the left and right clutch mechanisms 46, which serve as the pressure contact mechanism of the vehicle transport device 40, press the left and right inverted plates 43, which are spaced apart on the inside of the left and right drive wheels 42, against the left and right drive wheels 42 under the vehicle body 2 of the vehicle 1. The left and right drive wheels 42 rotate under the vehicle body 2 with the left and right inverted plates 43 pressed against them by the left and right clutch mechanisms 46, thereby raising the left and right inverted plates 43 under the vehicle body 2. As a result, the vehicle transport device 40 can support the vehicle body 2 by placing it on the raised left and right inverted plates 43. Furthermore, the left and right clutch mechanisms 46 release the pressure contact between the left and right inverted plates 43 and the left and right drive wheels 42 while the vehicle body 2 is supported on the upright left and right inverted plates 43. The left and right drive wheels 42 can transport the vehicle 1 by rotating while the pressure contact between the left and right inverted plates 43 is released. Therefore, in one embodiment of the present invention, the vehicle transport device 40 can transport the vehicle 1 by placing and supporting the vehicle body 2 on the left and right inverted plates 43, and by the rotation of the left and right drive wheels 42 while the vehicle body 2 is being supported. In one embodiment of the present invention, the vehicle transport device 40 can approach the vehicle 1 using its drive wheels 42, support the vehicle body 2, and transport the vehicle 1 even if the wheels 3 of the vehicle 1 have fallen off or if the vehicle 1 itself is damaged to the point where it cannot move under its own power. Furthermore, because the vehicle transport device 40 can move under its own power using its drive wheels 42, it can approach the vehicle 1 and transport it quickly even if the vehicle 1 is on fire. The vehicle transport device 40 can transport the vehicle 1 in the forward and backward directions by the rotation of the left and right drive wheels 42, and can also transport the vehicle 1 by turning it due to the difference in rotation between the left and right drive wheels 42.

[0052] In this embodiment, the vehicle transport device 40 has a transport communication device 62 as a receiving unit that can wirelessly communicate with the remote control device 80. The left and right drive wheels 42 and the left and right clutch mechanisms 46 operate according to the signals that the transport communication device 62 receives from the remote control device 80. This allows the operator to operate the vehicle transport device 40 by operating the remote control device 80 from a distance from the vehicle 1. Without approaching the vehicle 1 themselves, the operator can move the vehicle transport device 40 under the damaged vehicle body 2, raise the left and right inverted plates 43 under the vehicle body 2 to support the vehicle body 2, and move the vehicle transport device 40, which is supporting the vehicle body 2, together with the vehicle body 2. For example, even if an electrically driven vehicle 1 is hit by a collision and its wheels 3 fall off, rendering the vehicle 1 itself immobile, and the vehicle 1's battery or other components catch fire, the operator can quickly transport the vehicle body 2 of the vehicle 1 without approaching the vehicle 1 themselves.

[0053] In this embodiment, the vehicle transport system 70 includes the vehicle transport device 40 along with the vehicle jack device 10 described above. With the damaged vehicle 1 jacked up by the vehicle jack device 10, the vehicle transport device 40 is moved under the vehicle body 2, and the left and right inverted plates 43 of the vehicle transport device 40 can be raised under the vehicle body 2. After that, by releasing the jacking up by the vehicle jack device 10, the vehicle transport device 40 can support the vehicle body 2 with its left and right inverted plates 43. The vehicle transport device 40 can also transport the vehicle body 2 which is supported by the left and right inverted plates 43. As a result, in this embodiment, even if, for example, an electrically driven vehicle 1 collides and its wheels 3 fall off, causing the vehicle 1 itself to tilt and become unable to move, and even if the vehicle 1 is on fire, a worker can quickly jack up and transport the vehicle body 2 of the vehicle 1, which is tilted due to the detached wheels 3, without having to approach the vehicle 1 themselves.

[0054] The embodiments described above are examples of preferred embodiments of the present invention, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and various modifications or changes are possible without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0055] (modified version) In the embodiment described above, the jack plate 13 of the vehicle jack device 10 is pushed forward from above the jack chassis 11 by an extrusion mechanism having left and right link mechanisms 16, 17 and a crossbar 15. In the embodiment described above, the jack plate 13 is provided with a plurality of hook members 14, the vehicle jacking device 10 has a crossbar 15 that moves forward, and the jack plate 13 is pushed forward by the forward movement of the crossbar 15. In addition, the extrusion mechanism may, for example, slide the jack plate 13 forward on the jack chassis 11. However, when the jack plate 13 is slid forward on the jack chassis 11, even if the center of gravity of the jack plate 13 moves forward of the front edge of the jack chassis 11, it is difficult for it to fall to the ground 90. In contrast, as in the embodiment described above, by using the left and right link mechanisms 16 and 17 to lift the jack plate 13 upward from the jack chassis 11 and push it forward, the jack plate 13 can slide forward under its own weight, and its front edge can easily fall to the ground 90 in front of the jack chassis 11. The front edge of the jack plate 13 falls smoothly to the ground 90 in front of the jack chassis 11.

[0056] In the embodiment described above, the jack plate 13 of the vehicle jack device 10 is formed to a width that matches the distance between the left and right front drive wheels 42, and is guided by the left and right drive wheels 42 when pushed forward. In addition, for example, the jack plate 13 may be formed with a width narrower than the distance between the left and right front drive wheels 42. In this case, the upper surface of the jack plate 13 may be provided with left and right guide rails that extend along the left and right edges of the jack plate 13. In this case, the left and right drive wheels 42 and the jack plate 13 are less likely to come into contact while the vehicle jacking device 10 is moving under its own power.

[0057] In the embodiment described above, the vehicle jacking device 10 uses a case removal device 25 to remove the bag-shaped case 18 from the jack chassis 11. In addition, for example, the bag-shaped case 18 may be detached from the jack chassis 11 by the jack plate 13 which is pushed forward. Alternatively, the bag-shaped case 18 may be attached to the jack plate 13 which is pushed forward. Furthermore, even if the bag 31 is unfolded on the jack plate 13, the vehicle jacking device 10 can still jack up the vehicle body 2. Furthermore, the bag 31 does not necessarily have to be stored in the bag case 18. The bag 31 may be unfolded from the jack chassis 11. However, by deploying the bag 31 beneath the jack plate 13, whose leading edge is on the ground 90, it becomes less likely for the bag to come into direct contact with the underside of the vehicle body 2. The underside of the vehicle body 2 may be flattened by an under cover or the like, but some vehicles do not have such an under cover. With the jack plate 13 interposed between the deploying bag 31 and the vehicle body 2, the vehicle body 2 becomes easier to push up in a flatter position.

[0058] In the embodiment described above, the bag 31 of the vehicle jack device 10 is unfolded from the bag case 18 that has been detached from the jack chassis 11. In addition, for example, the bag 31 of the vehicle jacking device 10 may be extended forward from the jacking chassis 11. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0059] 1...Vehicle, 2...Vehicle body, 3...Wheels, 4...Bumper beam, 10...Vehicle jacking device, 11...Jack chassis, 13...Jack plate, 14...Hook member, 15...Crossbar (extrusion mechanism), 16...Front link member (link mechanism, extrusion mechanism), 17...Rear link member (link mechanism, extrusion mechanism), 18...Bag case (case), 19...Control unit case, 20...Control system, 21...Jack control unit, 22...Jack communication device (receiver), 23...Extrusion actuator (extrusion mechanism), 24...Expanding gas supply device (expanding device), 25...Case detachment device (detachment device) 26...Left front drive wheel, 27...Right front drive wheel, 28...Left rear drive wheel, 29...Right rear drive wheel, 30...Jack power unit, 31...Bag (deployment device), 40...Vehicle transport device, 41...Transport chassis, 42...Drive wheel, 43...Inverted plate, 44...Axle member, 45...Axle support, 46...Clutch mechanism, 47...Balance member, 50...Plate hole, 51...Slotted hole, 52...Central dimple, 53...Biasing member, 60...Control system, 61...Transport control unit, 62...Transport communication device, 63...Clutch actuator, 70...Vehicle transport system, 80...Remote control device, 90...Ground

Claims

1. Chassis and Multiple drive wheels provided on at least the left and right front sides of the chassis, Between the left and right front drive wheels, the jack plate placed on the chassis, An extrusion mechanism that pushes the jack plate forward from above the chassis and drops the front edge of the jack plate from the chassis to the ground, A deployment device that deploys the bag between the jack plate, whose leading edge is resting on the ground, and the ground, Having, Vehicle jacking device.

2. The aforementioned jack plate is, It is formed to a width that matches the distance between the left and right front drive wheels, The jack plate has a plurality of hook members arranged in the left-right direction on its lower surface, The extrusion mechanism described above is On the chassis on which the jack plate is placed, a crossbar extends in the left-right direction behind the plurality of hook members, It has a link mechanism that moves the crossbar forward, The aforementioned jack plate is, The link mechanism pushes the hook members forward through the space between the left and right front drive wheels, causing the hook members to detach from the crossbar and the front edge to fall from the chassis to the ground. Vehicle jacking device according to claim 1

3. The bag body of the unfolding device is stored in a case provided at the front of the chassis. The device includes a detachment mechanism that removes the case from the chassis and drops it to the ground. A vehicle jacking device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. It has a remote control unit and a wireless communication-capable receiver. Multiple drive wheels and the extrusion mechanism operate in accordance with signals received by the receiving unit from the remote control device. A vehicle jacking device according to claim 3.

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