Vehicle transport equipment

Abstract

Even if a vehicle is broken down and unable to move under its own power, or if it is on fire, the vehicle will be transported. [Solution] The vehicle transport device has left and right drive wheels provided on the left and right sides of the chassis, each capable of independent rotational drive, left and right inverted plates arranged inside the left and right drive wheels, and a pressure contact mechanism that presses the left and right inverted plates against the left and right drive wheels. The left and right drive wheels rotate with the left and right inverted plates pressed against them by the pressure contact mechanism, thereby raising the left and right inverted plates.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application mainly discloses a vehicle transport apparatus.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a support device for placing a wheel of a vehicle thereon when the wheel of the vehicle is damaged. In addition, Patent Document 2 discloses a vehicle transport apparatus on which wheels of a vehicle are placed, which can be used to transport a completed vehicle in a factory to a large transport vehicle. In this case, the vehicle has no damage. Patent Documents 3 and 4 disclose transport carts for transporting cargo and heavy objects, not vehicles.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Patent Document 3

Patent Document 4

Summary of Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] By the way, a vehicle transport apparatus that transports a vehicle by placing the wheels of the vehicle thereon as in Patent Document 1 requires the vehicle itself to be capable of self-propelling even when the wheels of the vehicle are damaged. However, there is a possibility that the wheels of the vehicle may fall off, or the vehicle itself may break down to be incapable of self-propelling. For example, when an electrically driven vehicle collides in a collision test or the like and the battery ignites, there is a possibility that the wheels of the vehicle fall off and the vehicle ignites to become incapable of self-propelling. In particular, when testing electric vehicles, such as small overlap collisions or pole side collisions, there is a risk that the vehicle may lose its wheels and catch fire. Vehicles experiencing such problems need to be transported as quickly as possible.

[0005] Vehicle transport equipment is required to transport vehicles even if they are broken down to the point where they cannot move under their own power or if they are on fire. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A vehicle transport device according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises a chassis, left and right drive wheels provided on the left and right sides of the chassis and each being independently rotatable, left and right inverted plates arranged inside the left and right drive wheels, and a pressure contact mechanism that presses the left and right inverted plates against the left and right drive wheels, wherein the left and right drive wheels rotate while the left and right inverted plates are pressed against each other by the pressure contact mechanism, thereby raising the left and right inverted plates. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] In one embodiment of the present invention, the contact mechanism of the vehicle transport device presses the left and right inverted plates, which are arranged inside the left and right drive wheels, against the left and right drive wheels. The left and right drive wheels rotate while the left and right inverted plates are pressed against each other by the contact mechanism, thereby raising the left and right inverted plates. As a result, the vehicle transport device can support the vehicle body by placing it on the upright left and right inverted plates. Furthermore, in one embodiment of the present invention, the vehicle transport device can transport the vehicle by rotating the left and right drive wheels while the vehicle body is supported on the left and right inverted plates. Thus, one embodiment of the present invention allows a vehicle transport device to approach a vehicle by its drive wheels, support its body, and transport it, even if the vehicle's wheels have fallen off or the vehicle itself is broken and unable to move under its own power. Furthermore, because the vehicle transport device can move under its own power by its drive wheels, it can approach a vehicle and transport it quickly even if the vehicle is on fire. [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 transport device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] Figure 2 is a front view of the vehicle transport device. [Figure 4] Figure 2 is a left side view of the vehicle transport device. [Figure 5] Figure 2 is a front view of the vehicle transport device, showing the left and right clutch mechanisms pressing the left and right inverted plates against the left and right drive wheels. [Figure 6] Figure 5 is a left side view of the vehicle transport device. [Figure 7] Figure 6 is a left side view of the vehicle transport device with both left and right drive wheels rotating forward and the left and right inverted plates in the upright position. [Figure 8] This is a left side view of the vehicle body resting on the inverted plates on the left and right sides of Figure 7. [Figure 9] Figure 2 is a schematic block diagram of the control system for the vehicle transport device. [Figure 10] This is a left side view of a vehicle jacking device that can be used in conjunction with the vehicle transport device shown in Figure 2. [Figure 11] Figure 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the detachment operation of the bag-shaped case of the vehicle jack device. [Figure 12] Figure 10 is an explanatory diagram showing the unfolded state of the vehicle jacking device's bag. [Figure 13]This is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which the vehicle body of a vehicle that has caught fire in a collision test is jacked up using the vehicle jack device of Figure 2. [Figure 14] This is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which the vehicle carrying device of Figure 2 is moved to below the front portion of the vehicle body. [Figure 15] This is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which the vehicle carrying device of Figure 14 has the left and right inverted plates erected below the front portion of the vehicle body. [Figure 16] This is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which the vehicle body of the vehicle that has caught fire in the collision test is placed on the left and right inverted plates of the vehicle carrying device of Figure 15. [Figure 17] This is a top view of an example of the operation when the left drive wheel rotates more than the right drive wheel in the vehicle carrying device of Figure 2, causing the vehicle carrying device to turn to the right. [Figure 18] This is an explanatory diagram of the vehicle carrying device turning right in Figure 17, viewed from the left side. [Figure 19] This is an explanatory diagram of the relationship between the vehicle carrying device and the vehicle body in Figure 18. [Figure 20] This is a top view of an example of the operation when the right drive wheel rotates more than the left drive wheel in the vehicle carrying device of Figure 2, causing the vehicle carrying device to turn to the left. [Figure 21] This is an explanatory diagram of the relationship between the vehicle carrying device and the vehicle body in Figure 20. [Mode for Carrying Out the Invention]

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the embodiments of the present invention, an example will be described in which the vehicle body of a vehicle that is on fire is carried using a vehicle carrying device. In the present embodiment, after describing the outline of the embodiment, the vehicle carrying device will be explained. In the description of the vehicle carrying device, each example of the configuration, operation, control system, transportation, and left-right turning during transportation of the vehicle carrying device will be described in order. Note that the following descriptions 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] (Overview) Vehicles can be damaged in collisions. For example, if a wheel detaches, the vehicle body may tilt. Furthermore, during vehicle crash tests, there is a possibility of the vehicle body catching fire. Vehicles damaged in this way must be transported as quickly as possible. Therefore, in one embodiment of the present invention, an example of transporting a vehicle using a vehicle transport device will be described. A vehicle transport device according to one embodiment of the present invention is provided with left and right drive wheels on the left and right sides of the chassis, each capable of independently rotating. Such a vehicle transport device can self-propel itself to a damaged vehicle using the left and right drive wheels. Inverted plates are provided on the left and right sides between the chassis of the vehicle transport device and the left and right drive wheels. The left and right inverted plates are aligned inside the left and right drive wheels. The vehicle transport device also has a pressure-fitting mechanism that presses the left and right inverted plates against the left and right drive wheels. The left and right drive wheels not only propel the vehicle transport device, but also rotate under the vehicle body with the left and right inverted plates pressed against them by the pressure-fitting mechanism, allowing the left and right inverted plates to stand upright. The vehicle transport device can support the vehicle body on the upright left and right inverted plates. By propelling itself with the vehicle body supported on the upright left and right inverted plates, the vehicle transport device can transport a damaged vehicle. Such a vehicle transport device can approach a vehicle using its drive wheels, even if the vehicle's wheels have fallen off or the vehicle itself is damaged to the point where it cannot move under its own power. It can then support the vehicle from below and transport it. Furthermore, because the vehicle transport device can move under its own power using its drive wheels, it can approach a vehicle even if it is on fire and transport it quickly.

[0011] (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 2 is a schematic top view of a vehicle transport device 40 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 is a front view of the vehicle transport device 40 of Figure 2. Figure 4 is a left side view of the vehicle transport device 40 of Figure 2. The vehicle transport device 40 of this embodiment transports the vehicle 1 by self-propelling itself to the area beneath the vehicle body 2 of the vehicle 1, supporting the vehicle body 2 on the upright left and right inverted plates 43, and then self-propelling itself. In this embodiment, the top, bottom, left, right, front, and rear directions of the vehicle transport device 40 are based on Figure 2. The width direction of the vehicle transport device 40 is aligned with the left-right direction.

[0012] The vehicle transport device 40 of this embodiment has a roughly rectangular, plate-shaped transport chassis 41. A pair of drive wheels 42 are provided on the left and right sides of the roughly rectangular flat transport chassis 41. 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. The pair of drive wheels 42 are connected to the left and right ends of the shaft member 44. By having a pair of independently driveable left and right drive wheels 42 in this manner, the vehicle transport device 40 can move under its own power even if there are bumps or unevenness on the ground 90, overcoming those bumps and reaching under the vehicle body 2.

[0013] A roughly cylindrical shaft support 45 is fixed on the transport chassis 41. The roughly cylindrical shaft support 45 is fixed on the rear of the transport chassis 41 with the axis of the cylinder oriented in the left-right direction. A shaft member 44 is inserted into the roughly cylindrical shaft support 45 in the left-right direction. The roughly cylindrical shaft support 45 supports the shaft member 44.

[0014] A balance member 47 is fixed beneath the transport chassis 41. The balance member 47 protrudes downward from the front center of the transport chassis 41. Here, the center of the transport chassis 41 refers to the center of the transport chassis 41 in the vehicle width direction. The balance member 47 is fixed protruding downward from the transport chassis 41 at a position offset in the front-rear direction from the axle member 44 that extends in the left-right direction. The balance member 47 may be formed from a material such as rubber. When the balance member 47 is pressed against the ground 90, it becomes less likely to slip on the ground 90.

[0015] Left and right inverted plates 43 are provided on both the left and right sides of the transport chassis 41. As shown in Figure 4, the inverted plate 43 has a plate hole 50 into which the shaft member 44 is inserted. The left and right inverted plates 43 are arranged inside the left and right drive wheels 42, spaced apart from the left and right drive wheels 42, as shown in Figures 2 and 3. The left and right inverted plates 43 are interposed between the left and right drive wheels 42, which are attached to the left and right ends of the shaft member 44, and the transport chassis 41. In Figures 2 to 4, the inverted plate 43 is tilted to the rear of the vehicle transport device 40.

[0016] On both the left and right sides of the roughly cylindrical shaft support 45, left and right clutch mechanisms 46 are provided. The left inverted plate 43 is interposed between the left drive wheel 42 and the left clutch mechanism 46. The right inverted plate 43 is interposed between the right drive wheel 42 and the right clutch mechanism 46. The clutch mechanism 46 expands and contracts along the direction of the shaft member 44. When expanded, the clutch mechanism 46 sandwiches the inverted plate 43 between itself and the drive wheel 42, pressing the inverted plate 43 against the drive wheel 42. In this way, the left and right clutch mechanisms 46 function as pressure contact mechanisms that press the left and right inverted plates 43 against the left and right drive wheels 42.

[0017] As shown in Figure 4, the plate hole 50 has an elongated hole portion 51 and a central dimple portion 52. The elongated hole 51 is formed to extend along the front-to-back direction of the inverted plate 43 when the inverted plate 43 is standing upright, as shown in Figure 7, which will be described later. The central dimple portion 52 is provided at the central lower edge in the front-to-back direction of the elongated hole portion 51. Furthermore, the front portion and the rear portion of the elongated hole 51, which are positioned in front of the central portion where the central dimple portion 52 is formed, are formed to extend diagonally upward from the central portion. Thus, the plate hole 50 is formed in a roughly V-shape overall.

[0018] Furthermore, biasing members 53 are provided on the left and right inverted plates 43. The biasing member 53 is provided on the inner surface of the inverted plate 43 and is pressed against the upper outer surface of the clutch mechanism 46, as shown in Figure 7. As a result, the shaft member 44 fits into the central dimple portion 52 in the plate hole 50. As shown in Figure 4, even when the inverted plate 43 is tilted, the shaft member 44 can be fitted into the central dimple portion 52 due to the biasing force of the biasing member 53.

[0019] (Example of vehicle transport system operation) As shown in Figures 2 to 4, in the vehicle transport device 40, the left and right inverted plates 43 are in a tilted position. In this state, the vehicle transport device 40 rotates its left and right drive wheels 42 and moves under itself to the underside of the vehicle body 2 of the vehicle 1. Subsequently, the vehicle transport device 40 raises the left and right inverted plates 43 in a predetermined position under the vehicle body 2 by the operation shown in Figures 5 to 8. This allows the vehicle transport device 40 to support the vehicle 1 on the raised left and right inverted plates 43. 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. In this way, the vehicle transport device 40 can transport the vehicle 1. Here, the predetermined position under the vehicle body 2 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 of the vehicle width direction. For example, if the drive wheels 42 of 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 vehicle 1, which is supported on the left and right inverted plates 43, by the rotation of the left and right drive wheels 42.

[0020] Figure 5 is a front view of the vehicle transport device 40 of Figure 2, showing the left and right clutch mechanisms 46 pressing the left and right inverted plates 43 against the left and right drive wheels 42. Figure 6 is a left side view of the vehicle transport device 40 of Figure 5.

[0021] When the vehicle transport device 40 stops at a predetermined position under the vehicle body 2, it activates the left and right clutch mechanisms 46, which act as a pressure contact mechanism. The left and right clutch mechanisms 46 expand from a contracted state in the direction of the shaft member 44, and press the left and right inverted plates 43 against the left and right drive wheels 42. The left and right inverted plates 43 become rotatable together with the left and right drive wheels 42.

[0022] Next, the vehicle transport device 40 rotates the left and right drive wheels 42. In this embodiment, as shown by the dashed arrows in Figure 6, the vehicle transport device 40 rotates both the left and right drive wheels 42 forward. With the left and right clutch mechanisms 46, which are pressure contact mechanisms, pressing the left and right inverted plates 43 against the left and right drive wheels 42, the left and right drive wheels 42 rotate together in a direction that presses the balance member 47, which is 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 as if sliding on the ground 90. The left and right inverted plates 43 rotate together with the left and right drive wheels 42 that are in contact with them, and come to an upright position as shown in Figure 7. Figure 7 is a left side view of the vehicle transport device 40 in Figure 6, with the left and right drive wheels 42 rotating forward together and 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 change from a tilted position as shown in Figures 2 to 6 to an upright position as shown in Figure 7. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 7, when the left and right inverted plates 43 are in the upright position, the shaft member 44 maintains a state of being fitted into the central dimple portion 52 of the plate hole 50 due to the biasing force of the left and right biasing members 53. Because the biasing force of the left and right biasing members 53 is continuously acting, the left and right inverted plates 43 rotate around the shaft member 44 in such a state that the shaft member 44 maintains a state of being fitted into the central dimple portion 52. The shaft member 44 is difficult to dislodge from the central dimple portion 52 while the left and right inverted plates 43 are rotating. The shaft member 44 does not move in the direction of extension of the elongated hole portion 51 of the plate hole 50 while the left and right inverted plates 43 are rotating. As a result, the left and right inverted plates 43 can be raised to the state shown in Figure 7 by the rotation of the left and right drive wheels 42.

[0023] Subsequently, the vehicle body 2, which had been jacked up, is placed on the vehicle transport device 40, which has the left and right inverted plates 43 in the upright position, as shown in Figure 8. Figure 8 is a left side view of the vehicle body 2 in the state shown on the left and right inverted plates 43 in Figure 7. If the vehicle body 2 is jacked up while the bag 31 is unfolded, the vehicle body 2 will lower as the bag 31 contracts. The lowered vehicle body 2 will then rest on the upright left and right inverted plates 43. Furthermore, the biasing force of the left and right biasing members 53 is overcome by the load of the vehicle body 2. The left and right inverted plates 43 remain upright and are lowered by the load of the vehicle body 2. The axle member 44 contacts the upper surface of the elongated hole portion 51, which is above the central dimple portion 52, in the lowered left and right plate holes 50. The axle member 44 detaches from the central dimple portion 52 when the load of the vehicle body 2 acts upon it while the left and right inverted plates 43 are in an upright position. In this state, the vehicle transport device 40 can support the vehicle body 2.

[0024] Next, with the vehicle transport device 40 supporting the vehicle body 2 on the upright left and right inverted plates 43, the clutch mechanisms 46 on the left and right sides are released from contact. Furthermore, the vehicle transport device 40 can move under its own power while supporting the vehicle body 2 by rotating the left and right drive wheels 42 with the left and right inverted plates 43 released from contact, thereby transporting the vehicle body 2 of vehicle 1.

[0025] (An example of a control system for a vehicle transport device) Figure 9 is a schematic block diagram of the control system 60 of the vehicle transport device 40 shown in Figure 2.

[0026] The control system 60 of the vehicle transport device 40 in Figure 9 includes a transport control unit 61. The transport control unit 61 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 transport control unit 61. The CPU reads and executes programs from memory. In this way, the CPU functions as the transport control unit 61, controlling the overall operation of the transport control unit 61. The CPU controls the self-propulsion of the vehicle transport device 40 and controls the operations for supporting the series of vehicle bodies 2 shown in Figures 5 to 8. The transport control unit 61 is connected to a transport communication device 62, left and right clutch actuators 63 that operate the left and right clutch mechanisms 46, and a pair of left and right drive wheels 42. The components of the control system 60 of the vehicle transport device 40 operate by being powered by the transport power supply unit 66. Furthermore, the transport control unit 61, the transport communication device 62, and the left and right clutch actuators 63 may be located inside the shaft support 45, which is mounted on the transport chassis 41. The shaft support 45 protects the components of the control system 60 of the vehicle transport device 40 from heat from the burning vehicle 1, etc.

[0027] The transport communication device 62 acts as a receiver for the vehicle transport device 40 and communicates wirelessly with the remote control device 80. The remote control device 80 may be a controller used by an operator to control the operation of the vehicle transport device 40. The remote control device 80 may have, for example, a joystick lever or buttons operated by the operator, and transmit signals corresponding to the operation of these operating members to the transport communication device 62 or the like. Such signals may include control signals for self-propulsion such as starting, stopping, or steering of the vehicle transport device 40, and control signals for each operation shown in Figures 5 to 8.

[0028] The clutch actuator 63 extends and retracts the clutch mechanism 46. As the clutch mechanism 46 extends and retracts, the left and right inverted plates 43 are pressed against the left and right drive wheels 42 or separated from the left and right drive wheels 42.

[0029] The left and right pair of drive wheels 42 are wheels equipped with, for example, in-wheel motors that can be driven to rotate independently in forward and reverse directions. The left and right pair of drive wheels 42 are individually controlled by the transport control unit 61. When the pair of left and right drive wheels 42 rotate forward, the vehicle transport device 40 moves forward. When the pair of drive wheels 42 rotate backward, the vehicle transport device 40 moves backward. When the left drive wheel 42 rotates further forward than the right drive wheel 42, the vehicle transport device 40 turns to the right and forward. When the right drive wheel 42 rotates further forward than the left drive wheel 42, the vehicle transport device 40 turns to the left and forward. When the pair of left and right drive wheels 42 rotate in opposite directions, the vehicle transport device 40 turns without changing its position. By having multiple independently driveable drive wheels 42 in this manner, the vehicle transport device 40 can move under its own power even if the ground 90 is uneven, overcoming the unevenness and reaching under the vehicle body 2.

[0030] (Example of jacking up a vehicle using a vehicle jacking device) By the way, as shown in Figure 1, if wheel 3 has fallen off, the vehicle body 2 will tilt. The space beneath the tilted vehicle body 2 becomes narrower. In this case, it is preferable to jack up the vehicle body 2 in advance using the vehicle jacking device 10 so that the vehicle 1 can be transported by the vehicle transporting device 40.

[0031] Figure 10 is a left side view of a vehicle jack device 10, which can be used together with the vehicle transport device 40 shown in Figure 2. In this embodiment, the up, down, left, right, front, and rear directions of the vehicle jack device 10 are used with reference to Figure 10. The width direction of the vehicle jack device 10 is aligned with the left-right direction. The vehicle jacking device 10 in Figure 10 has four drive wheels 26 on the front, rear, left, and right sides of the jack chassis 11. The four drive wheels 26 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 front link members 16, left and right rear link members 17, a bag-type case 18, and a control unit case 19. The left and right rear link members 17 are mounted on rails (not shown) that run along the left or right side of the jack chassis 11, so as to be slidable and rotatable in the front-rear direction of the jack chassis 11. The front link members 16 are rotatably mounted on the left or right side of the jack chassis 11, in front of the rear link members 17. The left and right front link members 16 and the left and right rear link members 17 are attached to the left and right ends of the crossbar 15. The crossbar 15 is mounted on the jack chassis 11 behind the multiple hook members 14 of the jack plate 13. As the left and right rear link members 17 slide forward along the longitudinal direction of the jack chassis 11, the crossbar 15 moves from the rear to the front of the jack chassis 11 due to the rising left and right rear link members 17 and left and right front link members 16. As the crossbar 15 moves forward, it comes into contact with the multiple hook members 14 of the jack plate 13, pushing the jack plate 13 forward. As a result, as shown in Figure 11, the leading edge of the jack plate 13 is lowered from the leading edge of the jack chassis 11 to the ground 90. With its leading edge lowered to the ground 90, the jack plate 13 is then stretched between the ground 90 and the jack chassis 11. Furthermore, the vehicle jack device 10 causes the bag-shaped case 18, which is located at the front of the jack chassis 11, to fall onto the ground 90 in front of the leading edge of the jack chassis 11. Figure 11 is an explanatory diagram of the detachment operation of the bag-shaped case 18 of the vehicle jack device 10 shown in Figure 10. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 12, the vehicle jacking device 10 unfolds the bag 31 from the bag case 18 that has fallen to the ground 90. As a result, the jack plate 13, whose leading edge is on the ground 90, is pushed up by the unfolding bag 31. The vehicle body 2, which is on the jack plate 13, is jacked up. Figure 12 is an explanatory diagram of the vehicle jacking device 10 in the unfolded state of the bag 31 shown in Figure 10. By using the vehicle jacking device 10 to jack up the tilted vehicle body 2 as shown in Figure 1, the vehicle transport device 40 can get under the vehicle body 2 of the vehicle 1.

[0032] (Example of vehicle transport using a vehicle transport system) Next, an example of the vehicle transport operation of the vehicle transport device 40 of this embodiment will be described using Figures 13 to 16. The vehicle transport device 40 of this embodiment transports the vehicle 1 by self-propelling itself to the area beneath the vehicle body 2 of the vehicle 1, supporting the vehicle body 2 on the upright left and right inverted plates 43, and then self-propelling itself.

[0033] As shown in Figure 13, the worker is in a safe position away from the vehicle body 2 of vehicle 1, which is tilted due to a wheel coming off and is on fire. 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 transport communication device 62 of the vehicle transport device 40. The transport control unit 61 of the vehicle transport device 40 controls the operation of the vehicle transport device 40 according to the control signal received by the transport communication device 62. As a result, the left and right clutch actuators 63 and the pair of left and right drive wheels 42 of the vehicle transport device 40 operate under the control of the transport control unit 61 based on signals received by the transport communication device 62 in accordance with the operator's operation in the remote control device 80.

[0034] Figure 13 is an explanatory diagram showing the state in which vehicle 1, which is on fire during a crash test, is being jacked up using a vehicle jacking device 10. The vehicle jacking device 10 is lifting vehicle 1, which is on fire during the crash test, at the center of gravity of the vehicle body 2. In Figure 13, the vehicle transport device 40 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 transport device 40 toward the vehicle body 2. The transport control unit 61 operates the left and right pair of drive wheels 42 based on the control signals from the remote control device 80 to move toward the vehicle body 2.

[0035] Figure 14 is an explanatory diagram showing the vehicle transport device 40 from Figure 2 in a state where it has been moved to the area under the front of the vehicle 1. When the vehicle transport device 40 approaches the vehicle body 2, the operator operates the remote control device 80 to move the vehicle transport device 40 under the vehicle body 2. The operator remotely operates the vehicle transport device 40 so that it enters under the vehicle body 2 from the side of the vehicle body 2 that is not on fire. 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 on fire from the right side of the vehicle body 2, the operator should remotely operate the vehicle transport device 40 so that it enters under the vehicle body 2 from the direction of the three arrows shown in Figure 1. Based on the control signals from the remote control device 80, the transport control unit 61 operates the left and right pair of drive wheels 42 independently, and moves the vehicle transport device 40 under the vehicle body 2 and stops it so that the entire vehicle transport device 40 is positioned under the vehicle body 2 as shown in Figure 14. In Figure 14, the vehicle transport device 40 is stopped below the central part of the front of the vehicle body 2 in the width direction. That is, the vehicle transport device 40 is stopped between the front wheels 3 of the vehicle body 2 and at a position that is the center of the vehicle body 2 in the width direction.

[0036] Next, the operator operates the remote control device 80 to raise the left and right inverted plates 43 on the vehicle transport device 40 which is stopped under the vehicle body 2. The transport control unit 61 of the vehicle transport device 40 operates the left and right clutch actuators 63 based on the control signal from the remote control device 80, pressing the left and right inverted plates 43 against the left and right drive wheels 42. Next, the transport control unit 61 rotates the left and right drive wheels 42 forward based on the control signal from the remote control device 80. As a result, the left and right inverted plates 43 stand upright under the vehicle body 2, as shown in Figure 15. Figure 15 is an explanatory diagram showing the vehicle transport device 40 of Figure 14 in the state where the left and right inverted plates 43 are upright under the front of the vehicle 1.

[0037] Subsequently, 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 16. Figure 16 is an explanatory diagram showing the state in which the vehicle body 2, which has ignited during the crash test, rests on the left and right inverted plates 43 of the vehicle transport device 40 shown in Figure 15. In this state, the transport control unit 61 of the vehicle transport device 40 operates the left and right clutch actuators 63 based on the control signal from the remote control device 80, releasing the pressure contact between the left and right inverted plates 43 and the left and right drive wheels 42. As a result, the vehicle body 2 is supported by the upright left and right inverted plates 43.

[0038] Next, the operator operates the remote control device 80 to make the vehicle transport device 40 move under its own power. The vehicle body 2 that will be placed on the vehicle transport device 40 is transported in accordance with the movement of the vehicle transport device 40.

[0039] (An example of a vehicle transport device turning left and right during transport) Next, we will explain the rotation of the vehicle transport device 40 while transporting vehicle 1. The vehicle transport device 40 moves straight forward by rotating the left and right drive wheels 42 at the same rotational speed. Conversely, if the left drive wheel 42 rotates more than the right drive wheel 42, the vehicle transport device 40 will turn to the right and forward. Also, if the right drive wheel 42 rotates more than the left drive wheel 42, the vehicle transport device 40 will turn to the left and forward. The transport control unit 61 transports the vehicle 1 supported on the left and right inverted plates 43 by controlling the rotation of the left and right drive wheels 42 under the operation of the operator's remote control device 80.

[0040] Figure 17 is a top view of an example of the operation when the left drive wheel 42 rotates more than the right drive wheel 42 in the vehicle transport device 40 of Figure 2, causing the vehicle transport device 40 to turn to the right. Figure 18 is an explanatory diagram of the vehicle transport device 40 turning to the right as shown in Figure 17, viewed from the left side. Figure 19 is an explanatory diagram of the relationship between the vehicle transport device 40 and the vehicle body 2 as shown in Figure 18.

[0041] In this embodiment, the left and right plate holes 50 have elongated holes 51 that are long in the front-rear direction of the inverted plates 43 when the left and right inverted plates 43 are standing upright. The front portion and rear portion of the elongated hole 51, which are in front of the central portion where the central dimple portion 52 is formed, extend diagonally upward from the central portion. Therefore, as shown in Figure 17, when the left drive wheel 42 rotates more than the right drive wheel 42, the left drive wheel 42 moves forward of the right drive wheel 42. The left end of the shaft member 44 moves forward of the right end. As the shaft member 44 moves forward, as shown in Figure 18, it moves to the front part of the elongated hole 51 of the left inverted plate 43 that extends diagonally upward. Also, as shown in Figure 19, the load of the vehicle body 2 resting on the left inverted plate 43 acts on the left inverted plate 43. As a result, the left inverted plate 43 is lower than the right inverted plate 43, as shown in Figures 18 and 19. The vehicle body 2, supported by the left and right inverted plates 43 of the vehicle transport device 40, is in a left-down position. When vehicle 1 turns to the right, the centrifugal force causes the vehicle body 2 to be in a left-down position. The vehicle body 2 becomes easier to turn to the right. The vehicle body 2 of vehicle 1 can follow the movement of the vehicle transport device 40 as it turns to the right, and can turn to the right together with the vehicle transport device 40.

[0042] Figure 20 is a top view of an example of the operation when the right drive wheel 42 rotates more than the left drive wheel 42 in the vehicle transport device 40 of Figure 2, causing the vehicle transport device 40 to turn to the left. Figure 21 is an explanatory diagram of the relationship between the vehicle transport device 40 and the vehicle body 2 in Figure 20.

[0043] In this embodiment, the left and right plate holes 50 have elongated slots 51 that are long in the front-rear direction of the inverted plates 43 when the left and right inverted plates 43 are standing upright. The front portion and rear portion of the elongated slot 51, which are in front of the central portion where the central dimple portion 52 is formed, extend diagonally upward from the central portion. Therefore, as shown in Figure 20, when the right drive wheel 42 rotates more than the left drive wheel 42, the right drive wheel 42 moves forward of the left drive wheel 42. The right end of the shaft member 44 moves forward of the left end. As the shaft member 44 moves forward, it moves to the front part of the elongated hole 51 of the right inverted plate 43, which extends diagonally upward. Then, as shown in Figure 21, the load of the vehicle body 2 resting on the right inverted plate 43 acts on the right inverted plate 43. As a result, the right inverted plate 43 is lower than the left inverted plate 43, as shown in Figure 21. The vehicle body 2, supported by the left and right inverted plates 43 of the vehicle transport device 40, is in a position that is lower to the right. When vehicle 1 turns to the left, the vehicle body 2 is in a position that is lower to the right due to the action of centrifugal force. The vehicle body 2 is in a state that makes it easier to turn to the left. The vehicle body 2 of vehicle 1 can follow the movement of the vehicle transport device 40 as it turns to the left well and turn to the left together with the vehicle transport device 40.

[0044] In contrast, if, for example, the plate hole 50 is a circular hole similar to that of the shaft member 44, the height of the left and right inverted plates 43 will not change even if a rotational difference occurs between the left and right drive wheels 42. The vehicle 1 will not tilt to the left or right, and will remain in the same posture as when moving straight. As a result, the body 2 of the vehicle 1 will have difficulty following the movement of the vehicle transport device 40, which turns left and right, and will tend to turn with a delay in the turning of the vehicle transport device 40. The turning radius when transporting the body 2 of the vehicle 1 will increase.

[0045] (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.

[0046] In this embodiment, the left and right drive wheels 42 are mounted on the left and right sides of the shaft member 44 supported by the transport chassis 41, such that left and right inverted plates 43 are interposed between the shaft member 44 and the transport chassis 41. The pressure contact mechanism is provided between the shaft support 45 and the left and right inverted plates 43 and has left and right clutch mechanisms 46 that press the left and right inverted plates 43 against the left and right drive wheels 42. The left and right inverted plates 43 are pressed against the left and right drive wheels 42 by the operation of the left and right clutch mechanisms 46. 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 allowing the left and right inverted plates 43 to stand upright under the vehicle body 2. The vehicle transport device 40 can support the vehicle body 2 by placing it on top of the upright left and right inverted plates 43.

[0047] In this embodiment, each of the left and right plate holes 50 has, when the left and right inverted plates 43 are standing upright, an elongated hole portion 51 that is long in the front-rear direction of the inverted plate 43, and a central dimple portion 52 at the lower center edge in the front-rear direction of the elongated hole portion 51 into which a part of the shaft member 44 can be fitted. As a result, when there is a difference in rotation between the left and right drive wheels 42, the left and right sides of the shaft member 44 move in the front-rear direction in the elongated hole portion 51 that is long in the front-rear direction of the inverted plate 43 according to the difference in rotation. For example, if the right drive wheel 42 rotates more than the left drive wheel 42, the right side of the shaft member 44 may move forward from the central portion where the central dimple portion 52 of the elongated hole 51 is formed. The front portion and rear portion of the elongated hole 51, which are forward of the central portion, extend diagonally upward from the central portion. As a result, the right inverted plate 43, on which the shaft member 44 moves forward, is lower overall than the left inverted plate 43. The vehicle body 2, supported by the left and right inverted plates 43 of the vehicle transport device 40, tilts to the right so that the right side is lower than the left side. This makes it easier for the vehicle body 2, supported by the vehicle transport device 40, to turn to the right along with the vehicle transport device 40, which is attempting to turn to the right. Conversely, if the left drive wheel 42 rotates more than the right drive wheel 42, the left side of the shaft member 44 may move forward from the central portion where the central dimple portion 52 of the elongated hole 51 is formed. The front portion and rear portion of the elongated hole 51, both forward and backward from the central portion, extend diagonally upward from the central portion. As a result, the left inverted plate 43, on which the shaft member 44 moves forward, is lower overall than the right inverted plate 43. The vehicle body 2, supported by the left and right inverted plates 43 of the vehicle transport device 40, tilts to the left so that the left side is lower than the right side. This makes it easier for the vehicle body 2, supported by the vehicle transport device 40, to turn to the left along with the vehicle transport device 40, which is attempting to turn to the left. Thus, in this embodiment, when the vehicle transport device 40 turns using the rotational difference between the left and right drive wheels 42, the vehicle body 2 can be tilted outward during the turn. The vehicle body 2, supported by the vehicle transport device 40, becomes more likely to turn in the same direction as the vehicle transport device 40 that is attempting to turn left or right. In contrast, if, for example, the height of the left and right inverted plates 43 does not change, the vehicle transport device 40 will turn only due to the difference in rotation of the left and right drive wheels 42. And even if the vehicle transport device 40 tries to turn left or right, the vehicle body 2 remains in the same state as when it is moving straight. As a result, the turning radius of the vehicle transport device 40 and the turning radius of the vehicle 1 transported by the vehicle transport device 40 become larger. In this embodiment, since the vehicle body 2 can be tilted outward during turning, the turning radius of the vehicle 1 can be reduced, and the vehicle body 2 can be turned in accordance with the vehicle transport device 40.

[0048] In this embodiment, the transport chassis 41 has a shaft member 44 extending in the left-right direction and a balance member 47 protruding downward from the transport chassis 41 at a front-rear offset position. The left and right drive wheels 42 rotate together in a direction that presses the balance member 47 against the ground 90, with the left and right clutch mechanisms 46 pressing the left and right inverted plates 43 against the left and right drive wheels 42. As a result, the left and right inverted plates 43 can stand up from a fallen position in accordance with the rotation of the left and right drive wheels 42 as they slide and rotate on the ground 90.

[0049] 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.

[0050] 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.

[0051] (modified version) In the embodiment described above, the left and right inverted plates 43 of the vehicle transport device 40 are raised from a fallen state to an upright position as the left and right drive wheels 42 rotate in the same direction. In addition, for example, the left and right inverted plates 43 may be raised from a fallen position by the left and right drive wheels 42 rotating in opposite directions. The left and right drive wheels 42 can raise both the left and right inverted plates 43, which are lying on opposite sides of the transport chassis 41, from a fallen position by rotating in opposite directions.

[0052] In the embodiment described above, the vehicle transport device 40 has a pair of left and right drive wheels 42. The vehicle transport device 40 may also be equipped with other drive wheels or wheels.

[0053] In the embodiment described above, the left and right inverted plates 43 are provided in an inverted manner by inserting the shaft members 44 into the left and right plate holes 50. In addition, for example, the left and right inverted plates 43 may be mounted on the transport chassis 41 in an inverted manner. Even in this case, the left and right clutch mechanisms 46 can press the left and right inverted plates 43 against the left and right drive wheels 42. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0054] 1...Vehicle, 2...Body, 3...Wheels, 4...Bumper beam, 10...Vehicle jacking device, 11...Jack chassis, 13...Jack plate, 14...Hook member, 15...Crossbar, 16...Front link member, 17...Rear link member, 18...Bag case, 19...Control unit case, 26...Drive wheel, 31...Bag, 40...Vehicle transport device, 41...Transport chassis, 42...Drive wheel, 43...Inverted plate, 44...Axle member, 45...Axle support, 46...Clutch mechanism (pressure contact 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 (receiver), 63...Clutch actuator, 70...Vehicle transport system, 80...Remote control device, 90...Ground

Claims

1. Chassis and The chassis is provided with left and right drive wheels, each capable of independent rotational drive, The left and right inverted plates are arranged on the inside of the left and right drive wheels, A pressure contact mechanism that presses the left and right inverted plates against the left and right drive wheels, It has, The left and right drive wheels are, The left and right inverted plates are pressed together by the aforementioned pressure contact mechanism and rotated to raise the left and right inverted plates. Vehicle transport equipment.

2. The chassis has an axle support that supports the axle members that pivotally support the left and right drive wheels, The left and right inverted plates have left and right plate holes into which the shaft member is inserted. The left and right drive wheels are mounted on the left and right sides of the axle member such that the left and right inverted plates are interposed between them and the chassis. The aforementioned pressure contact mechanism is provided between the shaft support and the left and right inverted plates and has left and right clutch mechanisms that press the left and right inverted plates against the left and right drive wheels. A vehicle transport device according to claim 1.

3. Each of the left and right plate holes is, when the left and right inverted plates are standing upright, The inverted plate has an elongated hole that is long in the front-to-back direction, The elongated hole portion has a central dimple portion at the lower center in the front-rear direction into which a part of the shaft member can be fitted, The front portion and the rear portion of the elongated hole, which are located in front of the central portion where the central dimple is formed, extend diagonally upward from the central portion. The device includes a biasing member that biases a part of the shaft member so that it fits into the central dimple portion when the left and right inverted plates are in a tilted position. The shaft member, when the vehicle load acts upon it while the left and right inverted plates are in an upright position, detaches from the central dimple portion against the biasing force of the biasing member. A vehicle transport device according to claim 2.

4. The chassis has a shaft member that extends in the left-right direction and a balance member that protrudes downward from the chassis at a position offset in the front-rear direction. The left and right drive wheels are, With the pressure contact mechanism pressing the left and right inverted plates against the left and right drive wheels, the balance member is rotated together in a direction that presses it against the ground, thereby raising the left and right inverted plates. A vehicle transport device according to claim 3.

5. It has a remote control unit and a wireless communication-capable receiver. The left and right drive wheels and the pressure contact mechanism operate according to the signal received by the receiving unit from the remote control device. A vehicle transport device according to claim 4.

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