Bumper and vehicle

Abstract

To provide a bumper that functions more effectively and a vehicle equipped with said bumper. [Solution] A bumper is provided for installation on a vehicle, comprising: a fixing base configured to fix the bumper to the vehicle; a main body formed in a shape extending to a predetermined length in the horizontal direction and configured to receive loads applied from outside the bumper; and a connecting body formed in a shape extending to a predetermined length along the longitudinal direction of the main body and having a base end connected to the fixing base and a tip end connected to the main body so as to be slidable in the longitudinal direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a bumper configured to receive an externally applied load and a vehicle including the bumper.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, bumpers for vehicles configured to receive loads generated by collisions or the like are known. For example, Patent Document 1 describes "a bumper having an outer portion extending in the vehicle width direction of the vehicle, an inner portion extending in the vehicle width direction inside the vehicle relative to the outer portion, the inner portion having a vulnerable region that is more deformable than other regions in the inner portion, and a reinforcing member provided between the outer portion and the inner portion and having a protruding portion extending toward the inner portion on the outer side in the vehicle width direction relative to the vulnerable region."

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Therefore, based on the above-described technologies, an object of the present disclosure is to provide a bumper that functions more effectively and a vehicle including the bumper according to various embodiments.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a bumper for installation on a vehicle is provided, comprising: a mounting base configured to fix the bumper to the vehicle; a main body formed in a shape extending to a predetermined length in the horizontal direction and configured to receive loads applied from outside the bumper; and a connecting body formed in a shape extending to a predetermined length along the longitudinal direction of the main body and having a base end connected to the mounting base and a tip end connected to the main body so as to be slidable in the longitudinal direction.

[0006] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a vehicle is provided comprising a bumper, the bumper comprising: a mounting base configured to fix the bumper to the vehicle; a main body formed in a shape extending to a predetermined length in the horizontal direction and configured to receive loads applied from outside the bumper; and a connecting body formed in a shape extending to a predetermined length along the longitudinal direction of the main body and comprising a base end connected to the mounting base and a tip end connected to the main body so as to be slidable in the longitudinal direction. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to this disclosure, various embodiments can provide a bumper that functions more effectively and a vehicle equipped with such a bumper.

[0008] The effects described above are merely illustrative for the sake of explanation and are not limiting. In addition to, or in lieu of, any other effects described herein or that would be obvious to those skilled in the art may be achieved. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a side view showing an example of the configuration of a vehicle 1 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a plan view showing the configuration of a drive unit 200 of a vehicle 1 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] Figure 3 shows an example of the installation state of the bumper 100 of a vehicle 1 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a perspective view showing an example of the configuration of a bumper 100 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a perspective view showing an example of the configuration of a connective body 160 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a perspective view showing an example of the configuration of a fixed base 110 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a perspective view showing an example of the configuration of the main body 150 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 8A] Figure 8A is a conceptual diagram illustrating the operation of a bumper 100 when a load is applied to it according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 8B] Figure 8B is a conceptual diagram illustrating the operation of a bumper 100 when a load is applied to it according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 8C] Figure 8C is a conceptual diagram illustrating the operation of a bumper 100 when a load is applied to it according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 8D] Figure 8D is a conceptual diagram illustrating the operation of a bumper 100 when a load is applied to it according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a plan view showing an example of the configuration of the main body 150 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a control device 700 of a vehicle 1 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 11] Figure 11 is a diagram showing the processing flow performed by the control device 700 of a vehicle 1 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] 1. Configuration of Vehicle 1 The vehicle according to this disclosure has a plurality of drive wheels installed in a drive unit. More specifically, the vehicle has a plurality of drive wheels configured such that each drive wheel rotates in at least one of left and right directions. This allows the vehicle to turn in at least one of left and right directions. The vehicle also has a plurality of electric motors provided on each corresponding drive wheel among the plurality of drive wheels, configured to generate a driving torque that rotates each corresponding drive wheel in at least one of forward and backward directions. This allows the vehicle to move in at least one of forward and backward directions.

[0011] Such vehicles are used, for example, to transport at least one of the following: people, animals, and articles, or to tow at least one of the following: people, animals, and articles. Preferably, such vehicles are used to transport people, livestock, and pets, as well as articles such as crops, agricultural materials (e.g., seeds, seedlings, fertilizers, feed, pesticides, or packaging materials), agricultural equipment, industrial products, industrial materials, industrial equipment, experimental / testing materials, experimental / testing equipment, goods, materials for goods, and delivered goods. More preferably, they are used to transport crops, agricultural materials (e.g., seeds, seedlings, fertilizers, feed, pesticides, or packaging materials) and agricultural equipment. The animals and articles exemplified here are merely examples of what can be transported by such vehicles, and of course, other items may be transported. Also, loading and towing are merely examples of transport methods, and of course, other methods of transport may be used.

[0012] The vehicle can be used not only on the earth but also in outer space. Further, the vehicle can be used both indoors and outdoors. Further, the vehicle can be used regardless of whether the ground is leveled or uneven. Such a vehicle is used, for example, in paddy fields, fields, orchards, grain farms, pastures, mountain forests, construction sites, disaster areas, factories, buildings, apartment houses or ordinary houses, etc., preferably in workplaces such as paddy fields, fields, orchards, grain farms, pastures, construction sites, disaster areas or factories, etc., more preferably in agricultural lands such as paddy fields, fields, orchards, grain farms or pastures, and particularly preferably in orchards. In the usage environments exemplified above, for example, a load may be applied to the vehicle by contacting an object unexpectedly. For example, when an excessive load is applied, it may cause damage or failure of the vehicle, or may hinder the safe running of the vehicle. Therefore, it is necessary to effectively protect the vehicle from such loads.

[0013] FIG. 1 is a side view showing an example of the configuration of a vehicle 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. According to FIG. 1, the vehicle 1 includes a drive device 200 having a plurality of drive wheels, a carrier 900 configured to be able to place articles such as animals and agricultural products including people inside thereof, a front bumper 100-1 installed on the vehicle 1 in the forward direction of the vehicle 1, and a rear bumper 100-2 installed on the vehicle 1 in a direction opposite to the forward direction.

[0014] In FIG. 1, two bumpers 100, i.e., the front bumper 100-1 and the rear bumper 100-2, are shown. However, the bumper included in the vehicle 1 may be only the front bumper 100-1, or may be only the rear bumper 100-2, or a bumper 100 may be set on the side surface of the vehicle 1 in a direction perpendicular to the forward direction. Further, for the bumper installed at any location of the vehicle 1, it is sufficient that at least one of the bumpers has a bumper 100 installed thereon, and the other bumpers may be bumpers having other forms. In the present disclosure, the front bumper 100-1, the rear bumper 100-2 and other bumpers may be collectively referred to as the bumper 100.

[0015] In addition, in FIG. 1, the case where the vehicle 1 includes the carrier 900 is described, but it is not necessarily required to include the carrier 900. For example, the vehicle 1 can also include a tractor instead of or in combination with the carrier. Therefore, in FIG. 1, the bumper 100 (front bumper 100-1 or rear bumper 100-2) is fixed to the carrier 900, but if it is a part that can effectively receive the load applied from the outside, it may be fixed to, for example, the drive device 200, or fixed to other parts of the vehicle 1.

[0016] 2. Configuration of the drive unit 200 FIG. 2 is a plan view showing the configuration of the drive device 200 of the vehicle 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. According to FIG. 2, the front drive device 200a is connected to the front in the longitudinal direction of the chassis 310 of the drive device main body 300, and the rear drive device 200b is connected to the rear in the longitudinal direction thereof. On the front drive device 200a, the left front drive wheel 250a and the right front drive wheel 250b are respectively installed on the left and right of the chassis 310 so as to be symmetric with each other across the chassis 310.

[0017] The drive device main body 300 is preferably composed of a metal material such as aluminum, steel, or their alloys, a resin material such as fiber-reinforced resin or rigid urethane, and combinations thereof, and more preferably aluminum or its alloy. By being composed of aluminum or its alloy, it is possible to achieve both weight reduction and rigidity.

[0018] As described above, the drive unit body 300 includes a chassis 310 configured such that its longitudinal direction is aligned with the forward direction of the vehicle 1, and a mounting platform 360 that is slidably installed on the chassis 310 in the longitudinal direction of the chassis 310. The chassis 310 has a front drive unit 200a connected to its front longitudinal side and a rear drive unit 200b connected to its rear longitudinal side. Specifically, a pair of left front drive wheels 250a and right front drive wheels 250b are positioned symmetrically to each other in front of the chassis 310. Similarly, a pair of left rear drive wheels 250c and right rear drive wheels 250d are positioned symmetrically to each other in rear of the chassis 310.

[0019] Furthermore, as described above, the mounting platform 360 is connected to the chassis 310 so as to slide along the longitudinal direction of the chassis 310. That is, the mounting platform 360 can be moved and installed at any position along the longitudinal direction of the chassis 310. The mounting platform 360 has a horizontally elongated plate-like structure along the short direction of the chassis 310. Typically, a transport platform 900 on which animals or articles to be transported can be placed is installed on top of the horizontally elongated plate-like mounting platform 360.

[0020] Here, the left front drive wheel 250a includes a tire made of elastic rubber (however, the material may be other than rubber) that contacts the road surface, and a cylindrical metal (however, the material may be other than metal) wheel on which the tire is mounted. An electric motor 290a is positioned inside the wheel of the left front drive wheel 250a. The electric motor 290a is also called an in-wheel motor and functions as a driving force application unit. That is, the electric motor 290a generates a driving torque to rotate the left front drive wheel 250a, which is installed to which the electric motor 290a corresponds, in the forward direction of the vehicle 1 (i.e., forward direction, indicated by arrow T1 in Figure 2). Similarly, the electric motor 290a generates a driving torque to rotate the left front drive wheel 250a in the reverse direction of the vehicle 1 (i.e., backward direction, indicated by arrow T1 in Figure 2).

[0021] Similarly, the right front drive wheel 250b includes a tire made of elastic rubber (however, the material may be other than rubber) that contacts the road surface, and a cylindrical metal (however, the material may be other than metal) wheel on which the tire is mounted. An electric motor 290b is positioned inside the wheel of the right front drive wheel 250b. The electric motor 290b is also called an in-wheel motor and functions as a driving force application unit. That is, the electric motor 290b generates a driving torque to rotate the right front drive wheel 250b, which is installed to which the electric motor 290b corresponds, in the forward direction of the vehicle 1 (i.e., forward, in the direction indicated by arrow T2 in Figure 2). Similarly, the electric motor 290b also generates a driving torque to rotate the right front drive wheel 250b in the reverse direction of the vehicle 1 (i.e., backward, in the direction indicated by arrow T2 in Figure 2).

[0022] The left front drive wheel 250a and the right front drive wheel 250b are connected by a connecting rod 210a, which functions as a connecting part, so that they rotate in conjunction with each other in a direction perpendicular to the forward direction of the vehicle 1 (i.e., at least one of the left and right directions, as indicated by arrows S1 and S2 in Figure 2). Specifically, a connecting part 221a is formed that connects the knuckle device 220a and the suspension device 260a, and serves as the left-right rotation axis of the left front drive wheel 250a, and a connecting part 221b is formed that connects the knuckle device 220b and the suspension device 260b, and serves as the left-right rotation axis of the right front drive wheel 250b. The connecting rod 210a has a rod-like shape in which the tip of an arm extending from the connecting portion 221a toward the left front drive wheel 250a is connected to the left end of the connecting rod 210a, and the tip of an arm extending from the connecting portion 221b toward the right front drive wheel 250b is connected to the right end of the connecting rod 210a.

[0023] Furthermore, the rear drive unit 200b is equipped with a left rear drive wheel 250c and a right rear drive wheel 250d on either side of the chassis 310, so as to be symmetrical with respect to the chassis 310.

[0024] Here, the left rear drive wheel 250c includes an elastic rubber tire (however, the material may be other than rubber) that contacts the road surface, and a cylindrical metal wheel (however, the material may be other than metal) on which the tire is mounted. An electric motor 290c is positioned inside the wheel of the left rear drive wheel 250c. The electric motor 290c is also called an in-wheel motor and functions as a driving force application unit. That is, the electric motor 290c generates a driving torque to rotate the left rear drive wheel 250c, which is installed to which the electric motor 290c corresponds, in the forward direction of the vehicle 1 (i.e., forward direction, indicated by arrow T3 in Figure 2). Similarly, the electric motor 290c generates a driving torque to rotate the left rear drive wheel 250c in the reverse direction of the vehicle 1 (i.e., backward direction, indicated by arrow T3 in Figure 2).

[0025] Similarly, the right rear drive wheel 250d includes an elastic rubber tire (however, the material may be other than rubber) that contacts the road surface, and a cylindrical metal wheel (however, the material may be other than metal) on which the tire is mounted. An electric motor 290d is positioned inside the wheel of the right rear drive wheel 250d. The electric motor 290d is also called an in-wheel motor and functions as a driving force application unit. That is, the electric motor 290d generates a driving torque to rotate the right rear drive wheel 250d, which is installed to which the electric motor 290d corresponds, in the forward direction of the vehicle 1 (i.e., forward direction, indicated by arrow T4 in Figure 2). Similarly, the electric motor 290d also generates a driving torque to rotate the right rear drive wheel 250d in the reverse direction of the vehicle 1 (i.e., backward direction, indicated by arrow T4 in Figure 2).

[0026] The left rear drive wheel 250c and the right rear drive wheel 250d are connected by a connecting rod 210b, which functions as a connecting part, so that they rotate in conjunction with each other in a direction perpendicular to the forward direction of the vehicle 1 (i.e., at least one of the left and right directions, as indicated by arrows S3 and S4 in Figure 2). Specifically, a connecting part 221c is formed that connects the knuckle device 220c and the suspension device 260c, and serves as the left-right rotation axis of the left rear drive wheel 250c, and a connecting part 221d is formed that connects the knuckle device 220d and the suspension device 260d, and serves as the left-right rotation axis of the right rear drive wheel 250d. The connecting rod 210b has a rod-like shape in which the tip of an arm extending from the connecting portion 221c toward the left rear drive wheel 250c is connected to the left end of the connecting rod 210b, and the tip of an arm extending from the connecting portion 221d toward the right rear drive wheel 250d is connected to the right end of the connecting rod 210b.

[0027] As shown in the example in Figure 2, electric motors 290a, 290b, 290c, and 290d are installed to correspond to the left front drive wheel 250a, the right front drive wheel 250b, the left rear drive wheel 250c, and the right rear drive wheel 250d, respectively. Then, receiving control information from a control device (not shown in Figure 2), electric motors 290a, 290b, 290c, and 290d are controlled independently. As a result, the left front drive wheel 250a, the right front drive wheel 250b, the left rear drive wheel 250c, and the right rear drive wheel 250d can each be rotated independently in at least one direction, either forward or backward. In this way, by installing electric motors on each of the left front drive wheel 250a, right front drive wheel 250b, left rear drive wheel 250c, and right rear drive wheel 250d, and making each drive wheel independently controllable, smoother driving becomes possible, especially on rough roads such as uneven terrain.

[0028] In the example shown in Figure 2, each motor is installed corresponding to the left front drive wheel 250a, the right front drive wheel 250b, the left rear drive wheel 250c, and the right rear drive wheel 250d. However, each motor may be installed only on the left front drive wheel 250a and the right front drive wheel 250b at the front of the vehicle 1, or only on the left rear drive wheel 250c and the right rear drive wheel 250d at the rear of the vehicle 1. If no motor is installed, the wheels will not function as drive wheels but simply as running wheels.

[0029] Furthermore, in the example shown in Figure 2, the left front drive wheel 250a, the right front drive wheel 250b, the left rear drive wheel 250c, and the right rear drive wheel 250d are configured to rotate in the directions of arrows S1 to S4 so as to be interconnected. However, alternatively, only the left front drive wheel 250a and the right front drive wheel 250b on the front of the vehicle 1 may rotate in the directions of arrows S1 and S2, while the left rear drive wheel 250c and the right rear drive wheel 250d on the rear of the vehicle 1 may not rotate in the directions of arrows S3 and S4. Similarly, only the left rear drive wheel 250c and the right rear drive wheel 250d on the rear of the vehicle 1 may rotate in the directions of arrows S3 and S4, while the left front drive wheel 250a and the right front drive wheel 250b on the front of the vehicle 1 may not rotate in the directions of arrows S1 and S2.

[0030] Furthermore, in the example shown in Figure 2, the left front drive wheel 250a, the right front drive wheel 250b, the left rear drive wheel 250c, and the right rear drive wheel 250d are configured to rotate in the directions of arrows S1 to S4 so as to be linked to each other. However, instead, the front drive unit 200a, which includes the left front drive wheel 250a and the right front drive wheel 250b, and the rear drive unit 200b, which includes the left rear drive wheel 250c and the right rear drive wheel 250d, may be configured to rotate independently in the directions of arrows S1 and S2, or in the directions of arrows S3 and S4. This is possible because each drive unit receives control information from the control device independently and is controlled based on that control information. For example, on uneven terrain, the presence of obstacles, bumps, mud, etc., may cause driving problems in only one of the drive wheels, but by configuring it in this way, it is possible to achieve smoother driving.

[0031] 3. Installation of Bumper 100 Figure 3 shows an example of the installation state of the bumper 100 of a vehicle 1 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Specifically, Figure 3 shows an example of the state in which the front bumper 100-1 and the rear bumper 100-2 are installed on a transport platform 900 which is installed on the drive unit 200 of the vehicle 1 in the manner shown in Figure 2. Details of the configuration of the transport platform 900 are omitted in Figure 3. Furthermore, as stated above, the example of the installation state shown in Figure 3 is merely an example, and of course, it may be installed on the transport platform 900 by other methods, or on the drive unit 200 or other parts of the vehicle 1.

[0032] According to Figure 3, the vehicle 1 comprises a front bumper 100-1 installed on the transport platform 900 in the direction of the vehicle 1's forward movement, and a rear bumper 100-2 installed on the transport platform 900 in a direction opposite to the direction of the vehicle 1's forward movement. That is, the front bumper 100-1 is fixed in front of the transport platform 900 in the direction of the vehicle 1's forward movement, and the rear bumper 100-2 is fixed behind the transport platform 900 in a direction opposite to the direction of the vehicle 1's forward movement.

[0033] Specifically, as shown in Figure 1, the transport platform 900 includes a front fixing area 901-1 at the front bottom for fixing the front bumper 100-1, and a rear fixing area 901-2 at the rear bottom for fixing the rear bumper 100-2. The front bumper 100-1 is fixed to the front fixing area 901-1 of the transport platform 900 by a fixing base 110-1 provided on the front bumper 100-1. The rear bumper 100-2 is fixed to the rear fixing area 901-2 of the transport platform 900 by a fixing base 110-2 provided on the rear bumper 100-2.

[0034] The front bumper 100-1 can be fixed to the fixing base 110-1 and the front fixing area 901-1 by fastening members such as pins or screws into holes provided at corresponding positions on the fixing base 110-1 and the front fixing area 901-1, respectively. In addition to the combination of holes and fastening members, such fastening may also be done by other methods such as adhesive or welding, or the fixing base 110-1 and the front fixing area 901-1 may be integrally molded.

[0035] Furthermore, the fixing base 110-2 of the rear bumper 100-2 and the rear fixing area 901-2 can be fixed, for example, by fastening members such as pins or screws into holes provided at corresponding positions on the fixing base 110-2 and the rear fixing area 901-2, respectively. In addition to the combination of holes and fastening members, such fixing may of course be done by other methods such as adhesive or welding, or the fixing base 110-2 and the rear fixing area 901-2 may be integrally molded.

[0036] 4. Bumper 100 configuration (1) Overall configuration of bumper 100 Figure 4 is a perspective view showing an example of the configuration of a bumper 100 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Specifically, Figure 4 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a bumper 100 installed on a vehicle 1. As described above, the vehicle 1 is equipped with, for example, a front bumper 100-1 and a rear bumper 100-2, but the vehicle 1 only needs to use the bumper 100 shown in Figure 4 for at least one of the bumpers.

[0037] The bumper 100 comprises a fixed base 110, a pair of connecting bodies 120a (first connecting body) and 120b (second connecting body) provided around the fixed base 110, and a main body 150 to which the connecting bodies 120a and 120b are slidably connected. The bumper 100 as a whole is formed in the shape of a horizontally elongated plate that extends in a direction perpendicular to the forward direction of the vehicle 1, for example, in a direction substantially horizontal to the ground surface.

[0038] The fixing base 110 is positioned approximately at the center of the longitudinal direction of the bumper 100 and is configured to be fixed at any position on the vehicle 1, such as in each fixing area of ​​the transport platform 900. The fixing base 110 is preferably made of aluminum or an alloy thereof, and can be made of metal materials such as aluminum, steel or alloys thereof, resin materials such as fiber-reinforced resin or rigid urethane, or a combination thereof. By using aluminum or an alloy thereof, it is possible to achieve both lightness and rigidity.

[0039] Each of the connecting members 120a and 120b comprises a base end connected to the fixed base 110 and a tip end connected to the main body, and is formed in a plate shape so as to connect the base end and the tip end. That is, each of the connecting members 120a and 120b is formed so that its longitudinal direction is generally aligned with the longitudinal direction of the main body 150 of the bumper 100 (they are not connected so as to be perfectly parallel).

[0040] Furthermore, it is desirable that the connecting members 120a and 120b have elasticity. Having elasticity allows them to effectively absorb loads applied to the bumper 100 when a load from outside the vehicle 1 or bumper 100 is applied to the bumper 100. Therefore, although the connecting members 120a and 120b can be formed from any material, such as metal materials like aluminum, steel, or their alloys; resin materials like fiber-reinforced resin or rigid urethane; and combinations thereof, it is preferable that they be formed from an elastic material as described above.

[0041] The connecting bodies 120a and 120b are configured to have elasticity as described above by incorporating coil springs, leaf springs, torsion bars, disc springs, spiral springs, bamboo shoot springs, conical springs, ring springs, rollers, or combinations thereof in part. On the other hand, as described above, the connecting bodies 120a and 120b are formed in a plate shape that extends in the longitudinal direction, so the connecting bodies 120a and 120b are preferably made of leaf springs.

[0042] As described above, the connecting body 120a includes a base end 123a (first base end) connected to the fixed base 110 and a tip end 122a (first tip end) slidably connected to the main body 150. The connecting body 120a has the function of effectively absorbing the load when a load received from outside the vehicle 1 or the bumper 100 is applied to the bumper 100. Specifically, when a load is applied to the bumper 100, the tip end 122a slides in the longitudinal direction of the main body 150 to perform the above function. Therefore, in order to allow the tip end 122a to slide smoothly when a load is applied to the bumper 100, it is connected to the main body 150 so that, when the fixed base 110 is centered, it is located outside the base end 123a connected to the fixed base 110.

[0043] Furthermore, the connecting body 120a is equipped with a sliding connecting member 130a for which the tip 122a is slidably connected to the main body 150. That is, the tip 122a is connected to the sliding connecting member 140a, and the connecting member is slidably connected to the main body 150 on the slide rail of the main body 150.

[0044] Similarly, the connecting body 120b includes a base end 123b (second base end) connected to the fixed base 110 and a tip end 122b (second tip end) slidably connected to the main body 150. The connecting body 120b has the function of effectively absorbing the load when a load received from outside the vehicle 1 or the bumper 100 is applied to the bumper 100. Specifically, when a load is applied to the bumper 100, the tip end 122b performs the above function by sliding in the longitudinal direction of the main body 150. Therefore, in order to allow the tip end 122b to slide smoothly when a load is applied to the bumper 100, the tip end 122b is connected to the main body 150 at a position outside the base end 123b connected to the fixed base 110 (a position symmetrical to the base end 123a when the fixed base 110 is the center) when the fixed base 110 is the center.

[0045] Furthermore, the connecting body 120b includes a sliding connecting member 130b for which the tip 122b is slidably connected to the main body 150. That is, the tip 122b is connected to the sliding connecting member 130b, and the connecting body is slidably connected to the main body 150 on the slide rail of the main body 150.

[0046] With this configuration, the connecting members 120a and 120b are arranged in a figure-eight shape with the fixed base 110 as the center. The tip 122a of connecting member 120a is configured to slide in a first direction along the longitudinal direction of the main body 150 (for example, to the left in Figure 4), and the tip 122b of connecting member 120b is configured to slide in a second direction opposite to the first direction (for example, to the right in Figure 4). As a result, when a load is applied to the bumper 100, the tips 122a and 122b slide smoothly without interfering with each other, making it possible to effectively absorb the load applied to the bumper 100.

[0047] Although Figure 4 illustrates the case using a pair of connecting bodies 120a and 120b, the connecting bodies do not necessarily have to be a pair. As described above, it is sufficient if they can absorb the load applied from the outside, and either one or more connecting bodies may be used.

[0048] The main body 150 comprises a load-receiving member 153, a fixing base 110 as the center, fixing members 151a and 150b, an intermediate member 152, a first slide rail 170a and a second slide rail 171a positioned between the fixing member 151a and the intermediate member 152, and a first slide rail 170b and a second slide rail 171b positioned between the fixing member 151b and the intermediate member 152.

[0049] The load-bearing member 153 is formed in the shape of a horizontally elongated plate that extends in a direction perpendicular to the forward direction of the vehicle 1, for example, in a direction substantially horizontal to the ground surface. The main body 150 can be formed from any material, such as metal materials like aluminum, steel or alloys thereof, resin materials like fiber-reinforced resin or rigid urethane, or combinations thereof, but it is preferable to form it from a material that has a certain degree of elasticity and flexibility in order to absorb loads applied from the outside.

[0050] The load-receiving member 153 is subjected to loads from at least one of the front, rear, and side of the vehicle 1. Therefore, the load-receiving member 153 has a shape in which the front and rear (rear in Figure 4) are bent at at least one of the two ends formed in the longitudinal direction. This makes it possible to effectively capture loads from the side as well.

[0051] The fixing member 151a is fixed to the rear side of the load-receiving member 153 of the main body 150 (the side on which the connecting body 120a is positioned and facing the connecting body 120a) near the tip 122a of the connecting body 120a in the direction in which it slides (outward from the fixing base 110) by any method such as screws or bolts. Similarly, the fixing member 151b is fixed to the rear side of the load-receiving member 153 of the main body (the side on which the connecting body 120b is positioned and facing the connecting body 120b) near the other end 122b of the connecting body 120b in the direction in which it slides (outward from the fixing base 110) by any method such as screws or bolts. Similarly, the intermediate member 152 is fixed to the load-receiving member 153 of the main body by any method such as screws or bolts, near the approximate center of the load-receiving member 153 (a position opposite the fixing base 110) on the rear side of the load-receiving member 153 (the side on which the connecting body 120a or 120b is located and facing the connecting body 120a or 120b).

[0052] The first slide rail 170a and the second slide rail 171a, and the first slide rail 170b and the second slide rail 171b are each configured in a rod shape so as to extend in a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction of the main body 150. The first slide rail 170a and the second slide rail 171a are fixed at their respective ends in the longitudinal direction to the fixing member 151a and the intermediate member 152, respectively. Similarly, the first slide rail 170b and the second slide rail 171b are fixed at their respective ends in the longitudinal direction to the fixing member 151b and the intermediate member 152, respectively.

[0053] A slide connecting member 130a, to which the tip 122a of the connecting body 120a is connected, is slidably connected to the first slide rail 170a and the second slide rail 171a. Therefore, the slide connecting member 130a and its tip 122a slide along the longitudinal direction of the first slide rail 170a and the second slide rail 171a. Similarly, a slide connecting member 130b, to which the tip 122b of the connecting body 120b is connected, is slidably connected to the first slide rail 170b and the second slide rail 171b. Therefore, the slide connecting member 130b and its tip 122b slide along the longitudinal direction of the first slide rail 170b and the second slide rail 171b.

[0054] In Figure 4, the first slide rail 170a and the second slide rail 171a are formed as a pair to allow the slide connecting member 130a and the tip 122a to slide. This ensures sufficient strength. However, the slide rail can be composed of only one of the first slide rail 170a and the second slide rail 171a, and it is also possible to use multiple slide rails. Similarly, the first slide rail 170b and the second slide rail 171b are formed as a pair to allow the slide connecting member 130b and the tip 122b to slide. This ensures sufficient strength. However, the slide rail can be composed of only one of the first slide rail 170b and the second slide rail 171b, and it is also possible to use multiple slide rails.

[0055] Furthermore, although Figure 4 shows a configuration consisting of a rod-shaped slide rail and a slide connecting member 130 having a hole into which it is inserted, it is also possible to configure it as follows: for example, a slide rail formed in a groove on the back side of the load-receiving member 153 and a slide connecting member having a convex body that fits into the groove, or a slide rail formed convexly on the back side of the load-receiving member 153 and a slide connecting member having a groove into which the convexly formed slide rail fits.

[0056] (2) Configuration of the connecting body 1200 Figure 5 is a perspective view showing an example of the configuration of a connecting body 120 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Specifically, Figure 5 shows an example of the configuration of the connecting body 120 near the tip 122 of the connecting body 120 provided on the bumper 100. As described above, the bumper 100 includes, for example, a connecting body 120a and a connecting body 120b, but the bumper 100 may use at least one of the connecting bodies 120 shown in Figure 5.

[0057] The connecting body 120 includes a sliding connecting member 130 to which its tip 122 is connected. The sliding connecting member 130 includes a fixed base side connecting portion 131 and a main body side connecting portion 135 which is slidably connected to the main body 150 by the insertion of the first slide rail and the second slide rail of the main body 150, respectively. The fixed base side connecting portion 131 and the main body side connecting portion 135 can be formed from any material, such as metal materials like aluminum, steel or alloys thereof, resin materials like fiber-reinforced resin or rigid urethane, or combinations thereof.

[0058] The fixed base-side connecting portion 131 is formed in an overall U-shape by having a pair of wall portions 138 and 139 formed opposite to each other in the short direction of the connecting body 120, and a bottom portion 140 formed to connect one end of each of the wall portions 138 and 139. The wall portions 138 and 139 are provided with holes 132 and 133 formed at opposite positions to each other. A rotating shaft 134 is rotatably inserted into the holes 132 and 133 so as to connect both holes.

[0059] The rotating shaft 134 is formed along the shorter direction of the tip 122 of the plate-shaped connecting body 120, thereby connecting the connecting body 120 so that it can rotate along the rotating shaft 134. As an example of such a structure, the rotating shaft 134 is inserted into the tip 122, which is formed in a hollow tube shape into which the rotating shaft 134 can be inserted in the longitudinal direction, in the order of hole 133, tip 122, and hole 132, and the end is fixed with a nut or the like. This makes the connecting body 120 so that it can rotate along the rotating shaft 134.

[0060] Furthermore, the main body-side connecting portion 135 has a surface formed perpendicular to the direction in which the slide rail extends, and is formed in a plate shape with a certain thickness in the direction in which the slide rail extends. The main body-side connecting portion 135 is provided with a pair of holes 136 and 137 aligned in the direction in which the slide rail extends, that is, in the thickness direction. Therefore, by inserting the first slide rail and the second slide rail into the pair of holes 136 and 137, the connecting body 120 slides along the first slide rail and the second slide rail.

[0061] As mentioned above, the slide rail can be configured in various ways other than being composed of a first slide rail and a second slide rail. Therefore, although the main body side connecting portion 135 in Figure 5 is configured to have a pair of holes 136 and 137, its configuration can be modified as appropriate depending on the configuration of the slide rail.

[0062] Furthermore, the base-side connecting portion 131 and the main body-side connecting portion 135 are fixed to each other by any method such as screws or bolts. As a result, when a load is applied to the load-receiving member 153 of the main body 150, the main body-side connecting portion 135 slides together with the base-side connecting portion 131 along the slide rail of the main body 150. In addition, the tip 122 of the connecting body 120 is rotatably connected to the base-side connecting portion 131 along the rotation axis 134. Therefore, as the tip 122 rotates in the direction in which the load is applied to the load-receiving member 153, the connecting body 120 as a whole flexes. This operation makes it possible to properly absorb the load.

[0063] (3) Configuration of the fixed base 110 Figure 6 is a perspective view showing an example of the configuration of a fixing base 110 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Specifically, Figure 6 is a perspective view showing an example of the configuration of a fixing base 110 provided on a bumper 100 for fixing to a transport platform 900 or the like of a vehicle 1. As described above, the fixing base 110 is not limited to the transport platform 900, but can be fixed to any part of the vehicle 1 depending on the structure of the vehicle 1. Therefore, the structure and shape of the fixing base 110 can be appropriately adjusted according to the part to which it is fixed.

[0064] The fixed base 110 comprises a fixing portion 111 for fixing to the fixing area of ​​the transport table 900 (for example, the front fixing area 901-1 and the rear fixing area 901-2), and a fixed base body 116 formed on the lower surface of the fixing portion 111.

[0065] The fixing part 111 has one or more holes at positions corresponding to one or more holes provided in the fixing area of ​​the transport platform 900. That is, the holes in the fixing area of ​​the transport platform 900 and the holes in the fixing part 111 are positioned opposite each other, and the transport platform 900 and the fixing part 111 are fixed by inserting any fixing member such as screws or bolts into each hole. However, the fixing method is not limited to this method and any other method can be used.

[0066] Furthermore, the fixed base body 116 comprises a pair of left and right wall portions 117 and 118, and a bottom portion 119 and a top portion 113 formed to connect the wall portions 117 and 118 to each other. The bottom portion 119 and the top portion 113 are provided with holes 114a and 114b formed at opposing positions. A rotating shaft 115 is rotatably inserted into the holes 114a and 114b so as to connect the two holes.

[0067] The rotating shaft 115 is formed along the shorter direction of the base end 123 of the plate-shaped connecting body 120, thereby connecting the connecting body 120 so as to be rotatable along the rotating shaft 115. As an example of such a structure, the rotating shaft 115 is inserted into the base end 123, which is formed in a hollow tube shape into which the rotating shaft 115 can be inserted in the longitudinal direction, in the order of hole 114b, base end 123 and hole 114a, and the end is fixed with a nut or the like. This makes the connecting body 120 so as to be rotatable along the rotating shaft 115.

[0068] Furthermore, the wall portion 117 is provided with a recess 112 that accommodates the connecting body 120 when the connecting body 120 rotates and bends under load. That is, the recess 112 is formed in the wall portion 117 in a concave shape with a width that is approximately the same as or slightly larger than the length of the connecting body 120 in the shorter direction. Therefore, as described above, when the connecting body 120 rotates and bends under load, it is possible to ensure that the width of rotation is larger by the depth of the recess 112, thereby enabling better load absorption by the bumper 100.

[0069] Although not explained in detail in Figure 6, as shown in Figure 4, the connecting body 120 has a left and right pair configuration. Therefore, the fixed base 110 has the structure described above as one example of a structure to which the left and right pair of connecting bodies 120 are connected, but it has a similar structure for other connecting bodies.

[0070] (4) Configuration of the main unit 150 Figure 7 is a perspective view showing an example of the configuration of a main body 150 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Specifically, Figure 7 is a perspective view showing an example of the configuration of a main body 150 provided on a bumper 100, to which the tip 122 of a connecting body 120 is slidably connected.

[0071] As described above, the main body 150 comprises a load-receiving member 153, fixing members 151a and 151b, an intermediate member 152, a first slide rail 170a and a second slide rail 171a positioned between the fixing member 151a and the intermediate member 152, and a first slide rail 170b and a second slide rail 171b positioned between the fixing member 151b and the intermediate member 152. Of these, the load-receiving member 153, the fixing members 151a and 151b, and the intermediate member 152 are as described in Figure 4. Furthermore, the first slide rail 170a and the second slide rail 171a, and the first slide rail 170b and the second slide rail 171b are also basically as described in Figure 4.

[0072] As shown in Figure 7, a pair of regulating rings 172a and 172b are fixed to the first slide rail 170a. The regulating rings 172a and 172b have a constant thickness in the direction along the longitudinal direction of the first slide rail 170a and have holes in that thickness direction. In other words, the regulating rings 172a and 172b are arranged at a constant interval along the longitudinal direction of the first slide rail 170a, so that the first slide rail 170a is inserted into the respective holes of the regulating rings 172a and 172b.

[0073] Furthermore, as explained in Figures 4 and 6, the main body-side connecting portion 135 of the connecting body 120 is slidably positioned between the regulating rings 172a and 172b. In other words, by being fixed on the first slide rail 170a, the regulating rings 172a and 172b function as regulating portions to prevent the main body-side connecting portion 135 from sliding beyond the regulating ring 172a or 172b. As a result, although the connecting body 120 will bend as it slides toward the transport platform 900 of the vehicle 1 when subjected to a load, it is possible to prevent at least a part of the bumper 100 from coming into contact with the transport platform 900 or other parts of the vehicle 1 by preventing excessive bending.

[0074] In Figure 7, the regulating rings 172a and 17b are positioned on the first slide rail 170a. However, it is also possible to position the regulating rings 172a and 17b on the second slide rail, or on both. Furthermore, although annular regulating rings 172a and 172b are used in Figure 7, their shape and number can be adjusted as appropriate depending on the shape and number of slide rails, as long as the sliding of the main body connecting portion 135 can be restricted.

[0075] Similarly, a pair of regulating rings 172c and 172d are fixed to the first slide rail 170b. The regulating rings 172c and 172d have a constant thickness in the direction along the longitudinal direction of the first slide rail 170b and have holes in the direction of this thickness. In other words, the regulating rings 172c and 172d are arranged at a constant interval along the longitudinal direction of the first slide rail 170b, so that the first slide rail 170b is inserted into the respective holes of the regulating rings 172c and 172d.

[0076] Furthermore, as explained in Figures 4 and 6, the main body-side connecting portion 135 of the connecting body 120 is slidably positioned between the regulating rings 172c and 172d. In other words, by being fixed on the first slide rail 170b, the regulating rings 172c and 172d function as regulating portions to prevent the main body-side connecting portion 135 from sliding beyond the regulating ring 172c or 172d. As a result, although the connecting body 120 will bend as it slides toward the transport platform 900 of the vehicle 1 when subjected to a load, it is possible to prevent at least a part of the bumper 100 from coming into contact with the transport platform 900 or other parts of the vehicle 1 by preventing excessive bending.

[0077] In Figure 7, the regulating rings 172c and 17d are similarly positioned on the first slide rail 170b. However, it is also possible to position the regulating rings 172c and 17d on the second slide rail, or on both. Furthermore, although annular regulating rings 172c and 172d are used in Figure 7, their shape and number can be adjusted as appropriate depending on the shape and number of slide rails, as long as they can restrict the sliding of the main body-side connecting portion 135.

[0078] 5. Operation of Bumper 100 As explained in Figures 1 to 7, the bumper 100 is equipped with a connecting body 120 whose tip 122 is configured to slide along the longitudinal direction of the main body, thereby enabling it to effectively absorb loads applied to the vehicle 1 or the bumper 100 from the outside. Figures 8A to 8D are conceptual diagrams illustrating the operation of the bumper 100 when a load is applied to it according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Specifically, Figure 8A illustrates the operation of the bumper 100 when it receives a load from the front of the bumper 100, Figure 8B illustrates the operation of the bumper 100 when it receives a load biased to either the left or right side of the bumper 100 from the front, Figure 8C illustrates the operation of the bumper 100 when it receives a load from the rear, and Figure 8D illustrates the operation of the bumper 100 when it receives a load from either the left or right side.

[0079] (1) When the entire bumper 100 is subjected to load from the front of the bumper 100 Figure 8A shows the operation of the bumper 100 when it receives a load from the front of the bumper 100 as a whole. According to Figure 8A, in the normal state when no load is applied, the bumper 100 has the configuration shown in (a). That is, the pair of connecting bodies 120 formed on the left and right are configured so that the tip 122 is in an initial position where it contacts a regulating ring fixed to the inside (towards the center of the main body 150) of each slide rail. In this state, when the bumper 100 receives a load from the front of the bumper 100 as a whole, the bumper 100 becomes the configuration shown in (b).

[0080] Specifically, as shown in Figure 8A(b), when the load-receiving member 153 receives a load from the front, the base end 123 of the connecting body 120a rotates in the direction of the fixed area of ​​the vehicle 1 (i.e., in the direction of M3), and the connecting body 120a itself also flexes in the direction of M3. As a result, the sliding connecting member 130a, whose tip is rotatably connected, slides on the first slide rail and the second slide rail 171a in the direction along the longitudinal direction of the main body 150 and outward (i.e., in the direction of M1). Furthermore, the sliding connecting member 130a is restricted by the regulating ring 172a from sliding beyond the regulating ring 172a in the direction of M1. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the bumper 100 from moving excessively in the direction of the fixed area.

[0081] Similarly, when the load-receiving member 153 receives a load from the front, the base end 123 of the connecting body 120b rotates in the direction of the fixed area of ​​the vehicle 1 (i.e., in the direction of M4), and the connecting body 120b itself also flexes in the direction of M4. As a result, the sliding connecting member 130b, whose tip is rotatably connected, slides on the first slide rail and the second slide rail 171b in the direction along the longitudinal direction of the main body 150 and outward (i.e., in the direction of M2). Furthermore, the sliding connecting member 130b is restricted by the regulating ring 172d from sliding beyond the regulating ring 172d in the direction of M2. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the bumper 100 from moving excessively in the direction of the fixed area.

[0082] As shown in Figure 8A, when the entire bumper 100 is subjected to a load from the front, the connecting body 120a bends in the direction of M3 and the sliding connecting member 130a slides in the direction of M1. Similarly, when the entire bumper 100 is subjected to a load from the front, the connecting body 120b bends in the direction of M4 and the sliding connecting member 130b slides in the direction of M2. Therefore, the entire bumper 100 is pushed down in the direction of M3 or M4, thereby absorbing the load from the front.

[0083] (2) When the load is applied unevenly to either the left or right side of the bumper 100 from the front of the bumper 100. Figure 8B shows the operation of the bumper 100 when it receives a load biased to either the left or right side from the front of the bumper 100, as described above. According to Figure 8B, in the normal state when no load is applied, the bumper 100 has the configuration shown in (a). That is, the pair of connecting bodies 120 formed on the left and right sides are configured such that the tip 122 is in an initial position where it contacts a regulating ring fixed to the inside (towards the center of the main body 150) of each slide rail. In this state, when the bumper receives a load biased to, for example, the left side of the bumper 100, the bumper 100 becomes the configuration shown in (b).

[0084] Specifically, as shown in Figure 8B(b), when the bumper 100 is subjected to a load biased to the left, the base end 123 of the connecting body 120b rotates in the direction of the fixed area of ​​the vehicle 1 (i.e., in the direction of M6), and the connecting body 120b itself also flexes in the direction of M6. As a result, the sliding connecting member 130b, whose tip is rotatably connected, slides on the first slide rail and the second slide rail 171b in the direction along the longitudinal direction of the main body 150 and outward (i.e., in the direction of M5). Furthermore, the sliding connecting member 130b is restricted by the regulating ring 172d from sliding beyond the regulating ring 172d in the direction of M5. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the bumper 100 from moving excessively in the direction of the fixed area.

[0085] On the other hand, on the side of the connecting body 120a that is not under load, although the connecting body 120a may bend slightly in accordance with the sliding of the connecting body 120b, the sliding connecting member 130a contacts the inner regulating ring, restricting the sliding in the direction of M5. Therefore, no significant change in shape occurs on the side of the connecting body 120a.

[0086] As shown in Figure 8B, when a load is applied to the front of the bumper 100 and biased to the left of the bumper 100, the connecting body 120b bends in the direction of M6 and the sliding connecting member 130b slides in the direction of M5. On the other hand, no significant change in shape occurs on the connecting body 120a side, which is not subjected to load. Therefore, only the left side of the bumper 100 that is subjected to load is pushed down in the direction of M6, thereby absorbing the load from the front left side.

[0087] Although not specifically illustrated in Figure 8B, even when the bumper 100 receives a load biased towards the front right side, it can operate similarly, only the operating entity is reversed. Furthermore, if the bumper 100 receives a relatively large load on one side and a hypothetically small load on the other, the operation shown in Figure 8A and the operation shown in Figure 8B may occur simultaneously, albeit to varying degrees.

[0088] (3) When the bumper 100 is subjected to load from the rear Figure 8C shows the operation of the bumper 100 when it receives a load from the rear, as described above. According to Figure 8C, in the normal state when no load is applied, the bumper 100 has the configuration shown in (a). That is, the pair of connecting bodies 120 formed on the left and right sides are configured such that the tip 122 is in an initial position where it contacts a regulating ring fixed to the inside (towards the center of the main body 150) of each slide rail. In this state, when the bumper receives a load biased to, for example, the rear right side of the bumper 100, the bumper 100 becomes the configuration shown in (b).

[0089] Specifically, as shown in Figure 8C(b), when the bumper 100 receives a load from the rear right side, the base end 123 of the connecting body 120b rotates in the direction of the fixed area of ​​the vehicle 1 (i.e., in the direction of M8), and the connecting body 120b itself also flexes in the direction of M8. As a result, the sliding connecting member 130b, whose tip is rotatably connected, slides on the first slide rail and the second slide rail 171b in the direction along the longitudinal direction of the main body 150 and outward (i.e., in the direction of M7). Furthermore, the sliding connecting member 130b is restricted by the regulating ring 172d from sliding beyond the regulating ring 172d in the direction of M7. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the bumper 100 from moving excessively in the direction of the fixed area.

[0090] On the other hand, while the connecting member 120a may experience some slight deflection in accordance with the sliding of the connecting member 120b, the sliding connecting member 130a contacts the inner regulating ring, thereby restricting the sliding in the direction of M7. Therefore, no significant change in shape occurs on the connecting member 120a side.

[0091] Thus, as shown in Figure 8C, when a load is applied to the rear right side of the bumper 100, the connecting body 120b bends in the direction of M8 and the sliding connecting member 130b slides in the direction of M7. On the other hand, no significant change in shape occurs on the connecting body 120a side. Therefore, only the side of the bumper 100 opposite to the load-receiving side is pushed down in the direction of M8, making it possible to absorb the load from the rear right side.

[0092] Although not specifically shown in Figure 8C, the bumper 100 can operate similarly even when subjected to a load from the rear left side, simply by reversing the operating mechanism.

[0093] (4) When the bumper 100 is subjected to load from either the left or right side. Figure 8D shows the operation of the bumper 100 when it receives a load from either the left or right side, as described above. According to Figure 8D, in the normal state when no load is applied, the bumper 100 has the configuration shown in (a). That is, the pair of connecting bodies 120 formed on the left and right sides are configured such that the tip 122 is in an initial position where it contacts a regulating ring fixed to the inside (towards the center of the main body 150) of each slide rail. In this state, when the bumper 100 receives a load from, for example, the left side of the bumper 100, the bumper 100 becomes the configuration shown in (b).

[0094] Specifically, as shown in Figure 8D(b), when the bumper 100 receives a load from the left side, the base end 123 of the connecting body 120a rotates in the direction of the fixed area of ​​the vehicle 1 (i.e., in the direction of M10), and the connecting body 120a itself also flexes in the direction of M10. As a result, the sliding connecting member 130a, whose tip is rotatably connected, slides on the first slide rail and the second slide rail 171a in the direction along the longitudinal direction of the main body 150 and outward (i.e., in the direction of M9). Furthermore, the sliding connecting member 130a is restricted by the regulating ring 172a from sliding beyond the regulating ring 172a in the direction of M9. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the bumper 100 from moving excessively in the direction of the fixed area.

[0095] On the other hand, while the connecting member 120b may experience some slight deflection in accordance with the sliding of the connecting member 120a, the sliding connecting member 130b contacts the inner regulating ring, thereby restricting the sliding in the M9 direction. Therefore, no significant change in shape occurs on the connecting member 120b side.

[0096] Thus, as shown in Figure 8D, when a load is applied to the left side of the bumper 100, the connecting body 120a bends in the direction of M10 and the sliding connecting member 130a slides in the direction of M9. On the other hand, no significant change in shape occurs on the connecting body 120b side. Therefore, only the side of the bumper 100 opposite to the load-receiving side is pushed down in the direction of M10, making it possible to absorb the load from the left side.

[0097] Although not specifically shown in Figure 8D, the bumper 100 can also operate similarly when subjected to a load from the right side, simply by reversing the operating mechanism.

[0098] Furthermore, in the bumper 100 operating as described above, when released from the load, the connecting members 120a and 120b need to return to their original state (shape, position, angle, or combination thereof), and the sliding connecting members 130a and 130b need to return to their original state (shape, position, angle, or combination thereof) on the first slide rail 170a and the second slide rail 171a or the first slide rail 170b and the second slide rail 171b. Therefore, it is also possible to employ an auxiliary mechanism in the bumper 100 to facilitate this return operation.

[0099] Figure 9 is a plan view showing an example of the configuration of the main body 150 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Specifically, Figure 9 shows an example of an auxiliary mechanism for facilitating the return movement of the connecting members 120a and 120b or the sliding connecting members 130a and 130b when the bumper 100 is released from the load.

[0100] As shown in Figure 9, the main body 150 of the bumper 100 is slidably connected to a pair of connecting bodies 120a (first connecting body) and 120b (second connecting body), which are provided around a fixed base 110, as explained in Figure 4. When a load is applied to the main body 150 from any direction, the connecting bodies 120a and 120b bend in any direction. Since the connecting bodies 120a and 120b are preferably made of an elastic material, they can return to their original position due to their own elasticity. However, by employing an auxiliary mechanism in addition to this, it is possible to make the return process even smoother.

[0101] Specifically, the pair of connecting bodies 120a and 120b have multiple holes approximately in the center of each. A spring 175 (elastic member) is positioned between the connecting bodies 120a and 120b, configured to connect one end to a hole in connecting body 120a and the other end to a hole in connecting body 120b. As a result, the connecting bodies 120a and 120b are always biased toward each other, that is, toward inward. Therefore, when a load is applied to the main body 150, the connecting body 120a or 120b that has bent outward can be easily returned to its original state (for example, the shape and angle of the connecting body 120a or 120b) by the spring 175 (elastic member).

[0102] Furthermore, a spring 176a (elastic member) configured to connect one end to another hole in the connecting body 120a and the other end to the fixing base 110 is positioned between the connecting body 120a and the fixing base 110. Similarly, a spring 176b (elastic member) configured to connect one end to another hole in the connecting body 120b and the other end to the fixing base 110 is positioned between the connecting body 120b and the fixing base 110. As a result, the connecting bodies 120a and 120b are always biased toward the fixing base 110, that is, outward. Therefore, when a load is applied to the main body 150, the connecting body 120a or the connecting body 120b, which has bent inward, can be easily returned to its original state (for example, the shape and angle of the connecting body 120a or the connecting body 120b) by the spring 176a (elastic member) or the spring 176b (elastic member).

[0103] Furthermore, a spring 177 (elastic member) configured to connect one end to a hole in the connecting body 120a and the other end to a hole in the connecting body 120b is positioned between the connecting body 120a and the connecting body 120b. This ensures that the connecting body 120a and the connecting body 120b are always biased toward each other, i.e., toward the inside. In addition, a spring 178a (elastic member) configured to connect one end to a hole in the connecting body 120a and the other end to a fixed base 110 is positioned between the connecting body 120a and the fixed base 110. Similarly, a spring 178b (elastic member) configured to connect one end to a hole in the connecting body 120b and the other end to a fixed base 110 is positioned between the connecting body 120b and the fixed base 110.

[0104] Therefore, when a load is applied to the main body 150, it is possible to restore each of the connecting bodies 120a or 120b, which have bent outward, to their original state (for example, the shape and angle of the connecting body 120a or 120b) well using the spring 177 (elastic member). Furthermore, when a load is applied to the main body 150, it is possible to restore each of the connecting bodies 120a or 120b, which have bent inward, to their original state (for example, the shape and angle of the connecting body 120a or 120b) well using the spring 178a (elastic member) or spring 178b (elastic member).

[0105] Furthermore, a pair of regulating rings 172a and 172b are fixed to the first slide rail 170a (which is on the rear side of the second slide rail 171a in Figure 9 and is therefore not shown), and a slide connecting member 130a slides between the regulating rings 172a and 172b along the first slide rail 170a and the second slide rail 171a. At this time, a connecting member such as a spring is placed in the gap X4 formed between the regulating ring 172a and the slide connecting member 130a, with one end connected to the regulating ring 172a and the other end connected to the slide connecting member 130a. As a result, the slide connecting member 130a is always biased toward the center of the main body 150 (i.e., direction Y1). Similarly, a connecting member such as a spring is placed in the gap X3 formed between the regulating ring 172b and the slide connecting member 130a, with one end connected to the regulating ring 172b and the other end connected to the slide connecting member 130a. As a result, the sliding connecting member 130a is always biased in a direction away from the center of the main body 150 (i.e., direction Y2).

[0106] Therefore, if a load is applied to the main body 150 and the slide connecting member 130a moves away from the center (i.e., in direction Y2), when it is released from that load, the slide connecting member 130a moves towards the center (i.e., in direction Y1) mainly by springs arranged at intervals X4, returning to its original state (for example, the position of the other end of the slide connecting member 130a and the connecting body 120a). Also, if a load is applied to the main body 150 and the slide connecting member 130a moves towards the center (i.e., in direction Y1), when it is released from that load, the slide connecting member 130a moves away from the center (i.e., in direction Y2) mainly by springs arranged at intervals X3, returning to its original state (for example, the position of the other end of the slide connecting member 130a and the connecting body 120a).

[0107] Similarly, a pair of regulating rings 172c and 172d are fixed to the first slide rail 170b (which is on the rear side of the second slide rail 171b in Figure 9 and is therefore not shown), and the slide connecting member 130b slides between the regulating rings 172c and 172d along the first slide rail 170b and the second slide rail 171b. At this time, a connecting member such as a spring is placed in the gap X2 formed between the regulating ring 172c and the slide connecting member 130b, with one end connected to the regulating ring 172c and the other end connected to the slide connecting member 130b. As a result, the slide connecting member 130b is always biased in the direction away from the center of the main body 150 (i.e., direction Y1). Similarly, a connecting member such as a spring is placed in the gap X1 formed between the regulating ring 172d and the slide connecting member 130b, with one end connected to the regulating ring 172d and the other end connected to the slide connecting member 130b. As a result, the sliding connecting member 130b is always biased toward the center of the main body 150 (i.e., direction Y2).

[0108] Therefore, if a load is applied to the main body 150 and the slide connecting member 130b moves in the direction of the center (i.e., direction Y2), when it is released from that load, the slide connecting member 130b moves away from the center (i.e., direction Y1) mainly by springs arranged at intervals X2, and returns to its original state (for example, the position of the other end of the slide connecting member 130b and the connecting body 120b). Also, if a load is applied to the main body 150 and the slide connecting member 130b moves away from the center (i.e., direction Y1), when it is released from that load, the slide connecting member 130b moves in the direction of the center (i.e., direction Y2) mainly by springs arranged at intervals X1, and returns to its original state (for example, the position of the other end of the slide connecting member 130b and the connecting body 120b).

[0109] Furthermore, Figure 9 describes the case in which the slide connecting members 130a and 130b, and the connecting bodies 120a and 120b connected thereto, slide along the first slide rail 170a and the second slide rail 171a or the first slide rail 170b and the second slide rail 171b. However, for example, the slide connecting members 130a and 130b, and the connecting bodies 120a and 120b connected thereto are slidable, and the slide connecting members are fixed to the first slide rail 170a and the second slide rail 171a or the first slide rail 170b and the second slide rail 171b by any method, and the sliding is restricted, and the slide connecting members can be switched between these modes. Such a slide mode can be realized by attaching restricting rings similar to the restricting rings 172a to 172d to the front and rear of the slide connecting members 130a and 130b. The slide mode can be realized by removing the restricting rings.

[0110] In this non-sliding mode, the sliding connecting members 130a and 130b do not slide, making it possible to increase rigidity against loads from the front, for example. In other words, it is possible to switch between the non-sliding mode and the sliding mode as appropriate depending on the environment in which the vehicle 1 is used.

[0111] 6. Control based on Bumper 100 Figure 10 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a vehicle 1 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Specifically, Figure 10 shows the configuration of a control device 700 for controlling each component of the vehicle 1 and each component controlled by it. According to Figure 10, the control device 700 of the vehicle 1 includes a processor 711, a memory 712, an input interface 713, an output interface 714, and a communication interface 715. These components are electrically connected to each other via control lines and data lines. Note that the control device 700 does not need to include all the components shown in Figure 10; it is possible to omit some components or add other components. The control device 700 can be any device that can communicate with other components shown in Figure 10 or with other processing devices or server devices installed remotely via a wired or wireless network, and it is also possible to use a smartphone, tablet, laptop PC, desktop PC, camera, etc.

[0112] The processor 711 functions as a control unit that controls other components of the vehicle 1 based on processing programs stored in the memory 712. Specifically, the processor 711 performs the following processes based on the processing programs stored in the memory 712: "receiving an instruction input from the user via the input interface 713 to start driving," "receiving external environmental information from the sensor 600 connected to the control device 700 via the communication interface 715," "generating control information for the vehicle 1 based on the received external environmental information," and "transmitting the generated control information via the communication interface 715 to the electric motors 290 (electric motors 290a to 290d), steering device 280, auxiliary devices 800, or combinations thereof included in the drive unit." The processor 711 is mainly composed of one or more CPUs, but may be combined with a GPU or FPGA as appropriate.

[0113] Memory 712 is composed of RAM, ROM, non-volatile memory, HDD, SSD, etc., and functions as a storage unit. Memory 712 stores instruction commands for various control of the vehicle 1 according to this embodiment as processing programs. Specifically, memory 712 stores processing programs for the processor 711 to execute: "processing to receive instruction input from the user to start driving via input interface 713," "processing to receive external environment information from sensor 600 connected to control device 700 via communication interface 715," "processing to generate control information for vehicle 1 based on the received external environment information," and "processing to transmit the generated control information via communication interface 715 to electric motors 290 (electric motors 290a to electric motors 290d), steering device 280, auxiliary device 800, or a combination thereof included in the drive unit."

[0114] The input interface 713 functions as an input unit that receives user instructions for the vehicle 1. Examples of the input interface 713 include a steering wheel, brake pedal, and access pedal, as well as physical key buttons, a touch panel having an input coordinate system corresponding to the display coordinate system of the display, a mouse, and a keyboard. The input interface 713 does not always need to be physically provided on the control device 700, and may be connected via a wired or wireless network as needed.

[0115] The output interface 714 functions as an output unit for outputting information such as the driving status of the vehicle 1 and external environmental information detected by the sensor 600. An example of the output interface 714 is a display composed of an LCD panel, an organic EL display, or a plasma display. However, the control device 700 itself does not necessarily need to be equipped with a display. For example, an interface for connecting to a display that can be connected to the control device 700 via a wired or wireless network can also function as the output interface 714 for outputting display data to the display.

[0116] The communication interface 715 functions as a communication unit for sending and receiving various information, such as control information, with sensors 600, motors 290 (motors 290a to 290d), steering devices, other remotely installed processing devices, server devices, or combinations thereof, which are connected via a wired or wireless network. Examples of the communication interface 715 include wired communication connectors such as USB and SCSI, wireless communication transceivers such as wireless LAN, Bluetooth®, LTE, and infrared, and various connection terminals for printed circuit boards and flexible circuit boards.

[0117] The sensor 600 is connected to the control device 700 via a communication interface and functions as a detection unit for detecting external environmental information around the drive unit body 300. The external environmental information detected by the sensor is processed by the processor 711 and used to generate control information for the vehicle 1. For example, one example of the sensor 600 is a load sensor for detecting the load received by the bumper 100 from the outside. Such a load sensor may have a pair of switches on the left and right in the longitudinal direction of the bumper 100, and the switches are turned on when the bumper 100 receives a load and moves in the direction of the fixed area of ​​the vehicle 1, and turned off when it returns to its initial position. In addition to the load sensor, cameras (image sensors), infrared sensors, ultraviolet sensors, temperature sensors, humidity sensors, acceleration sensors, radar, ultrasonic sensors, or combinations thereof are preferably used. By using such a sensor 600, it is possible to detect the load received from the outside, achieve good driving conditions, and effectively prevent damage to the vehicle. Furthermore, by combining it with other sensors, it can detect external environmental information such as obstacles like people, ladders, farm equipment, baskets, fences, posts, rocks, fallen branches, or combinations thereof, as well as road surface conditions such as unevenness, slopes, mud, or combinations thereof.

[0118] The electric motors 290 (electric motors 290a to 290d) function as drive force application units that independently apply drive torque to each correspondingly installed drive wheel (left front drive wheel 250a, right front drive wheel 250b, left rear drive wheel 250c, and right rear drive wheel 250d). In other words, the electric motors 290 (electric motors 290a to 290d) adjust the magnitude (strength) and direction of the drive torque applied to each drive wheel based on the control information generated by the control device 700.

[0119] The steering device 280 is installed on at least one of the front drive unit 200a and the rear drive unit 200b, and functions as a rotation control unit for rotating each drive wheel (left front drive wheel 250a, right front drive wheel 250b, left rear drive wheel 250c, and right rear drive wheel 250d) in a linked left-right direction (directions of arrows S1 to S4 in Figure 2). Based on the control information generated by the control device 700, the steering device 280 adjusts the direction and amount of rotation of each drive wheel in order to turn the vehicle 1.

[0120] The accessory device 800 is attached to the drive unit body 300 and functions as an accessory to extend the function and use of the drive unit body 300 or the vehicle 1. Examples of accessory devices 800 include pesticide spraying devices, tillers, lawnmowers, or combinations thereof. In other words, based on the control information generated in the control device 700, it is possible to adjust the start and end of pesticide spraying, the spraying direction, and the amount of pesticide sprayed.

[0121] Figure 11 is a diagram showing the processing flow performed by a control device 700 of a vehicle 1 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Specifically, Figure 11 is a diagram showing the processing flow performed by the control device 700 when controlling the movement of the vehicle 1. This processing flow is mainly performed by the processor 711 of the control device 700 reading and executing a program stored in the memory 712.

[0122] As shown in Figure 11, the processor 711 receives an instruction from the user via the input interface 713 to start driving (start) (S111). As an example of this process, the processor 711 receives the user's instruction via the input interface 713 in response to the start icon displayed on the display via the output interface 714.

[0123] Next, the processor 711 generates control information for launching vehicle 1 based on the received instruction input (S112). As an example of this process, the processor 711 generates control information for each of the electric motors 290 (electric motors 290a to 290d) to generate driving torque to rotate each corresponding drive wheel (left front drive wheel 250a, right front drive wheel 250b, left rear drive wheel 250c, and right rear drive wheel 250d) in the forward direction (forward of arrows T1 to T4 in Figure 2). Furthermore, if the processor 711 also receives instruction input regarding the speed and direction of travel of vehicle 1 in S111, it generates control information to adjust the magnitude (strength) of the driving torque, the direction and amount of rotation of each drive wheel perpendicular to the forward direction.

[0124] Next, the processor 711 transmits the control information generated in S112 to at least one of the electric motor 290 and the steering device 280 via the communication interface 715 (S113).

[0125] Next, the processor 711 receives external environmental information from the sensor 600 (e.g., a load sensor) via the communication interface 715 at predetermined intervals (S114). As mentioned above, such sensors 600 can include, for example, a camera (image sensor), infrared sensor, ultraviolet sensor, temperature sensor, humidity sensor, acceleration sensor, radar, ultrasonic sensor, or a combination thereof, in addition to a load sensor. That is, the processor 711 receives load data, image data, infrared detection data, ultraviolet detection data, temperature, humidity, acceleration, radar reception data, ultrasonic data, or a combination thereof as external environmental information. Note that the external environmental information exemplified here is merely an example, and any information that can be used to generate control information for the vehicle 1 may be used.

[0126] Next, the processor 711 generates control information for moving the vehicle 1 based on the external environment information received in S114 (S115). For example, if a load from the front is detected via the external environment information, the vehicle 1 needs to avoid the obstacle to prevent it from receiving any further load. In such a case, the processor 711 generates control information to rotate each drive wheel (left front drive wheel 250a, right front drive wheel 250b, left rear drive wheel 250c, and right rear drive wheel 250d) in a direction perpendicular to the direction of forward movement in order to turn the vehicle 1 in the direction of avoiding the obstacle.

[0127] Next, the processor 711 transmits the control information generated in S115 to at least one of the electric motor 290 and the steering device 280 via the communication interface 715 (S116).

[0128] Next, the processor 711 determines whether it has received an instruction from the user via the input interface 713 to end (stop) the vehicle (S117). As an example of this process, the processor 711 receives the user's instruction via the input interface 713 in response to a stop icon displayed on the display via the output interface 714. In this case, the processor 711 generates control information for stopping, specifically control information to set the drive torque to zero for the electric motors 290 (electric motors 290a to 290d), and transmits this control information to the electric motors 290 via the communication interface 715. This completes the processing flow.

[0129] If the processor 711 determines that it has not received the above instruction input, it returns to S114 and receives external environmental information. In other words, in this case, by receiving external environmental information at predetermined intervals, it is possible to automatically control the vehicle 1.

[0130] In this embodiment, it is possible to provide a bumper that functions more effectively and a vehicle equipped with said bumper.

[0131] In Figures 1 to 11, Vehicle 1 is explained using a four-wheeled vehicle as an example, but it may also be a two-wheeled or three-wheeled vehicle, or even a vehicle with five or more wheels.

[0132] The processes and procedures described herein can be implemented not only by those explicitly described in the embodiments, but also by software, hardware, or a combination thereof. Specifically, the processes and procedures described herein can be implemented by implementing the logic corresponding to the process on a medium such as an integrated circuit, volatile memory, non-volatile memory, magnetic disk, or optical storage. Furthermore, the processes and procedures described herein can be implemented as computer programs and executed by various computers, including processing units and server devices.

[0133] Even if it is stated that the processes and procedures described herein are performed by a single device, software, component, or module, such processes or procedures may be performed by multiple devices, multiple software programs, multiple components, and / or multiple modules. Similarly, even if it is stated that the various types of information described herein are stored in a single memory or storage unit, such information may be distributed and stored in multiple memories within a single device or in multiple memories distributed across multiple devices. Furthermore, the software and hardware elements described herein may be implemented by integrating them into fewer components or by decomposing them into more components. [Explanation of symbols]

[0134] 1: Vehicle 100: Bumper 100-1: Front bumper 100-2: Rear bumper 110:Fixed stand 111:Fixed part 112: Recess 113:Top 114a :hole 114b :hole 115: Rotation axis 116: Fixed base body 122: Tip 123: Proximal end 130: Slide connecting member 131: Fixed base side connection part 132: Hole 133: Hole 134: Rotation axis 135: Main unit side connection part 136: Hole 138: Wall 140: Bottom 140a: Slide connecting member 150: Main unit 151: Fixing member 151: Fixing member 152: Intermediate member 153: Load-bearing member 160: Concatenation 170a, 170b: First slide rail 171a, 171b: Second slide rail 172: Regulatory Ring 200: Drive unit 300: Drive unit body 310: Chassis 360: Mounting platform 600: Sensor 700: Control device 711: Processor 712: Memory 713: Input Interface 714: Output Interface 715: Communication Interface 800: Accessory equipment 900: Transport platform

Claims

1. A bumper installed on a vehicle, A mounting base configured to secure the bumper to the vehicle, A main body formed in a shape that extends horizontally to a predetermined length and configured to receive loads applied from outside the bumper, A connecting body formed in a shape that extends to a predetermined length along the longitudinal direction of the main body, comprising a base end connected to the fixed base and a tip end connected to the main body so as to be slidable in the longitudinal direction, In order for the tip that has slid due to the load to return to its state before the load was applied when it is released from the load, a biasing member is provided, one end of which is connected to the connecting body and the other end of which is connected to the fixing base, and which biases the tip in the direction opposite to the direction of sliding, A bumper that includes this.

2. The bumper according to claim 1, wherein the connecting body is formed by an elastic leaf spring.

3. The main body is equipped with a slide rail along the longitudinal direction, The tip of the connecting body is slidably connected along the slide rail, The bumper according to claim 1.

4. The bumper according to claim 3, wherein the slide rail includes a restricting member for restricting the sliding of the tip.

5. The bumper according to claim 1, wherein the tip is configured to slide in the longitudinal direction upon receiving the load.

6. The bumper according to claim 1, wherein the base end is connected to the fixed base so as to be rotatable along a rotation axis parallel to the short direction of the connecting body formed in a shape extended to a predetermined length.

7. The bumper according to claim 6, wherein the tip is connected to the main body so as to be rotatable along a rotation axis parallel to the short direction.

8. The connecting body includes a pair of first and second connecting bodies centered on the fixed base, The first connecting body comprises a first base end connected to the fixed base and a first tip end connected to the main body so as to be slidable in a first direction along the longitudinal direction of the main body, The second connecting body comprises a second base end connected to the fixed base and a second tip end connected to the main body so as to be slidable in a second direction opposite to the first direction. The bumper according to claim 1.

9. The first tip is located outward from the first base with respect to the fixed base, The second tip is located outward from the second base with respect to the fixed base. The bumper according to claim 8.

10. The bumper according to claim 1, wherein the connecting body is configured to be switchable between a sliding mode in which it can slide and a non-sliding mode in which the sliding of the connecting body is restricted.

11. The bumper according to claim 1, further comprising an auxiliary mechanism for assisting the connecting body to return to its state before the load was applied when the load is released after the connecting body has slid due to the load.

12. The main body is configured to receive loads applied from the front or rear of the vehicle and loads applied from the side. The tip slides when subjected to the load. The bumper according to claim 1.

13. A vehicle equipped with a bumper, The aforementioned bumper is, A mounting base configured to secure the bumper to the vehicle, A main body formed in a shape that extends horizontally to a predetermined length and configured to receive loads applied from outside the bumper, A connecting body formed in a shape that extends to a predetermined length along the longitudinal direction of the main body, comprising a base end connected to the fixed base and a tip end connected to the main body so as to be slidable in the longitudinal direction, In order for the tip that has slid due to the load to return to its state before the load was applied when it is released from the load, a biasing member is provided, one end of which is connected to the connecting body and the other end of which is connected to the fixing base, and which biases the tip in the direction opposite to the direction of sliding, Vehicles, including

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