JP7701792B2 - Cargo handling vehicles and loading equipment - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a loading vehicle, such as a vehicle transporter, whose loading platform can be lowered to the ground.

Patent Document 1 discloses a body loading/unloading vehicle. The body loading/unloading vehicle disclosed in Patent Document 1 is a vehicle transporter used to transport vehicles such as passenger cars and civil engineering machinery. The vehicle transporter described in Patent Document 1 is equipped with a lift frame and a slidable slide body. In the vehicle disclosed in Patent Document 1, the lift frame can be tilted and the slide body (cargo platform) can be slid downward to lower the body to the ground.

All cargo handling vehicles are required to have rear bumpers. To ensure safety in the event of a collision with pedestrians or other vehicles, the rear bumper must protrude rearward from the vehicle body to a certain extent.
However, the above-mentioned vehicle transport vehicles, etc., have a function in which the loading platform can be tilted backwards or the loading platform can be lowered to the ground from the rear, and since the rear bumper is attached in a protruding state toward the rear of the vehicle, the rear bumper gets in the way when tilting the loading platform, etc.
Therefore, a structure has been proposed in which the rear bumper can be retracted when performing operations such as loading and unloading (Patent Document 2).
When loading and unloading automobiles using the vehicle carrier of Patent Document 2, an operator performs the work in accordance with the following procedure.
That is, first the bumper is retracted.
Following this, the lift frame is tilted and the slide body (cargo platform) is slid downward to lower the slide body to the ground.

JP 2000-108768 A Patent No. 4854297

If the worker follows the above procedure, the lift frame and slide body will not come into contact with the bumper during loading and unloading.
However, there are cases where workers perform loading and unloading work following the wrong procedures.
Furthermore, with the bumper protruding rearward, there is a concern that the lift frame or slide body may move and the slide body may collide with the bumper.

The present invention focuses on the above-mentioned problems of the conventional technology and aims to provide a loading vehicle in which the slide body and other parts do not come into contact with the bumper, at least when the slide body is lowered.

An embodiment for solving the above-mentioned problem is a cargo handling vehicle having a vehicle section and a loading device, the loading device being mounted on the vehicle section, the loading device having a loading/unloading device and an operation switch for operating the loading/unloading device, the loading/unloading device having a lift frame, a tilting means for performing a tilting operation to change the angle of the lift frame, and a slide body that undergoes a linear movement operation to move linearly along the lift frame, the lift frame can be tilted and the slide body can be moved linearly to land at least a part of the slide body on the ground, and the slide body can be moved linearly to land at least a part of the slide body on the ground. The loading vehicle is capable of performing a lowering operation to lower the slide body to the ground and a loading operation to pull the slide body onto the vehicle section, and has a bumper device, the bumper device has a bumper body, and the bumper body can be moved between a driving position suitable for driving and a retracted storage position, and has a storage detection means for detecting that the bumper body is in the storage position, and the linear movement operation and/or the tilting operation can be started on the condition that the storage detection means detects that the bumper body is in the storage position.

In the loading vehicle of this embodiment, the lift frame is tilted and the slide body is moved linearly to land at least a part of the slide body on the ground. The steps of tilting the lift frame and moving the slide body linearly may be performed in any order and simultaneously.
The loading vehicle of this embodiment has a storage detection means and can confirm whether the bumper body is in the storage position. In the loading vehicle of this embodiment, the operation of the slide body and the lift frame can be started on the condition that the bumper body is in the storage position. Therefore, when the slide body and the lift frame start to operate, the bumper body is always in the storage position, and the slide body etc. do not come into contact with the bumper body when the slide body is lowered.

In the above-mentioned embodiment, it is desirable that the tilting operation is performed multiple times during the lowering operation, and the first tilting operation can be started only when the storage detection means detects it.

In a loading vehicle equipped with a slide body, the slide body or the lift frame often comes into contact with the bumper when the lift frame is tilted.
In the loading vehicle of this embodiment, the initial tilting operation can be started only when the storage detection means has detected it, so when the lift frame starts to operate, the bumper body is always in the storage position, and the slide body etc. will not come into contact with the bumper body when lowered.

In each of the above-mentioned aspects, the lowering operation includes a horizontal movement operation that moves the slide body toward the rear side of the vehicle unit, and a first tilting step that is performed during the horizontal movement operation and tilts the lift frame, and it is desirable that the horizontal movement operation is in a state where it can be started on the condition that the storage detection means is detecting it.

The "horizontal movement operation of moving the slide body to the rear side of the vehicle unit" includes an operation of moving the slide body on the lift frame to the rear side of the vehicle unit by moving the lift frame to the rear side. There is also a case where the slide body is moved to the rear side of the vehicle unit by itself.
In the loading vehicle of this embodiment, the bumper body retreats to the storage position at an early stage, so safety is high.

In each of the above-mentioned aspects, it is desirable that the operating switch is a lowering switch that performs the lowering operation, the bumper device moves the bumper body by power, and when the lowering switch is turned on, the bumper device is driven to move the bumper body to a storage position, and when the storage detection means detects that the bumper body is in the storage position, the loading/unloading device performs a series of the lowering operations.

It is also desirable that the above-mentioned series of operations be carried out continuously on condition that the lowering switch is maintained in the on state.
"The on state of the lowering switch is maintained" refers to, for example, a case where an operator keeps pressing a manual switch (momentary switch), or a case where once the on switch is operated, the on state is maintained until the off switch is operated (alternate switch). It also includes a case where the on state is electrically maintained by itself.
According to this aspect, by operating the lowering switch, the retraction of the bumper body and a series of lowering operations are performed in succession. Also, in this aspect, the bumper body moves to the storage position before the loading/unloading device is driven, and then the loading/unloading device operates, so that the slide body and the like do not come into contact with the bumper body when lowering it.

In each of the above-mentioned aspects, it is desirable that the activation switch is a lowering switch that starts the lowering operation, and that when the lowering switch is operated to start the lowering operation, if the storage detection means does not detect that the bumper body is in the stored position, the lowering operation is not started, and that the lowering operation is started automatically when the operation of the lowering switch continues for a certain period of time, or when another operation is added.

This aspect is intended to deal with malfunctions and erroneous detections of the storage detection means.
According to the loading vehicle of this aspect, if the state where the lowering operation has not started continues for a certain period of time, the lowering operation can be started automatically or on condition that another operation is added. For example, when it is visually confirmed that the bumper body is in the stored position, the lowering operation can be performed.

In each of the above aspects, it is desirable that the actuation switch be a loading switch that performs the loading operation, and that the bumper body be able to be moved to a driving position on the condition that the loading operation is completed.

According to this embodiment, the slide body and other parts do not come into contact with the bumper body during loading operations.

In each of the above aspects, it is desirable that the bumper device move the bumper body by power and have an extension switch that moves the bumper body to the driving position and a storage switch that moves the bumper body to the storage position.

According to this embodiment, the bumper body can be moved independently.

In the above-mentioned aspect, it is desirable that the actuation switch be a lowering switch for starting the lowering operation, and that after the storage switch has been operated for a predetermined time, if the storage detection means does not detect that the bumper body is in the storage position when the lowering switch is operated to start the lowering operation, the lowering operation is started automatically or on the condition that another operation is added.

This aspect is intended to deal with malfunctions and erroneous detections of the storage detection means.
By operating the storage switch, the bumper body can be moved to the storage position. Therefore, by referring to the operation history of the storage switch, if the storage switch has been operated before the lowering switch is operated, the lowering operation may be performed.
According to this aspect, if the storage switch is operated before the lowering switch is operated, there are exceptional cases in which the lowering operation can be performed.

The loading device is mounted on a vehicle and includes a loading/unloading device and an operation switch for operating the loading/unloading device. The loading/unloading device includes a lift frame, a tilting means for performing a tilting operation for tilting the attitude of the lift frame, and a slide body that undergoes a linear movement operation for moving linearly along the lift frame. The loading device is capable of landing at least a part of the slide body on the ground, and is capable of performing a lowering operation for lowering the slide body to the ground and a loading operation for pulling the slide body onto the vehicle part. The loading device includes a bumper device, which has a bumper body and is capable of changing the position of the bumper body between a driving position suitable for driving and a retracted storage position, and includes a storage detection means for detecting that the bumper body is in the storage position. The linear movement and/or the tilt operation can be started on the condition that the storage detection means detects that the bumper body is in the storage position.

With the cargo handling vehicle and loading device of the present invention, the slide body and other components do not come into contact with the bumper when lowering the slide body.

1 is a side view of a loading vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention. 2A, 2B, and 2C are side views of the loading vehicle shown in FIG. 1, showing the operation of each part during unloading operation. 2(d), (e), and (f) are side views showing the operation of each part in the unloading operation of the loading vehicle shown in FIG. 1, which is continued from FIG. 2. 2A, 2B, 2C, and 2D are side views of the loading vehicle shown in FIG. 1, showing the operation of each part during loading operation. 5(e), (f) and (g) are side views showing the operation of each part in the loading operation of the loading vehicle shown in FIG. 1, subsequent to FIG. 4. FIG. 2 is a front view of the remote control device. 13 is a flowchart of an automatic unloading operation. 13 is a flowchart of a modified example of the automatic unloading operation. 13 is a flowchart of an automatic loading operation. 13 is a flowchart of a manual lowering operation. 13 is a flowchart of a modified example of the manual lowering operation. 13 is a flowchart of a manual loading operation. 13 is a flowchart of another modified example of the automatic unloading operation. 13 is a flowchart of another modified example of the manual lowering operation.

Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described.
In the following description, the relationship between the front and rear is based on the front and rear of the loading vehicle 1. In other words, the front side means the driver's seat 100 side, and the rear side means the opposite side.
The loading vehicle 1 of this embodiment is a vehicle transporter, in which the slide body 32 that was on the vehicle section 5 is lowered to the ground and an automobile or the like is loaded onto it, and in this state the slide body 32 is pulled up onto the vehicle section 5 for transport.
1, the cargo handling vehicle 1 has a vehicle section 5 and a loading device 18. The loading device 18 has a loading/unloading device 26. The loading/unloading device 26 is roughly composed of a lift frame 30, a tilt mechanism (tilting means) 31, and a slide body 32.

The loading device 18 further includes a control device 6, a hydraulic device 7, and a bumper device 50. The loading device 18 further includes a remote control device 8 (hereinafter referred to as a remote control).
The vehicle section 5 is a vehicle body of a known truck, has an engine, and rotates wheels to travel on a road.
The lift frame 30 is mounted on a subframe 33 of the vehicle section 5, and swings about a pin (not shown) provided on the rear end side of the vehicle section 5. That is, the lift frame 30 can assume an inclined position as shown in Figs.
In addition, the lift frame 30 itself moves in the front-rear direction relative to the vehicle portion 5 by the action of a hydraulic cylinder (not shown).

The tilt mechanism (tilt means) 31 is composed of a hydraulic cylinder 35 and a link mechanism 36, and is used to tilt the lift frame 30 so that the rear side is downward. The tilt mechanism 31 is a tilt means that performs a tilting operation to change the angle of the lift frame 30.

The slide body 32 is attached to the lift frame 30 so as to be slidable (linearly movable), and is suspended by a chain or the like (not shown) so as to move linearly along the lift frame 30. A footboard 37 is provided at the rear end of the slide body 32.
The footboard 37 is located at the rear end of the slide body 32 and can be changed between an upright position and a flat position.

The lift frame 30 is provided with a rear end detection means 17. The rear end detection means 17 is a known proximity sensor, photoelectric sensor, or the like, and detects whether the slide body 32 has reached the rear end of the lift frame 30.

An initial position detection means 15 is provided in either the vehicle section 5 or the loading device 18. The initial position detection means 15 is a known proximity sensor, photoelectric sensor, or the like, and detects whether the lift frame 30 and the slide body 32 are in the initial position or not.
Further, either the vehicle section 5 or the loading device 18 is provided with a reverse position detection means 16 and a continuous reverse detection means 70. The reverse position detection means 16 and the continuous reverse detection means 70 are known proximity sensors, photoelectric sensors, etc. The reverse position detection means 16 detects that the lift frame 30 and the slide body 32 have reached the reverse position. The continuous reverse detection means 70 detects that the lift frame 30 has left the initial position and is in the process of moving toward the reverse position.

Further, a landing detection means 71 is provided in either the vehicle section 5 or the loading device 18 .
The landing detection means 71 is a known proximity sensor, photoelectric sensor, or the like, and detects that the lift frame 30 is in a horizontal position substantially parallel to the subframe 33. That is, the landing detection means 71 detects that the lift frame 30 is landed on the vehicle section 5.
Either the vehicle section 5 or the tilt mechanism 31 (link mechanism 36) is provided with a tilt detection means 72. The tilt detection means 72 detects the tilt angle of the lift frame 30, and detects when the lift frame 30 has reached a tilt angle in a first tilt step described below, or when the lift frame 30 has reached a tilt angle in a second tilt step described below.
The above-mentioned detection means, specifically, the initial position detection means 15, the retreat position detection means 16, the continued retreat detection means 70 and the landing detection means 71 may be mechanical switches such as limit switches.

The bumper device 50 has a bumper body 10 and a bumper movement mechanism 52 that moves the bumper body 10 back and forth.
The bumper body 10 is a bar- or plate-shaped member extending in the width direction of the vehicle portion 5. The bumper body 10, like known bumpers, serves to absorb the impact of a collision and to prevent other vehicles from slipping under the vehicle portion 5.

The bumper moving mechanism 52 translates the bumper body 10 in the front-rear direction by means of a hydraulic cylinder 53 .
The bumper moving mechanism 52 has a guide (not shown), and moves the bumper body 10 in parallel in the front-rear direction by extending and retracting the hydraulic cylinder 53 .
The structure of the bumper moving mechanism 52 is not limited, and it may be a mechanism that employs a link mechanism or a mechanism that moves the bumper body 10 by a motor.
Furthermore, the bumper body 10 may not only be moved horizontally but also displaced in the height direction.

The bumper device 50 is capable of changing the position of the bumper body 10 by the bumper movement mechanism 52 between a driving position suitable for driving and a storage position retracted to the vehicle portion 5 side.
In this embodiment, the position in which the hydraulic cylinder 53 is extended and the bumper body 10 projects rearward is the driving position, and the position in which the hydraulic cylinder 53 is retracted and the bumper body 10 is positioned forward is the stored position.

In the cargo handling vehicle 1 of this embodiment, the bumper device 50 is provided with a storage detection means 55 and an extension detection means 56. The storage detection means 55 is a sensor that detects whether the bumper body 10 is in the storage position. The extension detection means 56 is a sensor that detects whether the bumper body 10 is in the traveling position.
The storage detection means 55 and the extension detection means 56 are known proximity sensors, photoelectric sensors, etc. The storage detection means 55 and the extension detection means 56 may be mechanical switches such as limit switches.

The hydraulic device 7 is equipped with a known hydraulic pump, solenoid valves, and the like.
The hydraulic pump rotates by receiving power transmission from the engine of the vehicle section 5. That is, the hydraulic device 7 is connected to the PTO shaft of the vehicle section 5, and when an operator operates a PTO switch (not shown), the hydraulic pump rotates and generates hydraulic pressure.
The hydraulic device 7 is provided with a solenoid valve that supplies hydraulic pressure to the hydraulic cylinder 25, and a solenoid valve that supplies hydraulic pressure to the hydraulic cylinder 53 (neither is shown).

The control device 6 includes a circuit for sending signals to each solenoid valve in accordance with a predetermined procedure. The signals from the control device 6 cause the loading/unloading devices 26 to operate in a predetermined sequence.
The control device 6 has a communication means for communicating with a remote control 8 .

The remote control 8 is equipped with an automatic unloading switch 60, an automatic loading switch 61, a manual unloading switch 65, and a manual loading switch 66 as operation switches for operating the loading/unloading device 26.
The remote control 8 is also equipped with a bumper extension switch 67 and a bumper retraction switch 68 as bumper operation switches for operating the bumper moving mechanism 52 .
These switches 60, 61, 65, and 66 are all button switches that are turned on only while the operator is pressing them and turned off when the operator releases their hands.

In this embodiment, as described later, the loading/unloading device 26 and the bumper device 50 can be coordinated to perform an automatic unloading operation in which the slide body 32 is automatically unloaded. Also, the loading/unloading device 26 and the bumper device 50 can be coordinated to perform an automatic loading operation in which the slide body 32 is automatically loaded.
The automatic lowering operation is started by pressing the automatic lowering switch 60 and is executed by continuing to press the automatic lowering switch 60.
Therefore, the automatic lowering switch 60 is a lowering switch that executes the lowering operation, and has a function of starting the lowering operation and a function of continuing the lowering operation.
The automatic loading operation is initiated by pressing the automatic loading switch 61 and is executed by continuing to press the automatic loading switch 61 .
Therefore, the automatic loading switch 61 is a loading switch that executes the loading operation, and has a function of starting the loading operation and a function of continuing the loading operation.

In this embodiment, it is also possible to operate only the loading/unloading device 26 by operating the manual unloading switch 65 or the manual loading switch 66.
By operating the manual lowering switch 65, the manual lowering operation can be performed.
The manual lowering operation is started by pressing the manual lowering switch 65 and is executed by continuing to press the manual lowering switch 65 .
Therefore, the manual lowering switch 65 is a lowering switch for carrying out the lowering operation, and has a function of starting the lowering operation and a function of continuing the lowering operation.
The manual load operation is initiated by pressing the manual load switch 66 and is executed by continuing to press the manual load switch 66 .
Therefore, the manual loading switch 66 is a loading switch for carrying out the loading operation, and has a function of starting the loading operation and a function of continuing the loading operation.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, it is also possible to operate the bumper extension switch 67 or the bumper retraction switch 68 to move only the bumper body 10 .
The bumper extension switch 67 and the bumper retraction switch 68 are switches that switch the solenoid valve that supplies hydraulic oil to the hydraulic cylinder 53 of the bumper moving mechanism 52.

When the bumper extension switch 67 is pressed and held, the bumper body 10 moves rearward toward the driving position. When the bumper body 10 leaves the storage position, the storage detection means 55 goes into a non-detecting state. When the bumper body 10 moves rearward and reaches the driving position, the extension detection means 56 goes into a detecting state.
When the bumper storage switch 68 is pressed and held, the bumper body 10 moves forward toward the storage position. When the bumper body 10 moves away from the driving position, the extension detection means 56 goes into a non-detection state. When the bumper body 10 moves forward and reaches the storage position, the storage detection means 55 goes into a detection state.

Next, we will explain the operation of the loading/unloading device 26 and other devices when loading the slide body 32.

2A, when the loading vehicle 1 is traveling, the lift frame 30 is in a horizontal position, and the slide body 32 is pulled up onto the lift frame 30. The lift frame 30 is in a horizontal position (on the floor), and is at its front end (initial position) in the front-rear direction. The slide body 32 is also at its front end (initial position).
Since the lift frame 30 and the slide body 32 are in the initial position, the initial position detection means 15 is in the ON state. Since the lift frame 30 is in the landing state, the landing detection means 71 is in the ON state.

Then, the loading/unloading device 26 lowers the slide body 32 to the ground.
The unloading operation is carried out by carrying out the following steps in sequence.
(1) Lift frame retreat process (slide body horizontal movement process linear movement operation)
(2) First tilting step (first tilting operation)
(3) Slide body lowering step (4) Second tilting step

(1) Lift frame retraction process (slide body horizontal movement process linear movement operation)
The lift frame retraction process is a process in which the lift frame 30 is moved linearly backward while remaining in a horizontal position by a hydraulic cylinder (not shown).
The lift frame retracting step is also a horizontal movement operation (linear movement operation) for moving the slide body toward the rear side of the vehicle unit. The horizontal movement operation is a linear movement operation for linearly moving the slide body relative to the vehicle unit.
When the lift frame 30 starts to move backward, the initial position detection means 15 is turned off, and instead the backward movement continuation detection means 70 is turned on.
As shown in FIG. 2C, when the lift frame 30 is retracted to a predetermined position, the retracted position detection means 16 detects this and turns on.

(2) First tilting step The first tilting step is the first tilting step in the lowering operation. In the first tilting step, the hydraulic cylinder 35 is started, the tilt mechanism 31 is operated, and the lift frame 30 is tilted to a certain angle as shown in Fig. 3(d). When the first tilting step is started and the lift frame 30 is tilted, the landing detection means 71 is turned off.
When the lift frame 30 is tilted to a predetermined angle as shown in FIG. 3(d), the tilt detection means 72 detects this and turns on, stopping the tilt mechanism 31 (tilt of the lift frame 30).

(3) Slide Body Descent Process The slide body descent process is a process in which the slide body 32 is moved toward the rear of the vehicle along the lift frame 30 and the rear end of the slide body 32 is landed on the ground to slide down the slide body 32, as shown in FIG. 3(e).
When the front part of the slide body 32 reaches the rear end of the lift frame 30, the rearmost end detection means 17 detects this and turns on, stopping the movement of the slide body 32 toward the rear of the vehicle.

(4) Second tilting process In the second tilting process, as shown in Fig. 3(f), the lift frame 30 is raised to the maximum angle and the entire bottom surface of the slide body 32 is landed on the ground. The fact that the lift frame 30 has reached the maximum angle is detected by the tilt detection means 72.
Then, the step plate 37 is placed in a horizontal position, and the vehicle is loaded or unloaded.

The loading operation is generally performed by executing the unloading operation in the reverse order, that is, by sequentially executing the following steps:
(1) First tilt return process (first tilt operation)
(2) Slide body ascending step (3) Second tilt return step (4) Lift frame advancing step

(1) First tilt return process The first tilt return process is the first tilt operation in the loading operation. The first tilt return process is a process in which the tilt angle of the lift frame 30 is lowered from the state in which the entire bottom surface of the slide body 32 is landed on the ground as shown in Fig. 4(a) until the tilt detection means 72 is in the ON state as shown in Fig. 4(b), and the rear end of the lift frame 30 is lifted off the ground.

(2) Slide Body Lifting Process The slide body lifting process is a process in which the slide body 32 is moved along the lift frame 30 toward the front of the vehicle as shown in FIG. 4(c), and the entire slide body 32 is placed on the lift frame 30 as shown in FIG. 4(d).

(3) Second Tilt Returning Step The second tilt returning step is a step of further decreasing the angle of the lift frame 30 to return it to the horizontal position, as shown in FIG. 4( e ).
When the lift frame 30 returns to the horizontal position, the landing detection means 71 is switched to the ON state.

(4) Lift Frame Advancement Process The lift frame advancement process is a process of advancing the lift frame 30 and returning the lift frame 30 to the initial position as shown in Fig. 4(f). When the lift frame 30 starts to advance, the retreat position detection means 16 is turned off and the retreat continuation detection means 70 is turned on.
When the lift frame 30 and the slide body 32 return to their initial positions, the initial position detection means 15 is turned on. When the lift frame 30 returns to its initial position, the continued backward movement detection means 70 is turned off.

Next, the automatic unloading operation of the cargo handling vehicle 1 of this embodiment will be described.
In the automatic unloading operation, the loading/unloading device 26 and the bumper device 50 operate in cooperation with each other. That is, in the automatic unloading operation, the loading/unloading device 26 and the bumper device 50 operate according to a series of sequence controls.
The remote control 8 employed in this embodiment has an automatic lowering switch 60. While the automatic lowering switch 60 is being pressed, a series of bumper operations and lowering operations continues.

Before the automatic unloading operation starts, the loading/unloading device 26 is returned to its initial position as shown in FIG. 2( a ), and this state is detected by the initial position detection means 15 .
2(a), the hydraulic cylinder 53 of the bumper body 10 is in an extended state, and the bumper body 10 is in a driving position protruding rearward. Therefore, the protruding detection means 56 is in a detecting state. Also, the retracting detection means 55 is in a non-detecting state.

When the slide body 32 is lowered to the ground, the automatic lowering switch 60 is kept pressed.
The control of the automatic lowering operation will now be described with reference to the flow chart of FIG.
As a prerequisite, an operator operates a PTO switch (not shown), the hydraulic pump rotates, hydraulic pressure is generated, and hydraulic oil can be supplied to each hydraulic cylinder 35, 53 by opening and closing each solenoid valve.
In step 1, the process waits for operation of the automatic lowering switch 60. When the worker presses the automatic lowering switch 60, the automatic lowering switch 60 is turned on and the process moves to step 2.

In step 2, the detection state of the storage detection means 55 is confirmed to confirm whether the bumper body 10 is in the storage position.
Usually, when the automatic lowering operation starts, the bumper body 10 is in the driving position, so in most cases, step 2 is NO and the process proceeds to step 3.
In other words, in the automatic lowering operation, the loading/unloading device 26 is controlled so that its operation can be started on the condition that the storage detection means 55 detects that the bumper body 10 is in the storage position, and if the storage detection means 55 is in a non-detecting state when the automatic lowering switch 60 is operated to start the lowering operation, the lowering operation will not be started.

In step 3, the solenoid valve that supplies hydraulic oil to the hydraulic cylinder 53 of the bumper moving mechanism 52 is switched.
As a result, the hydraulic cylinder 53 of the bumper moving mechanism 52 contracts, and the bumper body 10 moves toward the front side of the vehicle portion 5.
Then, the process proceeds to step 4, where it is determined whether or not a certain period of time has elapsed. If the certain period of time has not elapsed, the process returns to step 2, and steps 3, 4, and 2 are repeated.

When the bumper body 10 moves forward, it reaches the storage position as shown in FIG. 2(b), and the storage detection means 55 detects that the bumper body 10 is in the storage position.
As described above, the loading/unloading device 26 is controlled to be in a state in which it can start operating, provided that the storage detection means 55 detects that the bumper body 10 is in the storage position. Therefore, when the storage detection means 55 detects that the bumper body 10 is in the storage position, the condition for starting the operation of the loading/unloading device 26 is satisfied.

When the storage detection means 55 detects that the bumper body 10 is in the storage position, step 2 becomes YES, and the process proceeds to step 5 and subsequent steps. In step 5 and subsequent steps, a series of lowering operations are performed. That is, in step 6, the lift frame 30 starts to move backward. In this embodiment, the slide body 32 on the lift frame 30 also moves backward together with the lift frame 30, and a horizontal movement operation (linear movement operation) is performed.
Then, in step 7, it is confirmed whether or not the lift frame 30 has reached the retreated position. Specifically, the detection state of the retreated position detection means 16 is confirmed, and if the retreated position detection means 16 is in the ON state, step 7 becomes YES, and the process proceeds to step 8.

In step 8, a first tilting step is performed, and the lift frame 30 is tilted to a certain angle.
Then, the process proceeds to step 9, where a slide body lowering step is performed, and then to step 10, where a second tilting step is performed to lower the slide body 32 to the ground.

In this embodiment, since it is confirmed that the bumper body 10 is in the storage position at the beginning of the automatic lowering operation, the slide body 32 and the like do not come into contact with the bumper body 10 even when the first tilting process or the second tilting process is executed.

When the worker releases the automatic unloading switch 60 during the operation, the loading/unloading device 26 stops at that point. When the worker presses the automatic unloading switch 60 again, the above-mentioned series of operations is restarted from the stopped state. In other words, the operation of the loading/unloading device 26 has already started, and the movement of the loading/unloading device 26 has only been temporarily stopped by the worker releasing the automatic unloading switch 60, so when the worker presses the automatic unloading switch 60 again, the above-mentioned series of operations is restarted from the stopped state.
When the lowering operation is completed, step 11 becomes YES, and the series of automatic lowering operations ends.

If the storage detection means 55 does not detect that the bumper body 10 is in the storage position, the subsequent lowering operation will not start in principle.
According to this embodiment, the loading/unloading device 26 is operated after it is confirmed that the bumper body 10 has been moved to the storage position, so that the slide body 32 and the like do not come into contact with the bumper body 10.
In particular, in this embodiment, the lift frame 30 retreats after it is confirmed that the bumper body 10 has moved to the storage position. In this embodiment, the lift frame 30 naturally tilts after it is confirmed that the bumper body 10 has moved to the storage position. Therefore, the slide body 32 and the like do not come into contact with the bumper body 10.

In addition, in this embodiment, if the storage detection means 55 cannot detect that the bumper body 10 is in the storage position for a certain period of time despite the worker continuing to press the automatic lowering switch 60, the process moves from step 4 to step 5, and a series of lowering operations is initiated. The certain period of time is a few seconds after the time (3 to 10 seconds) from when the bumper body 10 starts to be stored until it is completed. For example, the certain period of time is about 4 to 120 seconds.

The reason why such a control method is adopted is to deal with a malfunction of the storage detection means 55, etc.
That is, if the lowering operation does not start for a certain period of time, the worker will check the operating state of the bumper device 50 as a normal action. If the bumper body 10 is sufficiently retracted toward the vehicle side, there is no problem in starting the lowering operation.
Therefore, in this embodiment, the bumper storage operation (cylinder contraction) is performed sufficiently, and a time is secured for the bumper to be expected to be stored, and if this time has elapsed, the bumper lowering operation can be performed as an exception.
When the storage detection means 55 is unable to detect that the bumper body 10 is in the stored position, the start of the lowering operation may be performed automatically after a period of time has elapsed, or may be performed after the worker operates a confirmation switch or the like and visually confirms that the bumper is stored.

In the above-described embodiment, the position of the bumper body 10 is checked at the beginning of the lowering operation, and if the bumper body 10 is not in the storage position, the loading/unloading device 26 is not driven and the lowering operation itself is not started.
However, depending on the structure and mounting position of the bumper body 10, the lift frame 30 may not interfere with the bumper body 10 even when moved backward.
Also, there are vehicle transporters that do not have the function of reversing the lift frame 30.
For such a vehicle transporter, if the bumper body 10 is moved to the storage position before the lift frame 30 starts to tilt, the slide body 32 and the like will not come into contact with the bumper body 10.

Therefore, as shown in the flowchart of Figure 8, the position of the bumper body 10 may be confirmed before the first tilting process is started, and the first tilting process may be started on the condition that the bumper body 10 is in the storage position.

8, in step 1, the operation of the automatic lowering switch 60 is awaited. When the automatic lowering switch 60 is pressed by an operator, the process proceeds to step 2, where the lowering operation is started. That is, in step 3, the slide body 32 starts to move backward.
Then, in step 4, it is confirmed whether or not the slide body 32 has reached the retreated position.
If the reverse position detection means 16 is in the ON state, the answer to step 4 becomes YES, and the process proceeds to step 5.

Then, in step 5, the detection state of the storage detection means 55 is confirmed to confirm whether the bumper body 10 is in the storage position.
Steps 5, 6, and 7 in the flowchart shown in FIG. 8 are the same as steps 2, 3, and 4 in the flowchart shown in FIG.
As described above, when the automatic lowering operation starts, the bumper body 10 is usually in the driving position, so in most cases, step 5 will be NO, and the process will move to step 6, where the bumper body 10 moves to the front side of the vehicle portion 5.
That is, in the automatic lowering operation of this embodiment, tilting of the lift frame 30 is possible on the condition that the storage detection means 55 detects that the bumper body 10 is in the storage position.

If it is confirmed that the bumper body 10 is in the storage position, the process proceeds to step 8 and subsequent steps, where the first tilting step is executed and the lift frame 30 is tilted to a certain angle.
Then, the process proceeds to step 9, where a slide body lowering step is performed, and then to step 10, where a second tilting step is performed to lower the slide body 32 to the ground.

Next, the control of the automatic loading operation will be described with reference to the flow chart of FIG.
In the control of the automatic loading operation, in step 1, the operation of the automatic loading switch 61 is awaited. When the operator presses the automatic loading switch 61, the automatic loading switch 61 is turned on and the process proceeds to step 2.

In step 2, the storage detection means 55 determines whether or not the bumper body 10 is in the storage position.
Usually, when the automatic loading operation starts, the bumper body 10 is in the storage position, so in most cases, step 2 will be YES, and the process will move to step 5, where the loading operation begins.
If for some reason the storage detection means 55 cannot detect that the bumper body 10 is in the storage position, the process proceeds to step 3.
In other words, even in the automatic loading operation, the loading/unloading device 26 is controlled so that its operation can be started on the condition that the storage detection means 55 detects that the bumper body 10 is in the storage position, and if the storage detection means 55 is in a non-detecting state when the automatic loading switch 61 is operated to start the loading operation, the unloading operation will not be started.

In step 3 , the hydraulic cylinder 53 of the bumper moving mechanism 52 contracts, and the bumper body 10 moves toward the front side of the vehicle portion 5 .
Then, the process proceeds to step 4, where it is determined whether or not a certain period of time has elapsed. If the certain period of time has not elapsed, the process returns to step 2, and steps 3, 4, and 2 are repeated.

If the bumper body 10 is in the storage position, step 2 becomes YES, and the process proceeds to step 5 and subsequent steps. In step 5 and subsequent steps, a series of loading operations are performed.
In step 6, a first tilt return process is carried out, and the angle of the lift frame 30 is lowered from the state in which the entire bottom surface of the slide body 32 is landed on the ground as shown in FIG. 4(a) to the state in FIG. 4(b), and the rear end of the lift frame 30 is lifted off the ground.

In the next step 7, a slide body lifting step is carried out, and the slide body 32 is moved toward the front side of the vehicle along the lift frame 30 as shown in FIG. 4(c).
In the following step 8, a second tilt returning step is executed, and the angle of the lift frame 30 is further decreased and returned to the horizontal position.
In the next step 9, the lift frame 30 moves forward. Then, the loading/unloading device 26 returns to the initial position, and the initial position detection means 15 detects this.

As a result, step 10 becomes YES, and the process moves to step 11.
In step 11, the automatic loading switch 61 is electrically self-maintained in the on state, so that even if the operator releases the automatic loading switch 61, the process from step 11 onwards continues.
In the following step 12, the solenoid valve that supplies hydraulic oil to the hydraulic cylinder 53 of the bumper moving mechanism 52 is switched.
As a result, the hydraulic cylinder 53 of the bumper moving mechanism 52 extends, and the bumper body 10 moves to the rear side of the vehicle portion 5, until the bumper body 10 reaches the driving position.
Therefore, it is possible to prevent the loading vehicle 1 from moving away with the bumper body 10 in the storage position.
When the extension detection means 56 detects that the bumper body 10 has reached the driving position, step 13 becomes YES, and the series of automatic loading operations ends.

Even during automatic loading operation, the loading/unloading device 26 is operated after it is confirmed that the bumper body 10 is in the storage position, so that the slide body 32 and the like do not come into contact with the bumper body 10 during the loading process.
Moreover, step 2 is performed before the lift frame 30 is operated, and the lift frame 30 is operated after it is confirmed that the bumper body 10 is in the storage position, so that the slide body 32 and the like do not come into contact with the bumper body 10 during the loading process.

Even during the automatic loading operation, if the storage detection means 55 continues to be unable to detect that the bumper body 10 is in the stored position for a certain period of time despite the worker continuing to press the automatic loading switch 61, the process moves from step 4 to step 5, and a series of loading operations begins.

The loading vehicle 1 of this embodiment has a bumper extension switch 67 and a bumper retraction switch 68, and the bumper body 10 can also be moved by operating these switches.
In addition, in the cargo handling vehicle 1 of this embodiment, the remote control 8 has a manual unloading switch 65 and a manual loading switch 66, which can be operated to load and unload the slide body 32. That is, the manual unloading operation can be performed by operating the manual unloading switch 65. Also, the manual loading switch 66 can be operated to perform a manual loading operation.

Here, in the cargo handling vehicle 1 of this embodiment, there are certain restrictions when starting the manual loading/unloading operation.
Even in the manual loading/unloading operation, the loading/unloading device 26 can start operating on the condition that the storage detection means 55 detects that the bumper body 10 is in the storage position.
In other words, in this embodiment, if it is not confirmed that the bumper body 10 is in the stored position when the manual lowering switch 65 is pressed, the manual lowering switch 65 becomes inactive and the loading/unloading device 26 does not operate.
The control of the manual lowering operation will be explained based on the flowchart in Figure 10. In step 2, it is confirmed whether the bumper body 10 is in the stored position based on the on/off state of the storage detection means 55, and if the bumper body 10 is not in the stored position, the process ends without performing any further operations.

When the worker encounters this situation, he or she presses the bumper storage switch 68 to move the bumper body 10 forward to the storage position, and then changes the storage detection means 55 to a detection state.
Thereafter, when the manual lowering switch 65 is pressed again, step 2 becomes YES, and the process proceeds to step 3 where a series of lowering operations are carried out.
When the lowering operation is completed, step 8 becomes YES, and the series of manual lowering operations ends.

Even during manual unloading, the loading/unloading device 26 operates on the condition that the bumper body 10 is in the storage position, so the slide body 32 and other parts do not come into contact with the bumper body 10 during the loading process.

A manual loading operation has similar initiation constraints.
That is, in this embodiment, if it is not confirmed that the bumper body 10 is in the storage position when the manual loading switch 66 is pressed, the manual loading switch 66 becomes inactive and the loading/unloading device 26 does not operate.
The control of the manual loading operation will be explained based on the flowchart of Figure 12. In step 2, it is confirmed whether the bumper body 10 is in the storage position based on the on/off state of the storage detection means 55, and if the bumper body 10 is not in the storage position, the process ends without performing any further operations.

When the worker encounters this situation, he or she presses the bumper storage switch 68 to move the bumper body 10 forward to the storage position, and then changes the storage detection means 55 to a detection state.
Thereafter, when the manual loading switch 66 is pressed again, step 2 becomes YES, and the process proceeds to step 3 where a series of loading operations are carried out.
When the initial position detection means 15 detects that the loading/unloading device 26 has returned to the initial position, step 7 becomes YES, and the series of manual loading operations ends.

Even in the manual lowering operation, confirmation as to whether the bumper body 10 is in the storage position may be performed before the first tilting step.
In the flowchart shown in FIG. 11, the position of the bumper body 10 is confirmed, and the first tilting step can be started on the condition that the bumper body 10 is in the storage position.
In the control of the flowchart in Fig. 11, in step 4, the position of the bumper body 10 is confirmed, and if the bumper body 10 is in the storage position, the process can proceed to the following step. If the bumper body 10 is not in the storage position, the process waits until the bumper body 10 reaches the storage position.

Even in the manual lowering operation of this embodiment, step 4 in FIG. 11 occurs before the first tilting process in step 5, and before the lift frame 30 starts to tilt. Even in the control of the flowchart in FIG. 11, the lift frame 30 is tilted after it is confirmed that the bumper body 10 is in the storage position, so the slide body 32 and the like do not come into contact with the bumper body 10 during the loading process.

In the control of the automatic lowering flowchart shown in Figures 7 and 8 and the control of the automatic loading flowchart shown in Figure 9, if the storage detection means 55 is unable to detect that the bumper body 10 is in the stored position for a certain period of time even though the worker continues to press the automatic lowering switch 60, a series of lowering operations, etc. are unconditionally started.
However, other conditions may be added to the conditions for starting the lowering operation, etc. Also, the lowering operation, etc. may be started by satisfying requirements in place of the above-mentioned conditions.

For example, a control may be adopted in which the lowering operation is started on the condition that there is a history of moving the bumper body 10 to the storage position by operating the bumper storage switch 68 for a certain period of time before operating the automatic lowering switch 60 or the automatic loading switch 61.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing control taking into consideration the history of whether or not the bumper retracting switch 68 has been in the on state for a certain period of time.
For example, in step 01, the bumper storage switch 68 is turned on, and in step 02 this state is maintained for a predetermined period of time. Only when the process reaches step 2 and the detection state of the storage detection means 55 is confirmed, will the worker continue to press the automatic lowering switch 60 to start a series of lowering operations.
The "predetermined time" in step 02 is based on the time required for the bumper body 10 to reach the storage position by turning on the bumper storage switch 68, and the "fixed time" in step 4 is based on the time required for the bumper body 10 to automatically reach the storage position. Therefore, it is desirable to set the "fixed time" in step 4 longer than the "predetermined time" in step 02.

Although not shown in the flowchart of FIG. 13, if the automatic lowering switch 60 is pressed and step 2 is reached without going through steps 01 and 02, and the storage detection means 55 is off, control is interrupted or terminated at that stage.

FIG. 14 is a flow chart showing control in manual loading/unloading operation, taking into consideration the history of whether or not the bumper storage switch 68 has been in the on state for a certain period of time.
If the storage switch 68 is not turned on in step 01, the process proceeds to step 1, and similarly to the above-mentioned flow chart, the process waits for the automatic lowering switch 60 to be operated. Alternatively, the process may proceed to step 1 via steps 01 and 02.

At step 2, the detection state of the storage detection means 55 is confirmed, and if the storage detection means 55 is in the OFF state, the process proceeds to step 03, where the past history is referred to.
If step 02 has been passed through before reaching step 2, the process moves to step 3, where the lowering operation is started.
If step 02 has not been passed through before reaching step 2, the control ends.

In the embodiment described above, the loading/unloading device 26 is equipped with an automatic unloading switch 60, an automatic loading switch 61, a manual unloading switch 65, and a manual loading switch 66 as operation switches for operating the loading/unloading device 26, but there may also be further switches for operating each part of the loading/unloading device 26 individually.
For example, the remote control 8 may have the following switches:
(1) A switch for moving the lift frame 30 rearward.
(2) A switch for moving the lift frame 30 forward.
(3) A switch that swings the lift frame 30 in a direction that makes the lift frame 30 more inclined.
(4) A switch that swings the lift frame 30 in a direction that makes the inclination of the lift frame 30 gentler.
(5) A switch for lowering the slide body 32.
(6) A switch for raising the slide body 32.

Even when these switches are operated to operate each component,
It is desirable to control the lift frame 30 so that the initial tilting operation can be started on the condition that the storage detection means is detecting the condition.
It is also desirable to control the lift frame 30 so that the horizontal movement operation for moving the lift frame 30 rearward can be started on the condition that the storage detection means has detected the storage.

In the embodiment described above, control is adopted in which the loading/unloading device 26 is ready to start operating when the storage detection means 55 detects that the bumper body 10 is in the storage position, not only when the unloading operation is performed but also when the loading operation is performed, but this control may be adopted only when the unloading operation is performed.

In the embodiment described above, the bumper body 10 is driven by the power of the hydraulic cylinder 53 or the like, but the bumper body 10 may be moved by human power.
Even in this case, the storage detection means 55 is essential, and the loading/unloading device 26 is driven on the condition that the storage detection means 55 detects that the bumper body 10 is in the storage position.

When adopting a structure in which the bumper body 10 is moved by human power, it is desirable to provide a driving position side locking mechanism that locks the bumper body 10 in the driving position, and a storage position side locking mechanism that locks the bumper body 10 in the storage position.
Furthermore, in the case of adopting a structure in which the bumper body 10 is moved by human power, it is desirable to drive the storage position side locking mechanism by the power of a cylinder or the like.

In the above-described embodiment, a button switch is used as the switch of the remote control. The button switch used in the above-described embodiment is a type of momentary switch that is turned on only while the operator is pressing it and turns off when the operator releases the button.
However, the present invention is not limited to using this type of switch, and it is also possible to use a switch that, once the on switch is operated, maintains the on state until it is turned off (alternate switch), or a switch that electrically maintains the on state by itself.

In the embodiment described above, as the horizontal movement operation for moving the slide body toward the rear side of the vehicle part (moving the slide body backward with respect to the vehicle part), the lift frame retraction process for moving the slide body 32 backward by moving the lift frame 30 backward is performed, but the horizontal movement operation may be a slide body retraction process for moving the slide body 32 backward with respect to the lift frame 30 without moving the lift frame 30. In this case, the slide body retraction process moves the slide body 32 backward by a chain or the like provided on the lift frame 30. When the slide body 32 retracts to a predetermined position, the retraction position detection means 16 detects the slide body 32 and turns on, stopping the movement of the slide body 32. In this case, the retraction position detection means 16 may be provided at the middle position of the lift frame 30.
The lift frame advancement process is similar.

In the above-described loading vehicle 1, (1) the lift frame retracting step, (2) the first tilting step, (3) the slide body descending step, and (4) the second tilting step are sequentially performed during the unloading operation, but it is not essential to perform all of these steps. For example, the lift frame retracting step may be omitted. Also, the second tilting step may be omitted.
The loading and unloading vehicle 1 described above is configured so that the slide body 32 is completely lowered to the ground and placed horizontally and upright to load and unload vehicles, but the slide body 32 may also be inclined to load and unload vehicles.

1 Cargo handling vehicle 5 Vehicle unit 6 Control device 8 Remote control 10 Bumper body 15 Initial position detection means 16 Reverse position detection means 18 Loading device 26 Loading/unloading device 30 Lift frame 31 Tilt mechanism (tilt means)
32 Slide body 50 Bumper device 52 Bumper moving mechanism 55 Storage detection means 56 Extension detection means 60 Automatic lowering switch 61 Automatic loading switch 65 Manual lowering switch 66 Manual loading switch 67 Bumper extension switch 68 Bumper storage switch

Claims (8)

A cargo handling vehicle having a vehicle section and a loading device, the loading device being mounted on the vehicle section,
The loading device includes a loading/unloading device and an operation switch for operating the loading/unloading device,
The loading/unloading device has a lift frame, a tilting means for performing a tilting operation to change the angle of the lift frame, and a slide body that undergoes a linear movement operation to move linearly along the lift frame, and is capable of tilting the lift frame and linearly moving the slide body to land at least a part of the slide body on the ground,
In a loading vehicle capable of performing a lowering operation of lowering the slide body to the ground and a loading operation of pulling the slide body onto the vehicle section,
a bumper device having a bumper body, the bumper body being capable of being changed between a running position suitable for driving and a retracted stored position, and the bumper body being capable of being changed between the running position and the stored position regardless of the operation of the activation switch;
a storage detection means for detecting that the bumper body is in the storage position;
The linear movement and/or tilting motion can be started on the condition that the storage detection means detects that the bumper body is in the storage position ,
A cargo handling vehicle , characterized in that the operation switch operates only the loading/unloading device out of the loading/unloading device and the bumper device . In the lowering operation, the tilting operation is performed multiple times,
2. The loading vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the initial tilting operation can be started on the condition that the storage detection means is detecting the storage. The lowering operation includes a horizontal movement operation for moving the slide body toward the rear side of the vehicle unit, and a first tilting step for tilting the lift frame during the horizontal movement operation,
3. The cargo handling vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the horizontal movement operation is capable of starting on the condition that the storage detection means is in a state of detection. The actuation switch is a lowering switch for starting the lowering operation,
A loading vehicle as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that when the lowering switch is operated to start the lowering operation, if the storage detection means does not detect that the bumper body is in the stored position, the lowering operation is not started, and the lowering operation is started automatically when the operation of the lowering switch is continued for a certain period of time, or when another operation is added. The actuation switch includes a loading switch for performing the loading operation,
5. The loading vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the bumper body can be moved to the traveling position on condition that the loading operation is completed. The bumper device moves the bumper body by power,
6. The cargo handling vehicle according to claim 1, further comprising an extension switch for moving the bumper body to the traveling position, and a storage switch for moving the bumper body to a storage position. The actuation switch is a lowering switch for starting the lowering operation,
A loading vehicle as described in claim 6 , characterized in that after the storage switch has been operated for a predetermined time, when the lowering switch is operated to start the lowering operation, if the storage detection means does not detect that the bumper body is in the stored position, the lowering operation is started automatically or subject to the addition of another operation. A loading device mounted on a vehicle,
A loading/unloading device and an operation switch for operating the loading/unloading device,
The loading/unloading device has a lift frame, a tilting means for performing a tilting operation to tilt the attitude of the lift frame, and a slide body that is moved linearly along the lift frame, and is capable of landing at least a part of the slide body on the ground;
A loading device capable of performing a lowering operation of lowering the slide body to the ground and a loading operation of pulling the slide body onto the vehicle section,
a bumper device having a bumper body, the bumper body being capable of being changed between a running position suitable for driving and a retracted stored position, and the bumper body being capable of being changed between the running position and the stored position regardless of the operation of the activation switch;
a storage detection means for detecting that the bumper body is in the storage position;
The linear movement and/or the tilting operation can be started on the condition that the storage detection means detects that the bumper body is in the storage position ,
A loading device , characterized in that the operation switch operates only the loading/unloading device out of the loading/unloading device and the bumper device .

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