WO2020013743A1

WO2020013743A1 - Emergency rescue vehicles

Info

Publication number: WO2020013743A1
Application number: PCT/SE2019/000010
Authority: WO
Inventors: Brantholm BENG-OLOF
Original assignee: Beng Olof Brantholm
Priority date: 2018-07-09
Filing date: 2019-07-03
Publication date: 2020-01-16
Also published as: SE542670C2; SE1830215A1

Abstract

An emergency rescue vehicle (1) comprising at least one frame (2) to which at least one first ground support device (7) comprising at least one first bogie (13) and at least one second ground support device (9) comprising at least one second bogie (14). Each bogie (13, 14) includes at least one bogie beam (17) to which a first wheel (15) and at least one second wheel (16) is attached. Each bogie (13, 14) is spring mounted to the rescue vehicle (1) via at least one pendulum arm (23). The rescue vehicle (1) includes at least one load plane (39) which is positioned relative to the frame (2) and the horizontal plane with at least one positioning device (38) controlled by at least one control system and at least one sensor for detecting the load plane's position in relation to the horizontal plane. The positioning device (38) also includes at least one tilt frame (41) which is arranged to rotate, tilt in relation to the frame (2) around a first pivot shaft (46) in the rescue vehicle (1). The tilt angle of the tilt frame in relation to the pivot shaft (46) is accomplished by at least one first maneuvering member (51). The load plane (39) is pivotally attached to the upper part of the tilt frame (41) via at least one second pivot shaft (48) in the transverse direction of the rescue vehicle. The angle of rotation of the load plane (39) in relation to the tilt frame is accomplished by at least one second maneuvering member. The pivot shaft (46) in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle is positioned at a vertical height lower than the top height of the wheels.

Description

Emergency Rescue Vehicles

Field of the Invention

The present invention refers to an emergency rescue vehicle in accordance with the claims.

Background of the Invention and Prior Art Every year a large number of people are injured or become ill to such an extent that they themselves cannot move around. Stretchers or similar are used to move the injured or ill. The movement of the injured person over longer distances is usually accomplished by emergency rescue vehicles such as an ambulance or other type of vehicle. For example, in the rescue of injured or ill persons from inaccessible locations, helicopters, tracked vehicles, and/or wheeled stretchers that are manually operated by at least four to six people are used. Other types of vehicles may also be used to move the ill or injured.

Despite the fact that several different types of rescue vehicles have been developed for the movement of injured people, problems still exist with these vehicles. One of the problems mentioned is that, when driving a rescue vehicle in rough terrain, the injured person often ends up in body positions that are unfavorable or unpleasant (uncomfortable). In the worst case, these undesired body positions may exacerbate the injured person’s injury, injuries or illness.

Another problem related to rescue operations is that the person being moved usually experiences a rough or otherwise unpleasant trip during movement. That is to say that vehicles jolt, jog (shake) because of the uneven ground (terrain) on which the vehicle travels. One problem with vehicles is that they can have limited suspension capabilities as well as the absence of independent suspension.

An additional problem exists if the rescue vehicle consists of a trailer (wagon), pulled by a hauling vehicle. In such cases, the rescue vehicle should be suitable to the type of hauling vehicle. For example, it may be necessary to adapt the hauling vehicle to the towed vehicle.

Even when moving objects, goods or the like, there is a need to be able to control the position of the object, the goods or the similar in relation to the horizontal plane.

Equipment for positioning a surface or object in a horizontal direction is previously known in a number of different variants. For example, US7490572 describes a variant of equipment with which a horizontal posture (position) of a chair on which a person sits can take place. In one embodiment, it is also shown that the equipment can be used to level-out a plane on which an ill or injured person is positioned in the horizontal direction. The design differs substantially from the design according to the present invention. A variant of a vehicle, which includes a function to keep a load plane positioned in a horizontal direction, is described in US3642085. The design according to its description differs substantially from the design in accordance with the present invention.

A variant of a vehicle which includes a function to regulate the horizontal level of a seat or similar in relation to the horizontal plane is described in US7083013. The design includes at least one sensor that detects the seat’s horizontal position and at least one drive motor which controls the seat’s horizontal position. The design differs substantially from the design according to the present invention.

Purpose of the Invention

The purpose of the present invention is to eliminate or substantially reduce at least one of the aforementioned, or in the following description, mentioned problems with existing types of emergency rescue vehicles. The purpose is achieved with an emergency rescue vehicle in accordance with the present invention.

Brief Description of the Figures

In the following detailed description of the present invention, references and references to the following figures will be made. Note that the figures are schematic and some parts of the invention may be omitted that are obvious to a professional in the technical field of the invention.

Figs. 1 A and 1B show an exemplifying embodiment of the emergency rescue vehicle seen in perspective. Figs. 2A and 2B show the exemplifying embodiment of the emergency rescue vehicle with the wheels of one bogie omitted.

Figs. 3A to 3C show the pendulum arm in more detail, where parts have been omitted to clarify the design.

Figs. 4A to 4C show the positioning device in more detail. Figs. 5A to 5C show the exemplifying embodiment of the vehicle as seen from the rear.

Figs. 6A to 6C show the exemplifying embodiment of the vehicle viewed from the side.

Figs. 7A and 7B show an alternative embodiment comprising a winch device, seat device and a support device. Figs. 8A and 8B show an alternative embodiment of the present emergency rescue vehicle, which is equipped with skis.

Figs. 9A to 9C show in sequence how a stretcher is moved up onto the load plane, the stretcher mount.

Fig. 10 shows the tow bar (rod) in the transport position. Detailed Description of the Invention

With reference to the figures, an emergency rescue vehicle 1 in accordance with the present invention is herein described in more detail. In the exemplifying embodiment of the emergency rescue vehicle 1 , it consists of a trailer (wagon, carriage) drawn by a hauling vehicle. In alternative embodiments, the rescue vehicle 1 may however be a vehicle equipped with at least one drive unit.

The emergency rescue vehicle 1 includes at least one frame 2, chassis or similar. The frame 2 includes at least one tow bar (rod) 3 with at least one tow bracket (tow hitch) 4. The tow bracket 4 consists of a previously known type of tow bracket, which is suitable for the purpose, and therefore not described in more detail. The frame 2 also includes at least one first beam 5, tube, profile or similar and at least one second beam 6, tube, profile or similar. The first beam extends in the longitudinal direction of the emergency rescue vehicle 1.

The frame 2 also includes at least one first brace (stay) 7, beam, tube, profile or similar and at least one second brace 8, beam, tube, profile or similar. The number of braces in the frame 2 can vary within the scope of the present invention. The first brace 7 extends from one end of the second beam 6 in a direction toward the first beam 5, or the tow bar 3. The second brace 8 extends from the other end of the second beam 6 in a direction toward the first beam 5, or the tow bar. The braces 7 and 8 stiffen the frame 2. The first brace 7 and the second brace 8 act as protectors from shrubs, smaller trees and the like. At least one first ground support device 9 is connected to the frame 2. In the exemplifying embodiment, a first ground support device 9 is connected to the frame’s 2 first side 10 and at least one second ground support device 11 is connected to the frame’s 2 second side 12.

In the exemplifying embodiment, the first ground support device 9 includes at least one first bogie 13 and the second ground support device 11 includes at least one second bogie 14. Each respective bogie 13 and 14 each include at least one first wheel 15 and at least one second wheel 16. In the exemplifying embodiment, the first wheel 15 and the second wheel 16 are attached to at least one bogie beam 17. To the bogie beam’s 17 first end 18, the first wheel 15 is rotatably attached and to the bogie beam’s 17 second end 19, the second wheel is 16 rotatably attached. The bogie beam 17 includes, in its middle (center) part or in the vicinity of its middle part, a mounting 20. The mounting 20 can for example consist of an articulated axle (shaft) 21 or similar.

In the exemplifying embodiment, each respective bogie 13 and 14 is each via the mounting 20, the pendulum arm bracket, connected to one end 22 of a pendulum arm 23. The pendulum arm’s 23 other end 24 is via at least one articulation pivotally connected to the frame 2. The pendulum arm 23 includes at least one bogie mount 25. The pendulum arm 23 also includes at least one strut bracket 26. The strut bracket 26 includes at least one hole 27 for connecting the strut. Preferably, the strut bracket 26 includes multiple holes 27 which allows for an adjustment feature for where the strut is connected to the strut bracket. With reference to Figs. 3A to 3C, the pendulum arm 23 includes at least one first part 28 and at least a second part 29 which are mutually angled according to angle V. The angle V is preferably within the range of 100 to 150 degrees. In a specially preferred embodiment, the angle V is within the range of 135 to 150 degrees. By way of the angled design of the pendulum arm 23, the advantage of greater mobility of the bogie is achieved, an improved movement around the axis of rotation.

In the exemplifying embodiment, the bogie beam’s 17 bogie beam’s mounting 20 is positioned in the center of the bogie beam 17, that is, in the middle between the axis of rotation of the first wheel 15 and the second wheel 16 in the bogie. In an alternative embodiment of the present bogie beam 17, the distance from the bogie beam mounting 20 to the forward of the wheel’s attachment, or the axis of rotation, of the bogie beam 17 is shorter than the distance between the pendulum arm mounting 20, axis of rotation, for the rear wheel. In alternative embodiments, the position of the bogie beam mounting can be adjusted. Each pendulum arm 23 is spring-loaded via at least one suspension device 30. The suspension device 30 preferably includes at least one suspension 31 and at least one shock absorber 32.

In the exemplifying embodiment, the suspension 31 and the shock absorber 32 are integrated into the spring strut, but in alternative embodiments, they can be separate units. The spring strut is in one end connected to the pendulum arm’s 23 strut bracket 26 and the strut is at its other end connected to a second strut bracket 33. The strut bracket 26 includes, in the exemplifying embodiment, at least one hole 34 for connecting the strut. Preferably, the second strut bracket 33 includes several holes 34, which provides a feature for adjusting the struts mounting. The second strut bracket 33 is connected to the frame’s 2 second beam 6. The second strut bracket’s 33 height from the beam 6 can vary.

Each respective bogies’, 13 and 14, movement is limited by at least one first rotation stop 35 and at least one second rotation stop 36. The first rotation stop 35 limits the bogie’s maximum angle of rotation in one direction of rotation and the second rotation stop 36 limits the bogie’s maximum rotation in the second direction of rotation. In the exemplifying embodiment, the second rotation stop 36 is attached to the underside 37 of the pendulum arm’s 23 second part 29.

In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the rear part of the bogie beam can be rotated up to 33 degrees in relation to the horizontal plane. The rear part refers to the part of the bogie beam which movement is restricted by the first rotation stop 35 and the front part is the part of the bogie beam, which movement is restricted by the second rotation stop 36. In the preferred embodiment, the front part of the bogie beam can be rotated 22 degrees upwards in relation to the horizontal plane.

The emergency rescue vehicle 1 includes at least one positioning device 38, level control device or similar. The positioning device 38 is suitable to be used to regulate the position of at least one load plane 39 or similar. In this embodiment, the load plane 39 consists of, or includes, at least one stretcher mount 40 or similar. The regulation of the load plane’s 39 position is preferably automatic, however this does not preclude that the regulation of the load plane’s 39 horizontal position can also be accomplished manually during shorter or longer periods of time. With reference to Figs. 4A to 4C, the positioning device 38 includes at least one bracket with which the positioning device is attached to the frame 2 or other part of the rescue vehicle. In alternative embodiments, the positioning device can be connected to another type of vehicle other than the exemplifying vehicle or to another for the purpose suitable device. The positioning device 38 also includes at least one tilt frame 41, frame design, comprising at least one first tilt frame part 42 and at least one second tilt frame part 43. The first tilt frame part 42 has a triangular shape in the exemplifying embodiment. The first tilt frame part 42 is in one comer connected to a bearing 44, tube, sleeve or similar which is pivotally arranged to the axis of rotation. The second tilt frame part 43 consists of at least one stiffener, stay 45 or similar placed between the first tilt frame part 42 and the bearing 44, tube, sleeve or the like.

The positioning device 38 includes at least one pivot shaft 46 in the longitudinal direction of the rescue vehicle 1. The tilt frame 41 is arranged to be able to tilt, swivel, (rotate) around the pivot shaft 46 in the transverse direction of the vehicle. For example, the first pivot shaft 46 consists of the pivot shaft of one in the bearing 44 articulated axle 47.

The positioning device 38 also includes at least one second pivot shaft 48 in the transverse direction of the rescue vehicle 1. The load plane 39 is arranged to tilt, swivel, (rotate) around the pivot shaft 48 in the transverse direction of the vehicle. The second pivot shaft 48 consists, for example, of the pivot shaft of one in at least one bearing 49 articulated axle 50 or another for the purpose suitable design.

The positioning device 38 includes at least one first maneuvering member 51, which maneuvers the tilt frame’s 41 angle of rotation, tilt, in relation to the first pivot shaft 46. For example, the first maneuvering member 51 can consist of a first electric actuator 52. In alternative embodiments, the first maneuvering member 51 can consist of a hydraulic cylinder, pneumatic cylinder or other for the purpose suitable design. The maneuvering member 51 is at its one end connected to a bracket 53 in the load plane, stretcher mount. The maneuvering member 51 is at its other end connected to a second bracket 54 in the strut bracket 33. The positioning device 38 includes at least one second maneuvering member 55 which maneuvers the load plane’s 39 angle of rotation, tilt, relative to the second pivot shaft 48. For example, the second maneuvering member 55 can consist of a second electrical actuator 56. The maneuvering member 55 is at its one end connected to a third bracket 57 in the load plane, the stretcher mount. The maneuvering member 55 is at its other end connected to a fourth bracket 58 in the bearing, tube. The positioning device 38 includes at least one position-sensing device 59, which detects the position of the loading plane’s 39 position relative to the horizontal plane. For example, the position-sensing device 59 can include, or consist of, at least one gyro 60 or other for the purpose suitable gauge or sensor. Data or information obtained from the gyro 60 is processed by at least one control system, not shown in the figures, which in turn controls the first maneuvering member 51 and the second maneuvering member 55.

In the present emergency rescue vehicle, it is possible to level-regulate the loading plane 39, such as the stretcher mount, in a constant position, or essentially constant position in relation to the horizontal plane. The mentioned position can conform to the horizontal plane but can also be maneuvered to deviate from the horizontal plane to the extent desired. The goal is to maintain the plane in the desired position in relation to the horizontal plane. When cornering, an adjustment of the angle of inclination (tilt, slope) can take place in relation to speed and other factors. Adjustment of the slope (angle, tilt) in relation to the horizontal plane is done to increase the comfort of the person placed on the stretcher on the stretcher mount. With reference to Figs. 5A to 5C, it is shown how the load plane is kept at a horizontal level, horizontally oriented, even though the wheels are positioned in a position according to the ground’s slope (gradient). The purpose of the invention is to maintain a fixed position for the load plane in relation to the horizontal plane regardless of the positions of the wheels.

With reference to Figs. 6A to 6C, it is shown how the load plane is kept at a horizontal level, horizontally oriented, even though the wheels are positioned in a position according to the ground’s slope (gradient). The purpose of the invention is to maintain a fixed position for the load plane in relation to the horizontal plane regardless of the positions of the wheels.

With reference to Figs. 7A and 7B, a rescue vehicle is shown, which is equipped with at least one winch device 61. The winch device 61 includes at least one winch 62 and at least one bracket 63 to connect the winch 62 to the tow bar 3, or alternatively the frame 2. In this embodiment, the load plane 39 also includes an extendable part 64, such as a loading ramp, which is pulled out in conjunction with a stretcher, for example, being winched onto the loading plane, which in the shown embodiment, consists of a stretcher mount. This extendable feature is achieved by profiles 65, which are arranged to be movable (extendable and retractable) in the load plane via bearings 66. With the winch device 61, a stretcher can be winched from ground level up onto the stretcher mount. With reference to Figs. 7 A and 7B, an alternative embodiment of the rescue vehicle is shown which includes at least one care platform 67, work platform or similar which is connected to the first brace and at least one second care platform 68, working platform or similar, and on the other side connected to the other brace. The design’s braces create a protective effect against shrubs, smaller trees, obstacles and the like. The first care plane, connected to the first brace and the second care plane connected to the second brace enhances the protective effect against shrubs or the like. To further improve the protective (shunning) effect, the invention includes at least one first hook 69 and at least one second hook 70.

With reference to Fig. 1 A and Fig. 10, it is shown that the tow bar 3 is connected to the frame 2 via a coupling part 71, bracket or similar. To the coupling part, the tow bar 3 is connected via a screw joint, shaft or other for the purpose suitable connection member. In the

exemplifying embodiments, the tow bar is connected via a first screw joint 72 and a second screw joint 73. The first screw joint 72 is connected via a first hole 74 in a hole series of at least two holes 74. In the exemplifying embodiment, the hole series includes four holes 74. In alternative embodiments, the number of holes can be more or fewer than four. By selecting holes 74 through which the screw is put, the angle between the tow bar 3 and frame 2 can be adjusted. For example, the design results in that the ball (hitch) pressure can be adjusted and to adjust the height to the coupling device of the towing (hauling) vehicle. In Fig. 1 A, the tow bar is in a working position that is to say in an active position during used. In Fig. 10, the tow bar is placed in an upward transport position.

With reference to Figs. 8A and 8B, an alternative embodiment of the present invention is shown, where it instead of wheels is provided with at least one first ski 75, runner or similar and at least one second ski 76, runner or similar. The skis 75 and 76 are each at their front part 77 connected to at least one front bracket 78 and in their rear part 79 connected to at least one rear bracket 80. The skis 75 and 76 are preferably of a material, which allows for them to bend and adapt to rough, uneven ground. The skis each include at least one stop 81.

Referring to Figs. 9A to 9C, a sequence shows how a stretcher 82 is moved onto the loading plane, which in this case consists of a stretcher mount. In Fig. 9A, the load plane has been maneuvered to a position angled towards the ground, allowing for a stretcher to be pulled up on the load plane. In Fig. 9B the stretcher has been pulled onto the load plane. In Fig. 9C, the stretcher has been pulled up onto the load plane. Again with reference to Figs. 7A and 7B, an embodiment of the rescue vehicle is shown which includes a seating device 83, seat or similar for at least one person. The design of the seating device 83 is of a currently known type, which is why it is not described in more detail in this patent application. The figure also shows a support device 84 such as a support device of the type used for trailers or the like. The support device’s ground support 85 can consist of a plate, wheel or similar.

In the detailed description of the present emergency rescue vehicle, details may be omitted which are obvious to a professional in the field of the rescue vehicle. Such obvious details are included to the extent necessary for the proper functioning of the present emergency rescue vehicle.

Although certain preferred embodiments of the emergency rescue vehicle are described in more detail, variations and modifications of the rescue vehicle may be evident to

professionals in the area of the invention. All such modifications and variations are considered to fall within the scope of the subsequent claims. Advantages of the Invention

The present invention achieves a number of advantages. The most obvious is that at least one of the problems with existing emergency rescue vehicles described in the background is eliminated or substantially reduced.

Claims

1. An emergency rescue vehicle (1) comprising at least one frame (2), attached to the frame (2) is at least one first ground support device (9), comprising at least one first bogie (13), and at least one second ground support device (11), comprising at least one second bogie (14), said bogie (13, 14) each comprising at least one bogie beam (17) to which a first wheel (15) and at least one second wheel (16) are attached and that each bogie (13, 14) is spring mounted to the rescue vehicle’s (1) frame (2) via at least one pendulum arm (23) and that the rescue vehicle (1) comprises at least one load plane (39) which is positioned relative to the frame (2) and the horizontal plane with at least one positioning device (38) controlled by at least one control system and at least one sensor that detects the load plane’s (39) position relative to the horizontal plane characterized in that the positioning device (38) comprises at least one tilt frame (41) which is arranged to rotate, tilt, in relation to the frame (2) around a first pivot shaft (46) in the longitudinal direction of the rescue vehicle (1) and that the angle of rotation of the tilt frame (41) around the pivot shaft (46) in relation to the frame (2) is accomplished by at least one first maneuvering member (51) and that the load plane (39) is pivotally attached to the upper part of the tilt frame (41) via at least one second pivot shaft (48) in the transverse direction of the rescue vehicle and that the angle of rotation of the load plane (39) in relation to the tilt frame (41) is maneuvered with at least one second maneuvering member (55) and that the first pivot shaft (46) in the longitudinal direction of the rescue vehicle is positioned at a vertical height lower than the top height of the wheels.

2. An emergency rescue vehicle (1) in accordance with claim 1 characterized in that the loading plane (39) consists of at least one stretcher mount (40).

3. An emergency rescue vehicle (1) in accordance with one of the previous claims

characterized in that the rescue vehicle consists of a trailer with at least one tow bar (3).

4. An emergency rescue vehicle (1) in accordance with claim 3 characterized in that the tow bar (3) is pivotally attached to the frame and maneuverable between an upward position and a downward position.

5. An emergency rescue vehicle (1) in accordance with claim 4 characterized in that the angle between the tow bar (3) and the frame (2) is adjustably arranged.

6. An emergency rescue vehicle (1) in accordance with at least one of the previous

claims 3 to 5 characterized in that the adjustability of the angle between the tow bar (3) and the frame (2) is achieved by a hole series and screw joints.

7. An emergency rescue vehicle (1) in accordance with claim 1 characterized in that the rescue vehicle (1) includes at least one winch.

8. An emergency rescue vehicle (1) in accordance with at least one of the previous

claims characterized in that the pendulum arm (23) comprises at least one first part (28) and at least one second part (29) which are mutually angled in the range of 100 to 150 degrees.

9. An emergency rescue vehicle (1) in accordance with claim 8 characterized in that the first part (28) and the second part (29) are mutually angled in the range of 135 to 150 degrees.

10. An emergency rescue vehicle (1) in accordance with at least one of the previous

claims characterized in that the bogie’s angle of rotation is limited by a first rotation stop (35) and a second rotation stop (36).