Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a robotic transporter for loading and transporting vehicles.

Background of the Invention

It is a well-known fact that vehicles have a risk of catching or initiating fire. Safety is a very important issue when limiting, containing and/or putting out the fire, especially for the people and surroundings involved in the process.

When looking towards electric vehicles, a new issue occurs regarding safety of lithium- ion batteries and the risk of initiating fire. The safety of lithium-ion batteries in vehicles is a priority of the automotive industry.

One example may be lithium-ion batteries that may suffer thermal runaway and cell rupture if overheated or overcharged. In extreme cases, the thermal runaway and cell rupture may lead to combustion. To reduce these risks, lithium-ion battery packs contain fail-safe circuitry that shuts down the battery when the temperature of the battery is outside the safe range. When handled improperly, or if manufactured defectively, some rechargeable batteries can experience thermal runaway resulting in overheating. Sealed cells will sometimes explode violently if safety vents are overwhelmed or nonfunctional.

Another example may be a lithium-ion battery that may be damaged, for example when the electric vehicle run over some debris, and the driver might not be aware of the damage. And then a fire may start well after the initial incident. That could theoretically cause a fire after the electric vehicle is parked in a garage or in a vehicle park. The lithium-ion cells may cause an explosion, or a fire may occur.

Burning vehicles are hazardous. The fire in vehicles may cause a huge risk for the firefighters involved in the process, especially if the vehicles are located for example in troublesome locations, such as in vehicle parks, parking garages/basements or parking decks in ferries, where a plurality of vehicles are present with limited space between each vehicle. Due to a low clear height of each floor level in a parking garage, it can be very complicated or even impossible for a truck to manoeuvre and operate in a parking garage. Especially if the truck comprises a container which is to be used for transporting the vehicle out of the parking garage.

EP3851168 Al describes a vehicle trailer with is designed to handle a burning electrical vehicle. The vehicle trailer has a trailer body which delimits a cargo space delimited by body walls for accommodating the motor vehicle involved in an accident. The motor vehicle involved in an accident can be transferred into the loading space. A gripping device attached to the vehicle trailer can be extended and retracted in such a way that when a body wall is open, the motor vehicle can be gripped by means of the gripping device and transferred into the loading space via the open body wall. Due to the high heat generated during such a fire, the recovery and extinguishing of electric vehicles with such accumulators turns out to be extremely difficult. It is very difficult to grip the motor vehicle using gripping device. The gripping means is difficult to the motor vehicle such that the motor vehicle can be loaded correctly into the loading space. This may require a firefighter close to the burning vehicle to ensure the gripping means has a safe grip in the motor vehicle. The burning motor vehicle risk being dragged such that the motor vehicle rotates transversally relative to the loading space. Alternative the gripping device must lift the motor vehicle onto the loading space, which requires a large accessible space above the vehicle trailer.

Today firefighters need to be close to the burning vehicles placing the firefighters in a big fire hazard. The firefighter is not able to bring safety firefighting apparatus and/or trucks to the burning vehicle. Firefighters will be at risk of getting hurt or developing diseases such as cancer when the firefighters frequently come into contact with high levels of carbon monoxide and other toxic hazards etc. These dangerous exposures present a likelihood for many diseases because the firefighters are too close for too long to the burning vehicles. Firefighters will be at risk of dying in the line of duty. Object of the Invention

It is an object of the invention to provide a transporter for automatically loading and transporting vehicles, and a method thereof, which addresses the above-mentioned problems and additionally provides a number of further advantages.

Description of the Invention

The present invention addresses this by providing a robotic transporter for loading and transporting vehicles, wherein the robotic transporter comprises:

- a transporter bed,

- a gate flap is pivotally attached to a second bed end of the transporter bed, such that the gate flap, wherein the gate flap comprises at least one conveying means for conveying said vehicle to and from the transporting bed,

- loading means for loading said vehicle onto the transporter bed, wherein the loading means is configured to be activated when the gate flap is arranged in a predetermined loading position, such that said vehicle is capable of being loaded onto the transporter bed,

- transporting means for transporting the robotic transporter from a first location to a second location, wherein the transporting means or part of the transporting means is arranged relative to a lower side of the transporter bed.

Fire incidents in electric vehicles occur relatively frequently. Fire in electric vehicles where the lithium-ion battery is ignited, is in some cases more challenging than in ordinary vehicle fires. Even when the battery fire is obvious, it is well-known that it easily may take 24 hours for a lithium-ion battery fire in an electric vehicle to be fully extinguished. Experience from fires in electric vehicles as well as a number of guidelines related to the topic uncovers the difficult challenges which may arise in handling a fire in an electric vehicle or any other types of vehicles. If the vehicles are located in troublesome locations, such as in vehicle parks, parking garages/basements, garage for repairs or parking decks in ferries, a fire may be more troublesome, because a plurality of vehicles are present with limited space between each vehicle.

Due to safety considerations, electric axle drives are often equipped with a parking lock system, which prevents vehicle movement while parking in redundancy with the parking brake. It is therefore very difficult to move an electrical vehicle when the vehicle is in parking position. The recovery and destruction of electric vehicles with such accumulators is extremely difficult. This invention provides a safe solution for automatically loading and transporting vehicles, without the firefighters needs to be close to the burning vehicles, and without placing the firefighters in a big fire hazard.

The robotic transporter must be agile and robust at the same time. If fire and/or smoke is present in the vehicle, the vehicle must be loaded onto the transporter bed of the robotic transporter, secured and transported to a safe location.

The recovery and destruction of electric vehicles with such accumulators is extremely difficult. This invention provides a safe solution for automatically loading and transporting vehicles, without the firefighters needs to be close to the burning vehicles, and without placing the firefighters in a big fire hazard.

The interpretation of the expression "robotic transporter" may be understood as a ma- chine/unit that can assist humans in a variety of ways. A task or tasks related to the function of the robotic transporter and/or transport/navigation is not necessarily performed autonomously or pre-programmed. Robotics is the engineering and operation of machines that can autonomously or semi-autonomously perform physical tasks on behalf of a human. Robots may perform tasks that are either highly repetitive or too dangerous for a human to carry out safely. Wherein semi-autonomously is defined by acting independently to some degree. The meaning of the expression “robotic transporter” is to perform one or more tasks without the present of a human, especially tasks which is too dangerous of a human to carry out safely. It is therefore not necessarily that all tasks are performed autonomously or pre-programmed. Some of the tasks may be controlled remotely by a user.

The robotic transporter comprises a transporter bed comprises a gate flap and loading means for loading said vehicle onto the transporter bed. Furthermore, the robotic transporter comprises transporting means for transporting the robotic transporter to and from the scene of the accident.

A gate flap is pivotally connected to a second bed end of transporter bed. The gate flap extends from the first side edge to the second side edge of the transporter bed. The gate flap may be arranged in a substantially closed position or in a predetermined loading position. When the flap gate is in a predetermined loading position, then the robotic transporter is configured to force the flap gate under the vehicle and load the vehicle onto the transporter bed. When the gate flap is arranged in the closed position, the gate flap is extending in a substantially vertical direction from the transporter bed.

The robotic transporter comprises loading means for loading said vehicle onto the transporter bed. The loading means may be arranged in a transporter cavity, on an end wall or be a part of the gate flap. The transporter bed may also comprise loading means, for easily moving the vehicle into a correct position in the robotic transporter. The loading means may comprise loading means for loading the vehicle onto the transporter bed. A loading system may be configured to move the gate flap relative to the transporter bed. The loading system may be configured to move the vehicle from a first resting position to a second resting position on the transporter bed and/or the gate flap.

The gate flap is arranged in a predetermined loading position, such that said vehicle is capable of being loaded onto the transporter bed. Part of the gate flap may rest on the ground, forming a slope. The gate flap may be placed as an extension of the vehicle, such that the vehicle easily can be guided onto the transporter bed, manually or automatically. Rollers may be arranged on the lower side of the gate flap, such that the robotic transporter easily can drive or be moved towards and/or under the vehicle. The loading means may be configured to be activated by the force of the vehicle when the vehicle is moved or pushed onto the transporter bed. The loading means may be configured to be activated automatically and/or controlled by a user, such that the vehicle is dragged, conveyed or guided onto the transporter bed.

The gate flap comprises at least one conveying means for conveying said vehicle to and from the transporting bed. The conveying means may be arranged on or as a part of the gate flap. The conveying means may also be arranged on or in the transporter bed. The conveying means may be rollers, such that the vehicle easily can be pushed or dragged over the gate flap. The conveying means may alternatively be conveying belts and/or chains. The conveying means may be automatically activated, such that the vehicle easily is transported from the ground onto the transporter bed. The transporter bed may also comprise conveying means, for easily moving the vehicle into a correct position in the robotic transporter.

The robotic transporter further comprises transporting means for transporting the robotic transporter from a first location to a second location. One of the locations may be in a parking zone in a parking garage or in another parking zone for parking vehicles. The robotic transporter is configured to drive automatically or manually to the selected vehicle to be transported. The robotic transporter may be self-impelling. The robotic transporter may further comprise robotic means for automatically driving and/or navigating. Due to the transporting means, the robotic transporter has a very small turning radius or even a zero turning radius. The robotic transporter is very agile and is capable of manoeuvring and operate in a parking garage.

The transporting means may comprise a zero-radius turning and steering system. For example, a four-wheel zero-radius turning and steering system is capable of controlling the four wheels independently. For example, in the two-wheel steer mode only one axle is driven. In a four-wheel steer mode both axles are driven but in directions opposite to each other. In crab steer mode all the wheels turn in same direction. In zero turn steer mode the vehicle follows a circular path.

Using four-wheel turning and steering system, the robotic transporter is capable of moving in all directions. Four-wheel zero-radius turning and steering system is beneficial because it increases the vehicle’s steering response time and helps keep the vehicle stable. With all four wheels steering, instead of for example only the front two, this four- wheel zero-radius turning and steering system offers unprecedented control and maneuverability. The transporting means may alternative comprise a zero-radius turning and steering system for caterpillar means for crawlers.

The transporting means may be arranged under the lower side of the transporter bed.

The transporting means may alternatively be arranged under the sides of the transporter bed. The robotic transporter may also comprise at least one motorised unit for activating the transporting means. The robotic transporter may also comprise at least one motorised unit for activating and pivoting the gate flap from a substantially closed position to a predetermined loading position, and vice versa. In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, a frame or part of a frame is arranged relative to the lower side of the transporter bed.

The robotic transporter may also comprise at least one frame. The frame or part of a frame is arranged relative to the lower side of the transporter bed. The frame reinforces the construction of the robotic transporter and stabilises the transporter bed. The frame also provides rigging or connecting means for easy loading and unloading of the robotic transporter to and from a truck, a crane, or similar.

In a still further advantageous embodiment of the invention, at least one actuator is configured to pivotally move the gate flap from the closed position to said predetermined loading position, and vice versa.

The gate flap is pivotally connected to the second bed end of transporter bed. The robotic transporter comprises actuators for pivoting the gate flap. The actuators may be arranged on each side wall of the robotic transporter and fastened to each side of the gate flap, such that the gate flap can be moved from a substantially closed position to a predetermined loading position, and vice versa. Alternatively, the actuators may be arranged on the lower side of the transporter bed or on the frame of the robotic transporter and fastened to each side of the gate flap.

In a still further advantageous embodiment of the invention, at least one further actuator is configured to pivotally moving the extension flap relative to the gate flap.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, said actuator or actuators are hydraulic, electric and/or pneumatic actuators.

The actuators may be arranged on each side wall of the gate flap and fastened to each side of the extension flap, such that the extension flap can be moved from a substantially extended position to a predetermined holding position, and vice versa. Alternatively, the actuators may be arranged on the lower side of the gate flap and fastened to each side of the extension flap or under the extension flap. The actuator or actuators may be controlled individually. The actuator or actuators may be controlled relatively to each other.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, one or more rolling means are arranged relative to the lower side the gate flap, and/or to a first and/or a second side of the gate flap.

Rolling means may be arranged relative to the lower side the gate flap. The rolling means may be arranged relative to a first and/or a second side of the gate flap. The rolling means may be casters, rollers, wheels or similar. When the gate flap is arranged in the first position, for example resting on the ground, the robotic transporter forces the gate flap under the wheels of the vehicle. When adding the rolling means, the friction relative to the ground will be decreased, such that the flap gate more easily is pushed under the vehicle. The actuators may be arranged relative to the rolling means arranged relative to the gate flap and/or extension flap.

In a still further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the transporter bed having a first and a second side wall arranged relative to the transporter bed’s first and second side edge, and an end side wall arranged relative to the first and second side wall at a first bed end of the transporter bed, such that the gate flap, when arranged in a substantially closed position, is resting against the first side wall and second side wall at said second bed end, such that said first and second side wall, said end side wall, and said gate flap forms a cavity on the upper side of the transporter bed in the robotic transporter.

The robotic transporter comprises a transporter bed having a first side wall and a second side wall. The transporter bed has a first and a second side edge, and a first bed end and a second bed end. The transporter bed may be substantially square or rectangular. The transporter bed may be elongated, such that the transporter bed may comprise two elongated sides edges. The side edges may also be referred to as cross sides. The side walls are arranged relative to the transporter bed’s first and second side edge. An end side wall is arranged at the first end of the transporter bed, relative to the first and second side wall, forming a U-shaped side wall. The gate flap may be arranged in a substantially closed position or in a predetermined loading position. When the gate flap is arranged in the closed position, the gate flap is extending in a substantially vertical direction from the transporter bed. The vertical sides of the flap gate are resting against the first side wall and second side wall. The flap gate is placed such that said first and second side wall, said end side wall, and said gate flap forms a cavity on the upper side of the transporter bed on the robotic transporter.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, said robotic transporter comprises sealing means for sealing said gate flap to the first and second side wall and to the second bed end in a waterproof connection.

A gate flap is pivotally connected to a second bed end of the transporter bed. In closed position the gate flap extends from the first side wall to the second side wall. The said robotic transporter comprises sealing means for sealing said gate flap to the first and second side wall and to the second bed end in a waterproof connection, such that fluid is capable of being contained inside said cavity. The sealing means may be a resilient membrane, which is attached and/or fastened to the ends of the first and second side wall and to the second bed end. When the gate flap is in the closed position, the gate flap is pressing against the resilient membrane and thereby providing a waterproof connection between the gate flap, the first and second side wall, and the second bed end. The resilient membrane may also be referred to as a sealing strip or a rubber strip.

In a still further advantageous embodiment of the invention, said robotic transporter comprises fire extinguishing means for extinguishing fire in said vehicle, wherein said fire extinguishing means is arranged in said enclosed cavity.

With an electric vehicle fire, there is a need for liquid. The best way to extinguish fires in an electric vehicle is to keep a direct and focused stream on the battery until the battery relents and temperature is greatly decreased. Alternatively, the electric vehicle may be placed in a liquid basin. The fire extinguishing means comprises at least one tube with at least one nozzle, which may be arranged under and/or around the electric vehicle. The robotic transporter's fire extinguishing means may comprise at least one liquid inlet and/or at least one liquid outlet. Before and/or during transportation of the vehicle or part of the vehicle, which is more or less covered with liquid in the robotic transporter’s cavity. The vehicle is then secured and can be transported to a safe location. At the same time the temperature can be reduced and the fire and/or smoke can be substantially eliminated.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the robotic transporter comprises a fire-retardant tarpaulin.

The vehicle arranged in a secured position inside a robotic transporter, may be covered with a fire-retardant tarpaulin. The fire-retardant tarpaulin is suitable for cover- ing/shielding the vehicle in the robotic transporter. The fire-retardant tarpaulin may be arranged such that the robotic transporter and the fire-retardant tarpaulin encapsulates a volume, which is capable of enclosing a vehicle inside said volume. The fire-retardant tarpaulin may be stored in a tarpaulin container. The fire-retardant tarpaulin may be pulled/rolled out from the container and/or attached manually. The fire-retardant tarpaulin extends from the end side wall, along the side walls to the gate flap. The fire- retardant tarpaulin may easily be rolled out and in using tarpaulin rolling means. The rolling means may be arranged inside the tarpaulin container.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the robotic transporter comprises a control unit, wherein the control unit is configured to control the transporting means and/or the motorised unit.

The robotic transporter may comprise a computer unit, processing means and/or means for communication. The means for communication may comprise a receiver unit and/or a transmitter unit. The communication may be between the robotic transporter and a remote-control device. The control unit is in data communication with a remote-control device. The data communication may be wired or wireless. The data communication may be between the robotic transporter and at least one global positioning system or similar. The robotic transporter may comprise robotic means. The robotic transporter may also comprise impelling means. The robotic transporter may be configured to automatically impel and/or navigate. In a still further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the robotic transporter comprises a control unit, wherein the control unit is configured to control the loading means and/or the gate flap.

The actuator or actuators may be controlled such that the gate flap is capable of loading the vehicle onto the transporter bed. The conveying means may be controlled, such that the gate flap is capable of loading the vehicle onto the transporter bed. The actuator or actuators may be controlled relatively to each other, such that the extension flap is controlled relatively to the gate flap. The conveying means may be controlled relatively to the actuator or actuators, such that the vehicle is loaded onto the transporter bed automatically.

The invention is also directed at a method for loading and transporting a vehicle using a robotic transporter, comprising following steps:

- loading said vehicle onto the transporter bed,

- transporting said vehicle from a first location to a second location using said robotic transporter.

The method comprises further steps of moving said vehicle onto said transporter bed with the use of gate flap.

The movement of the gate flap is capable of moving a vehicle into the transporter bed. The robotic transporter forces said vehicle onto or partially on to a gate flap, when the gate flap is arranged in a first position. The robotic transporter lifts said vehicle into a horizontal position, when pivoting the flap gate into a second position. When the robotic transporter pivoting the flap gate into a third position, the vehicle is forced onto the transporter bed, because the displacement of the weight of the vehicle.

The invention has now been explained with reference to a few embodiments which have only been discussed in order to illustrate the many possibilities and varying design possibilities achievable with the robotic transporter according to the present invention. Description of the Drawing

The embodiments of the invention are described in the following with reference to: Figure la,b: Illustrating viewing angles of a robotic transporter loading a vehicle, wherein a gate flap is in a first loading position.

Figure 2a, b: Illustrating viewing angles of a robotic transporter loading a vehicle, wherein a gate flap is in a second loading position.

Figure 3a, b: Illustrating viewing angles of a robotic transporter loading a vehicle, wherein a gate flap is in a second and a third loading position.

Figure 4: Illustrating a vehicle arranged in a secured position inside a robotic transporter.

Figure 5: Illustrating a vehicle arranged in a secured position inside a robotic transporter, wherein the vehicle is covered with a fire-retardant tarpaulin.

Figure 6a,b,c,d,e: Illustrating viewing angles of a further embodiment of a robotic transporter loading a vehicle with the use of a gate flap.

In the explanation of the figures, identical or corresponding elements will be provided with the same designations in different figures. Therefore, no explanation of all details will be given in connection with each single figure/embodiment.

Detailed Description of the Invention

An embodiment of the invention is explained in the following detailed description. It is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its scope to the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or carried out in various ways.

Figure la,b illustrates two viewing angles of a robotic transporter loading a vehicle 11. The robotic transporter 1 comprises a transporter bed 2 having a first side wall 3 ' and a second side wall 3". The transporter bed 2 has a first and a second side edge, a first bed end and a second bed end. The transporter bed 2 has a rectangular shape. The transporter bed 2 comprises two elongated side edges, where the first side wall 3' is attached to the transporter bed’s first side edge, and the second side wall 3" is attached to the transporter bed’s second side edge. An end side wall 5 is attached to the first bed end of the transporter bed. The end side wall 5 extends form the first side wall 3 ' to the second side wall 3", forming a U-shaped side wall forming a cavity 4. A gate flap 6 is pivotally connected to a second bed end of the transporter bed 2. The gate flap 6 is in a first loading position, resting on the ground in front of the vehicle 11. The gate flap 6 is arranged in a predetermined loading position, such that said vehicle 11 is capable of being loaded onto the transporter bed 2. Part of the gate flap 6 rests on the ground, forming a slope. The gate flap 6 is placed as an extension of the vehicle 11, such that the vehicle 11 easily can be guided onto the transporter bed 2. The robotic transporter 1 comprises loading means for loading said vehicle 11 onto the transporter bed 2. The loading means may be configured to be activated by the force of the vehicle 11, when the vehicle 11 is moved or pushed onto the transporter bed. The loading means may be configured to be activated automatically and/or controlled by a user, such that the vehicle is dragged or guided onto the transporter bed.

The robotic transporter 1 further comprises transporting means 7 for transporting the robotic transporter 1 from a first location to a second location. The robotic transporter may be self-impelling. The robotic transporter 1 has a computer unit and means for data communication. The data communication may be between the robotic transporter and a remote-control device. The robotic transporter 1 comprises robotic means for automatically impelling and navigating. The transporting means 7 may alternatively comprise a zero-radius turning and steering system for caterpillar means for crawlers. The robotic transporter 1 has a very small turning radius or even a zero turning radius. The robotic transporter 1 is therefore very agile and is also very capable of manoeuvring and operating in troublesome locations.

The robotic transporter 1 is capable of loading the vehicle onto the transporter bed by itself. The robotic transporter 1 places the gate flap on the ground. The gate flap may comprise rolling means for rolling on the ground. The gate flap can then be forced under the front wheels of the vehicle. Once the front wheels are on the gate flap, the conveying means 12 or rolling means is capable of moving the entire vehicle up on the gate flap and onto the transporter bed.

Figure 2a, b: Illustrating viewing angles of a robotic transporter loading a vehicle, wherein a gate flap is in a second loading position. The gate flap 6 is pivotally connected to a second bed end of transporter bed 2 and arranged in a first loading position resting on the ground. The gate flap 6 is arranged in the loading position, such that the vehicle 11 is capable of being loaded onto the transporter bed 2, for example being dragged by wire or similar. Part of the gate flap 6 rests on the ground, forming a slope. Part of the gate flap 6 rests on the ground may comprise rollers such that the gate flap 6 easily can be moved across the ground.

The back end of the vehicle may rest against a wall or another solid object, such that when the robotic transporter 1 moves forward towards the vehicle 11. The robotic transporter 1 is capable of pushing the gate flap 6 underneath the vehicle and loading the vehicle onto the gate flap 6. The robotic transporter 1 may use the conveying means 12 for loading the vehicle onto the gate flap 6. In this embodiment the conveying means 12 is rollers. The vehicle 11 is positioned, such that the front wheels is moved up on the transporter bed. The conveying means or rolling means arranged on the transporter bed is configured to move the entire vehicle from the gate flap 6 and onto the transporter bed.

The frame 9 or part of a frame 9 is arranged relative to the lower side of the transporter bed. The frame 9 reinforces the construction of the robotic transporter 1 and stabilises the transporter bed. The frame 9 also provides rigging or connecting means 13 for easy loading and unloading of the robotic transporter 1 to and from a truck, a crane or similar.

The transporting means 7 may comprise a four-wheel zero-radius turning and steering system. The four-wheel zero-radius turning, and steering system is capable of controlling the four wheels 7' independently. Using four-wheel turning and steering system, the robotic transporter is capable of moving in all directions.

The four wheels 7' may be arranged under the lower side of the transporter bed. The four wheels 7' may be attached to the frame 9. The four wheels 7' may alternatively be arranged under the sides of the transporter bed. The robotic transporter may also comprise at least one motorised unit for driving the four wheels 7'. The robotic transporter may also comprise at least one motorised unit for activating and pivoting the gate flap 6 from the first loading position to the second loading position, and vice versa. Figure 3a, b: Illustrating viewing angles of a robotic transporter loading a vehicle, wherein a gate flap is in a second and a third loading position. Once the vehicle is loaded onto the gate flap 6. The flap gate 6 is moved from a first position to a second position, showed in fig 3a. The gate flap’s 6 second position may be substantially horizontal, such that most of the vehicle’s weight is resting one the gate flap 6. The vehicle 11 is positioned, such that the front wheels are arranged on the transporter bed. The conveying means 12 or rolling means arranged on/in the gate flap 6 and the transporter bed are configured to move the entire vehicle 11 easily from the gate flap 6 and onto the transporter bed, when the gate flap 6 is moved into a third position using pivotally moving means, showed in fig. 3b. The gate flap is attached to the second bed end of the transporter bed using a pivotally moveable hinge 14. The third position is pivotally elevated in a higher position than the second position, which is substantially horizontal. The vehicle 11 is thereby forced to move into the transporter bed in the robotic transporter.

Figure 4: Illustrating a vehicle arranged in a secured position inside a robotic transporter. Once the vehicle is loaded onto the transporter bed, the gate flap is arranged in a closed position. The gate flap 6 is pivotally connected to the second bed end of the transporter bed and pivotally moved into a substantially vertical position using actuators 8. The actuators 8 are arranged on each side wall of the robotic transporter and fastened to each side of the gate flap 6, such that the gate flap can be moved from a closed position to a predetermined loading position, and vice versa.

A gate flap 6 is pivotally connected to a second bed end of the transporter bed, in closed position the gate flap 6 extends from the first side wall to the second side wall. The said robotic transporter comprised sealing means 16 for sealing said gate flap to the first and second side wall and to the second bed end of the transporter bed in a waterproof connection, such that fluid is capable of being contained inside the cavity 4. The sealing means 16 may be a resilient membrane, which is attached and/or fastened to the ends of the first and second side wall and to the second bed end of the transporter bed. When the gate flap 6 is in the closed position the gate flap 6 is pressing against the resilient membrane and thereby providing a waterproof connection between the gate flap 6, the first and second side wall 3 ',3", and the second bed end of the transporter bed 2. The robotic transporter comprises fire extinguishing means 17', 17" for extinguish fire in said vehicle. The fire extinguishing means 17', 17" are arranged in the front end of robotic transporter in the end side wall. The fire extinguishing means 17', 17" are in fluid connection with the enclosed cavity. The fire extinguishing means 17' may be an inlet for fluid, and the fire extinguishing means 17" may be an outlet. The fire extinguishing means 17', 17" may alternatively both be inlets and/or outlets.

In one embodiment, the part of the vehicle can be placed in a liquid basin in the cavity 4 of the robotic transporter. Before and/or during transportation the vehicle or part of the vehicle is more or less covered with liquid in the robotic transporter’s cavity 4. The vehicle 11 is secured and can be transported to a safe location.

Figure 5: Illustrating a vehicle arranged in a secured position inside a robotic transporter, wherein the vehicle is covered with a fire-retardant tarpaulin 18. The fire-retardant tarpaulin 18 is suitable for covering/shielding the vehicle in the robotic transporter. The fire-retardant tarpaulin 18 is stored in a tarpaulin container 10 relative to the end side wall 5. The fire-retardant tarpaulin 18 extends from the end side wall 5 to the gate flap 6. The fire-retardant tarpaulin 18, when rolled out, is covering the cavity of the robotic transporter 1. The robotic transporter 1 and the fire-retardant tarpaulin 18 encapsulate a volume, which encloses the vehicle.

The fire-retardant tarpaulin 18 is stored in the tarpaulin container 10, when the fire- retardant tarpaulin 18 is not in use. The fire-retardant tarpaulin 18 is then pulled/rolled out from the tarpaulin container 10 automatically and/or attached manually. The fire- retardant tarpaulin 18 extends from the end side wall 5, along the side walls to the gate flap 6. The fire-retardant tarpaulin 18 may easily be rolled out of the tarpaulin container 10 and into the tarpaulin container 10 using tarpaulin rolling means.

Figure 6a,b,c,d,e illustrates viewing angles of a further embodiment of a robotic transporter 1 loading a vehicle 11 with the use of a gate flap 6. Due to safety considerations, electric axle wheel drives in an electrical vehicle are often equipped with a parking lock system. The parking lock system may prevent the vehicle movement while parking in redundancy with the parking brake. Figure 6a illustrates a gate flap 6 arranged in the first position relative to the transporter bed 2, such that the gate flap 6 is resting on the ground in front of the vehicle. The gate flap 6 is forming a slope from the ground to the transporter bed. The gate flap 6 comprises an extension flap 20. The extension flap 20 is pivotally attached to the loading end of the gate flap 6 away from the transporter bed, such that the extension flap 20 is arranged as an extension of the gate flap 6. The gate flap 6 is arranged in a position, such that the vehicle 11 in the vehicle’s driving direction is capable of being loaded onto the transporter bed 2.

Figure 6b illustrates part of the loading process of a vehicle onto the transporter bed. The robotic transporter drives towards the vehicle 11, such that the gate flap 6 is forced under the wheels of the vehicle 11, illustrated by the arrows direction d. The gate flap 6 comprises conveyers and/or rollers 13 arranged on/in the gate flap 6. The conveyers and/or rollers 13 may be operated such that the conveyers and/or rollers 13 drives the vehicle onto the transporter bed. The conveyers and/or rollers 13 may be controlled manually or automatically. Alternatively, the conveyers and/or rollers 13 may be activated by force from the vehicle, when the vehicle is forced and/or moved along the transporter bed. The transporter bed may comprise conveyers and/or rollers 12 arranged on/in the gate flap 6. The conveyers and/or rollers 13 may be operated such that the conveyers and/or rollers 12 drives the vehicle onto the transporter bed. The conveyers and/or rollers 12 may be controlled manually or automatically. Alternatively, the conveyers and/or rollers 12 may be activated by force from the vehicle, when the vehicle is forced and/or moved along the transporter bed.

Figure 6c illustrates part of the loading process of a vehicle onto the transporter bed. A loading system is arranged on one or two sides of the robotic transporter 1. The loading means may comprise loading means for loading the vehicle onto the transporter bed 2. The loading system comprises a wire rope 26 or similar. The loading system also comprises a wire wheels 25 or similar. The wire rope has a first end 23 attached to the side wall or side walls 3. The wire rope 26 has a second end 24 attached to the extension flap 20. The loading system also comprises an actuator having a pushing member 22. When the pushing member 22 extends and pushed the wire rope between a wire wheels 25 and the first end 23, the wire rope 26 second end 24 pulls the extension flap 20 upwards. The extension flap is then supporting the rear wheel of the vehicle. When controlling the loading system manually or automatically, the gate flap 6 is moved into a second position, a substantially horizontal position, after the rear wheels

21 of the vehicle 11 are arranged on the flap gate 6. The extension flap 20 is pivoted into an angled position relative to the gate flap 6, illustrated with the arrow 20', such that the extension flap 20 is blocking the rear wheels 20 of the vehicle 11. The vehicle 11 is then prevented from moving backwards on the gate flap 6 during movement of the gate flap 6. The gate flap's conveyers and/or rollers 12 and/or the transporter bed’s conveyers and/or rollers 13 may be controlled, such that the vehicle is displaced onto the transporter bed away from the gate flap 6.

Figure 6d illustrates part of the loading process of a vehicle 11 onto the transporter bed 2. When the pushing member 22 is extending the wire rope further, between a wire wheels 25 and the first end 23. The wire rope 26 second end 24 pulls the gate flap 6 upwards. The gate flap 6 is pivoted into an angled position, between a second position and a third position. During the movement of the gate flap 6, the vehicle is pushed forward easily with the use of the gate flap's conveyers and/or rollers 12 and/or the transporter bed’s conveyers and/or rollers 13 and the displacement of the weight of the vehicle.

Figure 6e illustrates a vehicle 11 on the transporter bed 2. When the pushing member

22 has extended the wire rope into a most extended position, between a wire wheels 25 and the first end 23, then the gate flap 6 is in a substantially vertical position, such that the gate flap 6, when arranged in a substantially closed position, is resting against the first and the second side wall at said second bed end, such that said first and second side wall 3, said end side wall 5, and said gate flap 6 forms a cavity 4 on the upper side of the transporter bed 6 in the robotic transporter 1. The vehicle is now resting safely on the transporter bed. The robotic transporter 1 and a fire-retardant tarpaulin 18 encapsulate the cavity 4, which encloses the vehicle.

The robotic transporter is for example capable of containing water, such that a burning or over heated vehicle may be covered with cooling liquid. A hose 19 is in connected to the robotic transporter 1, such that the hose 19 is in liquid communication with the cavity 4. The liquid is capable of flowing through the hose and into the cavity 4. The robotic transporter 1 comprises fire extinguishing means for extinguishing fire in said vehicle 11. The fire extinguishing means may be arranged in the cavity 4. The fire distinguishing means is not shown in fig. 6a,b,c,d,e.