Vehicle power device for changing vehicle position

Abstract

A system includes a platform supporting a vehicle on a first side of the platform and a passive motion device arranged on a second side of the platform opposite the first side to move upon actuation. A mechanical actuator actuates the passive motion device based on motion of one or more wheels of the vehicle to change a position of the vehicle. The position of the vehicle relative to the platform is unchanged and the passive motion device is actuated solely by motion of the one or more wheels of the vehicle to change the position of the vehicle.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a vehicle power unit for changing the position of a vehicle. Background Technology

[0002] In some situations, vehicles (e.g., cars, trucks, construction equipment, agricultural equipment) must move between two or more stations. For example, in a vehicle assembly plant, each vehicle is moved to a different workstation to install different parts. Mobile conveyor systems require external power to transport the vehicles to different stations. Therefore, it is desirable to provide a vehicle-powered device to change the position of vehicles. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In one exemplary embodiment, the system includes a platform and a passive motion device. The platform supports a vehicle on a first side of the platform, and the passive motion device is disposed on a second side of the platform opposite the first side to move upon actuation. A mechanical actuator actuates the passive motion device based on the movement of one or more wheels of the vehicle to change the position of the vehicle. The position of the vehicle relative to the platform remains unchanged; the passive motion device is driven solely by the movement of one or more wheels of the vehicle to change the position of the vehicle.

[0004] In addition to one or more features described herein, the system also includes one or more interlocking devices to restrain the vehicle on the platform during a change in vehicle position.

[0005] In addition to one or more features described herein, the mechanical actuator includes one or more pairs of rollers on a first side of the platform to rotate based on the rotation of one or more of the respective wheels of the vehicle.

[0006] In addition to one or more features described herein, a mechanical actuator includes one or more belts that rotate based on the rotation of a corresponding roller in one or more pairs of rollers.

[0007] In addition to one or more features described herein, the passive motion device includes a set of rollers to rotate the vehicle based on the rotation of one or more of the belts.

[0008] In addition to one or more features described herein, the mechanical actuator includes two or more belts, and the passive motion device includes a scissor lift to lift the vehicle based on the rotation of one or more of the two or more belts.

[0009] In addition to one or more features described herein, passive motion devices include scissor lifts for lifting vehicles based on the rotation of one or more of one or more belts.

[0010] In addition to one or more features described herein, the passive motion device includes a scissor lift, the mechanical actuator includes two or more belts to be connected to two or more different locations of the scissor lift, and the passive motion device lifts and tilts the vehicle.

[0011] In addition to one or more features described herein, passive motion devices include two or more wheels for translating the vehicle.

[0012] In addition to one or more features described herein, the system also includes a return mechanism to return the passive motion device to a position different from the initial position when the vehicle entered the platform after it has left the platform.

[0013] In another exemplary embodiment, a method of assembling a system includes arranging a platform to support a vehicle on a first side of the platform and arranging a passive motion device on a second side of the platform opposite the first side to move upon actuation. The method also includes configuring a mechanical actuator to actuate the passive motion device based on the movement of one or more wheels of the vehicle, thereby changing the position of the vehicle. The position of the vehicle relative to the platform remains constant, and the passive motion device is actuated only by the movement of one or more wheels of the vehicle to change the position of the vehicle.

[0014] In addition to one or more features described herein, the method also includes setting one or more interlocking devices to restrict the vehicle to the platform during a change in vehicle position.

[0015] In addition to one or more features described herein, configuring the mechanical actuator includes arranging one or more pairs of rollers on a first side of the platform to rotate based on the rotation of one or more of the respective wheels of the vehicle.

[0016] In addition to one or more features described herein, configuring a mechanical actuator includes connecting one or more belts to rotate based on the rotation of the respective rollers in one or more pairs of rollers.

[0017] In addition to one or more features described herein, arranging a passive motion device includes arranging a set of rollers to rotate the vehicle based on the rotation of one or more of the belts.

[0018] In addition to one or more features described herein, the configuration of the mechanical actuator includes arranging two or more belts, and the arrangement of the passive motion device includes positioning a scissor lift to lift the vehicle based on the rotation of one or more of the two or more belts.

[0019] In addition to one or more features described herein, arranging a passive motion device includes arranging a scissor lift to lift a vehicle based on the rotation of one or more of one or more belts.

[0020] In addition to one or more features described herein, arranging a passive motion device includes arranging a scissor lift, configuring a mechanical actuator includes arranging two or more belts to connect to two or more different locations of the scissor lift, and arranging a passive motion device includes the passive motion device lifting and tilting the vehicle.

[0021] In addition to one or more features described herein, arranging a passive motion device includes arranging two or more wheels to translate the vehicle.

[0022] In addition to one or more features described herein, the method also includes arranging a return mechanism to return the passive motion device to a position different from the initial position when the vehicle entered the platform after the vehicle has left the platform.

[0023] The above-described features and advantages, as well as other features and advantages, of this disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0024] Other features, advantages, and details appear only by way of example in the following detailed description, with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0025] Figure 1 An exemplary vehicle power unit for a rotating vehicle according to one or more embodiments is shown;

[0026] Figure 2 An exemplary vehicle power unit for lifting a vehicle according to one or more embodiments is shown;

[0027] Figure 3 An exemplary vehicle power unit for lifting and rotating a vehicle according to one or more embodiments is shown;

[0028] Figure 4 An exemplary vehicle power unit for lifting and tilting a vehicle according to one or more embodiments is shown;

[0029] Figure 5 An exemplary vehicle power unit for lifting and tilting a vehicle according to one or more embodiments is shown;

[0030] Figure 6 An exemplary vehicle power unit for translating a vehicle according to one or more embodiments is shown; and

[0031] Figure 7 It shows that it includes the use of Figure 6 The return mechanism of the vehicle's power unit is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0032] The following description is exemplary in nature only and is not intended to limit this disclosure, its application, or use. It should be understood that in all the drawings, corresponding reference numerals denote the same or corresponding parts and features.

[0033] As previously mentioned, in certain environments, vehicles must move between different sites. Existing methods for transporting vehicles between different locations within a facility include powered conveyors or other mechanisms. Embodiments of the systems and methods detailed herein relate to vehicle power units that change the location of vehicles. When the vehicle is electrically driven rather than gas-driven, the vehicle can move on its own. For example, in a vehicle assembly environment, once the chassis and powertrain have been assembled, the chassis can be moved to different locations using its own vehicle battery for subsequent installation of seats and other components. However, while this approach avoids the need for an external power delivery system, the vehicle's turning radius can become a limiting factor for the space required within the facility.

[0034] According to one or more embodiments, space and power utilization can be improved by using one or more passive devices (i.e., devices that do not require external power) to rotate, lift, tilt, translate, or otherwise change the position of a vehicle based on the movement of one or more vehicle wheels. The vehicle can move between different passive (vehicle-driven) devices to navigate sharp turns, rise for more ergonomic positioning, or perform other maneuvers that are impossible or require too much space to perform vehicle movement alone. As described in detail, each passive device typically includes a platform supporting the vehicle, a passive motion device that moves based on the movement of one or more wheels of the vehicle, and a mechanical actuator connecting the platform to the passive motion device such that the movement of one or more wheels of the vehicle is converted into movement of the passive motion device. In addition to assembly plants, one or more passive, vehicle-driven devices can be used in parking lots, auto repair shops, charging stations, car washes, or other facilities requiring vehicle movement. Clearly, vehicle-driven refers to the fact that the device does not require external power and is driven (i.e., moved) solely by the movement (e.g., rotation) of one or more wheels of the vehicle.

[0035] According to an exemplary embodiment, Figure 1 The vehicle power unit 100 that changes the position of vehicle 101 is shown. Specifically, Figure 1 The exemplary vehicle power unit 100 shown rotates the vehicle 101. For example, the vehicle 101 may be a complete vehicle 101 in a parking garage, repair shop, car wash, etc., or it may be a powered rolling chassis during the assembly process in a vehicle assembly plant. Figure 1 The vehicle power unit 100 shown can be used to turn the vehicle 101 in a smaller area than the area required according to the turning radius of the vehicle 101.

[0036] Vehicle 101 is shown having two visible wheels 102 and is shown including one or more sensors 103 and a vehicle controller 104. Vehicle 101, and specifically vehicle controller 104, can wirelessly communicate with controller 150 to obtain route instructions. Information from one or more sensors 103 (e.g., radar systems, cameras, lidar systems, proximity sensors) can be used by vehicle 104 to navigate the route provided by controller 150. For example, controller 150 may be located in an assembly plant and may facilitate fly-by-wire automated operation of vehicle 101.

[0037] The controller 150 can guide the vehicle 101 onto the vehicle power unit 100, and can also guide the vehicle 101 to rotate the wheels 102 in the direction required to rotate the vehicle 101. The direction, acceleration, and angular position of the wheels 102, as well as which wheels 102 rotate, can be guided by the controller 150 and controlled by the vehicle controller 104. Figure 1-7 In each exemplary embodiment shown, the rotation, speed, and angular displacement of certain wheels 102 may affect the motion and speed of the vehicle power unit 100 in different ways. Controller 150 and vehicle controller 104 may include processing circuitry, which may include application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), electronic circuitry, a processor (shared, dedicated, or grouped) executing one or more software or firmware programs and memory, combinational logic circuitry, and / or other suitable components providing the aforementioned functionality. Although vehicle controller 104 and controller 150 are not explicitly shown in each embodiment, according to each embodiment, the vehicle 101 driving each vehicle power unit 100 may include vehicle controller 104 and communicate with controller 150.

[0038] The vehicle power unit 100 includes a platform 110 supporting the vehicle 101 on a first side 113 or surface. Typically, on the opposite side of the platform 110, a mechanical actuator 120 actuates a passive motion device 140 based on the movement of one or more wheels 102 of the vehicle 101. Figure 1 In the exemplary embodiment shown, the mechanical actuator 120 includes two rollers 130 and a roller conveyor 125 with a belt 135, and the passive motion device 140 includes a set of rollers 145. In alternative embodiments, the mechanical actuator 120 may include, for example, a chain, a drive shaft, or a hydraulic device.

[0039] As shown in the figure, when the wheel 102 of vehicle 101 is positioned between the two rollers 130 of mechanical actuator 120, the movement of the wheel 102 causes the belt 135 to actuate the passive motion device 140 (i.e., rotate the rod supporting the roller assembly 145). This actuation causes the roller assembly 145 to roll and causes the vehicle power unit 100 to rotate. The direction of rotation of the wheel 102 controls the direction of rotation of the vehicle power unit 100. In addition to providing route information, the controller 150 can also indicate the direction of rotation and speed. Reflectors or other references detected by one or more sensors 104 (or by the actuator) can aid in precise positioning via mechanical actuator 120 and passive motion device 140.

[0040] Although the exemplary illustration shows one wheel 102 between two rollers 130, another pair of rollers 130 may be included in the mechanical actuator 120, and the second wheel 102 of the vehicle 101 may be located between the second pair of rollers 130. For example, in an all-wheel drive vehicle 101, both the front and rear wheels 102 may be used to drive a pair of rollers 130. As another example, the second pair of rollers 130 may be redundant, and different front-wheel drive vehicles 101 entering the platform 110 from opposite directions or rear-wheel drive vehicles 101 entering the platform 110 from the same direction may use the second pair of rollers 130 instead of attaching them to the first pair of rollers 130 to operate the passive motion device 140.

[0041] Figure 2 A vehicle power unit 100 for changing the position of a vehicle 101 according to one or more embodiments is shown. Specifically, Figure 2 The exemplary vehicle power unit 100 shown lifts vehicle 101. Figure 2 In the exemplary embodiment shown, the mechanical actuator 120 is a dual-roller belt conveyor 210, which includes two sets of rollers 130 and two corresponding belts 135, and the passive motion device 140 includes a scissor lift 220. Based on the rotational direction of the wheels 102, each wheel engages a pair of rollers 130, and the scissor lift 220 raises or lowers the vehicle 101 positioned on the platform. The rotational speed of the wheels 102, which can be controlled by the controller 104 in conjunction with the controller 150, is converted into the speed at which the vehicle 101 rises or falls. As shown, the platform 110 includes an interlocking device 230 in the form of an articulated ramp. That is, the articulated ramp can be used as a ramp to allow the vehicle 101 to travel onto the platform 110, and can then be tilted to prevent the vehicle 101 from shifting or sliding off the platform 110 during actuation of the passive motion device 140.

[0042] Figure 3 A vehicle power unit 100 for changing the position of a vehicle 101 according to one or more embodiments is shown. Specifically, Figure 3The exemplary vehicle power unit 100 shown lifts and rotates the vehicle 101. Figure 3 The image shows one side of vehicle 101. The view of this side is similar to... Figure 1 The illustration shows a mechanical actuator 120 and a passive motion device 140. The mechanical actuator 120 is a roller belt conveyor 125 comprising two rollers 130 and a belt 135. The passive motion device 140 comprises a set of rollers 145. As shown, one wheel 102 of the vehicle 101 is positioned to rotate the rollers 130 by its movement.

[0043] The other side of vehicle 101 may look similar to Figure 2 The illustration shows that one or two wheels 102 on the other side can be positioned to drive one or more mechanical actuators 120, which cause movement of the scissor lift 220. Figure 3 The second passive motion device 140 is shown in the middle. Control between the wheels 102 can be achieved by the vehicle controller 104 based on instructions from the controller 150 to determine which wheel 102 drives which mechanical actuator 120, and thus determine whether the vehicle 101 rotates or is lifted or lowered, and in which direction it rotates or is lifted or lowered. The acceleration, speed, and position of the motion can also be controlled. Lifting may be necessary to position the vehicle 101 in an ergonomically comfortable position, for example, for installing a seat in a vehicle assembly plant, while rotation may be necessary to properly orient the vehicle 101 before or after installation.

[0044] Figure 4 A vehicle power unit 100 for changing the position of a vehicle 101 according to one or more embodiments is shown. Specifically, Figure 4 The exemplary vehicle power unit 100 shown lifts and tilts the vehicle 101. Figure 4 The image shows the two front wheels or two rear wheels 102 of the vehicle 101, such that... Figure 4 The orientation of vehicle 101 is different Figure 1-3 The orientation shown is (i.e., one front wheel and one rear wheel 102). The interlocking device 420 is located differently from... Figure 2 The interlocking device 230 shown (e.g., an articulated ramp) is displayed inside the wheel 102 extending from the platform 110. These interlocking devices 420 allow the vehicle 101 to travel onto the platform 110, but restrict the vehicle 101 and prevent it from shifting during tilting.

[0045] The mechanical actuator 120 includes two sets of rollers 130 associated with each of the two wheels 102 and two corresponding belts 135. The passive motion device 140 is a scissor lift 220. Figure 2The illustrated embodiment differs in that, for example, each belt 135 is connected to a different part of the scissor lift 220. As a result, movement of each wheel 102 causes actuation of a different part of the scissor lift 220, and therefore, tilting of the platform 110 can be achieved by rotating each wheel 102 at different speeds or by rotating only one wheel 102. The vehicle controller 104 can control the wheels 102 based on instructions from the controller 150.

[0046] Figure 5 A vehicle power unit 100 for changing the position of a vehicle 101 according to one or more embodiments is shown. Specifically, Figure 5 The exemplary vehicle power unit 100 shown lifts and tilts the vehicle 101. Similar to... Figure 4 The embodiment shown, Figure 5 The illustrated embodiment of the vehicle power unit 100 facilitates lifting and tilting. This is based on each of the two belts 135 of the mechanical actuator 120 being connected to two different sections of the scissor lift 220, which is the passive motion device 140 used in this embodiment. Figure 4 The embodiments shown are different. Figure 5 The orientation of the vehicle 101 shown is similar to Figure 1-3 The orientation is shown. Therefore, the front and rear wheels 102 are shown to control each set of rollers 130 of the mechanical actuator 120 according to instructions from, for example, from the controller 150. Figure 5 The illustrated embodiment includes both the interlocking device 420 on the inside of the wheel 102 and the interlocking device 230 (e.g., an articulated ramp) on the end of the platform 110, as shown, which can also be used as a ramp when the platform 110 is in the lower position.

[0047] Figure 6 A vehicle power unit 100 for changing the position of a vehicle 101 according to one or more embodiments is shown. Specifically, Figure 6 The exemplary vehicle power unit 100 shown translates the vehicle 101. As shown, the mechanical actuator 120 is, for example, referenced... Figure 1 The roller conveyor belt 125 is mentioned. However, the passive motion device 140 includes wheels 610, which provide translation rather than rotation for the vehicle power unit 100, thus positioning the vehicle 101 on the platform 110 of the vehicle power unit 100. The translation speed can be controlled by a controller 150, for example, based on the rotational speed of the wheels 102 of the vehicle 101.

[0048] Figure 7 It shows that it includes the use of Figure 6The diagram shows the return mechanism 710 of the vehicle power unit 100. As shown, according to one or more embodiments, the vehicle 101 is located on the platform 110 of the vehicle power unit 100, which, according to... Figure 7 The indicated direction shifts the position of vehicle 101 to the left or right. Three stations 705a, 705b, and 705c (collectively referred to as 705) are shown. For example, these stations 705 could be different washing stations in a car wash, different parking spaces in a garage, or different assembly stations in a vehicle assembly plant.

[0049] Once vehicle 101 is positioned to directly enter the correct station 705, vehicle 101 can leave platform 110 to reach station 705. For example, as shown, vehicle 101 can leave platform 110 to enter station 705b. In this case, vehicle power unit 100 remains in front of the station 705 (e.g., 705b) from which vehicle 101 departed. However, the next vehicle 101b that needs to be moved may need to start near station 705c, as shown, and may need to be moved to station 705a. In this case, the position of vehicle power unit 100 in front of station 705b is not beneficial.

[0050] A return controller 710 is shown (optionally) on either side of station 705. Only one return controller 710 may exist, based on the mechanism 720 (e.g., spring, pulley, hydraulic device) for repositioning the vehicle power unit 100. One or more return controllers 710 may be controlled by controller 150. Although shown according to... Figure 6 The exemplary embodiment of the translation vehicle drive device 100, but the return controller 710 and mechanism 720 can also be used with reference to Figure 1-5 Used with any vehicle power unit 100 discussed.

[0051] While the foregoing disclosure has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes can be made and equivalents can replace its elements without departing from its scope. Furthermore, many modifications can be made to adapt particular situations or materials to the teachings of this disclosure without departing from its essential scope. Therefore, it is intended that this disclosure be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed, but will include all embodiments falling within its scope.

Claims

1. A system comprising: a platform configured to support a vehicle on a first side of the platform; a passive motion device arranged on a second side of the platform opposite the first side and configured to move upon actuation; and a mechanical actuator configured to actuate the passive motion device based on motion of one or more wheels of the vehicle to change a position of the vehicle, wherein the position of the vehicle relative to the platform is unchanged and the passive motion device is actuated solely by motion of the one or more wheels of the vehicle to change the position of the vehicle; wherein the passive motion device further comprises a set of rollers and a bar that rotates to support the set of rollers, and the actuation of the wheels to actuate the passive motion device causes the set of rollers to roll and causes the system to rotate.

2. The system of claim 1, further comprising one or more interlocks configured to restrict the vehicle on the platform during a change in position of the vehicle.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein the mechanical actuator comprises one or more pairs of rollers on the first side of the platform, the one or more pairs of rollers configured to rotate based on rotation of a corresponding one or more wheels of the vehicle.

4. The system of claim 3, wherein the mechanical actuator comprises one or more belts configured to rotate based on rotation of a corresponding one or more rollers of the one or more pairs of rollers.

5. The system of claim 4, wherein, the passive motion device comprises a set of rollers configured to rotate the vehicle based on rotation of one or more belts, or the mechanical actuator comprises two or more belts and the passive motion device comprises a scissor lift configured to lift the vehicle based on rotation of one or more belts, or the passive motion device comprises a scissor lift configured to lift the vehicle based on rotation of one or more belts, or the passive motion device comprises a scissor lift and the mechanical actuator comprises two or more belts configured to be connected to two or more different positions of the scissor lift, and the passive motion device is configured to lift and tilt the vehicle, or the passive motion device comprises two or more wheels configured to translate the vehicle and the system comprises a return mechanism configured to return the passive motion device to a position different from an initial position when the vehicle enters the platform after the vehicle exits the platform.

6. A method of assembling a system, the method comprising: arranging a platform to support a vehicle on a first side of the platform; arranging a passive motion device on a second side of the platform opposite the first side to move upon actuation; and configuring a mechanical actuator to actuate the passive motion device based on motion of one or more wheels of the vehicle to change a position of the vehicle, wherein the position of the vehicle relative to the platform is unchanged and the passive motion device is actuated solely by motion of the one or more wheels of the vehicle to change the position of the vehicle; wherein The passive motion device further includes a set of rollers and a bar that rotates to support the set of rollers, and the actuation of the wheels by the vehicle causes the set of rollers to roll and the system to rotate.

7. The method of claim 6, further comprising setting one or more interlocks to restrict the vehicle on the platform during a change in vehicle position.

8. The method of claim 6, wherein, Configuring the mechanical actuator includes setting one or more pairs of rollers on the first side of the platform to rotate based on rotation of a corresponding one or more wheels of the vehicle.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein configuring the mechanical actuator includes coupling one or more belts to rotate based on rotation of a corresponding one or more rollers of the one or more pairs of rollers.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein, Arranging the passive motion device includes arranging a set of rollers to rotate the vehicle based on rotation of one or more of the one or more belts, or configuring the mechanical actuator includes arranging two or more belts, and arranging the passive motion device includes positioning a scissor lift to lift the vehicle based on rotation of one or more of the two or more belts, or arranging the passive motion device includes arranging a scissor lift to lift the vehicle based on rotation of one or more of the one or more belts, or arranging the passive motion device includes arranging a scissor lift, configuring the mechanical actuator includes arranging two or more belts to connect to two or more different positions of the scissor lift, and arranging the passive motion device includes the passive motion device lifting and tilting the vehicle, or arranging the passive motion device includes arranging two or more wheels to translate the vehicle, and the method includes arranging a return mechanism to return the passive motion device to a position different from an initial position when the vehicle entered the platform after the vehicle exits the platform.

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