Apparatus for holding objects

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for holding objects, in particular unmanned transport vehicles, comprising a base frame (3) and a swing arm (4), which is swingable relative to the base frame (3) about a swing axis (A) running in a longitudinal direction (X), wherein the swing arm (4) has a first and a second strut (41, 42), which extend at right angles relative to the swing axis (A) and are arranged parallel to one another offset in the longitudinal direction (X), wherein at the end regions of the struts (41, 42) facing away from the swing axis (A) there are respectively provided notches (21) for receiving a respective one of fastening shafts (81).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a device for holding objects, particularly driverless transport vehicles. Background Technology

[0002] An unmanned transport vehicle is known from document DE 10 2013 019 726 A1. Unmanned transport vehicles are used in technical facilities, such as production workshops, for transporting objects, such as small parts or boxes. The mobile transport vehicle further transports components from a logistics area, such as a materials warehouse, to a work area where the components are handled.

[0003] For assembling, maintaining, or repairing unmanned transport vehicles, it is advantageous to raise the vehicles to a position favorable to the mechanic. Workshop cranes are also known for raising objects. For working beneath the unmanned transport vehicle, it is advantageous to rotate the raised vehicle accordingly. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to improve equipment for holding objects, particularly unmanned transport vehicles.

[0005] According to the invention, this objective is achieved by a device for holding an object having the features given in claim 1. Advantageous designs and improvements are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0006] The device according to the invention for holding objects, particularly for holding unmanned transport vehicles, includes a base frame and a swing arm that can swing relative to the base frame about a swing axis extending in the longitudinal direction. Here, the swing arm has a first tie rod and a second tie rod, which extend at right angles to the swing axis and are arranged parallel to each other in the longitudinal direction and offset from one another. Recesses for receiving a corresponding fastening shaft are provided at the end regions of the tie rods opposite to the swing axis.

[0007] Advantageously, the device according to the invention can be used to lift objects, particularly unmanned transport vehicles, into positions suitable for modification and maintenance. The lifted unmanned transport vehicle can also rotate about its center of gravity axis by being suitably mounted on the device, thereby creating optimal ergonomic working conditions for the mechanic. Furthermore, the device according to the invention can be manufactured at a relatively affordable cost.

[0008] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the device for holding an object further includes two receiving devices that can be connected to the object to be held. Each receiving device has a fastening shaft that can be received by a respective recess. The receiving devices are configured to be compatible with the object to be held. Thus, the device can accept almost any object, but is particularly suitable for unmanned transport vehicles.

[0009] According to an advantageous design of the invention, the receiving device is arranged such that the fastening shaft extends coaxially with a common fastening axis. Thus, the object held by the device can rotate about the fastening axis, specifically 360°. Therefore, by correspondingly rotating the object, access from each side can be achieved.

[0010] According to an advantageous improvement of the invention, a drive unit is mounted at one of the levers, and the drive unit is connected to one of the fastening shafts in such a way that the fastening shaft can be rotated about the fastening axis by means of the drive unit. The object held by the device can be rotated about the fastening axis by means of the drive unit, particularly by 360°.

[0011] According to an advantageous design of the invention, the drive unit has a transmission mechanism connected to one of the fastening shafts and a handwheel connected to the transmission mechanism. This allows the held object to be manually rotated by turning the handwheel. Here, the transmission mechanism reduces the torque required for rotation. No external energy supply is required.

[0012] Preferably, the transmission mechanism is configured to be self-locking. This advantageously prevents accidental movement of the held object. Consequently, no additional brake or similar locking device is required.

[0013] Alternatively, it can be conceivable that the drive unit has a transmission mechanism connected to one of the fastening shafts, and the transmission mechanism has a drive shaft for connecting to an electric screwdriver. This enables the electric drive of the held object without requiring an external energy supply.

[0014] According to an advantageous improvement of the invention, locking pins are provided at the end regions of the lever opposite to the swing axis for securing a corresponding fastening shaft in a corresponding recess. These locking pins secure the object held by the device to prevent slippage and drop.

[0015] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the device for holding an object further includes a drive mechanism for swinging the swing arm about a swing axis relative to the base frame. Here, the drive mechanism has a hydraulic cylinder hinged to the base frame and the swing arm, and a hydraulic pump hydraulically connected to the hydraulic cylinder. The drive mechanism allows the held object to be lifted by swinging the swing arm, requiring only a relatively small force. No external energy supply is needed.

[0016] Optionally, the drive unit additionally includes a pipe rupture protection device. As a supplement to the mechanical protection device, this pipe rupture protection device serves as a hydraulic protection device to prevent the lifted object from falling. Optionally, the drive unit additionally includes a throttle valve. This throttle valve regulates the hydraulic flow and thereby regulates the speed when lowering the clamped object.

[0017] Alternatively, the drive unit may have an electric cylinder articulated between the base frame and the swing arm. In this case, an external energy supply or electric accumulator for driving the electric cylinder is also provided. Furthermore, the drive unit may include, for example, a transmission mechanism with a main shaft articulated between the base frame and the swing arm, and a handwheel for driving the transmission mechanism.

[0018] According to an advantageous improvement of the invention, the locking unit is hinged to the base frame and the swing arm, wherein, in the locked state, the locking unit prevents the swing arm from swinging relative to the base frame about the swing axis in at least one swing direction, and in the unlocked state, allows the swing arm to swing relative to the base frame about the swing axis in two swing directions. The locking unit serves as a fall protection device for the held object, remaining effective even in the event of a hydraulic drive failure. In this case, no external energy supply is required.

[0019] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the locking unit has an outer tube, an inner tube coaxially guided within the outer tube, and a rotating pin fastened to the outer tube. The inner tube has multiple locking openings. In the locked state of the locking unit, the rotating pin engages with one of the locking openings of the inner tube, while in the unlocked state of the locking unit, the rotating pin is outside the locking opening. Therefore, the locking unit has a relatively simple structure and reliable function.

[0020] According to an advantageous improvement of the invention, the device has a Bowden cable by which a rotating pin can be swung into and out of the locking opening of the inner tube. The Bowden cable is specifically arranged to be operable from a position near the hydraulic pump of the drive device. Thus, only one person is required to swing the swing arm and lock and unlock it.

[0021] According to an advantageous design of the invention, the device for holding an object has multiple wheels arranged at a base frame and each wheel is rotatable about a horizontally extending axis of rotation. Additionally, each wheel is oscillating relative to the base frame about a vertically extending axis. This allows the device to be manually moved on the ground. Consequently, even if an unmanned transport vehicle is damaged, rescue and transport to a repair area can be achieved.

[0022] According to an advantageous improvement of the invention, the device for holding an object has multiple braking devices for locking the wheels. Thus, during operation at the held object, the device can be fixed to the ground where it is located.

[0023] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, a receiving unit is arranged at the base frame, to which energy can be inductively transferred from the charging unit. The charging unit is configured, for example, as a linear conductor or a coil and is statically located in the ground where the device is situated. The energy inductively transferred from the charging unit to the receiving unit is used, for example, to charge an electric storage device or to operate a drive unit and drive equipment. Thus, electric drive is achieved without the need for an external energy supply via cables and connectors.

[0024] This invention is not limited to the combination of features in the claims. For those skilled in the art, particularly for purposes proposed and / or by comparison with the prior art, other reasonable combinations of features in the claims and / or individual claims and / or the specification and / or the drawings are possible. Attached Figure Description

[0025] The invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The invention is not limited to the embodiments shown in the drawings. The drawings are merely schematic illustrations of the object of the invention. Wherein:

[0026] Figure 1 A perspective view of the device used to hold the object is shown.

[0027] Figure 2 The image shows a front view of the device used to hold the object.

[0028] Figure 3 An enlarged view of the end region of the tie rod is shown.

[0029] Figure 4 An enlarged view of the drive unit is shown.

[0030] Figure 5 The locking unit is shown in the unlocked state, and

[0031] Figure 6 This shows the locking unit in a locked state. Detailed Implementation

[0032] Figure 1 This diagram shows a perspective view of equipment used for holding objects, particularly driverless transport vehicles. The equipment is located on the ground within a technical facility, such as a production workshop. This equipment is specifically designed for the maintenance or repair of driverless transport vehicles used within that technical facility.

[0033] The equipment includes a base frame 3 made of metal profiles. Furthermore, the base frame 3 has a crossbeam 35 extending in the longitudinal direction X. Additionally, the base frame 3 has a first frame bracket 1 and a second frame bracket 2. Frame brackets 1 and 2 extend in the transverse direction Y and are arranged to be parallel to each other and staggered in the longitudinal direction X.

[0034] The lateral direction Y extends at a right angle relative to the longitudinal direction X. The vertical direction Z extends at a right angle relative to both the lateral and longitudinal directions X. Here, the longitudinal and lateral directions X and Y are horizontal. Here, the crossbeam 35 is arranged to be spaced apart from the frame brackets 1 and 2 in the vertical direction Z. In the figure shown here, the crossbeam 35 is further away from the ground than the frame brackets 1 and 2.

[0035] The equipment has multiple wheels 11. The wheels 11 are arranged at the base frame 3, and particularly at the frame brackets 1 and 2. Each wheel 11 is rotatable about a rotation axis extending in the horizontal direction. The equipment has multiple brake devices 10 for locking the wheels 11. Here, one brake device 10 is provided for each wheel 11.

[0036] The device includes a swing arm 4. The swing arm 4 is oscillating relative to the base frame 3, and particularly relative to the crossbeam 35, about a swing axis A extending in the longitudinal direction X. The swing arm 4 has a first tie rod 41 and a second tie rod 42. The tie rods 41 and 42 extend at right angles to the swing axis A and are arranged to be parallel to each other in the longitudinal direction X. In addition, the swing arm 4 has a transverse tie rod 45 that extends in the longitudinal direction X and connects the tie rods 41 and 42 to each other.

[0037] By swinging the swing arm 4 around the swing axis A relative to the base frame 3 in a first swing direction, the end regions of the tie rods 41 and 42 that are away from the swing axis A move upward in the vertical direction Z, i.e., away from the ground. By swinging the swing arm 4 around the swing axis A relative to the base frame 3 in the opposite second swing direction, the end regions of the tie rods 41 and 42 move downward in the vertical direction Z, i.e., toward the ground.

[0038] Furthermore, the device includes a drive mechanism for swinging the swing arm 4 relative to the base frame 3 about a swing axis A. The drive mechanism has a hydraulic cylinder 5 hinged to both the base frame 3 and the swing arm 4. The drive mechanism also has a hydraulic pump 7 hydraulically connected to the hydraulic cylinder 5. Here, the hydraulic pump 7 can be operated manually. By increasing the hydraulic pressure, the hydraulic cylinder 5 extends and swings the swing arm 4 in a first swing direction. By decreasing the hydraulic pressure, the hydraulic cylinder 5 retracts and swings the swing arm 4 in a second swing direction.

[0039] In addition, the device includes a locking unit 6. The locking unit 6 is hinged to the base frame 3 and the swing arm 4. In the locked state, the locking unit 6 prevents the swing arm 4 from swinging relative to the base frame 3 about the swing axis A, at least in the second swing direction. In the unlocked state, the locking unit 6 allows the swing arm 4 to swing relative to the base frame 3 about the swing axis A in both swing directions.

[0040] The device also includes two receiving devices 8, which can be connected to an object to be held (not shown), particularly by means of bolts. Each receiving device 8 has a fastening shaft 81. The receiving devices 8 are mounted at one of the end regions of the pull rods 41 and 42 opposite to the swing axis A. The receiving devices 8 are arranged such that the two fastening shafts 81 extend coaxially with a common fastening axis B.

[0041] Furthermore, the device includes a drive unit 9. The drive unit 9 is mounted on the first pull rod 41, particularly at the end region of the first pull rod 41 opposite to the swing axis A. The drive unit 9 is connected to one of the fastening shafts 81 of the receiving device 8. By means of the drive unit 9, the fastening shaft 81 can rotate relative to the first pull rod 41 about the fastening axis B.

[0042] Figure 2 Shown in Figure 1 The diagram shows a front view of the device used to hold an object. The locking unit 6 has an outer tube 61 and an inner tube 62. Here, the inner tube 62 is guided coaxially within the outer tube 61. Both the locking unit 6 and the hydraulic cylinder 5 are hinged to the lateral tie rod 45 of the swing arm 4. Here, the locking unit 6 and the hydraulic cylinder 5 extend parallel to each other.

[0043] Figure 3 An enlarged view of the end region of the first tie rod 41 opposite to the swing axis A is shown. A recess 21 for receiving the fastening shaft 81 is provided at the end region of the first tie rod 41. The fastening shaft 81 of the receiving device 8 is received in the recess 21.

[0044] A locking pin 25 is provided at the end region of the first tie rod 41, which is used to fix the fastening shaft 81 in the recess 21. The fastening shaft 81 is fixed in the recess 21 by swinging the locking pin 25 in the direction indicated by the arrow. The fastening shaft 81 is released from the recess 21 by swinging the locking pin 25 in the opposite direction.

[0045] The end region of the second tie rod 42 opposite to the swing axis A is configured to be mirror-symmetrical to the end region of the first tie rod 41 shown here. A notch 21 is also provided at the end region of the second tie rod 42, in which a fastening shaft 81 is received. A locking pin 25 for securing the fastening shaft 81 is also provided at the end region of the second tie rod 42.

[0046] Figure 4 An enlarged view of the drive unit 9 is shown. The drive unit 9 is mounted at the end region of the first pull rod 41 opposite to the swing axis A. The drive unit 9 has a transmission mechanism 91 and a handwheel 92. The transmission mechanism 91 is connected to the fastening shaft 81, specifically in a non-rotatable manner. The handwheel 92 is connected to the transmission mechanism 91, specifically in a non-rotatable manner. By rotating the handwheel 92, the fastening shaft 81 is rotated about the fastening axis B relative to the first pull rod 41.

[0047] Figure 5 The locking unit 6 in the unlocked state is shown. As already mentioned, the locking unit 6 has an outer tube 61 and an inner tube 62 coaxially guided within the outer tube 61. The locking unit 6 also has a rotating pin 65 secured to the outer tube 61. The inner tube 62 has a plurality of locking openings 67. In the unlocked state of the locking unit 6, the rotating pin 65 is located outside the locking openings 67.

[0048] Figure 6 The locking unit 6 is shown in the locked state. In the locked state of the locking unit 6, the rotating pin 65 engages with one of the locking openings 67 of the inner tube 62.

[0049] List of reference numerals in the attached diagram:

[0050] 1 First frame bracket

[0051] 2 Second frame bracket

[0052] 3 Basic Framework

[0053] 4 swing arms

[0054] 5 hydraulic cylinders

[0055] 6-lock unit

[0056] 7 hydraulic pumps

[0057] 8 receiving devices

[0058] 9 drive units

[0059] 10. Braking device

[0060] 11 wheels

[0061] 21 Notch

[0062] 25. Locking pin

[0063] 35 Crossbeam

[0064] 41 First traction rod

[0065] 42 Second tie rod

[0066] 45 Lateral tie rod

[0067] 61 outer tube

[0068] 62 Inner tube

[0069] 65 Rotate the pin

[0070] 67. Locking opening

[0071] 81 Fastening Shaft

[0072] 91 Transmission Mechanism

[0073] 92 handwheel

[0074] A swing axis

[0075] B Fastening axis

[0076] X longitudinal direction

[0077] Y-direction (horizontal direction)

[0078] Z vertical direction

Claims

1. A device for holding an object, the device comprising: Basic framework (3), The swing arm (4) is capable of swinging relative to the base frame (3) about a swing axis (A) extending in the longitudinal direction (X). Two receiving devices (8) are provided, which can be connected to the object to be held. Its features are, The swing arm (4) has a first tie rod (41) and a second tie rod (42), which extend at right angles to the swing axis (A) and are arranged to be parallel to each other in the longitudinal direction (X). A notch (21) for receiving a corresponding fastening shaft (81) is provided at the end regions of the first tie rod (41) and the second tie rod (42) opposite to the swing axis (A); The receiving device (8) has the fastening shaft (81) and the fastening shaft can be received by the notch; The receiving device is arranged such that the two fastening shafts (81) extend coaxially with a common fastening axis (B), thereby allowing the object to be held to rotate about the fastening axis (B). At the end regions of the first tie rod (41) and the second tie rod (42) opposite to the swing axis (A), respectively, there are locking pins (25) for fixing a corresponding fastening shaft (81) in a corresponding recess (21); The locking unit (6) is hinged to the base frame (3) and the swing arm (4), wherein the locking unit (6) prevents the swing arm (4) from swinging relative to the base frame (3) about the swing axis (A) in at least one swing direction in the locked state, while allowing the swing arm (4) to swing relative to the base frame (3) about the swing axis (A) in two swing directions in the unlocked state. The locking unit (6) has an outer tube (61), an inner tube (62) coaxially guided in the outer tube (61), and a rotating pin (65) fastened to the outer tube (61). The inner tube (62) has a plurality of locking openings (67). In the locked state of the locking unit (6), the rotating pin (65) engages with one of the locking openings (67) of the inner tube (62), while in the unlocked state of the locking unit (6), the rotating pin (65) is outside the locking opening (67).

2. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that, A drive unit (9) is installed at one of the first pull rod (41) and the second pull rod (42), and the drive unit is connected to one of the fastening shafts (81) in such a way that the fastening shaft (81) can be rotated about the fastening axis (B) by means of the drive unit (9).

3. The device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The drive unit (9) has a transmission mechanism (91) connected to one of the fastening shafts (81) and a handwheel (92) connected to the transmission mechanism (91).

4. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a drive mechanism for oscillating the swing arm (4) about the swing axis (A) relative to the base frame (3), Its features are, The drive unit has a hydraulic cylinder (5) hinged to the base frame (3) and the swing arm (4) and a hydraulic pump (7) hydraulically connected to the hydraulic cylinder (5).

5. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The device has a Bowden cable by means of which a rotating pin (65) can be swung into and out of the locking opening (67) of the inner tube (62).

6. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The device has a plurality of wheels (11) arranged on the base frame (3) and each of the wheels is capable of rotating about a rotation axis extending in the horizontal direction.

7. The device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The device has multiple braking devices (10) for locking the wheel (11).

8. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, A receiving unit is arranged at the basic frame (3), and energy can be transferred to the receiving unit by the charging unit in an inductive manner.

9. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The object is an unmanned transport vehicle.

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