Replaceable component replacement system for vehicle

Abstract

A replaceable part replacement system for a vehicle includes: a station frame on which a vehicle is positioned, the vehicle including a fixed part fixed to an underbody and a replaceable part removable from the fixed part; a support frame mounted on the station frame so as to be movable in the front-rear direction of the vehicle; and a gripper unit installed in the support frame so as to be movable in the vertical direction, the gripper unit being for gripping and releasing the replaceable member.

Description

[0001] Cross - reference to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10 - 2023 - 0194787, filed on December 28, 2023, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present invention relates to a replaceable component replacement system for a vehicle. More specifically, the present invention relates to a replaceable component replacement system for a vehicle configured to replace replaceable components that can be changed according to the purpose of use. Background Art

[0004] Recently, the vehicle industry is introducing a new concept of future mobility technology for realizing a people - centered dynamic future city. One of these future mobility solutions is a Purpose Built Vehicle (PBV) as a personalized customized vehicle based on purpose - based motor vehicles.

[0005] Examples of PBVs are environment - friendly motor vehicles based on electric vehicles (EVs). These PBVs can provide various customization services for users.

[0006] The body of a PBV has an upper body assembled to the bottom of the body. According to the type of customization service provided to the user, the upper body can be manufactured in various shapes.

[0007] However, if the upper body structure is developed separately according to the type of customization service provided to the user as described above, the production cost may increase.

[0008] Therefore, PBVs that can improve vehicle utilization while reducing production costs are recently being developed.

[0009] For example, a vehicle is being developed that has a cabin (including a driver's seat) for the front part of the upper body and a general configuration of the bottom of the body, and a configuration in which the rear part of the upper body can be changed according to the purpose of the user.

[0010] The front part of the vehicle can be defined as a fixed component (fixed part) fixed to the front part of the bottom of the body. In addition, the rear part of the vehicle can be defined as a replaceable component (replaceable part) manufactured in various shapes according to the intended use of the vehicle.

[0011] The fixed component is a component that is not replaced even if the intended use of the vehicle changes. The replaceable component is a component that can be replaced according to the purpose of use of the vehicle. The replaceable component can be combined with the fixed component and the rear part of the bottom of the body, or can also be separated from the fixed component and the rear part of the bottom of the body.

[0012] To this end, the vehicle industry is working on developing replaceable component exchange solutions that enable the easy replacement of replaceable components on-site according to the intended use of the vehicle.

[0013] The information contained in this background art of the present invention is only for enhancing the understanding of the overall background of the present invention and should not be regarded as an admission or any form of implication that this information constitutes prior art known to those skilled in the art. Summary of the Invention

[0014] The present invention provides a replaceable component replacement system for a vehicle that enables the easy replacement of replaceable components on-site with a simple structure according to the intended use of the vehicle.

[0015] The replaceable component replacement system for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention may include: a station frame on which the vehicle is positioned, the vehicle including a fixed component fixed to the bottom of the vehicle body and a replaceable component that can be removed from the fixed component; a support frame mounted on the station frame to be movable in the front-rear direction of the vehicle; and a gripper unit mounted in the support frame to be movable in the vertical direction, the gripper unit for gripping and releasing the replaceable component.

[0016] The replaceable component replacement system for a vehicle according to the present invention may further include a moving unit mounted on the station frame and connected to the support frame to move the support frame in the front-rear direction of the vehicle.

[0017] The station frame may include: a station body having an internal space; and a station base connected to the upper part of the station body to support the vehicle.

[0018] The support frame may include: at least one vertical frame connected to a moving unit installed in the internal space of the station body and extending upward through a slot formed in the station base; at least one horizontal frame connected to at least one vertical frame in the horizontal direction; and a mounting plate attached to at least one horizontal frame. The gripper unit may be mounted on the mounting plate.

[0019] The moving unit may include at least one guide rail and may include a moving plate. The at least one guide rail is arranged on the station frame in the front-rear direction of the vehicle. The moving plate is connected to a first driver installed in the station frame, is slidably mounted on the at least one guide rail, and is connected to the support frame.

[0020] The mobile unit may further include at least one slider, and the at least one slider is fixed to the moving plate and slidably connected to at least one guide rail.

[0021] The gripper unit may include a gripper moving member and may include at least one gripper module. The gripper moving member is connected to a second driver installed in the support frame and is installed on the support frame to be movable in the vertical direction. The at least one gripper module is installed on the gripper moving member to engage with at least one gripper connection portion provided on the replaceable component.

[0022] At least one gripper connection portion may be an armature block made of steel material connected to the top of the replaceable component.

[0023] At least one gripper module may be a magnetic module capable of engaging with the armature block by electromagnetic force.

[0024] At least one gripper module may include: a mounting bracket connected to the support frame; a magnetic holder mounted to the mounting bracket through a magnetic bracket; and a coil wound around the magnetic holder.

[0025] At least one gripper module may further include: a guide bushing connected to the mounting bracket; and a floating rod connected to the guide bushing to be movable in the vertical direction. The floating rod may be connected to the magnetic bracket.

[0026] At least one gripper module may further include a stopper provided on the upper portion of the guide bushing and connected to the floating rod.

[0027] At least one gripper module may further include a damping member mounted on the floating rod between the guide bushing and the magnetic bracket.

[0028] The damping member may be a compression coil spring.

[0029] The replaceable component may be provided with at least one gripper connection portion clamped by the gripper unit. The replaceable component replacement system may further include a cleaning module installed in the gripper unit to spray a cleaning liquid onto at least one gripper connection portion.

[0030] The cleaning module may include a cleaning nozzle configured to spray water stored in a water tank onto at least one gripper connection portion through compressed air provided by a compressor.

[0031] The vehicle may be a PBV (Personalized Built Vehicle).

[0032] A replaceable component replacement system for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention can produce a PBV that provides various customization services to users, improve the utilization rate of the PBV, and ensure the standardization and competitive advantage of future new services using the PBV.

[0033] In addition, the effects obtainable or expected from the embodiments of the present invention are directly or implicitly included in the detailed description of the exemplary embodiments of the present invention. That is, various effects predicted according to the exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be included in the detailed description provided later. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0034] Since the drawings are for reference in explaining the embodiments of the present invention, the technical idea of the present invention should not be construed as being limited to the drawings.

[0035] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing an example of a vehicle to which a replaceable component replacement system according to an embodiment of the present invention can be applied.

[0036] Figure 2 is a perspective view showing a replaceable component replacement system of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] Figure 3 is a side view showing a replaceable component replacement system of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] Figure 4 is a rear view showing a replaceable component replacement system of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] Figure 5 is a perspective view showing a mobile unit applied to a replaceable component replacement system of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] Figure 6 is a partially exploded perspective view showing a mobile unit applied to a replaceable component replacement system for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] Figure 7 is a perspective view showing a gripper unit applied to a replaceable component replacement system of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] Figure 8 is a front view showing a gripper unit applied to a replaceable component replacement system of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] Figure 9 is a perspective view showing a gripper module of a gripper unit applied to a replaceable component replacement system of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0044] Figure 10 is a front view of a gripper module of a gripper unit of a replaceable component replacement system applied to a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0045] Figure 11A and Figure 11B is a diagram showing the operation of a replaceable component replacement system for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0046] Figure 12 is a front view of a replaceable component replacement system for a vehicle according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0047] Figure 13 is a diagram showing the operation of a replaceable component replacement system for a vehicle according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0048] The accompanying drawings referred to above are not necessarily drawn to scale. Accordingly, the drawings are to be understood as presenting a somewhat simplified representation of various features illustrative of the basic principles of the invention. The specific design features of the invention, including, for example, specific dimensions, orientations, positions, and shapes, will be determined in part by the particular intended application and use environment.

[0049] Description of Reference Numerals

[0050] 1: Bottom of vehicle body 3: Upper vehicle body

[0051] 10: Vehicle 11: Fixed component

[0052] 12: Replaceable component 15: Joint unit

[0053] 17: Gripper connection part 17a: Armature block

[0054] 20: Station frame 21: Caster

[0055] 23: Station main body 25: Station base

[0056] 27: Internal space 29: Slot

[0057] 30: Support frame 31: Vertical frame

[0058] 33: Horizontal frame 35: Mounting plate

[0059] 37: Box frame 50: Moving unit

[0060] 51: Guide rail 53: Moving plate

[0061] 55: Slide block 61: First driver

[0062] 63: First servo motor 65: First moving body

[0063] 67: First guiding structure 70: Gripper unit

[0064] 71: Gripper moving member 73: Gripper module

[0065] 73a: Magnetic module 75: Guide rod

[0066] 79: Gripper mounting hole 81: Second driver

[0067] 83: Second servo motor 85: Second moving body

[0068] 87: Second guiding structure 91: Mounting bracket

[0069] 92: Magnetic retainer 93: Coil

[0070] 94: Magnetic bracket 95: Guide bushing

[0071] 96: Floating rod 97: Stopper

[0072] 98: Damping member 99: Compression helical spring

[0073] 100, 200: Replaceable component replacement system

[0074] 110: Cleaning module 111: Cleaning liquid

[0075] 113: Cleaning nozzle 115: Water tank

[0076] 117: Compressor. Detailed implementation manners

[0077] In the following, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings so that those of ordinary skill in the art can implement the present invention. As those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize, the described embodiments can be modified in various different ways, all of which do not depart from the spirit or scope of the present invention.

[0078] The terms used herein are only for describing the embodiments and are not intended to limit the present invention. As used herein, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular forms also include the plural forms.

[0079] It should also be understood that the terms "comprising", "including", "having", and their variants "comprising of", "containing", "causing to have", etc. mean the presence of the described features, values, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, values, steps, operations, components, and / or their groups.

[0080] As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0081] As used in this specification, the term "connected" represents a physical relationship between two components that are directly connected to each other or indirectly connected through one or more intermediate components.

[0082] In addition, as used herein, the term "operatively connected" or similar terms means that at least two components are directly or indirectly connected to each other so as to be able to transmit power. However, two operatively connected components do not always rotate at the same speed and in the same direction.

[0083] As used herein, "vehicle", "vehicular", "automotive" or other similar terms used herein generally refer to passenger cars, sports cars, sport utility vehicles (SUVs), buses, trucks. Such terms may also generally refer to various commercial vehicles, including passenger cars, hybrid vehicles, electric vehicles, hybrid electric vehicles, purpose-built vehicles (PBVs) based on electric vehicles, hydrogen-powered vehicles and other alternative fuel vehicles (e.g., fuel vehicles other than those derived from petroleum as an energy source).

[0084] When a component, unit, part, member, device, element, equipment, etc. of the present invention is described as having a purpose or performing an operation, function, etc., herein, the component, unit or part shall be regarded as "configured to" meet the purpose or perform the operation or function.

[0085] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0086] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing an example of a replaceable component replacement system that can be applied to a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0087] Referring to Figure 1 , a vehicle 10 to which an embodiment of the present invention can be applied can be, for example, a purpose-based motor vehicle (Purpose Built Vehicle: hereinafter referred to as "PBV").

[0088] The body of such a PBV includes a skateboard-type body bottom 1 (commonly referred to by those of ordinary skill in the art as a "rolling chassis" or "chassis frame") and an upper body 3 assembled to the body bottom 1.

[0089] According to the intended use of the PBV, the upper body 3 can be configured in various shapes.

[0090] For example, the PBV can be used as a ride-hailing vehicle or a high-roof vehicle, with compartments respectively configured at the front and rear of its upper body. The PBV can also be used as a delivery vehicle, with a compartment at the front of its upper body and a luggage compartment at the rear. The PBV can be used as a pickup truck or a chassis cab vehicle, with a compartment at the front and a deck at the rear.

[0091] In this specification, the following reference directions for describing components can be set as the front-rear direction of the vehicle 10 (e.g., the length direction or the longitudinal direction of the vehicle), the vehicle width direction of the vehicle 10 (e.g., the transverse direction), and the vehicle vertical direction (e.g., the height direction or the up-down direction).

[0092] In this specification, the "upper end", "upper part", or "upper surface" of a component refers to the end, part, or surface of the component that is relatively above in the figure, and the "lower end", "lower part", or "lower surface" of the component refers to the end, part, or surface that is relatively below in the figure.

[0093] In addition, in this specification, one end of a component (e.g., one end or the other (other) end, etc.) refers to one end of the component in any one direction, and the end of the component (e.g., one end) or the other (another) end, etc. refers to the part of the component including that end.

[0094] The vehicle 10 (e.g., the PBV) to which the replaceable component replacement system 100 according to the embodiment can be applied includes an upper body 3 assembled to the bottom 1 of the body, and the upper body 3 includes a fixed component 11 (fixed part) and a replaceable component 12 (replaceable part).

[0095] The fixed component 11 is the front part of the upper body 3 and is fixed to the front part of the body bottom 1. The fixed component 11 includes a cab-type front compartment.

[0096] The fixed component 11 can be attached to the front part of the body bottom 1 in the vertical direction through a body mounting unit known to those of ordinary skill in the art. Here, the fixed component 11 is defined in the embodiment and the claims as a configuration that will not be replaced even if the intended use of the vehicle 10 changes.

[0097] The replaceable component 12 is the rear part of the upper body 3 and can be manufactured in various shapes according to the intended use of the vehicle 10. For example, the replaceable component 12 includes a rear compartment, a luggage compartment, or a deck. Here, the replaceable component 12 is defined as a replaceable configuration according to the intended use of the vehicle 10.

[0098] The replaceable component 12 can be connected to the rear part of the body bottom 1 and the fixed component 11 through a joint unit 15. The replaceable component 12 can be separated from the rear part of the body bottom 1 and the fixed component 11.

[0099] The joint unit 15 can be configured for various types of joints, such as a configuration manually connected by mechanical configuration, a configuration connected by the operation of a separate actuator, and a configuration that can be connected and / or disconnected according to the supply of an external or internal power source (including magnetic). The configuration and operation of the joint unit 15 for connecting or disconnecting one or more modules or frames should be obvious to those of ordinary skill in the art, and thus a detailed description thereof is omitted.

[0100] The replaceable component replacement system 100 for a vehicle according to an embodiment provides a structure that allows for easy replacement of a replaceable component 12 on-site, and the replaceable component can be changed according to the intended use of the vehicle 10.

[0101] Figure 2 is a perspective view showing a replaceable component replacement system for a vehicle according to an embodiment.

[0102] Referring to Figure 2 , the replaceable component replacement system 100 for a vehicle according to an embodiment includes a work station frame 20, a support frame 30, and a gripper unit 70.

[0103] In an embodiment, the work station frame 20 is configured to support various components as described below. The work station frame 20 can be a single frame or two or more connected frames.

[0104] In addition, the work station frame 20 can include various auxiliary elements, such as rods (or beams), plates, brackets, and blocks, to support various components.

[0105] Since the above various auxiliary elements are used to install various components in the work station frame 20, in an embodiment, except in special cases, the above auxiliary elements are collectively referred to as the work station frame 20.

[0106] The work station frame 20 is configured to position the vehicle 10 that has been brought into the on-site work area (e.g., the replaceable component exchange position).

[0107] The vehicle 10 is positioned on the work station frame 20 through the joint unit 15. In the vehicle 10, the fixed component 11 is fixed to the front of the vehicle body bottom 1, and the replaceable component 12 is connected to the rear of the vehicle body bottom 1 and the fixed component 11.

[0108] The work station frame 20 can be equipped with a box-type frame. In one example, such a work station frame 20 can be fixedly attached to the on-site work location in a static manner. In another example, as shown in the figure, the work station frame 20 can move freely within the on-site work area through a plurality of casters 21 installed below.

[0109] Figure 3 is a side view showing a replaceable component replacement system for a vehicle according to an embodiment.Figure 4 is a rear view showing a replaceable component replacement system for a vehicle according to an embodiment.

[0110] Referring to Figures 2 to 4 , the work station frame 20 according to an embodiment includes a work station main body 23 and a work station base 25.

[0111] The work station main body 23 may be equipped with a frame body assembly, in which a beam-shaped frame and a plate are combined to support the load of the vehicle 10.

[0112] The work station main body 23 includes an internal space 27. In addition, the above-described casters 21 are installed at the lower part of the work station main body 23.

[0113] The work station base 25 is configured to support the lower side of the vehicle 10. The work station base 25 is configured as a plate and is connected to the upper part of the work station main body 23.

[0114] The support frame 30 is configured to mount a gripper unit 70 described below.

[0115] The support frame 30 is mounted on the work station frame 20 so as to be movable in the front-rear direction of the vehicle 10.

[0116] The replaceable component replacement system 100 for a vehicle according to an embodiment includes a moving unit 50 to move the vehicle 10 in the front-rear direction of the vehicle 10 so that the support frame 30 can move.

[0117] The moving unit 50 is installed in the work station frame 20 and connected to the support frame 30. The moving unit 50 may be installed in the internal space 27 of the work station main body 23.

[0118] Referring below to Figure 5 and Figure 6 the configuration of the moving unit 50 will be described in detail. First, the configuration of the support frame 30 connected to the moving unit 50 will be described.

[0119] The support frame 30 according to an embodiment includes a vertical frame 31, a horizontal frame 33, and a mounting plate 35 (see Figure 2 ).

[0120] The vertical frame 31 is connected to the moving unit 50 and extends upward. The vertical frame 31 is arranged in the vertical direction through a slot 29 formed in the work station base 25 (see Figure 2 ). In other words, the vertical frame 31 is connected to the moving unit 50 in the internal space 27 of the work station main body 23 and extends upward through the slot 29.

[0121] The slot 29 is formed on both sides in the length direction of the work station base 25 in the front-rear direction. The vertical frame 31 can move in the front-rear direction along the slot 29 through the moving unit 50.

[0122] The horizontal frame 33 is arranged in a horizontal direction perpendicular to the vertical frame 31. Each horizontal frame 33 is horizontally coupled to the upper portion of the vertical frame 31.

[0123] As shown in the figure, the horizontal frame 33 can form a box-shaped frame 37 at the top of the vertical frame 31.

[0124] The mounting plate 35 (see Figure 2 ) is attached to the horizontal frame 33 to mount the gripper unit 70 described below.

[0125] Figure 5 is a perspective view showing a mobile unit of a replaceable component replacement system applied to a vehicle according to an embodiment. Figure 6 is a partially exploded perspective view showing a mobile unit of a replaceable component replacement system for a vehicle according to an embodiment.

[0126] Referring to Figure 5 and Figure 6 , the mobile unit 50 according to the embodiment includes a guide rail 51, a moving plate 53, and a slider 55.

[0127] The guide rail 51 is installed in the internal space 27 of the station body 23. The guide rail 51 is arranged on both sides in the vehicle width direction of the station body 23 in the front-rear direction.

[0128] The moving plate 53 is slidably installed on the guide rail 51 and is connected to the vertical frame 31 of the support frame 30. In one example, the moving plate 53 is provided as a quadrilateral plate, and the vertical frame 31 is coupled to each corner of the moving plate 53 in the vertical direction.

[0129] The moving plate 53 is operably connected to a first driver 61 installed in the station body 23, and can reciprocate in the front-rear direction along the guide rail 51 by the operation of the first driver 61.

[0130] The first driver 61 includes a first servo motor 63 capable of servo controlling the rotation speed and rotation direction, a lead screw (not shown) connected to the first servo motor 63, and a first moving body 65 connected to the lead screw.

[0131] The first moving body 65 is threadedly connected to the lead screw, and can reciprocate in the front-rear direction along the first guide structure 67 by the rotation of the lead screw driven by the first servo motor 63. The first moving body 65 is connected to the moving plate 53.

[0132] The configuration and operation of the first driver 61 should be obvious to those of ordinary skill in the art, and thus a detailed description is omitted.

[0133] The slider 55 is fixed to the moving plate 53 and connected to the guide rail 51 so as to be able to slide in the front - rear direction.

[0134] The slider 55 is connected to the bottom surface of the moving plate 53. The slider 55 is connected to the corners on both sides of the moving plate 53 in the vehicle width direction.

[0135] Reference Figures 2 to 4 , in an embodiment, the gripper unit 70 is configured to grip and release the replaceable part 12 when the vehicle 10 is positioned on the station frame 20 and the joint unit 15 between the fixing part 11 and the replaceable part 12 is released from the engagement with the vehicle body bottom 1 and the replaceable part 12.

[0136] In other words, the gripper unit 70 can unload the replaceable part from the rear of the vehicle body bottom 1 by gripping the replaceable part 12 separated from the fixing part 11. In addition, the gripper unit 70 can grip the replaceable part 12 on a separately provided replaceable part supply unit (not shown) and load the replaceable part 12 into the replaceable part supply unit.

[0137] In addition, in an embodiment, the gripper unit 70 is configured to grip and release another replaceable part 12 supplied by the replaceable part supply unit.

[0138] In other words, the gripper unit 70 can grip another replaceable part 12 on the replaceable part supply unit and unload another replaceable part 12 from the replaceable part supply unit. In addition, the gripper unit 70 can release another replaceable part 12 on the rear of the vehicle body bottom 1 and load another replaceable part 12 onto the rear of the vehicle body bottom 1.

[0139] These gripper units 70 are mounted on the mounting plate 35 of the support frame 30 (see Figure 2 ) so as to be able to reciprocate in the vertical direction.

[0140] Figure 7 is a perspective view showing the gripper unit of the replaceable part replacement system applied to a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 8 is a front view showing the gripper unit of the replaceable part replacement system applied to a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0141] Reference Figure 7 and Figure 8 , according to an embodiment, the gripper unit 70 includes a gripper moving member 71 and a gripper module 73.

[0142] The gripper moving member 71 can be movably mounted on the mounting plate 35 of the support frame 30 in the vertical direction. In one example, the gripper moving member 71 can be provided in a plate shape.

[0143] The gripper moving member 71 can reciprocate in the vertical direction through the guide rod 75. The guide rod 75 is coupled to the corner portion of the gripper moving member 71 in the vertical direction and is vertically assembled into the mounting plate 35.

[0144] The gripper moving member 71 is operatively connected to a second driver 81 mounted in the mounting plate 35. Through the operation of the second driver 81, the gripper moving member 71 can reciprocate in the vertical direction through the guide rod 75.

[0145] The second driver 81 includes a second servo motor 83 capable of servo-controlling the rotational speed and direction of rotation, a lead screw (not shown) connected to the second servo motor 83 via a gear unit 84, and a second moving body 85 connected to the lead screw.

[0146] The second moving body 85 is threadedly engaged with the lead screw and can reciprocate in the vertical direction along the second guiding structure 87 according to the rotation of the lead screw driven by the second servo motor 83. The second moving body 85 is connected to the gripper moving member 71.

[0147] The configuration and operation of the second driver 81 should be obvious to those of ordinary skill in the art, and thus a detailed description is omitted.

[0148] In an embodiment, the gripper module 73 is mounted on the gripper moving member 71 to grip and release the upper portion of the replaceable component 12.

[0149] The gripper module 73 can be connected to or disconnected from a gripper connection portion 17 provided on the upper portion of the replaceable component 12.

[0150] Each gripper connection portion 17 can be an armature block 17a made of steel material connected to the top of the replaceable component 12.

[0151] Each gripper module 73 can be a magnetic module 73a, and the magnetic module 73a can be engaged with and / or disengaged from the armature block 17a by electromagnetic force generated according to an external or internal power source.

[0152] Figure 9 is a perspective view of a gripper module of a gripper unit of a replaceable component replacement system applied to a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 10 is a front view of a gripper module of a gripper unit of a replaceable component replacement system applied to a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0153] Referring to Figure 9 and Figure 10, each gripper module 73 according to the embodiment includes a mounting bracket 91, a magnetic retainer 92, and a coil 93.

[0154] The mounting bracket 91 is connected to the gripper moving member 71. The mounting bracket 91 is connected to the edge of the gripper mounting hole 79 formed in the gripper moving member 71.

[0155] The magnetic retainer 92 is provided in the form of a block that applies an electromagnetic force, and can engage and / or disengage with the gripper connection portion 17, which is the armature block 17a, by the electromagnetic force.

[0156] The magnetic retainer 92 is mounted to the mounting bracket 91 through a magnetic bracket 94. The magnetic retainer 92 passes through the gripper mounting hole 79 and protrudes downward from the gripper moving member 71.

[0157] The coil 93 can receive an external or internal power source and generate an electromagnetic force in the magnetic retainer 92. The coil 93 is wound around the magnetic retainer 92.

[0158] The gripper module 73 according to the embodiment further includes a guide bushing 95, a floating rod 96, a stopper 97, and a damping member 98.

[0159] The guide bushing 95 is inserted into the upper part of the mounting bracket 91 and protrudes downward from the upper part. The guide bushing 95 is fixed to the upper part of the mounting bracket 91. The guide bushing 95 includes a hollow portion 95a formed in the vertical direction.

[0160] The floating rod 96 is inserted into the hollow portion 95a of the guide bushing 95 so as to be movable in the vertical direction. The floating rod 96 is connected to the magnetic bracket 94.

[0161] The term "floating" means that when a fixed first structure is pushed or pulled, a second structure related to the first structure moves (shifts) due to the thrust or pull force to match the position of the first structure.

[0162] The floating rod 96 is configured to compensate for the change in the top height of the replaceable part 12, which is the object to be gripped or released by the gripper module 73.

[0163] In other words, the floating rod 96 moves in the vertical direction within the guide bushing 95 according to the top height deviation of the replaceable part 12, and is designed to compensate for the top height deviation of the replaceable part 12.

[0164] When the top height of the replaceable part 12 deviates, when the magnetic retainer 92 contacts the gripper connection portion 17 of the replaceable part 12, due to the top height deviation of the replaceable part 12, the floating rod 96 can move in the vertical direction.

[0165] The floating rod 96 penetrates vertically into the hollow portion 95a of the guide bushing 95 and is connected to the magnetic bracket 94 through its lower portion.

[0166] The stopper 97 is configured to prevent the floating rod 96 from separating downward from the hollow portion 95a of the guide bushing 95.

[0167] The stopper 97 is provided on the upper portion of the guide bushing 95 and is connected to the upper portion of the floating rod 96.

[0168] In addition, the damping member 98 is configured to apply an elastic force to the magnetic holder 92. The damping member 98 can reduce the clamping impact between the magnetic holder 92 and the gripper connection portion 17. In addition, when the replaceable part of the gripper module 73 is released, the damping member 98 can restore the magnetic holder 92 to its original position.

[0169] The damping member 98 is mounted on the floating rod 96 between the lower end of the guide bushing 95 and the upper end of the magnetic bracket 94. In one example, the damping member 98 may include a compression coil spring 99.

[0170] Figure 11A and Figure 11B is a diagram showing the operation of a replaceable part replacement system for a vehicle according to an embodiment.

[0171] Hereinafter, with reference to Figures 1 to 11B The operation of the replaceable part replacement system 100 of the vehicle according to the embodiment configured as described above will be described in detail.

[0172] In the embodiment, the vehicle 10 is brought to a field work position (e.g., a replaceable part exchange position).

[0173] The fixed part 11 of the vehicle 10 is fixed to the front part of the vehicle body bottom 1, and the replaceable part 12 is connected to the fixed part 11 and the rear part of the vehicle body bottom 1 through the joint unit 15.

[0174] The vehicle 10 may be a network car or a high-roof car, each including a cabin in the fixed part 11 and a replaceable part 12.

[0175] The vehicle 10 may be a delivery vehicle having a cabin formed in the fixed part 11 and a luggage compartment formed in the replaceable part 12.

[0176] The vehicle 10 may be a pickup truck or a chassis cab vehicle having a cabin formed in the fixed part 11 and a deck formed in the replaceable part 12.

[0177] The vehicle 10 is positioned at a predetermined position in the station frame 20. The top of the replaceable component 12 of the vehicle 10 is provided with the installed gripper connection part 17, and the gripper connection part 17 is an armature block 17a made of steel material.

[0178] The connection between the fixed component 11 and the replaceable component 12 through the joint unit 15 and the connection between the vehicle body bottom 1 and the replaceable component 12 through the joint unit 15 are released.

[0179] The support frame 30 is connected to the moving unit 50 installed in the station frame 20 and moves backward according to the operation of the first driver 61.

[0180] In addition, the gripper module 73 of the gripper unit 70 moves in the upward direction by the drive of the second driver 81 in the support frame 30. Each gripper module 73 can be a magnetic module 73a.

[0181] The support frame 30 moves forward a predetermined distance by the drive of the first driver 61. The gripper module 73 of the gripper unit 70 is positioned on the upper side of the replaceable component 12, that is, on the upper side of the gripper connection part 17.

[0182] The predetermined moving distance of the support frame 30 described above is determined based on the position information of the gripper connection part 17 obtained from a sensor (not shown), and the first driver 61 is driven based on the position information of the gripper mounting part 17.

[0183] The magnetic holder 92 of the gripper module 73 is mounted on the mounting bracket 91 through the guide bushing 95, the floating rod 96 and the stopper 97.

[0184] The gripper module 73 moves in the downward direction by the drive of the second driver 81.

[0185] Refer to Figure 11A , the magnetic holder 92 of the gripper module 73 contacts the gripper connection part 17 on the replaceable component 12. In addition, the magnetic holder 92 can press the gripper connection part 17 in the downward direction according to the operation of the second driver 81.

[0186] Refer to Figure 11B , when there is a top height deviation in the replaceable component 12, the floating rod 96 can compensate for the height deviation together with the magnetic holder 92. The magnetic holder 92 can move in the upward direction while compressing the damping member 98.

[0187] Then, an external or internal power supply is applied to the coil 93 of the gripper module 73. Then, the magnetic holder 92 generates an electromagnetic force.

[0188] Therefore, the magnetic retainer 92 is connected to the gripper connection portion 17 of the replaceable component 12 by electromagnetic force. In other words, the magnetic retainer 92 clamps the gripper connection portion 17 of the replaceable component 12 by electromagnetic force.

[0189] Next, as described above, when the gripper module 73 clamps the replaceable component 12, the gripper module 73 moves upward by the operation of the second driver 81. Therefore, the replaceable component 12 clamped by the gripper module 73 is unloaded from the rear portion of the vehicle body bottom 1 and moves upward.

[0190] Next, the support frame 30 moves backward by the drive of the first driver 61. Then, since the gripper unit 70 is mounted on the support frame 30, the replaceable component 12 moves backward according to the movement of the support frame 30.

[0191] As shown above, the replaceable component 12 that has moved backward is positioned above the replaceable component supply unit (not shown). Then, the gripper module 73 moves downward by the drive of the second driver 81 and loads the replaceable component 12 onto the replaceable component supply unit. Thereafter, when the power supply to the coil 93 of the gripper module 73 is cut off, the gripper module 73 releases the replaceable component 12 on the replaceable component supply unit.

[0192] As described above, as the replaceable component 12 of the vehicle 10 is removed, the gripper module 73 clamps another replaceable component 12 on the replaceable component supply unit and unloads another replaceable component 12 from the replaceable component supply unit.

[0193] Then, the gripper module 73 releases another replaceable component 12 onto the rear portion of the vehicle body bottom 1 and loads another replaceable component 12 onto the rear portion of the vehicle body bottom 1.

[0194] The loading and unloading of another replaceable component 12 can be achieved by the lifting movement of the gripper module 73. By energizing and de-energizing the coil 93 of the gripper module 73, the clamping and releasing of another replaceable component 12 can be achieved.

[0195] Therefore, the replaceable component replacement system 100 of the vehicle according to the embodiment can replace the replaceable component 12 of the vehicle 10 according to the intended use through the above series of processes.

[0196] The replaceable component replacement system 100 of the vehicle according to the embodiment described so far can easily replace the replaceable component 12 that can be changed according to the intended use of the vehicle 10 on-site (for example, in a service area).

[0197] Accordingly, the vehicle replaceable component replacement system 100 according to the embodiment can promote the use of the PBV that provides various customization services to users, improve the utilization rate of the PBV, and contribute to the standardization of future new services using the PBV, and ensure a competitive advantage.

[0198] In addition, according to the vehicle replaceable component replacement system 100 according to the embodiment, the replaceable component 12 of the vehicle 10 can be easily replaced, so that the A / S efficiency of the vehicle 10 can be improved and the A / S waiting time can be reduced.

[0199] Figure 12 FIG. is a front view of a replaceable component replacement system for a vehicle according to another embodiment of the present invention. Figure 13 FIG. is a diagram showing the operation of a replaceable component replacement system for a vehicle according to another embodiment of the present invention. For ease of understanding, the same reference numerals are given to the same components as in the electrical embodiment.

[0200] Refer to Figure 12 and Figure 13 According to another embodiment of the present invention, the replaceable component replacement system 200 for a vehicle may further include a cleaning module 110 installed in the gripper unit 70.

[0201] In an embodiment, the cleaning module 110 is configured to clean the gripper connection portion 17 of the replaceable component 12 by spraying a cleaning liquid 111 onto the gripper connection portion 17.

[0202] The cleaning module 110 includes a cleaning nozzle 113. The cleaning nozzle 113 is configured to spray the cleaning liquid 111 onto the gripper connection portion 17. In one example, the cleaning nozzle 113 may be installed on the gripper moving member 71 of the gripper unit 70.

[0203] The cleaning nozzle 113 can spray the water stored in the water tank 115 onto the gripper connection portion 17 through compressed air provided by the compressor 117. In other words, the cleaning liquid 111 may include water.

[0204] In one example, the water tank 115 and the compressor 117 may be installed on the mounting plate 35 of the support frame 30.

[0205] Based on the replaceable component replacement system 200 for a vehicle according to another embodiment, when the gripper connection portion 17 of the replaceable component 12 is contaminated by various foreign matters, the cleaning liquid 111 is sprayed onto the gripper connection portion 17 of the replaceable component 12 through the cleaning nozzle 113.

[0206] Then, the cleaning liquid 111 sprayed through the cleaning nozzle 113 removes various foreign matters from the gripper connection portion 17.

[0207] Thus, the replaceable component replacement system 200 of a vehicle according to another embodiment can ensure the bonding force between the gripper module 73 as the magnetic module 73a and the gripper connection portion 17 as the armature block 17a by cleaning the gripper connection portion 17 on the replaceable component 12 with the cleaning liquid 111.

[0208] The remaining configurations and operations of the replaceable component replacement system 200 of a vehicle according to the above another embodiment are the same as those of the embodiment described above, and thus further detailed descriptions are omitted.

[0209] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited thereto, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the claims, the detailed description of the present invention, and the drawings, and these modifications also fall within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A replaceable component replacement system for a vehicle, comprising: a station frame on which a vehicle is positioned, the vehicle comprising a fixed component fixed to the underbody and a replaceable component removable from the fixed component; a support frame mounted on the station frame so as to be movable in the front-rear direction of the vehicle; as well as A gripper unit is installed in the supporting frame to be movable in a vertical direction, the gripper unit being used to grip and release the replaceable component. 2 . The replaceable component replacing system for a vehicle according to claim 1 , further comprising a moving unit installed on the station frame and connected to the supporting frame to move the supporting frame in a front-rear direction of the vehicle.

3. The replaceable component replacement system for a vehicle according to claim 2, wherein: The mobile unit comprises: at least one guide rail, the at least one guide rail being arranged on the station frame along the front-rear direction of the vehicle; and A moving plate is connected to a first drive installed in the station frame, slidably mounted on the at least one guide rail, and connected to the support frame.

4. The replaceable component replacement system for a vehicle according to claim 3, wherein: The moving unit further includes at least one slider fixed to the moving plate and slidably connected to at least one guide rail.

5. The replaceable component replacement system for a vehicle according to claim 1, wherein: The workstation framework comprises: a workstation body having an inner space; and A workstation base is connected to the upper portion of the workstation body to support the vehicle.

6. The replaceable component replacement system for a vehicle according to claim 5, wherein: The support frame comprises: at least one vertical frame connected to a moving unit installed in the interior space of the station body and extending upward through a slot formed in the station base; at least one horizontal frame connected in a horizontal direction to the at least one vertical frame; and A mounting plate is attached to the at least one horizontal frame, wherein the gripper unit is mounted on the mounting plate.

7. The replaceable component replacement system for a vehicle according to claim 1, wherein: The gripper unit comprises: a gripper moving member connected to a second driver installed in the supporting frame and mounted on the supporting frame to be movable in a vertical direction; and At least one gripper module is mounted on the gripper moving member to engage with at least one gripper connecting portion provided on the replaceable component.

8. The replaceable component replacement system for a vehicle according to claim 7, wherein: The at least one holder connection portion is an armature block of steel material connected to the top of the replaceable component; The at least one gripper module is a magnetic module engageable to the armature block by electromagnetic force.

9. The replaceable component replacement system for a vehicle according to claim 7, wherein: The at least one gripper module comprises: a mounting bracket connected to the support frame; a magnetic retainer mounted to the mounting bracket via a magnetic bracket; and A coil is wound around the magnetic holder.

10. The replaceable component replacement system for a vehicle according to claim 9, wherein: The at least one gripper module further comprises: a guide bushing connected to the mounting bracket; and A floating rod is connected to the guide bushing to be movable in a vertical direction, wherein the floating rod is connected to the magnetic bracket.

11. The replaceable component replacement system for a vehicle according to claim 10, wherein: The at least one gripper module further includes a stopper block disposed at an upper portion of the guide bushing and connected to the floating rod.

12. The replaceable component replacement system for a vehicle according to claim 10, wherein: The at least one gripper module further includes a damping member mounted on the floating rod between the guide bushing and the magnetic mount.

13. The replaceable component replacement system for a vehicle according to claim 12, wherein: The damping member is a compression coil spring.

14. The replaceable component replacement system for a vehicle according to claim 1, wherein: The replaceable component is provided with at least one clamp connection portion clamped by the clamp unit; A cleaning module is installed in the gripper unit to spray a cleaning fluid onto at least one gripper connecting portion.

15. The replaceable component replacement system for a vehicle according to claim 14, wherein: The washing module includes a washing nozzle configured to spray water stored in a water tank to at least one holder connecting portion by compressed air provided from a compressor.

16. The replaceable component replacement system for a vehicle according to claim 1, wherein: The vehicle is a PBV.

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