Automatic guided vehicle with variable vehicle width

Abstract

Disclosed is an automatic guided vehicle (AGV) with a variable vehicle width, which does not require a complicated disassembly and assembly process, but can be transported and delivered through a road in which the vehicle width allowed to travel and the width of loaded goods are limited in related laws. An automatic guided vehicle (AGV) having a variable vehicle width according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises: a plate-shaped main frame configured so as to be able to be folded in half with respect to a hinge shaft provided in front of a lower portion thereof in a front-rear direction; and a driving wheel frame which is arranged at the lower part of the main frame and is provided with wheels for driving. The vehicle width can be changed according to the folding angle of the main frame.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an automated guided vehicle (AGV) with variable vehicle width Background Art

[0002] Generally speaking, in order to perform repetitive operations in factories for manufacturing goods and warehouses for loading and unloading goods, etc., an unmanned transport vehicle called an automated guided vehicle (AGV) is used. In addition, the automated guided vehicle (AGV) is also used in various places such as restaurants, hotels, and airports. In particular, for an automated guided vehicle (AGV) for transporting large goods, in order to stably support the large goods, an automated guided vehicle (AGV) with a larger vehicle width corresponding to the width of the large goods is required to transport the goods. However, the automated guided vehicle (AGV) is usually manufactured at an AGV manufacturing facility far from the AGV usage site and then mounted on a vehicle and transported and delivered to the usage site by road. However, the vehicle width allowed to travel on the road and the width of the loaded goods are restricted by relevant laws. Therefore, even if an automated guided vehicle (AGV) with a larger vehicle width suitable for handling large goods is manufactured, it is difficult to transport and deliver it by road

[0003] A patent registered in the Korean Patent Gazette No. 10-2460494 discloses an automatically traveling unmanned transport vehicle

[0004] The automatically traveling unmanned transport vehicle disclosed in the above-mentioned gazette, as an automatically traveling unmanned transport vehicle including a main body P and a driving unit 1000 installed on the main body P and driving the main body P to move, the driving unit 1000 includes: a first driving part 1100 that moves the main body P in the X-axis direction by receiving power from a built-in battery or externally; a second driving part 1200 that moves the main body P in the Y-axis direction by receiving power from a built-in battery or externally; and a first lifting part 1300 that moves the main body P in the X-axis or Y-axis direction by placing one of the first driving part 1100 or the second driving part 1200 on the ground

[0005] However, the above-mentioned automatically traveling unmanned transport vehicle still has the problem that when transported by road, due to its fixed vehicle width, even if an automated guided vehicle (AGV) with a larger vehicle width suitable for handling large goods is manufactured, it is difficult to transport and deliver it by road. Therefore, in the case of an automated guided vehicle (AGV) that requires a larger vehicle width, it must be disassembled into components or modules and assembled on-site after being transported to the delivery site

[0006] (Prior Art Documents)

[0007] (Patent Documents)

[0008] Patent Document 1: KR 10-2460494 B1 (Registered on October 25, 2022) Summary of the Invention

[0009] (Problems to be Solved by the Invention)

[0010] The problem to be solved by the present disclosure is to provide an automatically guided vehicle (AGV) with variable vehicle width that can be transported and delivered on roads where the vehicle width allowed to travel and the width of the loaded goods are restricted in relevant laws, rather than requiring a complicated disassembly and assembly process.

[0011] (Measures for Solving the Problems)

[0012] The automatically guided vehicle (AGV) with variable vehicle width according to an embodiment is characterized in that it includes: a main frame, which is in a plate shape and is configured to be folded in half with respect to a hinge shaft provided in the front lower part along the front-rear direction; and a drive wheel frame, which is provided in the lower part of the main frame and is equipped with wheels for driving; the vehicle width can be changed according to the folding angle of the main frame.

[0013] In addition, the automatically guided vehicle (AGV) with variable vehicle width according to an embodiment is characterized in that the drive wheel frame includes: a first wheel bracket, which is rotatably coupled to one side of the lower part of the main frame in the width direction by a hinge and rotates downward; and a second wheel bracket, which is rotatably coupled to the other side of the lower part of the main frame in the width direction by a hinge and rotates downward; the wheels are respectively provided along the length direction of the main frame on the first wheel bracket and the second wheel bracket.

[0014] In addition, the automatically guided vehicle (AGV) with variable vehicle width according to an embodiment is characterized in that the drive wheel frame further includes: a first guide hole, which is formed through the first wheel bracket along the width direction of the main frame; a second guide hole, which is formed through the second wheel bracket along the width direction of the main frame; and a guide rod, both ends of which are respectively received in the first guide hole and the second guide hole; the first wheel bracket and the second wheel bracket move in the width direction of the main frame along the guide rod.

[0015] In addition, the automatically guided vehicle (AGV) with variable vehicle width according to an embodiment may further include: a tension unit, both ends of which are respectively coupled to both sides of the main frame in the width direction or both sides of the drive wheel frame in the width direction, and is used to maintain the state of the width change of the main frame being folded.

[0016] In addition, the automatically guided vehicle (AGV) with variable vehicle width according to an embodiment is characterized in that the tension unit may include: holes, which are respectively provided on both sides of the main frame in the width direction or both sides of the drive wheel frame in the width direction; and a screw buckle, which connects the holes.

[0017] (Advantages of the Invention)

[0018] The automatic guided vehicle (AGV) with variable vehicle width according to the embodiment is configured to have a variable vehicle width. Thereby, the automatic guided vehicle (AGV) with variable vehicle width according to the embodiment can be transported in a state where the vehicle width is narrowed during delivery, so that it can be transported without restriction on roads with restricted vehicle width.

[0019] In addition, the automatic guided vehicle (AGV) with variable vehicle width according to the embodiment is equipped with a tension unit for maintaining the state of vehicle width change. Thereby, when delivering the automatic guided vehicle (AGV) with variable vehicle width according to the embodiment, it can be safely transported in a state where the vehicle width is fixed.

[0020] In addition, the drive wheel frame of the automatic guided vehicle (AGV) with variable vehicle width according to another embodiment is equipped with guide rods for guiding the first wheel bracket and the second wheel bracket. Thereby, when changing the vehicle width, the first wheel bracket and the second wheel bracket can be stably moved along the guide rods, and the first wheel bracket and the second wheel bracket can be arranged and supported in a state horizontal to the ground, so that even in a state where the vehicle width is narrowed, the wheels mounted on the first wheel bracket and the second wheel bracket can maintain a drivable state.

[0021] That is, for the automatic guided vehicle (AGV) with variable vehicle width according to another embodiment, the first wheel bracket and the second wheel bracket can be arranged in a state horizontal to the ground in a state where the vehicle width changes, so that it can travel a certain distance in a state where the vehicle width changes at the delivery site. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] Figure 1 is a perspective view of the automatic guided vehicle (AGV) with variable vehicle width according to the embodiment.

[0023] Figure 2 is an exploded view of the automatic guided vehicle (AGV) with variable vehicle width according to the embodiment.

[0024] Figure 3 Illustrates the state of vehicle width change of the automatic guided vehicle (AGV) with variable vehicle width according to the embodiment.

[0025] Figure 4 is a perspective view of the automatic guided vehicle (AGV) with variable vehicle width according to another embodiment.

[0026] Figure 5 is an exploded view of the automatic guided vehicle (AGV) with variable vehicle width according to another embodiment.

[0027] Figure 6Illustrates the state of the vehicle width change of an automatic guided vehicle (AGV) with variable vehicle width according to another embodiment.

[0028] (Description of reference numerals)

[0029] 100: Automatic guided vehicle (AGV) with variable vehicle width; 110: Main frame; 111: First frame;

[0030] 112: Second frame; 113: Hinge shaft; 120: Drive wheel frame; 121: First wheel bracket;

[0031] 122: Second wheel bracket; 123: Wheel; 130: Tension unit; 131: Eyelet;

[0032] 132: Screw buckle; 200: Automatic guided vehicle (AGV) with variable vehicle width; 210: Main frame;

[0033] 211: First frame; 212: Second frame; 213: Hinge shaft; 220: Drive wheel frame;

[0034] 221: First wheel bracket; 221a: First guide hole; 222: Second wheel bracket;

[0035] 222a: Second guide hole; 223: Wheel; 224: Guide rod; 230: Tension unit;

[0036] 231: Eyelet; 232: Screw buckle. Detailed implementation

[0037] The advantages and features of the present disclosure and the methods for achieving them will be further clarified by referring to the subsequent embodiments described in detail in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below, but can be implemented in various different forms. These provided embodiments are only for making the present disclosure more complete and introducing the scope of the invention more completely to those with ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which the present disclosure belongs. The present disclosure should only be defined by the scope of the claims. Throughout the specification, the same reference numerals represent the same components.

[0038] Referring to the perspective view of an automatic guided vehicle (AGV) with variable vehicle width [hereinafter referred to as "automatic guided vehicle (AGV) 100"] according to an embodiment, that is Figure 1 and the exploded view of the automatic guided vehicle (AGV) 100, that is Figure 2 , the automatic guided vehicle (AGV) 100 with variable vehicle width includes a main frame 110, a drive wheel frame 120, and a tension unit 130.

[0039] The main frame 110 has a plate shape with a certain width and length, and is configured to be folded in half with respect to the hinge shaft 113 provided along the front-rear direction at the lower front part as a reference.

[0040] As an example, the main frame 110 may include a first frame 111, a second frame 112, and a hinge shaft 113.

[0041] The first frame 111 has a plate shape with a width smaller than its length, and may be made of a rigid material.

[0042] The second frame 112 may have a shape corresponding to that of the first frame 111. Accordingly, the second frame 112 may have the same plate shape with a width smaller than its length as the first frame 111, and may be made of a rigid material.

[0043] The hinge shaft 113 is located below between the first frame 111 and the second frame 112, thereby hinge-coupling the first frame 111 and the second frame 112. Accordingly, the first frame 111 and the second frame 112 may rotate downward and fold in half with respect to the hinge shaft 113.

[0044] In addition, a tray for supporting goods and a lifter for lifting the tray may be provided on the upper side of the main frame 110.

[0045] In addition, the main frame 110 may include a control device for controlling the wheels 123 of the drive wheel frame 120 described later and a battery for driving the automatic guided vehicle (AGV) 100 with variable vehicle width.

[0046] The drive wheel frame 120 is provided at the lower part of the main frame 110, and wheels 123 are provided along the length direction of the main frame 110.

[0047] As an example, the drive wheel frame 120 may include a first wheel bracket 121, a second wheel bracket 122, and wheels 123.

[0048] The first wheel bracket 121 is provided along the length direction of the main frame 110 on one side of the lower part in the width direction of the main frame 110.

[0049] The second wheel bracket 122 is provided along the length direction of the main frame 110 on the other side of the lower part in the width direction of the main frame 110.

[0050] The wheels 123 are respectively provided on the first wheel bracket 121 and the second wheel bracket 122, and are arranged along the length direction of the main frame 110.

[0051] Both ends of the tension unit 130 are respectively coupled to both sides in the width direction of the main frame 110 or both sides in the width direction of the driving wheel frame 120, and are used to maintain the state of the width change of the main body frame 110 in the folded state.

[0052] As an example, the tension unit 130 may include eyelets 131 and screw buckles 132.

[0053] The spaces 131 may be respectively provided at both ends in the length direction of the first frame 111 and both ends in the length direction of the second frame 112. That is, the eyelets 131 may be respectively provided at both sides in the front width direction and both sides in the rear width direction of the main frame 110.

[0054] A plurality of screw buckles 132 corresponding to the number of the eyelets 131 may be provided, and the eyelets 131 provided at one end in the length direction of the first frame 111, the eyelets 131 provided at one end in the length direction of the second frame 112, the eyelets 131 provided at the other end in the length direction of the first frame 111, and the eyelets 131 provided at the other end in the length direction of the second frame 112 may be respectively connected.

[0055] Next, the state of the vehicle width change of the automatic guided vehicle (AGV) 100 with variable vehicle width will be described with reference to Figure 3 the drawings showing the state of the vehicle width change of the automatic guided vehicle (AGV) 100 with variable vehicle width.

[0056] Figure 3 (a) is a perspective view of the state of the vehicle width change of the automatic guided vehicle (AGV) 100 with variable vehicle width, and Figure 3 (b) is a front view of the state of the vehicle width change of the automatic guided vehicle (AGV) 100 with variable vehicle width.

[0057] The main frame 110 rotates the first frame 111 and the second frame 112 downward with the hinge axis 113 as a reference to raise its center. At this time, the first frame 111 and the second frame 112 can be rotated downward by moving the wheels 123 in the direction toward the hinge axis 113. However, in the case where the first frame 111 and the second frame 112 cannot be rotated only by the driving force of the wheels 123 due to the load of the main frame 110, a hydraulic device such as a crane can be used to pull the center of the main frame 110 upward, thereby rotating the first frame 111 and the second frame 112 downward. Next, when the first frame 111 and the second frame 112 are rotated downward, the interval between one side and the other side in the width direction of the main frame 110 will decrease, thereby changing the width of the main frame 110. When the width of the main frame 110 changes, the interval between one side and the other side in the width direction of the drive wheel frame 120 will also decrease accordingly. Next, by adjusting the tension of the tension unit 130, the folded state of the main frame 110 with the changed width is maintained. Furthermore, after loading the automatic guided vehicle (AGV) 100 with variable vehicle width, whose vehicle width has changed, onto a trailer using a hydraulic device such as a crane, it is transported.

[0058] In addition, referring to the perspective view of the automatic guided vehicle (AGV) with variable vehicle width according to another embodiment [hereinafter referred to as "automatic guided vehicle (AGV) 200"] namely Figure 4 and the exploded view of the automatic guided vehicle (AGV) 200 namely Figure 5 , the automatic guided vehicle (AGV) 200 includes a main frame 210, a drive wheel frame 220, and a tension unit 230.

[0059] The main frame 210 is in the shape of a plate with a certain width and length, and is configured to be folded in half with the hinge axis 213 provided along the front-back direction in the lower front as a reference.

[0060] As an example, the main frame 210 may include a first frame 211, a second frame 212, and a hinge axis 213.

[0061] The first frame 211 is in the shape of a plate with a width smaller than its length, and can be made of a rigid material.

[0062] The second frame 212 may have a shape corresponding to that of the first frame 211. Thus, the second frame 212 may have the same shape as the first frame 211, which is a plate with a width smaller than its length, and can be made of a rigid material.

[0063] The hinge shaft 213 is located below between the first frame 211 and the second frame 212, thereby hinge-coupling the first frame 211 and the second frame 212. Thereby, the first frame 211 and the second frame 212 can rotate downward and fold in half with respect to the hinge shaft 213 as a reference.

[0064] On the upper side surface of the main frame 210, a tray for supporting goods and a lifter for lifting the tray can be provided.

[0065] In addition, the main frame 210 may include a control device for controlling the wheels 223 of the drive wheel frame 220 described later and a battery for driving the automatic guided vehicle (AGV) 200 with variable vehicle width.

[0066] The drive wheel frame 220 is provided at the lower part of the main frame 210, and the wheels 223 are provided along the length direction of the main frame 210.

[0067] As an example, the drive wheel frame 220 may include a first wheel bracket 221, a second wheel bracket 222, a wheel 222, and a guide rod 224.

[0068] The first wheel bracket 221 is provided along the length direction on the lower side of the main frame 210 in the width direction, and is coupled in a manner that can rotate outward and downward. In addition, a first guide hole 221a penetrating in the width direction of the main frame 210 may be formed in the first wheel bracket 211.

[0069] The second wheel bracket 222 is provided along the length direction on the lower side of the main frame 210 on the other side in the width direction, and is coupled in a manner that can rotate outward and downward. In addition, a second guide hole 222a penetrating in the width direction of the main frame 210 may be formed in the second wheel bracket 211.

[0070] That is, the first wheel bracket 221 and the second wheel bracket 222 are configured to be able to move away from each other and rotate downward.

[0071] The wheels 223 are respectively provided on the first wheel bracket 221 and the second wheel bracket 222, and are arranged along the length direction of the main frame 210.

[0072] The guide rod 224 has a rod shape with a certain length and has a cross-sectional area corresponding to the first guide hole 221a or the second guide hole 222a. Both ends of the guide rod 224 are respectively received in the first guide hole 221a and the second guide hole 222a.

[0073] Both ends of the tension unit 230 are respectively coupled to both sides in the width direction of the main frame 210 or both sides in the width direction of the driving wheel frame 220, and are used to maintain the state of the width change of the main body frame 210 being folded.

[0074] As an example, the tension unit 230 may include eyelets 231 and screw buckles 232.

[0075] The spaces 231 may be respectively provided at both ends in the length direction of the first frame 211 and both ends in the length direction of the second frame 212. That is, the eyelets 231 may be respectively provided at both sides in the front width direction and both sides in the rear width direction of the main frame 210.

[0076] A plurality of screw buckles 232 corresponding to the number of the eyelets 231 may be provided, and the eyelets 231 provided at one end in the length direction of the first frame 211, the eyelets 231 provided at one end in the length direction of the second frame 212, the eyelets 231 provided at the other end in the length direction of the first frame 211, and the eyelets 231 provided at the other end in the length direction of the second frame 212 may be respectively connected.

[0077] Next, referring to Figure 6 the state of the vehicle width change of the automatic guided vehicle (AGV) 200 with variable vehicle width shown in the drawings,

[0078] Figure 6 (a) is a perspective view of the state of the vehicle width change of the automatic guided vehicle (AGV) 200 with variable vehicle width, and Figure 6 (b) is a front view of the state of the vehicle width change of the automatic guided vehicle (AGV) 200 with variable vehicle width.

[0079] The main frame 210 rotates the first frame 211 and the second frame 212 downward with the hinge axis 213 as a reference to raise its center. At this time, the first frame 211 and the second frame 212 can be rotated downward by moving the wheels 223 toward the hinge axis 213. However, when the first frame 211 and the second frame 212 cannot be rotated only by the driving force of the wheels 223 due to the load of the main frame 210, a hydraulic device such as a crane can be used to pull the center of the main frame 210 upward, so as to rotate the first frame 211 and the second frame 212 downward. Next, when the first frame 211 and the second frame 212 rotate downward, the distance between one side and the other side in the width direction of the main frame 210 will decrease, thereby changing the width of the main frame 210.

[0080] Specifically, when the first wheel bracket 221 and the second wheel bracket 222 move along the guide rod 224 in the width direction of the main frame 210, the first wheel bracket 221 will rotate downward from the first frame 221, and the second wheel bracket 222 will rotate downward from the second frame 212. Thereby, the first wheel bracket 221 and the second wheel bracket 222 will be arranged and move in a state horizontal to the ground. Along with the reduction of the interval between the first wheel bracket 221 and the second wheel bracket 222, the width of the main frame 210 will change. Next, by adjusting the tension of the tension unit 230, the folded state of the main frame 210 with the width change is maintained. Furthermore, after loading the automatic guided vehicle (AGV) 200 with variable vehicle width, whose vehicle width has changed, onto a trailer by using a hydraulic device such as a crane, it is transported.

[0081] When the first wheel bracket 221 and the second wheel bracket 222 of the automatic guided vehicle (AGV) 200 with variable vehicle width rotate downward from the first frame 211 and the second frame 212 respectively, the wheels 223 will be arranged in a state horizontal to the ground. Thereby, the automatic guided vehicle (AGV) 200 with variable vehicle width can travel a certain distance with the wheels 223 horizontal to the ground in a state where the vehicle width has changed.

[0082] The expressions (such as terms and visualization images, etc.) used in the process of describing the embodiments of the present disclosure are only instrumental for the purpose of helping to understand the related technologies.

[0083] In addition, only a limited number of embodiments of the present disclosure are described due to space limitations. However, those of ordinary skill in the art can create new embodiments based on the described embodiments without departing from the technical idea of the present disclosure.

[0084] Therefore, the scope of the claims of the present disclosure should not be limited to a part of the expressions recorded in the "Summary of the Invention" and the "Drawings", but should be broadly interpreted based on the fundamental technical idea contained in the entire specification.

Claims

1. An automatic guided vehicle (AGV) with variable vehicle width, comprising: A main frame, in a plate shape, configured to be folded in half with respect to a hinge axis provided along the front - rear direction at the lower front part; And, A drive wheel frame, provided at the lower part of the main frame and equipped with wheels for driving; The vehicle width can vary according to the folding angle of the main frame.

2. The automatic guided vehicle (AGV) with variable vehicle width according to claim 1, The drive wheel frame includes: A first wheel bracket, rotatably coupled downward by a hinge to one side of the lower part in the width direction of the main frame; And, A second wheel bracket, rotatably coupled downward by a hinge to the other side of the lower part in the width direction of the main frame; The wheels, Are respectively provided along the length direction of the main frame on the first wheel bracket and the second wheel bracket.

3. The automatic guided vehicle (AGV) with variable vehicle width according to claim 2, The drive wheel frame further includes: A first guide hole, formed through the first wheel bracket along the width direction of the main frame; A second guide hole, formed through the second wheel bracket along the width direction of the main frame; and, A guide rod, with both ends respectively received in the first guide hole and the second guide hole; The first wheel bracket and the second wheel bracket, Move along the guide rod in the width direction of the main frame.

4. The automatic guided vehicle (AGV) with variable vehicle width according to claim 1, further comprising: A tension unit, with both ends respectively coupled to both sides in the width direction of the main frame or both sides in the width direction of the drive wheel frame, for maintaining the state of the width change of the main body frame being folded.

5. The automatic guided vehicle (AGV) with variable vehicle width according to claim 4, The tension unit includes: Eyelets, respectively provided on both sides in the width direction of the main frame or both sides in the width direction of the drive wheel frame; And, A screw buckle, connecting the eyelets.

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