Automatic transfer of cargo between vehicles

Abstract

A fleet of vehicles comprising a first vehicle (1) and a second vehicle (2) which are configured to position themselves relative to each other such that a first loading platform (5) of the first vehicle (1) faces a second loading platform (6) of the second vehicle (2), wherein the first vehicle (1) has a first leveling system (15) configured to change the position of the first loading platform (5) and the second vehicle (2) has a second leveling system (16) configured to change the position of the second loading platform (6) so that the position of the first loading platform (5) and the position of the second are adjusted to each other;and- the first vehicle (1) has a first transfer device (9, 10) which is configured, after the adjustment has been made, to transfer cargo (17) from the first loading platform (5) to the second loading platform (6), and / or the second vehicle (2) has a second transfer device which is configured, after the adjustment has been made, to transfer the cargo (17) from the first loading platform (5) to the second loading platform (6), characterized in that- the first vehicle (1) has a first precipitation protection device (11) which is configured to shield the cargo (17) from precipitation during the transfer; and / or- the second vehicle (2) has a second precipitation protection device (12) which is configured to shield the cargo (17) from precipitation during the transfer.;

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for the automatic transfer of cargo between vehicles, and to a vehicle fleet comprising a first vehicle and a second vehicle.

[0002] In conventional parcel delivery, the vehicles are designed so that the work processes always involve the interaction of the delivery drivers. Among other things, the driver's tasks include loading the parcels into the delivery vehicle and unloading them again during delivery.

[0003] To enable fully automated delivery, it is desirable that freight can be transferred between different vehicles, for example, an autonomous distribution vehicle (also known as an AHV or Autonomous Hub Vehicle) and an autonomous delivery vehicle, especially an ADR (Autonomous Delivery Robot), for last-mile delivery. It is crucial that damage to the freight during transfer between the two vehicles is avoided.

[0004] In principle, it is conceivable to equip one of the two vehicles with a robotic arm to accomplish the automated transfer. These have many degrees of freedom and are therefore flexible, but increase the complexity of the system and lead to high costs.

[0005] It is an object of the present invention to implement, in the simplest possible way, an automatic transfer of cargo between vehicles with increased safety for the cargo.

[0006] This problem is solved by the subject matter of the independent claim. Advantageous further developments and preferred embodiments are the subject matter of the dependent claims.

[0007] The invention is based on the idea of ​​providing a leveling system in both vehicles, so that a first loading platform of the first vehicle and a second loading platform of the second vehicle can be adjusted to each other with regard to their position.

[0008] According to one aspect of the invention, a method for the automatic transfer of cargo between vehicles, for example autonomous vehicles, is described. In this method, a first vehicle and a second vehicle are positioned, for example autonomously or fully automatically, such that a first loading platform of the first vehicle faces a second loading platform of the second vehicle. The position, in particular the spatial position, of the first loading platform and the position, in particular the spatial position, of the second loading platform are adjusted to each other, in particular automatically, by means of a first leveling system of the first vehicle and a second leveling system of the second vehicle.After the adjustment has been made, the cargo is transferred from the first loading platform to the second loading platform by means of a first transfer device of the first vehicle and / or by means of a second transfer device of the second vehicle, in particular automatically.

[0009] The fact that the first loading platform faces the second loading platform can be understood, in particular, as a pre-positioning of the vehicles or the loading platforms relative to each other. For example, the corresponding positioning of the first and second vehicles relative to each other means that they are positioned such that a side of the first vehicle, from which the first loading platform is accessible or accessible after opening a corresponding cargo space of the first vehicle, faces a side of the second vehicle, from which the second loading platform is accessible or accessible after opening a corresponding cargo space of the second vehicle.

[0010] The positioning of the first vehicle and the second vehicle relative to each other, as described, can be monitored and controlled, for example, by camera systems and / or other environmental sensor systems of the first vehicle and / or the second vehicle.

[0011] In this and the following, a position, particularly a spatial position, can be understood as the combination of a three-dimensional position and a corresponding orientation in three-dimensional space. In other words, the first and second leveling systems each have up to six degrees of freedom regarding the position and orientation of the first loading platform, and the second leveling system also has up to six degrees of freedom regarding the second loading platform to align the positions of the first and second loading platforms. It is not necessarily required that both the first and second leveling systems actively change the position of their respective loading platforms in every application.It is also possible, in particular, that a camera system and / or other sensors of one or both vehicles can be used to check the need to adjust the respective position of the first or second loading platform, and that the adjustment is carried out accordingly depending on the result of the check.

[0012] Furthermore, it should be noted that adjusting a position does not necessarily involve adjusting all six degrees of freedom of the corresponding loading platform. Nor is it mandatory that the leveling systems be configured to adjust all six degrees of freedom. In particular, the leveling systems can, at a minimum, change the height position of the respective loading platform. This height position can, for example, correspond to a height along a predetermined vertical axis of the respective vehicle or to a height perpendicular to the ground on which the respective vehicle is standing. The direction along which the height or height position is determined is referred to here and in the following as z for the first vehicle and z' for the second vehicle.Accordingly, the perpendicular directions, which can also be called transverse directions, are designated by x and y for the first vehicle and by x' and y' for the second vehicle.

[0013] In some embodiments, in particular, the position of the respective loading platform can be changed in the x and / or y direction, or in the x' and / or y' direction, without any change. In other embodiments, this position may be changeable. With regard to the degrees of freedom for rotation or orientation, these can be understood as tilting in two different directions, in particular about the x or x' axis and the y or y' axis as the tilting axis, as well as rotation about the z or z' axis. In some embodiments, the respective leveling system is configured for tilting in one or two directions. In some embodiments, the respective leveling system is additionally configured for rotation about the z or z' axis.Furthermore, it is also possible that the first leveling system and the second leveling system differ in their capabilities as described.

[0014] The fact that the positions of the first and second loading platforms are aligned with each other means, in particular, that they are located at the same height, especially taking into account standard tolerances or predefined tolerance ranges. The height position can, for example, be defined at the center of each loading platform. In other embodiments, especially if tilting in two directions is possible using at least one of the leveling systems, the result of the aligned positions can also be that the first and second loading platforms are located in the same plane, within predefined or standard tolerances. In preferred embodiments, this is a common plane oriented perpendicular to the direction of gravity.

[0015] A loading area can be understood here and in the following as being defined by a specific plane. This does not necessarily mean that this plane corresponds to a correspondingly flat surface of the loading area. It can be a continuous, perforated, or otherwise interrupted surface. It can also be an arrangement of rollers, for example, as in a roller conveyor, whose contact points lie on the common plane, and so on.

[0016] By adjusting the positions of the loading platforms to each other, the safety of the cargo during transfer from the first loading platform to the second loading platform can be increased without the need for very complex and flexible gripping devices such as robot arms.

[0017] This advantage arises from the adjusted height position, as it compensates for any existing height differences between the loading surfaces and prevents the cargo from being subjected to vibrations when falling from one level to another.

[0018] With appropriate design of the leveling systems, it is particularly advantageous if the two loading platforms lie in a common plane after adjustment as described. This allows the transfer to be carried out even more smoothly. It is especially advantageous if this common plane is perpendicular to gravity. In this case, it is reliably prevented that the cargo will not slip unintentionally and potentially fall or be dropped from one of the loading platforms and / or from a transfer device during the transfer.

[0019] The use, or potential use, of two independent leveling systems is particularly advantageous. This allows for the overcoming of relatively large height differences between the vehicles themselves or between the initial height positions of the loading platforms. For example, the first vehicle could be a van, light truck, or similar, while the second vehicle could be an autonomous delivery robot with a significantly lower height and, consequently, a lower loading platform position compared to the first.

[0020] With appropriate design of the leveling systems for tilting, it is particularly advantageous to design both leveling systems for tilting with respect to one or two tilting axes, since this enables the optimal alignment of the two positions in a common horizontal plane, i.e., perpendicular to the direction of gravity, and therefore achieves a particularly high level of safety for the cargo.

[0021] The alignment of the positions of the first and second loading platforms and / or the execution of the transfer process can be monitored using one or more sensor systems, in particular environmental sensor systems, of the first vehicle and / or the second vehicle. Especially in the case of autonomous vehicles, it is advantageous to have a large number of environmental sensors and other sensors, such as sensors for odometric self-localization of the vehicles, acceleration sensors, and so on, which the method according to the invention can utilize without necessarily requiring new hardware or software.

[0022] By aligning the positions of the first and second loading platforms, the transfer device can be designed to be particularly simple. For example, the first transfer device can have a hydraulically or pneumatically controlled piston, or a piston controlled by an electric drive or actuator, or a corresponding linkage with one or more rods that can push the cargo from the first loading platform to the second. Alternatively or additionally, it is also possible that the second transfer device on the second vehicle is equipped with a corresponding piston or linkage system for pulling the cargo from the first to the second loading platform. For example, the cargo can be connected to the second transfer device via a hook or other connection.

[0023] Any gap that may exist between the first and second vehicles, or between the first and second loading platforms, can be bridged, especially with small cargo, for example, by a suitable transfer flap or other transfer platform installed in the first and / or second vehicle. Alternatively or additionally, the first and / or second loading platform can also be shifted in the transverse plane by the respective leveling system to overcome or minimize the aforementioned gap.

[0024] For example, the first vehicle can be an AHR and / or the second vehicle can be an ADR.

[0025] According to at least one embodiment, the position of the first loading platform and / or the position of the second loading platform is monitored during alignment by means of a first camera system of the first vehicle. The first leveling system and / or the second leveling system are controlled based on first camera data from the first camera system in order to perform the alignment.

[0026] Alternatively or additionally, the position of the first loading platform and / or the position of the second loading platform is monitored during the alignment process using a second camera system on the second vehicle. The first leveling system and / or the second leveling system are controlled based on the data from the second camera system to perform the alignment.

[0027] In some embodiments, it is also possible for the first and second vehicles to communicate with each other, and for example, the first camera data or dependent data can be transmitted from the first vehicle to the second vehicle, for example via V2V ("Vehicle-to-Vehicle") communication, and the second leveling system can be controlled based on the transmitted data. Similarly, in some embodiments, the second camera data or dependent data can be transmitted from the second vehicle to the first vehicle, for example via V2V communication, and the first leveling system can be controlled based on the transmitted data.

[0028] In some embodiments, the first camera system can also be part of the first leveling system or part of the first transfer device. In some embodiments, the second camera system can also be part of the second leveling system or part of the second transfer device.

[0029] Monitoring the position of each loading platform can be accomplished in various ways, employing well-known methods. These methods include marker-based approaches, where one or more position markers are attached to the first vehicle or loading platform and / or the second vehicle or loading platform, allowing the current position to be determined and tracked. It is also possible to use object recognition algorithms, particularly those based on trained artificial neural networks, to determine and track the position of each loading platform.

[0030] By monitoring the adjustment of the positions of the first and second loading platforms, a more precise alignment and adjustment of the positions to each other can be achieved, thus further increasing the safety of the cargo.

[0031] According to at least one embodiment, adjusting the position of the first loading platform and the position of the second loading platform to each other involves lowering the first loading platform and / or the second loading platform and / or raising the first loading platform and / or the second loading platform.

[0032] Raising can be understood as increasing the height position as described above, and lowering accordingly as decreasing the height position.

[0033] In such embodiments, it is therefore ensured in particular that the height positions of the first and second loading surfaces correspond, if necessary up to appropriate tolerances, during the transfer of the cargo, so that the safety of the cargo during the transfer can be further increased.

[0034] Lowering or raising the loading platform can be achieved, for example, by raising or lowering the entire vehicle or its body, perhaps using a height-adjustable spring damper system or a system with piston rods on the vehicle's underbody, and so on. Alternatively, the leveling system can raise or lower the loading platform independently of the vehicle body or the entire vehicle.

[0035] According to at least one embodiment, adjusting the position of the first loading platform and the position of the second loading platform relative to each other involves lowering the first loading platform and raising the second loading platform. Alternatively, adjusting the position of the first loading platform and the position of the second loading platform relative to each other involves raising the first loading platform and lowering the second loading platform.

[0036] In this way, it is possible to compensate for particularly large initial height differences between the two vehicles or the two loading platforms, even though the range of motion of a single leveling system may not be sufficient for this purpose.

[0037] According to at least one embodiment, adjusting the position of the first loading platform and the position of the second loading platform to each other involves tilting the first loading platform and / or tilting the second loading platform.

[0038] The tilting of the first loading platform corresponds in particular to a tilting along one or two tilting axes that are perpendicular to the respective height direction z or z'.

[0039] In this way, the orientation of the two loading platforms can be adjusted more precisely to each other, thus preventing, in particular, the cargo from slipping. For example, a horizontal alignment of the two loading platforms in the common plane, i.e., perpendicular to the direction of gravity, can be achieved.

[0040] According to at least one embodiment, the position of the first loading platform and the position of the second loading platform are adjusted to each other in such a way that, after adjustment, the first loading platform and the second loading platform lie in a common plane, optionally up to specified or usual tolerances.

[0041] The common plane is, in particular, a horizontal plane that is perpendicular to the direction of gravity.

[0042] According to a further aspect of the invention, a fleet of vehicles comprising a first vehicle and a second vehicle is described. The first and second vehicles are configured to position themselves relative to each other such that a first loading platform of the first vehicle faces a second loading platform of the second vehicle. The first vehicle has a first leveling system configured to change the position of the first loading platform. The second vehicle has a second leveling system configured to change the position of the second loading platform. The first and second leveling systems are configured to adjust the first and second positions such that the positions of the first and second loading platforms are aligned.The first vehicle has a first transfer device designed to transfer cargo from the first loading platform to the second loading platform after the necessary adjustments have been made. Alternatively or additionally, the second vehicle has a second transfer device designed to transfer cargo from the first loading platform to the second loading platform after the necessary adjustments have been made.

[0043] The term "vehicle fleet" can be understood here and in the following as consisting of the first vehicle and the second vehicle, or as including one or more additional vehicles, particularly autonomous vehicles, in addition to the first and second vehicles. Specifically, the vehicle fleet can include a large number of AHVs (Automated Handling Vehicles) and a large number of ADRs (Automated Guided Vehicles). The AHVs are designed analogously to or identically with the first vehicle, whereas the ADRs are designed analogously to or identically with the second vehicle.

[0044] According to at least one embodiment, the first leveling system includes a height-adjustable spring damper system of the first vehicle and / or the second leveling system includes a height-adjustable spring damper system of the second vehicle.

[0045] Accordingly, the loading platform of either the first or second vehicle can be raised or lowered by raising its chassis. In some embodiments, particularly if the respective spring damper system has independently controllable actuators at different positions, it is also possible to tilt the loading platform in one or two directions via the spring damper system.

[0046] One advantage of such designs is that height-adjustable spring damper systems can also be used for other purposes, namely for vibration-free or vibration-reduced transport of the cargo during the journey of the corresponding vehicle.

[0047] According to at least one embodiment, the leveling system includes two or more height-adjustable first piston rods attached to an underbody of the first vehicle, for example, integrated into it or extendable, and / or the second leveling system includes two or more height-adjustable second piston rods attached to an underbody of the second vehicle, in particular integrated into it or extendable.

[0048] Accordingly, the respective loading platform can be raised or lowered via the piston rods of the first or second vehicle. In some embodiments, it is also possible to tilt the loading platform in one or two directions via the piston rods.

[0049] According to at least one embodiment, the first vehicle has a first precipitation protection device designed to shield the cargo from precipitation during transfer.

[0050] For example, a control system for the first rain protection device can automatically activate it after or while the vehicles are positioned relative to each other as described. For example, the rain protection device can have a rain protection flap or the like, which can be automatically opened when the vehicles are positioned accordingly, so that an area between the two vehicles or between the two loading platforms is shielded from rain by the flap or the like during the transfer.

[0051] In this way, any impairment of the quality of the cargo due to precipitation can be reliably avoided.

[0052] According to at least one embodiment, the second vehicle has a second precipitation protection device designed to shield the cargo from precipitation during transfer.

[0053] For example, a control system for the second rain protection device can automatically activate it after or while the vehicles are positioned relative to each other as described. For example, the rain protection device can have a rain protection flap or the like, which can be automatically opened when the vehicles are positioned accordingly, so that an area between the two vehicles or between the two loading platforms is shielded from rain during the transfer by the flap or the like.

[0054] In this way, any impairment of the quality of the cargo due to precipitation can be reliably avoided.

[0055] According to at least one embodiment, the first transfer device is designed to push the cargo from the first loading platform to the second loading platform.

[0056] The first transfer device can, for example, include a pneumatically or hydraulically actuated piston, driven by a corresponding drive and control system, which can push the cargo onto the second loading platform. The piston can be located on the side of the cargo facing away from the second loading platform, either inside or on the first vehicle. It is also possible, for example, to use a rod or linkage driven by an electric motor, such as a linear actuator, to push the cargo from the first loading platform to the second.

[0057] Such embodiments have the advantage that it is not necessary to provide a fastening of the cargo to the first transfer device in order to push the cargo.

[0058] According to at least one embodiment, the second transfer device is configured to pull the cargo from the first loading platform to the second loading platform. For this purpose, the second transfer device can, for example, have a pneumatically or hydraulically actuated piston, driven by a corresponding drive and control system, which can pull the cargo onto the second loading platform. The piston can be located, in particular, on the side of the cargo facing away from the first loading platform, either in or on the second vehicle. It is also possible, for example, to use a rod or linkage driven by an electric motor, such as a linear actuator, to pull the cargo from the first loading platform to the second loading platform.

[0059] For use cases or application situations that may arise during the procedure and are not explicitly described here, it may be provided that, according to the procedure, an error message and / or a request for user feedback is issued and / or a default setting and / or a predetermined initial state is set.

[0060] The invention also includes further developments of the method according to the invention, which have features already described in connection with the further developments of the motor vehicle according to the invention. For this reason, the corresponding further developments of the method according to the invention are not described again here.

[0061] The invention also includes combinations of the features of the described embodiments.

[0062] Exemplary embodiments of the invention are described below. To this end, we will show Fig. 1 a schematic top view of two vehicles in a state during the execution of a method according to the invention for the automatic transfer of cargo between the vehicles; Fig. 2 a schematic top view of two vehicles in a further state during the execution of a method according to the invention for the automatic transfer of cargo between the vehicles; Fig. 3 a schematic side view of vehicles in a further state during the execution of a method according to the invention for the automatic transfer of cargo between the vehicles; Fig. 4 a schematic side view of vehicles in a further state during the execution of a method according to the invention for the automatic transfer of cargo between the vehicles; Fig. 5 a schematic side view of vehicles in a further state during the execution of a method according to the invention for the automatic transfer of cargo between the vehicles; Fig. 6 a schematic side view of vehicles in a further state during the execution of a method according to the invention for the automatic transfer of cargo between the vehicles; Fig. 7 a schematic side view of vehicles in a further state during the execution of a method according to the invention for the automatic transfer of cargo between the vehicles; Fig. 8 a schematic side view of vehicles in a further state during the execution of a method according to the invention for the automatic transfer of cargo between the vehicles; Fig. 9 a schematic side view of vehicles in a further state during the execution of a method according to the invention for the automatic transfer of cargo between the vehicles; Fig. 10 a schematic side view of vehicles in a further state during the execution of a method according to the invention for the automatic transfer of cargo between the vehicles; Fig. 11 a schematic side view of vehicles in a further state during the execution of a method according to the invention for the automatic transfer of cargo between the vehicles; Fig. 12 a schematic side view of vehicles of an exemplary embodiment of a vehicle fleet according to the invention; and Fig. 13 a schematic side view of vehicles of another exemplary embodiment of a vehicle fleet according to the invention.

[0063] The embodiments described below are preferred embodiments of the invention. In these embodiments, the described components each represent individual features of the invention that can be considered independently of one another. Each of these features further develops the invention independently and can therefore be considered part of the invention individually or in a combination other than that shown. Furthermore, the described embodiments can also be supplemented by other features of the invention already described.

[0064] In the figures, functionally identical elements are each provided with the same reference symbols.

[0065] In the characters Fig. 1 to Fig. Figure 13 shows a first vehicle 1 and a second vehicle 2 in various states during the execution of an exemplary embodiment of a method according to the invention for the automatic transfer of cargo between the vehicles 1 and 2. The scenarios in Figure 13 illustrate a first vehicle 1 and a second vehicle 2 in various states during the execution of an exemplary embodiment of a method according to the invention for the automatic transfer of cargo between the vehicles 1 and 2. Fig. 1 to Fig. For example, 13 steps can be traversed in this order. However, this is not necessarily required for all parts of the process or for all embodiments of the process.

[0066] Here and in the following, the directions x, y, and z denote a local coordinate system of the first vehicle 1, where z represents the vertical axis of the first vehicle 1, x the longitudinal axis, and y the transverse axis of the first vehicle 1. Furthermore, the directions x', y', and z' denote a local coordinate system of the second vehicle 2, where z' represents the vertical axis of the second vehicle 2, x' the longitudinal axis, and y' the transverse axis of the second vehicle 2.

[0067] In Fig. Figure 1 shows an exemplary initial situation in which vehicle 1 is on a carriageway 3 of a road and vehicle 2 is on a curb 4 or any other raised area or area at a different level than the carriageway 3.

[0068] Starting from this situation, the first vehicle 1 and the second vehicle 2 are positioned relative to each other such that a first loading platform 5 of the first vehicle 1 faces a second loading platform 6 of the second vehicle 2. This step, the result of which is Fig. Figure 2 can be interpreted as pre-positioning or pre-alignment. Fig. Figure 3 is schematically a side view of the same situation as regarding Fig. Figure 2 shows and describes. In general, in this situation, the axes z and z', y and y', and x and x' are not parallel to each other.

[0069] In some embodiments of the vehicle fleet 1, 2, the first vehicle 1 has a cargo compartment 7, the floor of which is formed by a first loading platform 5, and the second vehicle 2 has a second cargo compartment 8, the floor of which forms a second loading platform 6. However, the first and second cargo compartments 7, 8 are not fundamentally necessary for carrying out the method according to the invention.

[0070] In some embodiments of the vehicle fleet 1, 2, the first vehicle 1 has a first rain flap 11, which is attached above the first loading platform 5, in particular above the first cargo compartment 7, such that it can be folded out when necessary and thus bridge a gap between the first vehicle 1 and the second vehicle 2, so that the cargo 17 is protected from precipitation. Alternatively or additionally, in some embodiments, the second vehicle may have a corresponding second rain flap 12 above the second loading platform 6 or the second cargo compartment 8. Fig. Figure 4 shows the resulting situation in which both rain flaps 11, 12 are unfolded.

[0071] The positions of the first loading platform 5 and the second loading platform 6 are aligned using a first leveling system 15 of the first vehicle 1 and a second leveling system 16 of the second vehicle 2. For this purpose, the first loading platform 5 and the second loading platform 6 can each be lowered and / or raised. The result is in Fig. 5 schematically represented.

[0072] Optionally, the first and / or the second loading platform 5, 6 can each be tilted so that the first loading platform 5 and the second loading platform 6 lie as close to the same plane as possible. This can be monitored in particular by means of a camera system 14 of the first vehicle and / or further sensors of the first and / or second vehicle 1, 2. The result is shown schematically in Fig. 6 shown.

[0073] In some embodiments, the first vehicle 1 or the second vehicle 2 may be provided with a parcel flap 13 which, if necessary, can bridge a gap between the first loading platform 5 and the second loading platform 6, as shown schematically in Fig. 7 shown.

[0074] After the positions of the loading platforms 5, 6 have been adjusted, the cargo 17 is transferred from the first loading platform 5 to the second loading platform 6 by means of a first transfer device 9, 10 of the first vehicle 1 and / or by means of a second transfer device of the second vehicle 2. As in Fig. 7 and Fig. As shown schematically in Figure 8, the first transfer device can, for example, have a piston 10 which, controlled by a controller 9 and optionally by a hydraulic or pneumatic system, can push the cargo 17 from the first loading platform 5 to the second loading platform 6. Then, once the transfer of the cargo 17 has taken place, the piston 10 can be retracted accordingly, as shown schematically in Figure 8. Fig. 9 shown. The optional parcel flap 13 can then also be folded back in or retracted, as shown in Fig. 10 is shown. After the transfer is complete, both vehicles can be returned to their starting positions, as shown, for example, in Fig. 11 is shown, and the optional rain flaps 11, 12 can be closed again accordingly, as shown in Fig. 11 shown.

[0075] The leveling systems 15, 16 of vehicles 1, 2 can, for example, be implemented by respective height-adjustable spring damper systems of vehicles 1, 2, as shown in Fig. 12 schematically represented.

[0076] Alternatively, the first leveling system can have 15 height-adjustable piston rods 15 to raise or lower the entire first vehicle 1 and, if necessary, tilt it, and accordingly adjust the position of the first loading platform 5. Similarly, the second leveling system can have 16 height-adjustable piston rods 16 to raise or lower the entire second vehicle 2 and, if necessary, tilt it, and accordingly adjust the position of the second loading platform 6. Reference symbol list 1 vehicle 2 vehicles 3 lanes 4 Curb 5 loading area 6 loading area 7 cargo space 8 cargo space 9 Control 10 pistons 11 Rain flap 12 Rain flap 13 Parcel flap 14-camera system 15 pistons 16 pistons 17 cargo

Claims

[1] Method for the automatic transfer of cargo (17) between vehicles (1, 2), wherein - a first vehicle (1) and a second vehicle (2) are positioned relative to each other such that a first loading platform (5) of the first vehicle (1) faces a second loading platform (6) of the second vehicle (2); - the position of the first loading platform (5) and the position of the second loading platform (6) are aligned by means of a first leveling system (15) of the first vehicle (1) and a second leveling system (16) of the second vehicle (2); - after the adjustment has been made by means of a first transfer device (9, 10) of the first vehicle (1) and / or by means of a second transfer device of the second vehicle (2) the cargo (17) is transferred from the first loading platform (5) to the second loading platform (6). [2] Method according to claim 1, wherein - the position of the first loading platform (5) and / or the position of the second loading platform (6) is monitored during alignment by means of a first camera system (14) of the first vehicle (1), and the first leveling system (15) and / or the second leveling system (16) are controlled based on first camera data from the first camera system (14) in order to perform the alignment; and / or - the position of the first loading platform (5) and / or the position of the second loading platform (6) is monitored during adjustment to each other by means of a second camera system of the second vehicle (2) and the first leveling system (15) and / or the second leveling system (16) are controlled depending on second camera data of the second camera system in order to carry out the adjustment. [3] Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the adjustment of the position of the first loading platform (5) and the position of the second loading platform (6) to each other - involves lowering the first loading platform (5) and / or the second loading platform (6); and / or - involves raising the first loading platform (5) and / or the second loading platform (6). [4] Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the adjustment of the position of the first loading platform (5) and the position of the second loading platform (6) to each other - involves lowering the first loading platform (5) and raising the second loading platform (6); or - involves raising the first loading platform (5) and lowering the second loading platform (6). [5] Method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein adjusting the position of the first loading platform (5) and the position of the second loading platform (6) to each other involves tilting the first loading platform (5) and / or tilting the second loading platform (6). [6] Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the position of the first loading surface (5) and the position of the second loading surface (6) are adapted to each other such that, after adaptation, the first loading surface (5) and the second loading surface (6) lie in a common plane. [7] Fleet of vehicles comprising a first vehicle (1) and a second vehicle (2) which are arranged to position themselves relative to each other such that a first loading platform (5) of the first vehicle (1) faces a second loading platform (6) of the second vehicle (2), wherein - the first vehicle (1) has a first leveling system (15) configured to change the position of the first loading platform (5) and the second vehicle (2) has a second leveling system (16) configured to change the position of the second loading platform (6) so that the position of the first loading platform (5) and the position of the second are adjusted to each other; and - the first vehicle (1) has a first transfer device (9, 10) which is equipped, after the adjustment has been made, to transfer cargo (17) from the first loading platform (5) to the second loading platform (6), and / or the second vehicle (2) has a second transfer device which is equipped, after the adjustment has been made, to transfer the cargo (17) from the first loading platform (5) to the second loading platform (6). [8] Fleet of vehicles according to claim 7, wherein - the first leveling system (15) includes a height-adjustable spring damper system of the first vehicle (1) and / or the second leveling system (16) includes a height-adjustable spring damper system of the second vehicle (2); or - the first leveling system (15) includes two or more height-adjustable first piston rods (15) attached to an underbody of the first vehicle (1) and / or the second leveling system (16) includes two or more height-adjustable second piston rods (16) attached to an underbody of the second vehicle (2). [9] Fleet of vehicles according to one of claims 7 or 8, wherein - the first vehicle (1) has a first precipitation protection device (11) designed to protect the cargo (17) from precipitation during transfer; and / or - the second vehicle (2) has a second precipitation protection device (12) designed to shield the cargo (17) from precipitation during transfer. [10] Fleet of vehicles according to any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein - the first transfer device (9, 10) is designed to push the cargo (17) from the first loading platform (5) to the second loading platform (6); and / or - the second transfer device is set up to pull the cargo (17) from the first loading platform (5) to the second loading platform (6).

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