Transfer vehicle and load transfer equipment

Abstract

A transfer device comprises a transfer trolley and a primary trolley, the transfer trolley and the primary trolley being configured to receive a load from the other—the transfer trolley or the primary trolley. The transfer trolley includes a frame and several support links, including crossbeams that can be detached to fold the frame into a more compact configuration. The device may also include one or more load adapters to optimize the transfer trolley for use with loads of varying dimensions.

Description

Technical field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the repair and maintenance of vehicles, in particular electric vehicles and their associated batteries. More specifically, this disclosure relates to tools that are useful in the repair and maintenance of electric vehicles and their associated batteries. background

[0002] The popularity of electric vehicles is increasing as their versatility and reliability improve. However, electric vehicles and their components still require maintenance for repairs and servicing. Most electric vehicles have a large, heavy battery designed to power the vehicle's drive system, which often needs to be removed from the vehicle's chassis to perform essential maintenance on the vehicle or the battery itself.

[0003] Due to their size and weight, removing batteries from their respective chassis is often difficult and time-consuming, and may require specialized tools in a specialized workshop environment. Such tools are often expensive, bulky, and difficult to store. Brief description

[0004] One aspect of this disclosure relates to a transport trolley suitable for receiving a load from an external trolley. The transport trolley comprises a frame with a proximal end, a distal end, a plurality of lower support members, a plurality of upper support members, a plurality of strut members, and a plurality of cross members. The transport trolley further comprises a plurality of wheels coupled to the frame. The frame also comprises a longitudinal axis extending between the proximal end and the distal end. The plurality of lower support members extend in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis. The plurality of upper support members are parallel to the plurality of lower support members. Each of the strut members extends between a lower support member and an upper support member. Each of the cross members extends between strut members.Each of the upper support members includes a bearing surface suitable for bearing an external load. Each of the crossbeams extends between strut members that are positioned at least as close to the proximal end as to the distal end.

[0005] Another aspect of this disclosure relates to a load transfer device comprising a primary carriage and a transfer carriage. The primary carriage has a load-bearing structure and a body, the load-bearing structure being height-adjustable and the body having a body width. The transfer carriage has a frame and a plurality of wheels coupled to the frame. The frame comprises a proximal end and a distal end, with a longitudinal axis running between the proximal and distal ends. The frame includes a plurality of lower support members, a plurality of upper support members, a plurality of strut members, and a plurality of cross members. The plurality of lower support members extend in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis. The plurality of upper support members extend parallel to the plurality of lower support members.Each strut extends between a lower support member and an upper support member. Each crossbeam extends between strut members. Each upper support member includes a bearing surface suitable for receiving an external load from the primary carriage. Each crossbeam extends between strut members positioned at least as close to the proximal end as to the distal end. During load transfer, the spacing between the upper support members is at least as wide as the body width. During load transfer, the load-bearing surface is positioned at a height not lower than the height of the bearing surfaces.

[0006] The above aspects of the present disclosure, as well as other aspects, will be explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Brief description of the drawings Fig. Figure 1 is a representation of a load transfer device comprising a primary wagon and a transfer wagon. Fig. 2 is an alternative view of the in Fig. 1 primary car shown. Fig. 3 is an alternative view of the in Fig. 1 of the depicted transfer vehicle. Fig. 4 is a close-up view of a section of the in Fig. 3 transport vehicles shown. Fig. Figure 5 shows a transport vehicle in a folded arrangement. Fig. 6 is a close-up view of a section of the in Fig. 3 transport vehicles shown. Fig. Figure 7 is a representation of a transfer vehicle equipped with a number of load adapters. Fig. Figure 8 is a representation of a transfer device in a first state during a load transfer operation. Fig. Figure 9 is a representation of a transfer device in a second state during a load transfer operation. Fig. Figure 10 is a representation of a transfer vehicle in a final state after completion of a load transfer operation. Detailed description

[0007] The embodiments shown are disclosed with reference to the drawings. It is understood, however, that the disclosed embodiments are merely examples that can be implemented in various and alternative forms. The figures are not necessarily to scale, and some features may be enlarged or reduced to illustrate details of certain components. The disclosed specific details regarding structure and function are not to be understood as limitations, but rather as a representative basis for teaching the person skilled in the art the practical implementation of the disclosed concepts.

[0008] Fig. Figure 1 shows a load transfer device for use in vehicle maintenance. The load transfer device comprises a transfer trolley 100 and a primary trolley 150. During maintenance work, the primary trolley 150 can take on a load from a vehicle, or it can take on a load during part of the maintenance work and the transfer trolley 100 can take on the load, thus advantageously allowing the primary trolley 150 to take on an additional load. This effectively allows two heavy loads to be carried by the load transfer device.Advantageously, the transfer car 100 is less expensive to manufacture than the primary car 150, so as an alternative, a transfer facility can include several transfer cars 100 and a single primary car 150, thereby reducing the overall cost of a working environment by minimizing the number of relatively expensive primary cars 150.

[0009] The primary carriage 150 comprises a carriage body 151, a load-bearing surface 153, and a load-bearing lever 155. The carriage body 151 provides structural support for the primary carriage 150 and other components of the carriage. The load-bearing surface 153 provides a surface that can receive an external load. In the illustrated embodiment, the load-bearing surface 153 comprises a flat surface suitable for receiving a wide variety of loads; however, other embodiments may include different configurations with specialized configurations without deviating from the teachings disclosed herein. The relative height of the load-bearing surface 153 is adjustable using a load-bearing lever 155. In the illustrated embodiment, the load-bearing lever 155 comprises a hydraulic scissor lifter; however, other embodiments may include different configurations without deviating from the teachings disclosed herein.In the illustrated embodiment, the height of the load-bearing platform 153 can be adjusted by extending or retracting the load lifter 155, thus advantageously allowing a user to transfer loads onto and off the primary trolley 150 while maintaining constant contact with the load. The primary trolley 150 also includes a number of wheels 157 and a handle 159, each providing an ergonomic means for a user to move and position the primary trolley 150.

[0010] In the illustrated embodiment, the primary carriage 150 is loaded with a load. In this illustration, the load shown is a battery 160 for an electric vehicle; however, the transfer device can be used with loads having other shapes, sizes, weights, or configurations without deviating from the principles discussed above.

[0011] Fig. Figure 2 is an alternative view of the primary carriage 150 (unloaded) to illustrate additional features. In this view, it can be seen that the carriage body 151 comprises a body width 201, measured at the widest point of the primary carriage 150. In the illustrated embodiment, the widest point of the primary carriage 150 is located near the lower part of the carriage body 151; however, other embodiments may include different configurations without deviating from the teachings disclosed herein.

[0012] Furthermore, it can be seen that the height 203 of the load-bearing element is adjustable in a direction 205 and is measured from the highest point of the load-bearing element 153. In the illustrated embodiment, the highest point of the load-bearing element 153 is defined by a load-bearing surface 253 that is in contact with a load during load support; however, other embodiments may include different configurations without deviating from the teachings disclosed herein. The adjustability of the height 203 allows the primary carriage 160 to engage with different loads under different operating conditions.

[0013] Fig. Figure 3 is an alternative representation of the transport vehicle 100. The transport vehicle 100 comprises a frame 300 and a number of wheels 301. In the illustrated embodiment, the wheels 301 comprise multidirectional rollers with lever brakes; however, other embodiments may include other configurations without deviating from the teachings disclosed herein. In some embodiments, one or more of the wheels 301 may have an alternative configuration without a brake without deviating from the teachings disclosed herein. In some embodiments, the transport vehicle 100 may not have any wheels 301 without deviating from the teachings disclosed herein.

[0014] The frame 300 comprises a proximal end 303 and a distal end 305, which are arranged on opposite sides of the transport vehicle 100 along a longitudinal axis 307. The frame 300 includes a plurality of lower support members 309, each of which extends from the proximal end 303 to the distal end 305 in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis 307. A plurality of upper support members 311 are additionally arranged parallel to the lower support members 309. A number of strut members 313 extend between the lower support members 309 and the upper support members 311. The lower support members 309, the upper support members 311, and the strut members 313 form the primary structural supports of the frame 300 when the transport vehicle 100 bears an external load.Additional structural stability is achieved by a number of crossbeams 315, each of which extends between the strut members 313. The crossbeams 315 provide the transfer carriage 100 with additional structural integrity while bearing a load. In particular, the crossbeams 315 provide structural integrity against forces acting perpendicular to those acting on the strut members 313, thereby improving the integrity and safety of the frame 300.

[0015] The upper support members 313 each comprise a support surface 317 suitable for receiving and maintaining contact with an external load whose dimension is at least as wide as the length of the cross members 315. In the illustrated embodiment, the cross members 315 extend only between the strut members 313; however, other embodiments may include other configurations without deviating from the teachings disclosed herein. In the illustrated embodiment, each of the cross members 315 extends between the strut members 313 that are arranged closer to the proximal end 303 than to the distal end 305. This advantageously leaves an unobstructed space between the lower support members 309 and the upper support members 311 near the distal end 305, thereby enabling the transfer carriage 100 to engage with the primary carriage 150 during a transfer (not shown; see Figure 1). Fig. 1) is optimized by optimizing the carriage body 151 between the support members during the transfer of a load.

[0016] In the illustrated embodiment, the frame 300 also includes a number of stops 319 that are suitable for engaging with the primary carriage 150 (see Fig. 1) to prevent damage to the primary carriage 150 and the transfer carriage 100 during the transfer of a load between the carriages. The stops 319 also advantageously provide a safety mechanism by which a user can know when the carriages have been positioned close enough for safe transfer: when the primary carriage 150 comes into contact with the stops 319, sufficiently close positioning has been achieved. In the illustrated embodiment, the transfer carriage 100 comprises two stops 319 coupled to one of the crossbeams 315; however, other embodiments may include different arrangements or configurations without deviating from the teachings disclosed herein.

[0017] Additional features of the crossbeams 315 are shown in a close-up view taken by Fig. Figure 4 is provided. In particular, each of the crossbeams 315 is detachably coupled to at least one of its associated strut members 313 by means of a rotating sleeve coupling 415. The rotating sleeve coupling 415 comprises a quick-release mechanism with a locking notch 417 and a quick-release pin 419. In the illustrated embodiment, each of the sleeve couplings 415 can be lifted in an upward direction 423 to release the quick-release pin 419 from the locking notch 417, thereby allowing the now released sleeve coupling 415 to rotate in a direction 421 about an axis defined by the longitudinal extent of its respective strut member 313. When the desired alignment of the sleeve coupling 415 is achieved, the sleeve coupling 415 can be lowered to lock back into a coupled position by placing the quick-release pin 419 back into the locking notch 417.

[0018] Fig. Figure 5 is a top view of the transfer wagon 100 in an alternative configuration, with one or more sleeve couplings 415 decoupled. In this configuration, all sets of support links (see Figure 5) are decoupled. Fig. 1) On both sides of the crossbeams 315, they are able to move in a compression direction 515, thereby allowing the transfer trolley 100 to be "folded" into a more compact, folded arrangement for storage or transport. The configuration can be reversed by moving the sleeve couplings 415 back into the locked position (see Fig. 4) This advantageously allows a user to adjust the arrangement of the transfer carriage 100 for use by engaging the quick-release pin 419 (see Fig. 4) with the locking notch 417 (see Fig. 4) configured, which in the illustrated embodiment requires “unfolding” the transfer trolley 100. This is of additional advantage because it requires a user to move the transfer trolley 100 into the locked position to achieve a stable and structurally sound configuration before use during the transfer of a load.

[0019] Fig. Figure 6 is a close-up view of the transfer carriage 100, showing additional features of the support surfaces 317. In particular, each of the support surfaces 317 comprises a series of fastening mechanisms 617. In the illustrated embodiment, each of the fastening mechanisms can include a guide hole 617 suitable for engagement with a guide pin (not shown; see Figure 6). Fig. 7) suitable, however, other embodiments may include other fastening mechanism configurations in addition to or instead of guide holes without deviating from the teachings disclosed herein. The fastening mechanisms 617 advantageously permit the use of additional fastenings on the transfer trolley 100, whereby the trolley may advantageously be configured to accommodate loads having dimensions smaller than the gap 650 between the support surfaces 317. In the illustrated embodiment, the gap 650 is a distance with a width of 28 inches to 37 inches, such as 33.25 inches. Other embodiments may include other configurations without deviating from the teachings disclosed herein.

[0020] Fig. Figure 7 shows a representation of a number of load adapters 701 suitable for receiving loads with dimensions smaller than the gap 650 of the primary carriage 100. Each of the load adapters 701a, 701b, and 701c is attached to support surfaces 317 and coupled using one or more fasteners engaging with one of the guide holes 617. The fasteners shown include a guide pin 717 and a bolt 719; however, other embodiments may include other fasteners without deviating from the teachings disclosed herein. Each of the load adapters 701 can be used alone, together with one or more other load adapters of the same configuration, or together with one or more load adapters of multiple configurations without deviating from the teachings disclosed herein.

[0021] In the illustrated embodiment, three different forms of load adapters 701 are shown. Load adapter 701a is a rod adapter that provides support for a load across the width of the gap 650. Load adapter 701a is advantageously the easiest to manufacture and requires the least space and the fewest fastening mechanisms 617 to secure it, but it also provides the narrowest degree of direct support for a load across the gap 650. Load adapter 702b is an “X” beam that provides a large support surface across the gap 650, but it also requires the most open space along the support surface 317 for its secure attachment to the upper support members 311. Load adapter 701c is an “H” beam that provides a pair of stiles with additional crossbar support elements.The load adapter 701c provides a moderate degree of support across the gap 650 and at the same time requires a moderate amount of free space for its secure attachment to the upper support members 311. Other embodiments may include other load adapters 701 with different configurations without departing from the teachings disclosed herein.

[0022] Fig. Figure 8 shows a representation of the transfer of a load 160 between a primary carriage 150 and a transfer carriage 100. In this representation, the transfer process was initiated when the primary carriage was positioned in the frame 300 until the carriage body 151 engaged with the stops 319. In the illustrated embodiment, the transfer carriage 100 was moved to this position relative to the primary carriage 150; however, both carriages can be positioned relative to each other without deviating from the teachings disclosed herein. In this view, it can be seen that the gap 650 between opposite sides of the frame 300 is larger than the body width 201 of the primary carriage 150.In the illustrated embodiment, the load 160 comprises an electric battery suitable for an electric vehicle and having a mass of 1400 kilograms. Accordingly, both the primary carriage 150 and the transfer carriage 100 are designed to safely support 1400 kilograms, both in a stationary state and when moving under load. Other embodiments may include different load specifications without deviating from the teachings disclosed herein. It is noted that in the illustrated embodiment, the crossbeams 315 are arranged 17 inches apart to provide sufficient support for a load 160 of this weight. Further embodiments with different configurations and specifications may have different arrangements without deviating from the teachings disclosed herein.In the illustrated embodiment, the load-bearing device 153 is located at a first height and is moved downwards in a direction 801 by compressing the load-lifting device 155.

[0023] Fig. Figure 9 shows the next phase of a transfer operation between the primary wagon 150 and the transport wagon 100. In this step, the load-bearing structure 153 was lowered to below the height of the upper support members 311, thereby transferring the weight of the load 160 through the support surface 317 (not visible; see Figure 9). Fig. 3, Fig. 8) was transferred to the primary trolley 100. When the weight of the load 160 has been completely transferred to the transfer trolley 100, the primary trolley 150 can be moved in a direction 901 to disengage it from the transfer trolley 100 and can be used for other maintenance. Although in the illustrated embodiment the primary trolley 150 is moved to complete the transfer process, in other embodiments the transfer trolley 100 can be moved instead without deviating from the teachings disclosed herein.

[0024] Fig. Figure 10 shows the transfer wagon 100 supporting the load 160 after separation from the primary wagon 150 (not shown; see Figure 10). Fig. 1, Fig. 8, Fig. 9) This is the state of the transfer wagon 100 after completion of a transfer operation to receive the external load 160 from an external source (e.g. the primary wagon 150; see Fig. 1, Fig. 8, Fig. 9) The removal of load 160 from the transfer wagon can be achieved in reverse order, by introducing a primary wagon as shown in Figure 9. Fig. 9 is arranged, lifting the associated load-bearing structure until the load has been transferred to the load-bearing structure and from the support surfaces 317 (not visible; see Fig. 3, Fig. 8) was taken and ultimately no load is supported by the primary wagon 100, similar to Fig. 8. Other embodiments may include other configurations without deviating from the teachings disclosed herein.

[0025] Although exemplary embodiments are described above, it is not intended that these embodiments describe all possible forms of the disclosed device and method. Instead, the terms used in the description serve to describe, not to limit, the scope of the disclosure, and it is understood that various modifications can be made without altering the essence and scope of protection of the disclosure. The features of different implementation embodiments can be combined to form further embodiments of the disclosed concepts. The battery 160 can be transferred from the primary carriage 160 to the transfer carriage 100, as described in more detail below.

Claims

[1] Transport vehicle comprising the following: a frame with a proximal end and a distal end, a longitudinal axis that runs between the proximal end and the distal end, a plurality of lower support members extending in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis, a plurality of upper support members that are parallel to the plurality of lower support members, a plurality of strut members, each of which extends between a lower support member and an upper support member, and a number of crossbeams, each of the crossbeams extending between strut members; and a plurality of wheels, each of which is coupled to a lower support member, where Each of the upper support members comprises a support surface, the support surface being suitable for receiving an external load, and Each of the crossbeams extends between strut members that are positioned at least as close to the proximal end as to the distal end. [2] Transfer vehicle according to claim 1, wherein each of the cross members extends between the strut members which are arranged at least closer to the proximal end than to the distal end. [3] Transfer vehicle according to claim 1, wherein at least one support surface comprises a fastening mechanism. [4] Transfer vehicle according to claim 3, wherein the fastening mechanism comprises a guide pin and at least one guide hole. [5] Transfer vehicle according to claim 3, further comprising a load adapter which is coupled to the at least one support surface using the fastening mechanism, wherein the load adapter transfers a received load to the at least one support surface when coupled to the at least one support surface. [6] Transfer vehicle according to claim 5, wherein the multiple support surfaces comprise a fastening mechanism and wherein the load adapter is coupled to at least a subset of the multiple support surfaces using the fastening mechanism of each respective support surface, wherein the load adapter transfers a portion of the received load to each of the coupled support surfaces. [7] Transfer vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the upper support members are arranged at a distance of 28 inches to 37 inches from each other. [8] Transfer vehicle according to claim 1, wherein each of the crossbeams is detachably coupled to at least one of the respective strut members from which it extends. [9] Transfer vehicle according to claim 8, wherein the distance between the upper support members is adjustable when each of the cross members is detached from at least one of the respective strut members from which it extends. [10] Transfer wagon according to claim 8, wherein the crossbeams are detachably coupled to the respective strut members using a quick-release mechanism. [11] Transfer vehicle according to claim 10, wherein the quick-release mechanism comprises a quick-release pin. [12] Transfer wagon according to claim 1, further comprising a stop coupled to the frame, wherein the stop limits the movement of the external wagon during the transfer of a load from an external wagon to the transfer wagon. [13] Transport vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the transport vehicle has a load capacity of at least 1400 kilograms. [14] Load transfer device comprising the following: a primary carriage comprising a load-bearing capacity and a body of the primary carriage, wherein the load-bearing capacity is height-adjustable and the body of the primary vehicle has a body width; and a transport vehicle which has the following features: a framework that includes the following: a proximal end and a distal end, a longitudinal axis that runs between the proximal end and the distal end, a plurality of lower support members extending in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis, a plurality of upper support members parallel to the plurality of lower support members, a plurality of strut members, each of which extends between a lower support member and an upper support member, and a number of crossbeams, each of which extends between strut members, and a plurality of wheels, each of which is coupled to a lower support member, where Each of the upper support members comprises a support surface, the support surface being suitable for receiving an external load, and each of the crossbeams extends between strut members that are positioned at least as close to the proximal end as to the distal end, wherein during a load transfer the distance between the upper support members is at least as wide as the body width, and where, during a load transfer, the load-bearing structure is arranged at a height that is not lower than the height of the support surfaces. [15] Transfer wagon according to claim 14, which further comprises a stop coupled to the frame, wherein the stop engages with the body of the primary wagon during the transfer of a load from the primary wagon to the transfer wagon. [16] Transfer vehicle according to claim 14, wherein the upper support members are arranged at a distance of 28 inches to 37 inches from each other. [17] Transfer vehicle according to claim 14, wherein each of the crossbeams is detachably coupled to at least one of the respective strut members with which it is coupled. [18] Transfer vehicle according to claim 17, wherein the distance between the upper support members is adjustable when each of the cross members is detached from at least one of the respective strut members. [19] Transfer vehicle according to claim 17, wherein the cross members are detachably coupled to the respective strut members using a quick-release mechanism. [20] Transfer vehicle according to claim 19, wherein the quick-release mechanism comprises a quick-release pin.

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