trolley

Abstract

Trolley (1), in particular for transporting a load carrier, in particular a pallet, a container, a shelf, a basket, or the like, comprising at least two lateral longitudinal beams (2a, 2b) extending in a longitudinal direction (L) and a lateral cross beam (3), wherein the longitudinal beams (2a, 2b) are each connected at one longitudinal end by means of the crossbeam (3), in particular rigidly, wherein the trolley (1) has several support points (4a, 4b, 4c, 4d) for the load carrier, each of which is arranged at one longitudinal end of the longitudinal beams (2a, 2b), wherein the trolley (1) has several rollers (5a, 5b, 5c, 5d) on one side of the base for supporting the trolley (1) on a base, characterized by the fact that the longitudinal beams (2a, 2b) and the crossbeam (3) define a laterally open receiving space (6) for receiving a transport device (10) in such a way that a transport device (10) for receiving a load carrier that can be stored on the support points (4a-4d) can be moved at least sectionally into the receiving space (6) and can be moved laterally out of the receiving space (6) with a load carrier received from the trolley (1).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a trolley for transporting a load carrier, such as a pallet, a container, a shelf, a basket, or the like, particularly between a tugger train and a material handling vehicle, such as a forklift, an automated guided vehicle (AGV), or the like. The invention further relates to a corresponding tugger train, a material handling vehicle, and a conveying arrangement comprising a material handling vehicle, a tugger train, and a trolley.

[0002] Trolleys are well-known and used for transporting and storing components in manufacturing processes. For example, trolleys are used to move components to a production line in series or make-to-order manufacturing and hold them there for processing. Compared to the load carriers they typically carry or transport, trolleys offer improved handling because they can be rolled to the desired location. Loading trolleys with load carriers often still has to be done manually or is at least made more difficult by the design of conventional trolleys when using industrial trucks. This is particularly true when the trolley is to be transported on tugger train trailers for short-distance transport, for example, between a warehouse and the respective production line.

[0003] A method for transporting conventional trolleys loaded with a load carrier using a tugger train is disclosed in DE102019114165 A1. The trolley's shape is used to allow it to be easily pushed onto the respective tugger train trailer and secured thereon. However, such a trolley design does not readily allow the load carrier to be picked up from the trolley by a forklift. Therefore, driverless industrial trucks or transport systems, particularly AGVs, are known that are designed to be especially compact in order to drive under the respective trolley, lift the load carrier together with the trolley using the transport system, and move it.In transport using tugger trains, it is also known that a suitably compact AGV, loaded with trolleys and load carriers, drives onto a respective tugger train trailer in order to be transported together with the load carrier and trolleys on the tugger train. While this allows for largely automated transport of the load carrier, the transport system cannot be used for any other purpose while traveling on the tugger train.

[0004] These known solutions for transporting load carriers are also complex and do not allow for efficient, especially modular, use of the respective trolleys.

[0005] One object of the present invention is therefore to provide a trolley that has improved compatibility.

[0006] According to a particularly simple embodiment of the invention, the problem is already solved by a trolley which has an essentially U-shaped basic form to provide lateral access in a space enclosed by supports of the trolley.

[0007] A trolley according to the invention is designed for transporting a load carrier, particularly during transfers between a forklift and a tugger train. The trolley comprises at least two longitudinally elongated lateral longitudinal beams and a lateral crossbeam, preferably elongated transversely to the longitudinal direction. The longitudinal beams and / or the crossbeam are preferably each made of a metal beam, particularly a steel beam. This ensures a high load-bearing capacity. The longitudinal beams are each rigidly connected to the crossbeam, particularly in a U-shape. Each longitudinal beam has two longitudinal ends with respect to the longitudinal direction. The longitudinal ends are arranged on the same side of the trolley. In particular, the longitudinal beams are aligned parallel to each other.According to the invention, the trolley has several, in particular at least three, and in particular at least four, support points for the load carrier. The support points are each arranged at one longitudinal end of the longitudinal beams, in particular such that at least one support point is provided at each longitudinal end of the longitudinal beams. For example, if four support points are provided, one support point can be provided at each longitudinal end of the longitudinal beams. A load carrier can rest on the respective support points for storage on the trolley. According to one embodiment, at least one support point is arranged on the respective longitudinal beam. According to another embodiment, at least one support point is arranged on the end of the crossbeam.

[0008] The trolley has a support side and a base side facing away from the support side. A load carrier can be placed on the trolley at the support side. In normal operation, the base side faces a floor. According to the invention, the trolley has several rollers on its base side for supporting the trolley on a floor. In particular, at least several, and especially all, of the rollers are designed as swivel rollers, and in particular as caster rollers.

[0009] According to the invention, the longitudinal beams and the crossbeam define a laterally open receiving space for receiving a transport device in such a way that a transport device for receiving a load carrier that can be supported on the bearing points can be moved at least partially into the receiving space and, with a load carrier picked up by the trolley, can be moved laterally, in particular longitudinally, out of the receiving space. The receiving space is accordingly to be understood as the free space for the transport device, in particular a forklift truck. In particular, the receiving space is provided by the longitudinal beams and crossbeams with a cross-section that is constant from the lateral opening.

[0010] Preferably, the trolley is designed as a trolley, in particular as a pallet chassis. The trolley is preferably designed to accommodate pallets, especially Euro flat pallets, and / or containers and / or racks and / or baskets as respective load carriers and to store them on the support points.

[0011] The trolley according to the invention enables the picking up of the respective load carrier from the trolley, largely independent of the specific embodiment of a transport device, for example, the forks of a forklift. The transport device can thus be moved into the receiving space beneath the respective load carrier, the load carrier lifted from the trolley by the transport device, and the transport device, after picking up the load carrier, can then exit the receiving space laterally with the load carrier. This allows the respective load carrier to be transported to a destination without the trolley. This enables the trolley to be used for other purposes. Nevertheless, the properties relevant to the intended use of the trolley, in particular the stability required for storing the respective load carrier, can still be maintained.Furthermore, the trolley can still be transported on suitable tugger trains. The embodiment with appropriately arranged and aligned supports, i.e., longitudinal and transverse beams, enables a robust trolley structure reduced to its essential elements.

[0012] Particularly preferably, protective devices, especially guard plates, are provided on several of the rollers. The protective devices are an integral part of the trolley. The protective devices extend, in particular without contact, alongside the rollers between a base and one of the longitudinal and / or transverse beams. The protective devices shield the respective roller from external mechanical influences, especially in the longitudinal direction.

[0013] In particular, several of the protective devices are designed and oriented, especially relative to the side opening, in such a way that they are detectable by a material handling vehicle, particularly an automated guided vehicle (AGV). Preferably, one of the protective devices is arranged on each side of the side opening, especially at the same distance from the opening. This improves the detection of the trolley, especially when it enters the receiving area. In particular, this prevents the wheels themselves from being detected. If the wheels are detected instead of the protective devices, interaction between the trolley and the material handling vehicle is more difficult, since the wheels, especially if designed as trailing wheels, can be oriented differently depending on the trolley's position on the floor. This can cause errors in the AGV, especially when used with AGVs.Preferably, the respective protective device overlaps completely with a roller nearest to the respective protective device, at least with respect to one direction in which the lateral opening points.

[0014] In particular, each of the protective devices and each of the rollers is arranged relative to the other in such a way that the protective device completely overlaps the respective roller perpendicular to the longitudinal direction in every position of the respective roller. This prevents fault conditions from occurring when the AGV enters the roller in any position. Advantageously, each longitudinal beam overlaps completely perpendicular to the longitudinal direction with each of the protective devices, with the respective protective device extending beyond the respective longitudinal beam on both sides perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.

[0015] According to an advantageous embodiment, the trolley has a first guide device on a first of the longitudinal beams. Alternatively or additionally, the trolley has a second guide device on a second of the longitudinal beams. In the aforementioned cases, the respective guide device is arranged between two of the support points, each of which is located at one of the longitudinal ends of the same longitudinal beam. Preferably, the respective guide device is positioned longitudinally between the longitudinal ends of the respective longitudinal beam and / or between the rollers arranged on the respective longitudinal beam. In particular, the guide device extends away from the respective longitudinal beam on the bottom side.In the embodiment with the first and second guide devices, both guide devices generally preferably extend in the same direction away from the longitudinal beams, in particular over the same distance to their respective ends perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. Compared to conventional trolleys, an embodiment of the trolley according to the invention can make precise positioning and fixing on a tugger train trailer more difficult. However, by providing the respective guide devices, precise positioning and fixing on a tugger train trailer is made possible despite the laterally open design.

[0016] Preferably, the respective guide device is designed to guide the trolley along a corresponding guide surface of a tugger train trailer, particularly perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. This allows for easy sliding onto a tugger train trailer and secure positioning.

[0017] The respective guide device is preferably designed as a guide roller rotatable transversely to the longitudinal direction about a respective axis of rotation. In particular, when the first and second guide devices are provided, the respective guide rollers are arranged at the same height with respect to the longitudinal direction. The guide roller is preferably spaced apart from the respective longitudinal beam on its bottom side. In particular, the axis of rotation of the respective guide roller passes through the respective longitudinal beam. Such a design of the respective guide devices provides a robust and simple means of smooth guidance and fixation. In advantageous embodiments, the interaction of the respective guide roller with surrounding contact surfaces can also be improved by suitable material selection. The respective guide roller is generally preferably made of plastic.In particular, each guide roller is rotatably mounted on an axle that is fixed at its end to the respective longitudinal beam. Preferably, the respective longitudinal beam is designed as a hollow profile. In particularly preferred embodiments, the respective longitudinal beam has an opening on a side facing away from the respective guide roller, through which a fastening device for attaching the respective axle to the longitudinal beam at its end is accessible. In the case of a hollow profile, this fastening device can, for example, be cut into the longitudinal beam to provide access to the cavity enclosed by the hollow profile in which the respective fastening device is arranged.

[0018] According to a preferred embodiment, the respective guide device, particularly with respect to its respective axis of rotation, is spaced 200 mm to 600 mm, particularly 300 mm to 500 mm, and particularly 350 mm to 450 mm, from a longitudinal end of the trolley. The respective distance preferably refers to the longitudinal direction. It has been found that this provides reliable attachment to tugger train trailers, especially since a corresponding guide surface or counter-guide surface is provided at the respective longitudinal end and at the respective guide device on the tugger train trailer, against which the guide device or the respective longitudinal end can abut for position fixing on the tugger train trailer.

[0019] The crossbeam preferably has a sliding surface which is arranged corresponding to a counter-guidance surface of a tugger train trailer for positioning the guide device on the guide surface. The sliding surface particularly preferably forms a longitudinal end, in particular a maximum longitudinal end, of the trolley with respect to the longitudinal direction.

[0020] Generally, the longitudinal beams are preferably spaced apart in the longitudinal direction from both maximum ends of the trolley, with the crossbeam forming one of the maximum ends.

[0021] The receiving space is generally preferably open on one longitudinally oriented side. In particular, this open side and the crossbeam are located on opposite sides of the receiving space.

[0022] According to a generally advantageous embodiment, the longitudinal beams are each welded to the crossbeam. In particular, the longitudinal beams and the crossbeam are welded such that two maximum longitudinal ends are each welded to a lateral section, especially a lateral end section. Specifically, each longitudinal end of the longitudinal beams is welded to a lateral end section of the crossbeam. This reliably connects the beams to form a rigid structure.

[0023] In a preferred embodiment, the trolley has several frame feet. Each caster is connected to one of the longitudinal beams and / or the crossbeam by means of a frame foot and is spaced apart from the respective beam. Thus, one caster is preferably provided on each frame foot. The respective frame foot is preferably welded to one of the longitudinal beams and / or the crossbeam. It is particularly preferred that the frame feet and / or the casters are of the same design. This ensures adequate ground clearance for the trolley, regardless of the caster design. Protective devices, especially mudguards, are particularly preferably attached to the frame feet, especially for detecting and / or protecting the caster provided on each frame foot.

[0024] Particularly preferably, at least the respective longitudinal beam and / or crossbeam and / or frame foot has the same, and in particular constant, cross-section. In particular, both longitudinal beams can each have the same cross-section as the crossbeam. In particular, the frame feet can each have the same cross-section. In particular, the frame feet can have the same cross-section as the longitudinal beams. In particular, the crossbeam can have the same cross-section as the frame feet. Preferably, the respective longitudinal beam and / or crossbeam has a constant cross-section of 40 × 70 mm. 2 up to 60×90 mm 2 , especially 50×80 mm 2 Preferably, each frame base has a square cross-section. In particular, each frame base has a constant cross-section of 60×60 mm. 2 up to 90×90 mm 2 , especially of 80×80 mm 2Any cavities, for example in rectangular tube designs, are included. Using identical cross-sections maximizes the possibility of using identical parts. For example, crossbeams and / or longitudinal beams and / or, in particular, frame feet can be manufactured from the same semi-finished product.

[0025] According to a preferred embodiment, the roller spacing between two rollers arranged on one of the longitudinal beams is less than the support spacing between two support points at the longitudinal ends of the respective longitudinal beam. Particularly preferably, the roller spacing is a maximum of 95%, and more preferably, a maximum of 90%, of the support spacing, in each case with respect to the longitudinal direction. Particularly preferably, the roller spacing is 50% to 85% of the maximum extent of the trolley, in each case with respect to the longitudinal direction. In particular, at least one roller is arranged on each longitudinal beam at the level of one of the support points. Preferably, the rollers are attached to each of the longitudinal beams, in particular by means of the respective frame foot.

[0026] Preferably, the crossbeam is aligned perpendicular to the longitudinal beams. In particular, the crossbeam is arranged at the level of the longitudinal beams with respect to a vertical direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, especially such that the respective crossbeam overlaps the longitudinal beams over its entire extent. This allows the trolley to have the same minimum ground clearance both from each of the longitudinal beams and from the crossbeam.

[0027] Advantageously, the longitudinal beams have an identical shape between their respective longitudinal ends. In particular, the crossbeam has an identical shape to the longitudinal beams between their respective longitudinal ends. For example, the longitudinal beams, and especially the crossbeam, are rectangular tubes.

[0028] According to a preferred embodiment, the trolley comprises several angled brackets, with one of the angled brackets being provided on the respective longitudinal beam for each of the respective support points to secure the respective load carrier against slippage. The brackets are particularly preferably welded to the respective longitudinal beam, especially at specific points. Such a connection may be sufficient depending on the direction of the load. More preferably, the brackets each have a bearing surface that rests, in particular, on the respective longitudinal beam. The bearing surface has an angled section on at least one side, and in particular on at least two, especially adjacent, sides, which extends away from the respective longitudinal beam. This simplifies the placement of a load carrier, as the brackets can compensate for any positional misalignment of the load carrier when it is placed on the trolley.In particular, the angled section(s) and the bearing surface are made of sheet metal. According to one embodiment, the respective angled section is attached to the bearing surface, in particular by welding. According to another embodiment, the respective angled section is integrally formed with the bearing surface and angled from the bearing surface by forming. The holders provide, firstly, a defined area for a respective load carrier in the area of ​​the support points, so that the respective load carriers can be reliably received. Secondly, the angled shape ensures that a load carrier placed on the holders via the support points for storage does not slip.

[0029] Preferably, each holder comprises a retaining shoulder on its respective support surface. The retaining shoulder is spaced apart from the angled section of the holder. The retaining shoulders are arranged relative to each other in such a way as to prevent slippage of containers that, in a given direction, have a smaller extent than the distance between the angled sections of adjacent holders. For example, if the distance between the angled sections is designed for containers measuring 1000 mm x 1200 mm, containers measuring 800 mm x 1200 mm can also be transported securely by appropriately providing retaining shoulders. The respective retaining shoulder is provided, in particular, by a fixed retaining plate, preferably welded on.

[0030] According to one aspect, the invention further relates to a tugger train. The tugger train comprises a towing vehicle, in particular a driverless one, a trolley according to the invention, and at least one tugger train trailer for the trolley. The trolley may have features that are disclosed in connection with embodiments of the trolley according to the invention. According to the invention, the trolley is arranged and / or held on the tugger train trailer. In particular, each tugger train trailer comprises at least one coupling for articulated coupling with a corresponding coupling of the towing vehicle and / or further tugger train trailers. The further tugger train trailers may each have features of the tugger train trailer for the trolley.Preferably, the tugger train comprises several further tugger train trailers, wherein the further tugger train trailers and the tugger train trailer are arranged one behind the other and behind the towing vehicle and are each coupled to form a tugger train in such a way that between one of the tugger train trailers and the towing vehicle, each tugger train trailer is articulated on both sides to an adjacent tugger train trailer or towing vehicle.

[0031] According to an advantageous embodiment, the trolley includes a guide device, wherein the tugger train trailer has a corresponding guide surface for the trolley. The guide surface extends along a transverse direction and points accordingly in a direction perpendicular to the transverse direction. According to this embodiment, the guide device of the trolley is arranged in contact with the guide surface of the respective tugger train trailer to guide the trolley in the transverse direction along the guide surface and to hold the trolley perpendicular to the transverse direction on the respective tugger train trailer. Preferably, the guide surface is arranged between two opposing counter-guide surfaces designed for positioning the guide device on the guide surface.

[0032] In a preferred embodiment, each tugger train trailer comprises at least one chassis and two receiving platforms on which the trolley is supported by at least one of its rollers, the receiving platforms being spaced apart by the chassis of the tugger train trailer. The chassis advantageously includes at least two wheels for moving the tugger train trailer on a floor. In most embodiments, the chassis is not driven. In particular embodiments, it may be advantageous to equip the chassis with a drive unit for accelerating and / or braking the wheels of the chassis. This allows the towing vehicle to be at least assisted. By arranging the chassis between the receiving platforms, optimized load-bearing capacity by the respective chassis and good maneuverability of the tugger train trailer within the tugger train are ensured in a compact installation space.

[0033] An advantageous embodiment provides that the trolley is arranged and / or held on the tugger train trailer such that the longitudinal beams are aligned in the direction of travel of the tugger train. The longitudinal direction of the trolley thus runs parallel to the respective direction of travel of the tugger train. In particular, the receiving space is open on one side facing the direction of travel. Preferably, the receiving space is closed on both sides perpendicular to the direction of travel by the longitudinal beams. Such an arrangement enables an even weight distribution on the tugger train trailer.

[0034] Particularly good compatibility with preferred embodiments of the trolley according to the invention can be achieved if the guide surface is spaced from the counter-guide surface by 200 mm to 600 mm, in particular 300 mm to 500 mm, in particular 350 mm to 450 mm, with respect to the longitudinal direction.

[0035] According to an advantageous embodiment of the tugger train, at least two of the angled supports of the trolley extend beyond the counter-guide surface of the tugger train trailer. Additionally or alternatively, two of the support points are preferably arranged on opposite sides of the counter-guide surface.

[0036] Particularly preferably, the tugger train comprises several of the tugger train trailers for the trolley, which are coupled to form a tugger train section, wherein a trolley according to the invention is arranged and / or held on several of the multiple tugger train trailers. In particular, the trolleys are arranged on the tugger train trailers such that their open sides point in the same direction with respect to the direction of travel of the tugger train.

[0037] According to one advantageous embodiment, the respective trolley is supported on the respective tugger train trailer by several of its rollers. According to another embodiment, the respective trolley is additionally or alternatively supported on the respective tugger train trailer by its longitudinal beams.

[0038] Generally, the respective tugger train may preferably have features that are disclosed above in connection with conventional embodiments or with embodiments according to the invention.

[0039] The invention further relates to a conveying arrangement. The conveying arrangement comprises a material handling vehicle, in particular a trackless vehicle, especially an AGV, for the driverless transport of load carriers, such as a pallet, a container, a shelf, a basket, or the like, and a trolley according to the invention. The material handling vehicle has at least one transport device, in particular a forklift mast, for receiving at least one load carrier. In the conveying arrangement, the transport device is arranged at least partially in the receiving area of ​​the trolley at a vertical height of at least one of the longitudinal beams and / or the crossbeam for receiving a load carrier from the trolley and / or for transferring a load carrier to the trolley. Preferably, the transport device is vertically movable for receiving the load carrier. In simple embodiments, the material handling vehicle can be designed as a handheld device, in particular as a pallet truck.In particular, the transport device forms a maximum end of the industrial truck. In the conveying arrangement, the transport device preferably extends from a center of gravity of the industrial truck located outside the receiving area into the receiving area. In other advantageous embodiments, the industrial truck is predominantly and / or with its center of gravity located within the receiving area.

[0040] The invention further relates to the use of a trolley, in particular one according to the invention, for loading a load carrier. The use comprises that, starting from an initial state in which the load carrier rests on the trolley, a forklift truck with its transport device is laterally inserted into a receiving space bounded by longitudinal and transverse beams of the trolley, in particular in a U-shape, to reach a receiving position in the receiving space, wherein, starting from the receiving position, the transport device picks up the load carrier from the trolley, and wherein the transport device leaves the receiving space while transporting the load carrier.Particularly preferred is the use of which the trolley with the load carrier is unloaded from a tugger train trailer to reach the initial state in such a way that a guide device of the trolley slides and / or rolls along a guide surface of the respective tugger train trailer to guide the trolley in a transverse direction along the guide surface, and / or that the trolley rolls down on the respective receiving platform with each of its rollers supported on one of several receiving platforms.

[0041] The use according to the invention, the conveying arrangement according to the invention, the tugger train according to the invention or the trolley according to the invention may each have features that are disclosed in connection with conventional or inventive embodiments of the use, the conveying arrangement, the tugger train or the trolley, without leaving the scope of the invention.

[0042] Further details, advantages and features of the invention can be found, without limiting the generality of the foregoing description, in the following explanation of preferred embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0043] They show: Fig. 1: In several views, a first embodiment of a trolley according to the invention; Fig. 2: In several views, a second embodiment of a trolley according to the invention; Fig. 3: In one view an embodiment of the trolley according to the invention and a tugger train trailer.

[0044] Fig. 1 comprehensive the Fig. Figures 1a to 1c show a first embodiment of a trolley 1 according to the invention in two side views and an isometric view. Fig. 2 comprehensive the Fig. Figures 2a to 2c show a second embodiment of a trolley 1 according to the invention, also in two side views and one isometric view. In all embodiments, functionally or structurally identical parts are provided with the same reference numerals.

[0045] The trolley 1 according to the first embodiment is designed for transporting containers measuring 1000 mm × 1200 mm as load carriers, while the trolley 1 according to the second embodiment is designed for transporting containers measuring 800 mm × 1200 mm. Naturally, the trolley is not limited to transporting such load carriers. Each trolley 1 has a U-shaped base formed by two lateral longitudinal beams 2a, 2b and a lateral transverse beam 3, which are rigidly connected at their ends by welding.

[0046] The longitudinal beams 2a, 2b and the crossbeam 3 together enclose a laterally open receiving space 6 for receiving a transport device 10, for example a forklift truck, such as an AGV. A transport device 10 in the form of a forklift mast is in Fig. 1c is sketched as a dashed line in the receiving space 6. Since longitudinal beams 2a, 2b and the crossbeam 3 only delimit the receiving space 6 on three sides, a transport device 10 for receiving a load carrier that can be stored on support points 4a-4d can be moved at least section by section into the receiving space 6, pick up the load carrier from the trolley 1 starting from the sketched position and be moved laterally in the longitudinal direction L out of the receiving space 6 without colliding with the trolley 1.

[0047] The four support points 4a-4d are located at each longitudinal end of the longitudinal beams 2a, 2b. At each of these support points 4a-4d, an angled bracket is welded to the respective longitudinal beam 2a, 2b on the load-bearing side of the trolley 1 to secure a load carrier against slippage. To accommodate larger load carriers with the trolley 1 according to the first embodiment than with the trolley 1 according to the second embodiment, the respective support points 4a-4d are offset outwards transversely to the longitudinal direction L. This is achieved by different bracket designs. In the first embodiment, the brackets each have a greater extension transversely to the longitudinal direction L, in particular an extension at least twice as large as that of the brackets in the second embodiment.In the first embodiment, the support points 4a-4d are thus slightly off-center with respect to the longitudinal beam 2a, 2b, in particular outside the extent of the longitudinal beam 2a, 2b perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L. This can generally be advantageous for transporting bulky load carriers while maintaining compatibility between the first and second embodiments. Each holder has a bearing surface that rests on the respective longitudinal beam 2a, 2b, and on which the load carrier rests at the support point. The bearing surface according to the second embodiment extends perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L in the area of ​​the longitudinal beam 2a, 2b. The bearing surface of the second embodiment extends perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L beyond the longitudinal beam 2a, 2b.Each bearing surface has an angled section on two adjacent sides that extends away from the respective longitudinal beam 2a, 2b. The angled supports can each also have a - in . Fig. 1, Fig. 2 to Fig. The three retaining supports (not shown) on the respective support surface are provided, in particular, by a fixed retaining plate, especially one welded on. The retaining supports are arranged relative to each other in such a way as to prevent smaller containers from slipping. For example, this allows containers measuring 800 mm x 1200 mm to be transported securely using the trolley according to the first embodiment. In the first embodiment, for example, the distance between the retaining supports of adjacent angled holders, measured in the transverse direction X, can be 810 mm. Generally, the angled holders are aligned relative to each other in such a way that, during intended use, slippage of a load carrier in any direction is prevented.The brackets each project beyond longitudinal beams 2a, 2b and crossbeam 3 to such an extent that they form the maximum ends of the trolley 1. Each bracket, located on one of the longitudinal beams 2a, 2b, extends longitudinally L over the same distance beyond the longitudinal beam 2a, 2b. Since the longitudinal beams 2a, 2b are welded to the crossbeam 3 at their ends, the crossbeam 3 extends longitudinally L beyond the brackets despite their position, thus forming a sliding surface corresponding to a counter-guidance surface 102 of a tugger train trailer 100.

[0048] On the underside of the trolley 1, opposite the load-bearing side, the trolley 1 has frame feet on which several casters 5a, 5b, 5c, 5d, designed as trailing casters, are arranged to support the trolley 1 on a floor. Protective plates are attached to two of the casters 5a-5d on the open side of the receiving area 6 and are fastened to the respective frame feet 7. The protective plates partially overlap the casters 5a-5d, maintaining a gap between the floor on which the casters 5a-5d rest and the respective protective plate. These protective devices serve both to protect the casters and to improve the detection of the trolley 1 by an AGV when it enters the receiving area 6.The roller spacing L1 between any two rollers 5a-5d arranged on a longitudinal beam 2a, 2b is less than the support spacing L2 between two support points 4a-4d at the longitudinal ends of the respective longitudinal beam 2a, 2b, where the roller spacing L1 is less than 90% of the support spacing, in each case with respect to the longitudinal direction L. This can improve the maneuverability of the trolley 1.

[0049] On both longitudinal beams 2a, 2b, a guide device 8a, 8b is positioned at the same height relative to the longitudinal direction L, eccentrically between two support points 4a-4d and between the rollers 5a-5d arranged on the respective longitudinal beam 2a, 2b. The guide devices 8a, 8b are designed as guide rollers rotatable about a pivot axis transverse to the longitudinal direction L and extend away from the respective longitudinal beams 2a, 2b in the same direction. During operation, the guide devices 8a, 8b guide the trolley 1 by rolling it along a corresponding guide surface 101 of a tugger train trailer 100 as it is pushed onto the tugger train trailer 100.Due to the off-center arrangement, which is generally advantageous, in both the first and second embodiments, the respective guide devices 8a, 8b are spaced approximately 400 mm away from a longitudinal end of the trolley 1 in the longitudinal direction L with respect to their respective axis of rotation. The guide devices 8a, 8b are generally advantageously arranged relative to the sliding surface and correspond in such a way that, in conjunction with a tugger train trailer 100, guidance is provided which limits movement of the trolley 1 in the longitudinal direction L and, in particular, prevents the longitudinal ends of the longitudinal beams 2a, 2b from striking the respective tugger train trailer 100.

[0050] Fig.Figure 3 shows a simplified schematic oblique view of a tugger train trailer 100 and a third embodiment of the trolley 1 according to the invention. Trolley 1 and tugger train trailer 100 are positioned relative to each other such that trolley 1 can be pushed onto trolley 100 in a transverse direction X. Trolley 100 has a chassis between two receiving platforms onto which the rollers 5a-5d of trolley 1 can roll. When trolley 1 moves in the transverse direction X relative to trolley 100, one of the guide devices 8a, 8b comes into contact with a guide surface 101 of the respective trolley 100 in turn, guiding trolley 1 in a transverse direction X along the guide surface 101 and holding trolley 1 perpendicular to the transverse direction X.The crossbeam 3, through contact of its sliding surface with a counter-guiding surface 102 of the tugger train trailer 100, ensures that guidance is maintained while limiting movement perpendicular to the transverse direction X. The chassis thereby enters or approaches a region of the receiving space 6 between the rollers 5a-5d. Reference symbol list 1 trolley 3 crossbeams 6 Recording room 7 Frame foot 10 Transport equipment 100 route train trailers 101 Guide surface 102 Counter-guide surface 2a, 2b Longitudinal beams 4a - 4d Support points 5a - 5d Rolls 8a, 8b Control device L Longitudinal direction L1 roller spacing L2 support distance X transverse direction QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] DE 102019114165 A1

[0003]

Claims

[1] Trolley (1), in particular for transporting a load carrier, in particular a pallet, a container, a shelf, a basket, or the like, comprising at least two lateral longitudinal beams (2a, 2b) extending in a longitudinal direction (L) and a lateral cross beam (3), wherein the longitudinal beams (2a, 2b) are each connected at one longitudinal end by means of the crossbeam (3), in particular rigidly, wherein the trolley (1) has several support points (4a, 4b, 4c, 4d) for the load carrier, each of which is arranged at one longitudinal end of the longitudinal beams (2a, 2b), wherein the trolley (1) has several rollers (5a, 5b, 5c, 5d) on one side of the base for supporting the trolley (1) on a base, characterized by , that the longitudinal beams (2a, 2b) and the crossbeam (3) define a laterally open receiving space (6) for receiving a transport device (10) in such a way that a transport device (10) for receiving a load carrier that can be stored on the support points (4a-4d) can be moved at least sectionally into the receiving space (6) and can be moved laterally out of the receiving space (6) with a load carrier received from the trolley (1). [2] Trolley (1) according to claim 1, wherein protective devices are provided on several of the rollers. [3] Trolley (1) according to claim 2, wherein several of the protective devices are designed and aligned in such a way that the protective devices are detectable by a, in particular driverless, industrial truck, in particular an AGV, when entering the receiving area. [4] Trolley (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the trolley (1) has a first guide device (8a, 8b) on a first of the longitudinal beams (2a, 2b) and / or the trolley (1) has a second guide device (8a, 8b) on a second of the longitudinal beams (2a, 2b), wherein the respective guide device (8a, 8b) is arranged between two support points (4a-4d) which are each located at one of the longitudinal ends of the same longitudinal beam (2a, 2b). [5] Trolley (1) according to claim 4, characterized by , that the respective guiding device (8) is designed to guide the trolley (1) on a corresponding guiding surface (101) of a tugger train trailer (100), in particular perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (L). [6] Trolley (1) according to one of claims 4 or 5, characterized by , that the respective guide device (8) is designed as a guide roller rotatable about an axis of rotation transverse to the longitudinal direction (L). [7] Trolley (1) according to any one of the preceding claims 4 to 6, characterized by that the respective guide device (8), in particular with respect to its respective axis of rotation, is spaced from a longitudinal end of the trolley by 200 mm to 600 mm, in particular 300 mm to 500 mm, in particular 350 mm to 450 mm. [8] Trolley (1) according to any one of the preceding claims 4 to 7, wherein the cross member (3) has a sliding surface which is arranged corresponding to a counter-guiding surface (102) of a tugger train trailer (100) for positioning the guide device (8) on the guide surface (101). [9] Trolley (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the receiving space (6) is open on a side pointing in the longitudinal direction (L). [10] Trolley (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the longitudinal beams (2a, 2b) are each welded to the crossbeam (3). [11] Trolley (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the rollers (5a-5d) are each connected and spaced apart by means of a frame foot (7) to one of the longitudinal beams (2a, 2b) and / or the cross beam (3). [12] Trolley (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least the respective longitudinal beam (2a, 2b) and / or the cross beam (3) and / or the respective frame foot (7) have the same cross-section. [13] Trolley (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a roller spacing (L1) between two rollers (5a-5d) arranged on one of the longitudinal beams (2a, 2b) is less than a support spacing (L2) between two support points (4a-4d) at the longitudinal ends of the respective longitudinal beam (2a, 2b), wherein in particular at least one roller (5a-5d) is arranged on each longitudinal beam (2a, 2b) at the level of one of the support points (4a-4d). [14] Trolley (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the rollers are attached to one of the longitudinal beams (2a, 2b), in particular by means of the respective frame foot (7). [15] Trolley (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the crossbeam is aligned perpendicular to the longitudinal beams (2a, 2b). [16] Trolley (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the longitudinal beams (2a, 2b) have an identical shape between their respective longitudinal ends. [17] Trolley (1) according to claim 16, wherein the cross member (3) between the respective longitudinal ends of the longitudinal members (2a, 2b) has an identical shape to the longitudinal members (2a, 2b). [18] Trolley (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein an angled holder is provided on the respective longitudinal beam (2a, 2b) for each of the respective support points (4a-4d) to secure the respective load carrier against slipping. [19] Route train comprising a towing vehicle, in particular a driverless, and at least one route train trailer (100), wherein a trolley (1) according to one of the preceding claims is arranged and / or held on the route train trailer (100). [20] Route train according to claim 19, characterized by , that a guiding device (8) of the trolley (1) is arranged on a guiding surface (101) of the respective tugger train trailer (100) for guiding the trolley (1) in a transverse direction (X) along the guiding surface (101) and for holding the trolley (1) perpendicular to the transverse direction (X) on the respective tugger train trailer (100). [21] Route train according to claim 20, characterized by , that the guide surface (101) is arranged between two opposing counter-guide surfaces (102) designed for positioning the guide device (8) on the guide surface (101). [22] Route train according to one of claims 19 to 21, characterized by, that the respective tugger train trailer (100) comprises two receiving platforms on which the trolley (1) is supported by at least one roller (5a-5d), the receiving platforms being spaced apart by a running gear of the tugger train trailer (100). [23] Route train according to one of claims 19 to 22, characterized by , that the trolley (1) is arranged and / or held on the tugger train trailer (100) in such a way that the longitudinal beams (2a, 2b) are aligned in the direction of travel of the tugger train. [24] Route train according to one of claims 19 to 23, characterized by that the guide surface (101) is spaced from the counter guide surface (102) by 200 mm to 600 mm, in particular 300 mm to 500 mm, in particular 350 mm to 450 mm. [25] Route train according to one of claims 19 to 24, characterized by, that at least two of the angled holders extend beyond the counter-guide surface (102) and / or that two of the support points (4a - 4d) are arranged on opposite sides of the counter-guide surface (102). [26] Route train according to one of claims 19 to 25, comprising several of the route train trailers coupled to form a route train section, wherein a trolley (1) according to one of the claims is arranged and / or held on several of the route train trailers (100). [27] Route train according to claim 26, wherein the trolleys (1) on the route train trailers (100) point with their open side in the same direction with respect to the direction of travel. [28] Route train according to one of claims 19 to 27, wherein the respective trolley (1) is supported by several of its rollers (5a-5d) on the respective route train trailer (100). [29] Route train according to one of claims 19 to 28, wherein the respective trolley (1) is supported on the respective route train trailer by its longitudinal beams (2a, 2b). [30] Conveyor arrangement comprising a forklift truck, in particular an AGV, for driverless transport of load carriers and a trolley (1) according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 18, wherein the forklift truck comprises at least one transport device (10), in particular a forklift lifting frame, for receiving at least one load carrier, in particular a pallet, a container or the like, characterized by , that the transport device (10) is arranged at least sectionally in the receiving space of the trolley (1) at a vertical height of at least one of the longitudinal beams (2a, 2b) and / or the crossbeam (3) for receiving a load carrier from the trolley (1) and / or for transferring a load carrier to the trolley (1).

Images