DEVICE FOR HOLDING OBJECTS

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a device for holding objects, in particular driverless transport vehicles.

[0002] A driverless transport vehicle is known from the document DE 10 2013 019 726 A1.

[0003] Automated guided vehicles are used in technical facilities, such as production plants, to transport objects such as small parts or boxes. These mobile transport vehicles transport components from logistics areas, such as a materials warehouse, to workstations where the components are processed.

[0004] For assembly, maintenance, or repair of an automated guided vehicle, it is advantageous to raise the vehicle to a position convenient for a mechanic. Workshop cranes, among other things, are well-known for lifting objects. To perform work on the underside of an automated guided vehicle, it is advantageous to rotate the raised automated guided vehicle accordingly.

[0005] DE 87 15 318 U1 discloses a transport device for cylindrical loads. The transport device comprises a longitudinal beam with two cantilever arms and two support arms supported thereon. DE 87 15 318 U1 discloses the preamble of claim 1.

[0006] A lifting truck for transporting paper rolls is known from US 4,266,903 A. The lifting truck has a pair of cantilever arms attached to the ends of a rotating shaft.

[0007] US 4,213,727 A1 discloses a device for lifting, positioning, and transporting barrels. The device has a hydraulic cylinder for lifting a swivel arm.

[0008] The invention is based on the object of developing a device for holding objects, in particular driverless transport vehicles.

[0009] The object is achieved according to the invention by a device for holding objects having the features specified in claim 1. Advantageous embodiments and further developments are the subject of the subclaims.

[0010] A device according to the invention for holding objects, in particular for holding automated guided vehicles, comprises a base frame and a pivot arm, which is pivotable relative to the base frame about a pivot axis extending in a longitudinal direction. The pivot arm has a first strut and a second strut, which extend at right angles to the pivot axis and are arranged offset parallel to one another in the longitudinal direction. At the end regions of the struts facing away from the pivot axis, a recess is provided for receiving a respective fastening shaft.

[0011] The device according to the invention can be advantageously used to lift objects, in particular automated guided vehicles, into a favorable position for modifications and repairs. Raised automated guided vehicles can also be rotated about their center of gravity axis by suitable attachment to the device, thereby creating optimal ergonomic working conditions for a mechanic. Furthermore, the device according to the invention can be manufactured relatively cost-effectively.

[0012] According to the invention, a locking unit is articulated to the frame base and to the pivot arm. In a locked state, the locking unit prevents pivoting of the pivot arm about the pivot axis relative to the frame base in at least one pivot direction, and in an unlocked state, permits pivoting of the pivot arm about the pivot axis relative to the frame base in both pivot directions. The locking unit provides fall protection for the held object, which remains effective even if a hydraulic drive device fails. An external power supply is also not required.

[0013] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the device for holding objects further comprises two receiving devices that can be connected to an object to be held. The receiving devices each have a fastening shaft that can be received in one of the recesses. The receiving devices are designed to be compatible with the objects to be held.

[0014] This means that almost any object, especially driverless transport vehicles, can be picked up by the device.

[0015] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the receiving devices are arranged such that the fastening shafts extend coaxially to a common fastening axis. An object held by the device can thus be rotated about the fastening axis, in particular by 360°. By rotating the object accordingly, access from any side is thus possible.

[0016] According to an advantageous development of the invention, a drive unit is attached to one of the struts, which drive unit is connected to one of the fastening shafts in such a way that the fastening shaft can be rotated about the fastening axis by means of the drive unit. An object held by the device can be rotated about the fastening axis, in particular by 360°, by means of the drive unit.

[0017] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the drive unit comprises a gear coupled to one of the mounting shafts and a handwheel coupled to the gear. Rotation of the held object is thus possible manually by turning the handwheel. The gear reduces the torque required for rotation. An external power supply is not required.

[0018] Preferably, the gear mechanism is designed to be self-locking. This advantageously prevents unwanted movement of the held object. Additional brakes or similar locking devices are therefore unnecessary.

[0019] Alternatively, it is conceivable for the drive unit to have a gear coupled to one of the mounting shafts, and for the gear to have a drive shaft for coupling to a cordless screwdriver. This allows for electrical drive of the held object without the need for an external power supply.

[0020] According to an advantageous development of the invention, a locking latch is provided at each end region of the struts facing away from the pivot axis for securing a fastening shaft in a respective recess. The locking latch secures the object held by the device against slipping and falling.

[0021] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the device for holding objects further comprises a drive device for pivoting the pivot arm about the pivot axis relative to the rack base frame. The drive device comprises a hydraulic cylinder articulated to the rack base frame and to the pivot arm, and a hydraulic pump hydraulically connected to the hydraulic cylinder. The drive device allows the held object to be lifted by pivoting the pivot arm, requiring only a relatively small amount of force. An external power supply is not required.

[0022] Optionally, the drive unit also features a pipe rupture safety device. In addition to the mechanical safety device, the pipe rupture safety device also serves as a hydraulic safety device to prevent a lifted object from falling. Optionally, the drive unit also features a throttle valve. The throttle valve regulates the hydraulic flow and thus regulates the speed when lowering a clamped object.

[0023] It is also conceivable for the drive device to comprise an electric cylinder that is hinged to the frame base and the pivot arm. An external power supply or an electrical energy storage device for driving the electric cylinder is also provided in this case. Furthermore, it is conceivable for the drive device to comprise a gear mechanism, for example, with a spindle, that is hinged to the frame base and the pivot arm, and a handwheel for driving the gear mechanism.

[0024] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the locking unit comprises an outer tube, an inner tube coaxially guided within the outer tube, and a rotary latch secured to the outer tube. The inner tube has a plurality of locking openings. In the locked state of the locking unit, the rotary latch engages in one of the locking openings of the inner tube, and in the unlocked state of the locking unit, the rotary latch is located outside the locking openings. The locking unit is thus constructed in a relatively simple and functionally reliable manner.

[0025] According to an advantageous development of the invention, the device comprises a Bowden cable, by means of which the rotary latch can be pivoted into and out of a locking opening in the inner tube. The Bowden cable is arranged in particular in such a way that operation is possible from a position close to the hydraulic pump of the drive device. Thus, only one person is required to pivot the pivot arm and to lock and unlock it.

[0026] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the device for holding objects comprises a plurality of rollers arranged on the base frame and each rotatable about a rotation axis extending in a horizontal direction. Additionally, the rollers are each pivotable about a vertical axis relative to the base frame. The device is thus manually movable on a floor. In the event of an accident involving an automated guided vehicle, recovery and transport to a repair area is also possible.

[0027] According to an advantageous development of the invention, the device for holding objects has a plurality of locking brakes for locking the casters. Thus, the device can be fixed to the floor on which it is located while working on the object being held.

[0028] According to a preferred development of the invention, a receiving unit is arranged on the base frame, to which energy can be inductively transferred from a charging unit. The charging unit is designed, for example, as a linear conductor or a coil and is stationary in a floor on which the device is located. The energy inductively transferred from the charging unit to the receiving unit serves, for example, to charge an electrical energy storage device or to operate the drive unit and the drive device. This enables an electric drive without the need for an external power supply with cables and plug connections.

[0029] The invention is not limited to the combination of features in the claims. Further possible combinations of claims and / or individual claim features and / or features of the description and / or the figures will become apparent to those skilled in the art, particularly from the problem and / or the problem posed by comparison with the prior art.

[0030] The invention will now be explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments shown in the drawings. The drawings only represent the subject matter of the invention schematically. They show: Figure 1: a perspective view of a device for holding objects, Figure 2: a front view of the device for holding objects, Figure 3: an enlarged view of an end region of a strut, Figure 4: an enlarged view of a drive unit, Figure 5: a locking unit in an unlocked state and Figure 6: a locking unit in a locked state.

[0031] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a device for holding objects, in particular automated guided vehicles. The device is located on a floor in a technical facility, for example, in a production plant. The device is used in particular for the maintenance or repair of automated guided vehicles used in the technical facility.

[0032] The device comprises a base frame 3, which is composed of metal profiles. The base frame 3 has, among other things, a crossbeam 35 extending in a longitudinal direction X. The base frame 3 further has a first frame extension 1 and a second frame extension 2. The frame extensions 1, 2 each extend in a transverse direction Y and are arranged offset parallel to one another in the longitudinal direction X.

[0033] The transverse direction Y runs perpendicular to the longitudinal direction X. A vertical direction Z runs perpendicular to the transverse direction Y and perpendicular to the longitudinal direction X. The longitudinal direction X and the transverse direction Y represent horizontal directions. The crossbeam 35 is arranged at a distance from the frame outriggers 1, 2 in the vertical direction Z. In the illustration shown here, the crossbeam 35 is further away from the ground than the frame outriggers 1, 2.

[0034] The device comprises a plurality of rollers 11. The rollers 11 are arranged on the frame base 3, in particular on the frame extensions 1, 2. The rollers 11 are each rotatable about a rotation axis extending in a horizontal direction. The device comprises a plurality of parking brakes 10 for blocking the rollers 11. Each of the rollers 11 is assigned a parking brake 10.

[0035] The device comprises a pivot arm 4. The pivot arm 4 is pivotable about a pivot axis A extending in the longitudinal direction X relative to the frame base 3, in particular relative to the crossbeam 35. The pivot arm 4 has a first strut 41 and a second strut 42. The struts 41, 42 extend at right angles to the pivot axis A and are arranged offset parallel to one another in the longitudinal direction X. The pivot arm 4 further has a cross strut 45 which extends in the longitudinal direction X and which connects the struts 41, 42 to one another.

[0036] By pivoting the pivot arm 4 about the pivot axis A relative to the frame base 3 in a first pivot direction, end regions of the struts 41, 42 facing away from the pivot axis A are moved upwards in the vertical direction Z, i.e., away from the floor. By pivoting the pivot arm 4 about the pivot axis A relative to the frame base 3 in an opposite second pivot direction, the end regions of the struts 41, 42 are moved downwards in the vertical direction Z, i.e., toward the floor.

[0037] The device further comprises a drive device for pivoting the pivot arm 4 about the pivot axis A relative to the frame base 3. The drive device has a hydraulic cylinder 5, which is articulated to the frame base 3 and to the pivot arm 4. The drive device also has a hydraulic pump 7, which is hydraulically connected to the hydraulic cylinder 5. The hydraulic pump 7 is manually operated in this case. By increasing the hydraulic pressure, the hydraulic cylinder 5 expands and pivots the pivot arm 4 in the first pivoting direction. By reducing the hydraulic pressure, the hydraulic cylinder 5 contracts and pivots the pivot arm 4 in the second pivoting direction.

[0038] The device further comprises a locking unit 6. The locking unit 6 is hinged to the frame base 3 and to the pivot arm 4. In a locked state, the locking unit 6 prevents pivoting of the pivot arm 4 about the pivot axis A relative to the frame base 3 at least in the second pivot direction. In an unlocked state, the locking unit 6 allows pivoting of the pivot arm 4 about the pivot axis A relative to the frame base 3 in both pivot directions.

[0039] The device also comprises two receiving devices 8, which can be connected, in particular by means of screws, to an object to be held (not shown here). The receiving devices 8 each have a fastening shaft 81. The receiving devices 8 are each attached to an end region of the struts 41, 42 facing away from the pivot axis A. The receiving devices 8 are arranged such that the two fastening shafts 81 extend coaxially to a common fastening axis B.

[0040] The device further comprises a drive unit 9. The drive unit 9 is attached to the first strut 41, in particular to the end region of the first strut 41 facing away from the pivot axis A. The drive unit 9 is connected to one of the fastening shafts 81 of a receiving device 8. By means of the drive unit 9, the fastening shaft 81 is rotatable about the fastening axis B relative to the first strut 41.

[0041] Figure 2 shows a front view of the Figure 1 The locking unit 6 has an outer tube 61 and an inner tube 62. The inner tube 62 is guided coaxially in the outer tube 61. The locking unit 6 and the hydraulic cylinder 5 are both articulated on the cross strut 45 of the pivot arm 4. The locking unit 6 and the hydraulic cylinder 5 extend parallel to one another.

[0042] Figure 3 shows an enlarged view of the end region of the first strut 41 facing away from the pivot axis A. A recess 21 for receiving a fastening shaft 81 is provided at said end region of the first strut 41. The fastening shaft 81 of a receiving device 8 is received in the recess 21.

[0043] At the said end region of the first strut 41, a locking latch 25 is provided, which serves to fix the fastening shaft 81 in the recess 21. By pivoting the locking latch 25 in the direction indicated by the arrow, the fastening shaft 81 is fixed in the recess 21. By pivoting the locking latch 25 in the opposite direction, the fixation of the fastening shaft 81 in the recess 21 is released.

[0044] The end region of the second strut 42 facing away from the pivot axis A is mirror-symmetrical to the end region of the first strut 41 shown here. A recess 21 is also provided at said end region of the second strut 42, in which a fastening shaft 81 is received. A locking latch 25 for securing the fastening shaft 81 is also provided at said end region of the second strut 42.

[0045] Figure 4shows an enlarged view of a drive unit 9. The drive unit 9 is attached to the end region of the first strut 41 facing away from the pivot axis A. The drive unit 9 has a gear 91 and a handwheel 92. The gear 91 is coupled to the fastening shaft 81, in particular connected in a rotationally fixed manner. The handwheel 92 is coupled to the gear 91, in particular connected in a rotationally fixed manner. By turning the handwheel 92, the fastening shaft 81 rotates about the fastening axis B relative to the first strut 41.

[0046] Figure 5shows a locking unit 6 in an unlocked state. As already mentioned, the locking unit 6 has an outer tube 61 and an inner tube 62 guided coaxially in the outer tube 61. The locking unit 6 also has a rotary latch 65, which is fastened to the outer tube 61. The inner tube 62 has a plurality of locking openings 67. In the unlocked state of the locking unit 6, the rotary latch 65 is located outside the locking openings 67.

[0047] Figure 6 shows a locking unit 6 in a locked state. In the locked state of the locking unit 6, the rotary latch 65 engages in one of the locking openings 67 of the inner tube 62. List of reference symbols

[0048] 1First frame boom 2Second frame boom 3Frame base frame 4Pivot arm 5Hydraulic cylinder 6Locking unit 7Hydraulic pump 8Mounting device 9Drive unit 10Parking brake 11Roller 21Recess 25Locking bolt 35Crossbeam 41First strut 42Second strut 45Cross strut 61Outer tube 62Inner tube 65Turn latch 67Locking opening 81Fastening shaft 91Gearbox 92Handwheel APivot axis BFastening axis XLongitudinal direction YTransverse direction ZVertical direction

Claims

1. A device for holding objects, in particular driverless transport vehicles, comprising a rack basic frame (3) and a pivot arm (4) which is pivotable relative to the rack basic frame (3) about a pivot axis (A) running in a longitudinal direction (X), wherein the pivot arm (4) has a first strut (41) and a second strut (42), which extend at right angles to the pivot axis (A) and which are arranged parallel to one another at an offset in the longitudinal direction (X), and in that at the end regions, remote from the pivot axis (A), of the struts (41, 42) there is in each case provided a cutout (21) for receiving a respective securing shaft (81), characterised in that a locking unit (6) is articulated on the rack basic frame (3) and on the pivot arm (4), wherein the locking unit (6) in a locked state prevents a pivoting of the pivot arm (4) about the pivot axis (A) relative to the rack basic frame (3) in at least one pivot direction, and in an unlocked state allows a pivoting of the pivot arm (4) about the pivot axis (A) relative to the rack basic frame (3) in both pivot directions.

2. A device according to claim 1, further comprising two receiving devices (8) which are connectable to an object to be held, characterised in that the receiving devices (8) each have a securing shaft (81) which can be received by a respective cutout (21).

3. A device according to claim 2, chararacterised in that the receiving devices (8) are arranged in such a manner that the securing shafts (81) extend coaxially with a shared securing axis (B).

4. A device according to claim 3, characterised in that a drive unit (9) is attached to one of the struts (41, 42) and is connected to one of the securing shafts (81) in such a manner that the securing shaft (81) is rotatable about the securing axis (B) by means of the drive unit (9).

5. A device according to claim 4, characterised in that the drive unit (9) has a gear unit (91) coupled to one of the securing shafts (81) and a handwheel (92) coupled to the gear unit (91).

6. A device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that at the end regions, remote from the pivot axis (A), of the struts (41, 42) there is in each case provided a locking bolt (25) for fixing a respective securing shaft (81) in a respective cutout (21).

7. A device according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a drive device for pivoting of the pivot arm (4) about the pivot axis (A) relative to the rack basic frame (3), characterised in that the drive device has a hydraulic cylinder (5), which is articulated on the rack basic frame (3) and on the pivot arm (4), and a hydraulic pump (7) which is hydraulically connected to the hydraulic cylinder (5).

8. A device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the locking unit (6) has an outer pipe (61), an inner pipe (62) which is coaxially guided in the outer pipe (61) and a twist lock (65) which is secured to the outer pipe (61), wherein the inner pipe (62) has a plurality of locking openings (67), and wherein in the locked state of the locking unit (6), the twist lock (65) engages one of the locking openings (67) of the inner pipe (62), and the twist lock (65) is located exterior to the locking openings (67) in the unlocked state of the locking unit (6).

9. A device according to claim 8, characterised in that the device has a Bowden cable by means of which the twist lock (65) is pivotable into a locking opening (67) of the inner pipe (62) as well as from a locking opening (67) of the inner pipe (62).

10. A device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the device has a plurality of rollers (11) which are arranged on the rack basic frame (3) and which are in each case rotatable about a rotational axis running in a horizontal direction.

11. A device according to claim 10, characterised in that the device has a plurality of locking brakes (10) for locking the rollers (11).

12. A device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that on the rack basic frame (3) there is arranged a receiving unit to which energy can be transmitted inductively from a charging unit.