Extending vehicle

Abstract

A trolley (1) for handling loads, in particular precast concrete elements (100), comprising: - a substantially U-shaped base body (2) with two longitudinal beams (3), - at least one drive means (4) which can be placed on a surface and which can be driven by at least one drive unit (5) to move the trolley (1), wherein the at least one drive means (4) and the at least one drive unit (5) are arranged on and / or in the base body (2), and - a first receiving device (6) for receiving a first load (7), preferably an internal loader pallet (8), between the two longitudinal beams (3), wherein the trolley (1) has a second receiving device (9), different from the first receiving device (6), for receiving a second load (10), preferably a swap body (11), on a top surface (12) of the two longitudinal beams (3).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a trolley for handling loads, in particular precast concrete elements, comprising a substantially U-shaped base body with two longitudinal beams, at least one drive means that can be placed on a surface and which can be driven by at least one drive unit to move the carriage, wherein the at least one drive means and the at least one drive unit are arranged on and / or in the base body, and a first receiving device for receiving a first load, preferably an internal loader pallet, between the two longitudinal beams, as well as a method for operating such a delivery vehicle.

[0002] Automated Guided Vehicles (AVGs), also known as transport vehicles, are vehicles used, particularly in the precast concrete industry, to handle loads, such as precast concrete elements, usually within a company's premises. These loads are moved back and forth between, for example, a production hall, a warehouse, and a loading dock. Typically, several transport vehicles or a fleet of transport vehicles are used.

[0003] Such trolleys are already known from the prior art, for example from EP 3 342 636 A1. Such a trolley can hold a load, which is arranged on an inside loader pallet, between its longitudinal beams.

[0004] A disadvantage of the current state of the art is that it can only handle internal pallets. However, in the precast concrete industry, swap bodies are frequently used to transport loads of precast concrete elements. To handle these, the current state of the art requires dedicated trolleys specifically designed for handling swap bodies.

[0005] Accordingly, two different trolleys are currently needed to handle the conventional means of lifting loads.

[0006] The object of the invention is to at least partially overcome the disadvantages described above and to provide an improved delivery carriage compared to the prior art. Furthermore, a method for operating such a delivery carriage is also to be provided.

[0007] This problem is solved by the features of independent claims 1 and 14.

[0008] According to the invention, therefore, in a carriage as described above, it is provided that the carriage has a second receiving device, different from the first receiving device, for receiving a second load, preferably a swap body, on an upper side of the two longitudinal beams.

[0009] The second receiving device thus allows a second load, which may be arranged on a swap body, to be handled with the same delivery trolley. A delivery trolley according to the invention therefore has a dual function, as it can handle two different types of loads.

[0010] In other words, the first receiving device is designed to receive a first load, preferably an inside loader pallet, between the two longitudinal beams.

[0011] The second receiving device is designed to receive a second load, preferably a swap body, on one upper side of the two longitudinal beams.

[0012] With regard to a method according to the invention, it is provided that in a first operating state a first load is picked up by the extension carriage via the first receiving device between the two longitudinal beams and in a second operating state a second load is picked up by the extension carriage via the second receiving device on the upper side of the two longitudinal beams.

[0013] Further advantageous embodiments of the invention are defined in the dependent claims.

[0014] Advantageously, the first receiving device may comprise two support elements for supporting a first load, wherein one support element is arranged and / or formed on one of the two longitudinal beams, preferably on an inner side of the respective longitudinal beam facing the other longitudinal beam.

[0015] This provides a simple way to support an initial load, especially an internal loader pallet, between the two longitudinal beams. The load can then rest on the support elements.

[0016] The support elements can be designed in the form of rails. This represents a simple and cost-effective implementation of support elements.

[0017] In particular, the support elements can also project above the respective longitudinal beam in the direction of the other longitudinal beam.

[0018] It is also preferable that the two support elements each extend over at least 90% of the length of the two longitudinal beams.

[0019] These features, alone or in combination, ensure a safe and stable absorption of the first load.

[0020] According to a further embodiment, the second receiving device may have at least two support surfaces for supporting a second load, wherein one of the at least two support surfaces is formed and / or arranged on the top side of one of the two longitudinal beams and another of the at least two support surfaces is formed and / or arranged on the top side of the other of the two longitudinal beams.

[0021] This makes it possible to easily pick up a second load with the extension carriage. The second load then rests on the support surfaces on the two longitudinal beams.

[0022] It is also conceivable that further bearing surfaces are provided, which are arranged and / or formed on parts of the base body different from the longitudinal beams.

[0023] Furthermore, it may also be provided that the two contact surfaces are flat and / or rectangular.

[0024] A flat design of the bearing surfaces ensures the largest possible contact area of ​​the second load on the delivery carriage, especially if the second load is a swap body or is arranged on a swap body.

[0025] A rectangular support surface represents a simple implementation of a support surface.

[0026] However, it is also conceivable that the contact surface has depressions.

[0027] Preferably, the maximum vertical extension of the longitudinal beams, preferably of the extension carriage, is limited upwards in an operating position of the extension carriage by the two support surfaces.

[0028] In other words, the bearing surfaces form the highest point of the longitudinal beams, preferably of the extension carriage.

[0029] This ensures that the longitudinal beams, and in the preferred embodiment the entire extension carriage, can be driven completely beneath a second load, and in particular beneath a swap body. This significantly facilitates the loading of a second load.

[0030] Preferably, the maximum vertical extent of the longitudinal beams, preferably of the extension carriage, may be less than 800 mm at least temporarily.

[0031] Swap bodies typically have a parking height (i.e., the height between a ground surface and the bottom edge of the swap body) of 800 mm, 1000 mm, or 1200 mm. If the maximum vertical extension of the longitudinal beams, preferably of the loading carriage, is at least temporarily less than 800 mm, it can be ensured that all types of swap bodies can be accommodated by the loading carriage.

[0032] It is further preferred that the extension carriage includes at least one lifting device by which the two longitudinal beams, preferably the base body, can be moved in a direction orthogonal to the top of the two longitudinal beams.

[0033] This means that at least the longitudinal beams can be raised and lowered, allowing loads to be picked up and placed down in a simple manner.

[0034] The transport carriage can, for example, drive under a swap body in a lowered position and then be raised by the lifting device so that the swap body rests on the top of the two load carriers. The transport carriage, along with the swap body and its load, can then be moved. At the destination, the swap body can then be set down by lowering the two load carriers or the base body.

[0035] The process is similar when handling an internal loader pallet. Here, the internal loader pallet can be positioned between the two longitudinal beams by moving the outfeed carriage. By lifting the two longitudinal beams or the base body, the internal loader pallet then rests on the system elements and can be moved along with any load on it.

[0036] It can be provided that the maximum stroke achievable via the lifting device of the two longitudinal beams, preferably of the base body, is between 100 mm and 400 mm, preferably between 150 mm and 200 mm, particularly preferably 170 mm.

[0037] Advantageously, at least one of the drive elements can be provided for in the form of a wheel. This represents a simple way of implementing a drive element.

[0038] Advantageously, the carriage can be designed to include at least one bearing device for supporting the at least one drive element. The drive element can thus be mounted on the base body via this bearing device.

[0039] In particular, at least one drive means can be arranged on at least one of the two longitudinal beams.

[0040] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that the at least one lifting device is part of the at least one storage device.

[0041] This allows at least one lifting device to be implemented in an extremely space-saving manner.

[0042] It can also be provided that the at least one drive means is pivotably mounted via the at least one bearing device, preferably by at least 90°.

[0043] The direction of travel of the delivery carriage can be controlled by pivoting the drive mechanism. In particular, this allows for omnidirectional drive of the delivery carriage.

[0044] In other words, the delivery carriage can be moved both longitudinally and laterally, which means that the delivery carriage can also be used in confined (production) environments.

[0045] Furthermore, the trolley can move freely within the space without being bound to a rail system or similar. This increases the trolley's flexibility and saves on the costs of installing a rail system.

[0046] Furthermore, it may be provided that at least one bearing device includes an electric motor by means of which at least one drive means can be pivoted.

[0047] Thus, the orientation of at least one drive element can be easily controlled and / or regulated.

[0048] Advantageously, it can be provided that at least one drive unit is part of at least one bearing device.

[0049] Advantageously, the drive unit can include an electric hub motor.

[0050] These features, alone or in combination, contribute to a drive unit that is as space-saving as possible.

[0051] It is particularly preferred that the delivery carriage be provided with at least four drive means, at least four drive units, at least four bearing devices and / or at least four lifting devices.

[0052] This allows for the most stable possible design of the extension carriage.

[0053] It may also be provided that the at least one lifting device has at least one spindle, at least one spindle nut which engages in threaded engagement with the at least one spindle, and at least one electric motor which can be driven by the at least one spindle nut.

[0054] This represents a space-saving and simple way to implement a lifting device.

[0055] It may further be provided that at least one spindle is connected to the base body and that at least one spindle nut is rotatably mounted on at least one bearing device.

[0056] By turning the spindle nut, the base body can be moved relative to the bearing device, thus raising or lowering the base body or the longitudinal beams.

[0057] Preferably, the bearing device may include a guide device by which the bearing device can be guided in a direction orthogonal to the top of the two longitudinal beams when the two longitudinal beams, preferably the base body, are moved in that direction.

[0058] It is particularly preferred that the guide device is arranged within the at least one spindle.

[0059] In particular, the guide device can comprise at least one polygon shaft, one toothed shaft and / or one splined shaft, which is connected to the bearing device and arranged inside the at least one spindle.

[0060] Furthermore, the at least one spindle can have an opening in the longitudinal direction of the spindle, wherein the opening has an inner contour corresponding to the outer contour of the at least one polygon shaft, toothed shaft and / or splined shaft.

[0061] In other words, the guide device can include at least one shaft which forms a shaft-hub connection with the spindle via an opening in the at least one spindle, wherein the at least one spindle is movable in a longitudinal direction relative to the at least one shaft.

[0062] This prevents the bearing device from twisting relative to at least one spindle, and thus to the base body, when the spindle nut is turned.

[0063] According to a further embodiment, the extension carriage can include at least one accumulator, which can supply electrical energy to the drive unit, the electric motor for pivoting the drive means and / or the electric motor for driving the spindle nut.

[0064] It may also be provided that the delivery vehicle has a charging interface which can be connected to a charging station.

[0065] At least the battery can be charged via such a charging interface when it is connected to the charging station.

[0066] The charging interface can be, for example, a cable, electrical contacts on the delivery carriage and / or a coil for inductive charging.

[0067] Preferably, the delivery vehicle can be controlled via a remote control and / or the delivery vehicle can be operated automatically, preferably autonomously.

[0068] A user can manually operate the delivery carriage via a remote control. The remote control can preferably be a radio remote control.

[0069] An automated, preferably autonomous, operation of the delivery vehicle is advantageous in that the vehicle can operate independently and without constant supervision by a user. This allows a person who would otherwise be assigned as the user to perform other tasks, resulting in cost savings.

[0070] Advantageously, both alternatives are provided.

[0071] The delivery vehicle may also include the means required to implement these features, for example: sensors for environmental or obstacle detection, navigation systems, radio receivers and transmitters, computing units for controlling and / or regulating the delivery vehicle.

[0072] In particular, at least one lidar sensor, at least one gyroscope, and / or at least one camera can be provided. Advantageously, all of these sensors are provided. This ensures correspondingly precise and safe operation of the delivery vehicle even in dirty environments, such as in a concrete plant.

[0073] The computing unit can, for example, be designed as a programmable logic controller (PLC).

[0074] According to a further embodiment, the extension carriage can be provided with a payload of at least 15 t, preferably at least 30 t.

[0075] Further details and advantages of preferred embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail below with reference to the figures and the drawings. These show: Fig. 1A-B schematic perspective views of a delivery carriage, Fig. 2A a schematic top view of the delivery carriage, Fig. 2B section AA of the Fig. 2A , Fig. 3A-B schematic side views of the extension carriage in different positions, Fig. 4A-B schematic front views of the extension carriage in different operating states, and Fig. 5A-C various schematic views of a storage device in different positions.

[0076] The Fig. 1A shows a schematic perspective view of a carriage 1 from above, which Fig. 1B the exit carriage from below.

[0077] It can be seen that the extension carriage 1 has a substantially U-shaped base body 2. In this embodiment, the base body 2 defines the outer contour of the extension carriage 2, so that the extension carriage itself is also U-shaped.

[0078] The basic body comprises two longitudinal beams 3, which are connected to each other via a crossbeam 16.

[0079] A first receiving device 6 for receiving a first load 7 and a second receiving device 9 for receiving a second load 10 are provided.

[0080] The first receiving device 6 comprises two mounting elements 6a, each of which is arranged on an inner side 4a of the longitudinal beams 3 and projects beyond the inner side 3a in the direction of the other longitudinal beam 3.

[0081] The second receiving device 9 comprises two support surfaces 9a, which are formed on the upper surfaces 12 of the longitudinal beams 3. The support surfaces are flat and rectangular in shape.

[0082] Both the support elements 6a and the support surfaces 9a extend over more than 90% of the length of the longitudinal beams 3.

[0083] Furthermore, it can be seen that the carriage has four drive means 4 designed as wheels, with two of the drive means being mounted on each of the two longitudinal beams 3.

[0084] Computing units, accumulators, sensors, and the like can be arranged in the crossbeam 16. To ensure access to the interior of the crossbeam 16, it can have a removable cover 16a.

[0085] The extension carriage 1 can include a multitude of sensors 24, which can be arranged at various locations on the extension carriage 1. For example, sensors 24 are visible at the ends of the longitudinal beams 3 and on the sides of the longitudinal beams 3. Sensors 24, which are not visible, are also provided in the area of ​​the crossbeam 16.

[0086] These could include, for example, lidar sensors, gyro sensors and / or cameras.

[0087] Furthermore, this embodiment also shows a remote control 1 in the form of a radio remote control, by means of which a user can operate the extension carriage 1. Alternatively or additionally, it can also be provided that the extension carriage 1 can be operated automatically, preferably autonomously.

[0088] Multiple delivery trolleys can also be provided. In this case, multiple delivery trolleys can also be controlled and / or operated automatically, preferably autonomously, by remote control 1.

[0089] The Fig. 2A shows a schematic top view of the exit carriage 1 and the Fig. 2B the AA cut of the Fig. 2A .

[0090] It is evident that the maximum vertical extension of the longitudinal beams 3, in this embodiment of the entire extension carriage 1, is limited upwards in an operating position of the extension carriage 1 by the at least two support surfaces 9a. In other words, the support surfaces 9a represent the highest point of the extension carriage 1.

[0091] Thus, the exit carriage 1 can drive completely under a second load 10, in particular under a swap body 11, which simplifies the handling of swap body 11.

[0092] It is evident that the crossbeam 16 is chamfered on its upper side. However, it is also conceivable that a further bearing surface 9 is formed or arranged on the upper side of the crossbeam 16, on which a second load 10 can also rest.

[0093] Two of the four bearing devices 14 are also visible, by which the drive means 4 are mounted on the longitudinal beams 3. The bearing devices 14 each comprise a lifting device 13 for moving the longitudinal beams 3 or the base body 2 in a direction orthogonal to the top surface 12 or the support surfaces 9a.

[0094] Furthermore, the bearing device 13 also includes a drive unit 5. In this embodiment, the drive unit 5 is designed as an electric hub motor.

[0095] The Fig. 3A und 3B show schematic side views of the exit carriage 1 in different positions.

[0096] In the position according to Fig. 3A The base body 2 of the extension carriage 1 is in a lowered position. In this position, the extension carriage 1 can be moved under a second load 10 or a first load 7 can be positioned between the two longitudinal beams 3.

[0097] The lifting device 13 can be used to raise the longitudinal beams 3 or the base body 2 in order to receive the first load 7 or the second load 10, respectively. In this raised position according to Fig. 3B The exit carriage 1 can then be moved along with the first load 7 or the second load 10.

[0098] To place the first load 7 or the second load 10 at a destination, the longitudinal beams 3 or the base body 2 are returned to the position according to Fig. 3A lowered.

[0099] The Fig. 4A und 4B The figures show schematic front views of the delivery carriage 1 in various operating states. Fig. 4A A first operating state is evident in which a first load 7 is received by the first receiving device 6 between the longitudinal beams 3.

[0100] The first load 7 consists of an inner loader pallet 8 and three precast concrete elements 100 arranged on the inner loader pallet 8. The receiving elements 6a are arranged within a lateral groove of the inner loader pallet 8, with each of these resting on the support elements 8 with an upper side wall of the groove.

[0101] In the Fig. 4B A second operating state is evident in which a second load 10 is received by the second receiving device 9 on the upper side 12 of the longitudinal beams 3.

[0102] The second load 9 consists of a swap body 11 and a precast concrete element 100 arranged on the swap body 11. The supports 11a of the swap body 11 do not need to be folded in during transport with the loading trolley 1. The swap body 11 rests on the bearing surfaces 9a on the upper side 12 of the longitudinal beams 3 and is thus picked up by the loading trolley 1.

[0103] Based on the Fig. 4A und 4B The dual function of the exit carriage 1 is clearly visible.

[0104] The Fig. 5A bis 5C The figures show various schematic views of a storage device 14 in different positions. In the Fig. 5A The lifting device 13 is in a lowered position, in which Fig. 5B in an elevated position. The Fig. 5C shows a schematic top view of the storage device 14.

[0105] The bearing device 14 comprises a pivoting part 22 in which the drive element 4, in the form of a wheel, is rotatably mounted via the drive unit 5, which is designed as a hub motor. The pivoting part 22 is pivotably mounted about a vertical axis on a stationary part 23 of the bearing device 14.

[0106] An electric motor 21 allows the swiveling part 22 to be pivoted about a vertical axis relative to the stationary part 23. This enables a pivotable mounting of the drive element 4.

[0107] The drive element 4 can therefore be aligned in the direction in which the extension carriage 1 is to be moved by pivoting the pivoting part 22. The extension carriage 1 can then be moved in that direction via the drive unit 5. Thus, in this embodiment, the extension carriage 1 has an omnidirectional drive.

[0108] The maximum swivel angle of the swivel element 22 can advantageously be at least 90°. However, larger (and in principle also smaller) maximum swivel angles are conceivable.

[0109] The lifting device 13 comprises a spindle 17 and a spindle nut 18 which engages in the threads of the spindle 17. The spindle 17 is connected at one end to the respective longitudinal beam 3 (see also Fig. 2B ).

[0110] The spindle nut 18 is rotatably mounted on the stationary part 23 via a flange 18a. The spindle nut 18 can be driven, i.e., rotated, by an electric motor 20. When the spindle nut 18 is rotated, the spindle 17 moves relative to the bearing device 14, thereby enabling movement of the longitudinal beams 3 or the base body 2 in a direction orthogonal to the support surfaces 9a. The longitudinal beams 3 or the base body 2 can thus be raised and lowered.

[0111] To prevent the bearing device 14 from rotating when the spindle nut 18 is turned, a guide device 25 is provided. This is arranged inside the spindle 17, resulting in an extremely small space requirement.

[0112] The guide device 25 comprises a shaft 19, which can be designed, for example, as a polygonal shaft, a toothed shaft and / or a splined shaft, which is connected to the bearing device and arranged inside the spindle 17. In the present embodiment, the shaft 19 is designed as a splined shaft.

[0113] The shaft 19 is connected to the stationary part 23 of the bearing device 14 in a rotationally fixed manner.

[0114] The spindle 17 comprises an opening in the longitudinal direction of the spindle 17, the opening having an inner contour corresponding to the outer contour of the shaft 19. The shaft 19 is thus guided within the spindle 17 in a rotationally secure manner, while movement in the longitudinal direction of the spindle 17 is possible.

[0115] Thus, the stationary part 23 of the bearing device 14 is also arranged in a rotationally secure manner relative to the spindle 17, and therefore to the longitudinal beams 3 or the base body 2, while movement in the longitudinal direction of the spindle 17 is possible. This means that raising and lowering the longitudinal beams 3 or the base body 2 remains possible. Reference symbol list:

[0116] 1 Extension carriage 2 Base body 3 Longitudinal beam 3a Inside 4 Drive mechanism 5 Drive unit 6 First receiving device 6a Mounting element 7 First load 8 Internal loader pallet 9 Second receiving device 10 Second load 11 Swap body 11a Supports 12 Top 13 Lifting device 14 Bearing device 15 Remote control 16 Crossbeam 17 Spindle 18 Spindle nut 18a Flange 19 Shaft 20 Electric motor for driving the spindle nut 21 Electric motor for swiveling the drive mechanism 22 Swiveling part 23 Stationary part 24 Sensor 25 Guide device 100 Precast concrete element

Claims

1. A trolley (1) for handling loads, in particular precast concrete elements (100), comprising: - a substantially U-shaped base body (2) with two longitudinal beams (3), - at least one drive means (4) that can be placed on a surface and which can be driven by at least one drive unit (5) to move the trolley (1), wherein the at least one drive means (4) and the at least one drive unit (5) are arranged on and / or in the base body (2), and - a first receiving device (6) for receiving a first load (7), preferably an internal loader pallet (8), between the two longitudinal beams (3). characterized by the fact that the exit carriage (1) has a second receiving device (9), different from the first receiving device (6), for receiving a second load (10), preferably a swap body (11), on a top side (12) of the two longitudinal beams (3).

2. Ejection carriage (1) according to claim 1, wherein the first receiving device (6) comprises two support elements (6a) for supporting a first load (7), wherein one support element (6a) is arranged and / or formed on one of the two longitudinal beams (3), preferably on an inner side (3a) of the respective longitudinal beam (3) facing the other longitudinal beam (3).

3. Extension carriage (1) according to claim 2, wherein the two support elements (6a) each extend over at least 90% of a length of the two longitudinal beams (3).

4. Extension carriage (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the second receiving device (9) has at least two support surfaces (9a) for supporting a second load (10), wherein one of the at least two support surfaces (9a) is formed and / or arranged on the upper side (12) of one of the two longitudinal beams (3) and another of the at least two support surfaces (9a) is formed and / or arranged on the upper side (12) of the other of the two longitudinal beams (3).

5. Ejection carriage (1) according to claim 4, wherein the two support surfaces (9a) are flat and / or rectangular.

6. Extension carriage (1) according to one of claims 4 or 5, wherein the maximum vertical extension of the longitudinal beams (3), preferably of the extension carriage (1), is limited upwards in an operating position of the extension carriage (1) by the at least two support surfaces (9a).

7. Extension carriage (1) according to claim 6, wherein the maximum vertical extent of the longitudinal beams (3), preferably of the extension carriage (1), is at least temporarily less than 800 mm.

8. Extension carriage (1) according to one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the extension carriage (1) comprises at least one lifting device (13) by means of which the two longitudinal beams (3), preferably the base body (2), can be moved in a direction orthogonal to the top (12) of the two longitudinal beams (3).

9. Extension carriage (1) according to one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the extension carriage (1) comprises at least one bearing device (14) for bearing the at least one drive means (4).

10. Extension carriage (1) according to claims 8 and 9, wherein the at least one lifting device (13) is part of the at least one storage device (14).

11. Extension carriage (1) according to one of claims 9 or 10, wherein the at least one drive means (4) is pivotably mounted via the at least one bearing device (14), preferably by at least 90°.

12. Extension carriage (1) according to one of claims 9 to 11, wherein the at least one drive unit (5) is part of the at least one bearing device (14).

13. Delivery carriage (1) according to one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the delivery carriage (1) is controllable via a remote control (15) and / or wherein the delivery carriage (1) is automated, preferably autonomous, operation.

14. Method for operating a trolley (1) for handling loads, in particular precast concrete elements (100), according to one of the preceding claims, wherein in a first operating state a first load (7) is picked up by the trolley (1) via the first receiving device (6) between the two longitudinal beams (3) and in a second operating state a second load (10) is picked up by the trolley (1) via the second receiving device (9) on the top (12) of the two longitudinal beams (3).

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