System for transporting vehicle parts, in particular a vehicle chassis

Abstract

The invention relates to a system (100) for transporting vehicle parts, in particular a vehicle chassis, to a measurement area and holding the vehicle parts, in particular a vehicle chassis, stationary during measurement, the system (100) comprising a self-propelled transport robot (10), which is configured to move the vehicle parts to the measurement area, and at least one independent lifting device (20), which is mountable to a base plate (11) of the self-propelled transport robot (10), the lifting device (20) being adapted to lift the vehicle parts relative to the base plate (11) so that a measurement device can reach an underside of the vehicle part.

Description

[0001] System for transporting vehicle parts, in particular a vehicle chassis

[0002] The invention relates to a system fortransporting vehicle parts, in particular a vehicle chassis, and holding the vehicle parts, in particular the vehicle chassis.

[0003] Self-propelled transport robots such as automated guided vehicles are often used in production plants for transporting a payload between different stations during the production without direct human assistance.

[0004] A transport robot of this kind is disclosed for example in US 2022 / 0214194 A1 . In particular, US 2022 / 0214194 A1 discloses a self-propelled transport robot comprising a base plate with two wheel axles, each having two omnidirectional wheels. The base plate has a top wall with a plurality of mounting holes for attaching holding devices for vehicle body parts. The self- propelled robot described is used to automatically transport body parts or an entire vehicle body from an assembly station to a measuring station, where it is made available to a measuring device for measuring the parts or body. At the measuring station, the wheels are retracted so that the base plate sits firmly on the ground. An essential requirement for such robots is the exact positioning or alignment of the parts at the measuring station in relation to the measuring device. A further requirement for such robots is that they are preferably designed or configured in such a way that precise measurement of the entire vehicle parts is possible.

[0005] In view of the above, it is an object of the present invention to provide a system fortransporting and holding vehicle parts, that allows improved accessibility to the vehicle parts in order to facilitate the measurement of the vehicle parts.

[0006] According to the invention, the above-mentioned object is solved by the subject-matter of claim 1.

[0007] Specifically, the object is solved by a system fortransporting vehicle parts, in particular a vehicle chassis, to a measurement area and holding the vehicle parts, in particular a vehicle chassis, stationary during measurement, the system comprising a self-propelled transport robot, which is configured to move the vehicle parts to the measurement area, and at least one independent lifting device, which is mountable to a base plate of the self-propelled transport robot, the lifting device being adapted to lift the vehicle parts relative to the base plate so that a measurement device can reach an underside of the vehicle part.

[0008] The invention has the essential concept of enabling vehicle parts coupled to the lifting device to be lifted in relation to the base plate by providing the at least one lifting device. The lifting device is preferably designed such that it can lift and lower vehicle parts relative to the base plate. In other words, the lifting device is designed to change or adjust a height position of the vehicle parts in relation to the base plate. Or, in other words, the lifting device can move vehicle parts at least in the vertical direction. In relation to the base plate, at least one part of the lifting device is therefore designed to be relatively movable, in particular in the vertical direction. It is possible that the lifting device is adapted in such a way that the vehicle parts are relatively movable in relation to the base plate by a rotary movement in addition to or as an alternative to a linear vertical movement.

[0009] As already mentioned, the lifting device is independent of the self-propelled transport robot and thus of the base plate. The lifting device can be moved independently of the self-propelled transport robot, in particular the base plate. However, in order to be able to lift a vehicle part, the lifting device may be coupled to the base plate. In other words, the lifting device for lifting a vehicle part may be mounted, in particular attached, to the base plate. The lifting device can therefore be advantageously offset or relocated, in particular on the base plate, which increases the system's configuration versatility. Depending on the vehicle part to be transported and held, the system can be configured by arranging the lifting device on the base plate accordingly.

[0010] During operation, the self-propelled transport robot moves a received vehicle part to a measurement area that is designed to measure the vehicle part. The vehicle part is connected to the lifting device, in particular to a lifting platform of the lifting device. For this purpose, the lifting device can comprise at least one support, in particular a support surface, for placing the vehicle part on and / or at least one fixing unit for fixing the vehicle part. For example, the vehicle part can be clamped or bolted to the lifting device. However, it is also possible for the vehicle part to rest loosely on the area of the lifting device that moves relative to the base plate. Additionally or alternatively, the lifting device can comprise a form-fit unit that holds the vehicle part in a form-fit manner. To lift or lower the vehicle part, the lifting device preferably has at least one linear unit. The lifting device can also comprise a rotation unit which rotates the vehicle part, in particular when required. Furthermore, the measurement area comprises at least one measuring device for high-precision measurement of the vehicle part. For example, the measuring device can be designed to perform a tactile or optical measurement of the vehicle part.

[0011] Once the self-propelled transport robot has arrived at the target position in the measurement area and the vehicle part and the measuring device are preferably precisely aligned with each other, the vehicle part is measured by the measuring device. The vehicle part is not only measured on the freely accessible sides, such as the top, transverse and / or longitudinal sides. The lifting device makes it possible to additionally measure the underside of the vehicle part by lifting it.

[0012] The invention therefore has the significant advantage that a measurement of the whole vehicle part can be carried out with little effort without the vehicle part having to be remounted or repositioned. The lifting device significantly improves the accessibility of the vehicle part during the measurement. This saves a considerable amount of time and costs.

[0013] It is even possible for the lifting device and the measuring device to be matched to each other in such a way that the position of the vehicle part relative to the base plate can be adapted to the movement of the measuring device, particularly during the measurement of the vehicle part. This considerably facilitates the measurement of the vehicle part, which saves time and costs.

[0014] In the context of the invention, vehicle parts are understood to mean not only individual parts, i.e. individual vehicle components, but also assemblies consisting of several individual vehicle components, such as a vehicle chassis, for example. Alternatively, it is possible that the system according to the invention is designed to transport and hold a vehicle body or even an entire vehicle.

[0015] The use of the system according to the invention is not limited to transporting vehicle parts to a measurement area. The system can also move and / or hold vehicle parts to another area or another station of a production process.

[0016] According to a preferred embodiment the lifting device comprises two lifting columns that are arranged opposite another. The lifting columns are preferably designed to run vertically in order to carry out a relative movement of a vehicle part in relation to the base plate. The two lifting columns enable stable lifting and lowering of the vehicle part. It is advantageous if the two lifting columns are spaced apart in such a way that a gap is formed between the two lifting columns. This makes it possible to receive a vehicle part between the two lifting columns. Preferably, the lifting columns are designed in such a way that a lifting movement of a vehicle part arranged between them can be carried out along the lifting columns. Preferably, the lifting columns are rigid. The lifting columns preferably each comprise at least one linear drive, in particular a spindle drive, in order to move the vehicle part relative to the base plate. It is particularly preferred that the two lifting columns run parallel. The lifting columns are preferably elongated and are therefore space-saving.

[0017] Preferably, the lifting columns are installed on a lifting chassis that comprises two side parts and at least one crossbeam connecting the side parts. In other words, the lifting device comprises a lifting chassis with two side parts and at least one cross beam connecting the side parts. This results in an essentially U-shaped structure or portal-like structure of the lifting device. The advantage is that the lifting device has a compact and lightweight structure, making it easy to handle it.

[0018] The side parts are preferably arranged vertically, with the at least one cross beam extending between the side parts. The cross beam thus preferably extends transversely to the lifting columns. The lifting columns are preferably aligned perpendicular to the cross beam. The side parts form the transverse sides of the lifting chassis and the cross beam extends in the longitudinal direction of the lifting device. The cross beam can be formed from at least one plate. The advantage here is that the cross beam can simply be placed on the base plate to connect the lifting device without significantly occupying a space between the lifting columns. The cross beam can be a profiled beam, such as a profiled tube or the like. The profile support can have a U-profile, L-profile, rectangular profile or the like. Such cross beams have increased stability. The use of other types of support or support profiles is possible.

[0019] According to a preferred embodiment the lifting device is moveable on rollers independently from the transport robot. This makes it possible to move the lifting device independently of the base plate. In this embodiment, the lifting device is designed as a trolley. If the lifting device is not mounted on the base plate in a configuration of the self-propelled robot, the individual mobility of the lifting device allows it to be moved, for example, to a storage area, in particular a parking area. If, on the other hand, the lifting device needs to be connected to the base plate, it can be moved quickly and easily to the base plate and connected to the base plate.

[0020] Preferably, the lifting device comprises at least four rollers, which increases driving stability.

[0021] Two rollers can be provided for each lifting column. The rollers are preferably omnidirectionally movable. Particularly preferably, the rollers are each rotatably mounted on the lifting device via an axis of rotation, especially a vertical one. The rollers are preferably infinitely rotatable about the axis of rotation, in particular without a rotation position limit. The lifting device can have a blocking unit to block or lock the rollers if necessary.

[0022] It is advantageous if the rollers are height-adjustable. This has the advantage that the rollers can be lifted off the floor, for example when the lifting device is mounted and attached to or on the base plate. This allows the self-propelled transport robot to move freely without the rollers having an undesirable effect on the movement of the robot, e.g. by clamping. The rollers are preferably displaceable in a vertical direction. Additionally or alternatively, the height of the rollers can be changed by folding them in.

[0023] Preferably, the rollers are mounted to the lifting chassis. The rollers can be arranged on the side parts of the lifting chassis. Preferably, two rollers are mounted on each side part of the lifting chassis. The two rollers can be spaced apart on the side part in such a way that the associated lifting column lies between them. In other words, one of the two rollers can be arranged on the side part on each side of the associated lifting column. This increases the tilt stability of the lifting device, especially when it is moved.

[0024] According to a preferred embodiment the lifting device can be slid onto the base plate in such a way that the lifting device is connected to the base plate in a vertically form-fit manner. In other words, the lifting device and the base plate are adapted and matched to each other in such a way that a form fit can be created between the lifting device and the base plate, at least in the vertical direction, by sliding in or sliding on the lifting device. This has the advantage that the lifting device can be quickly and easily connected to the base plate with a form fit and thus has a tight fit in the vertical direction on the base plate. It is also advantageous that in the slid-in or slid-on state of the lifting device (mounted state), vertical forces that occur, e.g. forces that act in the vertical direction due to the lifting of a vehicle part, such as the weight of the vehicle part, are dissipated into the base plate via the form fit connection. This increases the stability of the lifting device on the one hand and the service life of the lifting device on the other.

[0025] According to another preferred embodiment the base plate has side walls, each side wall having a side wall profile which forms a guide rail for a slide-in element which is arranged on the lifting device, in particular on the side part of the lifting chassis. The lifting device can be quickly and easily connected to the base plate via the slide-in elements. This also makes it easier to reconfigure the self-propelled robot. This saves time and costs. Preferably, the guide rails are arranged at opposing side walls and the slide-in elements are arranged at opposing side parts of the lifting chassis, the slide-in elements facing each other. The guide rails of the side walls preferably run parallel. The side walls are formed opposite each other and are spaced apart. The guide rails preferably run in the longitudinal direction of the base plate. The side walls are therefore preferably arranged on the longitudinal sides of the base plate. The wall profiles of the side walls forming the guide rails are limited towards a center of the base plate and are open towards the outside away from the center. In the vertical direction, the respective wall profile is limited at least upwards by a top wall, preferably also downwards by a bottom wall of the base plate. Preferably, the guide rails are U-shaped. In cross-section, the guide rails, in other words, preferably have an upright U-shaped profile which is open outwards away from a center of the base plate.

[0026] The slide-in elements are therefore preferably arranged on the inner side of the side parts. The inner side of the side parts is on the side where the cross beam is also arranged. The slide-in elements preferably have a shape that is adapted so that the slide-in elements can be slid into the guide rails in the longitudinal direction. The slide-in elements can be vertically aligned plates. It is possible for the slide-in elements to be vertically aligned bars. It is essential that the distance between the two slide-in elements facing each other essentially corresponds to a distance between the two opposing side walls. This creates a stable and firm connection between the slide-in elements and the side walls or their wall profiles. It is advantageous if the slide-in elements have at least one surface section, at least on the side facing each other, which is in contact with the surface of the side wall in the mounted state (when sled into the guide rails). This further increases the tight fit.

[0027] The lifting columns of the lifting device can carry a lifting platform extending across the base plate for holding a vehicle chassis or a vehicle. The lifting platform can have at least one support surface for the vehicle chassis or the vehicle. Additionally or alternatively, the lifting platform may have at least one fastening unit for fastening the vehicle chassis or vehicle. Additionally or alternatively, the lifting platform may have at least one form fit unit for form-fit connection of the vehicle chassis or vehicle. It is essential that the lifting platform is designed in such a way that the vehicle chassis or the vehicle is held exactly in place during a measurement so that measurement errors are avoided as far as possible.

[0028] According to a preferred embodiment the system comprises at least two lifting devices that are independently mountable to the base plate of the self-propelled transport robot, wherein the distance between the lifting devices is, preferably freely, adjustable on the base plate. Preferably, the lifting devices on the base plate are continuously adjustable in order to adapt the distance between them. The advantage here is that the distance between the two lifting devices on the base plate can be individually adapted to the size and dimensions of the vehicle part, e.g. the vehicle chassis, or the vehicle. In particular, the distance between the lifting devices can be adapted to different wheelbases of different vehicles. This increases the variability of the transport robot. The transport robot can therefore be used for a variety of vehicle parts. It is possible for the system to comprise more than two of the lifting devices, which are mountable to the base plate.

[0029] The base plate preferably includes a top wall having fastening holes arranged in a grid for installing holding devices, wherein the lifting device, in particular the side parts, have mounting holes can be arranged overlapping the fastening holes to mount, in particular screw, the lifting device to the transport robot. In the mounted state, the lifting device is connected to the base plate via fastening means, in particular screws, whereby the fastening means are preferably inserted into overlapping holes in the base plate and the lifting device. On the other hand, the lifting device is form-fit connected to the base plate by the slide-in elements engaging in the guide rails. The mounting holes in the base plate are preferably designed so that the distance between two lifting devices can be varied.

[0030] The self-propelled transport robot may comprise at least four omnidirectional wheels, which increases the drivability of the robot. The wheels are provided on the base plate so that they can be adjusted in height. This makes it possible to move the base plate in the extended state and, for example, to place it in the measurement area by retracting the wheels to a reference position.

[0031] The self-propelled transport robot may include a control unit connected to positioning sensors, wherein the control unit is suitable for aligning the base plate with positioning elements, in particular positioning plates and / or positioning holes. The control unit may further be suitable for lowering the base plate onto these positioning elements, which are preferably installed on the floor of a measuring area. This feature allows the self-propelled transport robot to be automatically arranged in a measurement area, wherein it is positioned in such a way that a high precision measurement, e.g. a tactile or optical measurement, can take place. Preferably, the positioning elements may engage with alignment elements, in particular alignment holes or alignment plates, that are mounted at the bottom panel of the base plate. The engagement may be a form-fit engagement. Thus, the positioning elements and their counterparts provide for aligning the transport robot in an x, y and z direction very precisely, which is a precondition for high precision measurement of the payload transported by the transport robot. The invention is described in more detail below by means of a preferred embodiment with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein

[0032] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a system according to a preferred embodiment of the invention, comprising a base plate and two lifting devices connected to the base plate; and

[0033] Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the system according to Fig. 1 , wherein one of the lifting devices being detached from the base plate.

[0034] Figs. 1 and 2 show a system 100 for transporting vehicle parts to a measurement area and for holding the vehicle parts stationary during a measurement of the vehicle parts. The vehicle parts to be transported and held can be individual parts of a vehicle. Preferably, the vehicle parts to be transported and held are assemblies consisting of several individual vehicle components. For example, the system 100 is suitable for transporting and holding a vehicle chassis, a vehicle body or a complete vehicle.

[0035] As shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the system 100 comprises a self-propelled transport robot 10. The self-propelled transport robot 10 is configured to move the aforementioned vehicle parts to a measurement area. The self-propelled transport robot 10 has a base plate 11 which is provided with a plurality of omnidirectional wheels (not shown). The omnidirectional wheels are integrated into the base plate 11 and can be adjusted in height. The self-propelled transport robot 10 will be described in more detail later.

[0036] As further shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the system 100 comprises two lifting devices 20 for lifting and lowering the vehicle parts. The system 100 is not limited to two lifting devices 20. The system 100 can comprise more than two lifting devices 20. Alternatively, it is possible for the system 100 to comprise only one of the lifting devices 20. The lifting devices 20 according to Figs. 1 and 2 are configured to lift the vehicle parts relative to the base plate 11 in such a way that a measuring device, e.g. of the aforementioned measurement area, can reach an underside of the vehicle part.

[0037] The lifting devices 20 are provided independently of one another. Furthermore, the lifting devices 20 as such are independent units, each of which can be mounted on the base plate 11 or are fixedly mounted on the base plate 11 . According to Fig. 1 , both lifting devices 20 are fixedly connected to the base plate 11 of the self-propelled transport robot 10. According to Fig. 2, a state is shown in which one of the two lifting devices 20 is detached from the base plate 11 and the other of the two lifting devices 20 is fixed to the base plate 11 . As shown, the detached lifting device 20 is removed from the base plate 11 in such a way that the lifting device 20 can be moved or moved independently of the self-propelled transport robot 10.

[0038] The lifting devices 20 shown in Figs. 1 and 2 are identical. Therefore, only one of the two lifting devices 20 is described below, whereby the description applies to both lifting devices 20.

[0039] The lifting device 20 has a lifting chassis 22 and two lifting columns 21 , which are arranged on the lifting chassis 22. The lifting chassis 22 has two side parts 23 and a cross beam 24, which connects the two side parts 23 to one another. The two side parts 23 are spaced apart, with the cross beam 24 extending between the two side parts 23. The two lifting columns 21 are attached to the side parts 23 of the lifting chassis 22.

[0040] As shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the two lifting columns 21 are aligned vertically. The lifting columns 21 therefore form vertical uprights that stand on the side parts 23 of the lifting chassis 22. The lifting columns 21 are rigid. The lifting columns 21 extend in a vertical direction. In other words, the lifting columns 21 are aligned in a vertical direction. The lifting columns 21 are arranged opposite one another. The lifting columns 21 are spaced apart from one another, with an intermediate space 31 , in particular a lifting space, being formed. The lifting columns 21 are spaced apart in the same direction in which the cross beam 24 extends. The spacing is preferably fixed, i.e. not adjustable. Alternatively, it may be possible for the distance between the two lifting columns 21 to be adjustable.

[0041] The lifting columns 21 each have a linear drive for lifting and / or lowering vehicle parts. Preferably, the lifting columns 21 are each equipped with a spindle drive adapted to vertically adjust a lifting platform 27 relative to the base plate 11 of the self-propelled transport robot 10 for lifting and lowering vehicle parts. The spindle drives are synchronized in order to perform a synchronized vertical movement of the lifting platform 27. The use of other linear drives is possible.

[0042] As shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the side parts 23 each have a base section 28 for attaching the lifting columns 21 and a plate-shaped section 29 on each side of the base section 28. The plateshaped sections 29 extend in opposite directions. The plate-shaped sections 29 thus extend away from each other starting from the base section 28. In addition, the side parts 23 each have support and mounting elements 32 for support and mounting on the base plate 11 , in particular a top wall 14 of the base plate 11 . The support and mounting element 32 extends transversely to the plate-shaped sections 29 and is arranged horizontally. The support and mounting elements 32 of the two side parts 23 extend towards each other, in particular in the longitudinal direction of the cross beam 24. The support and mounting element 32 comprises at least one plate. The support and mounting element 32 can comprise several plates.

[0043] On its underside, the support and mounting element 32 has a support surface for resting on the base plate 11 , in particular the top wall 14. The support and mounting element 32 and the plateshaped sections 29 together have an L-shape. The support and mounting elements 32 of the two side parts 23 have mounting holes for mounting on the base plate 11. For this purpose, the top wall 14 has fastening holes 15 which, in a corresponding arrangement of the lifting device 20 on the base plate 11 , overlap with the mounting holes in such a way that the lifting device 20 can be connected to the top wall 14 of the base plate 11 by fastening means, for example screws and / or bolts. The fastening holes 15 of the top wall 14 of the base plate 11 are formed in a grid pattern in the top wall 14.

[0044] As shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the cross beam 24 is formed as a two-part plate. It is possible for the cross beam 24 to be integral, in particular monolithic, i.e. comprising a plate extending between the side parts 23. Other configurations are possible. In addition to the cross beam 24, cross struts are arranged which connect the side parts 23 to each other in addition to the cross beam 24. The cross beam 24 and the cross struts run parallel. One of the cross struts is arranged on each longitudinal side of the cross beam 24.

[0045] According to Figs. 1 and 2, it can be seen that the lifting device 20 has several rollers 25. The rollers 25 allow the lifting device 20 to be moved independently of the self-propelled transport robot 10. Specifically, the lifting device 20 has a total of four rollers 25. In each case, one pair of rollers 25 is attached to one of the side parts 23. Specifically, the rollers 25 are arranged on an outer side 33 of the plate-shaped sections 29 of the side parts 23. One of the rollers 25 is arranged on the outside of each plate-shaped section 29. The rollers 25 themselves can be designed to be height-adjustable. Specifically, the rollers 25 are mounted on the side parts 23, in particular on the outside, so as to be height-adjustable.

[0046] The lifting device 20 also comprises a slide-in element 26 for each side part 23, by means of which the lifting device 20 can be connected or is connected in a form-fit manner. As shown in Fig. 2, the slide-in element 26 is arranged on an inner side 34 of the side parts 23. The slide-in elements 26 are therefore arranged opposite one another, whereby they are attached to the side parts 23. The slide-in elements 26 of the lifting device 20 are designed such that the lifting device 20 can be slid onto the base plate 11 in a form-fit manner. Specifically, there is a vertical form fit between the lifting device 20 and the base plate 11 in the slid-in state, so that the lifting device 20 is fixed vertically to the base plate 11 . This means that vertical movement of the lifting device 20 is prevented in the slid-in state.

[0047] The respective slide-in element 26 is plate-shaped. The slide-in element 26 is arranged in contact with the inner side 34 of the side parts 23. The slide-in element 26 can be a separate component. It is possible that the slide-in element 26 is an integral part of the side part 23. The slide-in elements 26 are provided in an upright position.

[0048] Figs. 1 and 2 show that the base plate 11 comprises several side walls 12. The base plate 11 comprises a total of four side walls 12. The base plate 11 has two parallel longitudinal sides 17 and two parallel transverse sides 18. In each case, one of the side walls 12 extends along one of the longitudinal sides 17 of the base plate 11 . In each case, one of the side walls 12 extends along one of the transverse sides 18 of the base plate 11. In other words, one of the side walls 12 is arranged on each of the longitudinal and transverse sides 17, 18.

[0049] The side walls 12 of at least the longitudinal sides 17 of the base plate 11 each have a side wall profile which forms a guide rail 13 for the slide-in element 26 of the respective side part 23 of the lifting device 20. The guide rails 13 of the longitudinal sides 17 are arranged opposite each other and run parallel. The outer sides, in particular outer surfaces, of the side walls 12 of the longitudinal sides 17 have a distance from one another which essentially corresponds to a distance, in particular a clear width, between the two slide-in elements of the opposing side parts 23 of the lifting device 20.

[0050] The guide rails 13 have a U-shaped rail cross-section that is open in a direction leading away from a center of the base plate 11. The guide rails 13 are in an upright position. The slide-in elements 26 are adapted to the rail cross-section of the guide rails 13 at least in sections, so that a fixed form fit can be created or is created in a vertical direction. The slide-in elements 26 preferably have a vertical extension that essentially corresponds to an insertion height of the guide rails 13. Figs. 1 and 2 further show that the lifting device 20 has a lifting platform 27, which is carried by the lifting columns 21 . The lifting platform 27 extends transversely to the base plate 11 , in particular in the assembled state of the lifting device 20, and spans it in order to hold the vehicle parts, a vehicle chassis or an entire vehicle and to move it relative to the base plate 11 . In Figs. 1 and 2, the contour of the lifting platform 27 is shown with dashed lines. The lifting platform 27 is connected or coupled to the linear drives of the lifting columns 21 in such a way that the lifting platform 27 can be adjusted in height by the linear drives. The lifting platform 27 has a holding surface for the vehicle parts. It is possible that the lifting platform 27 has fixing units which fix the vehicle parts in their position. The fixing units can hold the vehicle parts form-fittingly and / or force-fittingly. The vehicle parts can be held by screws and / or clamps. Other applications for fixing the vehicle parts are possible.

[0051] In Figs. 1 and 2, the lifting platform 27 of the lifting device 20 is shown in a maximum lifting position. In a lowered position of the lifting platform 27, it is arranged vertically at the bottom, in the vicinity of the base plate 11 . In the lowered position, the lifting platform 27 can rest on the cross struts and / or the cross beam 24.

[0052] The two lifting devices 20 shown in Figs. 1 and 2 can be mounted or mounted independently of each other on the base plate 11 . The distance between the two lifting devices 20, in particular in the longitudinal direction of the base plate 11 , can be adjusted by the specific configuration and arrangement of the fastening holes 15 in the top wall 14 of the base plate 11. Preferably, this distance is freely adjustable, in particular variable.

[0053] As described above, the base plate 11 is part of the self-propelled transport robot 10. In addition to the top wall 14, the base plate 11 has a bottom wall 16. A reinforcement structure is arranged between the top wall 14 and the bottom wall 16. Preferably, the reinforcement structure is formed as a honeycomb structure. The reinforcement structure may be encapsulated in boxshaped housing. The box-shaped housing includes the top wall 14 and the bottom wall 16. In Figs. 1 and 2 it can be seen that the top wall 14 and the bottom wall 16 are opposite each other, with the side walls 12 arranged between them. The side walls 12 are offset inwards from an outer edge of the top and bottom walls 14, 16, in particular to form the guide rails 13 for the slide-in elements 26 of the lifting devices 20.

[0054] The bottom wall 16 further has alignment plates (not shown), in particular six alignment plates, which can be aligned to positioning plates or positioning holes in the ground or floor of a measurement area. Two of the alignment plates may have protrusions which also provide for a form-fit alignment of the self-propelled transport robot to the measurement area, in particular respectively formed positioning holes in the floor of the measurement area. Generally, the self-propelled transport robot has at least two conditions, namely a driving condition and a measuring condition. In the driving condition, the omnidirectional wheels are lowered so as to raise the base plate 11 from a ground or floor. This provides for the necessary ground clearance to move the self-propelled transport robot 10. Movement of the transport robot 10 can be achieved by a remote control and / or automatically by a respective controlled guiding system. This guiding system may include reference markers on the floor and / or GPS connections.

[0055] In the measuring condition, the self-propelled transport robot 10 is aligned within a measuring area so as to precisely position the payload, for example a vehicle body part such as a vehicle chassis or the like, for measurement. Measurement can be done by tactile measuring systems and / or by optical measuring systems. Furthermore, measurement can be done automatically.

[0056] It is not necessary that the base plate 11 is lowered for measurement. The omnidirectional wheels may rather be controlled such that the position of the transport robot 10 is stable. To provide a precise positioning of the payload to be measured, the base plate 11 can be lowered to rest on the ground or floor in the measurement area.

[0057] Reference signs

[0058] 10 transport robot

[0059] 11 base plate

[0060] 12 sidewall

[0061] 13 guide rail

[0062] 14 top wall

[0063] 15 fastening hole

[0064] 16 bottom wall

[0065] 17 longitudinal sides of the base plate

[0066] 18 transverse sides of the base plate

[0067] 20 lifting device

[0068] 21 lifting column

[0069] 22 lifting chassis

[0070] 23 side part

[0071] 24 crossbeam

[0072] 25 roller

[0073] 26 slide-in element

[0074] 27 lifting platform

[0075] 28 base section

[0076] 29 plate-shaped section

[0077] 31 space

[0078] 32 support and mounting element

[0079] 33 outer side of the plate-shaped sections

[0080] 34 inner side of the side parts

Claims

Claims1 . System (100) for transporting vehicle parts, in particular a vehicle chassis, to a measurement area and holding the vehicle parts, in particular a vehicle chassis, stationary during measurement, the system (100) comprising a self-propelled transport robot (10), which is configured to move the vehicle parts to the measurement area, and at least one independent lifting device (20), which is mountable to a base plate (11) of the self-propelled transport robot (10), the lifting device (20) being adapted to lift the vehicle parts relative to the base plate (11) so that a measurement device can reach an underside of the vehicle part.

2. System (100) according to claim 1 characterized in that the lifting device (20) comprises two lifting columns (21) that are arranged opposite another.

3. System (100) according to claim 2 characterized in that the lifting columns (21) are installed on a lifting chassis (22) that comprises two side parts (23) and at least one crossbeam (24) connecting the side parts.

4. System (100) according to any of the preceding claims characterized in that the lifting device (20) is moveable on rollers (25) independently from the transport robot (10).

5. System (100) according to claim 4 characterized in that the rollers are height-adjustable.

6. System (100) according to claim 4 or 5 characterized in that the rollers (25) are mounted to the lifting chassis (22).

7. System (100) according to any of the preceding claims characterized in that the lifting device (20) can be slid onto the base plate (11) in such a way that the lifting device (20) is connected to the base plate (11) in a vertically form-fit manner.

8. System (100) according to any of the preceding claims characterized in that the base plate (11) has side walls (12), each side wall (12) having a side wall profile which forms a guide rail (13) for a slide-in element (26) which is arranged on the lifting device (20), in particular on the side part (23) of the lifting chassis (22).

9. System (100) according to claim 8 characterized by the guide rails (13) are arranged at opposing, in particular parallel, side walls (12) and the slide-in elements (26) are arranged at opposing side parts of the lifting chassis (22), the slide-in elements (26) facing each other.

10. System (100) according to any of the preceding claims characterized by the lifting columns (21) of the lifting device (20) carry a lifting platform (27) extending across the base plate (11) for holding a vehicle chassis or a vehicle.11 . System (100) according to any of the preceding claims characterized by at least two lifting devices (20) that are independently mountable to the base plate (11) of the self-propelled transport robot (10), wherein the distance between the lifting devices (20) is, preferably freely, adjustable on the base plate (11).

12. System (100) according to any of the preceding claims characterized in that the base plate (11) includes a top wall (14) having fastening holes (15) arranged in a grid for installing holding devices, wherein the lifting device (20), in particular the side parts (23), have mounting holes can be arranged overlapping the fastening holes (15) to mount, in particular screw, the lifting device (20) to the transport robot (10).

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