DE102017011995A1 - Transport device for transporting a load carrier and method for operating a transport device - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a transport device (12) for transporting at least one load carrier (10), with a transport platform (14) for receiving the at least one load carrier (10), with a drive device (16) by means of which the transport device (12) can be driven, and with a coupling device (20) by means of which the transport device (12) can be coupled to at least one further, identical transport device (12) to form a composite (22), wherein the transport device (12) has a control device (24) by means of which the transport device (12) via the drive device (16) alone and in the composite (22) with the at least one further transport device (12) is autonomously operable.

Description

The invention relates to a transport device for transporting a load carrier and a method for operating a transport device according to the preambles of the independent claims.

Such a transport device, which can also be referred to as a shuttle is already out of the DE 20 2015 100 939 U1 known. In this case, the transport device for transporting a load carrier comprises a transport platform for receiving the load carrier. In addition, the transport device comprises a drive device, by means of which the transport device can be driven. In this case, the drive device can be operated electrically. In addition, the transport device comprises a coupling device by means of which the transport device can be coupled to at least one further, identical transport device to form a composite. In this case, the transport device having the electric drive device can only be driven by means of the electric drive device in a state which is decoupled from the composite. In the composite, the transport device is movable by means of two vehicle modules, which together form a two-axle truck with an internal combustion engine.

It is the object of the present invention to provide a transport device for transporting at least one load carrier and a method for operating the transport device, by means of which a particularly simple, flexible and fast transport of at least one load carrier can be carried out.

This object is achieved by a transport device for transporting at least one charge carrier and by a method for operating a transport device having the features of the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments with expedient developments of the invention are specified in the respective dependent claims and in the following description.

To provide a transport device for transporting at least one load carrier of the aforementioned type, by means of which the at least one carrier can be transported particularly easily, flexibly and quickly, it is inventively provided that the transport device comprises a control device by means of which the transport device via the drive means alone and is autonomously operable in conjunction with the at least one further transport device. In other words, the transport device can be operated electrically by means of the electric drive device and can be operated autonomously by means of the control device, regardless of whether the transport device is alone or in a network. Under the autonomous operation is to be understood that the transport device is at least partially automated, in particular highly automated operable. This means that the transport device by means of the control device can perform a longitudinal guide and / or a transverse guide independently, and thus without active control by a driver. If the transport device is arranged in the composite, then the composite can be driven by means of all the drive devices of all the transport devices belonging to the network. In this case, all the transport devices forming the composite can be designed identically. Alternatively, all the transport means forming the composite may differ in their dimensions and in their maximum permissible load. The transport device is set up to carry and carry the load of the load carrier alone and in combination. Thus, the respective charge carrier is supported by at least one respective wheel axle of the transport device alone and in combination. For arranging the transport device in the composite, the transport device can be coupled with the at least one further transport device at least partially automated, in particular highly automated. In combination, the transport devices forming the composite are connected to one another with regard to an energy transmission of electrical energy and a power transmission with regard to the coupling device. In this case, a mechanical blocking via the coupling device may comprise means for conducting current between respective transport devices. Nevertheless, the composite forming the transport facilities are individually controllable and individually driven. All transport devices of the composite have the transport platform, the drive device, the coupling device and the control device. This results in the advantage that a composite of any size can be formed with any number of transport devices and can be resolved again. In this case, a size of the composite can be dependent on a distance to be covered of respective charge carriers received by the individual transport devices. By means of the transport device can be implemented both a factory traffic within a company premises as well as a long-distance traffic on highways as well as a distribution traffic on rural roads as well as a work traffic in customer plants. The transport device is advantageous in that the at least one load carrier can be transported without manual change of a means of transport along a complete transport chain. Since each reloading of the at least one charge carrier would require time due to respective elaborate load securing and creation of Transport papers for transport processing, the transport device allows a particularly fast transport of the at least one load carrier. Since a reloading of the at least one charge carrier is dispensed with, advantageously a transport of the at least one charge carrier is additionally possible by means of the transport device.

In particular, the composite has the following aspects: The composite does not have a continuous support structure, can be transversely locked and permitting relative movements coupled or locked in the longitudinal direction and the composite can a continuous busbar between the transport devices, between a respective transport device and a charge carrier thereon and between charge carriers. Moreover, there may be a data link between the composite transport devices as well as the load carriers and a parent external server device. This data connection can be based on WLAN or LAN. For this purpose, each of the transport devices of the network comprise a separate controller for the data connections. By means of a load securing device, charge carriers received by means of the transport device can be locked with one another and with the transport device. The individual transport devices can furthermore have sensors which comprise a camera and / or an ultrasound sensor and / or a GPS receiver and / or an acceleration sensor and / or a compass sensor.

In contrast to the prior art, in which a continuous, rigid support structure of the composite without energy supply of the individual shuttles is present with electrical energy, the composite according to the invention may have a separate or non-rigid and thus divided support structure. Furthermore, the composite according to the invention has a continuous supply of all transport devices with electrical energy. In the cited prior art, the composite is a biaxial vehicle whose individual shuttles in combination are deactivated with respect to their drive, whereas in the case of the composite according to the invention each of the transport devices is drivable. Moreover, in the prior art, only a person control of the composite is possible, whereas in the composite according to the invention an at least partially automated, in particular highly automated and thus independent transverse and longitudinal guidance of the composite can be carried out.

The invention further relates to a method for operating a transport device, as has already been described in connection with the transport device according to the invention. In the method, the transport platform in a rest state, in which the transport device can be supported with a support elements comprehensive support means against a substrate, equipped with the at least one charge carrier. Furthermore, the transport device is coupled by means of a coupling device with at least one further transport device to form a composite. The further transport device is in particular a same transport device. In order to enable a particularly quick and easy transport of the at least one load carrier, it is provided according to the invention that the transport device is operated autonomously in association with the at least one further transport device by means of the control device of the transport device and that the transport device alone, that means outside of the network via the drive device is autonomously operable. In the present case, the drive device has an electric machine by means of which the transport device can be operated. For supplying the drive device with electrical energy, the transport device can have an electrical energy storage device, in particular a battery. In addition, the drive device is autonomously operable by a control device of the transport device. In this way, a particularly cost-effective transport can be made possible because very little personnel is needed to transport the at least one load carrier. Moreover, the at least one charge carrier received on the transport platform can remain on the transport platform along its entire transport route, so that a transfer of the at least one load carrier with time-consuming load securing can be dispensed with. Consequently, a particularly fast transport of the at least one charge carrier and a particularly simple transport of the at least one charge carrier can take place. The transport device can be operated in different transport modes. On the one hand, the transport device can be operated individually in a balancing mode or connected to the at least one further transport device in a compound in a steering mode. Furthermore, the transport device can be operated individually autonomously or remotely controlled and in the network at least partially automated, in particular autonomous or remotely controlled or via a driver-controlled driver module.

Advantages of the transport device according to the invention are to be regarded as advantages of the method according to the invention and vice versa.

Further advantages, features and details of the invention will become apparent from the following Description of preferred embodiments and with reference to the drawings. The features and feature combinations mentioned above in the description as well as the features and feature combinations mentioned below in the description of the figures and / or in the figures alone can be used not only in the respectively indicated combination but also in other combinations or in isolation, without the scope of To leave invention.

• 1 ein Verfahrensschema zum Transportieren wenigstens eines Ladungsträgers mittels einer Transporteinrichtung, bei welchem die Transporteinrichtung mit wenigstens einer weiteren, gleichen Transporteinrichtung koppelbar ist und die Transporteinrichtung im Verbund autonom betrieben wird;
• 2 eine schematische Seitenansicht einer ersten Ausführungsform eines eine Mehrzahl von Transporteinrichtungen umfassenden Verbunds;
• 3 eine jeweilige schematische Seitenansicht zweier weiterer, alternativer Ausführungsformen des die Mehrzahl der Transporteinrichtungen umfassenden Verbunds;
• 4 eine schematische Seitenansicht einer vierten alternativen Ausführungsform des Verbunds, bei welcher der Verbund ein Fahrermodul umfasst, mittels welchem der Verbund von einem Fahrer führbar ist und der Verbund ein Energieerzeugermodul umfasst, mittels welchem elektrische Energie zum Bewegen des Verbunds bereitgestellt werden kann;
• 5 ein Verfahrensschema zum Bilden des Verbunds der vierten Ausführungsform, bei welchem von einer Person wenigstens eine Transporteinrichtung mit wenigstens einem Ladungsträger bestückt wird und die Mehrzahl von Transporteinrichtungen zu dem Verbund gekoppelt wird, welcher das Fahrermodul und das Energieerzeugermodul aufweist;
• 6a, b eine schematische Seitenansicht sowie eine schematische Frontansicht der Transporteinrichtung, welche eine elektrisch betreibbare Antriebseinrichtung umfasst, wobei die Antriebseinrichtung eine Radachse aufweist und eine Balanciervorrichtung vorgesehen ist, mittels welcher die Transporteinrichtung horizontal ausrichtbar ist;
• 7a-d schematische Seitenansichten sowie schematische Frontansichten jeweils miteinander verbundener Transporteinrichtungen, wobei bei dem in 7a in einer schematischen Seitenansicht dargestellten Verbund die Transporteinrichtungen zumindest längs gekoppelt sind, die Transporteinrichtungen bei dem in 7b in einer schematischen Frontansicht dargestellten Verbund zumindest quer verblockt sind; die Transporteinrichtungen bei dem in 7c in einer schematischen Seitenansicht dargestellten Verbund einen Lenkeinschlag von 90 Grad aufweisen und bei dem in 7d in einer schematischen Frontansicht dargestellten Verbund den Lenkeinschlag von 90 Grad aufweisen;
• 8 ein Verfahrensschema zum Aufteilen des Verbunds in eine Mehrzahl von miteinander über jeweilige elektronische Deichseln verbundene Unterverbunde;
• 9 eine schematische Frontansicht sowie eine schematische Seitenansicht eines Verbunds mit einer defekten Antriebseinrichtung;
• 10 ein Verfahrensschema zum Herauslösen einer die defekte Antriebseinrichtung aufweisenden Transporteinrichtung aus dem Verbund;
• 11 ein Verfahrensschema zum Aufteilen eines Verbunds und zum Bereitstellen von Transporteinrichtungen des Verbunds für eine Wartungseinrichtung beziehungsweise eine Serviceeinrichtung und eine Batteriewechseleinrichtung, um die Transporteinrichtungen des Verbunds für spätere Transportvorgänge vorzubereiten;
• 12 eine schematische Frontansicht einer als Poststation ausgebildeten Transporteinrichtung;
• 13 eine schematische Perspektivansicht der Transporteinrichtung mit einer Transportplattform zum Aufnehmen des Ladungsträgers sowie einer Ladungsverriegelungseinrichtung und zwei Radachsen;
• 14 eine schematische Frontansicht der Transporteinrichtung, wobei Räder der Transporteinrichtung über zwei jeweilige an diesen angeordneten elektrische Maschinen antreibbar sind und die Räder jeweils über FederDämpfer-Schwenklager an der Transportplattform gehalten sind;
• 15 eine schematische Seitenansicht der Transporteinrichtung, wobei die Transporteinrichtung innerhalb einer Beladungseinrichtung angeordnet ist und mittels der Beladungseinrichtung die Transportplattform mit dem Ladungsträger bestückt wird;
• 16 eine schematische Schnittansicht der Transportplattform, welche eine Abstützeinrichtung, mittels welcher die Transporteinrichtung in einem Ruhezustand gegen einen Untergrund abstützbar ist sowie eine Ladungsverriegelung, mittels welcher der Ladungsträger auf der Transportplattform fixierbar ist, aufweist.

Showing:

• 1 a process scheme for transporting at least one load carrier by means of a transport device, in which the transport device can be coupled to at least one further, identical transport device and the transport device is operated autonomously in the network;
• 2 a schematic side view of a first embodiment of a composite of a plurality of transport means composite;
• 3 a respective schematic side view of two other alternative embodiments of the composite comprising the plurality of transport means;
• 4 a schematic side view of a fourth alternative embodiment of the composite, wherein the composite comprises a driver module, by means of which the composite is guided by a driver and the composite comprises a power generator module, by means of which electrical energy can be provided to move the composite;
• 5 a process scheme for forming the composite of the fourth embodiment, in which at least one transport device is equipped by a person with at least one carrier and the plurality of transport devices is coupled to the composite comprising the driver module and the power generator module;
• 6a, b a schematic side view and a schematic front view of the transport device, which comprises an electrically operable drive means, wherein the drive means comprises a wheel axle and a balancing device is provided, by means of which the transport device is horizontally alignable;
• 7a-d schematic side views and schematic front views of each interconnected transport devices, wherein the in 7a in a schematic side view composite the transport devices are coupled at least longitudinally, the transport devices in the in 7b are shown at least transversely locked in a schematic front view composite; the transport facilities at the in 7c in a schematic side view composite have a steering angle of 90 degrees and in the in 7d in a schematic front view composite have the steering angle of 90 degrees;
• 8th a process scheme for dividing the composite into a plurality of interconnected with each other via respective electronic drawbars;
• 9 a schematic front view and a schematic side view of a composite with a defective drive device;
• 10 a process scheme for extracting a transport device comprising the defective drive means from the composite;
• 11 a process scheme for splitting a composite and providing transport means of the composite for a service facility and a battery replacement facility to prepare the transportation facilities of the network for later transportation operations;
• 12 a schematic front view of a trained as a postal station transport device;
• 13 a schematic perspective view of the transport device with a transport platform for receiving the charge carrier and a charge locking device and two wheel axles;
• 14 a schematic front view of the transport device, wherein wheels of the transport device can be driven via two respective arranged on this electric machines and the wheels are each held by spring damper pivot bearings on the transport platform;
• 15 a schematic side view of the transport device, wherein the transport device is disposed within a loading device and by means of the loading device, the transport platform is equipped with the charge carrier;
• 16 a schematic sectional view of the transport platform, which has a support means by means of which the transport device can be supported in a resting state against a substrate and a charge lock, by means of which the charge carrier is fixable on the transport platform comprises.

In 1 is in a process scheme a transport process of a carrier 10 by means of a transport device 12 shown. The transport device 12 , by means of which the charge carrier 10 transportable, includes a transport platform 14 on which the charge carrier 10 is receivable. The transport device 12 further comprises a drive means 16 , by means of which the transport device 12 is drivable. This drive device 16 is electrically operable in the present case and comprises an in 14 schematically illustrated electrical machine 18 as well as a lift / swivel mechanism with spring damper function 64 , The transport device 12 further comprises a coupling device 20 , which comprises a mechanical coupling and / or an electronic coupling, by means of which the transport device 12 with at least one further, the same transport device 12 to a composite 22 can be coupled. Moreover, the transport device comprises 12 a control device 24 , by means of which the transport device 12 via the drive device 16 alone or in combination 22 with the at least one further transport device 12 is autonomously operable.

This in 1 shown process diagram shows a loading of the transport device 12, which in the illustrated embodiment, a wheel axle 26 , wherein a balancing device, not shown, is provided, by means of which the transport device 12 is horizontally alignable. Furthermore, the transport device comprises 12 in the in 1 illustrated embodiment, a support device 28 with a plurality of support elements 30 , by means of which the transport device 12 in a resting state 34 against a background 32 is supportable. In an alternative embodiment, the transport device 12 at least two wheel axles 26 exhibit.

It can be found in the process scheme in 1 be recognized that the transport device 12 in their resting state 34 by means of the support device 28 against the underground 32 is supported and by a person 36 with present two charge carriers 10 is equipped. In this state of rest 34 is the transport device 12 in a parking and loading position. Subsequently, the transport device moves 12 in a balancing mode 41 to a collection station 38 , in which the transport device 12 in the balancing mode 41 not against the ground 32 is supported. Instead, the transport facility 12 by means of the drive device 16 moves autonomously, the transport device 12 is aligned horizontally by means of the balancing device. In the collection station 38 becomes the transport device 12 with at least one other, same transport device 12 to the composite 22 by means of the coupling device 20 coupled longitudinally and / or by means of a cross-blocking device 60 transversely blocked. The composite 22 can a swarm truck 40 with a plurality of mechanically transversely interlocked and / or longitudinally coupled transport devices 12 comprise, by means of which a plurality of charge carriers 10 is included. This swarm truck 40 is by means of the electric drive means 16 the swarm truck 40 forming transport facilities 12 drivable and autonomously operable in a steering mode. The swarm truck 40 comprehensive composite 22 Furthermore, one via an electronic drawbar 44 in which it is the electronic coupling of the coupling device 20 trades, with the swarm truck 40 connected swarm trailer 42 exhibit. That means the swarm truck 40 via the electronic drawbar 44 with the tracked swarm trailer 42 is connectable. Here are on the respective transport device 12 two charge carriers each 10 arranged one above the other, resulting in a particularly large number of charge carriers 10 by means of the composite 22 can be transported. During a ride or when resting the swarm truck 40 can transport facilities 12 from the composite 22 away and other transport facilities 12 in the composite 22 be incorporated. In particular, this results in a resorting of a plurality of transport devices 12 , which depend on a destination of respective transport facilities 12 can be done.

The swarm truck 40 consists of a smallest modular base unit, the transport device 12 on. From a majority of these transport facilities 12 Depending on logistical needs, a means of transport such as the swarm truck 40 be configured. The transport device 12 moves as a single base module in balancing mode 41 and in combination 22 in a steering mode than the swarm truck 40 ,

At the transport facility 12 it is a multi-lane motor vehicle, which is designed as a road vehicle. Networked 22 forms a plurality of transport devices 12 a multi-lane, multiaxial means of transport such as the swarm truck 40 ,

In 2 is a schematic side view of the swarm truck 40 and the swarm trailer 42 comprehensive network 22 shown. Here it is shown that in the composite 22 received charge carriers 10 via respective radio links 46 can be in contact with a higher-level computing device. About the radio connections 46 can by means of the parent computing device respective Transport movements of the charge carriers 10 be tracked. Individual cargo contents can be controlled by a drone 48 from the composite 22 removed and transported individually. The in 2 represented composite 22 has the advantage that it can be in communication with the superordinate computing device, can be operated autonomously with electrical energy, and enables particularly high service by providing individual charge contents 10 by means of the drone 48 from the composite 22 taken and individualized can be transported. Each of the transport facilities 12 has a strictly modularized design with standardized interfaces similar to a PC. These interfaces can be on the charge carrier 10 and / or at the coupling device 20 and / or at the cross-blocking device 60 be arranged. An energy supply and distribution of electrical energy via mechanically coupled busbars between transport devices 12 of the composite 22 , Both the transport platform 14 , as well as the respective charge carriers 10 may have local power storage such as a battery 58. Every transport device 12 and every carrier 10 may comprise a sensor device with data radio connection similar to a smartphone with a GPS receiver and / or with a position sensor and / or with a compass and / or with an acceleration sensor and / or with a camera. The sensor device can be an environment of the respective transport device 12 and / or the respective charge carrier 10 capture and it can headlights and / or a horn and / or a speaker of the respective transport device 12 and / or the respective charge carrier 10 be controlled depending on the detected environment. Every carrier 10 can with its associated transport device 12 be connected via radio data transmission, whereby the respective transport device 12 and / or the respective charge carrier 10 about a cargo content and / or about a destination and / or about an arrangement or position in the network 22 be informed. Furthermore, the respective transport device 12 and / or the respective charge carrier 10 be connected to a central control unit via data radio, so that the respective transport device 12 and / or the respective charge carrier 10 their position in the swarm truck 40 or together 22 are known. This allows that designed as a marker lights headlight of the respective transport device 12 and / or the respective charge carrier 10 depending on their respective position in the composite 22 or the swarm truck 40 can be controlled.

In 3 are schematic side views of two composites 22 represented, their respective transport facilities 12 one charge carrier each 10 have recorded so that the composite 22 can be carried out particularly low. Here are the single-row composites 22 with the drone 48 be connected, which is a delivery module for an individual delivery of each with the drone 48 connected charge content.

In 4 is the composite 22 illustrated in a further alternative embodiment, in which respective transport devices 12 of the composite 22 in each case two superimposed charge carriers 10 have and a driver module 50 and a power generator module 52 are provided. At the driver module 50 It is a fully equipped driver's seat, by means of which the composite 22 in a non-autonomous mode by means of a driver 54 can be controlled. Here is the driver module 50 present along a direction of travel of the composite 22 arranged at the front, whereas the power generator module 52 along the direction of travel of the network 22 is arranged at the rear. In this case, the energy generator module 52 a fuel cell device and / or a battery device and / or an internal combustion engine with generator comprising a particularly large driving range of the composite 22 enable. That means that of the power generator module 52 Provided electrical energy allows the composite 22 can cover a particularly long distance in one go. In this case, that of the power generator module 52 provided energy used for the composite 22 to operate or to move. The energy generator module 52 can serve as a moving gas station. As a result, during a travel time of the composite batteries 58 the transport facilities 12 getting charged. Are the batteries of the transport devices 12 fully charged or can the power generator module 52 provide no further energy, so the power generator module 52 from the transport facilities 12 of the composite are separated. The energy generator module 52 allows a travel time of the composite 22 can be used as a battery charging time. Thus, waiting times at conventional filling stations can be avoided. The transport facilities 12 thus transport by means of the batteries 58 each with an amount of energy with it and by means of the power generator module 52 a further amount of energy can be replenished, especially during a journey. Over the busbar can be between the batteries 58 the transport facilities 12 of the composite 22 electrical energy are transferred to compensate for a state of charge of the batteries 58. The composite 22 Alternatively to the embodiment described above, either at least one driver module 50 or at least one power generator module 52 include.

In 5 is a process schematic for providing the driver module 50 and the power generator module 52 comprehensive network 22 shown. This is in the idle state 34 the transport device 12 , which by means of the support device 28 against the underground 32 supported, with at least one charge carrier 10 , in the present case two charge carriers 10 , loaded. Subsequently, the transport device 12 is in the balancing mode 41 autonomous to the collection station 38 transported. At the collection station 38 becomes the transport device 12 with a plurality of other, same transport facilities 12 as well as with the driver module 50 and the power generator module 52 at least indirectly connected. Subsequently, the composite can 22 to at least one destination in the network 22 received charge carriers 10 to be moved.

In 6a is the transport device 12 shown in a schematic side view, wherein the transport device 12 in the illustrated embodiment, only one wheel axle 26 having. In 6b is the transport device 12 shown in a schematic front view. Thereby are on the transport platform 14 in the 6a and 6b shown transport device 12 two charge carriers each 10 added. The superimposed charge carriers 10 are with an electromechanical load securing device 56 fixable. The transport platform 14 has the battery 58 and a control device 24 on. By means of electrical energy from the battery 58 are each with wheels of the drive device 16 connected electrical machines 18 supplied with electrical energy. The respective electrical machines 18 are pivotable on the transport platform 14 arranged and have the balancing device, by means of which the transport device 12 is horizontally alignable. In addition, by means of electrical machines 18 a recuperation of braking energy possible.

In the 6a and 6b is the coupling device 20 recognizable, by means of which a longitudinal coupling of two transport devices 12 can be done together. In addition, the transport platform includes 14 the cross-blocking device 60 , by means of which the two transport devices 12 together along the wheel axle 26 and thus parallel to the wheel axle 26 cross-linked with each other.

In 7a are a schematic side view of two longitudinally coupled together transport devices 12 represented and in 7b are a schematic front view of two transversely interconnected transport facilities 12 shown. In the 7a shown transport facilities 12 are connected to each other via the coupling device 20 perpendicular to the wheel axle 26 coupled together. In contrast, the in 7a transversely interconnected transport means 12 via the cross-blocking device 60 parallel to the wheel axle 26 locked together. In the composite 22 can be a first transport device 12 with a second transport device 12 be longitudinally coupled and be cross-blocked with a third transport means 12. The in 7a schematically illustrated composite 22 can have a width of 2.5 meters and a virtual axle load of 5 tons. In 7c is an at least longitudinally coupled composite 22 shown schematically from the side, with a steering angle of approximately 90 degrees. in the 7d is the composite according to 7c shown schematically from the front, with the steering angle of approximately 90 degrees and the transport facilities 12 at least cross-blocked. The respective transport facilities 12 can with all drive units of the drive device 16 and thus drive, brake and steer all wheels. The steering per drive unit, which each have a wheel and an electric machine 18 includes, each can implement a steering angle of up to 90 degrees, starting from a starting position in all directions of movement. In this way, a steering direction of 360 degrees with the possibility of a cross-parking, a turning on the spot and a crab can be implemented. The respective drive units may have a step brake, which includes a recuperation of braking energy and an electric brake.

8th shows a process scheme for splitting the composite 22 in a plurality of each other via respective electronic drawbars 44 connected subcompounds 70 , In the present case, the swarm truck 40 in an autonomous driving mode until just before a faulty bridge 72 drive. There, the swarm truck separates into several subcomponents 70 , The means of electronic drawbars 44 and defined center distance corresponding to a permitted load across the bridge 72 be guided. After the bridge 72 the subcompounds link up 70 back to the swarm truck 40 with a common energy supply and common energy management and continue the journey. The common energy management involves that before the drive of the swarm truck 40 calculated a necessary amount of energy and in the transport facilities 12 of the swarm truck 40 available amounts of energy. The busbar in the longitudinal coupling, in this case in the coupling device 20 , can all transport facilities 12 evenly with the available amount of energy. Can the swarm truck 40 With the available amount of energy can not reach the goal, so can the swarm truck 40 with the power generator module 52 be connected, which as a composite 22 from a front module and a Rear module to the swarm truck 40 can be transported. The composite 22 can be manned or autonomous.

In 9 is a schematic front view and a schematic side view of a composite with a defective drive device 74 shown. Kicks while driving the swarm truck 40 damage to a single wheel so that the associated drive means 74 is defective, the corresponding wheel can be raised via a lifting function. Due to the cross-blocking of several transport devices 12 the ride can be continued without further intervention. Only the electrical machine falls 18 the defective drive device 74 out, so the wheel can roll idle and without braking.

Falls a transport device 12 of the composite 22 completely off and can not be dragged without drive, as in 10 is shown schematically, the affected cross-blocking can be separated. The remaining transport devices 12 arrange themselves into a new composite 22 together and bring theirs in the load carriers 10 taken goods to the destination. Only the defective transport device 12 should be recovered.

11 shows a process scheme for maintenance management of a network 22 , Regular maintenance will be after individual wear of the transport equipment 12 carried out. The module affected by the maintenance is removed and sent to a service 76 fed while the remaining transport facilities 12 of the composite 22 stay in traffic. The charge carriers 10 can be re-sorted and stay in action all the time. The charge carriers 10 have their own, individual maintenance intervals. The batteries 58 , which may also be referred to as battery packs, should be individually swapped depending on a number of charge cycles and routes. That's the way every battery works 58 be used optimally. The batteries 58 the transport facilities 12 can in a battery replacement device 78 be replaced.

12 represents in a schematic side view of a trained as a parcel station and on a transport device 12 taken charge carriers, wherein the transport device 12 in its resting state against the ground by means of the support device 28 is supported. In this embodiment, each load carrier 10 is a parcel station with individual, lockable boxes that can only be opened with identification. This can be a unit of parcel station and transport device 12 in a single-row transport configuration, and thus in a single-row interconnection 22 to roll into a respective delivery district. There, the units can singulate and in Balanciermodus 41 roll on available parking spaces close to the customer. There, the unit is on the support elements 30 the support device 28 supported. A recipient receives a smartphone information where his package should be picked up and which parcel station he should therefore seek to pick up the package. This concept can be adapted to any local delivery logistics (eg grocery deliveries by local retailers, pizza delivery, beverage service, frozen food).

In 13 is a schematic perspective view of the transport device 12 shown, wherein the transport device 12 two wheel axles 26 having. Wheels of the two wheel axles 26 are via respective electrical machines 18 by means of electrical energy from the battery 58 operable to the transport device 12 to move. The load securing device 56 the transport device 12 in this case comprises four locking elements 62 , by means of which at least one charge carrier 10 at the transport platform 14 can be kept and secured.

The transport device 12 is in 14 in a schematic front view in the area of the transport platform 14 shown in more detail. It can be seen that each wheel of the transport device 12 one electric machine each 18 assigned. In addition, the wheels can use the lift / swing mechanism with spring damper function 64 at the transport platform 14 be held. By means of this lift / swivel mechanism with spring damper function 64 Unevenness of the ground 32 can be compensated, so that the transport device 12 or the transport platform 14 continuous and horizontally alignable. The drive device 16 has at least two wheels, which each have a hub / swing with spring damper function 64 and an electric machine 18 comprehensive drive unit is assigned. By means of the drive unit, the transport device 12 be spring-damped. In addition, the transport device 12 can be braked or driven by means of the drive unit. In addition, the transport device 12 by means of the drive unit in the balancing mode 41 or operated in the steering mode.

In 15 is a schematic side view of a loading device 66 represented, by means of which the transport device 12 with at least one charge carrier 10 is loadable. In this case, the loading device 66 a crane, a robot and / or a forklift.

In 16 is the transport device 12 shown in a schematic sectional view, wherein the transport device 12 only one wheel axle 26 having. To support the transport device 12 in the resting state 34 opposite the ground 32 has the transport device 12 the support device 28 with the at least two support elements 30 on. The support elements 30 can both support the transport platform 14 against the underground 32 serve as well as the load securing of the on the transport platform 14 taken charge carrier 10. Consequently, the support elements 30 both part of the support device 28 as well as part of the load securing device 56 be.

The Sharm truck 40 may have country-specific special modules in an alternative embodiment, not shown in the figures. An example of this will be described below: The swarm truck 40 can start in its autonomous mode with country-specific front module and country-specific rear module with German approval regarding headlamps and handlebar arrangement in Germany. At a border crossing in Calais from France to the UK, a front-rear module unit can be formed from the country-specific front module and country-specific rear module for Germany with German registration, which is a swarm truck coming from the UK 40 takes over. The coming from Germany swarm truck 40 Can be taken over at the port of Calais by a British front-rear module unit from the country-specific front module and country-specific tail module for United Kingdom with British approval for steering and headlamps. This swarm truck 40 continues its journey in non-autonomous driver-controlled mode for customs clearance and access to the first car yard on the M20. After that, the swarm truck could 40 in the UK in autonomous mode continue to move to the finish.

All shown in the different embodiments and explained features of the transport device 12 can be combined with each other. That's how the composite works 22 both wheel axles 26 having transport facilities 12 as well as only one wheel axle 26 having transport facilities 12 exhibit. In addition, the two wheel axles 26 having transport device 12 Have features as related to the only one wheel axle 26 having transport device 12 have been described and vice versa.

This is the transport device 12 the recognition that today's transport logistics of various types of vehicles such as long-distance trucks, distribution trucks and vans and floor conveyors such as forklifts, between which manual transhipments are made as needed. This leads to particularly high investment costs and particularly high personnel costs when transporting a load carrier 10 , Each of these transport vehicles used in today's transport logistics has a fixed total weight, a fixed loading area and a fixed loading volume. The transport vehicles are thus designed specifically as a van, distribution trucks and truck trucks. charge carrier 10 possibly change several different transport vehicles using different material handling equipment. Each of these transport vehicles or means of transport requires a separate driver or operator. In addition, each reloading requires time, a new complex load securing and transport documents. Moreover, it is disadvantageous in today's transport logistics that at today's permissible axle loads of ten tons wear of existing infrastructure such as roads and bridges to 90 percent at the expense of heavy transport, since wear is proportional to the fourth power of the axle loads.

By means of the transport device described in connection with FIGS 12 is the modular swarm truck 40 with the swarm trailer 42 buildable. Here are all vehicle configurations from a van to a train from the same base modules, in this case the transport device 12 , representable. As a result, transport vehicles with variable length, width, tonnage and transport volume can be provided. The charge carrier 10 remains during a complete transport chain with the transport device 12 but can be reconfigured to a different transport units during a travel route. There is no reloading. Both working with industrial trucks and time-consuming load securing during the transport route is eliminated. The transport device 12 drives autonomously as far as possible, especially on a motorway. If necessary, the driver module 50 can be pre-coupled for the last mile. The driver 54 controls the swarm truck 40 conventional in this mode. By means of the swarm truck 40 For example, a common axle load today of ten tons can be reduced to five tons, which dramatically reduces the wear on existing transport infrastructure such as roads and bridges. For crossing damaged bridges are special functions of the transport device 12 or the swarm truck 40 conceivable. Before the bridge, mechanical longitudinal couplings of the coupling device can 20 solve and the composite 22 drives with split cross-linked dual units with permissible bridge load over the bridge. These two-units can with sufficient distance over the electronic drawbar 44 stay connected. After crossing the bridge becomes the composite 22 reconfigured for a subsequent distance.

The transport device 12 Both the only one wheel axle 26 having drive device 16 and the balancing device or be equipped with four each Hub- / Schwenkantriebseinheiten with spring and damper function. Each of the lifting / pivoting drive units with spring and damper function comprises at least one wheel, an electric machine 18 as well as a lifting / slewing mechanism with spring damper function64. This can be dispensed with the balancing function. Although this is a dead weight of the transport device 12 compared to the only one wheel axle 26 having transport device 12 increases, but a virtual axle load can thereby reduced and compared to the transport device 12 with only one wheel axle 26 be halved. This variant is recommended for heavy goods transport. Furthermore, with the longitudinal coupling by means of the coupling device 20 a longitudinal blocking of several transport devices 12 be adjusted with each other. As a result, the interconnected transport facilities 12 along a direction of travel of the composite 22 locked and it results in a classic immovable truck bed. So the swarm truck 40 a ground contour of the underground 32 can follow, suspension travel of the tire connection to the transport platform 14 be adjusted accordingly.

By means of the transport device 12 a maximum product variance is possible with minimal component variety. All vehicle types can be combined from the transport device 12. At the same time, the entire transport logistics chain is handled without reloading and manual load securing during the transport route. This can save a lot of industrial trucks. In addition, due to the particularly low axle loads of the transport device 12 Infrastructure costs for public roads and bridges are kept to a minimum.

In contrast to a conventional truck, which usually has an internal combustion engine, the swarm truck includes 40 a plurality of electric motors, in this case the electric machines 18 , In addition, the conventional truck has one or two permanently installed tanks, whereas the swarm truck 40 distributed battery packs with different capacities, like the batteries 58 and the battery means of the power generator module 52 may include. The conventional truck is refueling while standing, whereas the swarm truck 40 a loading can be done while driving. A load distribution occurs in the conventional truck over a large, heavy frame, whereas in the swarm truck load distribution over many small, lightweight support structures takes place. The conventional truck includes a mechanical-pneumatic brake system, whereas the swarm truck 40 having electrical, multi-stage brakes. Moreover, the conventional truck includes a mechanical steering linkage and the swarm truck 40 a fly-by-wire software. Furthermore, the conventional truck is an individually configured vehicle, whereas the swarm truck 40 is a modularized, variable transport network. A value-added substance is in the conventional truck in mechanics, whereas in the swarm truck it can be in software and in service.

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• DE 202015100939 U1 [0002]

Claims (7)

Transport device (12) for transporting at least one load carrier (10), with a transport platform (14) for receiving the at least one load carrier (10), with a drive device (16) by means of which the transport device (12) can be driven, and with a coupling device ( 20), by means of which the transport device (12) with at least one further, the same transport device (12) to a composite (22) can be coupled, characterized in that the transport device (12) comprises a control device (24), by means of which the transport device ( 12) via the drive device (16) alone and in the composite (22) with the at least one further transport device (12) is autonomously operable. Transport device (12) after Claim 1 , characterized in that the drive device (16) has a wheel axle (26), and a balancing device is provided, by means of which the transport device (12) is horizontally alignable. Transport device (12) after Claim 2 , characterized in that a support device (28) is provided, by means of which the transport device (12) in a resting state (34) against a substrate (32) can be supported. Transport device (12) after Claim 1 , characterized in that the drive device (16) has at least two wheel axles (26). Transport device (12) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the drive device (16) has at least two wheels, which in each case is assigned a drive unit comprising a lifting / swiveling mechanism with spring damper function (64) and an electric machine (18) is arranged to spring-dampen and / or decelerate or drive the transport device (12) and / or operate in a balancing mode (41) or in a steering mode. Method for operating a transport device (12) according to one of Claims 1 to 5 in which the transport platform (14) in a quiescent state (34) is equipped with the at least one load carrier (10), and in which the transport device (12) by means of a coupling device (20) with at least one further, the same transport device (12) a composite (22) is coupled, characterized in that the transport device (12) in the composite (22) with the at least one further transport device (12) by means of a control device (24) of the transport device (12) is operated autonomously. Method according to Claim 6 , characterized in that the coupling device (20) comprises a positive and / or non-positive connection device or an electronic drawbar (44).

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