DE102019104045A1 - Tugger train arrangement or towing - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a tugger train arrangement (1) or a towing group (1, 3) with a tugger train element (laa; 1ab), which is designed to accommodate at least one logistics element (2), and with a further tugger train element (1ba), which is designed to accommodate at least one logistics element (2) and / or with a towing vehicle (3). The tugger train arrangement (1) or the towing system (1, 3) is characterized in that the tugger train element (laa; 1ab) (in each case) by means of a flexible scissor coupling (14) with the further tugger train element (1ba) and / or with the towing vehicle (3 ) connected is.

Description

The present invention relates to a tugger train arrangement or a towing arrangement according to the preamble of patent claim 1 and a scissors coupling for use in such a tugger train arrangement or in such a towing arrangement according to claim 15.

The field of intralogistics concerns the flow of goods and materials within companies. In production, components and intermediate products must be added to the manufacturing steps and then picked up for further processing or packaging. In the dispatch department, goods in stock are to be picked for dispatch. For this purpose, so-called tugger trains, trailer trains or logistics trains are used for larger transport quantities and routes, which can also be referred to as a tugger train arrangement and, together with a towing vehicle, also as a towing system. A tugger train arrangement generally consists of three to four tugger train elements or tugger train trailers. The tugger train arrangement can be divided into tugger trains, each of which has at least two tugger train elements. The driver drives to the various stations in the warehouse, production, goods issue etc. with his towing group, stops there and unloads or loads the individual tugger train elements depending on the order.

In order to be able to load and unload larger quantities of goods faster and more easily, tugger train elements are known which, e.g. Logistics elements loaded with pallets or lattice boxes such as Trolleys or trolleys, also called trolleys, can take up and transport as a whole. To accommodate a logistics element, the tugger train element is lowered, the logistics element is pushed onto a receptacle of the tugger train element and the tugger train element is then raised again so that the rollers of the logistics element do not touch the ground during the journey with the towing system and are thereby spared and do not affect its driving characteristics. The removal of a logistics element takes place in the reverse order of the above. Steps.

Various types of tugger train elements are known solely because of their frame or frame shape. Tugger train elements with a C-shaped frame that is open on one side perpendicular to the direction of travel and into which the logistics element can be pushed in and removed from one side are very often used. Tugger train elements are also known which have an E-shaped frame with a fork in the middle. In this case, the logistics element can also be pushed into the frame from one side laterally between the front and rear edges of the E-frame, but over its middle fork. Furthermore, so-called transfer frames are known which, following the nomenclature described above, are also sometimes referred to as B frames. A transfer frame has a frame with an axis arranged in the middle in the longitudinal or direction of travel, to which a flat area connects in front of and behind in the longitudinal or direction of travel as a logistics element receptacle onto which a logistics element can be pushed and removed from both sides . Furthermore, so-called portal frames are known which are open at the bottom and on both sides. There are known designs in which the connection of a central axle with a pair of wheels and the front and rear edge of the frame in the longitudinal or direction of travel takes place over the frame over the gaps into which a logistics element is inserted and removed from both sides can.

All these types of tugger train elements have in common that in each case two wheels with a rigid axle form the chassis of the tugger train element, which is usually arranged in the middle of the tugger train element in the direction of travel. The frame of the routing element can usually be raised and lowered in a purely vertical manner together with the logistics element received. These lifting functions can be implemented by means of electrical energy or by hydraulic or pneumatic pressure, which is usually provided by the towing vehicle. Such tugger train elements and corresponding logistics elements are e.g. known from the companies Still, Linde, Jungheinrich, Jung Hebetechnik, LR Intralogistik and A&A Logistik-Equipment.

The EP 2 161182 A2 describes a single-axle trailer trailer with an E-shaped frame open on one side with a central cross member. On the central cross member, two guide rollers are rotatably arranged independently of one another on a rigid axle. The E-shaped frame can be raised or lowered vertically with respect to the axis with the two guide rollers. Comparable single-axle trailer trailers are also used in the EP 2 311 673 B1 , in the EP 2 808 234 A1 , in the DE 10 2012 017 838 A1 , in the DE 20 2015 104 465 U1 as well as in E 20 2013 102 199 U1.

The DE 20 2014 101 510 U1 describes a trailer with a B-shaped support frame, ie with a transfer frame. The support frame including two access and drainage ramps can be lifted and raised purely vertically by means of a lifting device which is arranged between the support frame and the axis of the centrally arranged chassis be lowered. The rigid axle of the centrally arranged chassis is arranged transversely to the direction of travel and has a wheel at both ends.

The EP 2 818 389 A1 describes a portal trailer for a tugger train. The central trailer section has a pair of rollers which are provided on an axis of rotation perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the trailer. The rollers are rigidly arranged on the central trailer section and have axes of rotation in alignment with one another. The middle trailer section is equipped with a lifting device which allows the middle trailer section and, via the portal-shaped arches, also the front and rear trailer sections to be lifted purely vertically.

The aforementioned known tugger train elements have in common that the tugger train elements are rigidly connected to one another in the horizontal direction in the direction of movement or in the direction of travel of the towing system. For example, the tugger train element has the DE 10 2012 017 838 A1 a rigid drawbar which is rigidly arranged on the frame or on the frame and extends horizontally in the direction of movement or direction of travel of the towing system to another tugger train element or to the towing vehicle in order to intervene in a towing device there. This allows two tugger train elements to be connected to each other in order to be able to move the towing system in its direction of movement or direction of travel and to move around the vertical axis, ie around the vertical axis, the connection between the drawbar and the towing device, such as cornering.

The disadvantage here, however, is that the lowering or lifting of a tugger train element of such a towing system also has an effect on the two immediately adjacent tugger train elements or on a tugger train element and the towing vehicle due to their horizontally rigid coupling with one another. Thus, usually only lowering movements or lifting movements of low height can be carried out without these movements being hindered or prevented by the rigid coupling. This can be done to the extent that the distance between the tugger train elements or the tugger train element and the towing vehicle and the play of the connection between the drawbar and the trailer hitch allow.

The DE 10 2011 106 842 A1 relates to a tugger train with at least one trailer, with at least one connection between the towing vehicle and the trailer or one connection between two trailers consisting of two crossbars. The connection by means of two crossing arms can also be referred to as a scissors coupling.

The tugger train element of the DE 10 2011 106 842 A1 thus likewise has a connection that is rigid in the horizontal direction with another similar tugger train element or with a corresponding towing vehicle. However, since a scissor coupling is very short in the direction of travel, this rigid connection, in contrast to a connection between the drawbar and the trailer hitch, lacks a sufficiently long path between the two tugger train elements or between the tugger train element and the towing vehicle to allow a game of Allow contact points between the links of the scissors coupling and the tugger train element or the towing vehicle lowering movements or lifting movements. Two horizontally rigid connecting elements also act simultaneously between two tugger train elements or between the tugger train element and the towing vehicle. Furthermore, the crossing arrangement of the arms of the scissors coupling creates a particularly rigid horizontal connection. Thus, tugger train arrangements, the tugger train elements of which are connected to one another by means of scissor couplings, can only be lowered and raised together. Otherwise, the lowering or lifting of a tugger train element is prevented or at least hindered by the adjacent tugger train element.

One object of the present invention is to provide a tugger train arrangement or a towing system of the type described at the beginning, so that the lowering or lifting of a tugger train element relative to a further tugger train element or a towing vehicle is made possible even when using a scissors coupling. Additionally or alternatively, the ramp capability of the tugger train arrangement or the towing system should be increased. At least an alternative to known solutions should be provided.

According to the invention, the object is achieved by a tugger train arrangement or by a towing system with the features of claim 1 and by a scissors coupling with the features of claim 15. Advantageous further developments are described in the subclaims.

The invention thus relates to a tugger train arrangement or a towing group with a tugger train element which is designed to accommodate at least one logistics element and with a further tugger train element which is designed to accommodate at least one logistics element and / or with a towing vehicle. The two tugger train elements can be designed accommodate the same or different logistics elements such as trolleys. The two tugger train elements, which can also be referred to as tugger train trailers, can each have a C-frame or an E-frame and can only be loaded and unloaded from one side. However, the two tugger train elements can also have a B-frame or a transfer frame or a portal frame and can be loaded and unloaded from both sides.

A tugger train arrangement is to be understood as meaning at least two interconnected tugger train elements. Two tugger train elements connected to one another can also be referred to as a tugger train, these preferably being rigidly connected to one another, as will be described in more detail below. A towing system should be understood to mean at least one tugger train element which is connected to a towing vehicle. Two or more tugger train elements can also be connected as a tugger train arrangement with a towing vehicle to form a towing system.

The tugger train arrangement or the towing system is characterized in that the tugger train element (each) is connected to the further tugger train element and / or to the towing vehicle by means of a flexible scissor coupling. In other words, the tugger train element can be connected at its one end by means of a flexible scissors coupling either to the further tugger train element or to the towing vehicle. The tugger train element can also be connected at its one end to the further tugger train element by means of a flexible scissor coupling and at its other end to the towing vehicle by means of a further flexible scissor coupling.

It is known to connect such tugger train elements to one another or to the towing vehicle by means of a rigid scissors coupling, as is shown, for example, in the DE 10 2011 106 842 A1 is known. The disadvantages that can result from the use of such rigid scissor couplings in tugger train elements have been described above.

In order to partially or completely avoid or at least reduce these disadvantages, a flexible scissors coupling is used instead according to the invention. In contrast to the known rigid scissors coupling, a flexible scissor coupling is to be understood as a scissor coupling which, due to its design, has or allows sufficient spatial flexibility so that the two tugger train elements connected by means of the flexible scissor coupling opposite one another or the tugger train element opposite the towing vehicle in can be lowered and raised in the vertical direction without any hindrance or blockage of the lowering and raising. This can be done using mechanical connecting elements such as Ball head joints or the like take place, as will be described in more detail below. Alternatively, elastic connecting elements such as e.g. Rubber compounds, in particular rubber blocks or silent blocks, can be used. It is also possible to use ropes which can be arranged between the two tugger train elements or the tugger train element and the towing vehicle. Combinations can also be used on this.

In this way, according to the invention, the tugger train element can be raised and lowered with respect to the further tugger train element and / or with respect to the towing vehicle as described above without this movement being hindered or prevented or without this movement affecting the further tugger train element and / or or affects the towing vehicle. The lowering and raising of the tugger train element can take place on both sides or on one side, as will be described in more detail below.

In this way, it can be avoided that all the tugger train elements of a tugger train arrangement have to be lowered and raised together, as was previously known. This can be unnecessary in many cases, since usually only one logistic element has to be delivered, picked up or exchanged at an intermediate stop on a route of the towing group, possibly also several logistic elements, but usually not all logistic elements. If all the tugger train elements of the towing system are nevertheless lowered and raised together, this leads to unnecessary expenditure in the form of energy consumption and wear and tear on the tugger train elements. This unnecessary effort can be used according to the invention in that at least some tugger train elements do not have to be lowered in order to enable a tugger train element to be lowered. This applies in particular to previously known rigid scissor couplings in which lowering a tugger element also requires lowering the towing vehicle, which according to the invention can be avoided by using a flexible scissor coupling. The ramp capability of the tugger train arrangement or the towing system can also be improved.

According to one aspect of the invention, the flexible scissors coupling has two crossing connecting elements which are connected at least on one side, preferably on both sides, by means of a flexible mounting element receptacle to a mounting element of one of the tugger train elements or of the towing vehicle. The usage crossing connecting elements enables the implementation of a scissor coupling so that their advantages can be used. Providing the connecting elements with flexible holding element receptacles and thereby establishing the connection to a corresponding holding element of one of the tugger train elements or the towing vehicle enables a simple and stable implementation of a flexible scissor coupling.

The pair of connecting elements, which can also be referred to as links or rods, can each have a flexible mounting element receptacle on at least the same side and not at the opposite end, so that at least increased mobility in the vertical direction can be achieved.

Preferably, however, both connecting elements each have a flexible mounting element receptacle at both ends, so that the tugger train elements connected to one another or the tugger train element and the towing vehicle can be moved relative to one another in the vertical direction significantly more independently of one another than previously known, without the disadvantages of a known one rigid scissors coupling occur.

According to a further aspect of the invention, the flexible mounting element receptacle is designed as a ball-and-socket joint which receives the mounting element as a bolt. In this way, a mechanically simple, inexpensive and robust, low-maintenance and / or long-lasting flexible coupling can be implemented.

According to a further aspect of the invention, the spherical head joint has a spherical cap which is arranged on the bolt, and the spherical head joint has a spherical cap receptacle which is arranged on the connecting element. In this way, a mechanically simple, inexpensive and robust, low-maintenance and / or long-lasting flexible coupling can be implemented.

According to a further aspect of the invention, the flexible mounting element receptacle is arranged on the mounting element so as to be movable in the vertical direction. This can increase the extent to which the two tugger train elements of the tugger train arrangement and / or the tugger train element and the towing vehicle are movable relative to one another in the vertical direction, since the flexible mounting element receptacle can also be moved in the vertical direction. This can benefit both the independent lowering and lifting as well as the ramp capability.

According to a further aspect of the invention, the flexible scissors coupling has at least one spacer which is designed and arranged to hold the flexible mounting element receptacle in the vertical direction above a predetermined height. Such a spacer can preferably be used with only one of the connecting elements in order to hold it in the vertical direction at the required height with respect to the other connecting element, so that they can be guided over one another in a crossing manner. This can lead to a predetermined arrangement of the two connecting elements with respect to one another at least when both connecting elements assume their lowest position in the vertical direction.

According to a further aspect of the invention, the spacer encloses the holding element at least in sections. This can enable the spacer to be held easily and securely in relation to the holding element.

According to a further aspect of the invention, the holding element is designed to be removable from the flexible holding element receptacle. In particular, the mounting element can be pulled out of the mounting element receptacle in the upward direction as a bolt. This can allow a simple separation of the flexible scissors coupling in order to be able to separate the two tugger train elements from one another or in order to be able to separate the tugger train element from the towing vehicle. A corresponding connection can also be established.

According to a further aspect of the invention, the mounting element is designed to be secured on the tugger train element or on the towing vehicle by means of a securing element. As a securing element, a securing ring, a securing pin or a securing bracket can be used, for example, which can prevent or at least sufficiently restrict the mobility of the holding element, which is required for removal, in a form-fitting and / or force-fitting manner. Such a securing element can result in loosening of the retaining element e.g. prevent movements that can be caused by the movement of the towed vehicle. This can enable the holding element and thus the entire flexible scissor coupling to be held securely.

According to a further aspect of the invention, the tugger train element is connected to a further tugger train element by means of a rigid scissors coupling to form a first tugger train, the tugger train elements of the first tugger train being formed on at least one side of the transverse direction in the vertical direction independently of the in Cross direction opposite side to be lowered and raised together. Thus, the first tugger train with its two tugger train elements rigidly connected by scissor coupling represents a known tugger train. By using the flexible scissors coupling according to the invention, this tugger train can also be lowered and raised as a whole relative to the further tugger train element or relative to the towing vehicle. At the same time, the tugger train as a whole can only be lowered and raised on one side, for example from the DE 10 2016 121 095 A1 is known.

So the tugger train element is the DE 10 2016 121 095 A1 or its frame designed to be lowered and raised on at least one side in the vertical direction independently of the opposite side in the transverse direction. One side is either the right or the left side of the route train element in the transverse direction. In this way it is possible to lower a tugger train element loaded with a logistics element not completely, ie with its entire surface, but only on one side. In this way, an inclined plane can be created within the routing element, from which the logistics element can more easily roll or be rolled down automatically or at least with less effort on the part of a user than from a horizontal plane of a completely lowered routing element. This can relieve the user significantly when unloading the tugger train element, in particular over the duration of a working day for operating a tugger train arrangement or a towing system with several tugger train elements. This can prevent exhaustion and health problems for the user.

This can also be further supported in that the two logistics element receptacles each have a pair of inclined surfaces which extend essentially in the transverse direction and are designed to be triangularly raised in the vertical direction. In other words, a roof contour can be formed in the logistics element receptacle. This can make it easier for the user to load the routing element, since the logistic element, after its front wheels have overcome the respective apex, can be pushed into the recorded position more easily or automatically by the user using the force of gravity of the logistic element.

The independent lowering and raising according to the present invention can particularly advantageously affect the possibilities of one-sided lowering and raising in the tugger train DE 10 2016 121 095 A1 effect, since the rigid scissor coupling used there hinders or prevents lowering and raising on one side than lowering and raising on both sides. Thus, the properties and advantages of the present invention can be used in a tugger train of the DE 10 2016 121 095 A1 come into their own particularly well.

According to a further aspect of the invention, the flexible scissors coupling, preferably and / or the rigid scissors coupling, has at least one flexible protective element, preferably a pair of flexible protective elements, which is formed and arranged in the space between two tugger train elements or between a tugger train element and to protrude into the towing vehicle essentially in the transverse direction. This can prevent or at least make it more difficult for a person to get into this intermediate space, so that protection for people can be improved. This applies in particular to cornering or to arrangements of the two tugger train elements or the tugger train element with respect to the towing vehicle that are rotated relative to one another about the vertical axis, which when using scissor couplings can lead to particularly large opening angles of the gaps into which a person can easily reach.

According to the invention, this can be prevented or made more difficult by the intermediate space being partially taken up by the flexible protective element and thus reduced for people. The intermediate space can also be made more clearly identifiable for people by the flexible protective element, which can also prevent people from entering the intermediate space. Furthermore, it can be prevented or made more difficult that a person can climb over the scissors coupling. If a pair of flexible protective elements is used, this can be achieved on both sides in the transverse direction. In particular, a mirror-image configuration and arrangement can bring about this equally on both sides.

This can be especially true for automated towing groups such as be advantageous in a tugger train arrangement pulled by a driverless transport vehicle (AGV), since there no person as the operator of the towing system prevents other people from entering these spaces or e.g. When starting up, you can make sure that nobody is in one of these spaces. This can increase the safety of such automated towing groups.

A flexible protective element such as a flexible hose such as a corrugated hose or the like can be advantageous to the effect that the flexible protective element can adapt as well as possible to the relative movements of the two tugger train elements to each other or of the tugger train element to the towing vehicle and the space created thereby in order to achieve the effect described above. It should be borne in mind that the use of a scissor coupling can allow significantly larger gaps than a known drawbar.

This aspect of the present invention can generally be applied to scissors couplings and is therefore to be seen independently of the use of a flexible scissors coupling.

According to a further aspect of the invention, the flexible protective element is arranged with one end in the transverse direction in the middle of the tugger train element or on the towing vehicle and is oriented in such a way that the flexible protective element extends in the transverse direction over the substantial width of the tugger train element or the towing vehicle extends the gap. In other words, the flexible protective element can be arranged approximately in the middle in the transverse direction, so that an intermediate space that is formed can be adequately blocked and identified with the shortest possible flexible protective element in order to achieve the properties and advantages described above. When two flexible protective elements are arranged in pairs, they can each be arranged slightly offset in the transverse direction to the center, so that the fastening points almost coincide and the properties described above can be achieved in mirror image on both sides in the transverse direction.

According to a further aspect of the invention, the flexible protective element is a cable hose which holds at least one electrical line, a hydraulic hose and / or a pneumatic hose for energy transmission and / or for signal transmission. As a result, an element of the routing element that is usually present in any case can be used in order to achieve the properties and advantages described above without additional elements. This can avoid the effort otherwise required for this.

According to a further aspect of the invention, at least one tugger train element has at least one indicator element which is designed and arranged to extend sufficiently in the vertical direction to improve the visual perceptibility of the tugger train element for a person. The information element can in particular be designed as a flag or the like, which can be visually easily perceptible for a person without being too heavy, requiring installation space and / or incurring costs. In particular, the information element such as e.g. the flag by means of a stand, a pole or the like as a reference element holder such as e.g. as a flagpole against a frame or the like of the tugger element in the vertical direction in order to be used by a person e.g. at outside level or at least well above e.g. within the scope of the route assignment. This can improve the perceptibility of the information element and thus the route assignment element.

The present invention also relates to a flexible scissors coupling for use in a tugger train arrangement and / or in a towing system as described above. In this way, a flexible scissors coupling can be made available in order to be able to implement the properties and advantages described above.

• 1 eine perspektivische schematische Darstellung eines erfindungsgemäßen Routenzugs;
• 2 eine weitere perspektivische Darstellung des Routenzugs der 1;
• 3 eine seitliche schematische Darstellung eines erfindungsgemäßen Schleppverbunds;
• 4 eine perspektivische schematische Darstellung einer starren Scherenkopplung;
• 5 eine perspektivische schematische Darstellung einer erfindungsgemäßen flexiblen Scherenkopplung;
• 6 eine perspektivische Detailansicht der 5; und
• 7 eine weitere perspektivische Detailansicht der 5.

An exemplary embodiment and further advantages of the invention are explained below in connection with the following figures. It shows:

• 1 a perspective schematic representation of a tugger train according to the invention;
• 2 another perspective view of the tugger train of 1 ;
• 3 a lateral schematic representation of a towing system according to the invention;
• 4th a perspective schematic representation of a rigid scissors coupling;
• 5 a perspective schematic representation of a flexible scissors coupling according to the invention;
• 6th a perspective detailed view of the 5 ; and
• 7th a further perspective detailed view of the 5 .

The above Figures are viewed in Cartesian coordinates. A longitudinal direction X extends, which can also be referred to as depth X. A transverse direction Y, which can also be referred to as width Y, extends perpendicular to the longitudinal direction X. A vertical direction Z, which can also be referred to as the height Z, extends perpendicular to both the longitudinal direction X and the transverse direction Y.

It becomes a tugger train according to the invention 1a considered which a first tugger train 1a within a tugger train arrangement 1 represents, which also a second tugger train 1b and a third tugger train 1c having. Each of the three tugger trains 1a , 1b , 1c each has a first Tugger train element 1aa , 1ba , 1approx and a second tugger train element 1ab , 1bb , 1cb on, see e.g. 1 and 2 . The tugger train arrangement 1 forms together with a towing vehicle 3 which from a person 4th as an operator 4th is operated, a towing group 1 , 3 , see e.g. 3 . The towing system 1 , 3 can move in one direction A. or in one direction of travel A. move.

The tugger train elements 1aa-1cb themselves are designed identically. So every tugger train element has 1aa-1cb a frame 10 on, which is designed as a B-frame or as a transfer frame and also as a frame 10 can be designated. On the frame 10 is each a pair of wheels 11 arranged, which can be raised and lowered independently at the height Z. As a result, one side of the transverse direction Y can be lowered and raised at the height Z independently of the side opposite in the transverse direction Y. The wheels 11 are offset against the direction of travel A.

In the direction of travel A. is in front of and behind the wheels 11 a logistics element recording 12 intended. There you can in the transverse direction Y Logistic elements 2 in the form of trolleys 2 with their wheels 21st can be inserted or removed. On the frame 20th the trolleys 2 showing the four wheels 21st connect, objects to be transported can be arranged (not shown). The frames 20th the trolleys 2 can also be used as racks 20th are designated.

Every tugger train element 1aa-1cb has two reference elements according to the invention 16 in the form of flags 16 on, which each by means of a reference element holder 16a in the form of a flagpole 16a opposite the frame 10 of the respective route allocation 1aa1cb in height Z are arranged elevated so that a person 4th the flags 16 can perceive optically as well as possible. This is to prevent a tugger train element 1aa-1cb , especially without in height Z noticeable loading of a trolley 2 , from the person 4th can be overlooked, which can lead to accidents.

The tugger train elements 1aa-1cb of the towing group 1 , 3 are alternately through rigid scissor couplings 13th and through flexible scissor couplings 14th connected with each other. This allows the advantages of scissor couplings 13th , 14th between all tugger train elements 1aa-1cb used what the towing system 1 , 3 among other things a comparatively short length, a tight curve radius etc. can enable.

Within the three tugger trains 1a-1c are the respective tugger train elements 1aa-1cb each other with rigid scissor couplings 13th connected together so that a tugger train 1a-1c can only be lowered and raised as a whole on one or both sides. This can be achieved by using the mechanically simpler and more cost-effective rigid scissor couplings 13th enable at these points.

Any rigid scissor coupling 13th has for this purpose a pair of crossing connecting elements 13a on which also as handlebars 13a or as a linkage 13a can be designated. The two handlebars 13a each have a rigid mounting element receptacle at both ends 13b on, which is with a through opening (not shown) in height Z extends and also as a sleeve 13b can be designated. Through the sleeve 13b through is each in height Z a support element 13c in the form of a bolt 13c out, which also above and below through openings (not shown) of the frame 10 of the route allocation 1aa-1cb to be led. As a result, a connection that can rotate about the vertical axis can be made at one end of a link 13a with the respective tugger train element 1aa-1cb can be created so that a rigid scissors coupling 13th between the tugger train elements involved 1aa-1cb can be implemented.

Bolts 13c each have a handle at their upper end 13d on where a person 4th the bolt 13c out of the sleeve 13b as well as out of the frame 10 pull out and thereby the rotatable connection between the involved tugger train elements 1aa-1cb can separate. Will do this on both ends of the handlebars 13a of the same route assignment 1aa-1bc executed, the two tugger train elements 1aa -1bc of this rigid scissor coupling 13th separated from each other. In this way, two tugger train elements can be reversed 1aa-1bc be connected to each other. The handle 13d can by means of a securing element 13e to be secured in the connecting position in order to move the towed vehicle 1 , 3 not to solve.

The three tugger trains 1a-1c are, however, each with a flexible scissor coupling 14th connected with each other. This also applies to the first tugger train element 1aa of the first tugger train 1a towards the towing vehicle 3 . The Elements 14a-14f the flexible scissor couplings 14th basically according to the elements 13a-13e the previously described rigid scissor couplings 13th , ie here too there are intersecting connecting elements 14a in the form of handlebars 14a or linkage 14a available.

However, the ends of the handlebars point 14a in this case one flexible mounting element receptacle 14b on which im considered Embodiment as a ball joint 14b are designed and also as a spherical cap coupling 14b can be designated. Every ball joint 14b has a spherical cap holder 14b1 which is fixed at the end of the respective handlebar 14a is arranged. Inside the spherical cap holder 14b is a spherical cap 14b2 arranged, see e.g. 6th and 7th , which from the spherical cap holder 14b in height Z gripped horizontally in sections and so within the spherical cap holder 14b is held. The spherical cap 14b2 is due to the mutually facing spherical surfaces opposite the spherical cap holder 14b1 gimbal rotatable.

Through the spherical cap 14b2 through it becomes a retaining element 14c in the form of a bolt 14c out, which as before with regard to the rigid scissors coupling 13th described by the frame 10 of the route allocation 1aa-1bc or the towing vehicle 3 is held. Here, too, there is a handle 14d available as described above, which as described above by means of a securing element 14e can be secured.

It is complementary to one of the two handlebars 14a a flexible scissors coupling 14th a spacer at both ends 14f in the form of a closed sleeve 14f around the respective bolt 14c arranged around. This allows the respective ball joint 14b in height Z opposite the frame 10 of the route allocation 1aa-1cb be raised so that the two handlebars move 14a Can cross over one another and the higher arranged steering 14a with both ends on the respective spacer 14f can rest.

Independent of the use of the scissor couplings 13th , 14th is with every scissor coupling 13th , 14th each a pair of flexible protective elements 15th arranged, which primarily as cable hoses 15th serve to accommodate electrical lines for energy transmission and signal transmission. In addition, these cable hoses 15th used according to the invention laterally in the transverse direction Y protrude into the spaces between the tugger train elements 1aa-1cb or towards the towing vehicle 3 form and especially when rotating a tugger element 1aa-1cb compared to another tugger train element 1aa-1cb or towards the towing vehicle 3 such as when cornering can enlarge.

Hence the cable hoses 15th in pairs and to the direction of travel A in the transverse direction Y arranged mirror-symmetrically, so that their two ends as close together as possible on the frame 10 the tugger train elements 1aa-1cb or the towing vehicle 3 are arranged. Furthermore, the cable hoses 15th Sufficiently long dimensioned so that they are aligned with two straight tugger train elements 1aa-1cb loop-like in the transverse direction Y up to about the entire width of the tugger train elements 1aa-1cb extend, see e.g. 1 . As a result, in this arrangement the space between the tugger train elements can as far as possible 1aa-1cb or a tugger train element 1aa and the towing vehicle 3 completely filled out and thus visually as well as physically filled in to prevent a person 4th can get into this space.

The two tugger train elements turn around 90 ° 1aa-1cb running towards each other are the cable hoses 15th still sufficiently dimensioned to fill this gap at least sufficiently around a person 4th from using the scissors coupling at this point 13th , 14th to get off and rather around the tow 1 , 3 walking around. In this constellation, the cable hose pointing outwards is stretched 15th on the open side of the gap in front of the handlebars 13a , 14a the scissors coupling 13th , 14th . This can increase the safety of the towing group 1 , 3 for people 4th increase.

From the towing system described 1 , 3 can easily be driven over ramps and the like with a 10% gradient. Both pairs of wheels of the tugger train have 1a-1c always in contact with the ground.

List of reference symbols

A.

Direction of movement; Direction of travel

X

Longitudinal direction; depth

Y

Cross direction, width

Z

vertical direction; height

1

Tugger train arrangement

1a

first tugger train

1aa

first tugger train element or first tugger train trailer of the first tugger train 1a

1ab

second tugger train element or second tugger train trailer of the first tugger train 1a

1b

second tugger train

1ba

first tugger train element or first tugger train trailer of the second tugger train 1b

1bb

second tugger train element or second tugger train trailer of the second tugger train 1b

1c

third tugger train

1approx

first tugger train element or first tugger train trailer of the third tugger train 1c

1cb

second tugger train element or second tugger train trailer of the third tugger train 1c

10

Framework of a route grant 1a , 1b ; Frame of a tugger element 1a , 1b

11

Wheels of a route train element 1a , 1b

12

Logistics element recordings of a route assignment 1a , 1b

13

rigid scissor coupling

13a

Fasteners; Handlebars; Linkage

13b

rigid mounting element receptacle; Sleeve

13c

Support element; bolt

13d

Handle

13e

Fuse element

14th

flexible scissor coupling

14a

Fasteners; Handlebars; Linkage

14b

flexible mounting element receptacle; Ball joint; Spherical cap coupling

14b1

Spherical cap holder

14b2

Spherical cap

14c

Support element; bolt

14d

Handle

14e

Fuse element

14f

Spacers; Sleeve

15th

flexible protective elements; Cable hoses

16

Notice elements; Flags

16a

Notice element holders; Flagpoles

2

Logistics elements; Trolleys

20th

Framework of a logistics element 2 ; Frame of a logistics element 2

21st

Wheels of a logistics element 2

3

Towing vehicle

4th

Person; operator

QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant was 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.

Patent literature cited

• EP 2161182 A2 [0006]
• EP 2311673 B1 [0006]
• EP 2808234 A1 [0006]
• DE 102012017838 A1 [0006, 0009]
• DE 202015104465 U1 [0006]
• DE 202014101510 U1 [0007]
• EP 2818389 A1 [0008]
• DE 102011106842 A1 [0011, 0012, 0018]
• DE 102016121095 A1 [0032, 0033, 0035]

Claims (15)

Tugger train arrangement (1) or towing group (1, 3) with a tugger train element (laa; 1ab), which is designed to accommodate at least one logistics element (2), and with a further tugger train element (1ba), which is designed, at least one logistics element (2 ) and / or with a towing vehicle (3), characterized in that the tugger train element (laa; 1ab) (in each case) by means of a flexible scissors coupling (14) with the further tugger train element (1ba) and / or with the towing vehicle (3) connected is. Tugger train arrangement (1) or towing group (1, 3) according to Claim 1 , characterized in that the flexible scissors coupling (14) has two crossing connecting elements (14a) which at least on one side, preferably on both sides, by means of a flexible mounting element receptacle (14b) with a mounting element (14c) of one of the tugger train elements (laa; 1ab; 1ba ) or the towing vehicle (3) are connected. Tugger train arrangement (1) or towing group (1, 3) according to Claim 2 , characterized in that the flexible mounting element receptacle (14b) is designed as a spherical head joint (14b) which receives the mounting element (14c) as a bolt (14c). Tugger train arrangement (1) or towing group (1, 3) according to Claim 3 , characterized in that the spherical head joint (14b) has a spherical cap (14b2) which is arranged on the bolt (14c), and that the spherical head joint (14b) has a spherical cap receptacle (14b1) which is arranged on the connecting element (14a). Tugger train arrangement (1) or towing group (1, 3) according to one of the Claims 2 to 4th , characterized in that the flexible mounting element receptacle (14b) is arranged on the mounting element (14c) so as to be movable in the vertical direction (Z). Tugger train arrangement (1) or towing group (1, 3) according to Claim 5 , characterized in that the flexible scissors coupling (14) has at least one spacer (14f) which is designed and arranged to hold the flexible mounting element receptacle (14b) in the vertical direction (Z) above a predetermined height. Tugger train arrangement (1) or towing group (1, 3) according to Claim 6 , characterized in that the spacer (14f) encloses the holding element (14c) at least in sections. Tugger train arrangement (1) or towing group (1, 3) according to one of the Claims 2 to 7th , characterized in that the holding element (14c) is designed to be removable from the flexible holding element receptacle (14b). Tugger train arrangement (1) or towing group (1, 3) according to one of the Claims 2 to 8th , characterized in that the holding element (14c) is designed to be secured by means of a securing element (14e) on the tugger train element (laa; 1ab; 1ba) or on the towing vehicle (3). Tugger train arrangement (1) or towing system (1, 3) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the tugger train element (laa; 1ab) by means of a rigid scissors coupling (13) with a further tugger train element (laa; 1ab) to a first tugger train (1a ) is connected, the tugger train elements (1aa, 1ab) of the first tugger train (1a) being formed on at least one side of the transverse direction (Y) in the vertical direction (Z) independently of the opposite side in the transverse direction (Y) together and lowered to be raised. Tugger train arrangement (1) or towing system (1, 3) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the flexible scissors coupling (14), preferably and / or the rigid scissors coupling (13), has at least one flexible protective element (15), preferably a pair flexible protective elements (15), which is designed and arranged in the space between two tugger train elements (laa; 1ab; 1ba) or between a tugger train element (laa; 1ab; 1ba) and the towing vehicle (3) essentially in the transverse direction ( Y) protrude into it. Tugger train arrangement (1) or towing group (1, 3) according to Claim 11 , characterized in that the flexible protective element (15) is arranged with one end in the transverse direction (Y) in the middle of the tugger train element (laa; 1ab; 1ba) or on the towing vehicle (3) and is oriented in such a way that the flexible Protective element (15) extends in the transverse direction (Y) over the essential width of the tugger train element (laa; 1ab; 1ba) or the towing vehicle (3) into the space. Tugger train arrangement (1) or towing group (1, 3) according to Claim 11 or 12 , characterized in that the flexible protective element (15) is a cable hose (15), which at least one electrical line, a hydraulic hose and / or a pneumatic hose for Energy transmission and / or for signal transmission in itself. Tugger train arrangement (1) or towing group (1, 3) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one tugger train element (laa; 1ab; 1ba) has at least one information element (16) which is designed and arranged in the vertical direction (Z) to extend sufficiently to improve the visual perceptibility of the route control element (laa; 1ab; 1ba) for a person (4). Flexible scissors coupling (14) for use in a tugger train arrangement (1) and / or in a towing system (1, 3) according to one of the preceding claims.

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