DE102019213711A1 - Eccentric module coupling point - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a module coupling for modules, in particular for vehicle modules, with an eccentric clamping element, as well as a vehicle, in particular an autonomous vehicle, comprising the module coupling and a means of changing system. The module coupling for modules, in particular for vehicle modules, is designed to releasably couple a first module, in particular an autonomous drive device, and a second module. The module coupling comprises at least one eccentric clamping element and a mandrel. The at least one eccentric clamping element is arranged on the first module or the second module. The at least one mandrel is arranged opposite to the eccentric clamping element on the second module or the first module. The eccentric clamping element is designed to clamp the mandrel in a clamping direction.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a module coupling for modules, in particular for vehicle modules, with an eccentric clamping element, as well as a vehicle, in particular an autonomous vehicle, comprising the module coupling and a system to change the means of transport.

TECHNICAL BACKGROUND

Vehicles are known to which a trailer can be coupled. The coupling takes place via a ball head arranged on the vehicle, which is received by an essentially half-shell-shaped coupling element and gimbals the latter. It is also known to connect a railcar to a rail car via a screw coupling or a central buffer coupling. Several wagons can also be connected to one another with these couplings.

Furthermore, means of transport changing systems are known which are designed in particular for an autonomous mobile performance of work activities, in particular traffic-independent, green maintenance, clearing, maintenance and / or monitoring work, as well as for the transport of people. Conventional means of changing systems are based on the fundamental idea of moving different modules such as passenger or freight cabins with different vehicles such as autonomous drive devices. For example, describes the DE 10 2018 002 229 A1 a means of changing system in which a passenger cabin is part of a modular vehicle and can be mechanically coupled to a flight module or a road travel module or another transport module as required. For this purpose, a drive device (first module) has a catch hook and an elongated rod element as connecting devices. A passenger cell (second module) has a counterpart that can be brought into engagement with the catch hook and a receiving element for fixing the rod element as connecting elements of the passenger cell. The catch hook comprises a cylindrical area which can be received in a cylindrical recess of the counterpart. The cylindrical recess can be pivoted about a longitudinal axis of the cylindrical recess by pivoting a closing element. The elongated rod element has a ball at one end. The ball can be grasped from behind by a receiving element on the passenger compartment side as a connecting element of the connecting device. Thus, by means of the receiving element, the rod element can be fixed in a vicinity of the ball relative to the receiving element by engaging behind the ball. In particular, the ball can be positioned relative to the receiving element by means of a conical guide, the receiving element in the present case lying around the circumference of the rod element in order to fix the rod element.

Such conventional means of change systems are designed exclusively for the specific function of transporting passenger cabins. Thus, for example, for traffic rush hours, in which a high demand for transport services for passenger cabins is requested, a very high number of drive devices must be kept available, which, however, are only partially required for a large part of the remaining time, especially during off-peak times.

Simple and, in particular, fully automatic coupling of different modules depending on the current requirement is therefore desirable.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Against this background, the present invention is based on the object of providing an improved module coupling for modules, in particular for vehicle modules. According to the invention, this object is achieved by a modular coupling with the features of claim 1. Advantageous further developments are the subject of the dependent claims.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, a module coupling for modules, in particular for vehicle modules, is designed to releasably couple a first module, in particular an autonomous drive device, and a second module. The module coupling comprises at least one eccentric clamping element and a mandrel. The at least one eccentric clamping element is arranged on the first module or the second module. The at least one mandrel is arranged opposite to the eccentric clamping element on the second module or the first module. The eccentric clamping element is designed to clamp the mandrel in a clamping direction.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, a vehicle, in particular an autonomous vehicle, comprises a drive device as a first module, at least one second module and at least one module coupling according to the first aspect of the present invention.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, a means of changing system comprises a plurality of autonomous drive devices as first modules and a plurality of different second modules. The different second modules can be coupled with the first modules as desired and optionally additionally with one another by means of module couplings according to the first aspect of the present invention.

The first and second modules are, in particular, vehicle modules. The first module is in particular an autonomous drive device, which is preferably designed as an automatically driving system that has sensor equipment or sensors suitable for autonomous driving and, in particular, artificial intelligence designed for autonomous driving. Furthermore, the autonomous drive device can preferably have transceivers, in particular “Car to Car” and “Car to X” communication devices, as well as a cloud connection suitable for the coordination of autonomous systems. The autonomous drive device can be designed as a modular, autonomous drive unit of the means of change system, which can be coupled to at least one second module such as a passenger and / or freight cabin and / or a work module.

The first module can also be a passenger and / or freight cabin and / or a work module and can be coupled to a further passenger and / or freight cabin and / or a further work module as a second module by means of the module coupling.

The modules can also be ship modules or aircraft modules. It is also possible that the modules are suitable for vehicles and / or for ships and / or aircraft. A (land-based) autonomous drive device and alternatively a flight device can serve as the first module, so that, for example, a transport cabin can be coupled as a second module via the module coupling (depending on requirements) either to the autonomous drive device or to the flight device.

The at least one eccentric clamping element can be arranged on the first module and the at least one mandrel can be arranged correspondingly opposite to the eccentric clamping element on the second module. Conversely, the at least one eccentric clamping element can also be arranged on the second module and the at least one mandrel can be arranged correspondingly opposite to the eccentric clamping element on the first module. If the module coupling comprises more than one eccentric clamping element and more than one corresponding mandrel, the first module can comprise all eccentric clamping elements or, alternatively, all mandrels or at least one eccentric clamping element and at least one mandrel, the second module correspondingly oppositely including all mandrels or alternatively all eccentric clamping elements or at least one mandrel and at least one eccentric clamping element.

The at least one eccentric clamping element is fixedly attached to the first module or the second module. The connection between the eccentric clamping element and the first module or the second module can be made by form fit and / or force fit and / or material fit.

The at least one mandrel is fixedly attached to the first module and the second module, respectively. The connection between the mandrel and the first module or the second module can be made by form fit and / or force fit and / or material fit.

The at least one eccentric clamping element and the at least one mandrel are arranged on the first module and the second module in such a way that they can cooperate in order to releasably couple the first module and the second module. For this purpose, the at least one eccentric clamping element can be arranged on a front side or a rear side of the first module or of the second module. The at least one mandrel can be arranged correspondingly opposite on a rear side or a front side of the second module or the first module. Alternatively, the at least one eccentric clamping element and correspondingly opposite the at least one mandrel can be arranged on a left / right side of the first module and the second module.

The at least one eccentric clamping element clamps the at least one mandrel by means of an eccentric movement in the clamping direction. The mandrel is displaced, more precisely drawn, and clamped by the eccentric movement in such a way that the first module (autonomous drive device) and the second module (e.g. work module, passenger / freight cabin, etc.) are detachably coupled to one another. For this purpose, the eccentric clamping element can carry out the eccentric movement in a clamping direction of rotation, the mandrel being pulled towards the eccentric clamping element and clamped therein. In the clamped state, the mandrel cannot be moved against the tensioning direction and thus the coupling between the first module and the second module cannot be canceled.

In addition, the eccentric clamping element can perform the eccentric movement in a release direction of rotation, the mandrel being released and being released or pulled out opposite to the clamping direction. The release direction of rotation can be oriented opposite to the clamping direction of rotation.

The tensioning direction can run in an axial direction of the at least one mandrel. Consequently the at least one mandrel is displaced and clamped along its axis.

The first module and the second module can be coupled to one another in a rigid (rigid, fixed) or articulated releasable manner via the at least one eccentric clamping element and the at least one mandrel. The rigid coupling is non-translational and non-rotatable, so that no relative movement, neither translation nor rotation, is possible between the first module and the second module. The articulated coupling is translation-proof and rotatable, so that a rotation of the first module and the second module around one, two or three rotation axes, but no translation between them, is possible.

The autonomous drive device, together with the at least one second module, forms an autonomous vehicle according to the second aspect of the present invention. Several drive devices can also be coupled by means of the module coupling according to the first aspect of the present invention in order to increase the tensile force.

The drive device of the vehicle can be coupled to a second module via a first module coupling. In addition, the second module, which is coupled to the drive device, can be coupled to a further second module via a second module coupling. Several further second modules of the vehicle can each be coupled to one another via further module couplings.

The drive devices of the traffic change system can be coupled fully automatically to corresponding second modules by means of corresponding module couplings via a central controller, depending on the current requirement. Several second modules can also be coupled to one another fully automatically via appropriate module couplings, depending on the current requirement.

The module coupling according to the invention makes it possible to couple a first module or an autonomous drive device quickly and safely with any second modules such as passenger cabins, freight cabins, care cabins and other trailer modules, for example. The coupling between the modules takes place reliably and safely without human intervention.

According to a further development of the present invention, the eccentric clamping element comprises an eccentric element with an eccentric profile, which is mounted rotatably about an axis of rotation, an insertion opening in the eccentric element for the mandrel and a rotating mechanism. The mandrel includes a coupling element. The mandrel is designed to be inserted with the coupling element through the insertion opening into the eccentric element. The rotating mechanism is designed to rotate the eccentric element about the axis of rotation. The eccentric profile is designed to move the mandrel introduced into the eccentric element via the coupling element in the tensioning direction when the eccentric element is rotated by the rotating mechanism.

The eccentric element can be received in a housing and optionally supported in this. The housing can be a separate element attached to the first module or the second module. Furthermore, the housing can be formed by a recess such as, for example, a bore in a body or a frame of the first module or of the second module, which can be closed with a cover.

The insertion opening is designed and arranged in such a way that at least the coupling element of the mandrel can pass through the insertion opening and be inserted into the eccentric element. A cross-sectional area of the coupling element in an insertion direction in which the mandrel with the coupling element can be inserted into the eccentric element and which can coincide with the tensioning direction is accordingly smaller than the area of the insertion opening. The insertion opening can be provided in the eccentric element, for example on an outer jacket surface of the eccentric element, and / or optionally in the housing.

The coupling element is designed in such a way that it can interact with the eccentric profile. In this case, after the coupling element has passed the insertion opening and is located in the interior of the coupling element, it can be hooked behind by the eccentric profile.

The rotating mechanism is permanently connected to the eccentric element and can rotate it together with its eccentric profile around the axis of rotation. The axis of rotation can run perpendicular to the clamping direction.

The eccentric element has the eccentric profile which is designed in such a way that it executes the eccentric movement and thereby hooks the mandrel on the coupling element when the eccentric element is rotated accordingly about the axis of rotation by the rotating mechanism. For this purpose, the eccentric profile can have an eccentric cam which interacts with the coupling element. With a corresponding rotation of the eccentric element, the eccentric cam track can hook the coupling element behind and move the coupling element further in the tensioning direction as the rotation of the eccentric element progresses. As a result, the mandrel is shifted in the clamping direction into the eccentric element of the eccentric clamping element and clamped in the eccentric element. The first The module and the second module are thus releasably coupled to one another.

The cam track is shaped eccentrically in such a way that an intersection of the cam track with an intersection line parallel to the clamping direction moves against the clamping direction when the eccentric element is rotated in the clamping direction of rotation on the intersection line in the clamping direction and when the eccentric element is rotated in the release direction of rotation on the intersection line opposite to the clamping direction.

The rotating mechanism can be designed to rotate the eccentric element in the clamping direction and, in the process, to allow the eccentric profile to execute the eccentric movement in the clamping direction of rotation, whereby the mandrel is clamped. In addition, the rotating mechanism can be designed to rotate the eccentric element in the release direction of rotation and thereby allow the eccentric profile to perform the eccentric movement in the release direction of rotation, thereby releasing the mandrel. The rotating mechanism can rotate the eccentric element together with the eccentric profile in the clamping direction of rotation, so that the mandrel introduced via the insertion opening hooks behind the coupling element of the eccentric profile of the eccentric element and is shifted and clamped in the clamping direction. The clamped mandrel cannot be pulled out of the eccentric element. Furthermore, the rotating mechanism can rotate the eccentric element in the release direction of rotation, so that the mandrel with the coupling element is released and can be pulled out of the eccentric element counter to the tensioning direction.

The coupling element can have a greater extent (head) than a neck of the mandrel at least in a direction different from the axial direction of the mandrel, in particular perpendicular. The coupling element can in particular be designed as a spherical head with a neck. The eccentric profile or the cam track can hook the coupling element behind the larger extension (head) in the area of the neck and move it further in the clamping direction into the eccentric element as the rotation of the eccentric element progresses in the clamping direction. The eccentric element can have an eccentric profile with two eccentric cam tracks which lie opposite one another and hook the coupling element, in particular the ball head, behind on opposite sides of the neck.

The eccentric profile and optionally the insertion opening can have a keyhole profile. The keyhole profile comprises an area which is formed from a circular area or oval area and a substantially rectangular area in the same plane. The rectangular area has a smaller width than the diameter of the circular area or oval area. The rectangular area intersects the circular area or oval area and at least partially overlaps them. The circular surface or the oval surface can simplify the insertion of a mandrel (with coupling element), which is no longer precisely aligned with the eccentric clamping element, for example due to thermal and / or mechanical deformation or other damage, and coupling is thus ensured despite the deviation become. As soon as the eccentric element is rotated in the clamping direction of rotation, the mandrel or the coupling element slides out of the circular area or the oval area into the rectangular area and is hooked behind by the eccentric profile.

With the eccentric clamping element comprising the eccentric element with eccentric profile, the insertion opening and the rotating mechanism and with the mandrel comprising the coupling element, the coupling of the first module to the second module can be made particularly safe and robust by the eccentric movement.

According to a development of the present invention, the rotary mechanism comprises a shaft or a rotary element and a drive. The eccentric element is rotatably mounted on the shaft. The rotary element is designed to transmit a rotation to the eccentric element on an outer circumference of the eccentric element in a frictionally and / or positively locking manner. The drive is designed to rotate the eccentric element via the shaft or via the rotary element, the drive being releasably or permanently connected to the shaft or the rotary element.

The eccentric element can be rotatably mounted on the shaft, for example via an axial groove along an inner circumferential surface of a central bore along the axis of rotation through the eccentric element and a tooth pushed into the groove on an outer circumferential surface of the shaft. Alternatively, the eccentric element and the shaft can be connected non-rotatably via a shaft-hub toothing. Due to the non-rotatable mounting or connection, the shaft can transmit a rotation to the eccentric element.

Alternatively, a rotation can be transmitted to the eccentric element on its outer circumference, in particular if the eccentric element has a circular cross section perpendicular to the axis of rotation, on its outer circumferential surface by means of the rotary element.

In order to rotate the eccentric element in the clamping direction of rotation and in the release direction and to thereby carry out the eccentric movement in the clamping direction of rotation or in the release direction around the eccentric profile to let, the shaft or the rotary element is driven by a drive. The drive can be carried out manually or automatically.

The shaft can be connected directly to a motor shaft of the drive.

The rotary element can be designed as a wheel that rolls in a frictionally engaged manner with the outer surface of the eccentric element. In addition, the rotary element can be connected directly to the motor shaft of the drive.

The rotating mechanism with drive and shaft or rotating element in particular enables automatic coupling and releasing in a safe and robust manner.

According to a further development of the present invention, the rotary mechanism further comprises a gear, in particular a self-locking gear. The transmission is arranged between the drive and the shaft or the rotating element.

The transmission can be a gear transmission, a spur gear transmission, a planetary transmission, a link transmission and the like. The transmission can be designed to be switchable (e.g. forward direction of rotation and reverse direction of rotation). The transmission can have a predetermined translation, so that a torque and a speed of the drive are translated to a suitable torque and a suitable speed for the shaft or the rotating element and thus for the eccentric element. The transmission can be a CVT transmission, a non-circular transmission or a free-form transmission (e.g. with non-circular toothing).

In particular, the transmission can be designed to be self-locking, so that the drive can move the eccentric element, but not an external force on the eccentric element. For example, the transmission can be designed with a large gear ratio from the drive to the shaft or to the rotary element and thus to the eccentric element (output).

The eccentric element of the eccentric clamping element can be optimally controlled by the transmission and the coupling of the first module and the second module can thus be carried out in a particularly robust manner. In addition, the self-locking gear can effectively prevent unwanted releasing of the mandrel and thus unwanted decoupling of the first module and the second module.

According to a further development, the transmission comprises a worm and a corresponding worm wheel, which mesh with one another.

Self-locking of the gear can be achieved through the gear with worm and corresponding worm wheel. The worm can be connected non-rotatably to the drive. The worm wheel can be connected non-rotatably to the shaft or the rotating element. In this case, for example, the worm which meshes with the worm wheel which is connected to the shaft or to the rotating element in a rotationally fixed manner can be attached to the motor shaft of the drive.

By means of the worm and the worm wheel, a large gear ratio from the drive to the shaft or the rotary element (output) as well as self-locking can be implemented. This avoids unintentional decoupling of the two modules connected via the module coupling.

According to a further development of the present invention, the rotary element is a worm. The eccentric element has a corresponding worm gear profile on its outer circumferential surface (at least in one section). The worm gear profile meshes with the worm.

The worm can be connected directly to the drive as a rotating element. The eccentric element can be designed directly as a worm wheel. The worm meshes with the worm wheel profile of the eccentric element and thus rotates the eccentric profile in the clamping direction of rotation or the release direction of rotation.

By designing the rotary element as a worm and the eccentric element as a corresponding worm wheel, a particularly space-saving, simple and robust rotary mechanism of the module coupling can be provided.

According to a further development, the drive is an electric drive and in particular an electric motor.

The electric drive is connected to the shaft or the rotary element either directly or via a previously described gear and can thus rotate the eccentric element.

The electric drive and, in particular, the electric motor have a high constant torque and a high degree of efficiency with little installation space at the same time, so that a safe and robust coupling of the two modules can be guaranteed.

According to a further development of the present invention, the eccentric clamping element can be operated manually.

For example, the drive can be manually operated by a human user using a manually operated tool such as a crank or a wrench and thus the eccentric clamping element can be rotated in the clamping direction of rotation or in the release direction of rotation.

Alternatively, a manual actuating device can be provided parallel to the automatic drive, by means of which the eccentric clamping element can be rotated by hand in the clamping direction of rotation or in the release direction.

In addition, the transmission can be designed in such a way that it is possible to switch between the automatic drive and the manual actuation device or the automatic drive, in particular with a self-locking transmission, can be separated from the transmission, for example disengaged via a clutch.

As the module coupling can be operated manually, coupling and decoupling of the two modules is possible even if the automatic drive is defective.

According to a further development, the eccentric element can be displaced along the axis of rotation and is preferably mounted displaceably on the shaft.

The eccentric element is not kinematically defined in the direction of the axis of rotation (e.g. via the 3-2-1 rule). For example, the eccentric element can be guided for this purpose by means of an axial guide. The axial guidance enables displacement in the direction of the axis of rotation and, optionally, also rotatability about the axis of rotation. For example, the eccentric element can be axially displaceable or floating on a guide shaft and optionally additionally non-rotatably or rotatably mounted. In particular, the eccentric element can be mounted in a floating manner, for example on the shaft that is connected to the drive. Furthermore, the eccentric element can be axially displaceable (floating), for example via rolling elements in a bore or in a hollow shaft or in the housing, and optionally additionally non-rotatably or rotatably mounted.

Thus, a mandrel that is not exactly aligned with the eccentric clamping element in the direction of the axis of rotation can be inserted into the eccentric element and clamped, since the (floating) eccentric element compensates for the positional deviation of the mandrel.

According to a development of the present invention, the eccentric clamping element further comprises a funnel. The funnel tapers from the outside towards the insertion opening.

The funnel is arranged in front of the insertion opening in such a way that it tapers from outside the eccentric element to the insertion opening or the interior of the eccentric element, for example linearly or conically. The funnel can extend axially along the tensioning direction, in particular if the insertion direction coincides with the tensioning direction. The funnel results in a larger opening than the insertion opening into which the mandrel with the coupling element can be inserted. The funnel guides the mandrel or the coupling element to the insertion opening.

The funnel enables easier insertion of the mandrel into the eccentric element and centering of the first and second modules is achieved.

According to a further development, the module coupling comprises at least two eccentric clamping elements and at least two mandrels. The at least two eccentric clamping elements are arranged as far apart as possible on the first module or on the second module.

For example, three / four / many eccentric clamping elements can be arranged in three / four / many corners of a triangle / square / polygon that are as far apart as possible from one another on the first module or the second module. The three / four / many mandrels can correspondingly be arranged in opposite directions in three / four / many corners of a corresponding triangle / square / polygon that are as far apart as possible from one another on the second module or the first module.

In particular, if the first module and the second module are to be rigidly coupled to one another and no displacement or rotation against one another is desired, the eccentric clamping elements arranged as far away from each other as possible and the corresponding oppositely as far away as possible arranged mandrels ensure that the coupling of the both modules is made as rigid as possible and moments occurring between the two coupled modules are particularly efficiently absorbed.

According to a further development of the present invention, the eccentric element is designed to be rotated into a locked position so that the mandrel cannot be inserted into the eccentric element through the insertion opening.

The eccentric element can be turned into the closed position manually or automatically via the drive or the manual actuating device. In the locked position, the insertion opening is at least partially, preferably completely, through the eccentric element ( for example, completed by the outer surface of the eccentric element).

In the completely closed position, the interior of the eccentric element and in particular the eccentric profile are protected from dirt and damage.

According to a development of the present invention, the eccentric element comprises as a first connecting element at least one first electrical and / or electronic contact surface or an electrical and / or electronic and / or optical plug or an electrical and / or electronic and / or optical socket. The mandrel, in particular the coupling element, accordingly comprises at least one second electrical and / or electronic contact surface or an electrical and / or electronic and / or optical socket or an electrical and / or electronic and / or optical plug as the second connecting element. The first connecting element and the second connecting element are designed to connect the first module to the second module electrically and / or communicatively.

The first module is electrically and / or electronically and / or optically or communicatively connected to the second module via the first connecting element and the second connecting element. For this purpose, the first connecting element and the second connecting element are connected to one another when the two modules are coupled. The two connecting elements form an electrical and / or electronic and / or optical interface which is designed to connect the first module to the second module electrically and / or communicatively.

For this purpose, the first connecting element designed as an electrical / electronic contact surface can be brought into contact with the second connecting element designed as an electrical / electronic contact surface, so that electrical / electronic transmission between the two contact surfaces is possible. In particular, each electrical / electronic contact surface can be divided into several separate and isolated contacts, so that several electrical / electronic connections can be established.

Furthermore, a first connecting element designed as an electrical / electronic / optical socket / plug can accommodate the second connecting element designed as an electrical / electronic / optical plug / socket / to establish the electrical / electronic / optical contact between the two modules. In particular, each electrical / electronic / optical socket / plug can be subdivided into several separate and isolated receptacles / pins or contact areas, so that several electrical / electronic / optical connections can be established. In particular, a communicative connection between the two modules can be implemented via a fiber optic “plug” connection.

The first connecting element and the second connecting element are connected to one another in the clamping direction when the eccentric element is rotated in the clamping direction of rotation. When the eccentric element is rotated in the release direction of rotation or when the mandrel / coupling element is pulled out of the eccentric element, the first connecting element and the second connecting element are separated from one another.

The technically experienced user / specialist can expand the interface described above from the first connecting element and the second connecting element as desired. This can be used informally (data transmission), materially (H ₂ ) and electrically (for power supply from or to the modules) and adapted accordingly.

By means of the two connecting elements integrated into the module coupling, the first module and the second module can be (automatically) coupled to one another and electrically and / or communicatively connected at the same time.

• 1 zeigt eine schematische Ansicht eines autonomen Fahrzeugs mit einer autonomen Antriebsvorrichtung und einer Personen- und/oder Frachtkabine.
• 2 zeigt eine schematische Ansicht einer Modulkopplung mit einem Exzenter-Spannelement.
• 3A-C zeigen schematische Seitenansichten der Modulkopplung mit dem Exzenter-Spannelement.
• 4A-C zeigen schematische Frontalansichten der Modulkopplung mit dem Exzenter-Spannelement.
• 5 zeigt eine schematische Seitenansicht einer weiteren Ausführungsform der Modulkopplung mit dem Exzenter-Spannelement.
• 6 zeigt eine schematische Ansicht der autonomen Antriebsvorrichtung.
• 7 zeigt eine schematische Ansicht eines Verkehrsmittelwechselsystems.

The invention and the technical environment are explained in more detail below with reference to the figures. It is pointed out that the invention is not intended to be restricted by the exemplary embodiments shown. In particular, unless explicitly stated otherwise, it is also possible to extract partial aspects of the facts explained in the figures and to combine them with other components and findings from the present description and / or figures. In particular, it should be noted that the figures and in particular the size relationships shown are only schematic. The same reference symbols denote the same objects, so that explanations from other figures can be used as a supplement, if necessary.

• 1 shows a schematic view of an autonomous vehicle with an autonomous drive device and a passenger and / or cargo cabin.
• 2 shows a schematic view of a module coupling with an eccentric clamping element.
• 3A-C show schematic side views of the module coupling with the eccentric clamping element.
• 4A-C show schematic front views of the module coupling with the eccentric clamping element.
• 5 shows a schematic side view of a further embodiment of the module coupling with the eccentric clamping element.
• 6th shows a schematic view of the autonomous drive device.
• 7th Figure 10 shows a schematic view of a mode of transport switching system.

In 1 is an autonomous vehicle 1 shown schematically. The autonomous vehicle includes an autonomous drive device 2 as the first module and a passenger and / or cargo cabin 3 as a second module.

The autonomous drive device 2 is designed as an automatically moving system. To this end, the autonomous drive device comprises 2 Sensor equipment or sensors suitable for autonomous driving 4th (e.g. cameras, lidar sensors, ultrasonic sensors, GPS sensors, etc.), four (optionally only two or three, but also more than four) wheels 5 , of which at least two (optionally only one or more than two) wheels are designed to be steerable, a drive machine (not shown), preferably at least one electric motor, which drives at least two (optionally only one) of the wheels, and a central controller ( not shown), the data from the sensors 4th receives and based thereon the autonomous drive device 2 controls. The central control can optionally include an artificial intelligence designed for autonomous driving. Furthermore, the autonomous drive device 2 have transceivers, in particular “Car to Car” and “Car to X” communication devices, as well as a cloud connection suitable for the coordination of autonomous systems.

The passenger and / or cargo cabin 3 includes two (optionally more than two) wheels 6th and is trained to transport people and / or cargo. Alternatively, the passenger and / or cargo cabin 3 or generally the second module without its own axle and wheels on the drive device 2 or generally stored with the first module (see "mount on top" or "backpack") and via the module coupling 10 with the drive device 2 or coupled to the first module.

The autonomous vehicle 1 also includes a modular coupling 10 who have favourited four thorns 11 (please refer 2 , 3A-C , 4A-C , 5 and 6th ) and four correspondingly opposing eccentric clamping elements 12th includes. The four thorns 11 are on the autonomous drive device 2 arranged and firmly connected to this. The four eccentric clamping elements 12th are correspondingly opposite to the four thorns 11 on the passenger and / or cargo cabin 3 arranged and firmly connected to this.

In 2 is a modular coupling 10 shown schematically. Here are a thorn 11 and an eccentric clamping element 12th the module coupling 10 shown as an example.

The thorn 11 comprises a coupling element 13th and a shaft 14th , as well as a first electronic and / or optical connecting element K1 (please refer 3A-C ). The coupling element 13th is at a free end of the shaft 14th arranged. The shaft 14th is fixed to the autonomous drive device 2 connected by form fit and / or force fit and / or material fit (e.g. on a body or a frame of the drive device 2 screwed, welded, glued, etc.). The thorn 11 can compared to the autonomous drive device 2 cannot be shifted or twisted (non-translational and non-rotating).

The eccentric clamping element 12th includes an eccentric element 15th , an insertion opening 16 , a rotating mechanism 17th (please refer 5 ), a funnel 18th and a case 19th , and a second electronic / optical connector K2 . The eccentric element 15th is in the case 19th recorded.

The case 19th is fixed to the passenger and / or cargo cabin 3 connected by form fit and / or force fit and / or material fit (e.g. on a body or a frame of the passenger and / or cargo cabin 3 screwed, welded, glued, etc.). The case 19th can opposite the passenger and / or cargo cabin 3 cannot be shifted or twisted (non-translational and non-rotating).

The eccentric element 15th has an eccentric profile E, which is connected to the coupling element 13th can cooperate when the thorn 11 with the coupling element 13th in the eccentric element 15th is introduced.

The insertion opening 16 is on an outer surface of the eccentric element 15th and on the housing 19th educated. The insertion opening 16 on the housing 19th points in the direction of an insertion direction in which the mandrel 11 with the coupling element 13th in the eccentric element 15th through the insertion opening 16 can be introduced. The insertion opening 16 has a larger area than a largest cross-sectional area of the coupling element 13th perpendicular to the direction of insertion.

The turning mechanism 17th comprises a drive (not shown), in particular one Electric motor, and a shaft 20a or a rotating element 20b (please refer 5 ), as well as optionally a gearbox between the drive and the shaft 20a or the rotating element 20b is arranged. The drive drives the shaft 20a or the rotating element 20b at. The eccentric element 15th is concentric on the shaft 20a stored. The wave 20a is non-rotatable with the eccentric element 15th connected. The drive can thus act as the eccentric element 15th Rotate about an axis of rotation that corresponds to an axis of the shaft 20a coincides.

The funnel 18th is on the housing 19th in front of the insertion opening 16 appropriate. The funnel 18th tapers conically from the outside to the insertion opening 16 down. About the funnel 18th can the thorn 11 with the coupling element 13th easier into the insertion opening 16 and the interior of the eccentric element 15th are introduced and in addition, a translational alignment of the two modules to each other is achieved.

The contact area K2 is inside the eccentric element 15th arranged.

In the 3A-C is the module coupling 10 shown schematically in a side view. The 3A-C show schematically a coupling, the mandrel 11 of the eccentric clamping element 12th is clamped by means of an eccentric movement.

In 3A is a release position of the eccentric clamping element 12th shown. In the release position, the mandrel 11 with the coupling element 13th via the insertion opening 16 in the eccentric element 15th inserted or withdrawn from it. The eccentric profile E is here on both end faces of the eccentric element 15th arranged. The eccentric profile E has an eccentric curved path, the radius of which decreases counter to a clamping direction of rotation (here clockwise) towards the axis of rotation. The coupling element 13th includes a head at the free end of the mandrel 11 and a neck just after the head. The head faces in a direction to an axial direction of the mandrel 11 (corresponds to the insertion direction) perpendicular direction a greater extent than the neck.

As in 3B shown schematically is through the rotating mechanism 17th the eccentric element 15th rotated in the clamping direction (here counterclockwise). The eccentric profile E hooks into the eccentric element 15th introduced coupling element 13th on both sides of the head of the coupling element 13th . The coupling element 13th slides with progressive rotation of the eccentric element 15th in the clamping direction of rotation with the head along the eccentric cam path of the eccentric profile E and is in a clamping direction in the eccentric element by the eccentric profile E 15th drawn in. The thorn 11 moves in the clamping direction, here with the insertion direction and the axial direction of the mandrel 11 coincides.

In 3C is a coupling position of the eccentric clamping element 12th shown. The mandrel is in the coupling position 11 with the coupling element 13th completely into the eccentric element 15th moved inside. The head of the coupling element can be pressed against a stop (not shown). Alternatively, a stop element of the mandrel (not shown) against a stop (for example on an end face of the housing 19th ) are pressed. The thorn 11 is therefore rigid (rotatable and non-rotating) with the eccentric clamping element 12th coupled. In addition, the first electronic / optical connecting element is in the coupling position K1 , which is here on an end face of the head of the coupling element 13th is located with the second electronic / optical connector K2 electronically / optically connected, so that an electrical and a communicative connection between the autonomous drive device 2 and the passenger and / or cargo cabin 3 is established, via which electrical energy and data / information (e.g. control commands) can be exchanged.

The eccentric element is used to release the coupling 15th from the rotating mechanism 17th rotated in a release direction of rotation (here clockwise). As soon as the eccentric element 15th again the release position (see 3A) can reach the thorn 11 with the coupling element 13th through the insertion opening 16 from the inside of the eccentric element 15th are pulled out and thus the coupling, as well as the electrical and electronic connection between the autonomous drive device 2 and the passenger and / or cargo cabin 3 To get picked up.

In the 4A-C is the module coupling 10 shown schematically in a front view.

In 4A is the eccentric element 15th shown schematically with keyhole profile. The eccentric element 15th has on its outer surface as an insertion opening 16 a recess in the form of a circular area 21 on that into a substantially rectangular area 22nd transforms. Through the circular area 21 can the coupling element 13th in the eccentric element 15th to be introduced. Will the eccentric element 15th rotated in the clamping direction of rotation, the neck of the coupling element slides 13th with progressive rotation from the circular surface 21 into the rectangular area 22nd and the head of the coupling element 13th is hooked behind by the eccentric profile E on both sides.

The eccentric element 15th is on the wave 20a mounted displaceably along the axis of rotation.

In 4B is also the case 19th with an insertion opening 16 provided that has an oval face 23 having. The eccentric element 15th is in the case 19th on the wave 20a arranged displaceably in the direction of the axis of rotation. Thus, a thorn 11 which has a deviation in its alignment, nevertheless due to the oval surface 23 as an insertion opening 16 on the housing 19th and through the circular area 21 as an insertion opening 16 on the eccentric element 15th that on the wave 20a is shifted accordingly in the direction of the axis of rotation into the eccentric element 15th to be introduced. The funnel is accordingly 18th formed with a conically tapering oval surface.

In 4C a locked position is shown schematically. The eccentric element is here 15th in through the rotating mechanism 17th has been rotated from the release position (here clockwise) to the locked position. In the locked position, the outer surface of the eccentric element is covered 15th the insertion opening 16 in the housing 19th completely. This is the inside of the eccentric element 15th and the second electronic connector K2 protected from environmental influences, pollution and damage.

In 5 is a further embodiment of the module coupling 10 with the eccentric clamping element 12th shown schematically. The further embodiment corresponds to the embodiment of the module coupling shown in the previous figures 10 . Therefore, only the differences are discussed below.

The turning mechanism 17th of the eccentric clamping element 12th the module coupling 10 includes here as a rotating element 20b a snail. The outer surface of the eccentric element 15th shows here in a section one with the worm 20b meshing worm gear teeth 24 on. The eccentric element 15th is here either on the wave 20a or alternatively via rolling elements in the housing 19th rotatably and displaceably mounted along the axis of rotation (not shown). The drive (electric motor) can be attached to the housing 19th be arranged and the snail 20b drive directly. The snail 20b meshes with the worm gear teeth 24 and thus rotates the eccentric element 15th . Through the snail 20b and the worm gear toothing becomes a high gear ratio from the drive to the eccentric element 15th (Downforce) and also a self-locking achieved.

In 6th is the autonomous drive device 2 of the autonomous vehicle 1 shown schematically. The four thorns 11 are arranged in a square, with the four spines 11 on the autonomous drive device 2 (and correspondingly opposite the four eccentric clamping elements 12th on the passenger and / or cargo cabin 3 ) are arranged as far away from each other as possible (due to the design). This increases the rigidity of the rigid coupling between the autonomous drive device 2 and the passenger and / or cargo cabin 3 .

In 7th is a means of switching system 100 shown schematically. A variety of autonomous propulsion devices 2 as a first module can be with a variety of second modules 3 (Person and / or cargo cabins, work modules, care cabins and other trailer modules) via module couplings as required 10 automatically paired as described above. Several second modules can also be interconnected via module couplings 10 automatically paired as described above.

The second modules 3 are in a shunting hall 101 or parked in a similar location. The autonomous propulsion devices 2 are also in the marshalling hall when they are not currently in use 101 parked. In the marshalling hall 101 Energy storage (batteries) of the modules 2,3 can also be charged and maintenance work or repairs to the modules 2 , 3 be performed. A drive device 2 can autonomously to a given one in the shunting hall 101 parked second module 3 drive, according to the given second module 3 position and approach it so close that the mandrels 11 on the autonomous drive device 2 into the corresponding eccentric clamping elements 12 on the predetermined second module 3 are introduced that the module coupling 10 the autonomous propulsion device 2 with the given second module 3 can pair as described above. Several second modules can also be used in an analogous manner 3 one after the other to the autonomous drive device 2 be coupled.

While specific embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that there are a variety of alternatives and / or equivalent implementations. It is to be appreciated that the exemplary configurations or embodiments are only examples and are not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration in any way. Rather, the above summary and detailed description will provide those skilled in the art with sufficient instructions for implementing at least one preferred embodiment, it being understood that various changes in the function and arrangement of the elements described in an exemplary embodiment are not different from that in extend beyond the scope of the appended claims and their legal equivalents. As a rule, this application is intended to include any adaptations or variations of the to cover specific embodiments discussed here.

In the preceding detailed description, various features have been summarized in one or more examples in order to keep the disclosure concise. It is to be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative and not restrictive. It is intended to cover all alternatives, changes and equivalents that may be included within the scope of the invention. Many other examples will become apparent to one skilled in the art upon reading the above disclosure.

In order to provide a thorough understanding of the invention, specific nomenclature is used that has been used in the above disclosure. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art, in light of the specification contained therein, that the specific details are not required to practice the invention. Thus, the foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention are presented for the purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise embodiments disclosed above; Obviously, many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical applications, and thus to enable others skilled in the art to best practice the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as appropriate to their particular use apply. Throughout the specification, the terms “including” and “in which” are used as equivalents of the respective terms “comprising” and “in which” respectively. In addition, the terms “first / first / first”, “second / second / second”, “third, third, third” etc. are only used as a designation and are not intended to impose numerical or specific requirements on the objects To specify precedence. In connection with the present description and the claims, the connection “or” is to be understood as a recording (“and / or”) and not exclusive (“either ... or”).

List of reference symbols

1

autonomous vehicle

2

autonomous drive device

3

Passenger and / or cargo cabin

4th

Sensors

5

bikes

6th

bikes

10

Module coupling

11

mandrel

12th

Eccentric clamping element

13th

Coupling element

14th

shaft

15th

Eccentric element

16

Insertion opening

17th

Rotating mechanism

18th

funnel

19th

casing

20a

wave

20b

Rotary element / screw

21

Circular area

22nd

rectangular area

23

oval face

24

Worm gear teeth

100

Means of change system

101

Shunting hall

K1

first electronic / optical connector

K2

second electronic / optical connector

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

• DE 102018002229 A1 [0003]

Claims (15)

Module coupling (10) for modules, in particular for vehicle modules, which is designed to releasably couple a first module, in particular an autonomous drive device (2), and a second module (3), comprising: at least one eccentric clamping element (12) which is arranged on the first module (2) or the second module (3), and at least one mandrel (11) opposite to the eccentric clamping element (12) on the second module (3) or the first module (2) is arranged, wherein the eccentric clamping element (12) is designed to clamp the mandrel (11) in a clamping direction. Module coupling (10) according to Claim 1 , the eccentric clamping element (12) comprising: an eccentric element (15) with an eccentric profile (E) which is rotatably mounted about an axis of rotation; an insertion opening (16) in the eccentric element (15) for the mandrel (11); and a rotating mechanism (17), the mandrel (11) comprising: a coupling element (13), wherein the mandrel (11) is designed to be inserted with the coupling element (13) through the insertion opening (16) into the eccentric element (15) , wherein the rotating mechanism (17) is designed to rotate the eccentric element (15) about the axis of rotation, wherein the eccentric profile (E) is formed, the mandrel (11) introduced into the eccentric element (15) via the coupling element (13) in the Shift the clamping direction when the eccentric element (15) is rotated by the rotating mechanism (17). Module coupling (10) according to Claim 2 , the rotating mechanism (17) comprising: a shaft (20a) on which the eccentric element (15) is rotatably mounted; or a rotary element (20b) which is designed to transmit a rotation to the eccentric element (15) on an outer circumference of the eccentric element (15) in a frictional and / or form-fitting manner; and a drive which is designed to rotate the eccentric element (15) via the shaft (20a) or via the rotary element (20b), the drive being releasably or permanently connected to the shaft (20a) or the rotary element (20b). Module coupling (10) according to Claim 3 , the rotary mechanism (17) further comprising a gear, in particular a self-locking gear, which is arranged between the drive and the shaft (20a) or the rotary element (20b). Module coupling (10) according to Claim 4 , wherein the gearbox comprises a worm and a corresponding worm wheel which are in mesh with one another. Module coupling (10) according to Claim 3 or 4th wherein the rotary element is a worm (20b) and wherein the eccentric element (15) has a corresponding worm wheel profile (24) on its outer circumferential surface, which is in engagement with the worm (20b). Module coupling (10) according to one of the Claims 3 to 6th , wherein the drive is an electric drive, in particular an electric motor. Module coupling (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the eccentric clamping element (12) can be operated manually. Module coupling (10) according to one of the Claims 2 to 8th , wherein the eccentric element (15) is slidably mounted along the axis of rotation and preferably slidably on the shaft (20a). Module coupling (10) according to one of the Claims 2 to 9 , the eccentric clamping element (12) further comprising: a funnel (18) which tapers from the outside towards the insertion opening (16). Module coupling (10) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising at least two eccentric clamping elements (12) and at least two mandrels (11), the at least two eccentric clamping elements (12) as far apart as possible on the first module (2) or on the second module (3) are arranged. Module coupling (10) according to one of the Claims 2 to 11 wherein the eccentric element (15) is designed to be rotated into a locked position so that the mandrel (11) cannot be inserted into the eccentric element (15) through the insertion opening (16). Module coupling (10) according to one of the preceding claims, the eccentric element (15) as a first connecting element (K1) comprising at least one first electrical and / or electronic contact surface or an electrical and / or electronic and / or optical connector or an electrical and / or electronic and / or optical socket and the mandrel (11), in particular the coupling element (13), as a second connecting element (K2) comprising at least one second electrical and / or electronic contact surface or an electrical and / or electronic and / or optical socket or an electrical and / or electronic and / or optical connector, wherein the first connecting element (K1) and the second connecting element (K2) are designed to connect the first module (2) to the second module (3) electrically and / or communicatively. Vehicle, in particular an autonomous vehicle (1), comprising a drive device (2) as a first module, at least one second module (3) and at least one module coupling (10) according to one of the preceding claims. Means of transport change system (100), comprising a large number of autonomous drive devices (2) as first modules and a large number of different second modules (3), the different second modules (3) optionally with the first modules (2) and optionally also with each other by means of module couplings (10) according to one of the Claims 1 to 13th can be coupled.

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