JP2011031814A - Vehicle positioning apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a structure allowing work to be conducted more quickly and energy consumption to be reduced further, when parts are attached/detached to/from a vehicle. <P>SOLUTION: It is configured such that wheels 4 rolling while being supported to be movable in a vehicle width direction by front and rear rollers 9A and 9B as wheel support parts 9 are caused to abut on vertical rollers 10A to 10C as guide parts 10, and the wheels 4 are thus directed to a target position TP. Further, at least vehicle width direction position variable mechanisms 12 and 13 are provided for changing the positions of the vertical rollers 10A to 10C as the guide parts 10 in the vehicle width direction, so that a vehicle with a different tread can be accommodated. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a vehicle positioning device.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a structure is known in which when a battery of an electric vehicle is replaced, a position of a battery storage unit of the electric vehicle is detected, and a device for attaching / detaching the battery is moved based on the detection result (Patent Document 1). ).

Japanese Patent No. 3530870

  However, in the above prior art, since the device for attaching / detaching the battery is moved in accordance with the stop position of the vehicle, depending on the stop position, the moving distance of the device for attaching / detaching the battery becomes large, and the work takes time. There has been a problem that energy consumption when moving the battery becomes large.

  Therefore, an object of the present invention is to obtain a structure that can perform work more quickly and reduce energy consumption when parts are attached to and detached from a vehicle.

  In the vehicle positioning device according to the present invention, the wheel that rolls while being supported by the wheel support portion so as to be movable in the vehicle width direction is brought into contact with the guide portion so that the wheel faces the target position. The main feature is that the vehicle width direction position variable mechanism that changes at least the position of the guide portion in the vehicle width direction is provided.

  According to the present invention, the rolling wheels can be guided to move toward the target position, so that the attaching / detaching operation of the parts can be further accelerated and the consumption of energy can be further reduced as compared with the conventional technique. Can be reduced. In addition, since the position of the guide portion that guides the wheels toward the target position is configured to be movable in the vehicle width direction, it is possible to deal with vehicles having different treads.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a part of a vehicle positioning device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a side view of the vehicle positioning device according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a plan view of the vehicle positioning device according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a side view showing a positioning section and a positioned vehicle of the vehicle positioning device according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a plan view showing a positioning section of the vehicle positioning device according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a front view (partially cross-sectional view) showing an example of an initial state in which the wheel contacts the wheel positioning mechanism included in the vehicle positioning device according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a perspective view (partially sectional view) showing an example of an initial state in which the wheel contacts the wheel positioning mechanism included in the vehicle positioning device according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a front view showing a state in which the wheels are positioned in the vehicle width direction by the wheel positioning mechanism included in the vehicle positioning device according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing a state in which the wheels are positioned in the vehicle width direction by the wheel positioning mechanism included in the vehicle positioning device according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a side view showing an example of wheel movement guided by a wheel positioning mechanism included in the vehicle positioning device according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 is a plan view showing an example of wheel movement guided by a wheel positioning mechanism included in the vehicle positioning device according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing the operation of the vehicle width direction position varying mechanism included in the vehicle positioning device according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 13 is a control block diagram of a vehicle width direction position varying mechanism included in the vehicle positioning device according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In each figure, the upper part of the vehicle is indicated as UP, the front of the vehicle is indicated as FR, and the vehicle width direction is indicated as WD.

  The vehicle 1 is an electric vehicle (fuel cell vehicle) on which an electric motor (not shown) for driving wheels and a battery assembly (not shown) integrally including a plurality of batteries for supplying electric power to the electric motor are mounted. The vehicle positioning device 2 is used when, for example, a battery assembly (not shown) mounted on, for example, under the floor of the vehicle 1 is attached / detached from below, for example. That is, by using the vehicle positioning device 2 to place the vehicle 1 at the target position (the position of the vehicle 1 shown in FIGS. 1, 4, etc.), the battery assembly can be removed from or attached to the vehicle 1 (vehicle body). It becomes possible to carry out more smoothly and reliably. In addition, this invention is not limited to the attachment / detachment use of a battery assembly, You may comprise as what is utilized for attachment / detachment of vehicle components other than a battery assembly.

  The vehicle positioning device 2 according to the present embodiment guides the vehicle 1 traveling at a relatively low speed mainly in the vehicle width direction to reach the target position. For the purpose of positioning, the vehicle 1 is directed toward the target position. No drive mechanism for actively moving 1 is provided. Therefore, the vehicle positioning device 2 according to the present embodiment can be configured as a device that is relatively small and lightweight and that consumes relatively little energy.

  The vehicle positioning device 2 includes a wheel positioning mechanism 3R (3) for a rear wheel and a wheel positioning mechanism 3F (3) for a front wheel. In this vehicle positioning device 2, the driver moves the vehicle 1 forward or backward (advances in the present embodiment) at a relatively low speed while putting the wheels 4 on a predetermined track P, thereby rolling the rear wheels 4 </ b> R (4). Is positioned in the vehicle width direction by the wheel positioning mechanism 3R for the rear wheels, and the rolling front wheel 4F (4) is positioned in the vehicle width direction by the wheel positioning mechanism 3F for the front wheels. Further, the vehicle positioning device 2 is provided with a wheel intrusion portion 5 for indenting the wheel 4 (rear wheel 4R in the present embodiment), and the driver advances the vehicle 1 to move the wheel 4 to the wheel indentation portion 5. The vehicle 1 is positioned in the front-rear direction by intruding into the position and stopping the vehicle 1 at that position. That is, in the present embodiment, the wheel intrusion portion 5 corresponds to a vehicle front-rear direction positioning portion.

  In this embodiment, the track P is composed of a pair of track members 6 and 6 that have at least an upper surface 6a wider than the wheels 4 (tires) and extend linearly in parallel with each other. The distance between the pair of track members 6 and 6 and the guide rail 7 can be variably set according to the tread of the vehicle 1. The battery assembly is removed and attached from the space Sp between the pair of track members 6 and 6.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 2, the track P is preferably formed flat at least in the positioning section S <b> 2 where the vehicle 1 is positioned. In the present embodiment, the track P is an uphill in the introduction section S1 on the front side of the positioning section S2, and is a downhill in the derivation section S3 on the front side of the positioning section S2, but these introduction sections S1 and the derivation sections Both S3 may be formed flat. If the introduction section S1 is an uphill, there is an advantage that the vehicle 1 can be easily decelerated. Further, as shown in FIG. 1, a guide rail 7 extends along the traveling direction of the vehicle 1 at the outer edge in the vehicle width direction of the track P, and the wheel 4 is prevented from being detached from the track P. ing.

  As shown in FIGS. 1, 4, 5, etc., the wheel intrusion portion 5 is, for example, on the upper surface 6 a of the track P in a direction (vehicle width direction) orthogonal to the extending direction of the track P (vehicle longitudinal direction). It can be configured by providing a pair of parallel beams 8 and 8, and functions as a so-called wheel stopper for suppressing the wheel 4 from moving forward and backward from the indented position. Of course, when the predetermined work is completed, the wheel 4 can escape forward or backward from the wheel intrusion portion 5 by the driver performing an operation of moving the vehicle 1 forward or backward. Specifically, the beam 8 can be configured such that an angle member having an L-shaped cross section is arranged on the upper surface 6a of the track P with the corner portion 8a facing upward. In this embodiment, the beam 8 is installed between the two track members 6, 6. However, the beam 8 is not essential, and at least a portion corresponding to the wheel 4 (in this embodiment, the track member). 6)). Moreover, the wheel intrusion part 5 can also be formed as a recessed part in which the upper surface 6a of the track P is recessed.

  In the vehicle positioning device 2 configured as described above, when the vehicle 1 passes through the introduction section S1 and enters the positioning section S2, first, the front wheels 4F pass through the wheel positioning mechanism 3R for the rear wheels. At this time, the front wheel 4F is positioned to some extent in the vehicle width direction by the wheel positioning mechanism 3R for the rear wheel.

  In this embodiment, by appropriately setting the arrangement of the two front and rear wheel positioning mechanisms 3F and 3R, the positioning of the rear wheel 4R by the rear wheel positioning mechanism 3R is completed, and then the front wheel positioning is performed. Positioning of the front wheel 4F by the mechanism 3F is completed, and the vehicle 1 is also positioned in the front-rear direction when the rear wheel 4R enters the wheel intrusion portion 5 and the vehicle 1 stops. As a result, the vehicle 1 is positioned in both the vehicle width direction and the front-rear direction. Specifically, in a state where the rear wheel 4R has come out from the wheel positioning mechanism 3R for the rear wheel and is riding on the beam 8 on the near side of the wheel intrusion portion 5, the front wheel 4F is still formed by the wheel positioning mechanism 3F for the front wheel. After the positioning of the front wheel 4F is completed or almost at the same time, the rear wheel 4R enters the wheel intrusion portion 5 and the vehicle 1 stops. Yes.

  In the vehicle 1, generally, in the case of two-wheel steering, the front wheel 4F is a steering wheel and the rear wheel 4R is a non-steering wheel, and in the case of four-wheel steering, the turning angle range of the rear wheel 4R. The steered angle range of the front wheel 4F is set larger. Therefore, there is a high probability that the front wheel 4F will be cut off larger than the rear wheel 4R (a state where the front wheel 4 is steered more greatly from the straight running posture), and positioning accuracy may decrease if positioning is performed with the front wheel 4F as a reference. There is. Therefore, in the present embodiment, first, the rear wheels 4R (non-steering wheels or wheels with a small turning angle) are positioned, and thereafter (simultaneously or after) the front wheels 4F (steering wheels or wheels with a large turning angle) are positioned. By positioning, a decrease in positioning accuracy of the vehicle 1 in the vehicle width direction is suppressed.

  Further, after the positioning of the vehicle 1 is completed, all the wheels 4 are separated from at least the wheel support portion 9 of the positioning mechanism 3 in the vehicle width direction, and the friction between the wheels 4 and the upper surface 6a of the track P causes the vehicle width direction. Is maintained in the state of being positioned.

  As shown in FIGS. 4 to 11, the wheel positioning mechanism 3 includes a wheel support portion 9 that supports the rolling wheel 4 so as to be movable in the vehicle width direction, and a wheel that rolls while being supported by the wheel support portion 9. 4 and a guide portion 10 that contacts the side surface of 4 and directs the wheel 4 to a target position TP (see FIGS. 10 and 11). That is, the wheel 4 is lifted from the upper surface 6a of the track P by the wheel support portion 9 and supported so as to be movable in the vehicle width direction, whereby the wheel 4 and thus the vehicle 1 (at least the front portion or the rear portion of the vehicle 1) is moved in the vehicle width direction. The wheel 4 is in a state of being easily moved, and the side surface of the wheel 4 is brought into contact with the guide portion 10 so that the wheel 4 rolls toward the target position TP along the guide portion 10. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 11, the target position TP in the vehicle width direction of the wheel 4 is in contact with the outer side surface of the wheel 4 on the innermost side surface in the vehicle width direction of the rollers 10 </ b> A and 10 </ b> B as the guide portion 10. It is defined as the position of the wheel 4 in the state.

  In addition, in this embodiment, although the wheel positioning mechanism 3 is provided corresponding to all the four wheels 4, you may provide only about either one of the front wheel 4F and the rear wheel 4R. However, in that case, it is preferable to provide it corresponding to a non-steered wheel or a wheel having a small steering angle. Further, any one of the left and right wheels 4 may be provided. Moreover, in this embodiment, although all the guide parts 10 are provided in the vehicle width direction outer side of the wheel 4 corresponding, you may provide in the vehicle width direction inner side of the wheel 4. FIG.

  In the present embodiment, the wheel support portion 9 is provided as cylindrical front and rear rollers 9 </ b> A and 9 </ b> B that rotate about a rotation axis along the traveling direction (vehicle front-rear direction) of the vehicle 1. As shown in FIGS. 6 and 8 and the like, the upper portions of the front and rear rollers 9A and 9B protrude upward from the upper surface 6a of the track P. When the wheel 4 rides on the front and rear rollers 9A and 9B, the wheel 4 moves on the track P. It is separated from the upper surface 6a. Further, the front and rear rollers 9A and 9B are configured not to move in the rotation axis direction (the front-rear direction, particularly the direction opposite to the traveling direction) by providing a thrust bearing or the like. That is, since the front and rear rollers 9A and 9B receive the rolling reaction force of the wheels 4, the wheels 4 can roll in the traveling direction (forward or backward) while riding on the front and rear rollers 9A and 9B. Note that a plurality of front and rear rollers 9A and 9B may be provided side by side.

  In this embodiment, the guide portion 10 is provided as an upright vertical roller 10A to 10C that protrudes above the upper surface 6a of the track P and rotates around a rotation axis that is substantially along the vertical direction. As shown in FIGS. 6 to 11 and the like, each of the vertical rollers 10A to 10C is formed with a lower cylindrical portion 10a and a tapered portion 10b that becomes thinner on the upper side of the cylindrical portion 10a. ing. In this embodiment, the guide part 10 is provided in the vehicle width direction outer side of each wheel 4, and when the vehicle 1 is shifted to one side in the vehicle width direction with respect to the target position TP, the one side The wheels 4 come into contact with the vertical rollers 10A to 10C of the guide portion 10, and the wheels 4 do not come into contact with the vertical rollers 10A to 10C of the other guide portion 10.

  Both the front wheel 4F and the rear wheel 4R are similarly positioned in the vehicle width direction. Here, the positioning in the vehicle width direction of the rear wheel 4R in the vehicle 1 shifted to one side in the vehicle width direction (the port side in the present embodiment) will be exemplified with reference to FIGS.

  First, the rear wheel 4 </ b> R rides on the front and rear rollers 9 </ b> B of the wheel support portion 9 before coming into contact with the guide portion 10. As a result, the rear wheel 4R is supported by the front and rear rollers 9B and can move relatively easily in the vehicle width direction.

  In this state, the rear wheel 4R rolls forward and the rear wheel 4R on one side in the vehicle width direction (that is, the side shifted in the vehicle width direction, the port side) contacting the guide portion 10 is shown in FIGS. As shown in FIG. 1, first, the taper portion 10b of the longitudinal roller 10C on one side in the vehicle width direction is brought into contact with the portion on the front side in the traveling direction (that is, the rear side in the case of forward movement) with respect to the rotation shaft, and the taper portion 10b is inclined. It moves toward the other side in the vehicle width direction while falling along the side surface or almost horizontally. The rear wheel 4 </ b> R rides on the tapered portion 10 b when the amount of deviation is large, but when the amount of deviation is not so large, the rear wheel 4 </ b> R moves obliquely forward while staying almost horizontal without riding on the tapered portion 10 b.

  At this time, in this embodiment, both the rear wheel 4R on the other side in the vehicle width direction and the rear wheel 4R on the one side in the vehicle width direction that contacts the vertical roller 10C ride on the corresponding front and rear rollers 9A and 9B. With the rotation of the rollers 9A and 9B, the vehicle 1 is in a state where it is relatively easy to move in the vehicle width direction. Further, in the present embodiment, since the guide portion 10 is configured as the vertical roller 10C, the rear wheel 4R on one side in the vehicle width direction is inclined forward (in the vehicle width direction inner side and in the present embodiment) along with the rotation of the vertical roller 10C. It is in a state where it is relatively easy to move forward). That is, according to such a configuration, the roller 4 </ b> R on one side in the vehicle width direction rolls along the tapered portion 10 b of the vertical roller 10 </ b> C and relatively smoothly toward the other side in the vehicle width direction (inner side in the vehicle width direction). The rear wheel 4R on the other side in the vehicle width direction also rides on the front and rear rollers 9B and moves relatively smoothly toward the other side in the vehicle width direction (outside in the vehicle width direction).

  When the rear wheel 4R on one side in the vehicle width direction moves in the vehicle width direction toward the target position TP, the lowermost side surface of the rear wheel 4R on the one side in the vehicle width direction comes into contact with the cylindrical portion 10a. At the same time, the lowermost side surface of the rear wheel 4R on the other side in the vehicle width direction is also in contact with the corresponding cylindrical portion 10a of the vertical roller 10C. Thus, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, a state in which the rear wheel 4R is positioned in the vehicle width direction is obtained.

  The front wheel 4F is positioned in substantially the same manner as the rear wheel 4R. However, in this embodiment, the wheel positioning mechanism 3F for the front wheel 4F has a plurality of guide portions 10 arranged in the front-rear direction (two in this embodiment). Vertical rollers 10A, 10B. As described above, by arranging a plurality of the vertical roller rollers 10A and 10B in the front-rear direction, it becomes easier to correct a larger shift of the wheel 4, and the length of the section in which the wheel 4 is guided by the guide unit 10 can be increased. become able to. Prolonging the guide section in the front-rear direction is advantageous in that it makes it easier to adjust the timing for positioning the other wheels 4 (the rear wheel 4R in the present embodiment), and it makes it easier to handle vehicles with different wheel bases. . Further, in the present embodiment, the number of the vertical rollers 10A and 10B of the wheel positioning mechanism 3F corresponding to the front wheel 4F as the steered wheel or the wheel 4 having a large steering angle among the front wheels 4F and the rear wheels 4R is determined as non-steered wheels or More than the number of vertical rollers 10C of the wheel positioning mechanism 3R corresponding to the rear wheel 4R as the wheel 4 with a small steering angle, they are arranged along the front and rear. The steered wheel and the wheel 4 with a large steering angle have such a configuration because the wheel 4 is more likely to be cut (easily rotated from the straight traveling state) and the deviation is larger than the non-steered wheel and the wheel 4 with a small steering angle. It is advantageous.

  In the present embodiment, a guide bar 11 extending in the front-rear direction is provided adjacent to the front side of the front vertical roller 10A among the vertical rollers 10A and 10B corresponding to the front wheel 4F. The position of the inner end (bus line) of the guide bar 11 in the vehicle width direction is aligned with the position of the inner end (bus line) of the cylindrical portion 10a of the vertical roller 10A in the vehicle width direction. That is, the front wheel 4F positioned by the vertical roller 10A is separated from the vertical roller 10A, and then rolls forward along the guide bar 11, so that the state positioned in the vehicle width direction is maintained. ing. Further, the guide bar 11 can provide an effect of straightly regulating the posture of the front wheel 4F as the steered wheel or the wheel 4 having a large steering angle.

  In the present embodiment, the wheel positioning mechanisms 3F, 3R, the guide rail 7, the guide bar 11, and the like are all attached to the track member 6, but the configuration is not limited thereto.

  And in this embodiment, the vehicle width direction position variable mechanisms 12 and 13 which change the position of the guide part 10 in the vehicle width direction are provided, so that the vehicle positioning device 2 can be shared for the vehicles 1 having different treads. is there.

  As shown in FIGS. 4, 5, and 12, the first vehicle width direction position varying mechanism 12 includes a movable base 12 a that supports the vertical rollers 10 </ b> A and 10 </ b> B and the guide bar 11, and a movable base 12 a that extends in the vehicle width direction. A rail 12b that is movably supported, and an actuator 12c such as an air cylinder that moves the movable base 12a along the rail 12b. The position of the movable base 12a is moved in the vehicle width direction along the rail 12b by the actuator 12c, and the vertical rollers 10A and 10B and the guide bar 11 are moved to appropriate positions corresponding to the tread of the vehicle 1. Yes.

  Further, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 12, the second vehicle width direction position varying mechanism 13 includes a rail 13a that supports at least one of the track members 6 so as to be movable in the vehicle width direction, and the track member 6 as a rail. And an actuator 13b such as an air cylinder that moves along 13a. By moving the position of the track member 6 in the vehicle width direction along the rail 13a by the actuator 13b, the track member 6 and the structure provided on the track member 6 (wheel positioning mechanisms 3F and 3R, the guide rail 7, etc.) The vehicle 1 is moved to an appropriate position in the vehicle width direction corresponding to the tread of the vehicle 1.

  The operations of the actuators 12c and 13b are controlled by a control device 14 as shown in FIG. The control device 14 calculates the operation amount of the actuators 12c and 13b based on the input unit 14a (for example, a keyboard, a touch panel, an operation button, a dial, a microphone, and the like) for inputting data and the data input by the input unit 14a. And a controller 14b for controlling the actuators 12c and 13b. The control part 14b is comprised as a computer which has a calculating part, a calculation control part, memory (ROM, RAM, etc.), etc., and operate | moves so that various functions may be implement | achieved according to a predetermined program. In addition, the control device 14 stores an output unit 14c (for example, a display, a lamp, an LED, a speaker, a buzzer, etc.) that outputs an output that prompts an input at the input unit 14a or an input data, and various data. Storage unit 14d (for example, a hard disk).

  As shown in FIG. 3, a part of the control device 14 including the input unit 14a, the output unit 14c, and the like is operated by the occupant of the vehicle 1 in front of the positioning section S2 (for example, the introduction section S1 or in front of it). It can be configured as an operation panel 15 for inputting tread numerical values and the like. If there is an operator, this operator panel 15 may be operated by the operator. When the data indicating the vehicle type is input, the control unit 14b acquires the data corresponding to the vehicle type from the storage unit 14d, for example, and operates the actuators 12c and 13b so as to correspond to the tread of the target vehicle 1. Can be controlled.

  In addition, as shown in FIG. 13, a sensor 14e (for example, a non-contact distance sensor using infrared light, laser light, or the like) that measures the distance between the left and right wheels is provided, and the control unit 14b displays the measurement result by the sensor 14e. Based on this, the operations of the actuators 12c and 13b may be controlled so as to correspond to the tread of the target vehicle 1.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 13, an image of the vehicle 1 (for example, an image from the front, back, or lower side) is acquired by the camera 14f, and the control unit 14b is controlled based on the image data acquired by the camera 14f. The distance between the wheels 4 (for example, the distance between the lateral sides on the outer side in the vehicle width direction) is determined, and the operation of the actuators 12c and 13b is controlled to correspond to the tread of the target vehicle 1 based on the determination result. Can do. Moreover, you may make it control operation | movement of actuator 12c, 13b by combining the several means mentioned above.

  Then, the variable setting of the position in the vehicle width direction of the guide portion 10 by the vehicle width direction position variable mechanisms 12 and 13 using the control device 14 or the like as described above is performed before the wheel 4 reaches the wheel positioning mechanism 3. Is called. In order to perform this more reliably, a movable stopper 18 that prevents the wheel 4 or the vehicle 1 from proceeding (forward or backward) by protruding from the upper surface 6a of the track P or the like is provided (see FIG. 13). The movable stopper 18 may be retracted after the variable setting of the position of the guide portion 10 in the vehicle width direction by 12 and 13 is completed, and the vehicle 1 may be allowed to enter the introduction section S1 or the positioning section S2. . The operation of the movable stopper 18 can be controlled by the control unit 14b as shown in FIG.

  As described above, in this embodiment, the wheel 4 that rolls while being supported by the wheel support portion 9 so as to be movable in the vehicle width direction is brought into contact with the guide portion 10, and the wheel 4 is brought to the target position TP. The vehicle width direction position variable mechanisms 12 and 13 that change at least the position of the guide portion 10 in the vehicle width direction are provided.

  That is, the device for attaching and detaching the component as compared with the conventional case where the device for attaching and detaching the component is moved according to the position of the vehicle stopped by guiding the rolling wheel 4 toward the target position TP. In addition to making the moving distance smaller, it is possible to speed up the work of attaching and detaching the components, and it is possible to reduce energy consumption. Further, since the vehicle width direction position variable mechanisms 12 and 13 are provided so that the position of the guide portion 10 that guides the wheels 4 toward the target position TP can be moved in the vehicle width direction, the vehicle 1 with different treads is also supported. As compared with the case where the vehicle positioning device 2 is provided for each tread, the installation space can be narrowed, and the installation effort and the installation cost can be reduced.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the vehicle width direction position varying mechanisms 12 and 13 change the position of the guide portion 10 in the vehicle width direction before the wheels 4 contact the guide portion 10. Therefore, positioning of the wheel 4 in the vehicle width direction by the wheel positioning mechanism 3 and consequently positioning of the vehicle 1 in the vehicle width direction can be performed more reliably and smoothly.

  The preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above. However, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various modifications can be made. The wheel support portion only needs to support the wheels and be movable in the vehicle width direction, and is not necessarily configured as a roller, for example, a belt conveyor that is movable in the vehicle width direction. Moreover, the guide part should just be a thing which contact | abuts to a wheel and moves and guides the said wheel toward a target position, for example, it is not essential to comprise as a roller, such as making it a fixing member which has a side wall surface. In addition, when the guide portion is configured as a roller, the shape of the roller is changed as appropriate, such as a cylindrical shape as a whole, a rotating body having a curved side surface, or a rotating shaft inclined. May be. As the actuator, for example, a mechanism other than an air cylinder such as a combination of a motor and a gear or a hydraulic cylinder can be employed. The movable stopper can be embodied in various forms such as a shutter and a door.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Vehicle 2 Vehicle positioning device 3, 3F, 3R Wheel positioning mechanism 4 Wheel 4F Front wheel 4R Rear wheel 9 Wheel support part 10 Guide part 12, 13 Vehicle width direction position variable mechanism TP Target position

Claims (2)

A wheel positioning mechanism comprising: a wheel support portion that supports a wheel so as to be movable in the vehicle width direction; and a guide portion that contacts the wheel that rolls while being supported by the wheel support portion and directs the wheel toward a target position. When,
A vehicle width direction position varying mechanism that changes at least the position of the guide portion in the vehicle width direction;
A vehicle positioning device comprising:   2. The vehicle positioning device according to claim 1, wherein the vehicle width direction position varying mechanism changes a position of the guide portion in the vehicle width direction before a wheel contacts the guide portion.

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