Multi-functional transport system having a plurality of mobile transport units

US8701802B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur förderung der angewandten Forschung e.V. · DE

Inventors

• Werner Schonewolf · Falkensee, DE
• Matthias Bruning · Berlin, DE
• Eckart Uhlmann

Key dates

• Filing date: Jan 9, 2012
• Grant date: Apr 22, 2014
• Expiry date: May 30, 2032

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B62D59/04
• WIPO field: Transport
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A multi-functional transport system is disclosed having a plurality of mobile transport units, which each have a coupling device in a front and a rear region. In this manner the transport units can be coupled to each other and/or to a lead vehicle. In one configuration, the individual transport units equipped with drives follow the lead vehicle defining the path in a directionally stable manner by an independent path control system. The transport units themselves can also be removed or decoupled from the transport system as independent units. At least one handle, in addition to the couplings, can be used by an operator when in the decoupled state, so that the mailings to be transported can remain on the transport unit until delivery without manual transferring or transporting. This manual guiding of the individual transport unit takes place in a virtually force-free manner.