Loading and unloading systems and methods

Patent metadata

Field	Value
Publication number	US-11254254-B2
Application number	US-202016912693-A
Country	US
Kind code	B2
Filing date	Jun 25, 2020
Priority date	Jun 25, 2020
Publication date	Feb 22, 2022
Grant date	Feb 22, 2022

Abstract

Methods and systems are provided for loading and unloading an item onto a vehicle. In one embodiment, a system includes: a loading system configured to receive a locker configured to store the item; a shuttle transfer system configured to transfer the locker to a storage position within the vehicle; and a swing arm system that couples to the loading system and the shuttle transfer system, the swing arm system configured to adjust a position of the loading system relative to the vehicle.

First claim

What is claimed is:

1. A system for loading and unloading an item onto a vehicle, comprising:
a loading system configured to receive a locker configured to store the item, wherein the loading system comprises at least two rails configured to receive wheels or castors of the locker, a locking system disposed between the at least two rails, and at least two ramps, wherein each of the at least two rails is coupled to a ramp of the at least two ramps, wherein the loading system comprises a frame coupled to the at least two rails, wherein the frame includes a first side that couples to a first rail of the at least two rails, a second side that couples to a second rail of the at least two rails, and a top side that couples to the first side and the second side;
a shuttle transfer system configured to transfer the locker to a storage position within the vehicle; and
a swing arm system that couples to the loading system and the shuttle transfer system, the swing arm system configured to adjust a position of the loading system relative to the vehicle.

2. The system of claim 1 , wherein the at least two ramps are configured to pivot between a first position and a second position.

3. The system of claim 1 , wherein the swing arm system comprises a plurality of mechanical links configured to swing.

4. The system of claim 1 , wherein swing movement of the swing arm system is at least one of electrically controlled, hydraulically controlled, and mechanically controlled.

5. The system of claim 4 , wherein the swing movement is electrically controlled based on an electric motor and regenerative braking.

6. The system of claim 1 , wherein the shuttle transfer system comprises at least two rails configured to receive wheels or castors of the locker.

7. The system of claim 6 , wherein the shuttle transfer system comprises a shuttle mechanism that is at least one of chain driven, belt driven, and screw driven.

8. The system of claim 7 , wherein the shuttle mechanism is disposed between the at least two rails.

9. A system for loading and unloading an item onto a vehicle, comprising:
a loading system configured to receive a locker configured to store the item, wherein the loading system comprises at least two rails configured to receive wheels or castors of the locker, a locking system disposed between the at least two rails, and at least two ramps, wherein each of the at least two rails is coupled to a ramp of the at least two ramps;
a shuttle transfer system configured to transfer the locker to a storage position within the vehicle; and
a swing arm system that couples to the loading system and the shuttle transfer system, the swing arm system configured to adjust a position of the loading system relative to the vehicle, wherein the locking system is configured to lock the locker onto the loading system during movement of the loading system;
wherein the locking system comprises a plurality of pedals configured to pivot about pivot points and engage with a locking block of the locker; and
wherein the shuttle transfer system comprises an unlocking block configured to engage with a pedal of the plurality of pedals to release the locking block from the locking system to unlock the locker from the locking system.

10. The system of claim 9 , wherein the plurality of pedals are at least one of mechanically controlled and electrically controlled.

11. The system of claim 9 , wherein the shuttle transfer system comprises shuttle transfer blocks configured to engage with a transfer block of the locker to enable lateral movement of the locker.

12. The system of claim 11 , wherein the shuttle transfer system comprises a plurality of shuttle transfer blocks spaced apart along a shuttle mechanism.

13. The system of claim 11 , wherein the shuttle transfer system comprises a profile retention flange guide configured to constrain cross-car movement and vertical movement of the locker.

14. A vehicle, comprising:
a first system comprising:
a loading system configured to receive a locker configured to store an item, wherein the loading system comprises at least two rails configured to receive wheels or castors of the locker, a locking system disposed between the at least two rails, and at least two ramps, wherein each of the at least two rails is coupled to a ramp of the at least two ramps, wherein the loading system comprises a frame coupled to the at least two rails, wherein the frame includes a first side that couples to a first rail of the at least two rails, a second side that couples to a second rail of the at least two rails, and a top side that couples to the first side and the second side;
a shuttle transfer system configured to transfer the locker to a storage position within the vehicle; and
a swing arm system that couples to the loading system and the shuttle transfer system, the swing arm system configured to adjust a position of the loading system relative to the vehicle.

15. The vehicle of claim 14 , wherein the first system is configured entirely within the vehicle.

Assignees

• Gm Global Tech Operations Llc

Inventors

• Cochrane David C
• Sotir Radu D
• Chau Jarvis
• Langille Steven
• Kalhous Amanda
• Patel Shiv G
• Wuorinen Alec M

Classifications

• B65G2201/0235

  Containers · CPC title

• B65G67/24

  Unloading land vehicles · CPC title

• B65G67/04

  Loading land vehicles {(loading or unloading boats to or from land vehicles B60P3/10)} · CPC title

• B65G2203/042

  Sensors · CPC title

• B65G47/24

  orientating the articles · CPC title