FRAME FOR AN UNMANNED GROUND VEHICLE OR UGV

• US 20160311480A1
• Filed: 06/30/2014
• Published: 10/27/2016
• Est. Priority Date: 07/01/2013
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: OTO Melara SPA (Leonardo S.p.A.)
• Original Assignee: OTO Melara SPA (Leonardo S.p.A.)
• Inventors: GIOVANNINI, Andrea, SCARPELLINI, Claudio, FRANCESCHI, Giuliano
• Granted Patent: US 9,914,496 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 1/1
• CPC Class Codes: B62D 21/14 of adjustable length or width
• CPC Class Codes: B62D 21/18 characterised by the vehicle type and not provided for in groups B62D21/02 - B62D21/17
• CPC Class Codes: B62D 55/06 with tracks without ground wheels
• CPC Class Codes: B62D 55/084 Endless-track units or carriages mounted separably, adjustably or extensibly on vehicles, e.g. portable track units B62D55/07 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: B62D 55/10 Bogies; Frames track-tensioning means B62D55/30
• CPC Class Codes: B62D 55/28 detachable
• CPC Class Codes: B62D 55/32 Assembly, disassembly, repair or servicing of endless-track systems
• CPC Class Codes: F41H 7/005 Unmanned ground vehicles, i.e. robotic, remote controlled or autonomous, mobile platforms carrying equipment for performing a military or police role, e.g. weapon systems or reconnaissance sensors F41H11/16 takes precedence

Abstract

A frame includes a pair of self-propelled lateral modules, which extend in a longitudinal direction and can be mutually removably coupled in a transverse direction. The modules are adapted to contribute to create, when assembled, a support structure for a central module, which can be removably coupled to the frame and is provided with a control system, which is configured to control movements and actuation of the self-propelled lateral modules. Each one of the self-propelled lateral modules includes a pair of bearing portions, and a connection portion, which mutually constrain the bearing portions and permit relative movement thereof between an extended configuration, in which the bearing portions define a greater longitudinal extension of the self-propelled lateral module, and a compact configuration, in which the bearing portions define a smaller longitudinal extension of the self-propelled lateral module.

Claims

1. A frame for an unmanned ground vehicle, said frame comprising a pair of self-propelled lateral modules, which extend in a longitudinal direction and are mutually removably coupled in a transverse direction;

said self-propelled lateral modules being assembled to form a support structure for a central module, which is removably coupled to said frame and is provided with a control system, which is configured to control movements and actuation of said self-propelled lateral modules;

at least one of said self-propelled lateral modules comprising;

a pair of bearing portions; and

a connection portion, which mutually constrains said bearing portions and permits relative movement thereof between;

an extended configuration, in which said bearing portions define a greater longitudinal extension of said self-propelled lateral module, and

a compact configuration, in which said bearing portions define a smaller longitudinal extension of said self-propelled lateral module.

2. A frame according to claim 1, wherein said connection portion comprises an articulated joint, which connects said bearing portions and permits mutual rotation between said extended configuration and said compact configuration.

3. A frame according to claim 2, wherein said articulated joint is a hinge;

said extended configuration and said compact configuration corresponding, to a substantially spread configuration and to a substantially folded configuration of the bearing portions respectively.

4. A frame according to claim 3, wherein said hinge defines a hinging axis between said bearing portions oriented in a substantially orthogonal direction relative to said support structure;

said hinging axis being arranged in a transversely inner position of said lateral module.

5. A frame according to claim 3, wherein said hinge defines a hinging axis between said bearing portions, oriented in a substantially parallel direction relative to said support structure.

6. A frame according to claim 1, wherein said connection portion comprises a telescopic mechanism transitioning between the extended configuration and the compact configuration through sliding movement of the bearing portions along two parallel axes.

7. A frame according to claim 1, wherein at least one bearing portion comprises a mounting for removably receiving traction members transferring a driving force on the ground.

8. A frame according to claim 7, wherein said mounting is situated in a transversely outer position relative to said bearing portion, when said lateral modules are mutually assembled.

9. A frame according to claim 7, wherein said mounting comprises

at least one roller, to be removably coupled to a track;

(20) in a removable manner, or

at least one hub or shaft, to be removably coupled to a wheel.

10. A frame according to claim 7, further comprising a motor apparatus, which delivers driving power to at least one of said mountings and is arranged on at least one of said lateral modules.

11. A frame according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the bearing portions of one of the lateral modules comprises a transverse half-shaft, which is removably connected to a corresponding transverse half-shaft supported by an associated bearing portion of the other lateral module.

12. A frame according to claim 11, wherein said transverse half-shafts are tubular and are mutually coupled to one another.

13. A frame according to claim 11, wherein at least one of said transverse half-shafts, supported by one of said bearing portions of said lateral module, are housed in a seat obtained in the other bearing portion of said lateral module, when said lateral module is in the compact configuration.

14. A frame according to claim 13, wherein the bearing portion in which said seat is obtained has a longitudinal size that is greater than a longitudinal size of the other bearing portion.

15. A frame according to claim 1, wherein said mounting is rigidly constrained to said bearing portion.