Frame for an unmanned ground vehicle or UGV

• US 9,914,496 B2
• Filed: 06/30/2014
• Issued: 03/13/2018
• 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: Franceschi, Giuliano, Giovannini, Andrea, Scarpellini, Claudio
• Primary Examiner(s): Condra, Darlene P
• Application Number:
  US14/902,467
• Publication Number:
  US 20160311480A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,352 Days
• 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;

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;

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; and

wherein said hinge defines a hinging axis between said bearing portions oriented in a substantially orthogonal and substantially vertical direction relative to a longitudinal axis of said support structure.

2. A frame according to claim 1, wherein said hinging axis is arranged in a transversely inner position of said lateral module.

3. 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.

4. A frame according to claim 3, wherein said mounting is situated in a transversely outer position relative to said bearing portion, when said lateral modules are mutually assembled.

5. A frame according to claim 3, 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.

6. A frame according to claim 3, wherein said mounting is rigidly constrained to said bearing portion.

7. 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.

8. A frame according to claim 7, wherein said transverse half-shafts are tubular and are mutually coupled to one another.

9. A frame according to claim 7, 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.

10. A frame according to claim 9, 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.