Description:FIELD OF INVENTION

[001] The present invention relates to a manually driven vehicle, and particularly to a manually guided vehicle for material handling by securely docking the vehicle with loading stations for easy and safe transfer of materials in an industrial environment.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[002] Industrial trolleys or carts are material handling equipment frequently used for transporting products, materials, goods, etc., and stock management in workplaces like manufacturing plants, warehouses, distribution centres, etc. They help staff or workers to easily move raw materials, components and parts of unfinished products, finished products, goods, etc., within the workplace, which not only increases productivity but also reduces labour, time, and effort, thereby improving overall efficiency in the workplace. However, workers face many challenges during material dealing and are required to be more cautious while handling delicate or heavy products. The challenges and risks involve overloading, space constraints, improper equipment designs, etc. For example, due to narrow passages and uneven surfaces, trolleys are difficult to move smoothly, requiring more attention from workers. These problems many times lead to accidents, operational delays, material damage, etc., thereby restricting the safe and timely delivery of the products in the workplace.

[003] Industrial trolleys or material handling equipment generally contain a base and an upper portion. The base consists of four wheels mounted on metal frames which provide forward or backward movement, and the upper portion consists of a platform for carrying load. The platform optionally contains handles to enable the handler to move the equipment in a desired direction. Also, autonomous electric handling equipment with self-driving capability are available, but the operation of load shifting to the trolley by the workers or users is same. The user is required to either manually carry the load to the trolley or push forward the load to the trolley which demand active control and precise attention to ensure accurate shifting of load to the trolley to avoid any accident or damage, both to the load and the user handling the load. The problem increases when heavy and fragile loads are handled to shift from the source to the trolley. Such loads may involve unfinished parts, raw materials, finished products, or sensitive goods such as delicate electronic components instruments like sensors, precision tools, battery cells, etc., which require utmost care and precise shifting. These issues highlight the need for an improved design that addresses mobility, load shifting, and stability for enhanced load handling and safety of users.

[004] In some industrial material handling fields dealing with heavy and delicate components such as battery modules, the transportation management of battery modules is critical within logistical frameworks such as warehouses and manufacturing plants. This requires robust handling systems capable of transferring such heavy delicate battery modules with precision and safety. Conventional transport systems often include automated guided vehicles or forklifts, which, while effective in some respects, can present challenges regarding cost, complexity, and flexibility in varied operational environments. These transport systems may lack sufficient structural integrity to secure loads effectively, leading to potential safety hazards and operational inefficiencies. Additionally, issues such as inadequate maneuverability and alignment precision can arise, particularly in facilities requiring integration with specific loading stations and systems. Such deficiencies necessitate frequent human intervention, reducing overall process efficiency and increasing the risk of operator error.

[005] Further, existing guided vehicles exhibit adaptability when interfacing with various heavy and delicate components i.e., various battery module sizes and types. The absence of advanced alignment mechanisms and supportive structural components often translates to less reliable positioning and stabilization of loads during transit. These shortcomings pose significant challenges to maintaining the integrity of battery modules, which require careful handling to prevent damage and ensure operational safety.

[006] Some modern assistance devices are disclosed in the prior art. Reference may be made to US Patent No. US 11,097,760 B2 disclosing a self-driving system that can engage and move an inventory holder. The self-driving system includes a mobile base comprising motorized wheels, an actuator disposed within the mobile base, the actuator is operable to adjust a height of the mobile base, a console having an upper portion and a main body, the main body being coupled to a first end of the mobile base in a standing configuration, and a first camera disposed on a first side of the upper portion of the console, the first camera facing a second end of the mobile base opposing the first end. The disclosed self-driving system implements additional electrical and computing components such as motorized wheels, camera system, console, actuators, sensors, processing unit, etc., for controlling, moving and docking the inventory holder. This requires dependency on additional components to ensure proper functioning of the self-driving system which limits the use of the system in terms of autonomy, control, cost, portability, and reliability.

[007] US 11,086,328 B2 discloses an autonomous cart for manufacturing and warehouse applications. The autonomous cart moves products and materials in an industrial environment. The autonomous or robotic cart uses a combination of cameras, sensors such as LIDAR, binary and acoustic sensors, wireless modules, processors, complex algorithms, and various motorized components to smoothly move products in factories and warehouses. The disclosed cart requires additional electronic and motorized components to locate the position of inventory products and indoor places to move inventory from one position to another, thereby limiting the operation and use of the cart.

[008] US 11,794,722 B2 discloses a mobility device that can provide the user with the ability to safely navigate expected environments of daily living including the ability to maneuver in confined spaces and to climb curbs, stairs, and other obstacles, and to travel safely and comfortably in vehicles. The mobility device can provide elevated, balanced travel. The mobility device is provided with two motorized wheels to support a user by stabilizing the center of gravity of the mobility device. The disclosure is limited to the operation of transporting or moving a person from one location to another and solves the problem of automatic response capability to situations that are commonly encountered by a disabled user with unsuitable moving environments such as obstacles, slippery surfaces, tipping conditions, etc.

[009] US 2021316412 A1 discloses a transport device for transporting one or more handling devices. The transport device is provided for transporting handling devices for handling pallets and workpieces on a machine tool which is set up on a base surface for machining the workpiece. The transport device is movable on the base surface for positioning handling devices relative to the machine tool within a region in front and/or next to the machine tool and/or in front and/or next to a working space of the machine tool. The disclosure is limited to the operations of handling pallets and workpieces and solves the problem of rigidity of rail based handling devices.

[0010] The presently known conventional devices perform basic operations without attending the operational challenges faced by the operators during handling of heavy delicate loads such as battery modules and related parts in an industrial environment, whereas autonomous material handling devices require costly and complex features. So, there is a need for an economical manually guided vehicle that addresses challenges and limitations associated with existing conventional and autonomous material handling devices which can improve manual maneuverability through narrow and congested pathways and also ensure safety of the operators by preventing accidental damage of the load while maintaining precise alignment of handling devices with the loading stations.

OBJECTIVES OF THE INVENTION

[0011] The primary objective of the present invention is to provide a manually guided vehicle for the transfer of components, materials, parts, and products between different stations in an industrial environment.

[0012] Another objective of the present invention is to provide a manually guided vehicle with a reconfigurable arrangement to accommodate changes in the assembly line layout or production process, thereby giving flexibility according to product designs.

[0013] Yet another objective of the present invention is to provide a manually guided vehicle with a detachable body for holding and transferring load from the vehicle to loading stations and vice versa, thereby ensuring the safety and convenience of the operators during inventory movement.

[0014] Yet another objective of the present invention is to provide a manually guided vehicle to navigate through narrow passages and congested areas in industrial environments ensuring safe transfer of heavy delicate loads including battery modules.

[0015] Yet another objective of the present invention is to provide a manually guided vehicle with safety features reducing the risk of accidents while lifting and carrying inventory products and cumbersome materials ensuring the safety of the operators.

[0016] Yet another objective of the present invention is to provide a manually guided vehicle which can be integrated into existing assembly lines with minimal disruption, thereby requiring less infrastructure compared to fully automated systems, making them easier to implement and adjust as needed.

[0017] Other objectives and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein, by way of illustration and example, the aspects of the present invention are disclosed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0018] A manually guided vehicle for transporting a load between different stations within an industrial environment is disclosed. The manually guided vehicle comprises a metal body frame structure with a truss system for structural reinforcement and a detachable pallet assembly for firmly holding and transferring the load, e.g., battery modules. The structure includes a plurality of connected tube members and a plurality of components including bearing assembly units, bearing guides, handles, dowel pins, docking plates, and wheels, wherein said components are attached to the tube members by welding, e.g., TIG welding. The docking plate is mounted on the structure to align the vehicle with loading or unloading stations ensuring safe transfer of the load between the vehicle and stations. The load is firmly held by the pallet assembly and safely transferred to the station using bearing assembly and guide configuration. The handles are attached to the metal body frame and the pallet assembly for easy maneuverability of the vehicle and transfer of the load by the operator respectively.

[0019] The manually guided vehicle enables operators to safely navigate the vehicle through narrow pathways and congested surroundings. The detachable pallet assembly helps operators to easily transfer the heavy and delicate loads between the vehicle and the stations. This structural design provides the vehicle with robustness and durability, essential for the consistent transfer of heavy and potentially delicate loads, such as battery cell modules.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0020] A complete understanding of the present invention may be obtained by reference to the accompanying drawings, when taken in conjunction with the detailed description thereof and in which:

[0021] Figure 1 illustrates a metal body frame structure of a manually guided vehicle.

[0022] Figures 2a-2b illustrate a bearing assembly unit of the manually guided vehicle.

[0023] Figures 3a-3b illustrate planar and frontal views of a pallet assembly of the manually guided vehicle.

[0024] Figure 4 illustrates a manually guided vehicle.

[0025] Figure 5 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the manually guided vehicle.

[0026] Figures 6a-6c illustrate the docking mechanism of the manually guided vehicle.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0027] The following description describes various features and functions of the disclosed manually guided vehicle with reference to the accompanying figures. In the figures, similar symbols identify similar components, unless context dictates otherwise. The illustrative aspects described herein are not meant to be limiting. It may be readily understood that certain aspects of the disclosed mobility and walking assistance device can be arranged and combined in a wide variety of different configurations, all of which are contemplated herein.

[0028] Accordingly, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that various changes and modifications of the embodiments described herein can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, descriptions of well-known functions and constructions are omitted for clarity and conciseness.

[0029] Features that are described and/or illustrated with respect to one embodiment may be used in the same way or in a similar way in one or more other embodiments and/or in combination with or instead of the features of the other embodiments.

[0030] The terms and words used in the following description and claims are not limited to the bibliographical meanings but are merely used to enable a clear and consistent understanding of the invention. Accordingly, it should be apparent to those skilled in the art that the following description of exemplary embodiments of the present invention are provided for illustration purpose only and not for the purpose of limiting the invention.

[0031] It is to be understood that the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0032] It should be emphasized that the term “comprises/comprising” when used in this specification is taken to specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps or components but does not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, components or groups thereof. The equations used in the specification are only for computation purpose.

[0033] While this invention has been described in connection with what is presently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments, but, on the contrary, is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the scope of the appended claims.

[0034] A manually guided vehicle (MGV) is disclosed herein, wherein the vehicle is configured to operate in a semi-automated transport system for material handling. The vehicle may be operated on predefined path routes within a facility, such as a warehouse or manufacturing plant, and is controlled or guided manually by an operator.

[0035] The manually guided vehicle comprises a guidance system including a drive mechanism, a control interface, and a payload handling mechanism. The drive mechanism is provided to guide the vehicle within the facility, including but not limited to physical tracks, to ensure accurate navigation along designated routes. In some embodiments, the drive mechanism comprises a wheel system, including but not limited to a caster wheels system, to move the vehicle along the guided path. The drive mechanism may be integrated with the control system to adjust direction of the vehicle. The control system may include an interface including but not limited to a plurality of handles, allowing operators to perform manual operations such as starting, stopping, and maneuvering the vehicle. In some embodiments, the handles are mounted on four sides of the vehicle to allow operators to pull and push from all directions. The payload handling mechanism is provided for carrying and delivering materials, which may include lifting and securing features to handle different types of loads. The vehicle aids in streamlining material handling processes by providing a controlled and efficient means of transportation within a facility while allowing manual oversight and operation. The vehicle is built with a truss-based stiff and rigid structure to support heavier structural loads which increases the vehicle’s life and durability.

[0036] Fig. 1 illustrates a main body frame structure 100 of the manually guided vehicle 400 as shown in Fig. 4. The structure 100 is a truss structure made of hollow metal tube members 110, preferably square tubes, wherein the tube members 110 are connected and assembled by welding, preferably gas tungsten arc (TIG) welding process. In some embodiments, the structure 100 comprises a plurality of bearing assembly units 120, a plurality of bearing guides 130, a docking plate 140 arranged on one side of the vehicle, a plurality of handles 150 and 151, a plurality of dowel pins 160, and a plurality of wheels 170.

[0037] In some embodiments, the bearing guides 130 are installed on the horizontal tube members 110 mounted on the longer sides of the structure 100. A plurality of openings are provided on the bearing guides 130 channels for the dowel pins 160 to install a pallet assembly 300 as shown in Figs. 3a-3b. The bearing guide is provided to support the pallet assembly 300, wherein the spacing in the bearing guides 130 channels are configured to receive bearings of the pallet assembly 300 enabling sliding movement thereof on the bearing guides 130.

[0038] In some embodiments, the docking plate 140 is configured as modular docking slots that securely hold the vehicle 400 with a loading station 610 by inserting the dowel pins 160 therein, preventing any further movement of the vehicle 400. In some non-limiting exemplary embodiments, the loading station 610 is a Laser Bonding Machining (LBM) fixture table as shown in Figs. 6a-6c. In an embodiment, the docketing plate 140 is made of mild steel material.

[0039] In some embodiments, the handles 150 and 151 are attached to the tube members 110 of the structure 100 by welding, preferably TIG welding. At least two handles 150 are attached on the longer sides of the structure 100 and said each handle 150 is mounted on the three vertical tube members 110. At least two handles 151 are arranged on the shorter sides and each said handle 151 is mounted on a single horizontal tube member 110. The handles 150 and 151 allow operators to move and maneuver the manually guided vehicle 400 in a desired direction which may be navigating through tight and congested pathways in the industrial environment by pulling or pushing process.

[0040] In some embodiments, the wheels 170 are attached to the bottom of the structure 100 by the welding process, preferably TIG welding, which holds the wheels 170 using bolts and nuts to the structure 100. In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the wheels 170 are caster type wheels. The caster wheels are used to carry the vehicle structure from one station to another station within the industrial environment.

[0041] In accordance with Figs. 2a-2b, the bearing assembly unit 120 is disclosed. The bearing assembly units 120 are mounted on the horizontal tube members 110 which are orthogonally connected between two parallel tube members 110 containing bearing guides 130 on the longer sides of the structure 100. The bearing assembly units 120 are provided for easy transfer of load from the structure 100 to the loading station 610 and vice versa. Figs. 2a-2b illustrate the bearing assembly unit installed on the orthogonal tube member 110. The bearing assembly unit 120 comprises a bearing unit support plate 210, a plurality of bearing holders 220, 230, 240, and a bearing 250.

[0042] The bearing unit support plate 210 is provided to mount the bearing assembly unit 120 on the tube member 110 in order to support and allow movement of load to slide over the bearing 250. The bearing unit support plate 210 is mounted on the tube member 110 by TIG welding on the structure 100 and arranged to hold the bearing holder 220 using screws. The bearing holder 220 is assembled on the bearing unit support plate 210 using screws on one side and further holds two bearing holders 230 and 240 using screws in the opening provided in the center thereof. The bearing 250 is arranged in between the bearing holders 230 and 240. It should be noted that the bearing 250 may be selected from a list of bearings including but not limited to ball bearing, roller bearing, spherical bearing, etc.

[0043] Figs. 3a-3b illustrate top and front views of the pallet assembly 300. The pallet assembly 300 is arranged on the top of the structure 100, and is configured to carry a load from one place to another place. In a preferred embodiment, the load is a battery module carried from one station to another station. The pallet assembly 300 comprises a plurality of pallet bearing assemblies 310 and a plurality of pallet handles 320, wherein the pallet bearing assemblies 310 and pallet handles 320 are mounted on two opposite sides which are transverse to the direction of the movement of the pallet assembly 300. In a preferred embodiment, the pallet assembly 310 comprises at least six pallet bearing assemblies on each opposite side, three pallet handles 320 on one side, and three pallet handles 320 on the opposite side. The pallet handles 320 are used to lift the pallet assembly 300 to place it on the structure 100 or the loading station 610. The pallet handles 320 are also used to move the pallet assembly 300 on the bearing guide 130. Fig. 3b illustrates the placement of the pallet assembly 300 on the structure 100, wherein the spacing in the bearing guides 130 is configured to receive protrusions 340 of the pallet bearing assemblies 310. Once the pallet bearing assemblies are safely settled in the bearing guide 130, the configuration is made stable by inserting dowel pins 360 in corresponding grooves 330 on the pallet assembly 300, as illustrated in Fig. 4.

[0044] In some embodiments, the manually guided vehicle 400 is the guidance system, wherein the drive mechanism is the wheel arrangement 170 to move the vehicle along the guided path, the control mechanism is the handle arrangement 150 & 151 to maneuver the vehicle in a desired direction, and the payload handling mechanism is the pallet assembly arrangement 300 to securely hold and transfer the load e.g., battery module, between the vehicle 400 and stations 610.

[0045] Fig. 4 illustrates an exemplary manually guided vehicle 400 without load. Fig. 5 illustrates manually guided vehicle 400 with the placement of a battery module 510 in the pallet assembly 300, wherein the battery module 510 is secured in the spacing 520 of the pallet assembly 300.

[0046] In some embodiments, the manually guided vehicle 400 may be configured to carry different types of load 510, e.g., different types of battery modules of different sizes. Locking the pallet assembly 300 to the body frame structure 100 with dowel pins enhances stability and security during the handling and lifting of battery modules 510. The present invention allows precise alignment between the manually guided vehicle 400 and the loading station 610, facilitating the safe transfer of the battery module 510 as shown in Figs. 6a-6c. The manually guided vehicle 400 is designed in such a way that it can carry different types of battery modules 510 by changing different pallet assemblies 300.

[0047] Figs. 6a-6c illustrate the docking and loading/ unloading mechanisms of the present invention. Fig. 6a shows docking of the manually guided vehicle 400 carrying a load e.g., a battery module 510 with a loading station 610, e.g., a Laser Bonding Machining (LBM) fixture table. The manually guided vehicle 400 is guided to the loading station 610 along with the pallet assembly 300 containing the battery module 510, wherein the docking plates 140 of the manually guided vehicle 400 are aligned with the receiving slots of the docking station 610 securing with dowel pins as shown in Fig. 6b. Once the manually guided vehicle 400 is safely docked with the loading station 610, the dowel pins 160 are removed from the pallet assembly 300 and inserted in the grooves of the docking plates 140 to securely lock the manually guided vehicle 400 with the loading station 610. Further, the pallet assembly 300 is allowed to slide over the bearing guides 130 and the bearing assembly units 120 using handles 320 enabling operators to safely transfer the load 510 from the manually guided vehicle 400 to the loading station 610 and vice versa.

[0048] In accordance with Figs 1-6, a manually guided vehicle 400 may be constructed. The manually guided vehicle 400 comprises a main body frame structure 100, wherein a plurality of hollow tube members 110 are assembled to make a reinforceable truss structure. In some embodiments, the tube members 110 are moulded as square tube members of mild steel material. All the square tube members 110 are assembled by a continuous welding process, preferably TIG welding. A docking plate 140 is attached to the structure by the welding process. A plurality of wheels 170 are attached at the bottom of the legs of the structure 100 by welding using bolts and nuts. Further, a plurality of hollow cylindrical handles 150 and 151 are attached to the structure 100 by welding, wherein two handles 150 are attached on the longer side and two handles 151 are attached on the shorter side of the vehicle 400. At least two bearing guides 130 are assembled on the upper side of the structure 100 using bolts and nuts and openings for dowel pins 160 thereon are provided. Further, at least four bearing assembly units 120 are assembled on the structure 100.

[0049] After assembling the structure 100, a pallet assembly 300 is configured to arrange on the structure 100. The pallet assembly 300 comprises bearings 310 and handles 320 on opposite sides thereof, wherein the protrusions of the bearings 310 of the pallet assembly 300 are aligned with the spacing in the bearing guides 130 of the structure 100. The pallet assembly 300 is placed on the structure 100 using handles 320 and securely held by dowel pins 160 in the openings provided therein. Further, the pallet assembly 300 is ready to receive a load 510, e.g., battery modules. Once the load 510 is placed on the pallet assembly 300, the vehicle 400 is moved and aligned to a loading station 610, e.g., a Laser Bonding Machining (LBM) fixture table. The docking pins 160 are placed in the aligned holes of the docking plate 140 and the loading station 610 to stablilize the vehicle-station arrangement. The docking pins 160 from the pallet assembly 300 are removed and the load 510 is transferred between the vehicle 400 and the loading station 610. Further, the docking pins 160 from the aligned holes of the docking plate 140 and the loading station 610 are removed to move the manually guided vehicle 400 in a desired direction for further operations.

[0050] The operation of the manually guided vehicle 400 depends on several factors, including the specific application, facility layout, and operational goals. However, the following best method approaches may be implemented along with the disclosure of the present invention to ensure effective and efficient use of the manually guided vehicle (MGV).

[0051] Path Planning and Design: Route optimization of well-defined and optimized paths for the MGV may be designed to minimize travel time and avoid bottlenecks. Route layouts accommodate smooth traffic flow and minimize sharp turns or obstacles. Further guidance systems may be implemented to choose the appropriate guidance system based on the facility’s needs and the MGV’s operational requirements.

[0052] Operator Training and Interface: Comprehensive training may be provided to ensure that operators are thoroughly trained on the MGV’s control interface, safety protocols, and emergency procedures.

[0053] Safety and Maintenance: Regular maintenance may be performed by implementing a routine maintenance schedule to inspect and service the MGV, addressing any wear and tear or technical issues promptly of the caster wheels.

[0054] Integration with other systems: Communication systems may be used for real-time monitoring of the MGV’s status and performance, allowing for quick adjustments and troubleshooting.

[0055] Load Handling and Management: Proper load handling may be determined to ensure that the MGV is configured to handle the types and weights of materials it will be transporting. Appropriate lifting mechanisms may be used to secure the load properly to prevent shifting or accidents. Also, load balancing may be performed to maintain stability and avoid tipping or excessive strain on the vehicle.

[0056] Feedback and Improvement: Performance feedback may be collected from operators to monitor performance data and improvement areas may be identified. Also, continuous improvement in the guidance vehicle may be achieved by using feedback and performance data to refine processes, update training, and make necessary adjustments to the MGV and its operation.

[0057] The present invention provides several improved features and advantages thereof, particularly, improved material handling, flexibility and adaptability, cost and space efficiency, improved ergonomics, enhanced safety, increased productivity, ease of integration, reduced downtime, scalability, etc.

[0058] Material Handling: Manually guided vehicles facilitate the movement of components, materials, and finished products between different workstations, reducing the need for employees to carry items by hand, which can be physically demanding and time-consuming.

[0059] Flexibility and Adaptability: Unlike automated systems, manually guided vehicles can be easily re positioned or reconfigured to accommodate changes in the assembly line layout or production processes. This flexibility is useful in environments where product designs or production volumes frequently change.

[0060] Cost-Effectiveness: Implementing manually guided vehicles can be more cost-effective than fully automated systems, particularly for smaller-scale operations or where the investment in automation technology isn’t justified.

[0061] Space Efficiency: Manually guided vehicles can navigate tight spaces and are often designed to handle specific tasks within a limited footprint. This can be beneficial in facilities where space is constrained and every square foot needs to be utilized efficiently.

[0062] Improved Ergonomics: By reducing the need for manual lifting and carrying, manually guided vehicles can help prevent workplace injuries and improve worker ergonomics. Employees can use the vehicles to transport heavy or bulky items, reducing physical strain.

[0063] Enhanced Safety: When properly used, manually guided vehicles can contribute to a safer work environment by reducing the risk of accidents related to manual handling of heavy or cumbersome materials. They can also be designed with safety features such as bumpers and warning signals.

[0064] Increased Productivity: Manually guided vehicles can streamline material flow and reduce the time workers spend moving items between workstations, leading to increased overall productivity. They help ensure that materials are delivered to the right place at the right time.

[0065] Ease of Integration: Manually guided vehicles can be integrated into existing assembly lines with minimal disruption. They often require less infrastructure compared to fully automated systems, making them easier to implement and adjust as needed.

[0066] Reduced Downtime: In cases where automated systems might fail or require extensive maintenance, manually guided vehicles offer a reliable alternative that can continue to operate with minimal interruptions.

[0067] Scalability: As production needs to grow or change, manually guided vehicles can be scaled up or down easily without the need for major modifications to the assembly line.

[0068] While this invention has been described in connection with what is presently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments, but, on the contrary, is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the scope of the appended claims.
, Claims:WE CLAIM:

1. A manually guided vehicle 400 for transporting a load 510 within an industrial environment, comprising:
a main body frame structure 100 comprising a plurality of tube members 110, a plurality of bearing assembly units 120, a plurality of bearing guides 130, a plurality of handles 150 and 151, a plurality of dowel pins 160, a docking plate 140, and a plurality of wheels 170; and
a pallet assembly 300 comprising a plurality of pallet bearing assemblies 310 and pallet handles 320,
wherein
the tube members 110 are connected together to construct the main body frame structure 100 and the wheels 170 are attached to the bottom of the main body frame structure 100 by welding;
the bearing assembly units 120 are mounted on the horizontal tube members 110 connected between two parallel tube members 110 arranged on the longer sides of the structure 100;
the bearing guides 130 are installed on the horizontal tube members 110 mounted on the longer sides of the structure 100, wherein a plurality of openings are provided on the bearing guide 130 for the dowel pins 160 to install the pallet assembly 300;
the docking plate 140 is configured to securely hold the vehicle 400 with a loading station 610 by inserting the dowel pins 160 therein;
the handles 150 and 151 are connected to the tube members 110 of the structure; and
the pallet assembly 300 is arranged on the top of the structure 100, wherein the pallet bearing assemblies 310 and pallet handles 320 are mounted on two opposite sides transverse to the direction of the pallet assembly 300 movement.
2. The vehicle 400 as claimed in claim 1, wherein the bearing assembly unit 120 comprises a bearing unit support plate 210, a plurality of bearing holders 220, 230, 240, and a bearing 250, wherein,
the bearing unit support plate 210 is attached on the horizontal tube member 110 by welding on the structure 100 and arranged to hold the bearing holder 220 using screws;
the bearing holder 220 is assembled in the bearing unit support plate 210 using screws on one side to hold the bearing holders 230 and 240 using screws in the opening provided in the center thereof; and
the bearing 250 is arranged in between the bearing holders 230 and 240.
3. The vehicle 400 as claimed in claim 1, wherein the pallet assembly 300 comprises at least six pallet bearing assemblies 310 on each opposite side, three pallet handles 320 on one side, and three pallet handles 320 on the opposite side of the pallet assembly 300.
4. The vehicle 400 as claimed in claim 1, wherein the vehicle comprises at least four bearing assembly units 120 and two bearing guides 130, and the spacing in the bearing guides 130 is configured to receive protrusions 340 of the pallet bearing assemblies 310.
5. The vehicle 400 as claimed in claim 1, wherein the handles 150 are arranged on the longer sides of the structure 100 and each said handle 150 is mounted on the three vertical tube members 110, and the handles 151 are arranged on the shorter sides and each said handle 151 is mounted on a single horizontal tube member 110 of the structure 100.
6. The vehicle 400 as claimed in claim 1, the welding is TIG welding.
7. The vehicle 400 as claimed in claim 1, wherein the load 510 is selected from a plurality of battery modules having different sizes and types.
8. The vehicle 400 as claimed in claim 1, wherein the loading station 610 is a Laser Bonding Machining (LBM) fixture table.