VEHICLE MOVING APPARATUS

A vehicle moving apparatus may include a housing extending in a first direction; an elevator coupled to the housing to be movable in the first direction and another direction opposite thereto, extending in a third direction and being inserted to be drawable into an underside space of a vehicle, and configured to lift or lower a wheel of the vehicle; and a wheel assembly coupled to the elevator and configured to move the housing and the elevator in a direction toward the vehicle or in a direction opposite the vehicle, wherein the wheel assembly includes a wheel rotatably provided with a vertical direction as an axis, and configured to movably support the elevator; and an actuator coupled to the wheel and configured to provide power for rotating the wheel, wherein the wheel is rotatable such that a diameter of the wheel is aligned between the first and third directions.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims the benefit of priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2022-0131031, filed on Oct. 13, 2022 in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a vehicle moving apparatus, and more particularly, to a vehicle moving apparatus having a structure capable of moving a vehicle while minimizing the number of required actuators.

BACKGROUND

Recently, technologies for driving a vehicle without user intervention have been introduced. These technologies, which are referred to as autonomous driving, provide opportunities for beginners in driving or long-distance drivers to drive more comfortably and safely.

In addition, in driving a vehicle, a task performed as frequently as driving may be referred to as parking. Recently, technologies for performing autonomous parking as well as technologies for simply assisting parking have been introduced, contributing to driver convenience.

However, the above technologies have a limitation in that they can be utilized only in a state where a driver gets on or is positioned adjacent to a host vehicle. That is, when the driver finishes parking the vehicle and moves to another location, the vehicle does not move from the parked location.

Meanwhile, due to the concentration of the population in the city center and the consequent increase in the number of vehicles, a number of serious parking difficulties are occurring. Although various technologies described above have been developed for the driver's convenience, it is never easy to solve the parking difficulties itself.

In particular, when a vehicle is previously parked, the vehicle cannot be moved and parked until the driver returns. Accordingly, in order to park a new vehicle, a driver must be summoned again to move the corresponding vehicle. Accordingly, a dispute may occur between drivers, and inconvenience to other drivers may be caused.

Accordingly, recently, technologies for moving previously parked vehicles have been introduced. These technologies can improve space utilization by directly moving a previously parked vehicle. In general, an apparatus to which these technologies are applied may be named a “parking robot”.

The parking robot is configured to move toward the vehicle, elevate the vehicle, and move with the vehicle lifted. To this end, the parking robot requires a power source for moving and a power source for lifting and lowering the vehicle, respectively. Considering that a vehicle has a high weight of 1 ton or more, the power source provided in the parking robot is equipped with a high specification, which can cause an increase in the price of the parking robot.

In a conventional robot parking apparatus and a handling method thereof, a structure of the robot parking apparatus may be capable of efficiently utilizing a parking space by accommodating a vehicle inside a container and moving the accommodated vehicle in a three-dimensional space.

However, such a conventional robot parking apparatus and handling method thereof premise that the robot parking apparatus is provided as a huge structure capable of accommodating a plurality of vehicles. That is, the conventional apparatus and method do not provide a method for moving a vehicle parked in a limited space without a separate structure.

In another conventional parking management robot capable of autonomous driving, a structure is provided to change the parking position of a vehicle by moving a plate on which the vehicle is seated using a drive wheel apparatus formed thereunder.

However, this conventional parking management robot premises that the vehicle is parked on the parking management robot, in which case a method for moving a vehicle parked on a bare site where a separate structure is not provided.

In addition, these conventional technologies must be formed at least in a size larger than that of a vehicle. Therefore, additional space is required in order to provide a parking apparatus or a parking management robot according to the above technologies.

Furthermore, the conventional parking apparatus or parking management robot must be provided in the form of a one-to-one correspondence with the vehicle. That is, in order to park a plurality of vehicles, a parking apparatus or a parking management robot must also be provided in a corresponding number.

Therefore, the above conventional parking apparatus or parking management robot do not provide a method for efficiently utilizing a limited space and a method for achieving economic benefits of a service operator.

SUMMARY

Technical Problem

The present disclosure is to solve the above problems, and is directed to providing a vehicle moving apparatus having a structure capable of efficiently utilizing a limited space.

The present disclosure is also directed to providing a vehicle moving apparatus having a structure capable of moving a plurality of vehicles by being provided with a single number of vehicle moving apparatuses.

The present disclosure is also directed to providing a vehicle moving apparatus having a structure capable of miniaturization.

The present disclosure is also directed to providing a vehicle moving apparatus having a structure in which the number of actuators required for driving can be minimized.

The present disclosure is also directed to providing a vehicle moving apparatus having a simple structure and easy maintenance.

The present disclosure is also directed to providing a vehicle moving apparatus having a structure in which a vehicle can be easily lifted and lowered, and moved.

The problems of the present disclosure are not limited to those mentioned above, and other problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by those of ordinary skill in the art from the following description.

Technical Solution

According to an aspect of the present disclosure, provided is a vehicle moving apparatus, including a housing extending in a first direction; an elevator coupled to the housing to be movable in the first direction and a second direction opposite thereto, extending in a third direction and being inserted to be drawable into an underside space of a vehicle, and configured to lift and lower a wheel of the vehicle; and a wheel assembly coupled to the elevator and configured to move the housing and the elevator in a direction toward the vehicle or in a direction opposite the vehicle, wherein the wheel assembly includes a first wheel rotatably provided with a vertical direction as an axis, and configured to movably support the elevator; and an actuator coupled to the first wheel and configured to provide power for rotating the first wheel, wherein the first wheel is rotatable about the vertical direction such that a diameter of the first wheel is aligned between the first direction and the third direction.

In this case, in the vehicle moving apparatus, the actuator may include a first actuator coupled to the first wheel and configured to provide power for rotating the first wheel with a vertical direction as an axis.

In addition, in the vehicle moving apparatus, the wheel assembly may include a gear coupled to the first actuator and the first wheel, respectively, and configured to deliver the power provided by the first actuator to the first wheel.

In this case, in the vehicle moving apparatus, the gear may include a first gear coupled to the first wheel; and a second gear gear-fitted with the first gear and coupled to the first actuator.

In addition, in the vehicle moving apparatus, the first wheel assembly may include a gear accommodating part configured to accommodate the gear and coupled to the elevator.

In this case, in the vehicle moving apparatus, the actuator may include a second actuator coupled to the first wheel and configured to provide power for rotating the first wheel with a horizontal direction as an axis.

In addition, in the vehicle moving apparatus, when the first actuator is operated, the first wheel may be rotated with a vertical direction as an axis such that a diameter of the first wheel is aligned between the first direction and the third direction, and when the second actuator is operated, the first wheel may be rotated with a horizontal direction as an axis such that the first wheel is movable toward the first or second direction.

In this case, in the vehicle moving apparatus, when the first wheel is rotated such that a diameter of the first wheel is aligned in the third direction and then the second actuator is operated, the elevator may be inserted into an underside space of the vehicle or be drawn out of the underside space of the vehicle.

In addition, in the vehicle moving apparatus, the elevator may include a pair of arms extending along the third direction, and when the first wheel is rotated such that a diameter of the first wheel is aligned along the first direction and then the second actuator is operated, the pair of arms may be moved in a direction toward each other or a direction away from each other.

In this case, in the vehicle moving apparatus, when the pair of arms are moved toward each other, the pair of arms may be in contact with the first wheel, and when the pair of arms are further moved toward each other, an outer circumferential surface of the first wheel may be partially supported on the pair of arms to lift the first wheel.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, provided is a vehicle moving apparatus, including a housing extending in a longitudinal direction of a vehicle; an elevator coupled to the housing and movable along an extension direction of the housing, and extending in a width direction of the vehicle and being insertable into or drawable from an underside space of the vehicle; a wheel assembly positioned adjacent to a lower side of one end of the elevator in the extension direction, and movably supporting the housing and the elevator; and a supporter positioned adjacent to a lower side of the other end of the elevator in the extension direction, and movably supporting the elevator, wherein the elevator includes an arm extending in a width direction of the vehicle ang being insertable into or drawable from an underside space of the vehicle to lift and lower the vehicle; a housing coupler coupled to the one end of the arm in an extension direction and movably coupled to the housing; and a wheel coupler coupled to the housing coupler and rotatably coupled to the wheel assembly.

In this case, in the vehicle moving apparatus, the arm may include an arm body extending in a width direction of the vehicle; a coupling plate positioned at the one end of the arm body and extending at a predetermined angle with the arm body to be coupled to the housing coupler; and a reinforcing rib extending along a surface of the coupling plate and coupled to the arm body and the coupling plate to maintain a coupling state of the arm body and the coupling plate.

In addition, in the vehicle moving apparatus, the elevator may include a first elevator located to be biased to one side of the housing in the extension direction of the elevator; and a second elevator spaced apart from the first elevator in the extension direction of the housing and located to be biased to the one side of the housing in the extension direction of the elevator.

In this case, in the vehicle moving apparatus, the first elevator and the second elevator may be disposed to face each other with a wheel provided in the vehicle interposed therebetween, and when the first elevator and the second elevator are moved toward each other, the wheel may be supported by the arm, and when the first elevator and the second elevator are further moved toward each other, the wheel may be lifted by the arm.

In addition, in the vehicle moving apparatus, the arm may include a first arm provided in the first elevator; and a second arm provided in the second elevator, wherein the first arm and the second arm include rollers disposed at respective edges facing each other and configured to be in contact with a wheel provided in the vehicle to be rolled.

In this case, in the vehicle moving apparatus, the rollers of the first arm and the second arm may be disposed in parallel to each other so as to be adjacent to each other along an extension direction of the housing, and a length of each roller may be greater than or equal to a width of the wheel.

In addition, in the vehicle moving apparatus, each roller may be provided in plural, and the plurality of rollers may be disposed to be spaced apart from each other along an extension direction of the arms, and the plurality of rollers may be configured to be respectively in contact with a pair of the wheels disposed on the left side and the right side of the vehicle, respectively.

In this case, in the vehicle moving apparatus, the arm may include an arm body extending in a width direction of the vehicle; and a friction pad positioned on an upper surface of the arm body, extending along an extension direction of the arm body, and configured to increase frictional force by contact with a wheel provided in the vehicle.

In addition, in the vehicle moving apparatus, the friction pad may be provided in plural, and the plurality of friction pads may be disposed to be spaced apart from each other along an extension direction of the arm body, and the plurality of friction pads may be configured to be respectively in contact with a pair of the wheels disposed on the left side and the right side of the vehicle, respectively.

In this case, in the vehicle moving apparatus, the supporter may include a support body coupled to the other end of the arm; a caster supporting the support body and rotatably provided with a vertical direction as an axis; and a rotating plate positioned between the support body and the caster, coupled to the support body, and rotatably coupled to the caster.

Advantageous Effects

According to the above configuration, the vehicle moving apparatus according to the embodiment of the present disclosure can efficiently utilize a limited space.

In addition, according to the above configuration, a single number of vehicle moving apparatuses according to the embodiment of the present disclosure can be provided to move a plurality of vehicles.

In addition, according to the above configuration, the vehicle moving apparatus according to the embodiment of the present disclosure can be miniaturized.

In addition, according to the above configuration, the number of actuators required for driving can be minimized in the vehicle moving apparatus according to the embodiment of the present disclosure.

In addition, according to the above configuration, the vehicle moving apparatus according to the embodiment of the present disclosure can be simplified in structure and easily maintained.

In addition, according to the above configuration, the vehicle moving apparatus according to the embodiment of the present disclosure can easily lift and lower and move the vehicle.

Advantageous effects of the present disclosure are not limited to the above-described effects, and should be understood to include all effects that can be inferred from the configuration of the disclosure described in the detailed description or claims of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail so that those of ordinary skill in the art can readily implement the present disclosure with reference to the accompanying drawings. The present disclosure may be embodied in many different forms and are not limited to the embodiments set forth herein. In the drawings, parts unrelated to the description are omitted for clarity of description of the present disclosure, and throughout the specification, like reference numerals denote like elements.

Terms and words used in the present specification and claims should not be construed as limited to their usual or dictionary definition, and they should be interpreted as a meaning and concept consistent with the technical idea of the present disclosure based on the principle that inventors may appropriately define the terms and concept in order to describe their own disclosure in the best way.

Accordingly, the embodiments described in the present specification and the configurations shown in the drawings correspond to preferred embodiments of the present disclosure, and do not represent all the technical idea of the present disclosure, so the configurations may have various examples of equivalent and modification that can replace them at the time of filing the present disclosure.

In the following description, in order to clarify the features of the present disclosure, descriptions of some components may be omitted.

The term “communication” used in the following description means that one or more members are connected to each other so as to be in fluid communication. In an embodiment, communication may be formed by a member such as a conduit, a pipe, a tubing, or the like.

The term “applying an electric current” used in the following description means that one or more members are connected to each other so as to transmit a current or an electric signal. In an embodiment, the applying an electric current may be formed in a wired form by a wire member or the like or in a wireless form such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, RFID, or the like.

The terms “upper side”, “lower side”, “left side”, “right side”, “front side”, and “rear side” used in the following description will be understood with reference to the coordinate system shown inFIG.1.

Referring toFIGS.1to6, a vehicle moving apparatus10according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is disclosed. The vehicle moving apparatus10may move a vehicle V after lifting wheels W provided in the vehicle V.

The vehicle moving apparatus10according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is configured to support both the front side wheels W and the rear side wheels W of the vehicle V. Accordingly, the vehicle moving apparatus10may be moved while stably supporting the vehicle V.

In addition, the vehicle moving apparatus10according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is operated using a single actuator. Specifically, the vehicle moving apparatus10may move a configuration for supporting the vehicle V using a single actuator. In addition, the vehicle moving apparatus10may be moved using the single actuator.

Therefore, as the number of actuators required is reduced, the vehicle moving apparatus10according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may reduce manufacturing costs and may simplify an operation mechanism. Accordingly, the movement of the vehicle moving apparatus10itself, the process of supporting the vehicle V, and the process of moving while supporting the vehicle V may be reliably performed.

The vehicle moving apparatus10according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may be operated automatically. In other words, the vehicle moving apparatus10may be operated according to a preset routine without manual operation by an operator or the like. Alternatively, the vehicle moving apparatus10may be operated by a remote control device such as a remote controller. That is, in an embodiment, the vehicle moving apparatus10may be provided in the form of a robot.

The vehicle moving apparatus10may be formed to have a smaller size compared to the vehicle V. As shown inFIGS.19to20, the vehicle moving apparatus10may extend by a distance at which the front side wheels W and the rear side wheels W provided in the vehicle V are spaced apart. In addition, the vehicle moving apparatus10may be formed to have a height lower than that of the vehicle V, so that it may stably support the wheels W located at the lower side of the vehicle V.

The vehicle moving apparatus10may be moved in a horizontal direction. In the illustrated embodiment, the vehicle moving apparatus10may be moved in a front-rear direction or a left-right direction. In this case, the vehicle moving apparatus10may be moved in a front-rear direction or a left-right direction by a single actuator (i.e., an actuator430to be described later).

Therefore, the process of moving the vehicle moving apparatus10adjacent to the vehicle V and the process of moving the vehicle moving apparatus10adjacent to the wheel W can be performed by a single actuator, thereby improving operation reliability and reducing manufacturing costs.

The vehicle moving apparatus10may lift and lower a vehicle V. This is achieved by an elevator300to be described later supporting the wheel W of the vehicle V from the lower side.

A plurality of vehicle moving apparatuses10may be provided. The plurality of vehicle moving apparatuses10may be detachably coupled to each other to support and move the vehicle V together. In the illustrated embodiment, the vehicle moving apparatus10includes a first vehicle moving apparatus10alocated on the left side and a second vehicle moving apparatus10blocated on the right side.

The first vehicle moving apparatus10aand the second vehicle moving apparatus10bare detachably coupled by a joint100. Accordingly, the first vehicle moving apparatus10aand the second vehicle moving apparatus10bmay be moved together to lift and lower the vehicle V.

As will be described later, the joint100is provided to be rotatable in a horizontal direction and a vertical direction. Accordingly, the first vehicle moving apparatus10aand the second vehicle moving apparatus10bmay be rotated in a horizontal direction and a vertical direction with respect to each other.

The first vehicle moving apparatus10aand the second vehicle moving apparatus10bhave some different positions coupled to the joint100, but the other configurations and operation structures are the same. Accordingly, in the following description, the first vehicle moving apparatus10aand the second vehicle moving apparatus10bwill be collectively referred to as the “vehicle moving apparatus10”.

In the illustrated embodiment, the vehicle moving apparatus10includes a joint100, a housing200, an elevator300, and a wheel assembly400.

The joint100movably couples the first vehicle moving apparatus10aand the second vehicle moving apparatus10b. The joint100is removably coupled to the first vehicle moving apparatus10aand the second vehicle moving apparatus10b, respectively.

The joint100is positioned between the first vehicle moving apparatus10aand the second vehicle moving apparatus10b.

The joint100is coupled to a joint coupler220of the housing200. In the illustrated embodiment, the left portion of the joint100is coupled to the joint coupler220formed in the right portion of the housing200of the first vehicle moving apparatus10a, and the right portion of the joint100is coupled to the joint coupler220formed in the left portion of the housing200of the second vehicle moving apparatus10b.

The joint100may be configured to be rotatable in a horizontal direction and a vertical direction. Therefore, the first vehicle moving apparatus10aand the second vehicle moving apparatus10bcoupled by the joint100are also rotatably coupled in a horizontal direction and a vertical direction with respect to each other. That is, in an embodiment, the joint100may be provided as a universal joint.

Accordingly, even when unevenness is formed or a slope exists on the ground, the vehicle moving apparatus10may be stably moved.

A plurality of joints100may be provided. The plurality of joints100may be coupled to a plurality of joint couplers220provided respectively in the first vehicle moving apparatus10aand the second vehicle moving apparatus10b, respectively. In the illustrated embodiment, two joints100are provided, including a first joint100apositioned on the front side and a second joint100bpositioned on the rear side.

In the above embodiment, the plurality of joints100aand100bmay stably couple the first vehicle moving apparatus10aand the second vehicle moving apparatus10b. In addition, as the plurality of joints100aand100bare disposed to be spaced apart from each other in a front-rear direction, a shaking in the horizontal direction of the first vehicle moving apparatus10aand the second vehicle moving apparatus10bmay be minimized.

In the embodiment shown inFIG.7, the joint100includes a first joint body110, a second joint body120, and a coupler130.

The first joint body110forms one portion of the joint100. In the illustrated embodiment, the first joint body110forms a left portion of the joint100.

The first joint body110is coupled to the joint coupler220of the first vehicle moving apparatus10apositioned on the left side. In an embodiment, the first joint body110may be detachably coupled to the joint coupler220.

The first joint body110is coupled to the second joint body120. Specifically, the first joint body110is rotatably coupled with the second joint body120by the coupler130.

The first joint body110is coupled to the coupler130. The first joint body110is rotatably coupled to the coupler130in a horizontal direction. In other words, the first joint body110may be horizontally rotated clockwise or counterclockwise with a first coupling arm131of the coupler130as an axis.

In the illustrated embodiment, the first joint body110includes a first flange111, a first joint arm112, a first coupling hole113, and a first accommodating part114.

The first flange111is a portion where the first joint body110is coupled to the housing200of the first vehicle moving apparatus10a. The first flange111forms one side of the portions of the first joint body110toward the first vehicle moving apparatus10a, i.e., a left portion in the illustrated embodiment.

The first flange111may have any shape capable of being coupled to the joint coupler220of the housing200. In the illustrated embodiment, the first flange111has a circular cross-section and is a disc shape having a thickness in the left and right directions.

In the above embodiment, a plurality of through holes may be formed adjacent to the outer circumference of the first flange111. A fastener (not shown) for coupling the first flange111to the joint coupler220may be coupled through the through hole.

The first joint arm112, the first coupling hole113, and the first accommodating part114are positioned at a portion of the first flange111facing the second flange121or the coupler130, i.e., at a right portion in the illustrated embodiment.

The first joint arm112is a portion where the first joint body110is coupled to the coupler130. The first joint arm112is continuous with the first flange111. The first joint arm112extends from one side toward the coupler130, i.e., from the left side in the illustrated embodiment.

The first joint arm112may be divided into a plurality of parts. In the illustrated embodiment, the first joint arm112includes a first portion coupled to the first flange111and extending in the up-down direction, and a pair of second portions each continuous with the first portion and spaced apart from each other in the up-down direction and extending toward the coupler130. The pair of second portions may be coupled to the coupler130, respectively.

A first coupling hole113is formed in the pair of second portions of the first joint arm112.

The first coupling hole113is a space through which the coupler130is rotatably penetrated. The first coupling hole113is formed to pass through the first joint arm112in the thickness direction, i.e., in the up-down direction in the illustrated embodiment. In the illustrated embodiment, the first coupling hole113has a circular cross-section and is a cylindrical space extending in the up-down direction. The shape of the first coupling hole113may be changed according to the shape of the first coupling arm131of the coupler130.

A plurality of first coupling holes113may be formed. The plurality of first coupling holes113may be formed in the pair of second portions of the first joint arm112, respectively. In the illustrated embodiment, a total of two first coupling holes113are formed, one in the upper side second portion and one in the lower side second portion, respectively. In the above embodiment, the first coupling holes113formed respectively in the pair of second portions may be disposed to have the same central axis.

A space formed between the plurality of first joint arms112is defined as a first accommodating part114.

The first accommodating part114is a space for rotatably accommodating the coupler130. The first accommodating part114is partially surrounded by the first portion and the pair of second portions of the first joint arm112.

One side of each side of the first accommodating part114toward the coupler130, i.e., the right side in the illustrated embodiment, is formed open. In addition, among each side of the first accommodating part114, the directions in which the first coupling arm131of the coupler130extends, i.e., the front side and the rear side in the illustrated embodiment, are also formed open.

Accordingly, the coupler130may be rotated clockwise or counterclockwise in the horizontal direction while being accommodated in the first accommodating part114.

The first joint body110is rotatably coupled with the second joint body120by the coupler130.

The second joint body120forms the other portion of the joint100. In the illustrated embodiment, the second joint body120forms a right portion of the joint100.

The second joint body120is coupled to the joint coupler220of the second vehicle moving apparatus10bpositioned on the right side. In an embodiment, the second joint body120may be detachably coupled to the joint coupler220.

The second joint body120is coupled to the first joint body110. Specifically, the second joint body120is rotatably coupled with the first joint body110by the coupler130.

The second joint body120is coupled to the coupler130. The second joint body120is rotatably coupled to the coupler130in a horizontal direction. In other words, the second joint body120may be vertically rotated clockwise or counterclockwise with a second coupling arm132of the coupler130as an axis.

In the illustrated embodiment, the second joint body120includes a second flange121, a second joint arm122, a second coupling hole123, and a second accommodating part124.

The second flange121is a portion where the second joint body120is coupled to the housing200of the second vehicle moving apparatus10b. The second flange121forms one side of the portions of the second joint body120toward the second vehicle moving apparatus10b, i.e., a right portion in the illustrated embodiment.

The second flange121may have any shape capable of being coupled to the joint coupler220of the housing200. In the illustrated embodiment, the second flange121has a circular cross-section and is a disc shape having a thickness in the left and right directions.

In the above embodiment, a plurality of through holes may be formed adjacent to the outer circumference of the second flange121. A fastener (not shown) for coupling the second flange121to the joint coupler220may be coupled through the through hole.

The second joint arm122, the second coupling hole123, and the second accommodating part124are positioned at a portion of the second flange121facing the second flange121or the coupler130, i.e., at a left portion in the illustrated embodiment.

The second joint arm122is a portion where the second joint body120is coupled to the coupler130. The second joint arm122is continuous with the second flange121. The second joint arm122extends from one side toward the coupler130, i.e., from the left side in the illustrated embodiment.

The second joint arm122may be divided into a plurality of parts. In the illustrated embodiment, the second joint arm122includes a first portion coupled to the second flange121and extending in the front-rear direction, and a pair of second portions each continuous with the first portion and spaced apart from each other in the front-rear direction and extending toward the coupler130. The pair of second portions may be coupled to the coupler130, respectively.

A second coupling hole123is formed in the pair of second portions of the second joint arm122.

The second coupling hole123is a space through which the coupler130is rotatably penetrated. The second coupling hole123is formed to pass through the second joint arm122in the thickness direction, i.e., in the front-rear direction in the illustrated embodiment. In the illustrated embodiment, the second coupling hole123has a circular cross-section and is a cylindrical space extending in the front-rear direction. The shape of the second coupling hole123may be changed according to the shape of the second coupling arm132of the coupler130.

A plurality of second coupling holes123may be formed. The plurality of second coupling holes123may be formed in the pair of second portions of the second joint arm122, respectively. In the illustrated embodiment, a total of two second coupling holes123are formed, one in the front side second portion and one in the rear side second portion, respectively. In the above embodiment, the second coupling holes123formed respectively in the pair of second portions may be disposed to have the same central axis.

A space formed between the plurality of second joint arms122is defined as a second accommodating part124.

The second accommodating part124is a space for rotatably accommodating the coupler130. The second accommodating part124is partially surrounded by the first portion and the pair of second portions of the second joint arm122.

One side of each side of the second accommodating part124toward the coupler130, i.e., the left side in the illustrated embodiment, is formed open. In addition, among each side of the second accommodating part124, the directions in which the second coupling arm132of the coupler130extends, i.e., the front side and the rear side in the illustrated embodiment, are also formed open.

Accordingly, the coupler130may be rotated clockwise or counterclockwise in the horizontal direction while being accommodated in the second accommodating part124.

The coupler130rotatably couples the first joint body110and the second joint body120. Therefore, the first vehicle moving apparatus10aand the second vehicle moving apparatus10bcoupled by the coupler130are also rotatably coupled in a horizontal direction or a vertical direction with respect to each other.

The coupler130is coupled to the first joint body110. Specifically, the coupler130is accommodated in the first accommodating part114and rotatably inserted and coupled to the first coupling hole113.

The coupler130is coupled to the second joint body120. Specifically, the coupler130is accommodated in the second accommodating part124and rotatably inserted and coupled to the second coupling hole123.

The coupler130may be divided into a plurality of parts. One part of the plurality of parts may be rotatably coupled with the first joint body110, and the other part may be rotatably coupled with the second joint body120.

In the illustrated embodiment, the coupler130includes a first coupling arm131rotatably coupled with the first joint body110and a second coupling arm132rotatably coupled with the second joint body120.

The first coupling arm131forms one portion of the coupler130. The first coupling arm131extends in a direction in which the pair of second portions of the first joint arm112are spaced apart from each other, i.e., in the up-down direction in the illustrated embodiment. The first coupling arm131is accommodated in the first accommodating part114and rotatably inserted and coupled to the first coupling hole113.

The first coupling arm131is continuous with the second coupling arm132.

The second coupling arm132forms the other portion of the coupler130. The second coupling arm132extends in a direction in which the pair of second portions of the second joint arm122are spaced apart from each other, i.e., in a front-rear direction in the illustrated embodiment. The second coupling arm132is accommodated in the second accommodating part124and rotatably inserted and coupled to the second coupling hole123.

The first coupling arm131and the second coupling arm132may extend at a predetermined angle. In an embodiment, the first coupling arm131and the second coupling arm132extend perpendicular to each other. In the above embodiment, it can be said that the coupler130is formed in a cross shape.

The joint100is coupled to the housing200.

The housing200forms a body of the vehicle moving apparatus10. The housing200may be coupled to the joint100and moved together.

As described above, a plurality of vehicle moving apparatuses10are provided, including a first vehicle moving apparatus10aand a second vehicle moving apparatus10b. The housing200provided in the first vehicle moving apparatus10aand the housing200provided in the second vehicle moving apparatus10bmay be coupled by the joint100to each other to be movable relative to each other.

The housing200moveably supports the elevator300. As will be described later, the elevator300includes a housing coupler320movably coupled to the housing200. The elevator300may be slidably moved along the extension direction of the housing200while being coupled to the housing200.

The housing200extends in one direction, i.e., the left-right direction in the illustrated embodiment. In an embodiment, the extension direction of the housing200may be the same as the direction in which the first vehicle moving apparatus10aand the second vehicle moving apparatus10bare spaced apart from each other.

The housing200may be any shape capable of accommodating components for controlling the vehicle moving apparatus10therein and movably supporting the elevator300. In the illustrated embodiment, the housing200has a quadrangular cross-section and has a quadrangular column shape extending in the left and right directions.

Among each side of the housing200, an opposite side of the elevator300in the direction in which an arm310extends, i.e., the rear side in the illustrated embodiment, is formed open (seeFIG.2). Various components for controlling the vehicle moving apparatus10may be accommodated inside the housing200through the opposite side.

A plurality of openings and a plurality of ribs surrounding the plurality of openings are formed on the surface surrounding the space of the housing200. Accordingly, the rigidity of the housing200may be reinforced, and each component accommodated in the space of the housing200may be effectively cooled. Further, the weight of the housing200may be reduced, and thus power required for operation of the vehicle moving apparatus10may be reduced.

In the embodiment shown inFIG.8, the housing200includes a housing space210, a joint coupler220, and a guide rail230.

The housing space210is a space formed inside the housing200. The housing space210may accommodate various components for operating the vehicle moving apparatus10. In an embodiment, the housing space210may accommodate a power source (not shown) for supplying power to an actuator430to be described later, a controller (not shown) for controlling the actuator430, and the like.

The housing space210communicates with the outside. One side of the housing space210, i.e., the rear side in the illustrated embodiment, is formed open and communicates with the outside. As described above, various components for controlling the vehicle moving apparatus10may be accommodated in the housing space210through the rear side.

In addition, the housing space210communicates with the outside through the plurality of openings formed on the surface of the housing200. Accordingly, the various components accommodated in the housing space210may be effectively cooled.

The housing space210may be formed in a shape corresponding to the shape of the housing200. In the illustrated embodiment, the housing space210has a quadrangular cross-section and is a quadrangular column-shaped space extending in the left and right directions.

The joint coupler220is coupled to the first flange111and the second flange121of the joint100. The joint coupler220may be detachably coupled to the first and second flanges111and121. In an embodiment, the joint coupler220may be coupled with a fastener (not shown) penetratingly coupled to the first and second flanges111and121.

The joint coupler220is located at one end of the ends of the housing200in the extension direction toward the joint100. That is, the joint coupler220provided in the first vehicle moving apparatus10ais located on the right end surface of the housing200. Likewise, the joint coupler220provided in the second vehicle moving apparatus10bis located on the left end surface of the housing200.

In other words, the joint couplers220provided in the first and second vehicle moving apparatuses10aand10bare disposed to face each other with the joint100interposed therebetween.

The joint coupler220may be formed in a shape corresponding to the first and second flanges111and121. In the illustrated embodiment, the joint coupler220has a circular cross-section and is formed to have a thickness in the left and right directions.

A plurality of joint couplers220may be provided. The plurality of joint couplers220may be disposed adjacent to each other and coupled to the plurality of joints100, respectively.

In the illustrated embodiment, two joint couplers220are provided, including a first joint coupler221positioned on the front side and a second joint coupler222positioned on the rear side. The first joint coupler221is coupled to the first joint100a. The second joint coupler222is coupled to the second joint100b.

As the first joint100aand the second joint100bare disposed in the front-rear direction, a relative movement distance of the first vehicle moving apparatus10aand the second vehicle moving apparatus10brespectively coupled to the joint100may be limited in the front-rear direction. Accordingly, the vehicle moving apparatus10may be stably moved and stably support the wheel W of the vehicle V.

The guide rail230moveably supports the elevator300. The guide rail230is located outside the housing200. The guide rail230is formed to protrude outward compared to the outer surface of the housing200.

The guide rail230extends along the extension direction of the housing200. In the illustrated embodiment, the guide rail230extends in the left-right direction. In this case, the extension length of the guide rail230may be shorter than the extension length of the housing200. Accordingly, each end of the guide rail230in the extended direction may be positioned inside compared to each end of the housing200in the extension direction.

The guide rail230is coupled to the housing coupler320of the elevator300. Specifically, the guide rail230moveably supports guide clamps323and324provided in the housing coupler320. The elevator300may be moved along the guide rail230in an extension direction thereof, i.e., left or right in the illustrated embodiment.

A plurality of guide rails230may be provided. The plurality of guide rails230may be disposed on different surfaces of the housing200, respectively, and may moveably support the elevator300at a plurality of points.

In the illustrated embodiment, the guide rail230includes a first guide rail231disposed on an upper side surface of the housing200and a second guide rail232disposed on the front side surface of the housing200.

The first guide rail231is disposed on one surface of the housing200, i.e., on an upper surface in the illustrated embodiment. The first guide rail231is movably coupled to a first guide clamp323provided in the elevator300.

A plurality of first guide rails231may be provided. The plurality of first guide rails231may be spaced apart from each other and may extend in parallel. In the illustrated embodiment, two first guide rails231are provided and are spaced apart from each other in the extension direction, i.e., the front-rear direction, of the arm310of the elevator300.

That is, the first guide rail231may movably support the first guide clamp323at a plurality of points. Accordingly, the coupling of the first guide rail231and the first guide clamp323can be stably maintained.

The second guide rail232is disposed on the other surface of the housing200, i.e., on the front side surface in the illustrated embodiment. The second guide rail232is movably coupled to a second guide clamp324provided in the elevator300.

In the illustrated embodiment, a single second guide rail232is provided and located biased below the other surface of the housing200. Alternatively, a plurality of second guide rails232may be provided and disposed to be spaced apart from each other in the height direction of the other surface of the housing200.

The elevator300substantially performs a function of lifting and lowering the vehicle V including the wheel W and the wheel W. The elevator300is configured to be movable in a direction towards the vehicle V, i.e. the front side in the illustrated embodiment and in a direction opposite to the vehicle V, i.e. the rear side in the illustrated embodiment. This is achieved by the wheel assembly400to be described later.

The elevator300may elevate the vehicle V including the wheel Wand the wheel W. In addition, the elevator300may be moved while the vehicle V is elevated. This is also achieved by the wheel assembly400to be described later.

That is, power for driving the elevator300may be provided from a single wheel assembly400. Accordingly, a separate actuator for driving the elevator300is not required, and thus, energy efficiency may be improved and manufacturing costs may be reduced.

The elevator300is coupled to the housing200. The elevator300is movably coupled to the guide rail230of the housing200. The elevator300is coupled to the housing200to be movable in the extension direction of the guide rail230, i.e., in the left-right direction in the illustrated embodiment.

The elevator300is coupled to the wheel assembly400. The elevator300rotatably supports the wheel assembly400. Accordingly, wheels420of the wheel assembly400may be rotated with the vertical direction as an axis, and thus the movement direction of the vehicle moving apparatus10or the movement direction of the elevator300may be changed.

A plurality of elevators300may be provided. The plurality of elevators300may be coupled to a single housing200and configured to elevate the wheels W together. In the illustrated embodiment, the elevator300is provided in a pair, including a first elevator300adisposed to be biased to the left side of the housing200and a second elevator300bdisposed to be biased to the right side of the housing200.

Accordingly, it will be understood that the first vehicle moving apparatus10aand the second vehicle moving apparatus10bhave a pair of elevators300aand300b, respectively, so that the vehicle moving apparatus10includes a total of two pairs of elevators300.

In this case, the distance between the pair of elevators300aand300bprovided in the first vehicle moving apparatus10aand the pair of elevators300aand300bprovided in the second vehicle moving apparatus10bmay be determined according to the distance between the front side wheel W and the rear side wheel W provided in the vehicle V.

That is, the pair of elevators300aand300brespectively provided in the first vehicle moving apparatus10aand the second vehicle moving apparatus10bmay elevate the front side wheel W and the rear side wheel W, respectively.

In an initial state in which the vehicle moving apparatus10approaches the vehicle V, the first elevator300aand the second elevator300bmay be disposed to face each other with the wheel W interposed therebetween. In the above state, the first elevator300aand the second elevator300bmay be moved toward each other and may be in contact with the wheel W. When the first elevator300aand the second elevator300bare further moved toward each other, the wheel W may be lifted and spaced apart from the ground.

In the above state, the vehicle moving apparatus10may be moved with the vehicle V lifted to move the vehicle V.

Likewise, in the above state, when the first elevator300aand the second elevator300bare moved to be farther from each other, the wheel W may be lowered and may be in contact with the ground. In the above state, the first elevator300aand the second elevator300bmay be further moved to be farther from each other and spaced apart from the wheel W.

The first elevator300aand the second elevator300bare configured to elevate the wheel W together. The first elevator300aand the second elevator300bhave some difference in shapes thereof, and each of the configurations and functions are the same, and thus, in the overlapping descriptions below, the first elevator300aand the second elevator300bare collectively referred to as “elevator300”.

In the embodiment shown inFIGS.9to13, the elevator300includes an arm310, a housing coupler320, and a wheel coupler330.

The arm310is moved from a radially outward side of the wheel W to a radially inward side to support the wheel W The arm310extends in a direction towards the vehicle V, i.e., the front side in the illustrated embodiment.

The extension length of the arm310may be determined according to the length of the width of the vehicle V. Specifically, the arm310is inserted through the underside of the vehicle V from the left or right side of the vehicle V. In this case, the arm310may simultaneously elevate a pair of wheels W provided at the front side of the vehicle V and a pair of wheels W positioned at the rear side of the vehicle V.

Therefore, one end of a portion of the arm310in the extension direction, i.e., the front side end in the illustrated embodiment, may be positioned adjacent to the front side wheel W of the vehicle V. Likewise, the other end of the portion of the arm310in the extension direction, i.e., the rear side end in the illustrated embodiment, may be positioned adjacent to the rear side wheel W of the vehicle V.

Therefore, it will be understood that the extension length of the arm310is formed longer than the distance between the pair of front side wheels W or the distance between the pair of rear side wheels W.

A plurality of arms310may be provided. The plurality of arms310may form a portion of the first elevator300aand the second elevator300b, respectively. In the illustrated embodiment, the arm310is provided in a pair, including a first arm310aprovided in the first elevator300aand a second arm310bprovided in the second elevator300b.

As described above, the pair of arms310, i.e., the first arm310aand the second arm310bmay lift or lower the wheel W The arm310is coupled to the housing coupler320. In the illustrated embodiment, one end of the ends of the arm310in the extension direction toward the housing200, i.e., the rear side end, is coupled to the housing coupler320.

The arm310is coupled to a supporter500. In the illustrated embodiment, the other end opposite to the housing200of the ends in the extension direction of the arm310, i.e., the front side end, is coupled to the supporter500.

In the illustrated embodiment, the arm310includes an arm body311, a coupling plate312, a reinforcing rib313, a coupling end314, a roller315, and a friction pad316.

The arm body311forms a body of the arm310. The arm body311may extend in the width direction of the vehicle V to support a pair of wheels W at the same time.

The arm body311may be any shape capable of lifting or lowering the wheel W. In the illustrated embodiment, the arm body311has a length in the front-rear direction and is provided in a quadrangular plate shape having a thickness in the up-down direction.

The coupling plate312and the reinforcing rib313are located at one end of the ends of the arm body311in the extension direction toward the housing200, i.e., at the rear side end in the illustrated embodiment. The coupling end314is located at the other end opposite to the housing200of the ends of the arm body311in the extension direction, i.e., at the front side end in the illustrated embodiment.

The roller315is formed at one edge, where the pair of arms310aand310bface each other, of the edges of the arm body311. The friction pad316is provided at one side opposite to the ground of the surfaces of the arm body311, i.e., at the upper side surface in the illustrated embodiment.

The coupling plate312is a portion where the arm310is coupled to the housing coupler320. The coupling plate312is located at the one end of the arm body311in the extension direction, i.e., at the rear side in the illustrated embodiment.

The coupling plate312extends at a predetermined angle with the upper surface of the arm body311. In the illustrated embodiment, the coupling plate312is formed to extend in a direction opposite to the ground, that is, upwardly, perpendicular to the upper surface of the arm body311.

The coupling plate312is coupled to the second plate322of the housing coupler320. A separate fastener (not shown) may be provided for the coupling.

The reinforcing rib313is formed on the coupling plate312.

The reinforcing rib313is formed on the coupling plate312to reinforce the rigidity of the arm body311and the coupling plate312. When the arm body311lifts the wheel W, a force is applied in a direction in which the arm body311and the coupling plate312are spread out from each other, that is, in a direction in which the predetermined angle is increased.

In this case, the reinforcing rib313is coupled to the arm body311and the coupling plate312, respectively, and maintains their coupling state.

The reinforcing rib313extends in the same direction as the extension direction of the coupling plate312. In the illustrated embodiment, the reinforcing rib313extends in the up-down direction. One end of the ends of the reinforcing rib313in the extension direction toward the ground, i.e., the lower end in the illustrated embodiment, is continuous with the upper surface of the arm body311.

A plurality of reinforcing ribs313may be formed. The plurality of reinforcing ribs313may be disposed to be spaced apart from each other along the width direction of the coupling plate312. In the illustrated embodiment, three reinforcing ribs313are formed and disposed to be spaced apart from each other in the left and right directions.

In this case, the extension length of the plurality of reinforcing ribs313may be changed according to the shape of the coupling plate312. In the illustrated embodiment, the extension length of the outer reinforcing rib313is formed to be shorter than the extension length of the inner reinforcing rib313.

The coupling end314is coupled to the supporter500. The coupling end314is located at the other end of the arm body311in the extension direction, i.e., at the front side in the illustrated embodiment.

The coupling end314is coupled with a support body510of the supporter500. As will be described later, the supporter500includes a caster530supporting the other end of the arm body311at the front side in the illustrated embodiment. By means of the coupling end314, the front side end of the arm body311may be supported by the caster530.

The roller315reduces frictional force between the arm310moved toward the wheel W and the wheel W As the arm310is moved toward the wheel W, frictional force may be generated between the surface of the arm310and the wheel W. In this case, in order to further move the arm310toward the inside of the wheel W, power exceeding the frictional force is required.

In this case, the roller315is positioned between the wheel W and the arm body311, thereby reducing the frictional force generated between the wheel W and the arm body311. In other words, the roller315may be rotated in contact with the wheel W, such that the arm body311may be easily inserted into the underside of the wheel W and lift the wheel W.

The roller315is rotatably coupled to the arm body311. Therefore, as the arm310is moved toward the wheel W, the roller315may be rotated in contact with the wheel W and reduce the frictional force.

The roller315is formed on an inner surface of the surfaces of the arm body311. That is, as shown inFIG.10, the first arm310aand the second arm310bare spaced apart from each other to form a space in which the wheel W is positioned therebetween. In this case, the roller315provided in the first arm310ais located on the right side surface of the arm body311, and the roller315provided in the second arm310bis located on the left side surface of the arm body311.

Therefore, the rollers315provided in the first arm310aand the second arm310bare disposed to face each other.

A plurality of rollers315may be provided. The plurality of rollers315may be disposed parallel to each other along the extension direction of the arm body311. The plurality of rollers315may reduce frictional force by being in contact with a single number of wheels W provided in the vehicle V. In the illustrated embodiment, seven rollers315are provided and arranged side by side along the front-rear direction.

In this case, the sum of the lengths of the plurality of rollers315arranged side by side may be equal to or greater than the length of the width of the wheel W Therefore, the plurality of rollers315may be evenly in contact with the outer circumferential surface of the wheel W and may reduce frictional force.

The roller315may be provided in a plurality of groups. The plurality of groups of rollers315may be spaced apart from each other along the extension direction of the arm body311and may be configured to be in contact with a pair of wheels W, respectively. In the illustrated embodiment, the roller315may be provided in a pair of groups along the front-rear direction to minimize friction with the wheel W provided on the left side of the vehicle V and the wheel W provided on the right side of the vehicle V, respectively.

The friction pad316increases the frictional force with the lifted wheel W, thereby stably maintaining the state in which the wheel W is supported by the arm310. Due to the frictional force applied by the friction pad316, the wheel W seated on the arm310is not separated arbitrarily by sliding or rolling.

The friction pad316may be formed of any material capable of increasing frictional force with a contacted member. In an embodiment, the friction pad316may be formed of a rubber or silicone material.

The friction pad316is formed on one opposite to the ground of the surfaces of the arm body311, i.e., on the upper side surface in the illustrated embodiment. The friction pad316extends along the extension direction of the arm body311. In the illustrated embodiment, the friction pad316extends in the front-rear direction.

In this case, the extension length of the friction pad316may be equal to or greater than the length of the width of the wheel W Therefore, the friction pad316may uniformly contact the outer circumferential surface of the wheel W and provide frictional force to prevent the wheel W from being separated.

A plurality of friction pads316may be provided. The plurality of friction pads316may be disposed to be spaced apart from each other along the extension direction of the arm body311. In the illustrated embodiment, two friction pads316are provided and located biased to the front side and the rear side of the arm body311, respectively.

Meanwhile, the friction pad316may be disposed adjacent to the roller315. That is, it may be disposed at the same position along the extension direction of the arm body311, i.e., the front-rear direction in the illustrated embodiment. In addition, the extension length of the friction pad316may be equal to the sum of the lengths of the plurality of rollers315provided in one group.

Therefore, the frictional force between the wheel W and the arm310may be reduced by the roller315during the process of moving the arm310between the lower side of the wheel W and the ground and lifting the wheel W. Accordingly, the arm310may easily lift the wheel W In addition, after the wheel W is lifted, the frictional force between the wheel W and the arm310may be increased by the friction pad316. Accordingly, the lifted wheel W is not arbitrarily separated from the arm310.

The housing coupler320is a portion where the elevator300is coupled to the housing200. The housing coupler320is movably coupled to the housing200. As described above, the housing coupler320is coupled to the housing200so as to be movable in the extension direction of the housing200, i.e., in the left-right direction in the illustrated embodiment.

Therefore, the elevator300may be moved along the extension direction of the housing200and may be moved toward the wheel W or may be moved in a direction opposite to the wheel W.

The housing coupler320is coupled to the arm310. The housing coupler320may be fixedly coupled to the arm310to support the arm310. In the illustrated embodiment, the housing coupler320is coupled to the coupling plate312of the arm310.

The housing coupler320is coupled to the wheel coupler330. The housing coupler320may be fixedly coupled to the wheel coupler330to support the wheel coupler330and the wheel assembly400coupled to the wheel coupler330.

The housing coupler320may be any shape that may be movably coupled to the housing200and coupled to the arm310and the wheel coupler330, respectively. In the illustrated embodiment, the housing coupler320has an angle shape including two bent surfaces.

A plurality of housing couplers320may be provided. The plurality of housing couplers320may be coupled to the housing200, the arm310, and the wheel coupler330, respectively.

In the embodiment shown inFIGS.11to12, the housing coupler320is provided in a pair, including a first housing coupler320acoupled to the first arm310aand a first wheel330a, respectively, and a second housing coupler320bcoupled to the second arm310band a second wheel330b, respectively.

The first housing coupler320aand the second housing coupler320bare movably coupled to the housing200, respectively. In this case, the first housing coupler320aand the second housing coupler320bmay be moved independently of each other. In addition, the first housing coupler320aand the second housing coupler320bmay be moved in a direction toward each other and in a direction opposite to each other.

In the embodiment shown inFIGS.11to12, the housing coupler320includes a first plate321, a second plate322, a first guide clamp323, and a second guide clamp324.

The first plate321forms one portion of the housing coupler320. In the illustrated embodiment, the first plate321forms an upper surface of the housing coupler320. The first plate321is disposed to cover one surface of the housing200, i.e., an upper surface in the illustrated embodiment.

The first plate321is continuous with the second plate322at a predetermined angle. In the illustrated embodiment, the front side end of the first plate321is continuous with the upper side end of the second plate322. In an embodiment, the first plate321and the second plate322may be vertically continuous. The predetermined angle may be changed according to an angle between an upper surface and a front side surface of the housing200.

The first guide clamp323is positioned on one surface of the surfaces of the first plate321toward the housing200, i.e., on the lower surface in the illustrated embodiment.

The first plate321may have any shape capable of being continuous with the second plate322, being coupled to the first guide clamp323, and covering an upper surface of the housing200. In the illustrated embodiment, the first plate321has a polygonal cross-section and is formed in a polygonal plate shape having a thickness in the up-down direction.

The second plate322forms the other portion of the housing coupler320. In the illustrated embodiment, the second plate322forms a front side surface of the housing coupler320. The second plate322is disposed to cover the other surface of the housing200, i.e., a front side surface in the illustrated embodiment.

The second plate322is continuous with the first plate321at a predetermined angle. As described above, the predetermined angle may be a right angle.

The second plate322is coupled to the arm310. The second plate322may be coupled to the coupling plate312of the arm310.

The second plate322is coupled to the wheel coupler330. The second plate322may be coupled to wheel coupling plate332provided in the wheel coupler330.

Therefore, it may be said that the housing coupler320mediates the coupling between the arm310and the wheel coupler330.

The second guide clamp324is positioned on one surface of the surfaces of the second plate322toward the housing200, i.e., on the rear side surface in the illustrated embodiment.

The second plate322may be any shape capable of being continuous with the first plate321, being coupled to the second guide clamp324, being coupled to the coupling plate312and the wheel coupling plate332, and covering the front side surface of the housing200. In the illustrated embodiment, the second plate322has a quadrangular cross-section and is formed in a quadrangular plate shape having a thickness in the front-rear direction.

The first guide clamp323is movably coupled to the first guide rail231. In an embodiment, the first guide clamp323may be coupled to the first guide rail231to be slidably movable. The elevator300may be moved by the coupling in the longitudinal direction, that is, in the left-right direction of the housing200.

The first guide clamp323is positioned on one surface of the surfaces of the first plate321toward the housing200, i.e., on the lower surface in the illustrated embodiment.

A plurality of first guide clamps323may be provided. The plurality of first guide clamps323may be disposed in parallel to each other along the longitudinal direction of the housing200. In the embodiment shown inFIG.12, two first guide clamps323are provided and disposed side by side in the left-right direction.

The first guide clamp323may be provided in a plurality of groups. The plurality of groups of first guide clamps323may be disposed to be spaced apart from each other along a direction in which the plurality of first guide rails231are spaced apart. In the embodiment shown inFIG.12, the first guide clamp323is provided in a pair of groups and is positioned at the front side and the rear side, respectively.

The first guide clamp323located at the front side is coupled to the first guide rail231located at the front side. The second guide clamp324located at the rear side is coupled to the second guide rail232located at the rear side. Accordingly, the coupling of the first guide clamp323and the first guide rail231can be stably maintained.

The second guide clamp324is movably coupled to the second guide rail232. In an embodiment, the second guide clamp324may be coupled to the second guide rail232to be slidably movable. The elevator300may be moved by the coupling in the longitudinal direction, that is, in the left-right direction of the housing200.

The second guide clamp324is positioned on one surface of the surfaces of the second plate322toward the housing200, i.e., on the rear side surface in the illustrated embodiment.

A plurality of second guide clamps324may be provided. The plurality of second guide clamps324may be disposed in parallel to each other along the longitudinal direction of the housing200. In the embodiment shown inFIG.12, two second guide clamps324are provided and disposed side by side in the left-right direction.

As the housing coupler320is movably coupled to the housing200by both the first guide clamp323and the second guide clamp324, the coupling state of the housing coupler320and the housing200can be stably maintained. In addition, the elevator300may be stably moved with respect to the housing200.

The wheel coupler330supports the wheel assembly400. The wheel coupler330rotatably supports the wheel assembly400.

The wheel assembly400may be rotated with the vertical direction as an axis while being coupled to the wheel coupler330. Accordingly, the vehicle moving apparatus10may be moved in a direction of being inserted into the underside of the vehicle V or in a direction of being drawn out from the underside of the vehicle V. In addition, the elevator300of the vehicle moving apparatus10may be moved in a direction toward the wheel W or away from the wheel W The wheel coupler330is coupled to the arm310. Specifically, the wheel coupler330is fixedly coupled to the coupling plate312of the arm310.

The wheel coupler330is coupled to the housing coupler320. Specifically, The wheel coupler330is fixedly coupled to the second plate322of the housing coupler320. In this case, the second plate322is positioned between the wheel coupler330and the coupling plate312.

Therefore, it may be said that the wheel coupler330is coupled to the arm310via the housing coupler320.

The wheel coupler330is disposed to be spaced apart from the first plate321of the housing coupler320. That is, as shown inFIG.9, the wheel coupler330is coupled to the second plate322in the front-rear direction, and an upper portion (a wheel support plate331to be described later) thereof is spaced apart from the first plate321. The housing200is inserted into a space formed by spacing the first plate321and the wheel support plate331.

The wheel coupler330is disposed to face the arm310with the housing coupler320interposed therebetween. In the illustrated embodiment, the arm310, the housing coupler320, and the wheel coupler330are each positioned in a direction facing from the front side to the rear side, respectively.

The wheel coupler330is coupled to the wheel assembly400. In the illustrated embodiment, one side opposite to the first plate321of each portion of the wheel coupler330, i.e., the lower portion, is coupled to the wheel assembly400. The wheel coupler330and the elevator300including the same are movably supported by the wheel assembly400.

A plurality of wheel couplers330may be provided. The plurality of wheel couplers330may be provided in the plurality of elevators300aand300b, respectively. In the illustrated embodiment, two wheel couplers330are provided, including a first wheel coupler330apositioned on the left side and a second wheel coupler330bpositioned on the right side.

The first wheel coupler330ais coupled to the first arm310aand the first housing coupler320a, respectively. The first wheel coupler330ais coupled to the wheel assembly400located on the left side of the plurality of wheel assemblies400.

The second wheel coupler330bis coupled to the second arm310band the second housing coupler320b, respectively. The second wheel coupler330bis coupled to the wheel assembly400located on the right side of the plurality of wheel assemblies400.

In the embodiment shown inFIG.13, the wheel coupler330includes a wheel support plate331, a wheel coupling plate332, and a shaft through hole333.

The wheel support plate331is coupled to the wheel assembly400. The wheel support plate331rotatably supports the wheel assembly400.

The wheel support plate331extends in the same direction as the arm body311or the first plate321. In the illustrated embodiment, the wheel support plate331extends horizontally.

The wheel support plate331is continuous with the wheel coupling plate332at a predetermined angle. In the illustrated embodiment, the front side end of the wheel support plate331is continuous with the upper side end of the wheel coupling plate332. In this case, the predetermined angle may be a right angle.

The wheel support plate331may have any shape capable of supporting the wheel assembly400and being continuous with the wheel coupling plate332. In the illustrated embodiment, the wheel support plate331has a polygonal cross-section and is provided in a polygonal plate shape having a thickness in the up-down direction.

The wheel support plate331is disposed to be spaced apart from the first plate321. Accordingly, an accommodation space S is formed between the wheel support plate331and the first plate321. The housing200is accommodated in the accommodation space S.

The wheel support plate331supports a facing surface, that is, a lower surface of the surfaces of the housing200. In an embodiment, the wheel support plate331may be coupled to the facing surface.

Therefore, even when the load of the vehicle V is applied to the arm310, the coupling state between the elevator300and the housing200can be stably maintained.

A shaft through hole333is formed through the inside of the wheel support plate331.

The wheel coupling plate332is a portion where the wheel coupler330is coupled to the arm310and the housing coupler320. The wheel coupling plate332is coupled to the coupling plate322and the second plate312, respectively. As described above, the coupling plate312, the second plate322, and the wheel coupling plate332are disposed in a direction facing from the front side to the rear side, respectively.

The wheel coupling plate332extends in the same direction as the coupling plate312or the second plate322. In the illustrated embodiment, the wheel coupling plate332extends vertically.

The wheel coupling plate332is continuous with the wheel support plate331at a predetermined angle. The predetermined angle may be a right angle, as described above.

The wheel coupling plate332may have any shape that may be coupled with the coupling plate312and the second plate322, respectively. In the illustrated embodiment, the wheel coupling plate332has a polygonal cross-section and is provided in a polygonal plate shape having a thickness in the front-rear direction.

The shaft through hole333is a portion through which a shaft (not shown) for rotating the wheel420of the wheel assembly400in a horizontal direction is penetrated. The shaft through hole333is formed through the inside of the wheel support plate331in the thickness direction of the wheel support plate331, i.e., in the up-down direction in the illustrated embodiment.

The shaft through hole333may have any shape capable of rotatably supporting a shaft (not shown) penetrated therethrough. In the illustrated embodiment, the shaft through hole333has a circular cross-section and has a disc shape having a thickness in the up-down direction.

The shaft through hole333may be disposed to have the same central axis as a gear accommodating part450of the wheel assembly400. In other words, the wheel420may be rotated clockwise or counterclockwise in a horizontal direction about the shaft through hole333.

The wheel assembly400substantially performs a function of moving the vehicle moving apparatus10. The wheel assembly400moveably supports the elevator300and the housing200coupled to the elevator300.

The wheel assembly400supports the elevator300at one side of the extension direction thereof. In the illustrated embodiment, the wheel assembly400supports the rear side end of the elevator300.

The wheel assembly400may be rotated about at least two axes.

That is, in the illustrated embodiment, the wheel assembly400may be rotated about an axis in a vertical direction. Accordingly, the direction in which the vehicle moving apparatus10is moved may be adjusted. Specifically, the wheel assembly400may be rotated to align in a direction toward or opposite the vehicle V, or may be rotated to align in a direction parallel to the vehicle V.

In addition, the wheel assembly400may be rotated about an axis in the horizontal direction. Accordingly, the vehicle moving apparatus10may be advanced or reversed, or the elevator300may be moved in a direction toward the wheel W or a direction opposite to the direction. This will be described later in detail.

The wheel assembly400is coupled to the elevator300. Specifically, the wheel assembly400is rotatably coupled to the wheel support plate331of the wheel coupler330. The wheel assembly400is coupled to one surface of the surfaces of the wheel support plate331facing the ground, i.e., to the lower side in the illustrated embodiment.

The wheel assembly400is not directly coupled to the housing200. That is, the wheel assembly400is indirectly coupled to the housing200through the elevator300. Therefore, maintenance of the housing200, the elevator300, and the wheel assembly400can be easily performed.

In addition, a separate member for rotatably coupling the wheel assembly400to the housing200is not required. Accordingly, the coupling structure of the vehicle moving apparatus10may be simplified, and the number of required components may be reduced, such that manufacturing costs may be reduced and manufacturing processes may be simplified.

A plurality of wheel assemblies400may be provided. The plurality of wheel assemblies400may be coupled to a plurality of elevators300, respectively. In the illustrated embodiment, a pair of wheel assemblies400are provided and coupled to the first elevator300aand the second elevator300b, respectively.

In the embodiment shown inFIGS.14-16, the wheel assembly400includes a wheel housing410, a wheel420, an actuator430, a gear440, and a gear accommodating part450.

The wheel housing410forms a body of the wheel assembly400. The wheel housing410is coupled to and supports other components of the wheel assembly400.

The wheel housing410is coupled to the wheel420. The wheel housing410rotatably supports the wheel420.

The wheel housing410is coupled to the actuator430and the gear440. The wheel housing410maintains a coupling state between the actuator430and the gear440.

The wheel housing410is coupled to the gear accommodating part450. In the illustrated embodiment, the gear accommodating part450is located on one side, that is, on the upper side, of the portions of the wheel housing410toward the wheel support plate331.

The wheel420is rotated by the power applied by the actuator430. The wheel420substantially performs a function of moving the vehicle moving apparatus10. The wheel420may be provided in any shape that may be rolled and moved by rotational force.

The wheel420is rotatably coupled to the wheel housing410. The wheel420may be rotated about an axis in the horizontal direction.

The wheel420is coupled to the actuator430. The wheel420may be rotated clockwise or counterclockwise by the power applied by the actuator430.

The wheel420is coupled to the gear440. The wheel4209may be rotated about an axis in a vertical direction by the gear440.

Thus, it will be understood that the wheel420may be rotated with at least two different directions as axes.

That is, as shown inFIGS.18(a) and18(b), when the gear440is operated, the wheel420is rotated with the vertical direction as an axis. Accordingly, the wheel420may be aligned in one direction between a direction toward the vehicle V and a direction parallel to the vehicle V.

When the actuator430is operated while the wheel420is aligned in a direction toward the vehicle V, the wheel420may be moved in a direction toward the vehicle V or in a direction opposite to the vehicle V. That is, in the above state, the vehicle moving apparatus10may be inserted into the underside of the vehicle V or may be pulled out of the vehicle V.

When the actuator430is operated while the wheel420is aligned in a direction parallel to the vehicle V, the wheel420may be moved along the vehicle V. That is, in the above state, the arm310may be moved toward the wheel W to lift the wheel W or may be moved away from the wheel W to place the wheel W on the ground.

In addition, the vehicle moving apparatus10may be moved in various directions on the ground while the vehicle V is lifted.

Therefore, the process of moving the vehicle moving apparatus10and lifting and lowering the vehicle V may be performed by the power provided by a single actuator430. Accordingly, the number of components required for operation of the vehicle moving apparatus10may be reduced.

The actuator430provides power for the vehicle moving apparatus10to be operated. The actuator430is coupled to the wheel420and the gear440to provide rotational force.

The actuator430may be provided in any shape capable of operating the wheel420and the gear440. In an embodiment, the actuator430may be provided as a motor. In the above embodiment, the power needed for the operation of the actuator430may be provided by a power source (not shown) accommodated in the housing space210.

A plurality of actuators430may be provided. The plurality of actuators430may be coupled to the wheel420and the gear440, respectively. In the illustrated embodiment, two actuators430are provided, including a first actuator431positioned at the rear side and coupled to the gear440and a second actuator432positioned at the front side and coupled to the wheel420.

The first actuator431is coupled to the gear440to apply rotational force to the gear440. When the gear440is rotated by the rotational force applied by the first actuator431, the wheel420may be rotated about an axis in the vertical direction.

Accordingly, the moving direction of the vehicle moving apparatus10and the elevator300included therein may be adjusted.

The second actuator432is coupled to the wheel420to apply rotational force to the wheel420. When the wheel420is rotated by the rotational force applied by the second actuator432, the vehicle moving apparatus10and the elevator300included therein may be moved in one or more directions among a direction toward the vehicle V, a direction opposite to the vehicle V, a direction toward the wheel W, and a direction away from the wheel W

Therefore, it will be understood that the first actuator431provides power for adjusting the movement direction of the vehicle moving apparatus10, and the second actuator432provides power required for moving the vehicle moving apparatus10and lifting and lowering the vehicle V.

As a result, the movement of the vehicle moving apparatus10and the lifting and lowering of the vehicle V may be performed by a single second actuator432.

The gear440is rotated by the power applied by the actuator430. The gear440is coupled to the wheel420to rotate the wheel420about an axis in a vertical direction. Therefore, it may be said that the gear440performs a function of adjusting the movement direction of the wheel420.

The gear440is coupled to the wheel housing410. Specifically, the gear440is accommodated in a space formed in the gear accommodating part450located on one side of the portions of the wheel housing410toward the wheel support plate331, i.e., on the upper side in the illustrated embodiment.

A plurality of gears440may be provided. The plurality of gears440may be coupled to a shaft (not shown) penetrated through the shaft through hole333and the first actuator431, respectively. In the illustrated embodiment, two gears440are provided, including a first gear441and a second gear442.

The first gear441and the second gear442may be gear-fitted. When any one of the first gear441and the second gear442is rotated, the other may be rotated in the opposite direction.

The first gear441is coupled to the shaft (not shown). The first gear441receives rotational force of the second gear442and rotates the shaft (not shown). Accordingly, the wheel420coupled to the shaft (not shown) may be rotated to adjust the movement direction. That is, the first gear441is coupled to the wheel420via the shaft (not shown).

In the above embodiment, the first gear441may be disposed to have the same central axis as the shaft through hole333.

The second gear442is positioned at the rear side of the first gear441. The second gear442is coupled to the first actuator431. When the first actuator431is operated, the second gear442may be rotated clockwise or counterclockwise. The rotation of the second gear442may be transferred to the first gear441to rotate the first gear441and the wheel420coupled thereto.

In the above embodiment, the second gear442may be disposed to have the same central axis as the first actuator431.

The gear440is accommodated in the gear accommodating part450.

A space is formed inside the gear accommodating part450to accommodate the gear440.

The gear accommodating part450is coupled to the wheel housing410. In the illustrated embodiment, the gear accommodating part450is located on one side, that is, on the upper side, of the portions of the wheel housing410toward the wheel support plate331.

The gear accommodating part450accommodates the gear440. A space is formed radially inside the gear accommodating part450to accommodate the first gear441rotatably. An opening is formed in part on the radially outside, that is, the outer circumference of the gear accommodating part450. The second gear442is rotatably accommodated in the opening, and is gear-fitted with the first gear441.

A plurality of through-holes are formed on the outer circumference of the gear accommodating part450. A fastener (not shown) for coupling the gear accommodating part450with the wheel support plate331of the elevator300may be penetrated through the through hole. Therefore, it may be said that the wheel assembly400is coupled to the elevator300by the gear accommodating part450.

The supporter500supports the elevator300at the other side of the extension direction thereof. In the illustrated embodiment, the supporter500supports the front side end of the elevator300.

Therefore, the elevator300may stably elevate and move the vehicle V by supporting each end of the extension direction of the elevator300by the wheel assembly400and the supporter500, respectively.

The supporter500is coupled to the arm310. The supporter500is coupled to a coupling end314located at one end in the extension direction of the arm310, i.e., at the front side end in the illustrated embodiment.

A plurality of supporters500may be provided. The plurality of supporters500may be coupled to the plurality of arms310aand310b, respectively. In the illustrated embodiment, two supporters500are provided and coupled to the first arm310aand the second arm310b, respectively.

In the illustrated embodiment, the supporter500is shown to be provided only at the front side end of the arm310. Alternatively, a plurality of supporters500may be provided and disposed side by side to be spaced apart from each other along the extension direction of the arm310. That is, in the above embodiment, the added supporter500may be disposed adjacent to a central portion of the arm310in the extension direction.

In the embodiment, since the elevator300and the vehicle V lifted by the elevator300are supported at a plurality of positions, the state can be stably maintained.

In the embodiment shown inFIG.17, the supporter500includes a support body510, a rotating plate520, and a caster530.

The support body510forms a body of the supporter500. The support body510is a portion where the supporter500is coupled to the arm310. The support body510is located closest to the arm310among each component of the supporter500. In the illustrated embodiment, the support body510forms an upper side of the supporter500.

The support body510is coupled to the rotating plate520. One side of each portion of the support body510toward the rotating plate520, i.e., the lower surface in the illustrated embodiment, may be coupled to the rotating plate520. In an embodiment, a space may be formed inside the support body510to accommodate the rotating plate520.

The support body510is coupled to the caster530. As will be described later, the caster530is rotatably coupled to the rotating plate520. That is, it may be said that the support body510is coupled to the caster530via the rotating plate520.

The support body510may have any shape that may be coupled to the coupling end314of the arm310and may be coupled to the rotating plate520and the caster530, respectively. In the illustrated embodiment, the support body510has a polyhedron shape: having its front side formed rounded convex outward, having other portions with a cross-section extending perpendicularly, and having a height in the up-down direction.

The support body510coupled to the coupling end314forms a front side end of the vehicle moving apparatus10. That is, the support body510is inserted first into the underside of the vehicle V as the vehicle moving apparatus10is moved. In this case, as the front side portion of the support body510is formed round, the insertion process of the vehicle moving apparatus10may be smoothly performed.

The rotating plate520is coupled to the lower side of the support body510.

The rotating plate520rotatably supports the caster530. The rotating plate520is coupled to the support body510. In the illustrated embodiment, the rotating plate520is coupled to the lower side of the support body510.

The rotating plate520supports the caster530to be rotatable about an axis in a vertical direction. Accordingly, the caster530may be rotated in the same direction as the traveling direction of the vehicle moving apparatus10, that is, the direction in which the wheel420is rotated about an axis in a vertical direction.

In this case, a member for limiting the rotation of the caster530is not provided in the rotating plate520. That is, the caster530may be freely rotated about an axis in a vertical direction while being coupled to the rotating plate520. Accordingly, the movement of the vehicle moving apparatus10can be performed smoothly.

The caster530is rotatably coupled to the rotating plate520.

The caster530substantially performs a function of movably supporting the vehicle moving apparatus10, specifically one end, i.e., the front side end, of the elevator300in the extension direction. The front side end of the elevator300is movably supported by the caster530, and the rear side end of the elevator300is movably supported by the wheel assembly400.

The caster530is positioned below the support body510. The caster530is rotatably coupled to the rotating plate520. Specifically, the caster530is coupled to the rotating plate520to be rotatable about an axis in a vertical direction.

The caster530is provided to be rotatable clockwise or counterclockwise about an axis in the horizontal direction. In this case, separate power is not provided to the caster530.

Therefore, the caster530may be rotated in correspondence to the rotation of the wheel420to moveably support the vehicle moving apparatus10.

Referring toFIGS.18(a) and18(b), a process is shown in which the wheel420according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is rotated to adjust the movement direction of the vehicle moving apparatus10. As described above, the rotation of the wheel420is achieved by rotation of the first actuator431and the gear440coupled to the first actuator431.

Referring toFIG.18(a), the wheel assembly400is disposed at the first position P1. In the first position P1, the wheel420is rotated counterclockwise about an axis in the vertical direction, aligned in the extension direction of the arm310, i.e., in the front-rear direction in the illustrated embodiment.

In the above state, the vehicle moving apparatus10may be moved in a direction of being inserted into the underside of the vehicle V or in a direction of being drawn out from the underside of the vehicle V.

Referring toFIG.18(b), the wheel assembly400is disposed at the second position P2. In the second position P2, the wheel420is rotated clockwise about an axis in the vertical direction, aligned in the extension direction of the housing200, i.e., in the left-right direction in the illustrated embodiment.

In the above state, the arm310supported by the wheel assembly400may be moved toward the wheel W to lift the wheel W or may be moved away from the wheel W to place the wheel W on the ground.

In this case, in order to be aligned to the first position P1or the second position P2, the direction in which the wheel420is rotated around the vertical direction may be changed.

Referring toFIGS.19to20, a process of lifting the vehicle V by the vehicle moving apparatus10according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is illustrated as an example.

In the embodiment shown inFIG.19, the vehicle moving apparatus10is moved towards the vehicle V. At this time, the wheel assembly400may be aligned to the first position P1so that the vehicle moving apparatus10may be moved in a direction of being inserted into the underside of the vehicle V.

As described above, the vehicle moving apparatuses10includes a first vehicle moving apparatus10aand a second vehicle moving apparatus10b. The first vehicle moving apparatus10aand the second vehicle moving apparatus10bmay be coupled by the joint100and move together. In the illustrated embodiment, the first vehicle moving apparatus10amay lift and lower a pair of wheels W located at the front side of the vehicle V. The second vehicle moving apparatus10bmay lift and lower a pair of wheels W located at the rear side of the vehicle V.

As described above, the arm310extends a length longer than a length in the width direction of the vehicle V. Therefore, a pair of arms310may simultaneously lift and lower a pair of wheels W located at the front side or a pair of wheels W located at the rear side.

A distance between each pair of arms310may be defined as a first distance d1. That is, the first distance d1may be defined as a distance at which each pair of arms310are spaced apart when the vehicle moving apparatus10is moved in a state in which it is not in contact with the wheel W The first distance d1may be defined as greater than or equal to a length of the wheel W in the diameter direction at the height of the arm310with respect to the ground.

In the embodiment shown inFIG.20, the vehicle moving apparatus10is inserted into the underside of the vehicle V and moved toward the wheel W. At this time, the wheel assembly400may be aligned to the second position P2so that the vehicle moving apparatus10may be moved toward the wheel W.

As described above, a pair of elevators300aand300bare provided in each vehicle moving apparatus10aand10b, respectively. The pair of elevators300aand300bare disposed to face each other with the wheel W interposed therebetween. When the vehicle moving apparatus10is sufficiently inserted into the underside of the vehicle V, the pair of elevators300aand300bare moved toward each other to be in contact with the wheel W.

When the movement of the pair of elevators300aand300bis continued, the wheel W is rolled and moved along the roller315and lifted upward of the arm body311. In this case, the frictional force between the wheel W supported by the arm310and the arm310may be increased by the friction pad316, thereby preventing arbitrary detachment of the wheel W

In the above state, a distance between each pair of arms310may be defined as a second distance d2. That is, the second distance d2may be defined as a distance at which each pair of the arms310are spaced apart in a state in which the vehicle moving apparatus10may lift and lower the wheel W and the vehicle V including the wheel W The second distance d2may be defined as less than a length of the wheel W in the diameter direction at the height of the arm310with respect to the ground.

Therefore, by a single power source (i.e., the second actuator432), the vehicle moving apparatus10may be moved and the vehicle V may be lifted and lowered.

As described above, the vehicle moving apparatus10according to the embodiment of the present disclosure may be operated by a single power source.

Accordingly, the number of power sources required for operation of the vehicle moving apparatus10is minimized, and manufacturing costs may be reduced.

In addition, the vehicle moving apparatus10may be inserted into a space formed between the bottom of the vehicle V and the ground, and thus may move the vehicle by lifting the wheel W Therefore, the vehicle moving apparatus10can be miniaturized.

In addition, the vehicle moving apparatus10is configured to be inserted into and drawn out of the underside of the vehicle V. Therefore, the single vehicle moving apparatus10may move a plurality of vehicles V, respectively.

Although exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure have been described, the idea of the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Those of ordinary skill in the art who understand the idea of the present disclosure may easily propose other embodiments through supplement, change, removal, addition, etc. of elements within the same idea, but the embodiments will be also within the scope of the present disclosure.