STEERABLE/RETRACTABLE CARGO POWER DRIVE UNIT

摘要

A steerable, retractable power drive unit (SRPDU) is provided for installati on into a transport vehicle for moving cargo in mutually perpendicular directions, such as a doorway are where containers need to move both lateral ly and longitudinally in a cargo vehicle. The SRPDU rotates upon application of an external command, to orient the drive unit in the required direction and to drive the cargo containers. The SRPDU comprises a stationary support (1010) for fixedly attaching to a vehicle structure and a rotating support (1020) rotatably mounted to the stationary support. A drive assembly is movably mounted to the rotating support, the drive assembly comprising a roller (120 ) and a first electronically controlled electric motor for rotating the roller . A lift assembly (150) mounted to the drive assembly has a second electronically controlled electric motor for moving the drive assembly relative to the rotating support from a retracted position substantially within the rotating support to an extended position with the roller in drivi ng abutment against the cargo. A rotation drive assembly has a third electronically controlled electric motor (1030) on the rotating support for rotating the rotating support relative to the stationary support. An electronic controller (1060) controls the first,second and third motors.