Conveying system

Abstract

The present invention provides a conveying system capable of making a vehicle travel easily with sufficient propulsion force. The conveying system (1) comprises a track (2) and a vehicle (40). The track (2) comprises a guide rail (20). The vehicle (40) comprises guide wheels (730 to 732) that move along the guide rail (20). The track (2) comprises a first section that includes a contact portion (24) and a second section that does not include the contact portion (24). The vehicle (40) further comprises a plurality of drive wheels (74) that clamp the contact portion (24).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a transportation system, and more particularly to a transportation system including a vehicle traveling along a track. Background Art

[0002] Patent document 1 discloses a passenger conveyor. In the passenger conveyor, the track has a vehicle acceleration zone and a vehicle inertia running zone. In the vehicle acceleration zone, the vehicle lifted by the lifting device is accelerated on a steep downward slope. In the vehicle inertia running zone, the vehicle mainly inertia runs in a non-driven form. The vehicle has a small drive motor and a drive wheel that is rotationally driven by the small drive motor. In the vehicle inertia running zone, if the vehicle's running speed becomes less than a specified value, the drive wheel descends and contacts the contact surface formed on the track, thereby driving the vehicle to run.

[0003] In the above-mentioned passenger conveyor, it is not easy to generate sufficient frictional force between the driving wheel and the contacted surface, and thus it is not easy to drive the vehicle with sufficient propulsion force.

[0004] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2002-29414 Summary of the invention

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a transport system capable of easily driving a vehicle with sufficient propulsion force.

[0006] A conveying system according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a track and a vehicle. The track includes a guide rail. The vehicle includes a guide wheel that moves along the guide rail. The track includes a first section including a contact portion and a second section that does not include the contact portion. The vehicle further includes a plurality of drive wheels that clamp the contact portion. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] Figure 1 It is a top view schematically showing the conveying system of the present invention.

[0008] Figure 2 It is a side view schematically showing a part of the above-mentioned conveying system.

[0009] Figure 3 It is a side view showing a vehicle equipped with the above-mentioned transportation system.

[0010] Figure 4 It is a transverse cross-sectional view showing the connection portion between the above-mentioned vehicle and the track.

[0011] Figure 5 This is a transverse cross-sectional view showing a connection portion between a vehicle and the track in a portion of the track having an upward slope.

[0012] Figure 6 It is a top view of the first wheel unit included in the above-mentioned vehicle.

[0013] Figure 7 It is a side view of the above-mentioned first wheel unit.

[0014] Figure 8 It is a side view schematically showing a part of the conveying system according to a modified example.

[0015] Fig. 9 It is a top view schematically showing a conveying system according to another modified example.

[0016] Fig.10 It is a top view schematically showing a transport system according to still another modified example.

[0017] Fig.11 It is a top view schematically showing a transport system according to still another modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018] (1) Implementation Method

[0019] Hereinafter, a transportation system 1 to which the technology of the present invention is applied will be described. Figure 1 as well as Figure 2 The transport system 1 of the present embodiment shown is a transportation system that transports people using a vehicle 40 traveling along a track 2. In addition, the transport system 1 is not limited to a transportation system, and may be, for example, a transport system that transports articles using the vehicle 40. In addition, the purpose of the transport system 1 of the present embodiment is to achieve miniaturization and lightness of the vehicle 40 and improve energy efficiency, and the technology of the present invention can be applied to various transport systems.

[0020] The transport system 1 includes a track 2, stations (get-on and get-off stations) 10 provided along the track 2, and a vehicle 40 traveling along the track 2. In the present invention, the traveling direction of the vehicle 40 is defined as the front, the direction opposite to the traveling direction of the vehicle 40 is defined as the rear, and the direction orthogonal to the front-rear direction and the up-down direction is defined as the left-right direction.

[0021] (1.1) Track

[0022] The track 2 is a single track loop. The vehicle 40 can travel in a loop on the loop track 2. Figure 3 as well as Figure 4 As shown, the track 2 has a pair of left and right guide rails 20 for guiding the vehicle 40. The pair of left and right guide rails 20 are arranged at intervals in the left-right direction (horizontally and perpendicular to the traveling direction of the vehicle 40). The pair of left and right guide rails 20 are parallel.

[0023] The vehicle 40 travels along the pair of left and right guide rails 20. That is, the traveling direction of the vehicle 40 is the direction in which the guide rails 20 extend. The guide rails 20 extend over the entire length of the track 2 in the longitudinal direction.

[0024] Each guide rail 20 is a cylindrical steel pipe. Each guide rail 20 has an outer peripheral surface whose cross section is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the guide rail 20 and whose shape is circular. In addition, the shape of each guide rail 20 is not limited. For example, each guide rail 20 may also have an outer peripheral surface whose cross section is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the guide rail 20 and whose shape is elliptical or rectangular. In addition, each guide rail 20 may also be formed of metal other than steel.

[0025] The track 2 further includes a support member 3 for supporting the pair of left and right guide rails 20. The support member 3 is made of metal. The support member 3 includes a main beam 30 extending in the traveling direction of the vehicle 40, and a plurality of connecting members 31 arranged at intervals in the longitudinal direction of the main beam 30. The main beam 30 is located below the pair of left and right guide rails 20. The main beam 30 is, for example, a cylindrical steel pipe. The main beam 30 is fixed to the ground, for example, via a foundation or the like.

[0026] Each connecting member 31 connects the main beam 30 and the pair of left and right guide rails 20. The lower end of the connecting member 31 is connected to the main beam 30. The connecting member 31 has a pair of left and right arm portions 32 that branch from the lower end of the connecting member 31 and protrude upward. The pair of left and right arm portions 32 correspond to the pair of left and right guide rails 20 one-to-one. The upper end of each arm portion 32 is connected to the corresponding guide rail 20.

[0027] like Figure 1 As shown, the track 2 has at least one first section 21 and at least one second section 22. The first section 21 is driven by a plurality of drive wheels 74 (see Figure 4 ) is a section in which the propulsion force of the vehicle 40 is increased. The second section 22 is a section in which the propulsion force of the vehicle 40 is not increased by the plurality of drive wheels 74.

[0028] like Figure 4 As shown, the first section 21 has a contact portion 24 sandwiched by a plurality of driving wheels 74 of the vehicle 40. The contact portion 24 extends over the entire length of the first section 21. That is, the portion of the track 2 where the contact portion 24 is provided is the first section 21.

[0029] The contact portion 24 is a plate-shaped member (fin) protruding upward from the support member 3. In addition, the contact portion 24 may be connected to a plurality of connecting members 31 or may be connected to the main beam 30. The contact portion 24 extends along the main beam 30 in the direction of travel of the vehicle 40. The length direction of the contact portion 24 is parallel to the length direction of the guide rail 20. In the first section 21, as shown in FIG. Figure 4As shown, the plurality of driving wheels 74 of the vehicle 40 sandwich the contact portion 24 from both sides, and each driving wheel 74 contacts the contact portion 24. In this state, each driving wheel 74 rotates, thereby increasing the propulsion force of the vehicle 40. That is, the first section 21 is an acceleration travel section in which the vehicle 40 can accelerate.

[0030] exist Figure 1 In the track 2 shown, the first section 21 is, for example, a portion where the vehicle 40 stops or a portion where the propulsion force of the vehicle 40 decreases. For example, in the track 2, a horizontal portion, a portion with a downward slope, or a portion with an upward slope can be the first section 21. In the track 2, the portion where the vehicle 40 stops is, for example, a portion of the track 2 along the station 10. The portion of the track 2 where the propulsion force of the vehicle 40 decreases is, for example, a portion away from the station 10 at the time of starting or a portion immediately after an uphill section.

[0031] The second section 22 does not have the contact portion 24. In the second section 22, the vehicle 40 travels by the inertia of the vehicle 40 without transmitting the driving force from the plurality of driving wheels 74 to the contact portion 24. That is, the second section 22 is an inertia travel section in which the vehicle 40 can travel only by the inertia.

[0032] The second section 22 is, for example, a section where the vehicle 40 travels after the first section 21 or a section with a downward slope, where there is no need to increase the propulsion force of the vehicle 40. For example, a horizontal section or a section with a downward slope in the track 2 can be the second section 22.

[0033] The track 2 of this embodiment further has a third section 23. Figure 2 As shown, the third section 23 is an uphill section having an upward slope in the track 2. The third section 23 has an upward slope to such an extent that the train 4 cannot travel only by the driving force transmitted to the contact portion 24 by the plurality of driving wheels 74.

[0034] The third section 23 includes a lifting device 25 that lifts the vehicle 40 along the pair of guide rails 20. In the third section 23, the vehicle 40 travels by driving the lifting device 25. The lifting device 25 includes a plurality of sprockets 26 and an endless chain 27 wound around the plurality of sprockets 26.

[0035] like Figure 5As shown, the lifting device 25 further includes a chain guide 250. The chain guide 250 includes a base 251 with a U-shaped cross section opened at the top, and a plurality of guide members 252 mounted on the inner surface of the base 251. The base 251 is formed of, for example, channel steel having higher rigidity than the guide members 252. Each guide member 252 is formed of, for example, high-density polyethylene having a lower friction coefficient than the base 251. The third section 23 of the present embodiment includes a contact portion 24, and the base 251 is connected to the upper end portion of the contact portion 24.

[0036] The chain 27 is arranged at a position surrounded by the plurality of guide members 252. The chain 27 moves along the plurality of guide members 252. Thus, the moving direction of the chain 27 is restricted. A hook 54 provided on the vehicle 40 is hooked to the chain 27 in a disengageable and engageable manner.

[0037] The lifting device 25 is moved by the prime mover when the hook 54 is hooked to the chain 27. Figure 2 The sprocket 26 shown rotates, thereby lifting the vehicle 40 along the pair of guide rails 20. The hook 54 is detached from the chain 27 when the vehicle 40 climbs over the third section 23. In addition, as the lifting device 25, a known device that lifts the vehicle 40 along the track 2 having an upward slope can be used.

[0038] like Figure 4 As shown, the track 2 further has a power supply unit 28 for supplying power to the vehicle 40. The power supply unit 28 is, for example, a trolley wire. The power supply unit 28 is connected to an external commercial power supply. The power supply unit 28 is, for example, mounted on a plurality of connecting members 31 of the support member 3. In addition, the power supply unit 28 may be provided throughout the entire length of the track 2, or may be provided only in a portion of the length direction of the track 2.

[0039] (1.2) Vehicles

[0040] like Figure 1 as well as Figure 2 As shown, the transportation system 1 includes at least one train 4. In addition, the transportation system 1 may include only one train 4, or may include two or more trains.

[0041] The train 4 includes a vehicle 40. The train 4 includes, for example, a power vehicle 41 and an accompanying vehicle 42 as the vehicle 40. The power vehicle 41 is a vehicle capable of inertial travel, and includes a plurality of prime movers 76 and a plurality of drive wheels 74 for inertial travel (see Figure 4 The accompanying vehicle 42 is a vehicle that does not have power for inertial running, but is connected to the power vehicle 41 so as to be able to run using the power of the power vehicle 41.

[0042] In addition, the train 4 only needs to have at least one power car 41, and the number of power cars 41 of the train 4 is not limited. The train 4 may have, for example, only one power car 41, or may have two or more power cars 41. In addition, all the vehicles 40 of the train 4 may be power cars 41. In addition, the train 4 may have only one power car 41.

[0043] The accessory vehicle 42 is different from the power vehicle 41 mainly in that it does not have a mechanism for inertial travel such as multiple prime movers 76 and multiple drive wheels 74 of the power vehicle 41. In the following description, the power vehicle 41 is described in detail, and the description of the items in the accessory vehicle 42 that are common to the power vehicle 41 is omitted.

[0044] like Figure 3 As shown, the power car 41 has a body 5 and a trolley 6 supporting the body 5. The body 5 has a passenger cabin 50 for carrying passengers. That is, the power car 41 is a passenger car with power. The body 5 further has a boarding and alighting port 51 connected to the passenger cabin 50, a door 52 for opening and closing the boarding and alighting port 51, and a plurality of seats 53 provided in the passenger cabin 50. In addition, the body 5 may not have the passenger cabin 50. That is, the power car 41 may also be a power car without the passenger cabin 50.

[0045] The vehicle 6 can travel along the rail 2. The vehicle 6 includes a vehicle frame 60. The vehicle frame 60 is located below the vehicle body 5 and supports the vehicle body 5 from below.

[0046] like Figure 4 As shown, the carriage 6 further includes a power receiving unit 61 to which power is supplied from the power supply unit 28. The power receiving unit 61 is, for example, a current collector. The power receiving unit 61 is fixed to the carriage frame 60. When the power car 41 is traveling or stopped, the power receiving unit 61 contacts the power supply unit 28 of the track 2, thereby supplying power from the track 2 to the power car 41. In addition, the train 4 may also include a battery for storing power supplied from the power supply unit 28.

[0047] like Figure 3 As shown, the carriage 6 further includes a plurality of wheel units 7. The plurality of wheel units 7 are arranged at intervals in the front-rear direction below the carriage frame 60. Each wheel unit 7 is attached to the carriage frame 60.

[0048] The carriage 6 has two types of wheel units 7, namely, a first wheel unit 71 and a second wheel unit 72. The first wheel unit 71 is located at the front of the power vehicle 41. The second wheel unit 72 is located at the rear of the vehicle 40.

[0049] The first wheel unit 71 includes a plurality of guide wheel groups 73 and a plurality of drive wheels 74 (see Figure 4The first wheel unit 71 restricts the movement of the vehicle 40 in the up-down direction and the left-right direction through the plurality of guide wheel groups 73 , and increases the propulsion force of the power vehicle 41 through the plurality of drive wheels 74 .

[0050] The second wheel unit 72 has a plurality of guide wheel groups 73, but does not have a driving wheel 74. The second wheel unit 72 restricts the movement of the power vehicle 41 in the up-down direction and the left-right direction by the plurality of guide wheel groups 73. In addition, the power vehicle 41 may also have a plurality of first wheel units 71 as the wheel unit 7. In addition, the power vehicle 41 may not have the second wheel unit 72.

[0051] The second wheel unit 72 is different from the first wheel unit 71 mainly in that it does not have the plurality of drive wheels 74 of the first wheel unit 71. Therefore, in the following description, the first wheel unit 71 is described in detail, and the description of the matters common to the first wheel unit 71 in the second wheel unit 72 is omitted.

[0052] like Figure 4 as well as Figure 6 As shown, the first wheel unit 71 further includes a mounting frame 75. The mounting frame 75 is made of steel, for example. The mounting frame 75 is located below the carriage frame 60 and is rotatably mounted to the carriage frame 60. In addition, the mounting frame 75 may be formed of metal other than steel.

[0053] The first wheel unit 71 includes a pair of left and right guide wheel groups 73 as a plurality of guide wheel groups 73. The pair of left and right guide wheel groups 73 correspond one-to-one to the pair of left and right guide rails 20 of the track 2. Each guide wheel group 73 runs along the corresponding guide rail 20. The power vehicle 41 runs in a state where the pair of left and right guide wheel groups 73 run along the pair of left and right guide rails 20.

[0054] The left and right guide wheel groups 73 are respectively mounted on both ends of the mounting frame 75 in the left and right direction. The left and right guide wheel groups 73 are arranged at intervals in the left and right direction. The left and right guide wheel groups 73 are arranged at the same position in the front-back direction and at the same height.

[0055] The left and right pair of guide wheel groups 73 each include a plurality of guide wheels 730 to 732. The plurality of guide wheels 730 to 732 are each formed of a material having elasticity. Specifically, each guide wheel 730 to 732 is made of polyurethane. In addition, each guide wheel 730 to 732 may be formed of a synthetic resin other than polyurethane, or may be formed of a material other than synthetic resin.

[0056] like Figure 3 to Figure 6As shown, each guide wheel group 73 has a total of five guide wheels, namely, a front and rear pair of upper guide wheels 730, a lower guide wheel 731, and a front and rear pair of lateral guide wheels 732 as a plurality of guide wheels. In other words, the left and right pair of guide wheel groups 73 have a total of ten guide wheels, namely, a left and right pair of upper guide wheels 730 located at the front side, a left and right pair of upper guide wheels 730 located at the rear side, a left and right pair of lower guide wheels 731, a left and right pair of lateral guide wheels 732 located at the front side, and a left and right pair of lateral guide wheels 732 located at the rear side. The front and rear pairs of upper guide wheels 730 of each guide wheel group 73 are arranged at intervals in the front-to-back direction. Each upper guide wheel 730 can rotate around a rotation axis parallel to a direction intersecting the up-down direction and the front-to-back direction. Each upper guide wheel 730 is located above the corresponding guide rail 20. Each upper guide wheel 730 contacts the upper portion of the corresponding guide rail 20 from above and is supported from below by the corresponding guide rail 20.

[0057] The upper guide wheel 730 transfers the downward load applied to the vehicle 40 to the guide rail 20. In order to improve the strength of the upper guide wheel 730, the diameter of the upper guide wheel 730 is larger than the diameter of the lower guide wheel 731 and larger than the diameter of the lateral guide wheel 732.

[0058] The lower guide wheel 731 of each guide wheel group 73 can rotate around a rotation axis parallel to a direction intersecting the up-down direction and the front-back direction. The lower guide wheel 731 is located below the corresponding guide rail 20. The rotation axis of the front upper guide wheel 730 of the front and rear pair of upper guide wheels 730 is located in front of the rotation axis of the lower guide wheel 731, and the rotation axis of the rear upper guide wheel 730 is located behind the rotation axis of the lower guide wheel 731. Each lower guide wheel 731 contacts the lower part of the corresponding guide rail 20 from below. As a result, the upward movement of the vehicle 40 is restricted.

[0059] The front and rear pairs of transverse guide wheels 732 of each guide wheel group 73 are arranged at intervals in the front-to-back direction. Each transverse guide wheel 732 can rotate around a rotation axis parallel to a direction intersecting the front-to-back direction and the left-to-right direction. Each transverse guide wheel 732 is located on the side of the corresponding guide rail 20 and contacts the side portion of the corresponding guide rail 20 from the side. The rotation axis of the front transverse guide wheel 732 of the front and rear transverse guide wheel 732 is located forward of the rotation axis of the lower guide wheel 731, and the rotation axis of the rear transverse guide wheel 732 is located backward of the rotation axis of the lower guide wheel 731.

[0060] Each lateral guide wheel 732 of the left guide wheel group 73 of the pair of left and right guide wheel groups 73 is located on the left side of the corresponding guide rail 20 and contacts the corresponding guide rail 20 from the left side. Each lateral guide wheel 732 of the right guide wheel group 73 of the pair of left and right guide wheel groups 73 is located on the right side of the corresponding guide rail 20 and contacts the corresponding guide rail 20 from the right side. That is, the pair of left and right guide wheel groups 73 have a pair of left and right lateral guide wheels 732 consisting of the lateral guide wheels 732 of the left guide wheel group 73 and the lateral guide wheels 732 of the right guide wheel group 73, and the pair of left and right guide rails 20 are located between the pair of left and right lateral guide wheels 732.

[0061] As described above, the vehicle 40 has a pair of left and right guide wheel groups 73, and each guide wheel group 73 has a plurality of guide wheels 730 to 732 that contact the corresponding guide rail 20 from three directions: from above, from the side, and from below. Therefore, the left and right pair of guide wheel groups 73 can limit the movement of the vehicle 40 in the vertical direction and from the left and right direction, thereby improving safety. In addition, the left and right pair of guide rails 20 can be used to disperse the torsional load applied to the power car 41, thereby suppressing the deformation of the power car 41.

[0062] In addition, each lateral guide wheel 732 may also be arranged on either the left side or the right side relative to the corresponding guide rail 20. For example, each lateral guide wheel 732 of the left guide wheel group 73 may also be located on the right side of the corresponding guide rail 20, and each lateral guide wheel 732 of the right guide wheel group 73 may be located on the left side of the corresponding guide rail 20.

[0063] The number of guide wheel groups 73 included in the first wheel unit 71 and the positions, directions, and numbers of guide wheels 730 to 732 included in each guide wheel group 73 are not limited. For example, the lower guide wheel 731 may be located obliquely below the guide rail 20 .

[0064] The first wheel unit 71 of the present embodiment includes a pair of left and right drive wheels 74 as a plurality of drive wheels 74. The pair of left and right drive wheels 74 is located below the middle portion of the mounting frame 75 in the left-right direction and is rotatably mounted on the mounting frame 75.

[0065] The left and right pair of driving wheels 74 is located between the left and right pair of guide wheel groups 73. Specifically, the left and right pair of driving wheels 74 is located between the left and right pair of lower guide wheels 731 consisting of the lower guide wheel 731 of the left guide wheel group 73 and the lower guide wheel 731 of the right guide wheel group 73.

[0066] In addition, the position of the left and right pair of driving wheels 74 is not limited. For example, the left and right pair of driving wheels 74 can be located between the left and right pair of upper guide wheels 730, or between the left and right pair of lateral guide wheels 732. In addition, the left and right pair of driving wheels 74 may not be located between the left and right pair of guide wheel groups 73.

[0067] The left and right pair of driving wheels 74 can rotate around a rotation axis parallel to a direction intersecting the front-rear direction and the left-right direction. The rotation axis of each driving wheel 74 is arranged at the same position as the rotation axis of the lower guide wheel 731 in the front-rear direction. The rotation axis of the front upper guide wheel 730 of the front and rear pair of upper guide wheels 730 is located in front of the rotation axis of each driving wheel 74, and the rotation axis of the rear upper guide wheel 730 is located behind the rotation axis of each driving wheel 74. The rotation axis of the front lateral guide wheel 732 of the front and rear pair of lateral guide wheels 732 is located in front of the rotation axis of each driving wheel 74, and the rotation axis of the rear lateral guide wheel 732 is located behind the rotation axis of each driving wheel 74.

[0068] When the power car 41 is located in the first section 21 of the track 2 (see Figure 1 ) when the left and right driving wheels 74 are Figure 4 As shown, the contact portion 24 of the rail 2 is clamped from both sides, and each driving wheel 74 rotates in this state, thereby increasing the propulsion force of the vehicle 40. In this case, the plurality of driving wheels 74 clamp the contact portion 24, thereby being able to generate sufficient friction between the plurality of driving wheels 74 and the contact portion 24. Therefore, the vehicle 40 can be easily driven with sufficient propulsion force.

[0069] The left and right pair of driving wheels 74 is arranged in the space between the left and right pair of guide wheel groups 73. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the vertical dimension of the power car 41 from becoming larger. In addition, it is possible to suppress the increase in the weight of the power car 41, thereby suppressing the energy consumption for the travel of the train 4. In addition, it is possible to shorten the vertical distance from each guide wheel group 73 to the vehicle body 5. Therefore, it is possible to make it difficult for people riding in the power car 41 to feel shaking.

[0070] The first wheel unit 71 has a plurality of prime movers 76 for driving a plurality of driving wheels 74. The first wheel unit 71 has a pair of left and right prime movers 76 arranged at intervals in the left-right direction as the plurality of prime movers 76. The pair of left and right prime movers 76 are located behind the pair of left and right driving wheels 74. Each prime mover 76 is an electric motor, specifically a geared motor. Each prime mover 76 rotates and drives the corresponding driving wheel 74. Each prime mover 76 is controlled, for example, by a control device provided in the train 4.

[0071] Each prime mover 76 is a prime mover 76 with a braking function. The prime mover 76 is, for example, a motor with an electromagnetic brake. When the plurality of drive wheels 74 are in contact with the contact portion 24 of the track 2, the rotation speed of each prime mover 76 is controlled, thereby enabling the power car 41 to be accelerated or decelerated at a high speed or a low speed. In addition, when the plurality of drive wheels 74 are in contact with the contact portion 24 of the track 2, brakes are applied to each prime mover 76, thereby enabling the power car 41 to stop. Braking the power car 41 can also be achieved by providing a braking device on the plurality of drive wheels 74, or by providing a device for applying a braking force to the train 4 on the track 2. Therefore, each prime mover 76 may also be a prime mover 76 without a braking function.

[0072] like Figure 6 as well as Figure 7 As shown, the first wheel unit 71 further has a plurality of support platforms 77. The plurality of support platforms 77 are located above the plurality of drive wheels 74 and the plurality of prime movers 76, and support the plurality of drive wheels 74 and the plurality of prime movers 76. The first wheel unit 71 has a pair of left and right support platforms 77 arranged at intervals in the left-right direction as a plurality of support platforms 77. Each support platform 77 is located below the mounting frame 75. Each support platform 77 is rotatably mounted on the mounting frame 75. Each support platform 77 can rotate relative to the mounting frame 75 around a rotation axis 770 parallel to a direction intersecting the front-rear direction and the left-right direction. The rotation axis 770 of each support platform 77 is located at the rear end of the support platform 77.

[0073] The left and right pair of support platforms 77 correspond one-to-one to the left and right pair of prime movers 76, and correspond one-to-one to the left and right pair of drive wheels 74. The corresponding prime mover 76 and the corresponding drive wheel 74 are mounted on each support platform 77. In each support platform 77, the drive wheel 74 is located in front of the rotation axis 770 of the support platform 77.

[0074] The first wheel unit 71 further includes an actuator 78. The actuator 78 rotates the pair of left and right support platforms 77 about the rotation shaft 770 to change the distance between the pair of left and right driving wheels 74.

[0075] The actuator 78 is an air cylinder. The actuator 78 is located between the front ends of the left and right pair of support platforms 77. The actuator 78 has a cylinder 780 and a piston 781. The cylinder 780 is connected to one of the left and right pair of support platforms 77, and the piston 781 is connected to the other. The left and right pair of support platforms 77 rotate around the rotation axis 770 as the center by the reciprocating movement of the piston 781 relative to the cylinder 780, thereby changing the distance between the left and right pair of driving wheels 74.

[0076] The actuator 78 is controlled by, for example, a control device provided in the train 4. The control device controls the actuator 78 to change the interval between the pair of left and right driving wheels 74, thereby changing the contact portion 24 (see Figure 4 ) or changes the size of the force of the left and right pair of drive wheels 74 and the contact portion 24.

[0077] In addition, the first wheel unit 71 may further include an adjuster for adjusting the driving force of the actuator 78. In this case, by controlling the adjuster, the contact portion 24 (see Figure 4 ) force, thereby making it easy to control the speed of the power car 41. As the regulator, for example, a regulator that adjusts the air pressure of the cylinder constituting the actuator 78 is used. In addition, the drive of the regulator or the actuator 78 may also be automatically controlled based on the detection result of a detector that detects the speed of the train 4 or the speed change, for example.

[0078] In this embodiment, when the power vehicle 41 is traveling in the first section 21 and the third section 23 of the track 2, the actuator 78 is controlled to adjust the force of the left and right pair of driving wheels 74 clamping the contact portion 24, thereby adjusting the propulsion force and braking force of the power vehicle 41.

[0079] In addition, the actuator 78 may be a double-acting cylinder or a single-acting cylinder with a spring. In addition, the actuator 78 is not limited to a cylinder, and may be, for example, a hydraulic cylinder. In addition, the plurality of drive wheels 74 and the plurality of prime movers 76 may be fixed relative to the mounting frame 75, and the actuator 78 and the support stand 77 may be omitted.

[0080] like Figure 1 As shown, when the rail 2 has a plurality of first sections 21, the maximum thickness Tmax (see Figure 4 ) may also be set to a different size for each first section 21. That is, the maximum thickness Tmax of the contact portion 24 may also be different in one first section 21 among the plurality of first sections 21 and in another first section 21. By making the maximum thickness Tmax of the contact portion 24 different for each first section 21 in this way, the magnitude of the force with which the plurality of drive wheels 74 clamp the contact portion 24 can be adjusted simply by adjusting the maximum thickness Tmax of the contact portion 24, thereby obtaining an appropriate propulsion force for the power vehicle 41. That is, in this case, the magnitude of the force with which the plurality of drive wheels 74 clamp the contact portion 24 can be changed without changing the interval between the left and right pair of drive wheels 74.

[0081] In addition, the maximum thickness Tmax of the portion of each contact portion 24 clamped by the plurality of drive wheels 74 may be the same. In addition, the thickness T of the portion of each contact portion 24 clamped by the plurality of drive wheels 74 may vary in the direction of travel of the vehicle 40 in one contact portion 24, or may be the same. For example, in the contact portion 24, the thickness T of a portion of the contact portion 24 may be greater than the thickness T of other portions located in front of the portion (portions that the plurality of drive wheels 74 contact after the portion). In addition, in the contact portion 24, the thickness T of a portion of the contact portion 24 may be greater than the thickness T of other portions located behind the portion (portions that the plurality of drive wheels 74 contact before the portion).

[0082] (2) Modification

[0083] The transport system 1 of the above embodiment can be modified appropriately. For example, the track 2 may not have the third section 23 for driving the vehicle 40 by the lifting device 25. In this case, as long as the vehicle 40 can be driven by only the plurality of driving wheels 74 (see Figure 4 ) is transmitted to the contact portion 24 to travel, the first section 21 may have an upward slope or may not have an upward slope. That is, the conveying system 1 may also be configured to be driven only by a plurality of driving wheels 74 (see Figure 4 ) is transmitted to the contact portion 24, enabling the train 4 to travel on the entire track 2.

[0084] In addition, if Figure 2 As shown in FIG. 1 , the track 2 of the above embodiment has a section with an upward slope (the first section 21 or the third section 23). Figure 8 As shown, there may not be a section with an upward slope. That is, the track 2 may not have an upward slope. In this case, the track 2 may be composed of, for example, only a horizontal portion, or only a portion with a downward slope, or a combination of a horizontal portion and a portion with a downward slope. In this case, the train 4 can travel on the entire track 2 only by the driving force transmitted to the contact portion 24 by the plurality of driving wheels 74.

[0085] In addition, the track 2 may not have a downward slope. In this case, the track 2 may be composed of, for example, only a portion having an upward slope, or a combination of a horizontal portion and a portion having an upward slope. In this case, the train 4 can travel on the entire track 2 only by the driving force transmitted to the contact portion 24 by the plurality of driving wheels 74.

[0086] In addition, regardless of whether the track 2 has the third section 23, the track 2 may have sections with an upward slope and sections with a downward slope. Figure 1For example, Fig. 9 As shown, track 2 can also be a double-track loop. Fig.10 As shown, the track 2 may also be a double track with the ends connected by a terminal loop rail 29 for the purpose of turning back the train 4. Fig.11 As shown, the track 2 may also be a single track with ends that are not connected.

[0087] Furthermore, the shape, size, position, number, material, etc. of each element of the conveying system 1 can be changed appropriately.

[0088] (3) Method

[0089] As is clear from the above-mentioned embodiments and variations, the first mode of the transport system (1) of the present invention comprises a track (2) and a vehicle (40). The track (2) comprises a guide rail (20). The vehicle (40) comprises guide wheels (730 to 732) that move along the guide rail (20). The track (2) comprises a first section (21) that includes a contact portion (24), and a second section (22) that does not include the contact portion (24). The vehicle (40) further comprises a plurality of drive wheels (74) that clamp the contact portion (24).

[0090] According to this embodiment, the vehicle (40) can be driven by driving the plurality of drive wheels (74) while the contact portion (24) is clamped by the plurality of drive wheels (74). In addition, in this case, the plurality of drive wheels (74) clamp the contact portion (24), thereby sufficiently generating friction between the plurality of drive wheels (74) and the contact portion (24), thereby enabling the vehicle (40) to be driven with sufficient propulsion force.

[0091] The second mode of the transport system (1) can be realized by combining with the first mode. In the second mode, the track (2) has a pair of left and right guide rails (20) as guide rails (20). The pair of left and right guide rails (20) are arranged at intervals in the left and right directions. The vehicle (40) has a pair of left and right guide wheel groups (73) corresponding one-to-one to the pair of left and right guide rails (20). The pair of left and right guide wheel groups (73) each serve as a guide wheel (730-732) and have a plurality of guide wheels (730-732) that contact the corresponding guide rail (20) from three directions: from above, from the side, and from below.

[0092] According to this embodiment, the movement of the vehicle (40) in the up-down direction and the left-right direction can be restricted by the pair of left and right guide wheel groups (73).

[0093] The third mode of the transport system (1) can be realized by combining with the first mode. In the third mode, the track (2) has a pair of left and right guide rails (20) as guide rails (20). The pair of left and right guide rails (20) are arranged at intervals in the left and right directions. The vehicle (40) has a pair of left and right guide wheels (730-732) as guide wheels (730-732). The pair of left and right guide wheels (730-732) correspond one-to-one to the pair of left and right guide rails (20), respectively. A plurality of drive wheels (74) are located between the pair of left and right guide wheels (730-732).

[0094] According to this embodiment, the plurality of drive wheels (74) are arranged in the space between the pair of left and right guide wheels (730-732), thereby preventing the vertical dimension of the vehicle (40) from increasing.

[0095] The conveying system (1) of the fourth aspect can be realized by combining with any one of the first to third aspects. In the fourth aspect, the rail (2) does not have an upward slope.

[0096] According to this embodiment, the vehicle (40) can be driven without providing a large device such as a lifting device (25) for lifting the vehicle (40).

[0097] The transport system (1) of the fifth aspect can be realized by combining with any one of the first to third aspects. In the fifth aspect, the track (2) has a section (first section 21) having an upward slope. The vehicle (40) can travel on the entire track (2) only by the driving force transmitted to the contact portion (24) by the plurality of driving wheels (74).

[0098] According to this embodiment, the vehicle (40) can be driven only by the driving force of the plurality of driving wheels (74).

[0099] The conveying system (1) of the sixth aspect can be realized by combining with any one of the first to third aspects. In the sixth aspect, the track (2) further has an uphill section (third section 23) and a lifting device (25). The uphill section has an upward slope. The lifting device (25) lifts the vehicle (40) in the uphill section.

[0100] According to this embodiment, the vehicle (40) can be lifted by the lifting device (25) in an uphill section.

[0101] The conveying system (1) of the seventh aspect can be realized by combining with any one of the first to sixth aspects. In the seventh aspect, the track (2) is a single track with ends.

[0102] According to this method, the vehicle (40) reciprocates on the track (2), thereby being able to transport people or objects.

[0103] The conveying system (1) of the eighth aspect can be realized by combining with any one of the first to seventh aspects. In the eighth aspect, the track (2) has a plurality of first sections (21) as the first sections (21). The maximum thickness (Tmax) of a portion of the contact portion (24) clamped by the plurality of drive wheels (74) is different between one first section (21) and another first section (21) among the plurality of first sections (21).

[0104] According to this method, the maximum thickness (Tmax) of the portion of the contact portion (24) clamped by the plurality of drive wheels (74) is adjusted for each first section (21), thereby being able to adjust the magnitude of the force with which the plurality of drive wheels (74) clamp the contact portion (24) for each first section (21), thereby being able to provide an appropriate propulsion force to the vehicle (40).

[0105] The transportation system (1) of the ninth aspect can be realized by combining with any one of the first to eighth aspects. In the ninth aspect, the vehicle (40) further includes a passenger cabin (50).

[0106] According to this embodiment, people can be loaded into the cabin (50) and transported.

[0107] Description of Reference Numerals

[0108] Tmax...maximum thickness of the portion of the contact portion clamped by multiple drive wheels; 1...conveying system; 2...track; 20...guide rail; 21...first section; 22...second section; 23...third section (uphill section); 24...contact portion; 25...lifting device; 40...vehicle; 73...guide wheel group; 730...upper guide wheel (guide wheel); 731...lower guide wheel (guide wheel); 732...lateral guide wheel (guide wheel); 74...driving wheel.

Claims

1. A conveying system, characterized in that: have: Tracks and vehicles, The track has a guide rail, The vehicle has guide wheels that move along the guide rails, The track has a first section including a contact portion and a second section not including the contact portion. The vehicle further includes a plurality of drive wheels immovably fixed to the vehicle so as to sandwich the contact portion in the first section. In the first section of the first section and the second section, the plurality of driving wheels rotate respectively in a state where the plurality of driving wheels sandwich the contact portion, thereby increasing the propulsion force of the vehicle. The contact portion is a plate-shaped member extending in the traveling direction of the vehicle and having a thickness in the horizontal direction, and is sandwiched by the plurality of driving wheels from both sides in the horizontal direction. There are a plurality of first sections as the first section, The maximum thickness of a portion of the contact portion clamped by the plurality of drive wheels is made different in one of the plurality of first sections and in another of the plurality of first sections, thereby adjusting the magnitude of the force with which the plurality of drive wheels clamp the contact portion.

2. The conveying system according to claim 1, characterized in that The guide rails include a pair of left and right guide rails arranged at a distance from each other in the left-right direction. The vehicle includes a pair of left and right guide wheels corresponding one-to-one to the pair of left and right guide rails. Each of the left and right pair of guide wheel groups includes a plurality of guide wheels that are in contact with the corresponding guide rails from three directions: upper direction, side direction, and lower direction.

3. The conveying system according to claim 1, characterized in that The guide rails include a pair of left and right guide rails arranged at a distance from each other in the left-right direction. The guide wheels include a pair of left and right guide wheels corresponding one-to-one to the pair of left and right guide rails, respectively. The plurality of driving wheels are located between the pair of left and right guide wheels.

4. The conveying system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The track has no upward slope.

5. The conveying system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The track has a section with an upward slope, The vehicle can travel on the entire track only by the driving force transmitted to the contact portion by the plurality of driving wheels.

6. The conveying system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The track further includes an uphill section having an upward slope, and a lifting device for lifting the vehicle in the uphill section.

7. The conveying system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The track is a single track with ends.

8. The conveying system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The vehicle further has a passenger cabin.

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