Conveying system

Abstract

The subject of this disclosure is to provide a transport system in which the track can be easily configured freely according to the terrain. The transport system (1) includes: a circular track (2); a drive rail (22) extending along the track (2); multiple vehicles (3) traveling on the track (2); and a circular traction member (4) connected to each of the multiple vehicles (3). The multiple vehicles (3) include: a power vehicle (3a) having multiple drive wheels (30) capable of clamping the drive rail (22); and an auxiliary vehicle (3b) without drive wheels (30). The auxiliary vehicle (3b) is pulled on the track (2) by the traction member (4), which is dragged by the power vehicle (3a).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a conveying system, and more specifically, to a conveying system having vehicles that travel along a track. Background Technology

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a personnel transport device. In this device, the track has a vehicle acceleration zone and a vehicle automatic travel zone. The vehicle acceleration zone is mountain-shaped with uphill and downhill sections. In the vehicle acceleration zone, a vehicle, lifted by a lifting device on the uphill section, accelerates on the downhill section. The vehicle automatic travel zone is generally horizontal. In the vehicle automatic travel zone, the vehicle travels automatically primarily in a non-driven manner.

[0003] However, in the personnel transport device described in Patent Document 1, the lifting device in the track needs to be set in a mountain shape, making it difficult to freely configure the track according to the terrain.

[0004] Patent document 1: Japanese Patent Publication No. 2002-29414. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this disclosure is to propose a transport system that allows for easy and flexible configuration of tracks according to terrain.

[0006] One aspect of the conveying system disclosed herein includes: a circular track; a drive rail extending along the track; a plurality of vehicles traveling on the track; and a circular traction member disposed along the entire length of the track and connected to each of the plurality of vehicles. The plurality of vehicles includes: a power vehicle having a plurality of drive wheels capable of gripping the drive rail; and an auxiliary vehicle without the drive wheels. The auxiliary vehicle is traction-driven by the traction member to travel on the track, and the traction member is dragged by the power vehicle. Attached Figure Description

[0007] Figure 1 This is a side view that schematically represents the main parts of a conveying system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0008] Figure 2 It is a top view that roughly represents the main parts of the same conveyor system.

[0009] Figure 3 A is a top view that schematically represents an example of the same conveyor system. Figure 3 B is a side view that schematically represents an example of the same conveyor system.

[0010] Figure 4 This is a front view showing an example of a power vehicle in the same transport system.

[0011] Figure 5 This is a top view of the same type of vehicle.

[0012] Figure 6 A is a side view representing a portion of the same type of vehicle. Figure 6 B is a side view representing another part of the same power vehicle. Detailed Implementation

[0013] (One implementation method)

[0014] 1. Summary

[0015] exist Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 A, Figure 3 B and Figure 4 The diagram shows a conveying system 1 according to one embodiment. The conveying system 1 includes: a circular track 2; a drive rail 22 extending along the track 2; a plurality of vehicles 3 traveling on the track 2; and a circular traction member 4 located along the entire length of the track 2 and connected to each of the plurality of vehicles 3. The plurality of vehicles 3 include: a power vehicle 3a having a plurality of drive wheels 30 capable of gripping the drive rail 22; and an auxiliary vehicle 3b having no drive wheels 30. The auxiliary vehicle 3b is pulled along the track 2 by the traction member 4, which is dragged by the power vehicle 3a.

[0016] In the conveying system 1 with the above-described structure, the power vehicle 3a can travel by a drive rail 22 sandwiched between multiple drive wheels 30, and the auxiliary vehicle 3b can travel by being pulled by a traction member 4, which is dragged by the power vehicle 3a. Therefore, in this conveying system 1, it is not necessary to make part of the track 2 into a mountain shape in order to install a lifting device, and the track 2 can be easily configured freely according to the terrain.

[0017] 2. Details

[0018] Next, a conveying system 1 according to one embodiment will be described in more detail. The conveying system 1 is a transportation system that transports people by means of multiple vehicles 3 traveling along the track 2. Furthermore, the conveying system 1 is not limited to a transportation system; for example, it can also be a transport system that moves objects by means of multiple vehicles 3. Hereinafter, the direction of travel of the multiple vehicles 3 is defined as forward, the direction opposite to the direction of travel of the multiple vehicles 3 is defined as rearward, and the direction orthogonal to the forward and backward direction and the up and down direction is defined as left and right direction.

[0019] In addition to the track 2, drive rail 22, multiple vehicles 3, and traction component 4, the conveying system 1 of this embodiment also includes a guide housing 5. The guide housing 5 is located along the entire length of the track 2, houses the traction component 4, and guides the movement of the traction component 4.

[0020] 2-1. Track

[0021] like Figure 3 A and Figure 3 As shown in Figure B, track 2 is a loop. Multiple vehicles 3 can travel in one direction and circulate on the loop track 2. Track 2 includes: a first section 2a with an uphill slope; and a second section 2b with a downhill slope. Stations (not shown) for users to board and alight auxiliary vehicles 3b are provided along a portion of the circumference of track 2.

[0022] In this embodiment, the uphill section 2c in the direction of travel and the two horizontal sections 2d positioned to sandwich section 2c are the first section 2a, and the downhill section in the direction of travel is the second section 2b. The track 2 has one first section 2a and one second section 2b. The remaining sections in the track 2, excluding the first section 2a, constitute the second section 2b. Section 2c is uphill along its entire length, the second section 2b is downhill along its entire length, and section 2d is horizontal along its entire length.

[0023] like Figure 4 As shown, track 2 has a pair of left and right guide rails 20 for guiding vehicle 3. The pair of left and right guide rails 20 are located at intervals in the left-right direction (horizontal and orthogonal to the direction of travel of vehicle 3). The pair of left and right guide rails 20 are parallel.

[0024] Vehicle 3 travels along a pair of left and right guide rails 20. That is, the direction of travel of vehicle 3 is the direction in which each guide rail 20 extends. Each guide rail 20 covers the entire length of track 2.

[0025] Each guide rail 20 is a cylindrical steel tube. The outer shape of the cross-section of each guide rail 20 orthogonal to its length direction is circular. However, the shape of each guide rail 20 is not limited to cylindrical. For example, the outer shape of the cross-section of each guide rail 20 orthogonal to its length direction can also be elliptical or rectangular. In addition, each guide rail 20 can also be made of a metal other than steel.

[0026] The track 2 also has a support member 21 that supports a pair of left and right guide rails 20. The support member 21 is made of metal. The support member 21 has a main beam 210 extending along the travel direction of the vehicle 3, and a plurality of connecting members 211 arranged at intervals along the length of the main beam 210. The main beam 210 is located below the pair of left and right guide rails 20. The main beam 210 is, for example, a cylindrical steel pipe. The main beam 210 is fixed to the ground, for example, by a support column.

[0027] Each connecting component 211 connects the main beam 210 and a pair of left and right guide rails 20. The lower end of the connecting component 211 is connected to the main beam 210. The connecting component 211 has a pair of left and right arms 212 that branch off from the main beam 210 and protrude upwards. The pair of left and right arms 212 corresponds one-to-one with the pair of left and right guide rails 20. The upper end of each arm 212 is connected to the corresponding guide rail 20.

[0028] The drive rail 22 extends along the track 2. In this embodiment, the drive rail 22 is a plate-shaped component that protrudes upward from the main beam 210 or multiple connecting parts 211, and extends along the main beam 210 in the travel direction of the vehicle 3. The length direction of the drive rail 22 is parallel to the length direction of the guide rail 20. In this embodiment, the drive rail 22 is located along the entire length of the track 2. The width (length in the left-right direction) of the drive rail 22 is constant along its entire length.

[0029] The track 2 also has a support portion 23 disposed at the upper end of the drive guide rail 22. The support portion 23 is a plate-shaped component integral with the upper end of the drive guide rail 22. The drive guide rail 22 and the support portion 23 are connected in a T-shape. At the upper end of the drive guide rail 22, the plate-shaped support portion 23 is disposed along the entire length of the drive guide rail 22. The support portion 23 is disposed along the entire length of the track 2. A guide housing 5 is disposed on the support portion 23.

[0030] The track 2 also has a power supply unit 25 that supplies power to the power vehicle 3a. The power supply unit 25 is, for example, a sliding contact line. The power supply unit 25 is connected to an external commercial power source. In this embodiment, the power supply unit 25 is installed at the lower part of the drive rail 22. The power supply unit 25 is provided along the entire length of the drive rail 22. Furthermore, the power supply unit 25 is not limited to being installed on the drive rail 22, and may also be provided on the main beam 210 or the connecting member 211.

[0031] 2-2. Vehicles

[0032] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 A and Figure 3As shown in Figure B, the conveying system 1 includes a plurality of vehicles 3. In this embodiment, the plurality of vehicles 3 are located at approximately equal intervals in the direction of travel. The number of vehicles 3 included in the conveying system 1 is appropriately set according to the length of the track 2 and the interval between adjacent vehicles 3 in the direction of travel.

[0033] Multiple vehicles 3 have multiple power vehicles 3a and multiple auxiliary vehicles 3b. Power vehicles 3a are vehicles capable of autonomous driving. Power vehicles 3a have multiple drive wheels 30 and multiple prime movers 31 for autonomous driving (see reference). Figure 4 , Figure 5 , Figure 6 A). The auxiliary vehicle 3b does not have a drive wheel, prime mover, or other mechanism for automatic driving. Instead, it is connected to the power vehicle 3a via a traction member 4 and is a vehicle that can drive using the power of the power vehicle 3a. In this embodiment, multiple groups of one power vehicle 3a and five auxiliary vehicles 3b arranged after it are arranged in the direction of travel.

[0034] like Figure 4 , Figure 5 , Figure 6 A and Figure 6 As shown in Figure B, the power vehicle 3a has a base 32, a pair of left and right guide wheel units 33, multiple drive wheel units 34, a connecting part 35, and a power receiving part (not shown). The pair of left and right guide wheel units 33, multiple drive wheel units 34, connecting part 35, and power receiving part are mounted on the base 32.

[0035] The base 32 has: a first mounting frame 320 extending in the left-right direction; and a second mounting frame 321 integral with the central portion of the first mounting frame 320 in the left-right direction and extending in the front-back direction. The mounting frames 320 and 321 are, for example, made of steel. Alternatively, the mounting frames 320 and 321 may also be formed of a metal other than steel.

[0036] A pair of guide wheel units 33 are fixedly installed at the left and right ends of the first mounting frame 320. The pair of guide wheel units 33 are located at intervals in the left-right direction, are arranged at the same position in the front-back direction, and are at the same height.

[0037] Each pair of guide wheel units 33 corresponds one-to-one with a pair of guide rails 20 on the track 2. Each guide wheel unit 33 travels along its corresponding guide rail 20. The power vehicle 3a travels with the pair of guide wheel units 33 traveling along the pair of guide rails 20.

[0038] Each of the left and right guide wheel units 33 has multiple guide wheels 330-332. The power vehicle 3a restricts its vertical and horizontal movement through the multiple guide wheels 330-332.

[0039] Each guide wheel unit 33 has a total of 6 guide wheels, including a pair of upper guide wheels 330 at the front and rear, a pair of lower guide wheels 331 at the front and rear, and a pair of horizontal guide wheels 332 at the front and rear, which serve as multiple guide wheels 330 to 332.

[0040] Each of the guide rollers 330 to 332 is formed of an elastic material such as polyurethane. Alternatively, each guide roller 330 to 332 may also be formed of a synthetic resin other than polyurethane, or a material other than a synthetic resin.

[0041] Furthermore, when the track 2 is approximately horizontal along its entire length, the pair of upper guide wheels 330 are preferably made of metal. In this case, compared to the case where the upper guide wheels 330 are formed of an elastic material such as polyurethane, the running resistance generated between the upper guide wheels 330 and the guide rail 20 can be reduced.

[0042] A pair of upper guide wheels 330 are arranged at intervals in the front-to-back direction. Each upper guide wheel 330 is rotatable about a rotation axis that is parallel to a direction intersecting the vertical and front-to-back directions. Each upper guide wheel 330 is located above a corresponding guide rail 20. Each upper guide wheel 330 contacts the corresponding guide rail 20 from above and is supported by the corresponding guide rail 20 from below.

[0043] Each upper guide wheel 330 transmits the downward load applied to the power vehicle 3a to the guide rail 20. To improve the strength of the upper guide wheel 330, the diameter of the upper guide wheel 330 is larger than the diameter of the lower guide wheel 331 and smaller than the diameter of the horizontal guide wheel 332.

[0044] A pair of lower guide wheels 331 are arranged at intervals in the front-to-back direction. Each lower guide wheel 331 is rotatable about a rotation axis that is parallel to a direction intersecting the vertical and front-to-back directions. Each lower guide wheel 331 is located below its corresponding guide rail 20. The rotation axis of the front lower guide wheel 331 is in the same position in the front-to-back direction as the rotation axis of the front upper guide wheel 330, and the rotation axis of the rear lower guide wheel 331 is in the same position in the front-to-back direction as the rotation axis of the rear upper guide wheel 330. Each lower guide wheel 331 contacts its corresponding guide rail 20 from below. This restricts the upward movement of the power unit 3a.

[0045] A pair of horizontal guide wheels 332 are arranged at intervals in the front-to-back direction. Each horizontal guide wheel 332 is rotatable about a rotation axis that is parallel to a direction intersecting the front-to-back and left-to-right directions. Each horizontal guide wheel 332 is located to the side of the corresponding guide rail 20 and contacts the corresponding guide rail 20 from the side. The rotation axis of the front horizontal guide wheel 332 is in the same position in the front-to-back direction as the rotation axis of the front upper guide wheel 330, and the rotation axis of the rear horizontal guide wheel 332 is in the same position in the front-to-back direction as the rotation axis of the rear upper guide wheel 330.

[0046] Each horizontal guide wheel 332 of the left guide wheel unit 33 is located to the left of the corresponding guide rail 20 and contacts the corresponding guide rail 20 from the left side. Each horizontal guide wheel 332 of the right guide wheel unit 33 is located to the right of the corresponding guide rail 20 and contacts the corresponding guide rail 20 from the right side. That is, the left and right pair of guide rails 20 are located between the left and right pair of horizontal guide wheels 332.

[0047] The power vehicle 3a has a pair of left and right guide wheel units 33, each guide wheel unit 33 having multiple guide wheels 330-332. These multiple guide wheels 330-332 contact the corresponding guide rail 20 from three directions: above, side, and below. Therefore, the left and right pair of guide wheel units 33 can restrict the movement of the power vehicle 3a in the vertical and horizontal directions, thereby improving safety. In addition, the left and right pair of guide rails 20 can distribute the torsional load applied to the power vehicle 3a, thus suppressing deformation of the power vehicle 3a.

[0048] Furthermore, each horizontal guide wheel 332 can also be arranged on the inner side in the left-right direction relative to the corresponding guide rail 20. That is, each horizontal guide wheel 332 of the left guide wheel unit 33 can be located on the right side of the corresponding guide rail 20, and each horizontal guide wheel 332 of the right guide wheel unit 33 can be located on the left side of the corresponding guide rail 20.

[0049] The position, orientation, and number of guide wheels 330 to 332 in each guide wheel unit 33 are not limited to the positions, orientations, and numbers mentioned above. For example, the lower guide wheel 331 may also be located on the lower inclined side of the guide rail 20.

[0050] The power vehicle 3a has two drive wheel units 34, one at the front and one at the rear, which together constitute multiple drive wheel units 34. Each of the two drive wheel units 34 has a pair of left and right drive wheels 30, a pair of left and right prime movers 31 that drive the corresponding drive wheels 30, and a pair of left and right support housings 340 that support the drive wheels 30 and the prime movers 31.

[0051] The front drive wheel unit 34 is rotatably mounted on the front end of the second mounting frame 321, and the rear drive wheel unit 34 is rotatably mounted on the rear end of the second mounting frame 321. The first mounting frame 320 is located between the front drive wheel unit 34 and the rear drive wheel unit 34.

[0052] The front and rear drive wheel units 34 are located between a pair of left and right guide wheel units 33. Specifically, the left and right pair of drive wheels 30 of each drive wheel unit 34 are located between a pair of left and right horizontal guide wheels 332.

[0053] Each of the left and right pairs of drive wheels 30 in each drive wheel unit 34 is rotatable about a rotation axis that is parallel to a direction intersecting the front-rear and left-right directions. The drive wheels 30 may include, for example, solid, non-perforated tires. The rotation axes of the two front drive wheels 30 are located further forward than the rotation axis of the front guide wheel 332, and the rotation axes of the two rear drive wheels 30 are located further rear than the rotation axis of the rear guide wheel 332.

[0054] Each of the left and right support housings 340 is cylindrical. A prime mover 31 is fixed to the upper end of each support housing 340, rotatably supporting the rotation shaft of the drive wheel 30 inside each support housing 340. A bearing that rotatably supports the rotation shaft of the drive wheel 30 is provided inside each support housing 340. The rotation shaft of the drive wheel 30 and the rotation shaft of the prime mover 31 are connected within the support housing 340. The left and right support housings 340 are rotatably mounted on the second mounting frame 321 with a rotation axis parallel to the front-rear direction as the center.

[0055] The prime mover 31 is located above each drive wheel 30. Each prime mover 31 is an electric motor, specifically a geared motor. Each prime mover 31 is equipped with a reducer without reverse rotation prevention function. Each prime mover 31 drives the corresponding drive wheel 30 to rotate. Each prime mover 31 is controlled, for example, by a control device provided by the power vehicle 3a. The control device receives control signals from a management device installed on the ground and controls each prime mover 31. Each prime mover 31 is driven by electricity obtained from a power receiving unit (not shown) installed on the base 32.

[0056] Each prime mover 31 has a braking function. Each prime mover 31 is, for example, a motor with electromagnetic braking. With the left and right drive wheels 30 clamping the drive rail 22, the rotational speed of each prime mover 31 is controlled, thereby controlling the speed of the power vehicle 3a. Alternatively, with multiple drive wheels 30 clamping the drive rail 22, applying brakes to each prime mover 31 can bring the power vehicle 3a to a stop. Furthermore, the power vehicle 3a may be equipped with a braking device separate from the prime movers 31; in this case, each prime mover 31 may not have a braking function.

[0057] Each of the two drive wheel units 34 further has a pair of left and right support arms 36 extending in the vertical direction, and an adjustment part 37 connecting the upper ends of the pair of left and right support arms 36.

[0058] The lower end of each of the left and right pair of support arms 36 is fixed to the left and right pair of support housings 340. An adjustment part 37 is connected to the upper end of the left and right pair of support arms 36.

[0059] The adjustment section 37 is a part that can adjust the spacing between the upper ends of the left and right pair of support arms 36. By adjusting the adjustment section 37, the left and right support housings 340 can be rotated to adjust the spacing between the left and right drive wheels 30. As a result, the force by which the left and right pair of drive wheels 30 clamp the drive guide rail 22 can be adjusted.

[0060] In this embodiment, the adjustment unit 37 is adjusted so that when the power vehicle 3a travels in either the first section 2a or the second section 2b of the track 2, both the left and right drive wheels 30 clamp the drive guide rail 22.

[0061] Furthermore, the adjustment unit 37 can also be composed of an actuator, such as a cylinder or hydraulic cylinder. In this case, the spacing between the left and right drive wheels 30 can be adjusted by controlling the adjustment unit 37 through the control device of the power vehicle 3a, so that the left and right drive wheels 30 selectively abut against the drive guide rail 22. Alternatively, the front and rear drive wheel units 34 can be non-rotatably fixed to the second mounting frame 321, so that the left and right pair of drive wheels 30 of the power vehicle 3a always clamp the drive guide rail 22. In this case, the support arm 36 and the adjustment unit 37 can be omitted.

[0062] like Figure 5 , Figure 6 As shown in Figure A, the connecting portion 35 is disposed at the intersection of the first mounting frame 320 and the second mounting frame 321. The connecting portion 35 is connected to a portion of the long side of the traction member 4.

[0063] A power receiving unit is located on a portion of the base 32. The power receiving unit is, for example, a current collector. Power is supplied to the power receiving unit from the power supply unit 25. The power vehicle 3a is supplied with power from the track 2 through contact with the power supply unit 25 of the track 2 via the power receiving unit. Furthermore, the power vehicle 3a may also have a battery that stores the power supplied from the power supply unit 25.

[0064] The motor vehicle 3a does not have seats for passengers and is lighter than the auxiliary vehicle 3b.

[0065] like Figure 1 As shown, the auxiliary vehicle 3b has two sets of guide wheel units 33b, one at the front and one at the rear, and a body 38 for passenger seating. The auxiliary vehicle 3b does not have a mechanism equivalent to the drive wheel unit 34 of the power vehicle 3a, and cannot generate its own propulsion. The auxiliary vehicle 3b is towed by a towing member 4, which is pulled by the moving power vehicle 3a.

[0066] A pair of guide wheel units 33b are mounted at both ends of a mounting frame (not shown) extending in the left-right direction. A connecting part (not shown) is provided in the center of the mounting frame in the left-right direction, which connects to a portion of the long side of the traction component 4. The vehicle body 38 is mounted on the front and rear mounting frames.

[0067] The structure of the guide wheel unit 33b is roughly the same as that of the guide wheel unit 33 of the power vehicle 3a. The guide wheel unit 33b has a pair of upper guide wheels 330 at the front and rear, a lower guide wheel 331, and a pair of horizontal guide wheels 332 at the front and rear, for a total of 5 guide wheels.

[0068] The vehicle body 38 includes: a floor 380; a front body 381 disposed on the front of the floor 380; a rear body 382 disposed on the rear of the floor 380; a seat 383 supported by the rear body 382; and an armrest 384 disposed on the front body 381. The front body 381 and the rear body 382 are located separately in the longitudinal direction. The space between the front body 381 and the rear body 382 serves as the entrance / exit of the vehicle body 38.

[0069] Seat 383 is designed to accommodate two or three users side-by-side in the left-right direction. Armrests 384 are located in front of seat 383. Users can sit in seat 383 while holding onto armrests 384.

[0070] 2-3. Guide housing

[0071] The guide housing 5 is a box located along the entire length of the track 2, housing the traction component 4 and guiding its movement. Figure 4 As shown, the guide housing 5 opens upwards. The guide housing 5 is, for example, made of metal. The guide housing 5 runs along the track 2.

[0072] The guide housing 5 has: a bottom wall 50; a pair of left and right side walls 51 protruding upward from the left and right ends of the bottom wall 50; and a cover 52 installed on the upper end of the left and right side walls 51 and blocking a portion of the upper opening of the guide housing 5. The guide housing 5 also has a plurality of sliding members, which are respectively installed on the upper surface of the bottom wall 50, the inner surface in the left and right direction of at least one of the left and right side walls 51, and the lower surface of the cover 52.

[0073] In this embodiment, the bottom wall 50 is a strip-shaped plate extending along the long side of the track 2. The bottom wall 50 is fixed to the support portion 23 of the track 2 by fasteners such as bolts and nuts. A pair of left and right side walls 51 are located at intervals in the left-right direction. Each of the left and right side walls 51 is a strip-shaped plate extending along the long side of the track 2. The left and right side walls 51 are parallel to each other. The bottom wall 50 and each of the left and right side walls 51 extend the entire length of the track 2 along its long side.

[0074] The cover 52 is fixed to the upper end of the side wall 51 by bolts, nuts, or other fasteners. In this embodiment, the cover 52 is plate-shaped. The cover 52 is installed on either of the left and right side walls 51, narrowing the upper opening between the left and right side walls 51. The cover 52 prevents the traction component 4 from detaching from the guide housing 5. Thus, the guide housing 5 houses the traction component 4 in a non-detachable manner.

[0075] Each of the plurality of sliding components is formed of a material with a lower coefficient of friction than the bottom wall 50, side wall 51, and cover 52, such as resin or high-density polyethylene. Each of the plurality of sliding components is plate-shaped. Each sliding component is mounted to each of the bottom wall 50, side wall 51, and cover 52, for example by means of fasteners such as small screws.

[0076] The guide housing 5 is supported by the support portion 23 of the track 2 and is located between the left and right pairs of guide rails 20 in the left-right direction. The guide housing 5 is located above the imaginary straight line connecting the left and right pairs of guide rails 20.

[0077] 2-4. Traction components

[0078] like Figure 6 As shown in Figure A, the traction component 4 is a chain 41 having multiple interconnected ring-shaped components 40. In this embodiment, the chain 41 is a ring-shaped chain, in other words, a chain without an end.

[0079] In this embodiment, the chain 41 has a plurality of ring-shaped components 40 and a plurality of connected components 42, which are connected to the connecting part 35 of the power vehicle 3a or the connecting part of the auxiliary vehicle 3b.

[0080] Each of the plurality of annular components 40 is oblong. Each of the plurality of connected components 42 has an oblong portion that is partially broken in the circumferential direction, and two connected portions that extend parallel to each other from the two ends of that portion in the circumferential direction. The two connected portions are connected to the connection part 35 of the power vehicle 3a or the connection part of the auxiliary vehicle 3b by fasteners such as bolts and nuts.

[0081] The connected component 42 is connected to a plurality of ring-shaped components 40 in such a way that it is located in the chain 41 at a position corresponding to the connection portion 35 of the power vehicle 3a or the connection portion of the auxiliary vehicle 3b.

[0082] 2-5. Others

[0083] like Figure 1 As shown, the conveying system 1 of this embodiment includes: a cable member 6 that connects two adjacent vehicles 3 in the direction of travel to each other; and a plurality of cable support members 7 that are mounted on a part of the chain 41 and support the cable member 6.

[0084] Cable component 6 is, for example, a flexible wire. Cable component 6 is configured such that one end in the long direction is connected to the vehicle 3 in front, and the other end in the long direction is connected to the vehicle 3 in the rear. Between two adjacent vehicles 3 in the direction of travel, cable component 6 is supported by cable support component 7.

[0085] The cable support component 7 is, for example, a ring-shaped component 40 consisting of two upper and lower segments and fasteners such as bolts and nuts that connect the two segments, and is installed on a portion of the long side of the chain 41. The cable support component 7 has a cable support portion located above the chain 41.

[0086] 2-6. Operation of the conveyor system

[0087] In the conveying system 1 of this embodiment described above, each of the plurality of power vehicles 3a located in the first section 2a is configured to be driven by four prime movers 31 of two drive wheel units 34, and the four drive wheels 30 rotate while being sandwiched between drive guide rails 22. Thus, the plurality of power vehicles 3a located in the first section 2a travel.

[0088] Multiple auxiliary vehicles 3b located in the first section 2a are driven by a traction component 4, which is towed by multiple power vehicles 3a located in the first section 2a.

[0089] Furthermore, each of the multiple powered vehicles 3a located in the second section 2b is configured to be driven by four prime movers 31 of two drive wheel units 34, with the four drive wheels 30 rotating while clamped by the drive guide rail 22. Thus, the multiple powered vehicles 3a located in the second section 2b move.

[0090] Multiple auxiliary vehicles 3b located in the second section 2b are driven by a traction component 4, which is towed by multiple power vehicles 3a located in the second section 2b.

[0091] The multiple vehicles 3 located in the second section 2b also move by propulsion derived from the weight of each vehicle 3 and the weight of the passengers in each vehicle 3. In addition, the multiple powered vehicles 3a located in the second section 2b can also be controlled to move at a set speed.

[0092] Furthermore, in the conveying system 1 of this embodiment, by stopping the rotation of the drive wheels 30 of each power vehicle 3a located in the first section 2a and the second section 2b, all the vehicles 3 can be brought to a stop. In the event of a power outage, when the power supply stops during an emergency stop, the electromagnetic brake of the prime mover 31 of each power vehicle 3a is activated, thereby bringing all the vehicles 3 to a stop immediately.

[0093] Users traveling on the auxiliary vehicle 3b can get on and off at stations (not shown) configured in a manner that runs along a portion of the long side of track 2.

[0094] 2-7. Effects

[0095] In the conveying system 1 of the present embodiment described above, multiple vehicles 3 are connected via a traction member 4, and all of the multiple vehicles 3 can be driven by the propulsion of multiple power vehicles 3a.

[0096] Here, in the conveying system 1 of this embodiment, a deformable chain 41 is used as the traction component 4, and a guide housing 5 is provided on the track 2 to house and guide the chain 41. Therefore, in the conveying system 1 of this embodiment, it is easy to make the traction direction of the towed auxiliary vehicle 3b consistent with the travel direction, and it is easy for the towed auxiliary vehicle 3b to travel smoothly.

[0097] Therefore, in the conveying system 1 of this embodiment, it is not necessary to make a part of the track 2 into a mountain shape in order to install the lifting device, and the track 2 can be freely configured according to the terrain, etc. Moreover, in the conveying system 1 of this embodiment, even if the track 2 includes a compound curve section that is curved in both top view and front view, it is easy to make multiple vehicles 3 travel along the track 2.

[0098] Furthermore, in the conveying system 1 of this embodiment, multiple vehicles 3 located in the second section 2b with a downhill slope and multiple vehicles 3 located in the first section 2a with an uphill slope are balanced against each other in a bucket-like manner via a traction member 4. Therefore, in the conveying system 1 of this embodiment, the propulsion force required to make all multiple vehicles 3 move can be suppressed, and the prime mover 31 mounted on each power vehicle 3a can be miniaturized. As a result, energy saving of the entire conveying system 1 can be achieved.

[0099] Furthermore, in the conveying system 1 of this embodiment, all of the multiple vehicles 3 can be driven by the prime mover 31 of the multiple power vehicles 3a. Therefore, in the conveying system 1 of this embodiment, it is not necessary to install a drive device on a part of the track 2, which is used to engage with a part of the long side of the traction member 4 to move the traction member 4.

[0100] Here, when the traction member 4 is moved by a drive unit located on a portion of track 2 (e.g., the apex portion in an inclined route), a reverse-prevention worm gear reducer is required in the drive unit to prevent the traction member 4 from moving in the opposite direction. In this case, the weight of the multiple vehicles 3 located in the first section 2a and the weight of the passengers in each vehicle 3 are supported by the reverse-prevention worm gear reducer, as are the weight of the multiple vehicles 3 located in the second section 2b and the weight of the passengers in each vehicle 3. That is, in this case, the multiple vehicles 3 located in the first section 2a and the multiple vehicles 3 located in the second section 2b cannot be balanced with each other in a bucket-like manner, and the driving force required for all multiple vehicles 3 to move becomes larger, resulting in problems such as the need for a larger drive unit.

[0101] However, in the conveying system 1 of this embodiment, it is not necessary to install a drive device with a reverse-prevention worm gear reducer on a part of the track 2, and the multiple vehicles 3 located in the first section 2a and the multiple vehicles 3 located in the second section 2b are balanced with each other in a bucket-like manner. Therefore, in the conveying system 1 of this embodiment, the above-mentioned problems can be avoided, and the overall energy saving of the conveying system 1 can be achieved.

[0102] Furthermore, in the conveying system 1 of this embodiment, each power vehicle 3a's prime mover 31 is equipped with a reducer that does not have a reverse rotation prevention function, thus achieving miniaturization of the prime mover 31 and energy saving. In this way, the conveying system 1 of this embodiment becomes a conveying system adapted to a low-carbon society (decarbonized society) in order to achieve energy saving.

[0103] Furthermore, in the conveying system 1 of this embodiment, there is a cable member 6 that connects adjacent vehicles 3 in the travel direction, and a plurality of cable support members 7 installed on a portion of the chain 41. The cable member 6 is supported along the track 2 by the plurality of cable support members 7. Therefore, in the conveying system 1 of this embodiment, even if a portion of the chain 41 breaks in the long side direction, movement caused by the weight of each vehicle 3 can be suppressed because adjacent vehicles 3 are connected by the cable member 6. In addition, in the conveying system 1 of this embodiment, the cable member 6 can be supported by the plurality of cable support members 7 installed on the chain 41, so the cable member 6 can be supported along the track 2 by the chain 41.

[0104] Furthermore, in the transport system 1 of this embodiment, multiple auxiliary vehicles 3b traveling in one direction on the track 2 pass through a portion of the station along the long side of the track 2 one after another, thus the transport capacity for people and goods is very high.

[0105] 3. Variations

[0106] Next, a variation of the conveying system 1 according to the above-described embodiment will be described. The following variations can be appropriately combined.

[0107] Track 2 is not limited to including the first section 2a with an uphill slope and the second section 2b with a downhill slope; it can also be horizontal for the entire length of track 2.

[0108] Furthermore, Orbit 2 is not limited to Figure 3 A and Figure 3 The structure shown in B can also include a composite curve portion that bends in both top-down and front-side views. Alternatively, track 2 can also include a curve portion that bends only in top-down or front-side views.

[0109] Alternatively, track 2 may have a chain tensioning mechanism capable of extending and retracting along the long side of track 2, on a portion of its long side (e.g., a horizontal portion). In this case, even if the link chain 41 stretches due to aging, tension can be applied to the link chain 41 via the chain tensioning mechanism, allowing multiple vehicles 3 connected to the link chain 41 to travel smoothly. Furthermore, in this case, the conveying system 1 does not require large-scale overhauls such as replacing the link chain 41, making it a system more suitable for a low-carbon society with reduced life-cycle costs.

[0110] The conveying system 1 may not have a sliding component mounted on the guide housing 5, or it may have multiple sliding components mounted on a portion of the long side of the ring chain 41. Each of the multiple sliding components has, for example, two rectangular block-shaped segments mounted on the ring component 40, and fasteners such as bolts and nuts that connect the two segments.

[0111] The power car 3a can also have seats 383, just like the auxiliary car 3b, and can also be used as a passenger car for users to get on and off.

[0112] The body 38 of the auxiliary vehicle 3b is not limited to Figure 1 The structure shown is as follows. For example, the body 38 may also have two rows of seats 383, one in front and one behind, or it may have a box-shaped body that surrounds the seats 383.

[0113] Each of the two drive wheel units 34 is not limited to Figure 4 The structure shown. Each of the two drive wheel units 34 may also not have a pair of left and right support arms 36 extending in the vertical direction, and the adjustment part 37 may also be connected between the two prime movers 31 of the drive wheel unit 34.

[0114] Alternatively, a portion of the drive rail 22 along its long side, specifically, a portion corresponding to the uphill first section 2a of the track 2, may have a wide section that is wider in the left-right direction than other portions of the drive rail 22. In this case, the power vehicle 3a located in the uphill first section 2a of the track 2 receives propulsion by clamping the wide section of the drive rail 22. The power vehicle 3a located in the downhill second section 2b of the track 2 does not contact the drive rail 22 and does not receive propulsion from it. In this case, the power vehicle 3a and the auxiliary vehicle 3b located in the downhill second section 2b are propelled by propulsion generated by their own weight and by traction of the traction member 4 towed by the power vehicle 3a traveling in other sections (first section 2a). Furthermore, in this case, the power supply unit 25 does not need to be installed in the downhill second section 2b of the track 2, thereby reducing installation costs.

[0115] Alternatively, the drive rail 22 may not be located along the entire length of track 2, or it may only be located in the first uphill section 2a of track 2, and not in the second downhill section 2b. In this case, the power vehicle 3a and the auxiliary vehicle 3b traveling in the downhill section 2b are propelled by their own weight and pulled by the traction unit 4 towed by the power vehicle 3a traveling in the other section (first section 2a). Furthermore, in this case, the power supply unit 25 does not need to be installed in the downhill section 2b of track 2, thereby reducing installation costs.

[0116] 4. Summary

[0117] As described above in one embodiment and its variations, the first-form conveying system (1) has the following structure.

[0118] That is, the first-form transport system (1) includes: a circular track (2); a drive rail (22) extending along the track (2); multiple vehicles (3) traveling on the track (2); and a circular traction member (4) arranged along the entire length of the track (2) and connected to each of the multiple vehicles (3). The multiple vehicles (3) include: a power vehicle (3a) having multiple drive wheels (30) capable of clamping the drive rail (22); and an auxiliary vehicle (3b) without drive wheels (30). The auxiliary vehicle (3b) is pulled by the traction member (4) to travel on the track (2), and the traction member (4) is moved by being dragged by the power vehicle (3a).

[0119] In the first-form conveying system (1) with the above-described structure, the power vehicle (3a) can travel by a drive rail (22) sandwiched by multiple drive wheels (30), and the auxiliary vehicle (3b) can travel by being pulled by a traction member (4), which is dragged by the power vehicle (3a). Therefore, in the first-form conveying system (1), it is not necessary to make part of the track (2) into a mountain shape in order to install a lifting device, and the track (2) can be easily configured freely according to the terrain.

[0120] In addition, as described in the above embodiment and its variations, the second-form conveying system (1) also has the following structure in addition to the structure of the first form.

[0121] That is, in the second form of the transport system (1), the track (2) includes: a first section (2a) having an uphill slope; and a second section (2b) having a downhill slope. A plurality of vehicles (3) include at least one vehicle (3) traveling in the first section (2a) and at least one vehicle (3) traveling in the second section (2b). The at least one vehicle (3) traveling in the first section (2a) and the at least one vehicle (3) traveling in the second section (2b) are balanced against each other in a bucket-like manner via a traction member (4).

[0122] In the second form of the transport system (1) with the above structure, the vehicles (3) located uphill and downhill are balanced with each other in a bucket-like manner, thus suppressing the propulsion force required to make all the vehicles (3) move. Therefore, in the second form of the transport system (1), the prime mover (31) mounted on the power vehicle (3a) can be miniaturized, and the transport system (1) can be made more energy-efficient.

[0123] In addition, as described in the above embodiment and its variations, the third-type conveying system (1) also has the following structure in addition to the structure of the first or second type.

[0124] That is, the third type of conveying system (1) also has a guide housing (5) which is arranged along the entire length of the track (2), houses the traction component (4), and guides the movement of the traction component (4). The traction component (4) is a chain (41) with multiple interconnected annular components (40).

[0125] In the third form of the conveying system (1) with the above-described structure, the movement of the deformable chain (41) can be guided by the guide housing (5) arranged along the entire length of the track (2). Therefore, in the third form of the conveying system (1), it is easy to make the traction direction of the auxiliary vehicle (3b) consistent with the direction of travel, and it is easy for the auxiliary vehicle (3b) to travel smoothly.

[0126] In addition, as in the modified embodiment described above, the fourth type of conveying system (1) has the following additional structure in addition to the structure of the third type.

[0127] That is, in the fourth form of the transport system (1), the track (2) includes a compound curve section that is curved in both top view and front view.

[0128] In the fourth form of the conveying system (1) with the above structure, the chain (41) can freely deform in the portion of the guide housing (5) corresponding to the compound curve portion of the track (2). Therefore, in the fourth form of the conveying system (1), even in the compound curve portion of the track (2), the traction component (4) of the traction vehicle (3) can easily make the vehicle (3) travel smoothly along the track (2).

[0129] In addition, as described in the above embodiment and its variations, the fifth type of conveying system (1) has the following additional structure in addition to the structure of the conveying system (1) in any of the first to fourth types.

[0130] That is, in the fifth form of the transport system (1), the auxiliary vehicle (3b) has a seat (383), while the power vehicle (3a) does not have a seat (383).

[0131] In the fifth form of the transport system (1) with the above-described structure, the power unit (3a) does not have a seat (383), thus achieving lightweighting of the power unit (3a) and miniaturization of the prime mover (31) used to drive the power unit (3a). In addition, in the fifth form of the transport system (1), the power unit (3a) does not have a seat (383), thus providing excellent maintainability for repair, replacement, etc.

[0132] The present disclosure has been described above based on the embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the above embodiments. As long as it is within the scope of the intent of the present disclosure, appropriate design changes can be made.

[0133] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0134] 1...Conveying system; 2...Railway; 22...Drive guide rail; 2a...First section; 2b...Second section; 3...Vehicle; 3a...Power vehicle; 3b...Auxiliary vehicle; 30...Drive wheel; 383...Seat; 4...Traction component; 40...Annular component; 41...Chain; 5...Guide housing.

Claims

1. A delivery system characterized by, Possessing: a loop-shaped track; a drive rail extending along the track; a plurality of vehicles traveling on the track; and a loop-shaped traction member disposed throughout the entire length of the track and coupled to each of the plurality of vehicles, the plurality of vehicles including: a powered vehicle having a plurality of drive wheels capable of sandwiching the drive rail; and a non-powered vehicle not having the drive wheels, the non-powered vehicle being pulled by the traction member to travel on the track, the traction member being moved by the powered vehicle.

2. The transport system according to claim 1, wherein the track includes: a first section having an upward slope; and a second section having a downward slope, the plurality of vehicles including at least one vehicle traveling on the first section and at least one vehicle traveling on the second section, the at least one vehicle traveling on the first section and the at least one vehicle traveling on the second section being balanced with each other via the traction member in a bucket brigade.

3. The transport system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the transport system further possesses a guide housing disposed throughout the entire length of the track, housing the traction member, and guiding movement of the traction member, the traction member being a link chain having a plurality of loop-shaped members connected to each other.

4. The transport system according to claim 3, wherein the track includes a compound curve portion that is curved in both a plan view and a front view.

5. The transport system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the non-powered vehicle has a seat, the powered vehicle does not have the seat.

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