Goods delivery vehicles

Abstract

The cargo delivery vehicle (10) includes: a door opening (18) located on the left side (12L) of the vehicle; a cargo storage section (40) located inside the vehicle for storing cargo; and a loading and unloading device (30) for transporting the cargo between a first handover position (Pf) and a second handover position (Psv, Psd), receiving the cargo from the cargo storage section (40) at the first handover position (Pf), and delivering the cargo to an operator or an unmanned conveyor (100v, 100s) at the second handover position (Psv, Psd). The cargo storage section (40) is located inside the vehicle in front of and / or behind the loading and unloading device (30). The loading and unloading device (30) is located near the right side (12R) and opposite to the door opening (18) in the vehicle width direction. The second handover position (Psv, Psd) is located between the loading and unloading device (30) and the door opening (18).

Description

[0001] Cross-reference to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to Japanese Patent Application No. 2022-076274, filed on May 2, 2022, the entire contents of which, including the description, claims, drawings and abstract, are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This specification discloses cargo delivery vehicles used for delivering goods. Background Technology

[0004] Traditionally, trucks and other vehicles have been used for cargo delivery. The goods to be delivered are stored inside the vehicle. When the vehicle arrives near the delivery destination, the operator retrieves the goods and delivers them to the final destination. Recently, however, unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs) and drones have been proposed as alternatives to human delivery for transporting goods from vehicles to destinations. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technology where a drone landing pad is provided on the roof of the vehicle for the drone to land on. The drone receives goods from inside the vehicle and transports them to the delivery destination.

[0005] Existing technical documents

[0006] Patent documents

[0007] Patent Document 1: German Patent Publication No. 102016007467

[0008] However, in order to transport goods from the vehicle to the delivery destination, the operation of unloading the goods from the vehicle, also known as loading and unloading, is required. Previously, such loading and unloading operations were performed by workers. However, performing such operations by humans is cumbersome. Furthermore, unmanned conveyors are generally used to reduce manpower. When using such unmanned conveyors to deliver goods to the delivery destination, if loading and unloading operations are performed by humans, the reduction in manpower cannot be fully realized, and the advantages of unmanned conveyors are diminished.

[0009] Therefore, it is considered to install loading and unloading devices in vehicles that automatically retrieve goods and hand them over to operators or unmanned conveyors. However, when such loading and unloading devices are installed in vehicles, there is a possibility that the space for goods storage will be significantly reduced, or that sufficient access space for unmanned conveyors may not be guaranteed. Therefore, when installing loading and unloading devices in vehicles, it is necessary to study layouts that can effectively and flexibly utilize the vehicle's space, but such layouts have not been adequately studied in the past.

[0010] Therefore, this specification discloses a cargo delivery vehicle that can make more efficient and flexible use of the space inside the vehicle. Summary of the Invention

[0011] The cargo delivery vehicle disclosed in this specification is characterized by comprising: a door opening located on a first side of the vehicle for opening and closing; a cargo storage section located inside the vehicle for storing cargo; and a loading and unloading device for transporting the cargo between a first handover position and a second handover position, and for handing over the cargo to the cargo storage section at the first handover position. The cargo storage section is located on either side of the vehicle that is forward, backward, or both forward and backward of the loading and unloading device. The loading and unloading device is located near the second side of the vehicle, opposite to the first side, and at a position opposite to the door opening in the vehicle width direction. The second handover position is located between the loading and unloading device and the door opening.

[0012] By placing the loading and unloading device near the second side and opposite the door opening in the vehicle width direction, a work space can be ensured for the UGV and operators to enter the area just outside the door opening for operations. Furthermore, by placing the loading and unloading device opposite each other in the vehicle width direction, the shape of the cargo storage section located in front of and / or behind the loading and unloading device can be simplified, effectively preventing the generation of wasted space. As a result, according to the above structure, the interior space can be utilized effectively and flexibly.

[0013] In this case, the cargo storage section may not be provided in the space from the loading and unloading device to the door opening, i.e., the working space, and the floor of the carriage in the working space may be flat.

[0014] By making the floor of the workspace flat, the UGV can enter the workspace smoothly.

[0015] Alternatively, the goods can be delivered in cooperation with an unmanned conveyor, including a drone, and the goods delivery vehicle further includes: a drone landing pad, located on the outer surface of the vehicle's roof for the drone to land; a roof opening formed in the roof through which the goods can pass; and an auxiliary loading and unloading device that allows the goods received from either the loading and unloading device or the drone to be transported through the roof opening and delivered to the other of the loading and unloading device and the drone.

[0016] By installing auxiliary loading and unloading devices, the loading and unloading equipment can be positioned at a location offset horizontally from the roof opening. Furthermore, this allows the loading and unloading equipment to be placed in a location where the transfer of goods between the UGV and the operator is easily facilitated.

[0017] Alternatively, the roof opening may be formed approximately in the center of the vehicle width direction.

[0018] By configuring the structure in this way, the landing position of a drone that receives cargo through the roof opening can be set at the center of the vehicle's width. Furthermore, by setting the center of the vehicle's width as the landing position, the drone can take off and land stably.

[0019] Alternatively, the unmanned conveyor may also include an UGV that travels on the road in an unmanned manner. The second handover position includes: a UGV handover position, where the goods are handed over to the unmanned ground vehicle at the UGV handover position; and a UAV handover position, where the goods are handed over to the auxiliary loading and unloading device at the UAV handover position. The UGV handover position and the UAV handover position are aligned in the horizontal direction and staggered in the vertical direction.

[0020] This structure allows for the flexible use of both UGVs and drones for cargo delivery. Furthermore, aligning the handover points for UGVs and drones horizontally simplifies the operation of the loading and unloading equipment.

[0021] Alternatively, the loading and unloading device may include: a main column with its lower end fixed to the floor; and a cargo holding part that holds the cargo and rotates around the main column and moves up and down along the main column. After receiving the cargo at one of the first handover positions and the second handover positions, the cargo is transported to the other of the first handover positions and the second handover positions by rotating and moving the cargo holding part.

[0022] By forming such a structure, the structure of the loading and unloading device can be simplified.

[0023] In this case, the vehicle may also have a crossbeam extending along the width direction at the bottom of the vehicle as a skeletal member, and the main pillar is positioned at a position that overlaps with the crossbeam when viewed from above.

[0024] Since the floor surface around the beam is not easily bent and is stable, the main column can be made more stable by overlapping the main column with the beam.

[0025] Alternatively, the upper end of the main pillar can be fixed to the roof of the vehicle.

[0026] By forming such a structure, the body rigidity is increased because the main pillars function like support rods.

[0027] Alternatively, the vehicle may have a roof crossbeam extending along the width of the vehicle as a skeletal component on its roof, with the main pillar positioned at a location overlapping the roof crossbeam when viewed from above.

[0028] By forming such a structure, the load acting on the vehicle's roof can be effectively transferred and distributed to the area below the vehicle. As a result, roof deformation can be effectively prevented.

[0029] Alternatively, the upper end of the main pillar may not be fixed to the roof of the vehicle.

[0030] By forming such a structure, the load applied to the vehicle's roof is prevented from being transferred to the main pillar, thus effectively suppressing the deflection of the main pillar.

[0031] The cargo delivery vehicle disclosed in this specification allows for more efficient and flexible use of the vehicle's interior space. Attached Figure Description

[0032] Figure 1 It is a 3D view of a vehicle used for cargo delivery.

[0033] Figure 2 It is a longitudinal sectional view obtained by cutting the cargo delivery vehicle with a plane parallel to the vertical and width directions.

[0034] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 AA sectional view.

[0035] Figure 4 yes Figure 2 BB cross-sectional view.

[0036] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram showing the layout of the cargo delivery vehicles as viewed from directly above.

[0037] Figure 6 It is a sectional view of the upper and lower ends of the main column.

[0038] Figure 7 This is a longitudinal sectional view showing other examples of vehicles used for cargo delivery.

[0039] Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional view showing other examples of vehicles used for cargo delivery. Detailed Implementation

[0040] The structure of the cargo delivery vehicle (hereinafter referred to as "vehicle") 10 will be described below with reference to the attached drawings. Figure 1 This is a 3D view of vehicle 10. Additionally, Figure 2 This is a longitudinal sectional view obtained by cutting the vehicle 10 with a plane parallel to the vertical and width directions. Furthermore, Figure 3 yes Figure 2 AA section view, Figure 4 yes Figure 2The BB sectional view. In addition, in each drawing, "Fr", "Up", and "Rh" respectively mean the front, top, and right side of vehicle 10.

[0041] The vehicle 10 works in conjunction with an unmanned conveyor to deliver goods to a designated delivery destination. Unmanned conveyors include, for example, UGV100v which travels on the ground to deliver goods, and drones 100d which fly to deliver goods (in addition, in...). Figure 1 , Figure 2 (The propeller illustration is omitted in the text). Furthermore, hereinafter, without distinguishing between UGV100v and UAV100d, it will be referred to as "unmanned conveyor 100". Typically, such an unmanned conveyor 100 is smaller than the vehicle 10, thus enabling it to enter residential land and indoor spaces, offering excellent mobility. On the other hand, the unmanned conveyor 100 has a shorter range compared to the vehicle 10. Therefore, in this example, the unmanned conveyor 100 is only responsible for transporting goods from the vicinity of the delivery destination to the delivery destination itself, while the vehicle 10, with its longer range, transports goods from the starting point to the vicinity of the delivery destination.

[0042] Specifically, vehicle 10, loaded with multiple goods, moves from a designated starting position to a designated target position. The target position is typically set to be easily accessible via the unmanned conveyor 100 to any of the multiple delivery destinations for the goods. Upon arrival at the target position, the unmanned conveyor 100 removes the goods from vehicle 10 and transports them to the delivery destination. The transfer of goods from vehicle 10 to the unmanned conveyor 100 is automated, without human intervention, by the loading / unloading device 30 described later.

[0043] Next, the structure of such a vehicle 10 will be described. For example... Figure 1 As shown, the vehicle 10 in this example has a generally box-shaped appearance with its front and rear surfaces rising approximately vertically. A door opening 18 for workers and UGV 100v to get on and off is formed on the left side 12L of the vehicle 10. The door opening 18 is located approximately at the center in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle 10 and is covered by a door 20 that can be opened and closed freely. Furthermore, Figure 1 The vehicle 10 is designed for use in areas where left-hand driving is permitted. Therefore, the left side portion 12L, where the door opening 18 is formed, can be considered the side portion on the sidewalk. In this way, by forming the door opening 18 on the side portion on the sidewalk (i.e., the left side portion 12L), the UGV 100v and the operator can easily move between the sidewalk and the vehicle. Alternatively, if the vehicle 10 is used in an area where right-hand driving is permitted, the door opening 18 can simply be formed on the right side portion 12R, which is the side portion on the sidewalk. When getting on and off the UGV 100v, the ramp 22 is erected from the lower end of the door opening 18 toward the road surface.

[0044] A drone landing pad 24 for landing a drone 100d is provided on the outer surface of the roof of vehicle 10. The drone landing pad 24 is a portion of the roof reinforced to withstand the impact of the drone 100d taking off and landing. In this example, the drone landing pad 24 is positioned approximately at the center of the vehicle in the longitudinal direction, and the drone 100d lands approximately at the center of the vehicle's roof in both the longitudinal and transverse directions.

[0045] A roof opening 26 is formed in the roof of the vehicle 10 to allow cargo to pass through. The roof opening 26 is formed approximately at the center of the vehicle in both the longitudinal and transverse directions. Therefore, the roof opening 26 is located approximately directly below the drone 100d that lands on the drone landing pad 24.

[0046] The vehicle 10 has a cargo storage section 40 and a loading / unloading device 30 inside. The cargo storage section 40 is an area for storing multiple goods. In this example, such as... Figure 3 As shown, the space inside the vehicle, closer to the rear of the vehicle than the loading / unloading device 30, is designated as a cargo storage section 40. This cargo storage section 40 is equipped with, for example, a handling rack 42. The handling rack 42 is a rack that holds multiple goods and automatically moves a specific item from among the held goods to a position adjacent to the first transfer position Pf described later. This handling rack 42 can be utilized with mechanisms used in automated warehouses, such as cranes that pick up and move specific goods, conveyors that transport specific goods, etc.

[0047] The loading and unloading device 30 is a device that retrieves specific goods from the cargo storage section 40 and delivers them to the unmanned conveyor 100. Hereinafter, the position where the loading and unloading device 30 and the cargo storage section 40 exchange goods will be referred to as the "first exchange position Pf" (see reference). Figure 3 , Figure 4 The location where the loading / unloading device 30 and the UGV 100v exchange goods is called the "UGV exchange location Psv", and the location where the loading / unloading device 30 and the UAV 100d exchange goods is called the "UAV exchange location Psd" (refer to...). Figures 2-4 In addition, without distinguishing between the handover position Psv for UGVs and the handover position Psd for UAVs, both will be referred to as "second handover position Ps".

[0048] like Figure 2 , Figure 4As shown, the loading / unloading device 30 is located near the right side portion 12R and opposite the door opening 18 in the vehicle width direction. Furthermore, "near the right side portion 12R" here means a position closer to the right side portion 12R than the center of the vehicle 10 in the vehicle width direction. Therefore, in this example, the distance from the right end of the loading / unloading device 30 to the right side portion 12R is smaller than the distance from the left end of the loading / unloading device 30 to the center of the vehicle 10 in the vehicle width direction.

[0049] The space between the loading / unloading device 30 and the door opening 18 becomes the work space WS for the UGV100v and the operator to enter. Of course, no goods storage section 40 is provided in this work space WS. The work space WS is large enough to accommodate the entire UGV100v. Furthermore, the floor surface of this work space WS is flat to allow the UGV100v to move smoothly.

[0050] The loading and unloading device 30 includes a base 36, a rotary table 38, a main column 32, and a cargo holding section 34. The base 36 is a platform fixed to the floor of the carriage. The rotary table 38 is a worktable that rotates relative to the base 36, and the loading and unloading device 30 has a power source (e.g., a motor) to rotate the rotary table 38. The main column 32 stands vertically from the rotary table 38 and rotates together with the rotary table 38.

[0051] The cargo holding section 34 is a generally plate-shaped member for holding cargo. This cargo holding section 34 can be raised and lowered along the main column 32 via a lifting mechanism (not shown). Various known lifting mechanisms can be used as the lifting mechanism, so detailed descriptions are omitted here. Furthermore, the cargo holding section 34 can rotate together with the main column 32 around the main column 32 by rotating the rotary table 38. The cargo holding section 34 combines raising and lowering and rotation to transport cargo between a first transfer position Pf and a second transfer position Ps. Additionally, the structure of the cargo holding section 34 can be, for example, adapted from the structure of a stacker crane used in automated warehouses, so detailed descriptions are omitted here.

[0052] like Figure 3 , Figure 4 As shown, in this example, the first handover point Pf between the main column 32 and the cargo storage section 40, that is, immediately behind the main column 32, is where the cargo is transferred to the cargo storage section 40. Additionally, as... Figure 2 , Figure 4As shown, the immediate left side of the main column 32 becomes the second handover position Ps for transferring goods with the unmanned conveyor 100. To explain the second handover position Ps in more detail, a handover position Psv for the UGV is defined at approximately the same height as the goods receiving position of the UGV 100v on the immediate left side of the main column 32. Additionally, a handover position Psd for the UAV is defined at approximately the same height as the auxiliary loading and unloading device 50 described later on the immediate left side of the main column 32. That is, the handover position Psv for the UGV and the handover position Psd for the UAV are aligned horizontally but offset vertically.

[0053] like Figure 3 , Figure 4 As shown, the portion of the vehicle interior forward of the loading / unloading device 30 is the driver's seat area Ad, where the driver (not shown) sits. This driver's seat area Ad is equipped with a chair for the driver, a steering wheel, a monitor, etc. (none shown).

[0054] The vehicle 10 is also equipped with an auxiliary loading and unloading device 50. The auxiliary loading and unloading device 50 is a relay device for the transfer of goods between the loading and unloading device 30 and the drone 100d. For example... Figure 2 , Figure 3 As shown, the auxiliary loading and unloading device 50 is fixed to the roof of the carriage. Additionally, as... Figure 2 As shown, the auxiliary loading and unloading device 50 is located adjacent to the loading and unloading device 30 on the center side in the vehicle width direction, and is located directly below the roof opening 26.

[0055] The auxiliary loading and unloading device 50 has a pallet 51 for holding goods (see reference). Figure 2 , Figure 3 The pallet 51 is liftable and can pass through the roof opening 26. The auxiliary loading and unloading device 50 uses the pallet 51 to receive goods from the loading and unloading device 30 as needed, then raises the pallet 51 to transport the goods to the drone landing pad 24 and deliver the goods to the drone 100d.

[0056] Next, the delivery of goods in such a vehicle 10 will be briefly described. As described above, vehicle 10 transports goods to a target location set near the delivery destination. Upon arrival at the target location, unmanned conveyor 100 transports the goods from vehicle 10 to the delivery destination.

[0057] First, the case of using UGV100v to transport goods will be explained. In this case, UGV100v can be loaded into the work space WS of vehicle 10 before vehicle 10 arrives at the target location, or UGV100v can be loaded into the work space WS from outside the vehicle through door opening 18 after vehicle 10 arrives at the target location.

[0058] The loading / unloading device 30 moves the cargo holding section 34 to the first handover position Pf. Simultaneously, the handling rack 42 delivers the goods to the cargo holding section 34 at the first handover position Pf. If goods are delivered to the cargo holding section 34, the loading / unloading device 30 rotates and raises the cargo holding section 34, moving it to the UGV handover position Psv. Then, the loading / unloading device 30 delivers the goods at the UGV handover position Psv to the UGV 100v. If the UGV 100v receives the goods, it moves out of the vehicle through the door opening 18, transporting the goods to the delivery destination.

[0059] Next, the scenario of using drone 100d to transport goods will be explained. In this case, drone 100d can either wait at drone landing pad 24 before reaching the target location, or fly to drone landing pad 24 after vehicle 10 has reached the target location.

[0060] In any case, when using a drone 100d to transport goods, similar to the case using a UGV 100v, the loading and unloading device 30 first receives the goods as the object from the handling rack 42. That is, the loading and unloading device 30 moves the goods holding part 34 to the first handover position Pf, and the handling rack 42 delivers the goods as the object to the goods holding part 34 located at the first handover position Pf.

[0061] Next, the loading and unloading device 30 rotates and raises the cargo holding part 34, moving it to the handover position Psd for the UAV. Then, the loading and unloading device 30 moves the cargo in the cargo holding part 34 to the pallet 51 of the auxiliary loading and unloading device 50, delivering the cargo to the auxiliary loading and unloading device 50.

[0062] The auxiliary loading and unloading device 50 raises the pallet 51 to transport the goods to the upper side of the canopy (i.e., outside the vehicle) and delivers them to the drone 100d. If the drone 100d receives the goods, it takes off from the drone landing pad 24 and delivers the goods to the delivery destination.

[0063] As explained above, in this example, a loading and unloading device 30 is installed in vehicle 10, through which goods are delivered from cargo storage section 40 to unmanned conveyor 100. This eliminates the need for personnel to perform loading and unloading operations, reducing manpower. As a result, more efficient cargo delivery is possible.

[0064] Here, as described above, in this example, the loading and unloading device 30 is positioned near the right side 12R, opposite to the left side 12L where the door opening 18 is formed, and opposite to the door opening 18 in the vehicle width direction. Furthermore, a cargo storage section 40 is provided on the rear side of the loading and unloading device 30. By configuring it in this way, the space inside the vehicle can be utilized effectively and flexibly, and the cargo storage section 40 and the working space WS can be fully guaranteed.

[0065] Reference Figure 5 This needs to be explained. Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram showing the layout of vehicle 10 as viewed from directly above. The UGV 100v enters the vehicle through door opening 18 to receive cargo. Therefore, the area A1 inside the vehicle, which is the area just inside the door opening 18 and can accommodate the entire UGV 100v, needs to be ensured to be a working space WS. Furthermore, the drone 100d cannot land stably at a corner of the roof, so it typically lands in the center of the roof in the width direction. Therefore, the roof opening 26 for cargo delivered to the drone 100d is typically formed in area A2, which is the center in the width direction.

[0066] In order for the loading and unloading device 30 to properly deliver goods to the UGV100v and the drone 100d, the loading and unloading device 30 needs to be configured adjacent to the working space WS and the roof opening 26. Therefore, as the configuration position of the loading and unloading device 30, consider the position P1 on the side opposite to the door opening 18 across the working space WS and the position P2 adjacent to the working space WS at the rear of the vehicle.

[0067] When the loading and unloading device 30 is disposed at position P2, the cargo storage section 40 needs to be located away from the loading and unloading device 30 at position P2, that is, located in... Figure 5 In area A3, the shape becomes very complex. In this case, the structure of the handling rack 42 that houses the goods becomes complex, or the unused space increases. As a result, when the loading and unloading device 30 is arranged at position P2, there is a possibility that the space of the goods storage section 40 is reduced, and the efficiency of goods storage is reduced.

[0068] On the other hand, when the loading and unloading device 30 is located at position P1, that is, near the right side 12R and opposite the door opening 18 in the vehicle width direction, the cargo storage section 40 is located in area A4, which is further rearward than the loading and unloading device 30 and the working space WS. For example, from... Figure 5As clearly stated, the area A4 has a simple shape, roughly rectangular. Therefore, the structure of the handling rack 42 for transporting goods can be simplified, and inefficient use of space is less likely. That is, by placing the loading and unloading device 30 near the side portion (i.e., the right side portion 12R) opposite to the door opening 18 in the vehicle width direction, the space of the vehicle 10 can be utilized effectively and flexibly.

[0069] Furthermore, the area between the loading / unloading device 30 and the door opening 18 forms the working space WS. In this example, the floor surface of the working space WS is set to be flat. Therefore, the UGV100v can smoothly enter the working space WS, which improves the workability of the UGV100v.

[0070] Furthermore, as described above, in this example, an auxiliary loading / unloading device 50 is provided to relay the loading / unloading device 30 and the drone 100d. By providing this auxiliary loading / unloading device 50, the loading / unloading device 30 can be positioned at a location offset horizontally from the roof opening 26. In other words, the loading / unloading device 30 can be positioned for easy handover of goods with the UGV 100v. As a result, the delivery of goods from the loading / unloading device 30 to the UGV 100v can be carried out smoothly.

[0071] Furthermore, by providing the auxiliary loading and unloading device 50, the handover position Psv for the UGV and the handover position Psd for the UAV can be set to the same position in the horizontal direction and staggered in the vertical direction. Moreover, by forming such a configuration, the operation of the loading and unloading device 30 can be simplified, and the structure and control of the loading and unloading device 30 can be simplified.

[0072] Furthermore, in this example, the main column 32 of the loading / unloading device 30 is positioned to overlap with the crossbeam 54 and the roof crossbeam 60. (See reference...) Figure 6 This needs to be explained. Figure 6 This is a sectional view of the area near the upper and lower ends of the main column 32.

[0073] Typically, a pair of longitudinal beams (not shown) extending in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle 10 are provided at the bottom of the vehicle, and a plurality of crossbeams 54 are provided between the pair of longitudinal beams. The crossbeams 54 are a type of skeletal component supporting the vehicle 10. For example, the crossbeams 54 are... Figure 6 As shown, it is constructed by a stamped member with a cap-shaped cross-section and a relatively long length in the vehicle width direction, joined to the floor panel 52. The area near the crossbeam 54 at the bottom of the vehicle 10 is a region that is not easily bent and has high rigidity. In this example, a main pillar 32 is provided at the location where it overlaps with the crossbeam 54 in a top view. By forming it in this way, the stability of the main pillar 32 is improved, enabling more stable transport of goods.

[0074] In this example, the upper end of the main pillar 32 is fixed to the roof of the vehicle 10. By forming such a structure, the main pillar 32 functions as a support rod between the floor and the roof, effectively suppressing body deformation and roof deflection, and improving body rigidity.

[0075] Here, the roof of vehicle 10 is provided with a pair of roof longitudinal beams (not shown) extending in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, and a plurality of roof crossbeams 60 spanning between the pair of roof longitudinal beams. The roof crossbeams 60 are a type of skeletal structure that reinforces the roof of vehicle 10. For example, the roof crossbeams 60 are... Figure 6 As shown, it is constructed by a stamped member with a hat-shaped cross section and a longer length in the vehicle width direction at the joint between the inner roof panel 56 and the outer roof panel 58. In this example, a main pillar 32 is provided at the location where it overlaps with the roof crossbeam 60 in plan view. By forming such a structure, the rigidity of the main pillar 32 is further improved. In addition, by making the main pillar 32 overlap with the roof crossbeam 60, the loads transmitted to the roof crossbeam 60 (e.g., the impact load during the take-off and landing of the UAV 100d) are easily distributed to the lower side of the vehicle, effectively preventing roof deflection.

[0076] Furthermore, this configuration relationship between the main column 32 and the frame components is one example; of course, this configuration relationship can also be appropriately changed. For example, the main column 32 only needs to be fixed to the floor surface at its lower part, therefore, as... Figure 7 As shown, the upper end of the main column 32 may not be fixed to the ceiling. Without fixing the upper end of the main column 32 to the ceiling, the loads transmitted to the ceiling (e.g., the impact loads during the take-off and landing of the UAV 100d) are less likely to be transmitted to the main column 32.

[0077] Furthermore, this example illustrates the use of an unmanned conveyor 100 for delivering goods. However, it's also possible for an operator to deliver goods, either in place of the unmanned conveyor 100 or based on it. In this case, such as... Figure 7 As shown, a worker handover position Psp is set at a height easily accessible to the worker 106 (e.g., at the same level as a person's abdomen) on the immediate left side of the main column 32, for handing over goods to the worker 106. This worker handover position Psp is a type of second handover position Ps set between the loading / unloading device 30 and the door opening 18. In this way, even when the worker 106 is delivering the goods, the workload of the worker 106 can be reduced by performing loading and unloading operations on the side of the loading / unloading device 30, thereby reducing manpower.

[0078] Furthermore, the location of the cargo storage section 40 is not limited as long as it is located on at least one side, either forward or rearward, of the loading / unloading device 30. Therefore, for example, if the vehicle 10 is a fully automated driving vehicle capable of operating even when the driver is not in the vehicle, it is possible to... Figure 3 , Figure 4 The driver's seat area Ad shown is changed to a cargo storage section 40. That is, cargo storage sections 40 can also be provided on both the front and rear sides of the loading and unloading device 30.

[0079] Furthermore, the position of the door opening 18 is not limited as long as it is located on the side of the vehicle 10. Therefore, as Figure 8 As shown, the door opening 18 can also be located at the front of the vehicle 10. Figure 8 In this case, vehicle 10 is a fully automated vehicle capable of operating even when the driver is not inside the vehicle. In this case, the loading / unloading device 30 is also located at the front of vehicle 10, similar to the door opening 18. Additionally, the cargo storage section 40 may be located further rearward than the loading / unloading device 30, i.e., at the center and rear of vehicle 10 in the longitudinal direction. Furthermore, this description has covered the delivery of goods from vehicle 10 to unmanned conveyor 100 or an operator; however, the vehicle 10 disclosed in this specification can also be applied to the delivery of goods from unmanned conveyor 100 or an operator to vehicle 10. In this case, goods brought in from outside the vehicle by unmanned conveyor 100 or an operator are delivered to the loading / unloading device 30, which then delivers the received goods to the handling rack 42 of the cargo storage section 40.

[0080] Label Explanation

[0081] 10 Vehicles, 12L Left Side, 12R Right Side, 18 Door Openings, 20 Doors, 24 Drone Helipad, 26 Roof Opening, 30 Loading / Unloading Device, 32 Main Columns, 34 Cargo Holding Section, 36 Base, 38 Rotary Workbench, 40 Cargo Storage Section, 42 Handling Racks, 50 Auxiliary Loading / Unloading Device, 51 Pallets, 52 Floor Panels, 54 Crossbeams, 56 Inner Roof Panels, 58 Outer Roof Panels, 60 Roof Crossbeams, 100d Drones, 100v UGVs, 106 Operators, Ad Driver's Seat Area, Pf First Handover Location, Psd Drone Handover Location (Second Handover Location), Psp Operator Handover Location (Second Handover Location), Psv UGV Handover Location (Second Handover Location), WS Working Space.

Claims

1. A vehicle for delivery of goods, characterized by have: The door opening is located on the first side of the vehicle and is opened and closed through the door; A cargo storage section, located inside the vehicle, is used to store cargo; and The loading and unloading device transports the goods between a first handover position and a second handover position, and transfers the goods between the loading and unloading device and the goods storage section at the first handover position. The cargo storage section is located on either side of the vehicle, either forward or backward, or both forward and backward, relative to the loading and unloading device. The loading and unloading device is located near the second side, which is opposite to the first side inside the vehicle, and is positioned opposite the door opening in the vehicle width direction. The second handover position is located between the loading / unloading device and the door opening. The goods are delivered in cooperation with unmanned conveyors. The unmanned transport system includes drones and unmanned ground vehicles that travel on roads in an unmanned manner. The cargo delivery vehicle also has: A drone landing pad is set on the outer surface of the vehicle's roof for the drone to land; A roof opening is formed in the roof, through which the cargo can pass; and An auxiliary loading and unloading device enables the goods received from one of the loading and unloading devices and the drone to be transported through the roof opening and delivered to the other of the loading and unloading devices and the drone. The second handover location includes: A handover location for unmanned ground vehicles, at which the goods are handed over between the unmanned ground vehicles; and The drone uses a handover location to transfer the goods between itself and the auxiliary loading and unloading device. The handover position for the unmanned ground vehicle and the handover position for the UAV are aligned horizontally but staggered vertically.

2. The cargo delivery vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cargo storage section is not provided in the space from the loading and unloading device to the door opening, i.e., the working space. The floor of the carriage in the work space is flat.

3. The cargo delivery vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that, The roof opening is formed approximately in the center of the vehicle width direction.

4. The cargo delivery vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that, The loading and unloading device includes: The main column is fixed to the floor at its lower end; and The cargo holding unit holds the cargo and rotates around the main column and moves up and down along the main column. After the goods are received at one of the first and second handover positions, the goods are transported to the other of the first and second handover positions by rotating and lifting the goods holding part.

5. The cargo delivery vehicle according to claim 4, characterized in that, The vehicle has a crossbeam extending along the width direction at its bottom as a skeletal component. The main column is positioned to overlap with the crossbeam when viewed from above.

6. The cargo delivery vehicle according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that, The upper end of the main pillar is fixed to the roof of the vehicle.

7. The cargo delivery vehicle according to claim 6, characterized in that, The vehicle has a roof crossbeam extending along the width direction as a skeletal component on its roof. The main pillar is positioned at a location that overlaps with the roof crossbeam when viewed from above.

8. The cargo delivery vehicle according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that, The upper end of the main pillar is not fixed to the roof of the vehicle.

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