Holding tool
By designing a stackable holding unit and a platform structure with floating wheels, the problems of insufficient storage space and stability of transport vehicles in the goods conveying equipment are solved, realizing flexible storage of transport vehicles and efficient space utilization.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- DAIFUKU CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2024-07-31
- Publication Date
- 2026-05-12
AI Technical Summary
In material conveying equipment, stationary conveyor vehicles occupy the driving floor space, affecting the freedom of movement of conveyor vehicles during operation, and are difficult to store stably, especially when there are many conveyor vehicles and there is a lack of effective storage space.
A holding device was designed, which uses multiple holding units stacked vertically to hold the transport vehicle by using a platform to levitate the wheels. The support column can be easily installed and removed, so as to achieve stable stacking and disassembly of multiple transport vehicles.
It enables flexible storage when the number of transport vehicles changes, improves the freedom of movement of transport vehicles during operation, maintains stability in the case of a large number of transport vehicles, avoids wheel rolling, and improves space utilization efficiency.
Smart Images
Figure CN122029115A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The present invention relates to a holding device for holding multiple transport vehicles together, the transport vehicles having a main body and wheels mounted on the main body. Background Technology
[0002] In recent years, automation of goods transportation has been promoted in goods transportation equipment such as logistics warehouses. In such goods transportation equipment, a type of transport vehicle (10) as disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2022-050240 is often used. The transport vehicle (10) is configured to transport goods by moving unmanned on a driving floor.
[0003] Existing technical documents Patent documents Patent document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2022-050240. Summary of the Invention
[0004] The problem that the invention aims to solve However, in equipment using conveyor cars as described in the aforementioned documents, there may be surplus conveyor cars (resting conveyor cars) during periods of quiet operation. In this case, it is possible to designate a portion of the driving floor as a standby area for the resting conveyor cars, but this would restrict movement on that portion of the driving floor and potentially hinder the freedom of movement of the working conveyor cars. Therefore, it is necessary to be able to remove and store resting conveyor cars from the driving floor, but sometimes sufficient storage space for such conveyor cars may not be available. Furthermore, even when storage space is available, it is necessary to maintain each stored conveyor car in a stable state to prevent wheeled conveyor cars from moving unintentionally due to vibrations or other reasons.
[0005] In view of the above actual situation, it is desirable to realize a holding device that can easily store a stationary conveyor car in response to the increase or decrease of the working conveyor car, and can stably hold the stored conveyor car.
[0006] Methods used to solve problems The holding device described above is a device for holding multiple transport vehicles together. Each transport vehicle has a main body and wheels mounted on the main body. The holding device includes multiple holding units for holding multiple transport vehicles. The multiple holding units are configured to be stackable in the vertical direction. Each holding unit includes: a platform for arranging and holding multiple transport vehicles; and N (N is an integer of 3 or more) support pillars mounted on the platform in a manner that protrudes at least downward relative to the platform. The platform is configured to support the main body from below when the wheels are levitated. The support pillars of each holding unit are configured to be detachable and detachable in the vertical direction relative to the support pillars of other holding units. The multiple holding units are stacked by connecting the support pillars of each holding unit to the corresponding support pillars of other holding units. The multiple holding units are disassembled by detaching the support pillars of each holding unit from the corresponding support pillars of other holding units.
[0007] According to this structure, multiple transport vehicles can be held using a single holding unit. Furthermore, by stacking other holding units on top of the holding unit, the number of transport vehicles that can be held can be increased. Additionally, by disassembling the stacked holding units, the number of transport vehicles that can be held can be reduced. Holding within the holding unit is performed by a mounting platform. The mounting platform is a structure that supports the main body of the transport vehicle from below while its wheels are levitated, thus preventing the wheels from rolling on the platform and achieving stable holding of the transport vehicles. As described above, according to this structure, transport vehicles at rest can be easily stored in response to increases or decreases in the number of working transport vehicles, and transport vehicles in storage can be held stably. Furthermore, according to this structure, multiple transport vehicles can be stably held on each of the stackable holding units, so this holding device can be appropriately used when transporting many transport vehicles.
[0008] Further features and advantages of the technology disclosed herein will become clearer from the following illustrative and non-limiting description of embodiments, which are illustrated with reference to the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description
[0009] Figure 1 This is a top view showing the first and second floors of the equipment that distinguishes the items.
[0010] Figure 2 This is an explanatory diagram showing the movement of the transport vehicle.
[0011] Figure 3 It is a top view of the appliance.
[0012] Figure 4 This is the main view of the appliance.
[0013] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of region V in the diagram.
[0014] Figure 6 yes Figure 4 A sectional view of region VI in the diagram.
[0015] Figure 7 This is a diagram representing the stacking of multiple holding cells.
[0016] Figure 8 This diagram shows the situation where the transport vehicle to be held in the holding unit is placed on the floor.
[0017] Figure 9 This diagram illustrates the connection between the retaining element and the supporting element.
[0018] Figure 10 This is a diagram illustrating the sheet winding process. Detailed Implementation
[0019] The holding device is configured to hold multiple conveyor cars together. Such conveyor cars are used in goods conveying equipment for transporting and storing goods. In goods conveying equipment, there may be remaining conveyor cars (carrier cars at rest) during periods of quiet operation. The holding device of this disclosure is used, for example, to hold such at rest conveyor cars. Alternatively, it is used when moving multiple conveyor cars together between different equipment or departments utilizing conveyor cars.
[0020] First, the structure of the transport vehicle, which serves as the holding device, and the goods transport equipment using the transport vehicle will be described illustratively.
[0021] like Figure 1 As shown, the goods conveying equipment FC has multiple layers of floor arranged vertically and multiple conveyor vehicles 8 traveling on the floor. Figure 1 The example illustrates a two-layer goods conveying device FC consisting of a first floor F1 and a second floor F2. Here, the example shows a configuration where the first floor F1 has one layer and the second floor F2 has two layers. In this example, the goods conveying device FC includes a first elevator L1 and a second elevator L2 that allow a conveyor 8 to move up and down between the first floor F1 and the second floor F2. Furthermore, the first floor F1 and the second floor F2 will sometimes be collectively referred to as "floors" below.
[0022] In this embodiment, the first floor F1 is provided with a transfer area A1 for transferring items G to the transport vehicle 8, a receiving area A3 for receiving items G transported from the transport vehicle 8, and a connection area A2 connecting the transfer area A1 and the receiving area A3.
[0023] Item G, intended for transport by conveyor vehicle 8, is supplied in transfer area A1. Item G is transferred from transfer area A1 to conveyor vehicle 8. In the illustrated example, one or more items G are transferred to conveyor vehicle 8 while contained in container C. The transfer of item G to conveyor vehicle 8 is performed by operator W or a robot.
[0024] The transport vehicle 8 is configured to transport the item G transferred from the transfer area A1 to the receiving area A3 via the connection area A2.
[0025] In receiving area A3, the item G, transported by conveyor 8, is received. Furthermore, a sorting process is performed on the received item G. This sorting process is based on pre-set order information. For example, the order information may include various details such as customer information, shipping destination information, and item type information. The sorting of item G is performed by an operator W or a robot.
[0026] The transport vehicle 8, traveling along the path in receiving area A3, feeds its carried item G (or container C containing item G) into a conveyor or chute adjacent to the path. The fed item G is then sorted by the operator W or the robot as described above.
[0027] For example, in a sorting operation, item G is removed from container C. This results in an empty container C. The empty container C generated in receiving area A3 is transported to transfer area A1 by a dedicated conveyor and used again in the operations in transfer area A1.
[0028] After the transport vehicle 8 places the item G into the receiving area A3, it boards the second elevator L2 and heads towards the second floor F2. Then, the transport vehicle 8 travels on the second floor F2, boards the first elevator L1 located on the opposite side of the second elevator L2, and returns to the first floor F1. The returning transport vehicle 8 transports the item G between the transfer area A1 and the receiving area A3 in the same manner as described above.
[0029] Here, the transport vehicle 8 is configured to move freely on the travel surface Fa formed on the first floor F1 and the second floor F2.
[0030] like Figure 2 As shown, a virtual travel path is set in a grid pattern on the travel surface Fa. In this embodiment, the transport vehicle 8 is configured to travel in a straight line and to change its direction of travel by performing a rotational motion around an upper and lower axis in place. By combining straight-line travel and rotational motion, the transport vehicle 8 can travel on any of the travel paths set on the travel surface Fa.
[0031] In this embodiment, location information storage units 7 are provided at multiple locations on the travel surface Fa to store the location information of those locations. In this example, a virtual travel path is set by connecting multiple location information storage units 7 together. The transport vehicle 8 is configured to travel while sequentially detecting the multiple location information storage units 7 provided on the travel path. The position of each location information storage unit 7 is set for the transport vehicle 8 to perform a turning motion. The transport vehicle 8 performs a direction change by turning at the position of the location information storage unit 7 as needed. In addition, the location information storage unit 7 can be a one-dimensional barcode or a two-dimensional barcode containing identification information, or it can be an RFID tag (Radio Frequency Identification Tag) containing identification information.
[0032] Thus, the conveyor 8 is sometimes used in the article conveying equipment FC. Here, as mentioned above, depending on the operating state of the article conveying equipment FC, there may be surplus conveyor 8 (resting conveyor 8). It is possible to consider having the resting conveyor 8 standby on a part of the floor, but in this case, restricting the movement of a part of the floor may hinder the freedom of movement of the conveyor 8 in operation.
[0033] Therefore, as Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, a holding device 100 is used. The holding device 100 is configured to hold multiple stationary conveyor cars 8 together, as described above. Therefore, compared to the case where stationary conveyor cars 8 are left idle on part of the floor, the freedom of movement of the working conveyor cars 8 is increased, and efficient use of the floor space is achieved. Details of the holding device 100 will be described below.
[0034] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the holding device 100 is configured to hold multiple transport vehicles 8, each having a main body 80 and wheels 81 mounted on the main body 80.
[0035] The holding device 100 includes multiple holding units 1 for holding multiple conveyor cars 8. Figure 4 Two holding units 1 are illustrated. Each holding unit 1 is configured to hold multiple transport vehicles 8.
[0036] Multiple holding units 1 are configured to be stackable in the vertical direction. Figure 4 The diagram shows two holding units 1 stacked together. However, more than three holding units 1 can also be stacked. That is, the number of holding units 1 that can be stacked can be arbitrarily set according to the strength of the holding units 1, the balance when holding the conveyor 8, etc.
[0037] The holding unit 1 includes a platform 12 for arranging and carrying multiple transport vehicles 8, and N (N is an integer greater than 3) support pillars 11 mounted on the platform 12 in a manner that protrudes at least downward relative to the platform 12.
[0038] In this embodiment, the platform 12 includes multiple crossbeams 121 and crossbeam connecting members 122 that connect adjacent crossbeams 121 to each other. In this example, the crossbeams 121 and the crossbeam connecting members 122 are constructed using elongated members. The multiple crossbeams 121 and the single or multiple crossbeam connecting members 122 that connect the multiple crossbeams 121 extend to each other in directions that intersect when viewed in the vertical direction. In this example, they extend in directions that are orthogonal to each other when viewed in the vertical direction.
[0039] In this embodiment, the holding unit 1 has four supports 11. In this example, the four supports 11 are arranged in a position where the line connecting each support 11 forms a rectangle when viewed in the vertical direction.
[0040] The group consisting of two adjacent supports 11 out of the four supports 11 is defined as the first support group 11A, and the group consisting of the other two adjacent supports 11 is defined as the second support group 11B. The two supports 11 constituting the first support group 11A are connected by support connecting members 13. Furthermore, the two supports 11 constituting the second support group 11B are connected by other support connecting members 13. In this example, each support connecting member 13 extends horizontally. Moreover, in the illustrated example, each support connecting member 13 extends in the same direction as the beam connecting member 122.
[0041] The first support group 11A and the second support group 11B are connected by multiple crossbeams 121. This forms the main framework of the retaining unit 1.
[0042] like Figure 5 As shown, the platform 12 is configured to support the main body 80 from below when the wheels 81 are levitated. In this embodiment, the main body 80 of the transport vehicle 8 is supported from below by multiple crossbeams 121. A portion of the bottom of the main body 80 contacts the crossbeams 121 from above and is supported by them. The portion of the bottom of the main body 80 that is not supported by the crossbeams 121 (the non-supported portion) is levitated. The wheels 81 of the transport vehicle 8 are disposed in this non-supported portion. Therefore, when the main body 80 of the transport vehicle 8 is supported on the platform 12, the wheels 81 disposed in the non-supported portion are levitated. With this structure, the wheels 81 can be prevented from rolling on the platform 12, resulting in stable holding of the transport vehicle 8.
[0043] In this embodiment, a counter wall portion 14 is provided on the mounting platform 12, which is positioned close to and opposite the side of the main body 80 of the transport vehicle 8 mounted on the mounting platform 12. This allows the transport vehicle 8 mounted on the mounting platform 12 to be positioned. Alternatively, the counter wall portion 14 may also contact the main body 80 of the transport vehicle 8. For example, a guide roller (not shown) provided on the side of the transport vehicle 8 may contact the counter wall portion 14. This guide roller is a roller that rotates about an upper and lower axis and has the function of guiding the transport vehicle 8 in the traveling direction.
[0044] In this embodiment, a pair of opposing wall portions 14 are provided to sandwich the transport carriage 8 placed on the loading platform 12. In this example, the opposing wall portions 14 are constructed using long strip members with an L-shaped cross-section, extending along a direction that intersects (specifically, orthogonally) the crossbeam 121 when viewed in the vertical direction. In this embodiment, the corresponding pair of opposing wall portions 14 are configured to allow for the positioning of the two transport carriages 8 in their extending direction (see reference). Figure 3 ).
[0045] In this embodiment, the opposing wall portion 14 is along the rolling direction D81 of the wheels 81 of the transport vehicle 8 mounted on the mounting platform 12 (also refer to...). Figure 8 The opposing wall portion 14 extends along a direction orthogonal to the axis of rotation of the wheel 81 when viewed vertically. With this structure, the transport vehicle 8 can be easily moved along the opposing wall portion 14 when it is placed on the platform 12 or when it is removed from the platform 12.
[0046] Reference Figure 4 As described above, the multiple holding units 1 are configured to be stackable in the vertical direction. Furthermore, the stacking and disassembly of the multiple holding units 1 can be performed as needed. For example, when there are a large number of transport vehicles 8 to be held, by stacking the multiple holding units 1, the total number of transport vehicles 8 that can be held by the holding device 100 can be increased while maintaining the space occupied by the holding device 100 when viewed vertically. On the other hand, when there are a small number of transport vehicles 8 to be held, the stacked multiple holding units 1 can be disassembled.
[0047] The supports 11 of each holding unit 1 are configured to be freely detachable and detachable in the vertical direction relative to the supports 11 of other holding units 1. Furthermore, multiple holding units 1 are stacked by connecting the supports 11 of each holding unit 1 to the corresponding supports 11 of other holding units 1. Additionally, the stacked multiple holding units 1 are disassembled by detaching the supports 11 of each holding unit 1 from the corresponding supports 11 of other holding units 1.
[0048] like Figure 6 As shown, in this embodiment, a locking part 111 is provided at the lower end of the support column 11 of the holding unit 1, and the locking part 111 engages with the upper end of the support column 11 of another holding unit 1 connected from the lower side of the support column 11.
[0049] In this embodiment, the engaging portion 111 is configured to cover the periphery of the support column 11 when engaged with the support column 11 of the other retaining units 1. In this example, the engaging portion 111 is formed as a container open at the bottom. The support column 11 of the other retaining units 1 is disposed inside the container-shaped engaging portion 111. Furthermore, when the retaining unit 1 is disposed alone on the ground, the container-shaped engaging portion 111 contacts the ground, enabling stable self-standing.
[0050] In this embodiment, the connection between the support column 11 of the retaining unit 1 and the corresponding support column 11 of the other retaining unit 1 means that the upper end of the corresponding support column 11 of the other retaining unit 1 contacts from below with respect to the engaging portion 111 on the support column 11 of the retaining unit 1. The upper end of the support column 11 of the connected object is covered by the engaging portion 111. Thus, the support column 11 of the connected object is positioned horizontally relative to the support column 11 of the retaining unit 1 disposed on the upper side. Moreover, since such positioning is performed on each of the N (4 in this example) support columns 11, the stacked retaining units 1 can maintain a stable connection state with each other so that they do not shift relative to each other.
[0051] In this embodiment, the engaging portion 111 includes a guide portion 111a that guides the upper end of another support column 11 approaching from below relative to the engaging portion 111 toward a predetermined engaging position. The guide portion 111a is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the container-shaped engaging portion 111. The guide portion 111a is formed in a tapered shape that narrows as it faces upward.
[0052] The stacking of multiple holding units 1 is achieved by bringing the holding unit 1 stacked on top closer to the holding unit 1 on the bottom from above (see reference). Figure 7 At this time, the lower retaining unit 1 approaches the upper retaining unit 1 from below. The upper end of the support column 11 of the lower retaining unit 1 approaches the upper retaining unit 1's support column 11 from below and is guided horizontally by the guide portion 111a. As a result, the lower end of the support column 11 of the upper retaining unit 1 is guided to the aforementioned engaging position. The "engaging position" is the position of the lower support column 11 relative to the upper support column 11, where the support column 11 of the lower retaining unit 1 is arranged in a straight line in the vertical direction relative to the support column 11 of the upper retaining unit 1.
[0053] like Figure 7As shown, in this embodiment, the holding unit 1 is configured to be conveyed by a conveying device 9 having forks 90. A forklift can be exemplified as such a conveying device 9.
[0054] The area between a pair of adjacent pillars 11 on the lower side of the platform 12 is designated as a fork configuration area 16 for the fork 90 configured for conveying and holding unit 1.
[0055] In this embodiment, an insertion port 15 for inserting the fork 90 is provided in the fork configuration area 16. Thus, the holding unit 1 can be properly conveyed by means of the conveying device 9 having the fork 90. In this example, a frame-shaped member 150 forming the insertion port 15 of the fork 90 is provided in a manner that protrudes downward from the platform 12. A pair of frame-shaped members 150 are provided on the underside of the platform 12. By inserting the fork 90 into each of the pair of frame-shaped members 150, the holding unit 1 is lifted by the conveying device 9.
[0056] The holding unit 1 is lifted by the conveyor 9 and stacked by bringing the holding unit 1 close to the holding unit 1 on the lower side. This stacking operation, which brings the corresponding pillars 11 close to each other in the vertical direction, requires a high level of skill from the operator of the conveyor 9. However, as described above, the engaging part 111, which is configured to be enlarged in the horizontal direction compared to the main body (shaft part) of the pillar 11, guides the lower pillar 11, thus facilitating the stacking operation.
[0057] Figure 8 This indicates the condition where the conveyor 8, which is held in holding unit 1, is placed on the floor of the article conveying equipment FC. In the conveying from holding unit 1 to the floor, for example, a conveyor device 9 is used.
[0058] In the article conveying device FC of this embodiment, the first floor F1 is positioned upwards from the ground of the device. The second floor F2 is positioned further upwards from the first floor F1. In such an article conveying device FC, when a conveyor trolley 8 is placed onto the first floor F1, the conveyor trolley 8 needs to be raised above the ground.
[0059] The same applies when the transport vehicle 8 is deployed onto the second floor F2.
[0060] As described above, the holding unit 1 can be conveyed by the conveying device 9 having forks 90. Therefore, the transport vehicle 8 can be conveyed by the conveying device 9 to a position adjacent to the first floor F1 while held in the holding unit 1.
[0061] In this embodiment, the opening direction D15 of the insertion port 15 of the holding unit 1 is configured to run along the wheel 81 of the transport vehicle 8 placed on the mounting platform 12 (see reference). Figure 5The direction of the rolling of the conveyor 9 is the direction of D81. Therefore, the direction in which the holding unit 1 is conveyed by the conveyor 9 is aligned with the direction in which the conveyor 8 is fed from the holding unit 1 onto the first floor F1. This facilitates the feeding of the conveyor 8 onto the first floor F1. Furthermore, the same effect is achieved when retrieving the conveyor 8 from the first floor F1, making the retrieval of the conveyor 8 from the first floor F1 easier.
[0062] like Figure 9 As shown, in this embodiment, the holding device 100 includes a support unit 2 that supports the holding unit 1 from below. The support unit 2 is configured to support a single holding unit 1 or a plurality of stacked holding units 1.
[0063] In this embodiment, the support unit 2 has N support struts 21 (N is an integer greater than or equal to 3). In other words, the support unit 2 has the same number of support struts 21 as the retaining unit 1 has struts 11. Therefore, in this example, the support unit 2 has 4 support struts 21.
[0064] In this embodiment, the support unit 2 includes a connecting platform 22 that connects N support columns 21 to each other and has an upper surface 22a that is planar. The N support columns 21 are integrated by connecting to one connecting platform 22.
[0065] The support columns 21 of the support unit 2 are configured to be freely detachable from the columns 11 of the holding unit 1, which are supported by the object, in the vertical direction. Furthermore, the support columns 21 of the support unit 2 are connected to the corresponding columns 11 of the holding unit 1, thus the support unit 2 supports the holding unit 1. In addition, when the support columns 21 of the support unit 2 detach from the corresponding columns 11 of the holding unit 1, the support of the holding unit 1 by the support unit 2 is released.
[0066] The connection between the support column 21 of the support unit 2 and the column 11 of the retaining unit 1 is performed in the same manner as the connection between the columns 11 in the different retaining units 1 described above. That is, the support column 21 is connected to the column 11 by engaging the upper end of the support column 21 of the support unit 2 with the engaging portion 111 provided at the lower end of the column 11 of the retaining unit 1. The upper end of the support column 21 is guided horizontally by the engaging portion 111 of the column 11, thereby being positioned in the engaged position.
[0067] In this embodiment, casters 211 are provided at the lower ends of each of the N support pillars 21 of the support unit 2. This allows one or more holding units 1 supported on the support unit 2 to be moved manually without the aid of the conveying device 9. However, the casters 211 may not be provided at the lower ends of the N support pillars 21, as long as they are provided in a manner that supports the main structure of the support unit 2 from below.
[0068] As described above, the holding device 100 can be used to move multiple transport vehicles 8 together between different equipment or departments using the transport vehicles 8. This movement can also be easily performed manually using the support unit 2. The transport of the transport vehicles 8 between different equipment is carried out, for example, using a truck. The movement of the transport vehicles 8 using the support unit 2 is used until the truck moves, at which point the transport vehicles 8 are stacked into the truck in their original state, held by the holding unit 1.
[0069] When the conveyor 8 is used as a truck to transport stacked goods, vibration during transport needs to be considered. Therefore, it is preferable to make the holding unit 1 securely hold the conveyor 8.
[0070] like Figure 10 As shown, in this embodiment, during the sheet winding operation of wrapping the retaining sheet 3 to cover the lower surface of the mounting platform 12 and the upper surface of the multiple conveyor vehicles 8 placed on the mounting platform 12 in order to fix multiple conveyor vehicles 8 to the holding unit 1, the upper surface 22a of the connecting platform 22 of the support unit 2 is set as the rolling area for the roller-shaped retaining sheet 3 to roll. That is, by using the retaining sheet 3 to fix multiple conveyor vehicles 8 relative to the holding unit 1, the holding of the conveyor vehicles 8 by the holding unit 1 can be made more secure. Thus, for example, in the case of transporting the conveyor vehicles 8 by truck, the situation where they fall off the holding unit 1 due to vibration during transport can be suppressed. In addition, the conveyor vehicle 8 fixed to the holding unit 1 using the retaining sheet 3 can also be a single unit.
[0071] The holding unit 1 is configured to hold multiple conveyor cars 8, so it needs to be of a certain size. In this case, the sheet winding operation to cover the lower surface of the holding unit 1's platform 12 and the upper surface of the multiple conveyor cars 8 placed on the platform 12 is more efficient if performed by multiple operators W than by one operator W.
[0072] In this embodiment, the connecting platform 22 of the support unit 2 and the mounting platform 12 of the holding unit 1 are configured to have the same dimensions when viewed vertically. Furthermore, multiple operators W are arranged such that they clamp the mounting platform 12 of the holding unit 1. Moreover, the operators W, positioned on opposite sides and clamping the mounting platform 12, repeatedly perform a transfer operation while rolling the roller-shaped holding sheet 3 on the upper surface 22a (rolling area) of the connecting platform 22 of the support unit 2. Thus, multiple operators W can cooperate and efficiently perform the sheet winding operation.
[0073] Next, other implementation methods will be described.
[0074] (1) In the above embodiment, an example in which the opposing wall portion 14 of the mounting platform 12 provided in the holding unit 1 is constructed using a long strip member has been described. However, it is not limited to such an example, and the opposing wall portion 14 may also be constructed using block members or the like and be partially arranged relative to the mounting platform 12.
[0075] (2) In the above embodiment, an example of a frame-shaped member 150 having an insertion port 15 forming a fork 90 provided on the lower side of the mounting platform 12 of the holding unit 1 has been described. However, the structure is not limited to this, and the frame-shaped member 150 may not be provided.
[0076] (3) In the above embodiment, an example was described in which an engaging portion 111 is provided at the lower end of the support column 11 of the holding unit 1, which engages with the upper end of the support column 11 of another holding unit 1 connected from the lower side of the support column 11. However, this is not limited to such an example, and the engaging portion 111 may also be provided at the upper end of the support column 11. In this case, the engaging portion 111 provided at the upper end of the support column 11 engages with the lower end of the support column 11 of another holding unit 1 connected from the upper side.
[0077] (4) In the above embodiments, an example of holding device 100 having support unit 2 has been described. However, it is not limited to such an example, and holding device 100 may not have such support unit 2.
[0078] (5) Furthermore, the structures disclosed in the above embodiments can be combined with structures disclosed in other embodiments, provided that no contradictions arise. Regarding other structures, the embodiments disclosed in this specification are merely simple examples in all respects. Therefore, various modifications can be appropriately made without departing from the spirit of this disclosure.
[0079] The following is a summary of this implementation method.
[0080] As one technical solution, the holding device is a device for holding multiple transport vehicles together. The transport vehicle has a main body and wheels mounted on the main body. The holding device has multiple holding units for holding multiple transport vehicles. The multiple holding units are configured to be stackable in the vertical direction. Each holding unit has: a platform for arranging and holding multiple transport vehicles; and N (N is an integer of 3 or more) support columns mounted on the platform in a manner that protrudes at least downward relative to the platform. The platform is configured to support the main body from below when the wheels are levitated. The support columns of the holding units are configured to be detachable and detachable in the vertical direction relative to the support columns of other holding units. The multiple holding units are stacked by connecting the support columns of the holding units to the corresponding support columns of other holding units. The multiple holding units are disassembled by detaching the support columns of the holding units from the corresponding support columns of other holding units.
[0081] According to this structure, multiple transport vehicles can be held using a single holding unit. Furthermore, by stacking other holding units on top of the holding unit, the number of transport vehicles that can be held can be increased. Conversely, by disassembling the stacked holding units, the number of transport vehicles that can be held can be reduced. Holding within the holding unit is performed by a mounting platform. The mounting platform is a structure that supports the main body of the transport vehicle from below while its wheels are levitated, thus preventing the wheels from rolling on the platform and achieving stable holding of the transport vehicles. As described above, according to this structure, transport vehicles at rest can be easily stored in response to increases or decreases in the number of working transport vehicles, and transport vehicles in storage can be held stably. Furthermore, according to this structure, multiple transport vehicles can be stably held on each of the stackable holding units, so this holding device can be appropriately used when transporting many transport vehicles.
[0082] Furthermore, the holding device preferably has an opposing wall portion on the aforementioned platform, which is arranged opposite to the side of the aforementioned main body of the aforementioned transport vehicle placed on the platform.
[0083] According to this structure, the movement of the transport vehicle placed on the platform can be restricted by the opposing wall portion. Therefore, more stable holding of the transport vehicle can be achieved.
[0084] Furthermore, the holding device preferably extends along the rolling direction of the wheels of the aforementioned transport vehicle placed on the aforementioned platform.
[0085] According to this structure, when the transport cart is placed on the platform, or when the transport cart is removed from the platform, it is easy to move along the opposing wall. Therefore, it is easy to receive and remove the transport cart relative to the holding device.
[0086] Furthermore, the holding device preferably has the aforementioned holding unit configured to be conveyed by a conveying device having forks; the area between the aforementioned support pillars on the lower side of the aforementioned platform and adjacent to each other is set as a fork configuration area for conveying the aforementioned holding unit by arranging the aforementioned forks.
[0087] According to this structure, multiple transport vehicles can be easily transported together at once by means of a conveyor device with forks.
[0088] Furthermore, the holding device preferably has an insertion port for inserting the fork in the fork configuration area; the opening direction of the insertion port is configured to be along the rolling direction of the wheels of the aforementioned transport vehicle placed on the aforementioned platform.
[0089] According to this structure, it is easy to use a forklift conveyor to transport the holding unit to a position adjacent to the travel floor of the conveyor for the insertion of the conveyor into the travel floor and the retrieval of the conveyor from the travel floor.
[0090] Furthermore, the retaining device preferably has a retaining portion at the lower end of the aforementioned support of the aforementioned retaining unit that engages with the upper end of the aforementioned support of another aforementioned retaining unit connected from the lower side of the aforementioned support; the aforementioned retaining portion has a guide portion that guides the upper end of the other aforementioned support that approaches from the lower side relative to the retaining portion toward a predetermined retaining position.
[0091] According to this structure, it is easy to properly connect the supports to each other, and thus easy to stack the retaining units together.
[0092] Furthermore, the retaining device preferably includes a support unit that supports the aforementioned retaining unit from below; the aforementioned support unit includes N support columns; the aforementioned support columns of the aforementioned support unit are respectively configured to be detachable and detachable from the aforementioned columns of the aforementioned retaining unit of the supported object in the vertical direction; the aforementioned support columns of the aforementioned support unit are respectively connected to the corresponding aforementioned columns in the aforementioned retaining unit of the supported object, so that the aforementioned support unit supports the aforementioned retaining unit; the aforementioned support columns of the aforementioned support unit are respectively detached from the corresponding aforementioned columns in the aforementioned retaining unit of the supported object, and the support of the aforementioned support unit on the aforementioned retaining unit is released.
[0093] According to this structure, multiple or a single retaining unit can be properly supported by means of a support unit.
[0094] Furthermore, the retaining device preferably includes a connecting platform that connects N of the aforementioned support pillars to each other and whose upper surface is formed as a plane; in the sheet winding operation of winding the retaining sheet in order to fix multiple of the aforementioned conveyor cars to the aforementioned platform in a manner that covers the lower surface of the aforementioned platform and the upper surface of the multiple of the aforementioned conveyor cars placed on the platform, the aforementioned upper surface of the aforementioned connecting platform is set as a roller-shaped rolling area for the aforementioned retaining sheet to roll.
[0095] The holding unit is configured to hold multiple conveyor carriages, thus requiring a certain size. In this case, the sheet winding operation, in which the holding sheet is wound to cover the lower surface of the mounting platform and the upper surfaces of the multiple conveyor carriages mounted on the platform, is more efficient if performed by multiple operators than by a single operator. According to this structure, for example, by arranging multiple operators in a manner that clamps the holding unit onto the mounting platform, the sheet winding operation can be performed efficiently by operators positioned on opposite sides of the platform repeatedly passing the roller-shaped holding sheet to each other while rolling it in the rolling area of the connecting platform.
[0096] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures 100: Keeping equipment 1: Holding unit 11: Pillar 111: Card-connecting section 111a: Guiding Section 12: Platform 14: Opposite wall section 15: Insertion port 16: Fork configuration area 2: Support Unit 21: Support column 22: Link Platform 22a: Upper surface 3: Keep the sheet 8: Conveyor vehicle 80: Main body 81: Wheel 9: Conveying device 90: Cross D15: Opening direction D81: Scrolling direction.
Claims
1. A holding device for holding multiple transport vehicles together, said transport vehicle having a main body and wheels mounted on the main body, The retaining device is characterized in that... It has multiple holding units to hold multiple of the aforementioned transport vehicles; The aforementioned holding units are configured to be stackable in the vertical direction; The aforementioned holding unit includes: A loading platform, arranging and loading multiple of the aforementioned transport vehicles; and N pillars are mounted on the aforementioned platform in such a way that they protrude at least downward relative to the aforementioned platform, where N is an integer greater than or equal to 3. The aforementioned platform is configured to support the aforementioned main body from below while the aforementioned wheels are levitated; The aforementioned support columns of the aforementioned retaining unit are respectively configured to be detachable and detachable in the vertical direction relative to the aforementioned support columns of other aforementioned retaining units; The aforementioned retaining units are stacked by connecting the aforementioned pillars of the aforementioned retaining units to the corresponding aforementioned pillars of other aforementioned retaining units. The aforementioned support pillars of the aforementioned holding units are detached from the corresponding aforementioned support pillars of other aforementioned holding units, thereby disassembling the multiple aforementioned holding units in the stacked state.
2. The retaining device as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The aforementioned platform is provided with opposing wall portions, which are arranged opposite to the side of the aforementioned main body of the aforementioned transport vehicle placed on the platform.
3. The retaining device as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The aforementioned opposing wall extends along the rolling direction of the aforementioned wheels of the aforementioned transport vehicle placed on the aforementioned platform.
4. The retaining device as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The aforementioned holding unit is configured to be conveyed by a conveying device with forks; The area between the aforementioned pillars on the lower side of the aforementioned platform and adjacent to each other is designated as a fork configuration area for transporting the aforementioned holding unit by arranging the aforementioned fork.
5. The retaining device as described in claim 4, characterized in that, An insertion port for inserting the aforementioned fork is provided in the aforementioned fork configuration area; The opening direction of the aforementioned insertion port is along the rolling direction of the aforementioned wheels of the aforementioned transport vehicle placed on the aforementioned platform.
6. The retaining device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, At the lower end of the aforementioned support column of the aforementioned retaining unit, a locking part is provided, which engages with the upper end of the aforementioned support column of another aforementioned retaining unit connected from the lower side of the aforementioned support column; The aforementioned engaging portion has a guide portion that guides the upper end of the other aforementioned support column, which is approached from below, toward a predetermined engaging position relative to the engaging portion.
7. The retaining device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, It has a support unit that supports the aforementioned holding unit from below; The aforementioned support unit is, It has N supporting columns; The aforementioned support columns of the aforementioned support unit are respectively configured such that the aforementioned columns of the aforementioned retaining unit relative to the supported object can be freely assembled and disassembled in the vertical direction; The aforementioned support columns of the aforementioned support unit are respectively connected to the corresponding columns in the aforementioned holding unit of the supported object, so that the aforementioned support unit supports the aforementioned holding unit. The aforementioned support pillars of the aforementioned support unit are respectively detached from the corresponding pillars in the aforementioned holding unit of the supported object, and the support of the aforementioned support unit to the aforementioned holding unit is released.
8. The retaining device as claimed in claim 7, characterized in that, The aforementioned support unit includes a connecting platform that connects N of the aforementioned support columns to each other and whose upper surface is formed as a plane. In a sheet winding operation in which a sheet is wound and held in order to fix multiple of the aforementioned conveyor vehicles to the aforementioned platform by covering the lower surface of the aforementioned platform and the upper surface of the multiple of the aforementioned conveyor vehicles placed on the platform, the aforementioned upper surface of the aforementioned connecting platform is set as a roller-shaped rolling area for the aforementioned sheet to roll.