Holding device

Abstract

To provide a holding device capable of easily storing transport vehicles during suspension in response to an increase or decrease in the number of transport vehicles to be operated and stably holding the transport vehicles during storage.SOLUTION: A holding unit 1 includes: a platform 12 on which a plurality of transport vehicles 8 are placed side by side; and N support columns 11 attached to the platform 12 so as to protrude at least downward with respect to the platform 12. Each of the support columns 11 of the holding unit 1 is configured to be detachable in a vertical direction with respect to the support columns 11 of other holding units 1. The support columns 11 of the holding unit 1 are connected to the corresponding support columns 11 of the other holding units 1, thereby stacking the plurality of holding units 1 in layers. The support columns 11 of the holding unit 1 are detached from the corresponding support columns 11 of the other holding units 1, thereby disassembling the plurality of stacked holding units 1.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a holding device for collectively holding a plurality of transport vehicles, each of which has a main body and wheels attached to the main body. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, automation of goods transportation has progressed in goods transportation facilities such as logistics warehouses. In such goods transportation facilities, for example, a transport vehicle (10) as disclosed in JP 2022-050240 A (Patent Document 1) is widely used. The transport vehicle (10) is configured to transport goods by traveling unmanned on a traveling floor. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2022-050240 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Incidentally, in a facility using a transport vehicle as described in Patent Document 1, surplus transport vehicles (idle transport vehicles) may occur during off-seasons when the operation state is calm. In this case, it is possible to set a part of the traveling floor as a waiting area and keep the idle transport vehicles waiting there, but this would result in restrictions on travel on a part of the traveling floor, which may hinder the freedom of travel of the operating transport vehicles. For this reason, it is required to remove idle transport vehicles from the traveling floor so that they can be stored, but there may be cases where it is not possible to secure sufficient storage space for such transport vehicles. In addition, even if storage space can be secured, it is also necessary to hold each transport vehicle in a stable state during storage so that the wheeled transport vehicles do not move unintentionally due to vibration or the like.

[0005] In light of the above situation, it is desirable to realize a holding device that can easily store idle transport vehicles in response to an increase or decrease in the number of transport vehicles in operation, and that can stably hold transport vehicles in storage. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A holding device for holding a plurality of transport vehicles together, the transport vehicles having a main body and wheels attached to the main body, A plurality of holding units are provided for holding the plurality of transport vehicles, The holding units are configured to be stackable in the vertical direction, The holding unit includes: A platform on which a plurality of the transport vehicles are placed side by side; N (N is an integer of 3 or more) support columns attached to the mounting table so as to protrude at least downward from the mounting table, The mounting base is configured to support the main body from below with the wheels raised off the ground, Each of the support columns of the holding units is configured to be detachable in a vertical direction relative to the support columns of the other holding units, Each of the support columns of the holding unit is connected to a corresponding support column of another holding unit, thereby stacking the holding units in layers; Each of the support columns of the holding unit is separated from the corresponding support columns of the other holding units, whereby the stacked holding units are disassembled.

[0007] According to this configuration, a single holding unit can hold a plurality of transport vehicles. By stacking other holding units on the holding unit, the number of transport vehicles that can be held can be increased. Also, by disassembling the stacked holding units, the number of transport vehicles that can be held can be reduced. The holding in the holding unit is performed by a mounting table. The mounting table is configured to support the main body of the transport vehicle from below while the wheels of the transport vehicle are raised, so that the wheels can be prevented from rolling on the mounting table, and as a result, stable holding of the transport vehicle can be realized. As described above, according to this configuration, it is possible to easily store the idle transport vehicles in response to an increase or decrease in the number of transport vehicles to be operated, and to stably hold the transport vehicles in storage. Also, according to this configuration, since a plurality of transport vehicles can be stably held on each of the stackable holding units, this holding device can be suitably used even when a large number of transport vehicles are transported.

[0008] Further features and advantages of the techniques disclosed herein will become more apparent from the following description of exemplary and non-limiting embodiments, which proceeds with reference to the drawings. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] Plan view showing the first and second floors of the article sorting facility [Diagram 2] An explanatory diagram showing the traveling operation of a transport vehicle. [Diagram 3] Top view of the holding device [Figure 4] Front view of the holding device [Diagram 5] Cross-sectional view of region V in FIG. [Figure 6] Cross-sectional view of region VI in FIG. [Figure 7] A diagram showing how multiple holding units are stacked. [Figure 8] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a state in which a transport vehicle held by a holding unit is brought onto the floor. [Figure 9] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing how the holding unit is connected to the support unit; [Figure 10] Diagram showing sheet winding work DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] The holding device is configured to hold a plurality of transport vehicles together. Such transport vehicles are used in an article transport facility where articles are transported and stored. In an article transport facility, surplus transport vehicles (idle transport vehicles) may occur during off-seasons when the operation state is gentle. The holding device according to the present disclosure is used, for example, to hold such idle transport vehicles. Alternatively, it is used when moving a plurality of transport vehicles together between different facilities or different departments where the transport vehicles are used.

[0011] First, the structure of a transport vehicle to be held by the holding device and the article transport facility in which the transport vehicle is used will be described by way of example.

[0012] As shown in Fig. 1, the article transport facility FC comprises multiple floors arranged vertically, and multiple transport vehicles 8 that travel on the floors. Fig. 1 illustrates a two-story article transport facility FC consisting of a first floor F1 and a second floor F2. In this example, the article transport facility FC comprises a first lifter L1 and a second lifter L2 that raise and lower the transport vehicles 8 between the first floor F1 and the second floor F2. In the following, the first floor F1 and the second floor F2 may be collectively referred to simply as "floors."

[0013] In this embodiment, the first floor F1 is provided with a delivery area A1 where the delivery of items G to the transport vehicle 8 is carried out, a receiving area A3 where the items G transported by the transport vehicle 8 are received, and a connection area A2 which connects the delivery area A1 and the receiving area A3.

[0014] An item G to be transported by the transport vehicle 8 is supplied to the delivery area A1. The item G is delivered to the transport vehicle 8 in the delivery area A1. In the illustrated example, one or more items G are delivered to the transport vehicle 8 in a state of being contained in a container C. The work of delivering the item G to the transport vehicle 8 is performed by a worker W or a robot.

[0015] The transport vehicle 8 is configured to transport the item G delivered in the delivery area A1 to the receiving area A3 via the connection area A2.

[0016] In the receiving area A3, the goods G transported by the transport vehicle 8 are received. Then, the received goods G are sorted. The sorting work is performed based on predetermined order information. For example, the order information includes various information such as customer information, shipping destination information, and goods type information. The sorting work of the goods G is performed by a worker W or a robot.

[0017] The transport vehicles 8 traveling along the passages provided in the receiving area A3 feed the objects G (or containers C containing the objects G) they are carrying onto a conveyor or chute provided adjacent to the passages. The fed objects G are sorted by the workers W or the robots as described above.

[0018] For example, in the sorting work, an item G is removed from a container C. This generates an empty container C. The empty container C generated in the receiving area A3 is transported to the delivery area A1 by a dedicated conveyor and is used again for work in the delivery area A1.

[0019] After the transport vehicle 8 deposits the goods G in the receiving area A3, it gets on the second lifter L2 and heads to the second floor F2. The transport vehicle 8 then travels across the second floor F2, gets on the first lifter L1 installed on the opposite side of the second lifter L2, and returns to the first floor F1. The returning transport vehicle 8 transports the goods G between the delivery area A1 and the receiving area A3 in the same manner as described above.

[0020] Here, the transport vehicle 8 is configured to be able to freely travel on a travel surface Fa formed on the first floor F1 and the second floor F2.

[0021] As shown in Fig. 2, virtual travel routes are set in a lattice pattern on the travel surface Fa. In this embodiment, the transport vehicle 8 is configured to travel straight and to change direction by turning on the spot around a vertical axis. The transport vehicle 8 is capable of traveling on any of the travel routes set on the travel surface Fa by performing a combination of straight travel and turning.

[0022] In this embodiment, position information storage units 7 that store position information of a plurality of locations on the travel surface Fa are provided at the locations. In this example, a virtual travel route is set to connect the plurality of position information storage units 7. The transport vehicle 8 is configured to travel while sequentially detecting the plurality of position information storage units 7 installed on the travel route. The position of each position information storage unit 7 is set as a position for the transport vehicle 8 to perform a turning operation. The transport vehicle 8 changes direction by turning at the position of the position information storage unit 7 as necessary. Note that as the position information storage unit 7, a one-dimensional code or a two-dimensional code having identification information can be used, or an RFID tag (Radio Frequency Identification Tag) having identification information can be used.

[0023] In this way, the transport vehicles 8 may be used in the article transport facility FC. Here, as described above, depending on the operating state of the article transport facility FC, surplus transport vehicles 8 (out-of-service transport vehicles 8) may be generated. It is possible to have out-of-service transport vehicles 8 wait on a portion of the floor, but in this case, travel restrictions will be imposed on a portion of the floor, and the freedom of travel of the transport vehicles 8 in operation may be hindered.

[0024] Therefore, a holding device 100 is used as shown in Figures 3 and 4. The holding device 100 is configured to be able to hold multiple idle transport vehicles 8 together as described above. This allows the operating transport vehicles 8 to travel more freely than if idle transport vehicles 8 were kept waiting in a portion of the floor, making it possible to make effective use of the floor. The holding device 100 will be described in detail below.

[0025] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the holding device 100 is configured to hold a plurality of transport vehicles 8, each of which has a main body 80 and wheels 81 attached to the main body 80, together.

[0026] The holding device 100 includes a plurality of holding units 1 for holding a plurality of transport vehicles 8. Two holding units 1 are illustrated in Fig. 4. Each holding unit 1 is configured to be able to hold a plurality of transport vehicles 8.

[0027] The multiple holding units 1 are configured to be stackable in the vertical direction. Fig. 4 shows a state in which two holding units 1 are stacked. However, three or more holding units 1 may be stacked. In other words, the number of holding units 1 that can be stacked can be set arbitrarily depending on the strength of the holding units 1, the balance when holding the transport vehicle 8, and the like.

[0028] The holding unit 1 comprises a platform 12 on which multiple transport vehicles 8 are placed side by side, and N (N is an integer of 3 or more) pillars 11 attached to the platform 12 so as to protrude at least downward from the platform 12.

[0029] In this embodiment, the mounting table 12 includes a plurality of horizontal bars 121 and a horizontal bar connecting member 122 that connects adjacent horizontal bars 121 to each other. In this example, the horizontal bars 121 and the horizontal bar connecting member 122 are configured using long members. The multiple horizontal bars 121 and the single or multiple horizontal bar connecting members 122 that connect the multiple horizontal bars 121 extend in directions that intersect with each other when viewed in the vertical direction. In this example, they extend in directions that are perpendicular to each other when viewed in the vertical direction.

[0030] In this embodiment, the holding unit 1 includes four support columns 11. In this example, the four support columns 11 are arranged at positions such that lines connecting the support columns 11 form a rectangle when viewed in the up-down direction.

[0031] Of the four pillars 11, a set consisting of two adjacent pillars 11 is defined as a first pillar set 11A, and a set consisting of the other two adjacent pillars 11 is defined as a second pillar set 11B. The two pillars 11 constituting the first pillar set 11A are connected by a pillar connecting member 13. Furthermore, the two pillars 11 constituting the second pillar set 11B are connected by another pillar connecting member 13. In this example, each pillar connecting member 13 extends along the horizontal direction. Furthermore, in the illustrated example, each pillar connecting member 13 extends along the same direction as the extension direction of the cross-rail connecting member 122.

[0032] The first support column set 11A and the second support column set 11B are connected by a plurality of horizontal beams 121. In this way, the main framework of the holding unit 1 is formed.

[0033] As shown in FIG. 5, the mounting base 12 is configured to support the main body 80 from below with the wheels 81 raised. In this embodiment, the main body 80 of the transport vehicle 8 is supported from below by a plurality of horizontal bars 121. A part of the bottom of the main body 80 contacts the horizontal bars 121 from above and is supported by the horizontal bars 121. Of the bottom of the main body 80, a part (unsupported part) that is not supported by the horizontal bars 121 is raised. The wheels 81 of the transport vehicle 8 are disposed in this unsupported part. Therefore, when the main body 80 of the transport vehicle 8 is supported by the mounting base 12, the wheels 81 disposed in the unsupported part are raised. With this configuration, it is possible to prevent the wheels 81 from rolling on the mounting base 12, and as a result, it is possible to hold the transport vehicle 8 stably.

[0034] In this embodiment, the mounting table 12 is provided with an opposing wall portion 14 disposed close to and facing the side surface of the main body portion 80 of the transport vehicle 8 mounted on the mounting table 12. This makes it possible to position the transport vehicle 8 mounted on the mounting table 12. "Close to" includes the case where the opposing wall portion 14 is in contact with the main body portion 80 of the transport vehicle 8. For example, a guide roller (not shown) installed on the side surface of the transport vehicle 8 may be in contact with the opposing wall portion 14. This guide roller is a roller that rotates around a vertical axis and has the function of guiding the transport vehicle 8 in the traveling direction.

[0035] In this embodiment, a pair of opposing walls 14 are provided to sandwich the transport vehicle 8 placed on the mounting table 12. In this example, the opposing walls 14 are configured using a long member with an L-shaped cross section, and extend along a direction intersecting (specifically, perpendicular to) the horizontal rail 121 when viewed in the up-down direction. In this embodiment, the corresponding pair of opposing walls 14 are configured to be able to position two transport vehicles 8 in the extending direction (see FIG. 3).

[0036] In this embodiment, the opposing wall portion 14 extends along the rolling direction D81 (see also FIG. 8 ) of the wheels 81 of the transport vehicle 8 placed on the mounting table 12. In other words, the opposing wall portion 14 extends along a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis of the wheels 81 when viewed in the up-down direction. With this configuration, when the transport vehicle 8 is placed on the mounting table 12 or when the transport vehicle 8 is removed from the mounting table 12, it becomes easier to move the transport vehicle 8 along the opposing wall portion 14.

[0037] As described above with reference to FIG. 4, the multiple holding units 1 are configured to be stackable in the vertical direction. The multiple holding units 1 can be stacked and disassembled as necessary. For example, when the number of transport vehicles 8 to be held is relatively large, the multiple holding units 1 can be stacked to ensure a large total number of transport vehicles 8 that can be held by the holding device 100 while maintaining the space occupied by the holding device 100 in the vertical direction. On the other hand, when the number of transport vehicles 8 to be held is relatively small, the stacked holding units 1 can be disassembled.

[0038] Each of the support posts 11 of the holding unit 1 is configured to be detachable in the up-down direction relative to the support posts 11 of the other holding units 1. Then, a plurality of holding units 1 are stacked by connecting each of the support posts 11 of the holding unit 1 to the corresponding support posts 11 of the other holding units 1. Also, each of the support posts 11 of the holding unit 1 is detached from the corresponding support posts 11 of the other holding units 1, thereby disassembling the stacked plurality of holding units 1.

[0039] As shown in FIG. 6, in this embodiment, an engagement portion 111 is provided at the lower end of the support pillar 11 of one holding unit 1 to engage with the upper end of the support pillar 11 of another holding unit 1 connected from below.

[0040] In this embodiment, the engagement portion 111 is configured to cover the periphery of the support 11 of the other holding unit 1 when engaged with the support 11. In this example, the engagement portion 111 is formed in a container shape with an open bottom. The support 11 of the other holding unit 1 is placed inside the container-shaped engagement portion 111. When the holding unit 1 is placed alone on the floor surface, the container-shaped engagement portion 111 comes into contact with the floor surface, enabling the holding unit 1 to stand independently in a stable manner.

[0041] In this embodiment, when the support 11 of a holding unit 1 is connected to the corresponding support 11 of another holding unit 1, this means that the upper end of the corresponding support 11 of the other holding unit 1 comes into contact with the engagement portion 111 of the support 11 of the holding unit 1 from below. The periphery of the upper end of the support 11 to be connected is covered by the engagement portion 111. As a result, the support 11 to be connected is positioned horizontally with respect to the support 11 of the holding unit 1 arranged above. This positioning is performed for each of the N support columns 11 (four in this example), so that the stacked holding units 1 can maintain a stable connection state without shifting from each other.

[0042] In this embodiment, the engaging portion 111 includes a guide portion 111a that guides the upper end portion of another support 11 approaching the engaging portion 111 from below toward a predetermined engaging position. The guide portion 111a is formed on the inner circumferential surface of the container-shaped engaging portion 111. The guide portion 111a is formed in a tapered shape that narrows as it extends upward.

[0043] A plurality of holding units 1 are stacked by bringing the holding unit 1 to be stacked on top closer to the holding unit 1 below from above (see FIG. 7). At this time, the lower holding unit 1 approaches the upper holding unit 1 from below. The upper ends of the pillars 11 of the lower holding unit 1 approach the pillars 11 of the upper holding unit 1 relatively and are guided in the horizontal direction by the guide portions 111a. As a result, the upper ends of the pillars 11 of the upper holding unit 1 are guided to the above-mentioned engagement position. The "engagement position" is a position of the lower pillars 11 relative to the upper pillars 11 such that the pillars 11 of the lower holding unit 1 are vertically aligned in a straight line with the pillars 11 of the upper holding unit 1.

[0044] 7, in this embodiment, the holding unit 1 is configured to be transported by a transport device 9 having a fork 90. ​​An example of such a transport device 9 is a forklift.

[0045] The area below the mounting table 12 and between a pair of adjacent support columns 11 is a fork arrangement area 16 where a fork 90 is arranged to transport the holding unit 1.

[0046] In this embodiment, the fork arrangement area 16 is provided with an insertion opening 15 into which the fork 90 is inserted. This allows the holding unit 1 to be properly transported by the transport device 9 having the fork 90. ​​In this example, a frame-shaped member 150 that forms the insertion opening 15 for the fork 90 is provided so as to protrude downward from the mounting table 12. A pair of frame-shaped members 150 are provided below the mounting table 12. The fork 90 is inserted into each of the pair of frame-shaped members 150, and the holding unit 1 is lifted by the transport device 9.

[0047] The carrying device 9 lifts the holding unit 1 and moves the holding unit 1 closer to the lower holding unit 1, thereby stacking the holding units 1. This stacking operation of moving corresponding supports 11 closer to each other in the vertical direction requires the skill of an operator who operates the carrying device 9. However, as described above, the engaging portion 111, which spreads out horizontally more than the main body portion (shaft portion) of the support 11, is configured to guide the lower support 11, which makes it possible to facilitate the stacking operation.

[0048] 8 shows how the transport vehicle 8 held by the holding unit 1 is brought onto the floor of the article transport facility FC. For example, a transport device 9 is used to transport the transport vehicle 8 to the floor of the holding unit 1.

[0049] In the article transport facility FC according to this embodiment, the first floor F1 is located at a distance above the floor surface of the facility. The second floor F2 is located at an even higher distance from the first floor F1. In this kind of article transport facility FC, when a transport vehicle 8 is introduced onto the first floor F1, the transport vehicle 8 to be introduced needs to be lifted above the floor surface. The same applies when introducing the transport vehicle 8 into the second floor F2.

[0050] As described above, the holding unit 1 can be transported by the transport device 9 having the fork 90. ​​Therefore, the transport vehicle 8 can be transported by the transport device 9 to a position adjacent to the first floor F1 while being held by the holding unit 1.

[0051] In this embodiment, the opening direction D15 of the insertion opening 15 provided in the holding unit 1 is configured to be a direction along the rolling direction D81 of the wheels 81 (see FIG. 5) of the transport vehicle 8 placed on the placement table 12. This allows the direction in which the transport device 9 transports the holding unit 1 to coincide with the direction in which the transport vehicle 8 is introduced from the holding unit 1 to the first floor F1. This makes it easy to introduce the transport vehicle 8 to the first floor F1. The same effect can also be achieved when retrieving the transport vehicle 8 from the first floor F1, making it easy to retrieve the transport vehicle 8 from the first floor F1.

[0052] 9, in this embodiment, the holding tool 100 includes a support unit 2 that supports the holding unit 1 from below. The support unit 2 is configured to be capable of supporting a single holding unit 1 or a plurality of holding units 1 stacked one on top of the other.

[0053] In this embodiment, the support unit 2 has N (N is an integer equal to or greater than 3) support pillars 21. In other words, the support unit 2 has the same number of support pillars 21 as the support pillars 11 included in the holding unit 1. Therefore, in this example, the support unit 2 has four support pillars 21.

[0054] In this embodiment, the support unit 2 includes a connection base 22 that connects N support columns 21 to each other and has a flat upper surface 22a. The N support columns 21 are integrated by being connected to one connection base 22.

[0055] Each of the support pillars 21 of the support unit 2 is configured to be detachable in the vertical direction from the pillars 11 of the holding unit 1 that is the object to be supported. Each of the support pillars 21 of the support unit 2 is connected to the corresponding pillar 11 of the holding unit 1 that is the object to be supported, whereby the support unit 2 supports the holding unit 1. Furthermore, each of the support pillars 21 of the support unit 2 is detached from the corresponding pillar 11 of the holding unit 1 that is the object to be supported, whereby the support of the holding unit 1 by the support unit 2 is released.

[0056] The support pillar 21 of the support unit 2 and the pillar 11 of the holding unit 1 are connected in the same manner as the connection between the pillars 11 of different holding units 1 as described above. That is, the upper end of the support pillar 21 of the support unit 2 engages with an engagement portion 111 provided at the lower end of the pillar 11 of the holding unit 1, thereby connecting the support pillar 21 and the pillar 11. The upper end of the support pillar 21 is guided horizontally by the engagement portion 111 of the pillar 11, and is thereby positioned at the engagement position.

[0057] In this embodiment, caster wheels 211 are provided at the lower end of each of the N support pillars 21 of the support unit 2. This allows one or more holding units 1 supported by the support unit 2 to be moved manually without using a transport device 9. However, the caster wheels 211 do not have to be provided at the lower end of each of the N support pillars 21, and it is sufficient that they are provided to support the main components of the support unit 2 from below.

[0058] As described above, the holding device 100 can be used when moving a plurality of transport vehicles 8 together between different facilities or different departments where the transport vehicles 8 are used. By using the support unit 2, this movement can be easily performed manually. The transport vehicles 8 are transported between different facilities using, for example, a truck. The movement of the transport vehicles 8 using the support unit 2 is used to move the transport vehicles 8 to the truck, and the transport vehicles 8 are loaded onto the truck while still being held by the holding unit 1.

[0059] When the transport vehicle 8 is transported as cargo by a truck, it is necessary to take into consideration vibrations during transportation. Therefore, it is preferable that the support unit 1 firmly support the transport vehicle 8.

[0060] As shown in FIG. 10, in this embodiment, the upper surface 22a of the connecting base 22 of the support unit 2 is a rolling area in which the roll-shaped holding sheet 3 rolls during a sheet winding operation in which the holding sheet 3 is wrapped around the lower surface of the mounting base 12 and the upper surfaces of the multiple transport vehicles 8 placed on the mounting base 12 in order to fix the multiple transport vehicles 8 to the mounting base 12 of the holding unit 1. That is, by fixing the multiple transport vehicles 8 to the holding unit 1 with the holding sheet 3, the holding of the transport vehicles 8 by the holding unit 1 can be strengthened. This makes it possible to prevent the transport vehicles 8 from falling off the holding unit 1 due to vibration during transportation, for example, when the transport vehicles 8 are transported by a truck. Note that the number of transport vehicles 8 fixed to the holding unit 1 using the holding sheet 3 may be one.

[0061] The holding unit 1 needs to be of a certain size since it is configured to be able to hold a plurality of transport vehicles 8. In this case, the sheet wrapping work of wrapping the holding sheet so as to cover the lower surface of the mounting table 12 of the holding unit 1 and the upper surfaces of the plurality of transport vehicles 8 placed on the mounting table 12 is more efficient when performed by multiple workers W rather than by a single worker W.

[0062] In this embodiment, the connecting table 22 of the support unit 2 and the mounting table 12 of the holding unit 1 are configured to have the same dimensions when viewed in the up-down direction. A plurality of workers W are arranged to sandwich the mounting table 12 of the holding unit 1. The workers W positioned on opposite sides of the mounting table 12 repeatedly pass the rolled holding sheet 3 to each other while rolling it on the upper surface 22a (rolling area) of the connecting table 22 of the support unit 2. This allows the plurality of workers W to work together to efficiently perform the sheet winding work.

[0063] Other embodiments Next, other embodiments will be described.

[0064] (1) In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the opposing wall 14 provided on the mounting table 12 of the holding unit 1 is configured using a long member. However, without being limited to such an example, the opposing wall 14 may be configured using a block member or the like and may be disposed locally with respect to the mounting table 12.

[0065] (2) In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the frame-shaped member 150 that forms the insertion opening 15 for the fork 90 is provided below the mounting table 12 of the holding unit 1. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration, and the frame-shaped member 150 does not necessarily have to be provided.

[0066] (3) In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the lower end of the support 11 of the holding unit 1 is provided with the engagement portion 111 that engages with the upper end of the support 11 of another holding unit 1 that is connected from below the support 11. However, the present invention is not limited to this example, and the engagement portion 111 may be provided on the upper end of the support 11. In this case, the engagement portion 111 provided on the upper end of the support 11 engages with the lower end of the support 11 of the other holding unit 1 that is connected from above.

[0067] (4) In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the holding instrument 100 includes the support unit 2. However, the present invention is not limited to this example, and the holding instrument 100 does not necessarily have to include such a support unit 2.

[0068] (5) The configurations disclosed in the above-described embodiments can be applied in combination with configurations disclosed in other embodiments, as long as no contradiction occurs. As for other configurations, the embodiments disclosed in this specification are merely examples in all respects. Therefore, various modifications can be made as appropriate within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0069] [Summary of this embodiment] The following is a summary of this embodiment.

[0070] A holding device for holding a plurality of transport vehicles together, the transport vehicles having a main body and wheels attached to the main body, A plurality of holding units are provided for holding the plurality of transport vehicles, The holding units are configured to be stackable in the vertical direction, The holding unit includes: A platform on which a plurality of the transport vehicles are placed side by side; N (N is an integer of 3 or more) support columns attached to the mounting table so as to protrude at least downward from the mounting table, The mounting base is configured to support the main body from below with the wheels raised off the ground, Each of the support columns of the holding units is configured to be detachable in the up-down direction relative to the support columns of the other holding units, Each of the support columns of the holding unit is connected to a corresponding support column of another holding unit, thereby stacking the holding units in layers; Each of the support columns of the holding unit is separated from the corresponding support columns of the other holding units, whereby the stacked holding units are disassembled.

[0071] According to this configuration, a single holding unit can hold a plurality of transport vehicles. By stacking other holding units on the holding unit, the number of transport vehicles that can be held can be increased. Also, by disassembling the stacked holding units, the number of transport vehicles that can be held can be reduced. The holding in the holding unit is performed by a mounting table. The mounting table is configured to support the main body of the transport vehicle from below while the wheels of the transport vehicle are raised, so that the wheels can be prevented from rolling on the mounting table, and as a result, stable holding of the transport vehicle can be realized. As described above, according to this configuration, it is possible to easily store the idle transport vehicles in response to an increase or decrease in the number of transport vehicles to be operated, and to stably hold the transport vehicles in storage. Also, according to this configuration, since a plurality of transport vehicles can be stably held on each of the stackable holding units, this holding device can be suitably used even when a large number of transport vehicles are transported.

[0072] It is preferable that the mounting table is provided with an opposing wall portion that is arranged to face a side surface of the main body portion of the transport vehicle placed on the mounting table.

[0073] According to this configuration, the opposing wall portion can restrict the movement of the transport vehicle placed on the platform, thereby realizing even more stable holding of the transport vehicle.

[0074] It is preferable that the opposing wall portion extends along a rolling direction of the wheels of the transport vehicle placed on the table.

[0075] According to this configuration, when the transport vehicle is placed on the platform or removed from the platform, the transport vehicle can be easily moved along the opposing wall portion, which makes it easier to store and remove the transport vehicle in and from the holding device.

[0076] The holding unit is configured to be transported by a transport device having a fork, It is preferable that an area below the mounting table and between a pair of adjacent support columns is defined as a fork arrangement area in which the forks are arranged for transporting the holding unit.

[0077] According to this configuration, the transport device having the forks makes it easy to transport multiple transport vehicles at once.

[0078] The fork arrangement area is provided with an insertion opening into which the fork is inserted, It is preferable that the opening direction of the insertion opening is configured to be a direction along the rolling direction of the wheels of the transport vehicle placed on the stage.

[0079] According to this configuration, in order to load the transport vehicle onto the running floor and retrieve the transport vehicle from the running floor, the task of transporting the holding unit to a position adjacent to the running floor on which the transport vehicle travels can be easily performed by a transport device having a fork.

[0080] an engaging portion is provided at a lower end of the support of the holding unit and engages with an upper end of the support of another holding unit connected from below the support of the holding unit; It is preferable that the engaging portion includes a guide portion that guides the upper end portion of the other support pillar approaching the engaging portion from below toward a predetermined engaging position.

[0081] According to this configuration, it is easy to appropriately connect the posts to each other, and therefore it is easy to stack the holding units.

[0082] A support unit that supports the holding unit from below is provided, The support unit includes: Equipped with N support columns, Each of the support columns of the support unit is configured to be detachable in the up-down direction relative to the column of the holding unit to be supported, Each of the support columns of the support unit is connected to a corresponding column of the holding unit to be supported, so that the support unit supports the holding unit, It is preferable that the support of the holding unit by the support unit is released by each of the support pillars of the support unit being separated from the corresponding pillar of the holding unit to be supported.

[0083] According to this configuration, it becomes possible for a plurality of holding units or a single holding unit to be appropriately supported by the supporting unit.

[0084] The support unit includes a connection base that connects the N support columns to each other and has a flat upper surface, It is preferable that the upper surface of the connecting table serves as a rolling area in which the roll-shaped holding sheet rolls during a sheet wrapping operation in which the holding sheet is wrapped to cover the lower surface of the loading table and the upper surfaces of the multiple transport vehicles placed on the loading table in order to fix the multiple transport vehicles to the loading table.

[0085] The holding unit is configured to be able to hold multiple transport vehicles, and therefore needs to be of a certain size. In this case, the sheet winding work of wrapping the holding sheet so as to cover the lower surface of the mounting table and the upper surfaces of the multiple transport vehicles placed on the mounting table is more efficient when performed by multiple workers than by one worker. According to this configuration, for example, multiple workers are arranged to sandwich the mounting table of the holding unit, and the workers positioned on opposite sides of the mounting table repeatedly pass the rolled holding sheet while rolling it in the rolling area of ​​the connecting table, thereby making it possible to efficiently perform the sheet winding work. [Industrial Applicability]

[0086] The technology disclosed herein can be used in a holding device that collectively holds multiple transport vehicles, each of which has a main body and wheels attached to the main body. [Explanation of symbols]

[0087] 100: Holding device 1: Holding unit 11: Strut 111: Engagement part 111a: Information department 12: Placement table 14: Opposing wall 15: Insertion port 16: Fork placement area 2: Support unit 21:Support strut 22:Connection stand 22a:Top surface 3: Retaining sheet 8: Transport vehicle 80: Main body 81 :Wheel 9: Transport device 90: Fork D15: Opening direction D81: Rolling direction

Claims

1. A holding device for holding a plurality of transport vehicles together, the transport vehicles having a main body and wheels attached to the main body, A plurality of holding units are provided for holding the plurality of transport vehicles, The holding units are configured to be stackable in the vertical direction, The holding unit includes: A platform on which a plurality of the transport vehicles are placed side by side; N (N is an integer of 3 or more) support columns attached to the mounting table so as to protrude at least downward from the mounting table, The mounting base is configured to support the main body from below with the wheels raised off the ground, Each of the support columns of the holding units is configured to be detachable in a vertical direction relative to the support columns of the other holding units, Each of the support columns of the holding unit is connected to a corresponding support column of another holding unit, thereby stacking the holding units in layers; A holding tool in which the stacked multiple holding units are disassembled by disengaging each of the supports of the holding units from the corresponding supports of the other holding units.

2. The holding device according to claim 1 , wherein the platform is provided with an opposing wall portion that is arranged to face a side surface of the main body portion of the transport vehicle placed on the platform.

3. The holding device according to claim 2 , wherein the opposing wall portion extends along a rolling direction of the wheels of the transport vehicle placed on the platform.

4. The holding unit is configured to be transported by a transport device having a fork, The holding device according to claim 1 , wherein an area below the mounting table and between a pair of adjacent supports is defined as a fork arrangement area in which the forks are arranged to transport the holding unit.

5. The fork arrangement area is provided with an insertion opening into which the fork is inserted, 5. The holding device according to claim 4, wherein an opening direction of the insertion opening is configured to be a direction along a rolling direction of the wheels of the transport vehicle placed on the stage.

6. an engaging portion is provided at a lower end of the support of the holding unit and engages with an upper end of the support of another holding unit connected from below the support of the holding unit; The retaining device according to claim 1 , wherein the engaging portion includes a guide portion that guides an upper end portion of the other support strut approaching the engaging portion from below toward a predetermined engaging position.

7. A support unit that supports the holding unit from below is provided, The support unit includes: N support columns are provided, Each of the support columns of the support unit is configured to be detachable in the up-down direction relative to the column of the holding unit to be supported, Each of the support columns of the support unit is connected to a corresponding column of the holding unit to be supported, so that the support unit supports the holding unit, The holding device according to claim 1 , wherein support of the holding unit by the support unit is released by disengaging each of the support pillars of the support unit from the corresponding pillar of the holding unit to be supported.

8. The support unit includes a connection base that connects the N support columns to each other and has a flat upper surface, The holding device described in claim 7, wherein the upper surface of the connecting table is a rolling area in which the roll-shaped holding sheet rolls during a sheet winding operation in which the holding sheet is wrapped to cover the lower surface of the loading table and the upper surfaces of the multiple transport vehicles placed on the loading table in order to secure the multiple transport vehicles to the loading table.

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