Transport vehicle and transport facility

Abstract

It is desired to provide a technique capable of improving convenience in a transport vehicle that transports a transport object.SOLUTION: The conveyance carriage 1 includes a first carriage 11, a second carriage arranged in parallel with the first carriage 11, and a frame 2, wherein the first carriage 11 and the second carriage are arranged apart from each other in a Y direction. The frame 2 includes a first upright portion 3 erected on the first carriage 11, a second upright portion erected on the second carriage, a connecting portion 5 connecting the first upright portion 3 and the second upright portion in the Y-direction above the first carriage 11 and the second carriage, and a plurality of support portions 6 supporting the conveyance object W from the lower side above the first carriage 11 and the second carriage, the plurality of support portions 6 are disposed apart from each other in at least one of the X direction and the Y direction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a transport vehicle and a transport facility. [Background technology]

[0002] For example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 2012-121650 (Patent Document 1) discloses a technology relating to a transport vehicle and a transport facility. In the following description of the background art, the reference numerals in parentheses refer to those in Patent Document 1.

[0003] The transporting vehicle of Patent Document 1 comprises a plurality of support parts (transported object supports 3, 4) that support an object to be transported (transported object W) from below, and a vehicle (body 2A, wheels 5, 6) on which the plurality of support parts are provided. Each of the plurality of support parts is erected on the upper surface of the vehicle and is arranged spaced apart from one another. This transporting vehicle is configured to be connectable to a towing vehicle (towing vehicle 1) equipped with a drive source, and is towed by the towing vehicle to move along a travel route. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2012-121650 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In the above-described transport vehicle, generally, some work on the transported object (for example, assembling parts onto the transported object) is performed in parallel with the transport of the transported object. Since the transported object is placed on the transport vehicle, it is easy to perform work on the side of the transported object, but the transport vehicle gets in the way and makes it difficult to perform work on the underside of the transported object. For this reason, when work on the underside of the transported object is to be performed, it is necessary to transfer the transported object from the transport vehicle to another vehicle (for example, a transport vehicle equipped with a function for raising and lowering the transported object or a ceiling transport vehicle that suspends and supports the transported object) or a support (for example, a support equipped with a lifting device, etc.). Furthermore, if the number of tasks of transferring the transported object increases depending on the location and content of the work on the transported object, work efficiency is likely to decrease, and the convenience of using the transport vehicle decreases.

[0006] Therefore, it is desirable to provide a technology that can improve the convenience of transport vehicles that transport objects. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A transporting vehicle according to the present disclosure includes a first carriage, a second carriage arranged in parallel with the first carriage, and a frame, A specific direction among directions along a horizontal plane is defined as the X direction, and a direction perpendicular to the X direction in a vertical direction as viewed in the vertical direction is defined as the Y direction, The first carriage and the second carriage are disposed apart from each other in the Y direction, the frame includes a first standing portion erected on the first carriage, a second standing portion erected on the second carriage, a connecting portion that connects the first standing portion and the second standing portion in the Y direction above the first carriage and the second carriage, and a plurality of support portions that support an object to be transported from below above the first carriage and the second carriage, The plurality of support portions are arranged spaced apart from one another in at least one of the X direction and the Y direction.

[0008] According to this configuration, the first and second carriages are arranged spaced apart from each other in the Y direction, so the carriage can be driven so that various devices and equipment pass between the first and second carriages in the Y direction as seen from the carriage, making it easy to use this carriage in a variety of conveyance facilities and manufacturing facilities. Furthermore, with this configuration, the multiple support units support the transport object from below, above the first and second carriages. This makes it easy to secure a working space below the transport object supported by these support units. Furthermore, the multiple support units are arranged spaced apart from one another in at least one of the X and Y directions. This makes it easy to minimize the area on the underside of the transport object that is hidden by the support units, making it easy to work on the transport object from below. This also makes this transport vehicle easy to use in a variety of transport facilities and manufacturing facilities. In this way, according to this configuration, it is possible to improve the convenience of the transport vehicle that transports the object to be transported.

[0009] Further features and advantages of the transport vehicle and the transport installation will become apparent from the following description of exemplary, non-limiting embodiments, which are given with reference to the drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] Overall overview of the transport equipment [Figure 2] A perspective view of a transport vehicle and a transfer device [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a front view schematically illustrating the arrangement of a towing transport vehicle and a transport platform; [Figure 4] Front view of the transport vehicle [Figure 5] Plan view of the transport vehicle [Figure 6] Side view of the transport vehicle [Figure 7] Control Block Diagram [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a transporting platform vehicle according to another embodiment; [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a transporting platform vehicle according to another embodiment; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] [First embodiment] A first embodiment of the transporting vehicle and transporting equipment will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0012] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 , the transport facility 10 includes a transport vehicle 1 and a transfer device 8 that transfers an object W to be transported onto the transport vehicle 1 at a predetermined position. The transport facility 10 has a movement path 9 along which a plurality of objects W move. The transport vehicle 1 is configured to be movable along the movement path 9 while supporting the objects W. In this example, the transport facility 10 includes a plurality of transport vehicles 1. Each of the plurality of transport vehicles 1 moves sequentially along the movement path 9 while carrying (supporting) one object W. In this example, the transport facility 10 further includes a plurality of work sections E, a plurality of moving vehicles 110 different from the transport vehicle 1, and a control device H that controls the entire transport facility 10. The control device H controls various devices and the like arranged in the transport facility 10. The control device H includes, for example, a processor such as a microcomputer, peripheral circuits such as a memory, and the like. Each function of the control device H is realized by cooperation between this hardware and a program executed on a processor of a computer or the like.

[0013] In the example of FIG. 1 , the movement path 9 includes a first connection path 9a connecting adjacent work sections E, a branch path 9b branching from the first connection path 9a, a merging path 9f merging with the first connection path 9a, a first internal path 9c formed within the work section E from the branch path 9b, a second internal path 9d disposed adjacent to the first internal path 9c within the work section E and connected to the merging path 9f, and a second connection path 9e connecting the first internal path 9c and the second internal path 9d. The transported object W moves in this order, supported by the transport vehicle 1 or the moving vehicle 110, through the first connection path 9a, the branch path 9b, the first internal path 9c, the second connection path 9e, the second internal path 9d, the merging path 9f, and the first connection path 9a. In the example shown, the transported object W is supported by different vehicles in two adjacent work sections E. Specifically, in one work section E, the transport target object W is transported by a transfer carriage 110, and in the other work section E, it is transported by a transport carriage 1. In FIG. 1, the transfer device 8 is arranged along a first connecting path 9a that connects two adjacent work sections E. The transport target object W is then transferred from the transfer carriage 110 to the transport carriage 1 on the first connecting path 9a by the transfer device 8. That is, in this example, the above-mentioned predetermined position (transfer position P) is a position on the path that connects adjacent work sections E.

[0014] In this example, as shown in FIGS. 4 to 7, the conveyance facility 10 includes an assembling device 111 and a conveying device 112. The assembling device 111 is a robot for assembling components (components to be assembled 120) to the object to be conveyed W. The conveying device 112 is a device for conveying the components to be assembled 120. A plurality of such devices are arranged in the work section E as shown in FIG. 1. The assembling device 111 and the conveying device 112 may be arranged corresponding to the first internal path 9c and the second internal path 9d, respectively, or may be arranged on one of these paths. Here, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the assembling device 111 is a robot that performs work on the object to be conveyed W from the side. The conveying device 112 is a cart that conveys a plurality of components to be assembled 120 placed thereon (supported from below). The conveying device 112 has a function of raising and lowering the components to be assembled 120. Here, the conveying device 112 is a carriage that can travel along at least a portion of the first internal path 9c and the second internal path 9d. Each work section E can have a worker area where workers can work on the object W to be conveyed. In this embodiment, the object W to be conveyed is a vehicle body. In the work section E, assembly parts 120, such as a driving force source, a battery, wheels, and a suspension, are assembled to the vehicle body. Here, the "driving force source" refers to the driving force source for the wheels of the vehicle, and examples of such assembly work include an electric motor and an internal combustion engine. Such assembly work may be performed by the above-mentioned devices (assembly device 111, conveying device 112) or manually. Hereinafter, a specific direction along a horizontal plane is referred to as the X direction, and a direction perpendicular to the X direction in a vertical view along the vertical direction is referred to as the Y direction. One side of the X direction is referred to as the X-direction first side X1, and the other side of the X direction is referred to as the X-direction second side X2. In this embodiment, the X direction is the direction along the longitudinal direction of the vehicle body. Furthermore, the X direction is the movement direction of the transporting vehicle 1 (the direction along the movement path 9). In this example, the first side X1 in the X direction is the front side in the movement direction of the transporting vehicle 1, and the second side X2 in the X direction is the rear side in the movement direction of the transporting vehicle 1.

[0015] In this embodiment, the transport vehicle 1 does not have a drive source. As shown in FIGS. 3, 6, and 7, the transport facility 10 includes a towing vehicle 7 that has a drive source. The transport vehicle 1 is configured to move along a travel path 9 by being towed by the towing vehicle 7. The towing vehicle 7 includes, for example, an electric motor (not shown) as a drive source, running wheels 7a that roll on the floor surface by the driving force of the electric motor, and a control unit (not shown) that controls the travel of the towing vehicle 7. The towing vehicle 7 is also configured to be able to communicate with a control device H. In this example, a guide unit (here, a magnetic tape, not shown) that guides the towing vehicle 7 along the travel path 9 is provided. The towing vehicle 7 travels along the travel path 9 while being guided by a magnetic tape laid on the floor surface. That is, the towing vehicle 7 further includes a reading device (not shown) that reads the magnetic tape. This allows the transport vehicle 1 to move along the travel path 9. The towing vehicle 7 can transmit its own position information and the like to the control device H. In addition, the towing vehicle 7 travels inside and outside the work section E based on command information acquired from the control device H. In this embodiment, the towing vehicle 7 is configured to be detachable from the transporting platform 1.

[0016] The moving cart 110 is configured to be able to move on the moving route 9 with the object W to be transported placed thereon. In this example, the moving cart 110 does not have a drive source, and moves on the moving route 9 by being towed by the towing transport vehicle 7. The moving cart 110 is configured to be detachable from the towing transport vehicle 7. Note that the moving cart 110 may also be equipped with a drive source such as an electric motor, which allows it to run independently.

[0017] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 7 , the transfer device 8 includes a transfer support part 81 that supports the object W from below and a lifting mechanism 82 that raises and lowers the transfer support part 81. The transfer support part 81, which supports the object W, is lowered from above relative to the plurality of supports 6, thereby transferring the object W onto the plurality of supports 6. In this example, the transfer support part 81 includes a fork part 81a that can extend and retract in the horizontal direction (here, the Y direction) and a support body part 81b that can accommodate the fork part 81a. The fork part 81a supports the object W from below in a protruding position (a position protruding relative to the support body part 81b). The lifting mechanism 82 not only raises and lowers the transfer support part 81, but also functions as a member that supports the transfer support part 81. In the illustrated example, the transfer device 8 is disposed on both outer sides of the first connection path 9a at the transfer position P. The transfer device 8 receives the object W from the transfer carriage 110 stopped at the transfer position P and transfers it to the transport vehicle 1. Here, the object W placed on the transfer carriage 110 is scooped up by the transfer support parts 81 of each transfer device 8 arranged on both sides of the first connection path 9a. The object W is then lifted by these transfer devices 8 to a position higher than the transport vehicle 1. After handing over the object W to the transfer device 8, the transfer carriage 110 moves from the transfer position P. Thereafter, an empty transport vehicle 1 (a transport vehicle 1 on which the object W is placed) moves to the transfer position P and stops. The transfer device 8 lowers the transfer support parts 81 supporting the object W and places it on the multiple support parts 6 of the transport vehicle 1 (FIG. 6). Such transfer operations by the transfer device 8 are controlled by the control device H. The detailed configuration of the transport vehicle 1 will be described below.

[0018] As shown in FIGS. 2 to 6 , the transport vehicle 1 includes a first vehicle 11, a second vehicle 21 arranged parallel to the first vehicle 11, and a frame 2. The first vehicle 11 and the second vehicle 21 are arranged spaced apart from each other in the Y direction. The frame 2 connects the first vehicle 11 and the second vehicle 21 and supports the transport target W. In this embodiment, the first vehicle 11 and the second vehicle 21 are arranged spaced apart from each other in the Y direction. A gap 14 between the first vehicle 11 and the second vehicle 21 is set to a dimension that allows a device (here, a transport device 112) that performs work on the transport target W to pass through. That is, the dimension of the gap 14 in the Y direction is set larger than the dimension of the transport device 112 in the Y direction (width dimension). The size of the gap 14 can be changed as appropriate. The frame 2 is also arranged in a position that does not interfere with the assembly device 111 or the transport device 112.

[0019] In this example, the first bogie 11 and the second bogie 21 have the same configuration. Therefore, hereinafter, the configuration of the first bogie 11 will be specifically described, and a description of the configuration of the second bogie 21 will be omitted. The first bogie 11 includes wheels 71 that roll on the floor surface and a bogie main body 72 that supports the wheels 71. The bogie main body 72 is a plate-shaped member that is long in the X direction, and supports the wheels 71 from above. Here, the wheels 71 are attached to wheel support portions 74. Therefore, the bogie main body 72 supports the wheels 71 via the wheel support portions 74. The first bogie 11 includes a plurality of wheels 71. In this example, the plurality of wheels 71 are arranged separately in the X direction. In addition, an upper surface 72a of the bogie main body 72 is flat, allowing a worker to work while riding on it.

[0020] As shown in FIG. 6, each of the first bogie 11 and the second bogie 21 has a towed coupling section 91 that couples with the towing transport vehicle 7 equipped with a drive source. The towed coupling section 91 is configured to be detachable from the towing transport vehicle 7. In this example, the towed coupling section 91 is provided on the bogie main body section 72. Here, the towed coupling section 91 is provided on the surface of the bogie main body section 72 that faces downward. The towed coupling section 91 is configured to engage with an engaging section 7b provided on the upper surface of the towing transport vehicle 7 (FIG. 6). In other words, the towed coupling section 91 functions as an engaged section that engages with the engaging section 7b. In this example, the towing transport vehicle 7 has a mechanism for raising and lowering the engaging section 7b. When the engaging portion 7b is raised and engaged with the towed coupling portion 91, the towing vehicle 7 receives a reaction force from the carriage body 72, which presses the running wheels 7a of the towing vehicle 7 against the floor surface, thereby ensuring a large frictional force between the running wheels 7a and the floor surface. This ensures a large propulsion force by the towing vehicle 7. In this embodiment, the towed coupling portion 91 is detachable from the engaging portion 7b. When the towing vehicle 7 moves the transport vehicle 1 along the travel path 9, the towed coupling portion 91 is coupled to the towed coupling portion 91. In this example, the towed coupling portion 91 is disposed on the carriage body 72 forward of the support columns (the front first support column 31a and the front second support column 41a) (the first side X1 in the X direction), but this is not limiting. The position at which the towed coupling portion 91 is provided can be changed as appropriate. The obstacle sensors for avoiding collisions between the multiple transport vehicles 1 towed by the towing vehicle 7 may be provided on the towing vehicle 7 or on the transport vehicles 1.

[0021] In this example, the transporting vehicle 1 is towed by a towing vehicle 7 provided on both the first vehicle 11 and the second vehicle 21. Here, one towing vehicle 7 is provided on each of the first vehicle 11 and the second vehicle 21. Note that a towing vehicle 7 may be provided on only one of the first vehicle 11 and the second vehicle 21. As described above, the towing vehicle 7 is configured to be detachable from the transporting vehicle 1. Therefore, the transporting vehicle 1 can also be transported by a device other than the towing vehicle 7. For example, the transporting vehicle 1 may be transported by a conveyor provided in a work area.

[0022] As shown in FIGS. 2 to 6 , the frame 2 includes a first upright portion 3 erected on the first carriage 11, a second upright portion 4 erected on the second carriage 21, a connecting portion 5 connecting the first upright portion 3 and the second upright portion 4 in the Y direction above the first carriage 11 and the second carriage 21, and a plurality of support portions 6 supporting the transport target object W from below above the first carriage 11 and the second carriage 21. In this embodiment, the plurality of support portions 6 are provided on each of the first upright portion 3 and the second upright portion 4. In this example, the first upright portion 3 is fixed to the carriage main body 72 of the first carriage 11. Similarly, the second upright portion 4 is fixed to the carriage main body 72 of the second carriage 21. Here, the first upright portion 3 includes a plurality of first support columns 31. In addition, the second upright portion 4 includes a plurality of second support columns 41.

[0023] As shown in FIG. 2 and FIGS. 4 to 6, the first standing portion 3 includes a set of first support columns 31 spaced apart in the X direction. The first standing portion 3 also includes a first beam 32 connecting the set of first support columns 31 to each other. The second standing portion 4 includes a set of second support columns 41 spaced apart in the X direction. The second standing portion 4 also includes a second beam 42 connecting the set of second support columns 41 to each other. In this example, the first beam 32 and the second beam 42 are each arranged along the X direction. These beams are also arranged above the first bogie 11 and the second bogie 21 and below the multiple support portions 6.

[0024] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 6 , in this embodiment, the first upright portions 3 and the second upright portions 4 are arranged so as not to overlap with the region (first region 101) where the wheels of the vehicle are arranged, as viewed in the Y direction. Naturally, the first region 101 includes a region where wheels corresponding to the front wheels of the vehicle are arranged and a region where wheels corresponding to the rear wheels of the vehicle are arranged. Specifically, each of the set of first support columns 31 is arranged inside the first region 101 in the X direction (toward the center of the first bogie 11 as viewed in the Y direction). Similarly, each of the set of second support columns 41 is arranged inside the first region 101 in the X direction (toward the center of the second bogie 21 as viewed in the Y direction). In other words, the set of first support columns 31 and the set of second support columns 41 are arranged between the first regions 101 arranged separately in the X direction. Naturally, the set of first support columns 31 and the set of second support columns 41 are arranged on the second side Y2 in the Y direction (outside in the Y direction) with respect to the object to be transported W so that the respective support columns do not interfere with each other. In this example, the first support columns 31 and the second support columns 41 are each formed as a rod-shaped member extending in the up-and-down direction. Furthermore, the first support column 31 (front-side first support column 31a) of the set of first support columns 31 on the first side X1 in the X direction and the second support column 41 (front-side second support column 41a) of the set of second support columns 41 on the first side X1 in the X direction are arranged at the same position in the X direction. Similarly, the first support pillar 31 (rear first support pillar 31b) on the second side X2 in the X direction of one set of first supports 31 and the second support pillar 41 (rear second support pillar 41b) on the second side X2 in the X direction of one set of second supports 41 are arranged at the same position in the X direction.

[0025] In the example of FIG. 3 , the first support 31 is positioned so as to overlap with the wheel support portion 74 and the wheel 71 in the Y direction. The same is true for the second support 41. This makes it easier for the wheel 71 to support the load acting on the support. The towing vehicle 7 is also positioned offset to one side in the Y direction (here, the second side Y2 in the Y direction) with respect to the wheel support portion 74 and the wheel 71. This prevents the wheel 71 from rolling on the magnetic tape. The towing vehicle 7 can also travel independently below the carriage body 72 so as not to interfere with the wheel support portion 74 and the wheel 71. For example, when the towing vehicle 7 no longer needs to tow the carriage 1, it can release its connection to the towed coupling portion 91 and move outside the carriage 1 by passing below the carriage body 72. Furthermore, when it becomes necessary to tow the transporting vehicle 1, the towing transporting vehicle 7 can enter the underside of the vehicle body 72 from outside the transporting vehicle 1 and couple the towed coupling part 91 to the transporting vehicle itself. In the example of Fig. 6, the engaging part 7b is configured to be able to rise and fall. When the engaging part 7b is lowered, the engagement with the towed coupling part 91 is released.

[0026] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 4 to 6 , the connecting unit 5 includes a first connecting member 51 that connects the first upright portion 3 and the second upright portion 4 on a first side X1 in the X direction with respect to the transport object W supported by the multiple supports 6. The connecting unit 5 also includes a second connecting member 52 that connects the first upright portion 3 and the second upright portion 4 on a second side X2 in the X direction with respect to the transport object W supported by the multiple supports 6. The first connecting member 51 connects the first support column 31 of the set of first supports 31 that is arranged on the first side X1 in the X direction to the second support column 41 of the set of second supports 41 that is arranged on the first side X1 in the X direction. The second connecting member 52 connects the first support column 31 of the set of first supports 31 that is arranged on the second side X2 in the X direction to the second support column 41 of the set of second supports 41 that is arranged on the second side X2 in the X direction. In other words, the first connecting member 51 connects the front first support column 31a and the front second support column 41a. The second connecting member 52 connects the rear first support column 31b and the rear second support column 41b. In this example, the first connecting member 51 is formed continuously from the upper ends of the front first support column 31a and the front second support column 41a. Similarly, the second connecting member 52 is formed continuously from the upper ends of the rear first support column 31b and the rear second support column 41b. In addition, the first upright portion 3 may be configured to have one first support pillar 31, the second upright portion 4 may be configured to have one second support pillar 41, the first connecting member 51 may connect the first support pillar 31 and the second support pillar 41 on a first side X1 in the X direction relative to the transport object W, and the second connecting member 52 may be configured to connect the first support pillar 31 and the second support pillar 41 on a second side X2 in the X direction relative to the transport object W.

[0027] In this embodiment, the first linking member 51 includes a first linking portion 51a disposed on a first side X1 in the X direction relative to the transport object W, and a pair of first connecting portions 51b disposed separately in the Y direction. The first linking portion 51a is a rod-shaped member extending along the Y direction. One of the pair of first connecting portions 51b connects one Y-direction end of the first linking portion 51a to the upper end of the front-side first support column 31a. The other of the pair of first connecting portions 51b connects the other Y-direction end of the first linking portion 51a to the upper end of the front-side second support column 41a. In the examples of FIGS. 2 and 6, each of the pair of first connecting portions 51b extends along the X direction and has a curved end on the second side X2 in the X direction. The pair of first connecting portions 51b is disposed outward in the Y direction relative to the transport object W. Each of the pair of first connecting portions 51b is also a rod-shaped member.

[0028] The second linking member 52 includes a second linking portion 52a disposed on the second side X2 in the X direction relative to the transport object W, and a pair of second connecting portions 52b disposed separately in the Y direction. The second linking portion 52a is a rod-shaped member extending along the Y direction. One of the pair of second connecting portions 52b connects one end of the second linking portion 52a in the Y direction to the upper end of the first rear support column 31b. The other of the pair of second connecting portions 52b connects the other end of the second linking portion 52a in the Y direction to the upper end of the second rear support column 41b. In the example of FIG. 2, each of the pair of second connecting portions 52b extends along the X direction and has a curved end on the second side X2 in the X direction. The pair of second connecting portions 52b is disposed outward in the Y direction relative to the transport object W. Each of the pair of second connecting portions 52b is also a rod-shaped member. In the illustrated example, the first connecting portion 51b and the second connecting portion 52b are each arranged above the first region 101 and are arranged so as not to overlap the first region 101 when viewed in the Y direction. Similarly, the first connecting portion 51a and the second connecting portion 52a are also arranged above the first region 101. Note that in the illustrated example, the first connecting member 51 and the second connecting member 52 are arranged so as to overlap the transport object W when viewed in the X direction and the Y direction, but they may also be arranged so as not to overlap the transport object W when viewed in the X direction and the Y direction. For example, the entire connecting portion 5 may be arranged above the transport object W.

[0029] The multiple support portions 6 are spaced apart from one another in at least one of the X and Y directions. In this embodiment, the multiple support portions 6 are spaced apart from one another in both the X and Y directions. In this example, the multiple support portions 6 are provided on each of the front first support column 31a, the rear first support column 31b, the front second support column 41a, and the rear second support column 41b. The support portion 6 is cantilevered from each support column (each of the pair of first support columns 31 and the pair of second support columns 41) and is arranged to protrude inward in the Y direction (first side in the Y direction) relative to these support columns. The multiple support portions 6 are positioned at the same vertical position. The multiple support portions 6 are also arranged above the beams (first beam 32, second beam 42) and below the first connecting member 51 and the second connecting member 52. Furthermore, the multiple support parts 6 are arranged so as not to overlap, in a vertical view, with the area where the driving force source of the automobile is arranged (second area 102), the area where the automobile suspension is attached (third area 103), and the area where parts (assembly parts 120) on the bottom surface of the vehicle body are attached (fourth area 104). Each of the multiple support parts 6 is a rod-shaped member extending along the Y direction. Each of the multiple support parts 6 supports the transport target object W from below at its tip. Therefore, the tip of the support part 6 is formed wider than the portion further to the base end (second side Y2 in the Y direction). In the illustrated example, the multiple support parts 6 are arranged outward in the Y direction from the fourth area 104.

[0030] In the example of FIG. 5 , the tip end of each of the multiple (here, four) support units 6 is arranged inside (on the first side in the Y direction) the carriage (first carriage 11 or second carriage 21) in the Y direction. The transport object W supported by these support units 6 is also arranged inside the first carriage 11 and the second carriage 21 in the Y direction and does not overlap these carriages in a vertical view. In other words, the transport object W is arranged in a gap 14 between the first carriage 11 and the second carriage 21. Note that the transport object W may be arranged so as to overlap at least one of the first carriage 11 and the second carriage 21 in a vertical view. In this example, the transport object W is supported by four support units 6 arranged separately in the X direction and the Y direction, but may be supported by fewer than four support units 6 or more than four support units 6. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6 , each of the multiple support parts 6 is arranged at a position where it does not interfere with the lifting and lowering trajectory of the transfer support part 81. Specifically, the multiple support parts 6 are arranged on both outer sides in the X direction of the lifting and lowering trajectory (dash-dotted line) of the transfer support part 81 (in the illustrated example, a pair of fork parts 81a arranged separately in the X direction) of the transfer device 8. As a result, the multiple support parts 6 are arranged so as not to overlap with the lifting and lowering trajectory of the transfer support part 81 when viewed in the up-down direction. Note that the multiple support parts 6 may be arranged to connect the first carriage 11 and the second carriage 21. In this way, the support part 6 may be configured to function as the connecting part 5.

[0031] As shown in FIGS. 4 to 6 , the transporting vehicle 1 can place the above-mentioned transport device 112 by utilizing the space surrounded by the first carriage 11, the second carriage 21, one set of first support columns 31, one set of second support columns 41, and the plurality of supports 6. The transport device 112 can pass through such a space on the movement path 9. In this example, the transport device 112 stops at a position corresponding to a gap 14 between the first carriage 11 and the second carriage 21 when the carriages are stopped. Then, the transport device 112 raises parts to be assembled 120 (for example, parts in a driving power source accommodation chamber (for example, an engine compartment) in which a driving power source is arranged, a battery for driving an electric motor, etc.) from below the transport target object W, and places them in the respective placement areas (in the illustrated example, the second area 102 and the fourth area 104). Furthermore, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 , by providing one or more assembly devices 111 corresponding to the stopping positions of the transporting carriage 1 and the transport device 112, it is possible to perform an operation of assembling parts to be assembled 120 arranged in each arrangement area to the transport target object W from the side. In addition, in this example, a worker can ride on the upper surface 72a of the carriage main body 72. Therefore, in the worker area, the worker can perform work on the transport target object W while riding on the first carriage 11 or the second carriage 21. Note that the work section may be provided with a work platform that can be arranged in the gap 14 between the first carriage 11 and the second carriage 21. In this case, the worker uses the work platform to perform work on the transport target object W. In addition, a conveyor that can transport workers, etc. may be arranged along the movement path 9. In this case, it is preferable that the conveyor be arranged in the gap 14.

[0032] As shown in FIG. 7, the control device H is configured to be able to control at least the transfer device 8, the assembly device 111, the transport device 112, and the towing transport vehicle 7. As shown in FIG. 1, the control device H controls the multiple towing transport vehicles 7 that tow each of the transfer vehicles 110 so that the multiple transfer vehicles 110 are appropriately arranged according to the work process in the work section E where the transfer vehicles 110 move. The control device H also controls the various devices (assembly device 111, transport device 112, etc.) provided in the work section E so that the work process for the transfer object W supported by the transfer vehicle 110 progresses appropriately. When the work process for the transfer object W supported by the transfer vehicle 110 is completed, the control device H controls the towing transport vehicle 7 that tows the transfer vehicle 1, the towing transport vehicle 7 that tows the transfer vehicle 1, and the transfer device 8 so that the transfer object W is transferred from the transfer vehicle 110 to the transfer vehicle 1 at the transfer position P. The control device H controls the multiple towing vehicles 7 so as to sequentially move the transport vehicle 1 carrying the transport object W to the next work section E. Then, the control device H controls each device (e.g., the assembly device 111, the transport device 112, etc.) provided in the work section E and the multiple towing vehicles 7 so that the transport object W supported by the transport vehicle 1 can be appropriately processed in the work process. Note that in the transport facility 10, the transport vehicle 1 may be configured, for example, to be towed by the towing vehicle 7 and then transferred onto a conveyor when moving to a different work section E. In other words, the transport vehicle 1 may be transported to a different work section E by a conveyor.

[0033] Second Embodiment A second embodiment of the transport vehicle and transport equipment will be described with reference to the drawing (FIG. 8). The following description of the transport vehicle of this embodiment will focus on the differences from the first embodiment. Points that are not specifically mentioned are the same as those of the first embodiment, and the same reference numerals will be used and detailed description will be omitted.

[0034] In this embodiment, the transport vehicle 1 is equipped with a coupling device 94 that couples the first carriage 11 and the second carriage 21 with a coupling member 95 at a position different from that of the coupling unit 5. The coupling device 94 is configured to be switchable between a coupled state in which the first carriage 11 and the second carriage 21 are coupled with each other via the coupling member 95 and a separated state in which the first carriage 11 and the second carriage 21 are separated. While the coupling unit 5 couples the first carriage 11 and the second carriage 21 via the first upright portion 3 and the second upright portion 4, the coupling member 95 directly couples the first carriage 11 and the second carriage 21. In the example of FIG. 8 , the coupling member 95 couples the first carriage 11 and the second carriage 21 at the same height as these carriages. That is, the coupling member 95 couples the first carriage 11 and the second carriage 21 at a position different from that of the coupling unit 5 at least in the vertical direction. In this example, the connecting member 95 is disposed in a posture along the Y direction in the connected state. Furthermore, the connecting member 95 is configured to be able to be housed in either the first carriage 11 or the second carriage 21 in the separated state. The connecting device 94 includes a drive unit (not shown) for moving the connecting member 95 in the Y direction in this manner. Here, the drive unit is provided in either the first carriage 11 or the second carriage 21. In the illustrated example, the connecting member 95 is disposed on the first side X1 (front side) in the X direction with respect to the object W to be transported. However, it may be disposed on the second side X2 (rear side) in the X direction with respect to the object W to be transported, or may be disposed on both sides in the X direction with respect to the object W to be transported. As shown in FIG. 7, the control device H controls the connecting device 94. Then, when the transporting vehicle 1 moves, for example, along a curved path (in FIG. 1, the branch path 9b, the merging path 9f, and the second connecting path 9e), the control device H controls the connecting device 94 to switch the transporting vehicle 1 from the separated state to the connected state. This reduces the load on the frame 2 (especially the load acting on both ends of the connecting portion 5) caused by the difference in radial traveling position between the first bogie 11 and the second bogie 21 on a curved route.

[0035] Other Embodiments (1) In the above embodiment, the multiple support parts 6 are provided on each of the first and second upright parts 3 and 4, respectively. However, this is not limiting. The multiple support parts 6 may be independent members of the first and second upright parts 3 and 4. Such an example is shown in FIG. 9. As shown in FIG. 9, the multiple (four in this example) support parts 6 are arranged between the first and second upright parts 3 and 4 in the X direction. Each support part 6 includes a support member 6a that supports the transport target object W from below and a support column member 6b that supports the support member 6a. The first carriage 11 and the second carriage 21 each have multiple (two in this example) support parts 6 arranged in the X direction. In the illustrated example, the first carriage 11 and the second carriage 21 each have support column members 6b arranged in the X direction. The support members 6a are supported by the support column members 6b. More specifically, the support member 6a is supported in a cantilevered manner on the inside in the Y direction (first side Y1 in the Y direction) relative to the support member 6b. In the illustrated example, the first standing portion 3, the second standing portion 4, and the connecting portion 5 are arranged on the outside in the X direction and Y direction relative to the transport object W supported by the multiple support members 6. The configurations of the first standing portion 3, the second standing portion 4, and the connecting portion 5 can be changed as appropriate. For example, as shown in FIG. 9, each of the first connecting member 51 and the second connecting member 52 can be a rod-shaped member extending along the Y direction.

[0036] (2) In the above embodiment, the first standing portion 3 includes a set of first columns 31 spaced apart in the X direction and a first beam 32 connecting the set of first columns 31 to each other, and the second standing portion 4 includes a set of second columns 41 spaced apart in the X direction and a second beam 42 connecting the set of second columns 41 to each other. However, this is not limited to this configuration. The standing portions (first standing portion 3, second standing portion 4) do not necessarily have to include such beams (first beam 32, second beam 42). Alternatively, only one of the first standing portion 3 and the second standing portion 4 may include such beams. In this embodiment, each of the first beam 32 and the second beam 42 is arranged one by one along the X direction. However, this is not limited to this configuration. For example, each of the first beam 32 and the second beam 42 may be arranged in plurality, like a brace material. In this way, the configurations of the first beam 32 and the second beam 42 can be changed as appropriate.

[0037] (3) In the above embodiment, the connecting portion 5 is described as having two connecting members, the first connecting member 51 and the second connecting member 52, but this is not limiting. The connecting portion 5 may have either one of the first connecting member 51 or the second connecting member 52. Furthermore, the connecting portion 5 may have a plurality of each of the first connecting member 51 and the second connecting member 52.

[0038] (4) In the above embodiment, the towed coupling unit 91 is configured to be detachable from the towing transport vehicle 7, but this is not limiting. The towed coupling unit 91 can also be configured to fix the towing transport vehicle 7 to the carriages (first carriage 11, second carriage 21) and not be easily detachable. Alternatively, the towed coupling unit 91 may be provided at the ends of the first carriage 11 and the second carriage 21 on the first side X1 in the X direction, and the towing transport vehicle 7 may tow these carriages from in front of the first carriage 11 and the second carriage 21. In this way, the towing configuration by the towing transport vehicle 7 can be changed as appropriate. Alternatively, the towed coupling unit 91 may be used to connect these carriages to transport vehicles other than the towing transport vehicle 7.

[0039] (5) In the above embodiment, the drive unit of the coupling device 94 is provided on either the first carriage 11 or the second carriage 21, and the control device H controls the drive unit of the coupling device 94 to switch the transporting carriage 1 between a coupled state and a separated state. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The drive unit of the coupling device 94 may not be provided on the first carriage 11 or the second carriage 21. For example, the coupling state and the separated state may be switched by a robot disposed on the side of the travel path 9. For example, the robot may attach and detach the coupling member 95 to and from the first carriage 11 and the second carriage 21. Alternatively, a control unit provided on the transporting carriage 1 may control the drive unit of the coupling device 94 based on, for example, the position of the transporting carriage 1.

[0040] (6) In the above embodiment, the transport object W is described as being the body of an automobile, but this is not limited to this. The transport object W may be something other than the body of an automobile. For example, the transport object W may be a vehicle other than an automobile, or may be the body of an airplane, a drone, or the like, or may be a body without wheels (for example, the body of a linear motor car). Furthermore, the transport object W may be something other than a body. The transport object W may be, for example, a structure, a material, or some kind of device.

[0041] (7) In the above embodiment, the conveying equipment 10 is described as being equipped with a transfer device 8, but this is not limiting. The conveying equipment 10 does not have to be equipped with a transfer device 8. For example, the conveying equipment 10 may be configured to complete all work processes with the object W to be conveyed loaded on the conveying cart 1. Furthermore, the work processes may be configured not to include any steps performed by a worker (manual steps).

[0042] (8) Note that the configurations disclosed in the above-described embodiments can be applied in combination with configurations disclosed in other embodiments (including combinations of embodiments described as other embodiments) as long as no contradictions arise. Regarding 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.

[0043] Summary of the above embodiment The above-described transport vehicle and transport equipment will be summarized below.

[0044] A transporting vehicle according to the present disclosure includes a first carriage, a second carriage arranged in parallel with the first carriage, and a frame, A specific direction among directions along a horizontal plane is defined as the X direction, and a direction perpendicular to the X direction in a vertical direction as viewed in the vertical direction is defined as the Y direction, The first carriage and the second carriage are disposed apart from each other in the Y direction, the frame includes a first standing portion erected on the first carriage, a second standing portion erected on the second carriage, a connecting portion that connects the first standing portion and the second standing portion in the Y direction above the first carriage and the second carriage, and a plurality of support portions that support an object to be transported from below above the first carriage and the second carriage, The plurality of support portions are arranged spaced apart from one another in at least one of the X direction and the Y direction.

[0045] According to this configuration, the first and second carriages are arranged spaced apart from each other in the Y direction, so the carriage can be driven so that various devices and equipment pass between the first and second carriages in the Y direction as seen from the carriage, making it easy to use this carriage in a variety of conveyance facilities and manufacturing facilities. Furthermore, with this configuration, the multiple support units support the transport object from below, above the first and second carriages. This makes it easy to secure a working space below the transport object supported by these support units. Furthermore, the multiple support units are arranged spaced apart from one another in at least one of the X and Y directions. This makes it easy to minimize the area on the underside of the transport object that is hidden by the support units, making it easy to work on the transport object from below. This also makes this transport vehicle easy to use in a variety of transport facilities and manufacturing facilities. In this way, according to this configuration, it is possible to improve the convenience of the transport vehicle that transports the object to be transported.

[0046] Here, one side in the X direction is defined as an X-direction first side, and the other side in the X direction is defined as an X-direction second side, The connecting portion is a first connecting member that connects the first standing portion and the second standing portion on a first side in the X direction with respect to the transport object supported by the plurality of support portions; It is preferable to include a second connecting member that connects the first standing portion and the second standing portion on a second side in the X direction with respect to the transport object supported by the plurality of support portions.

[0047] According to this configuration, the first and second connecting members are arranged separately on the first and second X-direction sides with respect to the transported object, so the first and second connecting members do not overlap with the transported object when viewed from above or below. Therefore, the first and second connecting members are unlikely to get in the way when work is performed on the transported object from above or below.

[0048] Furthermore, in the configuration including the first connecting member and the second connecting member as described above, the first standing portion includes a set of first support columns arranged at a distance in the X direction, and the second standing portion includes a set of second support columns arranged at a distance in the X direction, the first connecting member connects the first support pillar of the set of first support pillars that is arranged on a first side in the X direction to the second support pillar of the set of second support pillars that is arranged on the first side in the X direction; It is preferable that the second connecting member connects the first support pillar of the set that is arranged on the second side in the X direction to the second support pillar of the set of second support pillars that is arranged on the second side in the X direction.

[0049] According to this configuration, one set of first support columns and one set of second support columns are arranged separately in the X direction. Therefore, it is easy to perform work from outside in the Y direction on the transported object supported by the multiple support parts. Furthermore, because the first support columns are arranged on the first carriage and the second support columns are arranged on the second carriage, it is easy to ensure, for example, space for placing the transported object or space for performing work on the transported object from below between the first support columns and the second support columns. Furthermore, it is easy to keep the dimensions of each of the first and second connecting members in the X direction small while arranging the first and second connecting members so that they do not overlap with the transported object when viewed in the up-down direction.

[0050] Further, each of the first carriage and the second carriage is provided with a towed coupling portion for coupling to a towing transport vehicle having a drive source, It is preferable that the towed coupling portion is configured to be detachable from the towing transport vehicle.

[0051] According to this configuration, when the transport vehicle does not need to be moved, the towing vehicle can be separated from the transport vehicle, and when the transport vehicle needs to be moved, the towing vehicle can be connected to the transport vehicle. Therefore, compared to a configuration in which all transport vehicles are provided with a drive source for movement or a configuration in which all transport vehicles are always connected to a towing vehicle, it is easier to reduce the cost of the transport vehicle and the transport equipment equipped with the transport vehicle.

[0052] Also, a coupling device is provided that couples the first carriage and the second carriage with a coupling member at a position different from the coupling portion, It is preferable that the coupling device be configured to be switchable between a connected state in which the first bogie and the second bogie are connected by the coupling member, and a separated state in which the first bogie and the second bogie are separated.

[0053] According to this configuration, for example, when it is necessary to increase the rigidity of the entire transport vehicle, the load on the frame can be reduced by connecting the connecting members. Also, by separating the connecting members, the connecting members can be retracted to a position where they do not interfere with work.

[0054] Furthermore, the object to be conveyed is a car body, the X direction is a direction along the longitudinal direction of the vehicle body, The first upright portion and the second upright portion are arranged so as not to overlap with each other in a region where a wheel of the automobile is arranged as viewed in the Y direction along the Y direction, It is preferable that the multiple support parts are arranged so as not to overlap, when viewed from above and below, with the area where the vehicle's driving force source is located, the area where the vehicle's suspension is attached, and the area where parts on the bottom surface of the vehicle body are attached.

[0055] According to this configuration, when the object to be transported is a car body, the frame is less likely to get in the way when attaching the car's driving power source and suspension, or when attaching parts to the bottom of the car body.

[0056] Also, a conveying facility including the conveying carriage and a transfer device that transfers the object to be conveyed onto the conveying carriage at a predetermined position, The transfer device is a transfer support part that supports the object to be transported from below, and a lifting mechanism that lifts and lowers the transfer support part, The transfer support part supporting the transport object is lowered from above relative to the plurality of support parts, thereby transferring the transport object onto the plurality of support parts, It is preferable that each of the plurality of support parts is disposed at a position where it does not interfere with the lifting and lowering trajectory of the transfer support part.

[0057] According to this configuration, in the transport facility, the object to be transported can be transferred from the transfer support part to the transport vehicle with a relatively simple configuration.

[0058] The transport vehicle and transport equipment according to the present disclosure may have at least one of the above-described effects. [Explanation of symbols]

[0059] 2: Frame 3: First erection section 4: Second erection section 5:Connection part 6: Support part 7: Towing vehicle 8:Transfer device 10:Transportation equipment 11: First carriage 21: Second bogie 31:1st pillar 32:1st beam 41:Second pillar 42: 2nd beam 51: First connecting member 51a: 1st connection part 52: Second connecting member 52a: 2nd connection part 81: Transfer support part 82: Lifting mechanism 91:Towed connection part 94:Connection device 95: Connecting member 120: Assembly parts (parts) W: Object to be conveyed X1: 1st side in X direction X2: 2nd side in X direction

Claims

1. A transport vehicle including a first carriage, a second carriage arranged in parallel with the first carriage, and a frame, A specific direction among directions along a horizontal plane is defined as an X direction, and a direction perpendicular to the X direction when viewed in the up-down direction along the up-down direction is defined as a Y direction, The first carriage and the second carriage are disposed apart from each other in the Y direction, the frame includes a first standing portion erected on the first carriage, a second standing portion erected on the second carriage, a connecting portion that connects the first standing portion and the second standing portion in the Y direction above the first carriage and the second carriage, and a plurality of support portions that support an object to be transported from below above the first carriage and the second carriage, The plurality of support portions are arranged spaced apart from one another in at least one of the X direction and the Y direction.

2. One side in the X direction is defined as an X-direction first side, and the other side in the X direction is defined as an X-direction second side, The connecting portion is a first connecting member that connects the first standing portion and the second standing portion on a first side in the X direction with respect to the transport object supported by the plurality of support portions; 2. The transporting platform according to claim 1, further comprising: a second connecting member that connects the first upright portion and the second upright portion on a second side in the X direction with respect to the transport object supported by the plurality of support portions.

3. the first standing portion includes a set of first support columns spaced apart in the X direction, and the second standing portion includes a set of second support columns spaced apart in the X direction; the first connecting member connects the first support pillar of the set of first support pillars that is arranged on a first side in the X direction to the second support pillar of the set of second support pillars that is arranged on the first side in the X direction; 3. The transporting cart according to claim 2, wherein the second connecting member connects the first support pillar of the set of first supports that is arranged on the second side in the X direction to the second support pillar of the set of second supports that is arranged on the second side in the X direction.

4. each of the first carriage and the second carriage includes a towed coupling portion for coupling with a towing transport vehicle having a drive source; The transporting platform according to claim 1 , wherein the towed coupling portion is configured to be detachable from the towing transporting vehicle.

5. a coupling device that couples the first carriage and the second carriage with a coupling member at a position different from the coupling portion, 4. The transporting carriage according to claim 1, wherein the coupling device is configured to be switchable between a coupled state in which the first carriage and the second carriage are coupled by the coupling member and a separated state in which the first carriage and the second carriage are separated.

6. the object to be conveyed is a car body, the X direction is a direction along the longitudinal direction of the vehicle body, the first upright portion and the second upright portion are arranged so as not to overlap with each other in a region where a wheel of the automobile is arranged as viewed in the Y direction along the Y direction, 4. The transport platform according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of support parts are arranged so as not to overlap, when viewed from above and below, with an area where the driving force source of the automobile is located, an area where the suspension of the automobile is attached, and an area where parts are attached on the bottom surface of the vehicle body.

7. A conveying facility comprising the conveying carriage according to any one of claims 1 to 3 and a transfer device that transfers the object to be conveyed onto the conveying carriage at a predetermined position, The transfer device is a transfer support part that supports the object to be transported from below, and a lifting mechanism that lifts and lowers the transfer support part, The transfer support part supporting the transport object is lowered from above relative to the plurality of support parts, thereby transferring the transport object onto the plurality of support parts, A conveying facility in which each of the plurality of support parts is arranged at a position where it does not interfere with the lifting and lowering trajectory of the transfer support part.

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