Transportation System

Abstract

To provide a transportation system capable of traveling a predetermined distance while suppressing energy consumption by raising a vehicle or the like to a predetermined height and running it from a high position to a low position on a downwardly sloping running road. [Solution] Transportation system A has a basic structure a consisting of a vehicle track 1 on which vehicle T can travel and a spiral-shaped multi-level road 2 for raising vehicle T to a higher position, and another basic structure a-1 installed adjacent to basic structure a in the direction of travel of vehicle T. Vehicle T travels with little energy from point X where the multi-level road 2 of basic structure a is located to point Y, the lowest point 10 of vehicle track 1 of the other basic structure a-1, by traveling on basic structure a and the other basic structure a-1 while receiving a component force acting parallel to the downward slope. Specifically, vehicle T travels from ground surface G to highest point 11 of vehicle track 1 using the multi-level road 2 of basic structure a, and travels on vehicle track 1 to lowest point 10.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a transportation system that can travel a predetermined distance while reducing the energy consumption required for the travel of vehicles or freight cars. More specifically, the present invention relates to a transportation system that can travel a predetermined distance while reducing energy consumption by raising vehicles or freight cars to a predetermined height and running them from a high position to a lower position on a downward-sloping road. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, there have been concerns about a shortage of drivers in the logistics industry. In addition, there is discussion of the "logistics problem of 2024," which includes reduced profits for transportation companies, rising transport fares, and truck driver turnover due to the limit on annual overtime work for driver drivers being limited to 960 hours from April 2024.

[0003] If the "Logistics Problem of 2024" were to become a reality, the impact on shippers would likely be higher delivery fees or they would no longer be able to use specific services such as specifying delivery dates, which could disrupt the delivery services they have taken for granted up until now. Furthermore, it is entirely possible that this will have an impact not only on the delivery of packages between individuals, but also on the transportation of goods along the supply chain, with immeasurable economic impacts.

[0004] To solve this problem, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism has convened a study group to consider the realization of "automated logistics roads," which utilize the median strips of expressways and underground spaces to transport goods using unmanned carts and other methods (https: / / www.mlit.go.jp / road / ir / ir-council / buturyu_douro / index.html). Specifically, two plans are being considered: an "above-ground plan" that would utilize the shoulders and medians of expressways, and an "underground plan" that would involve building dedicated tunnels in underground spaces.

[0005] This "automated logistics road" is expected to not only resolve logistics stagnation caused by a shortage of truck drivers, but also allow for the continuation of current delivery services, such as the ability to specify delivery dates, without raising delivery fees.

[0006] Another problem is that when drivers drive delivery vehicles to pick up or deliver packages to customers' residences, they have to drive on narrow, winding roads over the sloping terrain that is common in mountainous areas. Not only does this take time, but because the roads are carved into the mountainside, they can be dangerous and prone to landslides caused by heavy rain, which is one of the reasons why people avoid the job of being a driver.

[0007] To solve this problem, Patent Document 1 discloses a "transportation system" in which passenger elevators and cables for transporting vehicles and goods intersect with pedestrian and vehicular roads at grade separation. Specifically, this transportation system intersects passenger inclined elevators and cables for transporting vehicles and goods as vertical lines of movement with pedestrian and vehicular roads as horizontal lines of movement, and connects these via inclined elevator stops. This transportation system is said to make it possible to develop a transportation network while minimizing the development of sloping land such as mountains and fields and the destruction of nature. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0008] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 4069215 Publication Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0009] However, both the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism's "Automated Logistics Road" and the "Transportation System" in Patent Document 1 are based on the assumption that energy will be used to move vehicles, freight cars, etc., and there is room for improvement from the perspective of the current trend of promoting energy conservation, which calls for efficient use of energy.

[0010] The present invention was devised in consideration of the above points, and aims to provide a transportation system that can travel a specified distance while reducing energy consumption by raising vehicles, etc. to a specified height and running them from a high position to a lower position using a downward-sloping running road. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] In order to solve the above problems, the transportation system of the present invention comprises a basic structure consisting of a lifting means capable of lifting vehicles or freight cars to a predetermined height, and a running track connected to the lifting means on a downward slope, along which vehicles or freight cars lifted to a higher position by the lifting means can travel toward a lower position.

[0012] Here, a vehicle or freight car (hereinafter referred to as "vehicle, etc.") can be raised from the ground surface to a high position by a lifting means capable of raising the vehicle, etc., to a predetermined height. As a result, the vehicle, etc., has a predetermined potential energy, and as will be described later, can travel by converting this potential energy into kinetic energy.

[0013] In addition, a running track connected to the lifting means on a downward slope allows vehicles, etc., that have been raised to a predetermined height by the lifting means to quickly enter the running track. In addition, rails are provided on the running track when freight cars are to run on it.

[0014] In addition, the vehicle, etc., which is connected to the lifting means on a downward slope and which is raised to a high position by the lifting means, can travel down the road toward a lower position, and when the vehicle, etc., travels down the road, the potential energy held by the vehicle, etc., is converted into kinetic energy, allowing the vehicle, etc., to travel with force.

[0015] Furthermore, since the vehicle travels under a component force acting parallel to the downward slope, this component force acts as a propulsive force pushing the vehicle downward, allowing the vehicle to travel with even more force. This allows the vehicle to travel a predetermined distance while reducing energy consumption.

[0016] In addition, the basic structure consisting of the lifting means and the running track connected to the lifting means on a downward slope allows the vehicle to perform a series of movements of lifting the vehicle and running down the running track on a downward slope.

[0017] Furthermore, if the lower end of the travel path of the basic structure is connected to the lifting means of another basic structure installed adjacently in the direction of travel, vehicles etc. can travel continuously from the basic structure to the other adjacent basic structure. In other words, by installing the basic structures continuously in this way, vehicles etc. can travel long distances.

[0018] Furthermore, if the lifting means is a spiral road or an elevator-type lift, the vehicle or the like can be lifted to a predetermined height. In particular, in the case of a freight car that does not have a self-propelled means, an elevator-type lift can be used to lift the vehicle to a predetermined height.

[0019] Furthermore, if a branch road is provided at any point on the road, the vehicle can be driven onto the branch road to exit the road.

[0020] Furthermore, if a vehicle has a power generation unit capable of generating electricity and a power storage unit capable of storing the electricity generated by the power generation unit, it can store electricity generated by the rotational force of the engine, sunlight, or regenerative braking when the vehicle travels on a road. This allows the vehicle to travel while reducing energy consumption by using this stored electricity when traveling on an uphill road.

[0021] Furthermore, if a freight car can carry a vehicle, the vehicle can be loaded directly onto the freight car. This eliminates the need for the conventional process of transferring cargo from the vehicle to the freight car. Furthermore, since the vehicle is transported by freight car, a driver is not required, which alleviates the labor shortage.

[0022] Furthermore, if a freight car is connected by a cable to another freight car traveling on an uphill running road and can tow the other freight car using the cable when going down the running road, as the freight car moves down the downhill running road it can tow other freight cars traveling on an uphill running road, thereby reducing energy consumption when moving the other freight cars.

[0023] Furthermore, if the road is designed so that the vehicle can travel at a predetermined speed, the speed of the vehicle will not be slowed down, and the vehicle can travel at the predetermined speed and travel a longer distance. Specifically, this can be considered as a road that does not have a structure that requires the vehicle to stop, such as an intersection.

[0024] In addition, in order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the transportation system of the present invention comprises a basic structure consisting of an elevation means capable of elevating freight cars to a predetermined height, and a track formed in an approximately arc shape, connected to the elevation means at its starting point, and on which the freight cars can run, and the end point side of the track of the basic structure is connected to the elevation means of another basic structure located adjacent to it in the direction of travel.

[0025] Here, the freight car can be raised from the ground surface to a high position by a lifting means capable of raising the freight car to a predetermined height. As a result, the freight car has a predetermined potential energy, and as will be described later, this potential energy can be converted into kinetic energy, allowing it to run.

[0026] In addition, by using the lifting means and the track connected to the starting point side, the freight car lifted by the lifting means can be quickly introduced onto the track and run on the track.

[0027] Furthermore, the track on which the freight cars can run is formed in a roughly arc shape, allowing them to gain momentum by receiving a component of force acting parallel to the inclined surface of the track on the downward slope, and so the freight cars can be raised up the upward slope to a predetermined height, like the movement of a pendulum.

[0028] Furthermore, the basic structure consisting of the lifting means and the track allows the freight car to perform a series of movements, such as lifting the freight car and running it on the track.

[0029] In addition, the end of the track of the basic structure is connected to the lifting means of another basic structure installed adjacently in the direction of travel, so that freight cars can be easily moved from one basic structure to another. As a result, by providing the required number of basic structures, it is possible to move a specified distance.

[0030] Furthermore, if the end point of the track is located lower than the start point, and if it is possible to raise the freight car to any height using the lifting means, the freight car can be raised to any height by the lifting means and run. This allows a predetermined amount of potential energy to be given to the freight car running on the track, allowing it to easily run on the track while converting the potential energy into kinetic energy.

[0031] In addition, in order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the transportation system of the present invention comprises a basic structure consisting of a lifting means capable of lifting vehicles, freight cars, or monorail cars to a predetermined height, and a V-shaped running road consisting of a descending ramp and an ascending ramp, connected to the lifting means and on which vehicles, freight cars, or monorail cars raised to a high position by the lifting means can run using power supplied to them.

[0032] Here, a vehicle, freight car, or monorail vehicle (hereinafter referred to as "vehicle, etc.") can be elevated from the ground surface to a high position by using an elevation means capable of elevating the vehicle, etc. to a predetermined height. As a result, the vehicle, etc., has a predetermined potential energy, and as will be described later, can run by converting this potential energy into kinetic energy.

[0033] In addition, a V-shaped track is connected to the lifting means and allows vehicles, etc., raised to a predetermined height by the lifting means to quickly enter the V-shaped track, on which vehicles, etc., raised to a predetermined height by the lifting means can travel. Note that rails are provided on the V-shaped track when freight cars or monorails run on it.

[0034] In addition, the V-shaped running path consisting of a downward slope and an upward slope converts the potential energy possessed by the vehicle when traveling down the downward slope into kinetic energy, allowing the vehicle to travel with great force up the upward slope that follows the downward slope.In addition, the vehicle can generate electricity by using the rotation of the engine and regenerative braking when traveling down the slope.

[0035] Furthermore, since the vehicle travels under a component force acting parallel to the downward slope, this component force acts as a propulsive force pushing the vehicle downward, allowing the vehicle to travel with even more force. This allows the vehicle to travel a predetermined distance while reducing energy consumption.

[0036] Furthermore, when a vehicle capable of running on power supply slows down on an uphill road, the vehicle can be driven to the top of the uphill road by the power supply. The vehicle is provided with a power supply unit that is made up of a power generation unit that can generate electricity using the rotational force of the engine, sunlight, or regenerative braking, and a power storage unit that can store the electricity generated by the power generation unit.

[0037] Furthermore, the basic structure consisting of the lifting means and the V-shaped running path allows the vehicle to perform a series of movements, such as lifting the vehicle and moving it along the V-shaped running path. [Effects of the Invention]

[0038] The transportation system of the present invention is a transportation system that can travel a specified distance while reducing energy consumption by raising vehicles, etc. to a specified height and running them from a high position to a lower position using a downward-sloping running road. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0039] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic front view of a transportation system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 1 is a schematic plan view of a transportation system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a schematic front view of a transportation system according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 4(a) is a plan view of a freight car used in a transportation system according to a second embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 4(b) is a side view of the same freight car. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a schematic front view of a transportation system according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a schematic front view of a transportation system according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0040] A transportation system A of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2 to facilitate understanding of the present invention.

[0041] [First embodiment] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, transportation system A has a basic structure a consisting of a vehicle travelway 1 on which vehicle T can travel, a spiral-shaped multi-level road 2 for raising vehicle T to a higher position, and another basic structure a-1 installed adjacent to basic structure a in the direction of travel of vehicle T. Note that vehicle travelway 1 is an example of a travelway and multi-level road 2 is an example of a spiral road (elevation means), but these are not limited to these, and for example, travelways and elevation means using other well-known technologies are also possible. Furthermore, the number of basic structures of transportation system A is not limited to two, and any number can be provided.

[0042] The vehicle runway 1 is provided with a downward slope, and a vehicle T traveling on the vehicle runway 1 travels downhill. In this embodiment, the vehicle runway 1 has a horizontal length L of approximately 3 km and a height H of approximately 300 m. The size of the vehicle runway 1 is not limited to this, and other sizes are also possible. The vehicle runway 1 is not limited to a straight line, and may also be formed in a curved shape.

[0043] The Road Structure Ordinance stipulates that the gradient of a general road is "maximum 12%," so in this embodiment, the gradient of the ramp 12 is set to approximately 10%. However, the gradient is not limited to this and can be freely set within a range not exceeding 12%.

[0044] The multi-level highway 2 is an inbound-only road, and is composed of an entrance 20 provided at the bottom, a spiral road 21 formed in a spiral shape, and an exit 22 provided at the top of the spiral road 21. A vehicle T enters the multi-level highway 2 from the entrance 20, goes up the spiral road 21, exits the multi-level highway 2 from the exit 22, and reaches the vehicle travel lane 1.

[0045] That is, the vehicle T travels along the multi-level road 2 of the basic structure a from the ground surface G (which in this embodiment is at approximately the same height as the lowest point 10 of the vehicle road 1) to the highest point 11 of the vehicle road 1, and travels on the vehicle road 1 from the highest point 11 to the lowest point 10. Note that the lowest point 10 is an example of a low position, and the highest point 11 is an example of a high position, and the lowest point does not necessarily have to be at the same height as the ground surface G.

[0046] Furthermore, vehicle T that has reached the lowest point 10 of basic structure a can use the multi-level road 2 of another basic structure a-1 adjacent to it in the direction of travel of vehicle T to reach the highest point 11 of the other basic structure a-1, and can travel on the vehicle runway 1 of the other basic structure a-1.

[0047] In this way, by continuously traveling over the basic structure a and the other basic structures a-1, the vehicle T can travel without stopping from point X where the multi-level road 2 of the basic structure a is provided to point Y of the lowest point 10 of the vehicle travel path 1 of the other basic structure a-1. By providing even more basic structures in succession, the vehicle T can travel any distance.

[0048] The vehicle runway 1 also has a ramp 12 formed with a downward slope, an uppermost road 13 located upstream of the ramp 12, and a lowermost road 14 located downstream of the ramp 12. The gradients of the ramp 12, the uppermost road 13, and the lowermost road 14 are different, but an upstream gradient adjustment road 15 is provided between the ramp 12 and the uppermost road 13 to adjust the difference in gradient between the two roads, and a downstream gradient adjustment road 16 is provided between the ramp 12 and the lowermost road 14 to adjust the difference in gradient between the two roads.

[0049] Furthermore, both the uppermost road 13 and the lowermost road 14 are approximately 4-5 m long and have a gradient of approximately 0-1% (almost horizontal). By setting these lengths and gradients, vehicles can travel safely without having to travel on roads with steep gradients at the start or end of the vehicle road 1, thereby reducing the occurrence of accidents. Note that the lengths and gradients of both roads are not limited to those described above and can be determined arbitrarily.

[0050] Furthermore, the upstream gradient adjustment path 15 provided between the uppermost road 13 and the ramp 12 is formed so that its gradient rate is greater than that of the uppermost road 13 and less than that of the ramp 12, adjusting the difference in gradient rate between the two roads, so that the driver of the vehicle T is less likely to feel the sudden change in gradient rate when traveling on the vehicle travel path 1, allowing for safe travel. The same is true for the downstream gradient adjustment path 16 provided between the lowermost road 14 and the ramp 12.

[0051] That is, because of the upstream gradient adjustment path 15, when a vehicle arrives at the vehicle runway 1 from the multi-level road 2 on the top road 13, it does not immediately travel on the slope 12, but travels on the nearly horizontal top road 13 and then passes through the upstream gradient adjustment path 15 before entering the slope 12, so that the vehicle can travel safely without feeling any sudden change in the slope of the road surface.

[0052] In addition, the vehicle T descending the slope 12 travels along the lower gradient adjusting path 16 on the substantially horizontal lowest road 14 and reaches the lowest point 10, so that the vehicle can travel safely without feeling any sudden change in the slope of the road surface.

[0053] Furthermore, when vehicle T proceeds to the entrance 20 of the multi-level road 2 of another basic structure a-1 adjacent in the direction of travel, vehicle T is in an almost horizontal position, so it can safely enter the multi-level road 2.

[0054] Furthermore, because the ramp 12 has a predetermined gradient, a component force acting in a direction parallel to the slope and a component force acting in a direction perpendicular to the slope are generated on the vehicle T on the ramp 12. Of these component forces, the component force F acting in a direction parallel to the slope serves as a propulsive force that propels the vehicle T from the highest point 11 of the ramp 12 toward the lowest point 10. This allows the vehicle T to travel with momentum and also allows the vehicle T to travel with less fuel, thereby contributing to energy conservation.

[0055] Furthermore, the ramp 12 is not limited to being formed with a constant gradient throughout its entirety, and it is also possible to provide a speed adjustment section (not shown) on the ramp 12. For example, a section with a gentle gradient may be provided at any point between the top road 13 and the bottom road 14. In this way, when the vehicle T descends the ramp 12, the presence of a point with a gentle gradient (speed adjustment section) can prevent the vehicle T from gaining excessive speed, allowing the vehicle to travel safely.

[0056] The vehicle T is also provided with a power supply unit (not shown) that can supply electricity generated by the rotational force of the engine, sunlight, or regenerative braking. By using the electricity supplied from this power supply unit to move the vehicle T, fuel consumption can be reduced. This allows the vehicle T to move with even less energy.

[0057] Specifically, the power supply unit uses a transformer, capacitor, inverter, etc. to boost the voltage and increase the rotation of the power generation unit, and stores and supplies the electricity generated by this rotation. This allows the electricity generated when a heavy vehicle such as a truck or monorail goes down the ramp 12 to be used when the truck or other vehicle travels up the ramp, thereby reducing fuel consumption and contributing to energy conservation.

[0058] The power supply unit also has a power generation unit (not shown) that can generate electricity using the rotational force of the engine, sunlight, or regenerative braking, and a power storage unit (not shown) that can store the electricity generated by the power generation unit, so that, for example, the vehicle can generate electricity while traveling on the vehicle travel path 1 and use the generated electricity as energy when traveling on an uphill travel path (not shown), thereby making it possible to travel while reducing energy consumption. This also applies to the freight car W described below.

[0059] 2, a branch road 17 can be provided at any point on the vehicle road 1. The branch road 17 is, for example, a road that connects the vehicle road 1 to a general road, and is used when leaving the transportation system A.

[0060] Furthermore, if the vehicle travel path 1 is constructed so that the vehicle T can travel at a predetermined speed, the vehicle T can travel a longer distance without slowing down. Specifically, the vehicle travel path 1 may have a structure that does not include intersections where the vehicle T is required to stop.

[0061] Next, the traveling of vehicle T using transportation system A will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. FIG. A vehicle T enters the multi-level highway 2 from an entrance 20, gradually ascends while traveling on a spiral road 21, exits the multi-level highway 2 from an exit 22, and reaches the top point 11 of the vehicle road 1.

[0062] The driver of vehicle T then shifts to a low speed and proceeds slowly along the top road 13, passing through the upstream gradient adjustment path 15 and entering the ramp 12. At this time, the upstream gradient adjustment path 15 makes it difficult for the driver to sense the difference in gradient between the top road 13 and the ramp 12, allowing for safe driving.

[0063] Furthermore, vehicle T is subjected to a component force F that acts parallel to the inclined surface of ramp 12. The component force F acts to push vehicle T diagonally downward, which naturally enables vehicle T to move up ramp 12 with less energy. When the driver adjusts speed using regenerative braking while traveling up ramp 12, the electricity generated at this time can be stored and used as energy for moving vehicle T. In other words, component force F and the storage of electricity by regenerative braking and the like can significantly improve the fuel efficiency of vehicle T, contributing to energy conservation.

[0064] When vehicle T reaches the lowest point 10, it enters the entrance 20 of the multi-level road 2 of basic structure a-1 adjacent to basic structure a in the direction of travel of vehicle T relative to basic structure a, rises again, and after reaching the highest point 11, it enters the vehicle runway 1 of basic structure a-1 and can travel to the lowest point 10.

[0065] In this way, the vehicle T travels on the vehicle travel path 1 of each of the basic structures a and a-1, and can move from point X to point Y. Furthermore, since the vehicle T receives a component force F while traveling on the vehicle travel path 1, it can travel with less energy than simply traveling on a horizontal road.

[0066] [Second embodiment] A transportation system B according to the second embodiment will be described below with reference to Figures 3 and 4. The second embodiment has the same structure as the first embodiment, and the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0067] As shown in Figure 3, the transportation system B has a basic structure b consisting of a freight car runway 3 on which freight cars W can run and an elevator machine 4 for lifting the freight cars W to the highest point 31, and another basic structure b-1 arranged adjacent to the basic structure b in the direction of travel of the freight cars W (i.e., forward).

[0068] The freight car W is moved from the ground surface G (which is at approximately the same height as the lowest point 30 of the freight car runway 3) to the highest point 31 of the freight car runway 3 by the elevator machine 4 of the basic structure b, and travels on the freight car runway 3 to the lowest point 30. Note that the freight car runway 3 is an example of a runway, and the elevator machine 4 is an example of a lifting means, but they are not limited to these, and other known technologies can also be used. In particular, for freight cars that do not have a self-propelled function, it is possible to lift them by pulling them with a wire or the like.

[0069] In addition, the freight car W can run unmanned, and communicates with a management center (not shown) that manages the operation of the freight cars using known means regarding destination, location information, etc., and runs in response to instructions from the management center.

[0070] The freight car road 3 has a downward gradient of approximately 25%, and is provided with rails 32 on which freight cars W can travel. The start and end points of the rails 32 are provided with approximately horizontal sections, and gradient adjustment roads (not shown) are provided to make the difference in gradient less noticeable.

[0071] As shown in FIG. 4, in this embodiment, the freight car W is configured to be able to carry cargo D of a size generally considered to be home delivery size (external dimensions: length 470 mm, width 330 mm, depth 300 mm). The size of the cargo is not limited to the size shown in this embodiment and can be freely determined. Furthermore, the number of cargoes that can be loaded onto the freight car W is not limited to one, but multiple cargoes can also be loaded.

[0072] The freight car W has a base W1 on which freight D can be placed, four wheels W2 that can run on rails provided on the freight car road 3, and fixing means W3 at six locations for fixing the loaded freight so that it does not come off. The shape of the wheels and the fixing means are not limited to those in this embodiment, and can be freely determined.

[0073] Furthermore, when a freight car W travels on the rail 32, a component force acting in a direction parallel to the traveling surface and a component force acting in a direction perpendicular to the traveling surface are generated. Of these component forces, the component force F acting in a direction parallel to the traveling surface serves as a propulsive force that propels the freight car W from the highest point 31 to the lowest point 30 of the freight car travelway 3. This allows the freight car W to travel with momentum and also allows the freight car W to travel with less fuel, thereby contributing to energy conservation.

[0074] The freight car W is also equipped with a power storage device (not shown) that can store the electricity generated when it moves on the rails 32. The electricity stored in this power storage device can be used for communication with the management center described above, further contributing to energy conservation.

[0075] Next, the running of freight car W using transportation system B will be described with reference to FIG. First, a freight car W enters through entrance 40 of elevator machine 4 of basic structure b (i.e., point X), rises inside elevator machine 4, exits through exit 41 of elevator machine 4, and arrives at freight car runway 3. It then travels down from the highest point 31 of freight car runway 3 to the lowest point 30. It then enters through entrance 40 of elevator machine 4 of another basic structure b-1, rises inside elevator machine 4, and arrives at the highest point 31 of freight car runway 3 of the other basic structure b-1. It then travels down freight car runway 3 to the lowest point 30, and arrives at point Y.

[0076] In this way, by providing the elevator machine 4, transportation system B can easily reach the highest point 31 even for freight cars that do not have a self-propelled function, and can move from point X to point Y. It goes without saying that freight cars that have a self-propelled function can also ascend by climbing up the car runway 1 described in the first embodiment. However, if the freight car does not have a self-propelled function, it will move by sliding down the freight car runway 3 under the influence of gravity.

[0077] If the freight car W is sized to accommodate a vehicle, the vehicle can be loaded directly onto the freight car, eliminating the need to transfer the vehicle's cargo to a freight car (such as a container). Also, since the entire vehicle is loaded onto the freight car W, no driver is required during transportation, eliminating the need for a driver shortage.

[0078] Furthermore, if a freight car W is connected to another freight car traveling on an uphill running track by a wire (one example of a cable) (not shown), the other freight car can be towed using the wire when traveling down the freight car running track 3. This allows the other freight car to travel with reduced energy consumption when traveling on the uphill running track.

[0079] [Third embodiment] A transportation system C according to the third embodiment will be described below with reference to Fig. 5. The configuration of the third embodiment is similar to that of the second embodiment, and the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0080] As shown in Figure 5, the transportation system C has a basic structure c consisting of an arc-shaped freight car runway 5 on which freight cars W can run and an elevator machine 4 for lifting the freight cars W to a high position, and another basic structure c-1 installed adjacent to the basic structure c in the direction of travel of the freight cars W (i.e., forward).

[0081] The freight car runway 5 is formed in a substantially arc-shaped configuration, and has a downward slope 53 extending from the starting point 51 to the lowest point 50 and an upward slope 54 extending from the lowest point 50 to the end point 52.

[0082] Furthermore, the freight car W is moved by the elevator machine 4 of the basic structure c from the ground surface G (which is at approximately the same height as the lowest point 50 of the freight car runway 5) to the start point 51 of the freight car runway 5, and travels on the freight car runway 5 to the end point 52. The freight car runway 5 is an example of a runway.

[0083] Furthermore, freight car W traveling downhill slope 53 from starting point 51 moves like a pendulum and ascends uphill slope 54 toward end point 52. At this time, as freight car W descends downhill slope 53, it converts potential energy into kinetic energy and travels with momentum, allowing it to travel uphill slope 54 to a predetermined height.

[0084] That is, when the freight car W travels down the slope 53, a component force acting in a direction parallel to the traveling surface and a component force acting in a direction perpendicular to the traveling surface are generated. Of these component forces, the component force F acting in a direction parallel to the traveling surface serves as a propulsive force that propels the freight car W from the start point 51 toward the end point 52 of the freight car travelway 5. This allows the freight car W to travel with momentum and also allows the freight car W to travel with less fuel, thereby contributing to energy conservation.

[0085] In this way, the freight car W travels on the freight car runway 5 of the basic structure c. Note that the starting point 51 and the ending point 52 do not necessarily have to be at the same height, and it is also possible that the ending point 52 is located at a different height from the starting point 51.

[0086] Furthermore, if the starting point 51 and the ending point 52 are set at the same height, the starting point 51 of the basic structure c-1 of the freight car W will be located at the same height as the starting point 51 of the basic structure c, so the freight car running path 5 of the basic structure c-1 can be run from the same height as the starting point 51 of the basic structure c.

[0087] Furthermore, if the freight car W cannot raise the terminal point 52 to the same height as the starting point 51 due to frictional resistance between the freight car runway 5 and the wheels W2, the terminal point 52 that the freight car W reaches is set at a lower position than the starting point 51, resulting in a height difference h between the starting point 51 and the terminal point 52. In such a case, after the freight car W arrives at the terminal point 52, the elevator machine 4 can raise the freight car W to the same height as the starting point 51 of the basic structure c, allowing the freight car W to run from the same height as the basic structure c.

[0088] [Fourth embodiment] A transportation system D according to the fourth embodiment will be described below with reference to FIG.

[0089] As shown in Figure 6, the transportation system D has a basic structure d consisting of a vehicle runway 6 on which the vehicle T can travel and an elevated road 7 for raising the vehicle T to a higher position, and another basic structure d-1 installed adjacent to the basic structure d in the direction of travel of the vehicle T (i.e., forward).

[0090] The vehicle runway 6 has two V-shaped runs 65, 66 formed in a roughly V shape and a terminal downward ramp 67. The V-shaped runway 65 is made up of a downward ramp 63 extending from the start point 61 to the lowest point 60 of the freight car runway 6, and an upward ramp 64 extending from the lowest point 60 to the apex 62. The V-shaped runway 66 is also made up of a downward ramp 63a extending from the apex 62 to the lowest point 60a, and an upward ramp 64a extending from the lowest point 60a to the apex 62a. The number of V-shaped runs is not limited to two, and any number of V-shaped runs can be provided. Furthermore, V-shaped runs are not limited to runs for vehicles, and can also be used for freight cars and monorails.

[0091] Furthermore, a terminal downward ramp 67 is provided from the apex 62a toward the terminal point 68, and is continuous with the multi-level road 7 of another adjacent basic structure d-1.

[0092] The multi-level road 7 has a structure similar to that of the multi-level road 2 of the first embodiment, but the height H1 of the multi-level road 7 is approximately 150 m, which is lower than the height H of the multi-level road 2. This reduces the energy required for the vehicle T to ascend the multi-level road 7.

[0093] Furthermore, when vehicle T travels down a sloped road 63 from the starting point 61 of V-shaped travel path 65 toward the lowest point 60, it converts potential energy into kinetic energy and uses this kinetic energy to travel up an upslope road 64 that continues from the downslope road 63, reaching an apex 62. From apex 62, vehicle T travels toward the lowest point 60a of the downslope road 63a of V-shaped travel path 66, travels up an upslope 64a, and reaches an apex 62a. Furthermore, vehicle T travels down a terminal sloped road 67 from apex 62a and enters another adjacent basic structure d-1. By repeating this process, vehicle T can travel any distance.

[0094] Furthermore, vehicle T can store electricity generated by regenerative braking in a power storage unit (not shown) attached to vehicle T. As a result, for example, when vehicle T decelerates while on an uphill road 64, the electricity stored in the power storage unit can assist vehicle T in traveling and allow vehicle T to reach the peak 64. Note that adjustment of the assistance of vehicle T by regenerative braking is performed by computer control.

[0095] Furthermore, the starting point 61 and the vertices 62 and 62a do not necessarily have to be located at the same height. Even if the vertices 62 and 62a are located higher than the starting point 61, the vehicle T can reach the vertices 62 and 62a by supplying power from a power supply unit.

[0096] In this way, a transportation system to which the present invention is applied can provide a transportation system that can travel a specified distance while reducing energy consumption by raising vehicles, etc. to a specified height and running them from a high position to a lower position using a downward-sloping running road. [Explanation of symbols]

[0097] A. Transportation System a basic structure a-1 Other basic structures B. Transportation System b Basic structure b-1 Other basic structures C. Transportation System c basic structure c-1 Other basic structures D. Transportation System d basic structure d-1 Other basic structures F component force T vehicle W freight car 1. Vehicle track 10 lowest point 11 Highest point 2 multi-level road 3 Freight car tracks 30 lowest point 31 Highest point 4 elevator machines 5. Freight car tracks 51 Starting point 52 End Point 6 Vehicle track 63 Downhill Road 64 Uphill Road 65 66 V-shaped running path 7 Multi-level road

Claims

1. a lifting means capable of lifting the vehicle or freight car to a predetermined height; a travelway connected to the lifting means on a downward slope, on which vehicles or freight cars raised to a higher position by the lifting means can travel toward a lower position; Transportation system.

2. The lower end of the travel path of the basic structure is connected to the lifting means of another basic structure that is adjacently provided in the direction of travel. The transportation system of claim 1 .

3. The lifting means is a spiral road or an elevator. The transportation system according to claim 1 or 2.

4. A branch road is provided at any point on the travel path. The transportation system according to claim 1 or 2.

5. The vehicle or the freight car has a power generation unit capable of generating electricity and a power storage unit capable of storing the electricity generated by the power generation unit. The transportation system according to claim 1 or 2.

6. The freight car is capable of carrying a vehicle. The transportation system according to claim 1 or 2.

7. The freight car is connected to another freight car traveling on an uphill running road by a cable, and when traveling down the running road, the other freight car can be towed by the cable. The transportation system according to claim 1 or 2.

8. The travel path is provided so that the vehicle or freight car can travel at a predetermined speed. The transportation system according to claim 1 or 2.

9. a basic structure including a lifting means capable of lifting a freight car to a predetermined height, and a track formed in a substantially arc shape, connected to the lifting means at a starting point side, and on which the freight car can run; The end of the track of the basic structure is connected to the lifting means of another basic structure adjacent to it in the direction of travel. Transportation system.

10. When the end point of the track is located lower than the start point, the lifting means can lift the freight car to any height. The transportation system according to claim 9.

11. lifting means capable of lifting a vehicle, freight car or monorail car to a predetermined height; The vehicle is provided with a basic structure comprising a V-shaped running path that is connected to the lifting means and that is made up of a downward ramp and an upward ramp, on which a vehicle, freight car, or monorail vehicle that has been raised to a high position by the lifting means can run by receiving power supply. Transportation system.

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