Goods transport vehicle

Abstract

This aims to create a transport vehicle that allows for optimal overall weight balance and easy miniaturization. [Solution] The goods transport vehicle (1) comprises a vehicle body (2), a drive unit (4) supported in the center of the vehicle body (2) in the front-rear direction (X), a control device (5) supported on one side of the vehicle body (2) in the front-rear direction (X), a power supply unit (6) supported on the other side of the vehicle body (2) in the front-rear direction (X), and a cable (8) arranged in a wiring space (Sw) that straddles the drive unit (4) in the front-rear direction (X) and electrically connects the control device (5) and the power supply unit (6).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an article transport vehicle.

Background Art

[0002] For example, in facilities for storing and sorting articles, etc., an article transport vehicle for transporting articles is used. An example of such an article transport vehicle is disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2021-181362 (Patent Document 1).

[0003] The article transport vehicle (automated guided vehicle 1) of Patent Document 1 includes a vehicle body (base 10), a traveling drive unit (wheels 12 and a motor), a control device (electric circuit), and a cable (cable 13), and although not explicitly stated, it is considered to naturally include a power supply device. The control device controls the traveling drive unit (specifically, the motor), and the power supply device is considered to supply power to the traveling drive unit (specifically, the motor). Also, the cable connects the vehicle body and the transfer device (conveyor C1).

[0004] In the article transport vehicle of Patent Document 1, the traveling drive unit is arranged at the central part of the vehicle body, and the cable is arranged above the traveling drive unit. On the other hand, Patent Document 1 has no explicit description regarding the arrangement of the control device and the power supply device.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] When determining the arrangement of the traveling drive unit, control device, power supply device, etc. in an article transport vehicle, it is required to consider optimizing the overall weight balance and miniaturization. However, Patent Document 1 has no description regarding such points.

[0007] Therefore, there is a need for a transport vehicle that allows for optimal overall weight balance and easy miniaturization. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The goods transport vehicle related to this disclosure is A transport vehicle for transporting goods, The car body and, A drive unit supported in the center of the vehicle body in the front-rear direction, A control device supported on one side in the front-rear direction relative to the vehicle body and the drive unit, A power supply unit supported on the other side in the front-rear direction relative to the vehicle body and the drive unit, The device comprises a cable that electrically connects the control device and the power supply device, The aforementioned drive unit comprises a pair of wheels and a drive motor that drives the pair of wheels. The control device is configured to control the drive motor, The power supply unit is configured to supply power to the drive motor, The cable is arranged in a wiring space provided so as to straddle the drive unit in the front-rear direction.

[0009] This configuration allows for the optimization of the overall weight balance of the transport vehicle by supporting the drive unit in the center of the vehicle body in the longitudinal direction, and supporting the control device and power supply unit separately on both sides of the vehicle body in the longitudinal direction relative to the drive unit. Furthermore, by arranging the cables in a wiring space provided to straddle the drive unit in the longitudinal direction, the control device and power supply unit can be connected via the shortest or near-shortest route. This makes it easier to reduce the space required for cable arrangement, and consequently, to reduce the size of the transport vehicle.

[0010] Further features and advantages of the technology relating to this disclosure will become clearer from the following description of exemplary and non-limiting embodiments, with reference to the drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1] Perspective view of the article transport vehicle according to the embodiment. [Figure 2] Operational diagram of a goods transport vehicle [Figure 3] Disassembled perspective view of the vehicle body [Figure 4] Perspective view from the bottom of the goods transport vehicle. [Figure 5] Plan view of a transport vehicle [Figure 6] Side view of a goods transport vehicle [Figure 7] Cross-sectional view VII-VII in Figure 5 [Figure 8] Perspective view of the cable holding section [Figure 9] Front view of the cable holder [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0012] An embodiment of the goods transport vehicle will be described with reference to the drawings. The goods transport vehicle 1 of this embodiment is used, for example, to transport goods A in a facility that stores, sorts, etc., goods A (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "logistics facility").

[0013] As shown in Figure 1, the goods transport vehicle 1 comprises a vehicle body 2 and a transfer device 9 mounted on the vehicle body 2 for transferring goods A. The vehicle body 2 travels on a travel surface F (see Figure 2). The travel surface F is, for example, the floor of a logistics facility. Hereinafter, the direction in which the goods transport vehicle 1 (vehicle body 2) travels will be referred to as the "forward / backward direction X", the direction normal to the travel surface F will be referred to as the "up / down direction Z", and the direction perpendicular to the forward / backward direction X when viewed from the up / down direction Z will be referred to as the "width direction Y". In addition, one side in the forward / backward direction X, which is the forward direction side, may be referred to as the "front side", and the opposite side may be referred to as the "rear side".

[0014] The transfer device 9 includes a transfer tray 91. The transfer device 9 is configured to be able to switch between a horizontal posture (see FIG. 1) in which the transfer tray 91 is horizontally arranged along the upper surface of the vehicle body 2 and an inclined posture (see FIG. 2) in which the transfer tray 91 is inclined with respect to the upper surface of the vehicle body 2. The transfer device 9 can place the article A on the transfer tray 91 in the horizontal posture. Also, as shown in FIG. 2, the transfer device 9 can slide and transfer the article A from the transfer tray 91 by changing the transfer tray 91 from the horizontal posture to the inclined posture.

[0015] The article transport vehicle 1 travels to the destination within the logistics facility with the article A placed on the transfer tray 91 in the horizontal posture, and at this position, the transfer tray 91 is set to the inclined posture, and the article A can be transported and delivered to the destination. As the destination within the logistics facility, for example, as shown in FIG. 2, an article input section T for inputting the articles A sorted by each shipping destination is exemplified.

[0016] Note that the article transport vehicle 1 of the present embodiment is configured as an autonomous transport vehicle capable of autonomous driving. The article transport vehicle 1 includes a reading device 7, and by sequentially reading the position information recorded in a plurality of position information storage units B intermittently provided on the traveling surface F by this reading device 7, it can perform autonomous driving while grasping its own vehicle position. Examples of the position information storage unit B include barcodes such as one-dimensional codes and two-dimensional codes, RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) tags, and the like. As the reading device 7, a barcode reader, a tag reader, or the like is used according to the type of the position information storage unit B.

[0017] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view showing the structure of the vehicle body 2 among the vehicle body 2 and the transfer device 9 constituting the article transport vehicle 1 (the illustration of the transfer device 9 is omitted). As shown in FIG. 3, the vehicle body 2 has a vehicle body main body 20 and a cover 29 that is detachably attached to the vehicle body main body 20 from above. Also, in addition to the vehicle body 2 having the vehicle body main body 20 and the cover 29, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the article transport vehicle 1 includes a traveling drive unit 4, a control device 5, a power supply device 6, and a cable 8.

[0018] The vehicle body 20 is equipped with a base 21 capable of supporting the drive unit 4, control device 5, power supply unit 6, and cable 8. The base 21 is rectangular in shape when viewed from above (in this example, a rectangle close to a square with chamfered corners). The base 21 has a flat bottom 22 and a central raised portion 23 that rises upward from the bottom 22 in the center of the front-rear direction X. The back (bottom) side of the central raised portion 23 is a recessed space that rises upward from the bottom surface 22a of the bottom 22, as shown in Figure 4, and this space constitutes the wheel housing space 23a.

[0019] In this embodiment, the wheel housing space 23a on the back side of the central raised portion 23 of the base 21 constitutes the drive support space Sd. Furthermore, the space on the front side of the base 21, which is one side in the front-rear direction X from the central raised portion 23, constitutes the control device support space Sc. Furthermore, the space on the rear side of the base 21, which is the other side in the front-rear direction X from the central raised portion 23, constitutes the power supply support space Sp.

[0020] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the drive unit 4 is located in the drive support space Sd (wheel housing space 23a). As a result, the drive unit 4 is supported in the center of the vehicle body 2 in the longitudinal direction X. In this embodiment, the drive unit 4 comprises a pair of wheels 41 and a drive motor 42 that drives the pair of wheels 41. The pair of wheels 41 are arranged separately in the width direction Y. The pair of drive motors 42 are each coaxially positioned adjacent to the corresponding wheels 41 in the width direction Y and are connected to rotate integrally with the corresponding wheels 41.

[0021] In this embodiment, the wheel housing space 23a is divided into two sections in the width direction Y by an open-shaped window section 25 formed in the center of the base 21 in the width direction Y. A first set of wheel 41 and running motor 42 is arranged in one of the two divided wheel housing spaces 23a, and a second set of wheel 41 and running motor 42 is arranged in the other of the two divided wheel housing spaces 23a. That is, a first wheel 41A and a first running motor 42A are arranged in one of the two wheel housing spaces 23a, and a second wheel 41B and a second running motor 42B are arranged in the other of the two wheel housing spaces 23a. In this embodiment, the first running motor 42A corresponds to the "first motor," and the second running motor 42B corresponds to the "second motor."

[0022] Furthermore, a reading device 7 is positioned and supported in the window portion 25 formed in the base 21, facing the bottom surface 22a side (running surface F side) of the bottom portion 22. The reading device 7 is positioned between the first wheel 41A and the second wheel 41B in the width direction Y of the vehicle body 2, and more specifically, between the first running motor 42A and the second running motor 42B in the width direction Y.

[0023] In this embodiment, recesses 22b are formed at both ends of the base 21 in the front-rear direction X, each recessed in the width direction Y. At least a portion of these recesses 22b are fitted with auxiliary wheels 44. Figure 4 shows an example in which auxiliary wheels 44 are fitted only in two diagonally opposite recesses 22b out of the four recesses 22b, but auxiliary wheels 44 may be fitted in all four recesses 22b, for example.

[0024] As shown in Figure 3, in this embodiment, an extended raised portion 24 is formed on the front side of the base 21, which is one side in the front-rear direction X than the central raised portion 23, and rises upward from the bottom portion 22 in the same way as the central raised portion 23. The extended raised portions 24 are provided on both sides of the base 21 in the width direction Y. Furthermore, the extended raised portions 24 are provided integrally with the central raised portion 23 in the front-rear direction X. In other words, the portions on both sides of the central raised portion 23 in the width direction Y are extended to the front side, which is one side in the front-rear direction X, and these extended portions become the extended raised portions 24. The extended raised portions 24 are provided in the control device support space Sc.

[0025] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 4, the back (bottom) side of the extended raised portion 24 is a space that is recessed upward from the bottom surface 22a of the bottom portion 22, and this space constitutes a concave space 24a. This concave space 24a is formed integrally with the wheel housing space 23a in the front-rear direction X. Unlike the wheel housing space 23a, no components of the goods transport vehicle 1 are placed in the concave space 24a. The concave space 24a constitutes part of the air guide passage 30 through which the airflow generated as the goods transport vehicle 1 moves passes.

[0026] As shown in Figures 3 and 5, the control device 5 is located in the control device support space Sc. Thus, the control device 5 is supported on the front side of the vehicle body 2, which is one side in the longitudinal direction X relative to the driving unit 4. Here, the control device 5 is a component for controlling the driving motor 42, and in this embodiment, it includes at least a driver unit 51 and a control board 52 (omitted in Figure 3).

[0027] The driver unit 51 is a unit having a driver circuit including semiconductor elements for rotationally driving the travel motor 42. In this embodiment, a pair of driver units 51 are provided corresponding to each of the pair of travel motors 42. That is, the driver unit 51 consists of a first driver unit corresponding to the first travel motor 42A and a second driver unit corresponding to the second travel motor 42B.

[0028] The driver unit 51 is formed in the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped. In this embodiment, the driver unit 51 is formed in the shape of a flattened rectangular parallelepiped in which the length of one of the three sides extending perpendicularly from each vertex is significantly shorter (for example, less than 1 / 3) than the lengths of the other two sides. The face formed by the two longer sides of this driver unit 51 is the face with the largest area, and there are two such faces with the largest area facing each other. In this embodiment, the two faces with the largest area that face opposite each other are called the first face 51a and the second face 51b.

[0029] As shown in Figure 3, the flattened rectangular driver unit 51 is positioned vertically along the longitudinal direction X of the vehicle body 2. Here, "longitudinal orientation" means an orientation in which the length in the vertical direction Z (height) is longer than at least one of the length in the longitudinal direction X and the length in the width direction Y. In other words, "longitudinal orientation" means an orientation in which the two largest surfaces facing opposite directions, the first surface 51a and the second surface 51b, face the width direction Y (an orientation along the vertical direction Z and the longitudinal direction X). In this embodiment, the driver unit 51 is fixed to the base 21 in a longitudinal orientation with its longest side aligned along the longitudinal direction X.

[0030] Furthermore, the driver unit 51 is fixed to the extended raised portion 24 of the base 21. In this embodiment, one of the two surfaces (first surface 51a and second surface 51b) of the driver unit 51 facing the width direction Y (the second surface 51b in the example of Figure 3) is designated as the surface to be cooled 51c. The surface to be cooled 51c of the driver unit 51 is the surface to be cooled in order to protect the built-in semiconductor elements. As shown in Figure 7, it is preferable that the surface to be cooled 51c has an uneven structure, such as fins or pins, formed thereon to promote heat dissipation.

[0031] A rectangular opening 35, as shown in Figure 7, is formed through the extended raised portion 24 of the base 21 on the side facing inward in the width direction Y (towards the center of the width direction Y of the vehicle body 2) (inner side surface 24B, see Figure 5). The driver unit 51 is fixed to the extended raised portion 24 so as to cover this opening 35. The driver unit 51 is fixed to the inner side surface 24B of the extended raised portion 24 such that the surface to be cooled 51c faces the concave space 24a through the opening 35.

[0032] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 7, a lower opening 31 is formed at the lower end of the base 21 (bottom 22) of the vehicle body 20 on the front side in the longitudinal direction X. This lower opening 31 is connected to an enlarged diameter portion 32, the height in the vertical direction Z gradually increases as it moves toward the rear in the longitudinal direction X, and is further connected to the aforementioned concave space 24a via this enlarged diameter portion 32.

[0033] As the goods transport vehicle 1 moves forward, wind acts on it due to its relative movement. In this embodiment, this wind is referred to as "driving wind." This driving wind is guided from the lower opening 31 through the enlarged diameter section 32 into the concave space 24a. In the concave space 24a, the driving wind reaches the cooling surface 51c of the driver unit 51, which is exposed from the opening 35, and cools the driver unit 51 through heat exchange with the cooling surface 51c. After cooling the driver unit 51, the driving wind passes from the concave space 24a through the wheel housing space 23a and out to the outside of the vehicle body 2.

[0034] In this embodiment, an air guide 30 is formed by a space that extends from the lower opening 31 through the enlarged diameter section 32 to the concave space 24a, and further to the wheel housing space 23a, through which the airflow passes. The air guide 30 is positioned such that its arrangement area in the width direction Y overlaps with that of at least one (both in this example) of the drive unit 4 and the power supply unit 6.

[0035] The control board 52 controls the drive motor 42 by controlling the operation of semiconductor elements included in the driver unit 51. The control board 52 is constructed by mounting various electronic components on an insulating substrate. As shown in Figure 5, the control board 52 is located at the front of the control device support space Sc, which is one side in the longitudinal direction X. Since the control device support space Sc is located at the front of the vehicle body 2 in the longitudinal direction X, the control board 52 is located near the front end in the longitudinal direction X of the entire vehicle body 2. Furthermore, the control board 52 is located within the control device support space Sc, extending almost the entire width Y area.

[0036] As can be seen from Figures 3 and 6, the control device 5 is positioned in a location that overlaps with the drive unit 4 in a front-to-back view along the front-to-back direction X. In this embodiment, the driver unit 51 constituting the control device 5 is positioned so that its entirety overlaps with the drive unit 4 in a front-to-back view. The control board 52 is positioned so that a portion of it (specifically, approximately half of the vertical Z direction) overlaps with the drive unit 4 in a front-to-back view.

[0037] In this embodiment, in addition to the control device 5, a transfer drive unit 92 is also located in the control device support space Scr. Thus, the transfer drive unit 92, like the control device 5, is supported on the front side of the vehicle body 2, which is one side in the longitudinal direction X relative to the travel drive unit 4. In this way, the transfer drive unit 92 is supported on the portion of the vehicle body 2 that is on the control device 5 side relative to the travel drive unit 4. Here, the transfer drive unit 92 is configured to control the change in posture of the transfer tray 91 as part of the transfer device 9, and in this embodiment includes at least a tilting mechanism 93 and a transfer motor 94.

[0038] In this embodiment, the tilting mechanism 93 is composed of a tilt lever including a link mechanism. The tilting mechanism 93 is fixed to the transfer tray 91 and connected to the transfer motor 94. The transfer motor 94 rotates to switch the transfer tray 91 between a horizontal position and an inclined position via the tilting mechanism 93. The control board 52 described above also controls the operation of the transfer motor 94.

[0039] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 5, the tilting mechanism 93 is located on the rear side in the longitudinal direction X of the control device support space Sc. The tilting mechanism 93 is located adjacent to the front of the travel drive unit 4 in the longitudinal direction X. The transfer motor 94 is located in the central part of the width direction Y of the control device support space Sc. The transfer motor 94 is located over an area that occupies more than half of the longitudinal direction X of the control device support space Sc.

[0040] As can be seen from Figure 6, the transfer motor 94 is positioned in a location that overlaps with the travel drive unit 4 when viewed in the front-rear direction. In this embodiment, a portion of the transfer motor 94 (specifically, approximately half of the vertical Z direction) is positioned so that it overlaps with the travel drive unit 4 when viewed in the front-rear direction. The tilting mechanism 93 is positioned all or most of the way above the travel drive unit 4.

[0041] As shown in Figures 3 and 5, the power supply unit 6 is located in the power supply unit support space Sp. This means the power supply unit 6 is supported on the rear side of the vehicle body 2, which is the other side in the longitudinal direction X relative to the drive unit 4. Here, the power supply unit 6 is a component for supplying power to at least the drive motor 42, and in this embodiment, it also supplies power to the transfer motor 94 and the reading device 7. For the power supply unit 6, for example, a secondary battery such as a lithium-ion battery, an electrolytic capacitor, an electric double-layer capacitor, etc., can be used.

[0042] The power supply unit 6 is located on the front side in the longitudinal direction X of the power supply unit support space Sp. The power supply unit 6 is located adjacent to the rear of the drive unit 4 in the longitudinal direction X. The power supply unit 6 is located in an area that occupies more than half of the longitudinal direction X within the power supply unit support space Sp. Furthermore, the power supply unit 6 is located in substantially the entire width direction Y within the power supply unit support space Sp.

[0043] In this embodiment, in addition to the power supply unit 6, a power receiving unit 65 is also arranged in the power supply unit support space Sp. As a result, the power receiving unit 65 is supported on the rear side of the vehicle body 2, which is the other side in the longitudinal direction X relative to the drive unit 4, similar to the power supply unit 6. Thus, the power receiving unit 65 is supported on the part of the vehicle body 2 that is on the power supply unit 6 side relative to the drive unit 4. Here, the power receiving unit 65 is a component for receiving power when the power supply unit 6 is charged. The power receiving unit 65 may be, for example, a connector when the power supply unit 6 is charged via a wired connection through a power line, or it may be a power receiving coil or the like when the power supply unit 6 is charged wirelessly.

[0044] The power receiving unit 65 is located near the rear end in the longitudinal direction X of the power supply support space Sp. Since the power supply support space Sp is located at the rear end in the longitudinal direction X of the vehicle body 2, the power receiving unit 65 is located at the rear end in the longitudinal direction X of the entire vehicle body 2. Furthermore, the power receiving unit 65 is located in the center of the width direction Y within the power supply support space Sp.

[0045] As can be seen from Figure 6, the power supply unit 6 is positioned in a location that overlaps with the drive unit 4 when viewed in the front-rear direction. In this embodiment, the power supply unit 6 is positioned such that a portion of it (specifically, approximately half in the vertical Z direction) overlaps with the drive unit 4 when viewed in the front-rear direction. The power receiving unit 65 is also positioned in a location that overlaps with the drive unit 4 when viewed in the front-rear direction. In this embodiment, the power receiving unit 65 is positioned such that a portion of it (specifically, approximately half in the vertical Z direction) overlaps with the drive unit 4 when viewed in the front-rear direction.

[0046] In this embodiment, the driver unit 51, tilting mechanism 93, transfer motor 94, power supply unit 6, power receiving unit 65, and reading device 7, all supported by the vehicle body 20, are arranged to fit within the vertical Z range occupied by the control board 52. As a result, a neat and compact rectangular parallelepiped vehicle body 2 with a small vertical Z dimension is realized.

[0047] Furthermore, regarding the arrangement of relatively heavy components, as shown in Figure 5, a pair of driving motors 42 are positioned in the center of the longitudinal direction X, a transfer motor 94 is positioned further forward, and the power supply unit 6 is positioned on the opposite side, at the rear. This arrangement optimizes the weight balance of the vehicle body 2 in the longitudinal direction X.

[0048] Cable 8 electrically connects at least the control device 5 and the power supply device 6. In this embodiment, multiple cables 8 are provided, and other cables 8 electrically connect the control device 5 and the reading device 7. Cable 8 is located in a wiring space Sw that spans the drive unit 4 in the longitudinal direction X. Here, "spanning the drive unit 4 in the longitudinal direction X" means that the wiring space Sw extends beyond the area occupied by the drive unit 4 in a position that overlaps with the drive unit 4 when viewed from above, to both sides in the longitudinal direction X. In this embodiment, the wiring space Sw is located above the drive unit 4 and spans the drive unit 4 in the longitudinal direction X.

[0049] In this embodiment, the wiring space Sw is located below the higher of the uppermost part of the control device 5 (in this case, the uppermost part of the control board 52) and the uppermost part of the power supply unit 6.

[0050] In this embodiment, the area including the upper surfaces of at least both ends in the width direction Y of the central raised portion 23 of the base 21 and the upper surface of the extended raised portion 24 is considered part of the wiring space Sw. In this embodiment, the wiring space Sw also includes the area on the central side (reading device 7 side) in the width direction Y of the central raised portion 23 and the area outside the power supply unit 6 (outer edge side of the base 21) in the width direction Y. As shown in Figure 3, the wiring space Sw is accessible from above when the cover 29 is removed from the vehicle body 20. With this configuration, workers can easily operate the cable 8 from above, for example, during maintenance.

[0051] As shown in Figures 3 and 5, the wiring space Sw is provided with cable holding sections 26 for holding the cable 8. In this embodiment, cable holding sections 26 are provided at both ends in the width direction Y of the central raised section 23 of the base 21. Two cable holding sections 26 are provided on each side of the width direction Y, separated in the front-rear direction X.

[0052] As shown in Figures 8 and 9, the cable holding section 26 of this embodiment comprises a pair of clamp arms 27, each extending upward and positioned opposite each other in the width direction Y. The cable holding section 26 holds the cable 8 in a state where the cable 8 is housed between these two pairs of clamp arms 27.

[0053] In this embodiment, a protruding piece 27A is formed at the upper end of each of the pair of clamp arms 27, projecting inward (facing each other). The protruding piece 27A can be locked from above to the uppermost cable 8 housed between the pair of clamp arms 27, preventing the cable 8 from coming out upward.

[0054] [Other Embodiments] (1) In the above embodiment, a configuration in which the driver unit 51 is arranged in a vertical position along the longitudinal direction X of the vehicle body 2 was described as an example. However, the configuration is not limited to such a configuration, and for example, the driver unit 51 may be arranged in a horizontal position. Here, "horizontal position" means the position in which the length (height) in the vertical direction Z is shortest. In other words, "horizontal position" means a position in which the first surface 51a and the second surface 51b, which are the two surfaces with the largest area and facing opposite directions from each other, face in the vertical direction Z (a position along the longitudinal direction X and the width direction Y). In such a case, an opening 35 may be formed in the bottom 22 of the base 21, and the driver unit 51 may be fixed to the bottom 22 such that the surface to be cooled 51c faces the lower space of the vehicle body 2 through this opening 35.

[0055] (2) In the above embodiment, a configuration was described as in which the cable 8 is arranged above the drive unit 4 and straddles the drive unit 4 in the longitudinal direction X. However, the configuration is not limited to this, and the cable 8 may be arranged below the drive unit 4 and straddle the drive unit 4 in the longitudinal direction X. Such a configuration can be suitably applied, for example, when the outer diameter of the drive motor 42 is significantly smaller than the outer diameter of the wheel 41.

[0056] (3) In the above embodiment, a configuration in which the drive unit 4, the control device 5, and the power supply unit 6 overlap with each other in a view in the front and rear direction was described as an example. However, the configuration is not limited to such a configuration, and at least one of the drive unit 4, the control device 5, and the power supply unit 6 does not need to overlap with the others in a view in the front and rear direction.

[0057] (4) In the above embodiment, a configuration in which the wiring space Sw is accessible from above with the cover 29 removed from the vehicle body 20 was described as an example. However, the configuration is not limited to such a configuration, and for example, the wiring space Sw may be accessible only from the side (outside in the width direction Y) with the cover 29 removed from the vehicle body 20. Such a configuration can be suitably applied, for example, when the cable 8 is located below the drive unit 4.

[0058] (5) In the above embodiment, a configuration in which the cable holding portion 26 is provided with a pair of clamp arms 27 was described as an example. However, the cable holding portion 26 is not limited to such a configuration, and only needs to be able to hold the cable 8 without any problems, and may be composed of, for example, a band, a clip, and tape.

[0059] (6) In the above embodiment, a configuration was described as in which the transfer drive unit 92 is supported on the side of the control device 5 relative to the travel drive unit 4 in the longitudinal direction X. However, the configuration is not limited to such a configuration, and the transfer drive unit 92 may be supported in the same longitudinal direction X region as the travel drive unit 4, for example. Alternatively, the transfer drive unit 92 may be supported on the side of the power supply unit 6 relative to the travel drive unit 4 in the longitudinal direction X.

[0060] (7) In the above embodiment, a configuration was described as in which the power receiving unit 65 is supported on the power supply unit 6 side relative to the drive unit 4 in the longitudinal direction X. However, the configuration is not limited to such a configuration, and the power receiving unit 65 may be supported in the same longitudinal direction X as the drive unit 4, for example. Alternatively, the power receiving unit 65 may be supported on the control device 5 side relative to the drive unit 4 in the longitudinal direction X.

[0061] (8) In the above embodiment, the reading device 7 was described as being located in the same longitudinal direction X region as the wheels 41, between a pair of wheels 41 in the width direction Y. However, the configuration is not limited to this, and the reading device 7 may be located in a different longitudinal direction X region than the wheels 41, for example, on the side of the control device 5 relative to the drive unit 4 or on the side of the power supply unit 6 relative to the drive unit 4.

[0062] (9) In the above embodiment, a configuration in which the driver unit 51 is formed in the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped was described as an example. However, the driver unit 51 is not limited to such a configuration, and may be formed in other shapes such as a trapezoid, a triangular shape, or a semicircular shape when viewed in the width direction.

[0063] (10) In the above embodiment, an opening 35 is formed on the inner side surface 24B of the extended raised portion 24, and the driver unit 51 is fixed so that the surface to be cooled 51c faces the concave space 24a through this opening 35. However, the embodiment is not limited to such a configuration, and the opening 35 does not need to be formed on the inner side surface 24B of the extended raised portion 24. In such a case, the driver unit 51 may be fixed so that the surface to be cooled 51c is in close contact with the inner side surface 24B of the extended raised portion 24, and the driver unit 51 may be cooled via the inner side surface 24B of the extended raised portion 24.

[0064] (11) In the above embodiment, a configuration in which the concave space 24a and the wheel housing space 23a are formed integrally and continuously in the front-rear direction X was described as an example. However, the configuration is not limited to such a configuration, and the concave space 24a and the wheel housing space 23a may be formed independently and discontinuously. In such a case, the air guide passage 30 is composed of a space that extends from the lower opening 31 through the enlarged diameter portion 32 to the concave space 24a, without including the wheel housing space 23a.

[0065] (12) In the above embodiment, it was explained that when the goods transport vehicle 1 is traveling forward, the airflow through the air guide 30 goes from the lower opening 31 through the enlarged diameter section 32 to the concave space 24a and then passes through to the wheel housing space 23a. However, the goods transport vehicle 1 is not limited to such a configuration and may also travel in reverse. In such a case, the airflow through the air guide 30 goes from the wheel housing space 23a to the concave space 24a and then passes through to the lower opening 31 via the enlarged diameter section 32.

[0066] (13) In the above embodiment, the goods transport vehicle 1 may be equipped with a configuration (flow promoting unit) for promoting the flow of air passing through the air guide 30. Examples of such flow promoting units include an impeller that rotates integrally with the wheel.

[0067] (14) The configurations disclosed in each of the above-described embodiments (including the above-described embodiments and other embodiments; the same applies hereinafter) can be applied in combination with configurations disclosed in other embodiments, insofar as they do not cause a conflict. With respect to other configurations, the embodiments disclosed herein are illustrative in all respects and can be modified as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the disclosure.

[0068] [Overview of the Embodiment] In summary, the goods transport vehicle according to this disclosure preferably comprises the following components.

[0069] A transport vehicle for transporting goods, The car body and, A drive unit supported in the center of the vehicle body in the front-rear direction, A control device supported on one side in the front-rear direction relative to the vehicle body and the drive unit, A power supply unit supported on the other side in the front-rear direction relative to the vehicle body and the drive unit, The device comprises a cable that electrically connects the control device and the power supply device, The aforementioned drive unit comprises a pair of wheels and a drive motor that drives the pair of wheels. The control device is configured to control the drive motor, The power supply unit is configured to supply power to the drive motor, The cable is arranged in a wiring space provided so as to straddle the drive unit in the front-rear direction.

[0070] This configuration allows for the optimization of the overall weight balance of the transport vehicle by supporting the drive unit in the center of the vehicle body in the longitudinal direction, and supporting the control device and power supply unit separately on both sides of the vehicle body in the longitudinal direction relative to the drive unit. Furthermore, by arranging the cables in a wiring space provided to straddle the drive unit in the longitudinal direction, the control device and power supply unit can be connected via the shortest or near-shortest route. This makes it easier to reduce the space required for cable arrangement, and consequently, to reduce the size of the transport vehicle.

[0071] As one aspect, In a view along the front-rear direction, it is preferable that the control device and the power supply unit are positioned in a location that overlaps with the drive unit.

[0072] This configuration allows for a relatively lower height for the transport vehicle compared to, for example, a configuration where at least one of the control device and the power supply is positioned above the drive unit. Therefore, the vertical dimensions of the transport vehicle can be reduced.

[0073] As one aspect, The aforementioned wiring space is provided above the aforementioned drive unit and straddles the aforementioned drive unit in the front-rear direction, The vehicle body comprises a main body and a cover that is detachably attached to the main body from above. It is preferable that the wiring space can be accessed from above with the cover removed.

[0074] This configuration allows for easy installation and removal of cables with the cover removed from the vehicle body. Furthermore, maintenance with the cables removed, and reassembly after maintenance, are also easily performed.

[0075] As one aspect, A cable holding section for holding the cable is provided in the aforementioned wiring space. Preferably, the cable holding portion comprises a pair of clamp arms, each extending upward and positioned opposite to the vehicle body in the width direction.

[0076] With this configuration, the wiring space can be accessed from above with the cover removed from the vehicle body, and the cable can be held in the cable holder or detached from the cable holder in the same manner. Therefore, the holding and detachment of the cable can be easily performed.

[0077] As one aspect, It is preferable that a power receiving unit, which receives power during charging, is supported on the power supply side of the vehicle body relative to the driving unit.

[0078] This configuration allows for a shorter wiring length to connect the power supply unit and the power receiving unit.

[0079] As one aspect, The vehicle further comprises a transfer device mounted on the vehicle body for transferring the articles, It is preferable that the transfer drive unit for driving the transfer device is supported on the control device side of the vehicle body relative to the driving drive unit.

[0080] With this configuration, by further equipping it with a transfer device, it is possible to transfer goods in addition to transporting them. Also, since the power supply unit is generally heavier than the control unit, supporting the transfer drive unit on the relatively lighter control unit side makes it possible to make the weight balance of the entire goods transport vehicle in the front-to-rear direction more even.

[0081] As one aspect, The pair of wheels are arranged separately in the width direction of the vehicle body, The aforementioned drive motor includes a first motor that drives one of the pair of wheels and a second motor that drives the other of the pair of wheels. It is preferable that a reading device for reading position information attached to the running surface is arranged between the first motor and the second motor in the width direction of the vehicle body.

[0082] This configuration allows the goods transport vehicle to determine its own position by equipping it with a position information reading device, making it suitable for use as an automated guided vehicle (AGV), for example. The reading device is positioned in the width direction between a pair of drive motors (first motor and second motor) that drive a pair of wheels of the drive unit located in the center of the vehicle body in the longitudinal direction, so that position information can be accurately read near the center of the vehicle body. Furthermore, compared to a configuration where the reading device is positioned on either side of the pair of drive motors (first motor and second motor) in the longitudinal direction, the longitudinal dimensions of the goods transport vehicle can be reduced.

[0083] The goods transport vehicle relating to this disclosure only needs to achieve at least one of the effects described above. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0084] 1. Goods transport vehicle 2 car bodies 4. Drive unit 5 Control device 6 Power supply 7. Reader 8 Cables 9 Transfer equipment 20 Body 22 Bottom 22a Bottom 23a Wheel storage space 24a Concave space 26 Cable holding section 27 Clamp Arm 29 Cover 30 Air guide path 35 Opening 41 wheels 42. Motor for driving 42A First motor for traction (first motor) 42B Second motor for traction (second motor) 51 Driver Unit 51c Cooled surface 65 Power receiving section 92 Transfer drive unit A Goods Sd Drive support space Sc Control device support space sp Power supply unit support space Sw wiring space X Anteroposterior direction Y width direction Z vertical direction

Claims

[Claim 1] A transport vehicle for transporting goods, The car body and, A drive unit supported in the center of the vehicle body in the front-rear direction, A control device supported on one side in the front-rear direction relative to the vehicle body and the drive unit, A power supply unit supported on the other side in the front-rear direction relative to the vehicle body and the drive unit, The device comprises a cable that electrically connects the control device and the power supply device, The aforementioned drive unit comprises a pair of wheels and a drive motor that drives the pair of wheels. The control device is configured to control the drive motor, The power supply unit is configured to supply power to the drive motor, The cable is located in a wiring space provided so as to straddle the drive unit in the front-rear direction, in a transport vehicle.

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