Transport vehicle

Abstract

This design aims to create a transport vehicle in which the driven and driven carriages can travel more stably. [Solution] The transport vehicle comprises a drive trolley 20 having a drive body 25, a pressing part 51, and a coupling part, and a driven trolley 30 having a driven body 35, a pressed part 52, and a coupled part. The pressing part 51 and the pressed part 52 can change between a pressed state and a released state by moving the driven body 35 and the drive body 25 relative to each other in the vertical Z direction. The coupling part and the coupled part can change between a coupled state and a released state, and are configured to be coupled at least in the pressed state.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a transport vehicle including a driven carriage and a driving carriage.

Background Art

[0002] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2020-116984 (Patent Document 1) describes a transport vehicle including a driven carriage (10) and a driving carriage (30). In this transport vehicle, a structure for adjusting the height of a traction part (20) is disclosed so that a force that lifts the wheels (34B) of the driving carriage (30) does not occur.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Here, as the load placed on the driven carriage is heavier, it is necessary to ensure a larger frictional force between the wheels of the driving carriage and the floor surface. However, in a driving carriage such as that of Patent Document 1, as the load placed on the driven carriage is heavier, the frictional force in the driving carriage becomes relatively smaller than the frictional force in the driven carriage, so there is a problem that the running of the driving carriage and the driven carriage tends to become unstable.

[0005] Therefore, it is desired to realize a transport vehicle in which the driving carriage and the driven carriage can run stably.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The transport vehicle according to this disclosure comprises a driven trolley and a drive trolley that is connected to the driven trolley and moves under its own power to cause the driven trolley to travel along the floor surface, wherein the drive trolley comprises a drive body which is the body of the drive trolley, a pressing part, and a coupling part, wherein the driven trolley comprises a driven body which is the body of the driven trolley, a pressed part which is pressed from below by the pressing part, and a coupled part which is coupled to the coupling part, and at least a part of the drive body is positioned to be positioned below the driven body. The vehicle body entry portion is provided in the vehicle body entry portion, and the pressing portion and the pressed portion can change between a pressing state in which they press against each other in the vertical direction by moving the driven vehicle body and the driven vehicle body relative to each other, and a release state in which the pressing state is released, and the coupling portion and the coupled portion can change between a coupled state in which they are coupled to each other and a release state in which the coupling is released, and is configured so that at least the coupled state can be achieved in the pressing state.

[0007] With this configuration, the positional relationship between the pressing part and the pressed part when the connecting part and the connected part are connected results in a pressing state where the pressing part and the pressed part press against each other in the vertical direction. This makes it easier to press the drive trolley against the floor surface with the load from the driven trolley, ensuring sufficient frictional force on the wheels of the drive trolley, and thus stabilizing the movement of both the drive trolley and the driven trolley. Furthermore, because the connecting part and the connected part are provided separately from the pressing part and the pressed part, even when the weight of the driven trolley is large, the connection between the drive trolley and the driven trolley can be maintained, and the driven trolley can be driven to move the driven trolley appropriately.

[0008] 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]

[0009] [Figure 1] A diagram showing the rear of the transport vehicle according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 1 shows the top view of the drive trolley. [Figure 3] Figure 1: Bottom view of the transport vehicle [Figure 4] Figure 1 shows the bottom view of only the driven trolley of the transport vehicle. [Figure 5] Figure 4 is a side view of the pressed portion, showing the uncoupled state. [Figure 6] Figure 4 is a side view of the pressed portion, showing the connected state. [Figure 7] A side view of the pressing portion according to the second embodiment, showing the uncoupled state. [Figure 8] Figure 7 is a side view of the pressing portion, showing the connected state. [Figure 9] A diagram showing another example of a connecting part and a connected part. [Figure 10] A diagram showing yet another example of a connecting part and a connected part. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] [First Embodiment] In the following description, the transport vehicle 10 according to the first embodiment will be explained with reference to the drawings. Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the rear view of the transport vehicle 10 of this embodiment.

[0011] The transport vehicle 10 is equipped with a drive trolley 20. The drive trolley 20 moves under its own power while connected to a driven trolley 30 equipped with the transport vehicle 10, thereby causing the driven trolley 30 to travel along the floor surface 11. Examples of the floor surface 11 include the floor surface of a facility such as a warehouse, factory, or ship. The floor surface 11 may be a horizontal surface or an inclined surface. The floor surface 11 may be located indoors or outdoors. Examples of the drive trolley 20 include a manned transport vehicle, an unmanned transport vehicle, an autonomous transport vehicle, a transport vehicle that moves by remote control, etc. In this embodiment, the drive trolley 20 is a four-wheeled unmanned transport vehicle.

[0012] FIG. 2 is a schematic view showing an example of the upper surface of the driving carriage 20. In FIG. 2, the driven carriage 30 is indicated by a two-dot chain line. Here, a specific direction in which the driving carriage 20 can travel along the floor surface 11 is defined as the reference direction X. One side of the reference direction X is defined as the first reference side X1. The other side of the reference direction X is defined as the second reference side X2. Also, the direction orthogonal to the reference direction X in the vertical direction view is defined as the reference orthogonal direction Y.

[0013] FIG. 3 is a schematic view showing an example of the bottom surface of the driving carriage 20 and the driven carriage 30. The driving carriage 20 includes first wheels 21. The driving carriage 20 includes a first drive source 23 for driving the first wheels 21. In the present embodiment, the driving carriage 20 includes a pair of first wheels 21 spaced apart from each other in the reference orthogonal direction Y.

[0014] The driving carriage 20 includes second wheels 22. The second wheels 22 are arranged spaced apart from the first wheels 21 in the reference direction X. The driving carriage 20 includes a second drive source 24 for driving the second wheels 22. In the present embodiment, the driving carriage 20 includes a pair of second wheels 22 spaced apart from each other in the reference orthogonal direction Y.

[0015] The driving carriage 20, in a state of being connected to the driven carriage 30, at least partially dips downward Z2 with respect to the driven vehicle body 35. In the present embodiment, the entire driving carriage 20, in a state of being connected to the driven carriage 30, dips downward Z2 with respect to the driven vehicle body 35.

[0016] The driving carriage 20 includes a driving vehicle body 25 which is the vehicle body of the driving carriage 20. The driving carriage 20 includes a coupling portion 27. The coupling portion 27 couples with a coupling portion 37 described later.

[0017] At least a part of the drive vehicle body 25 is a vehicle body entry portion 25a that is disposed so as to dive downward Z2 with respect to the driven vehicle body 35 described later. In the present embodiment, the first wheels 21 are provided on the vehicle body entry portion 25a. In the present embodiment, the first wheels 21 are steerable wheels that are rotatable with respect to the drive vehicle body 25. In the present embodiment, the second wheels 22 are provided on the vehicle body entry portion 25a. In the present embodiment, the second wheels 22 are steerable wheels that are rotatable with respect to the drive vehicle body 25.

[0018] The transport vehicle 10 includes a driven carriage 30. The driven carriage 30 includes third wheels 31. In the present embodiment, the driven carriage 30 includes a pair of third wheels 31 that are spaced apart from each other in the reference orthogonal direction Y. The driven carriage 30 includes fourth wheels 32. The fourth wheels 32 are disposed so as to be spaced apart from the third wheels 31 in the reference direction X. In the present embodiment, the driven carriage 30 includes a pair of fourth wheels 32 that are spaced apart from each other in the reference orthogonal direction Y.

[0019] The driven carriage 30 includes a driven vehicle body 35 that is the vehicle body of the driven carriage 30. The driven carriage 30 includes a coupling portion 37. The coupling portion 37 is coupled to the coupling portion 27. In the present embodiment, the third wheels 31 and the fourth wheels 32 are provided on the driven carriage 30.

[0020] As shown in FIG. 1, a placement portion 35a on which the conveyed object W is placed is provided on the upper surface of the driven vehicle body 35. Examples of the conveyed object W include vehicle parts, electrical parts, pallets, containers, and the like. In the present embodiment, the conveyed object W is a heavy or large part.

[0021] As shown in FIG. 3, in the present embodiment, the driven vehicle body 35 is configured such that the vehicle body entry portion 25a that dives downward Z2 with respect to the driven vehicle body 35 can relatively exit in the reference direction first side X1 with respect to the driven vehicle body 35. This exit may be an exit in a direction parallel to the reference direction X, or may include a component in the reference orthogonal direction Y in addition to the component in the reference direction X.

[0022] The driven trolley 30 is provided with a storage space E1 opening to the lower side Z2 of the driven vehicle body 35. The vehicle body entry section 25a is housed in the storage space E1. The driven vehicle body 35 is configured so that the vehicle body entry section 25a can exit from the storage space E1. In this embodiment, the driven vehicle body 35 is configured to cover both sides of the storage space E1 in the reference orthogonal direction Y.

[0023] In this embodiment, the accommodation space E1 opens to the first side X1 in the reference direction so that the vehicle body entry portion 25a can pass through. The accommodation space E1 may also open to the second side X2 in the reference direction so that the vehicle body entry portion 25a can pass through. The accommodation space E1 may also open to one or both sides of the reference orthogonal direction Y so that the vehicle body entry portion 25a can pass through.

[0024] In this embodiment, the entire drive chassis 20 is housed in the housing space E1. The pair of third wheels 31 are arranged so as to be separated from each other in the reference orthogonal direction Y with respect to the housing space E1. The pair of fourth wheels 32 are arranged so as to be separated from each other in the reference orthogonal direction Y with respect to the housing space E1.

[0025] The coupling portion 27 and the coupled portion 37 can change between a "coupled state" where they are coupled to each other and a "disconnected state" where they are disconnected. In this embodiment, the coupling portion 27 and the coupled portion 37 each include a male threaded portion 27a arranged along the reference direction X and a female threaded portion 37a into which the male threaded portion 27a is screwed. In this embodiment, the coupled state is a state in which the relative movement of the coupling portion 27 to the coupled portion 37 in both directions of the reference direction X is restricted. In the disconnected state, the coupling portion 27 and the coupled portion 37 are configured to be separable at least in the reference direction X.

[0026] In this embodiment, the connecting portion 27 or the connected portion 37 is provided with a through hole through which a bolt, which is the male threaded portion 27a, is inserted. The diameter of this through hole is larger than the shaft portion of the bolt. Also, the diameter of the through hole is smaller than the seating surface of the bolt. This allows for a certain degree of relative movement in the vertical Z direction between the driven carriage 30 and the driving carriage 20.

[0027] In this embodiment, the driven vehicle body 35 and the drive vehicle body 25 are in a disconnected state and can move relative to each other in the reference direction X. In this embodiment, the connecting part 27 and the connected part 37 are connected from a disconnected state by screwing the male threaded part 27a into the female threaded part 37a and tightening it. In this embodiment, the connecting part 27 and the connected part 37 are disconnected from a connected state by loosening the male threaded part 27a relative to the female threaded part 37a.

[0028] In this embodiment, the drive vehicle body 25 moves relative to the driven vehicle body 35 in the second reference direction X2 by screwing the male threaded portion 27a into the female threaded portion 37a and tightening it. In this embodiment, the drive vehicle body 25 moves relative to the driven vehicle body 35 in the first reference direction X1 by loosening the male threaded portion 27a from the female threaded portion 37a.

[0029] The coupling portion 27 and the coupled portion 37 are arranged so that operations for changing between the coupled state and the uncoupled state can be performed from outside the drive trolley 20. The coupling portion 27 and the coupled portion 37 are arranged so that operations for changing between the coupled state and the uncoupled state can be performed from outside the driven trolley 30.

[0030] In this embodiment, at least one of the coupling portion 27 and the coupled portion 37 is positioned within reach of a tool held by an operator from outside the driven trolley 30 and the driven trolley 30. The coupling portion 27 is positioned on a surface of the drive trolley 20 that is exposed toward the first side X1 in the reference direction. In this embodiment, the coupling portion 27 is positioned to protrude from the drive vehicle body 25 in the direction Y perpendicular to the reference direction. The coupled portion 37 is positioned on a surface of the driven trolley 30 that is exposed toward the first side X1 in the reference direction. In this embodiment, the coupled portion 37 is provided on a portion of the driven vehicle body 35 that protrudes into the housing space E1. In this embodiment, the male threaded portion 27a is positioned so that it can be screwed into the female threaded portion 37a and tightened from outside the drive trolley 20.

[0031] Furthermore, the coupling portion 27 and the coupled portion 37 may be covered by a cover or the like, and the above operations may be performed from outside the drive trolley 20 by opening the cover. Alternatively, the above operations may be performed from outside the drive trolley 20 by an electrical signal or hydraulic pressure from outside the cover.

[0032] The transport vehicle 10 is equipped with a regulating mechanism 40. The regulating mechanism 40 allows relative movement of the driven carriage 30 and the drive carriage 20 to at least one side in the reference direction X, while restricting relative movement to both sides in the reference orthogonal direction Y. In this way, when the direction of travel of the drive carriage 20 is changed, the load in the reference orthogonal direction Y acting between the drive carriage 20 and the driven carriage 30 can be supported by the regulating mechanism 40. Therefore, the load acting on the coupling portion 27 and the coupled portion 37 can be reduced.

[0033] The regulating mechanism 40 includes a vehicle body guide section 41 and a vehicle body guided section 42. One of the vehicle body guide section 41 and the vehicle body guided section 42 is provided on the drive vehicle body 25. The other of the vehicle body guide section 41 and the vehicle body guided section 42 is provided on the driven vehicle body 35. In this embodiment, the vehicle body guided section 42 is provided on the drive vehicle body 25, and the vehicle body guide section 41 is provided on the driven vehicle body 35.

[0034] The vehicle body guide portion 41 guides the vehicle body guided portion 42 along the reference direction X and restricts the relative movement of the vehicle body guided portion 42 with respect to the vehicle body guide portion 41 in the reference orthogonal direction Y. In this embodiment, the vehicle body guide portion 41 is located at least in the opening on the first side X1 in the reference direction of the housing space E1. The vehicle body guide portion 41 is provided so as to extend in the reference direction X. The vehicle body guide portions 41 are provided in pairs spaced apart from each other in the reference orthogonal direction Y. Examples of vehicle body guide portions 41 include flangeless rails, flanged rails, roller guides, etc.

[0035] The vehicle body guided portions 42 are arranged in a plurality (three in the illustrated example) in the reference direction X. Multiple pairs (three pairs in the illustrated example) of vehicle body guided portions 42 are provided spaced apart from each other in the reference orthogonal direction Y. In this embodiment, at least one pair of vehicle body guided portions 42 are provided at the end of the second side X2 in the reference direction of the drive vehicle body 25. Examples of vehicle body guided portions 42 include cylindrical rollers, spherical rollers, flanged rollers, sliding members, etc.

[0036] In this embodiment, the vehicle body guide portion 41 and the vehicle body guided portion 42 are in contact with at least the connecting portion 27 and the connected portion 37 in a connected state. In this embodiment, the vehicle body guide portion 41 and the vehicle body guided portion 42 are in contact with the pressing portion 51 and the pressed portion 52, which will be described later, in a pressed state.

[0037] As shown in Figure 2, the drive bogie 20 is equipped with a pressing portion 51. The pressing portion 51 is pressed downward Z2 by the pressed portion 52, which will be described later. The pressing portion 51 is provided in the vehicle body entry portion 25a. As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the pressing portion 51 is positioned so as not to overlap with the coupling portion 27 when viewed in the reference direction along the reference direction X.

[0038] The pressing portion 51 is provided so as to protrude from the drive vehicle body 25 into the storage space E1. In this embodiment, a pair of pressing portions 51 are provided on the drive vehicle body 25 spaced apart in the reference orthogonal direction Y.

[0039] The drive trolley 20 includes a first pressing portion 51a, which is a first pressing portion 51, and a second pressing portion 51b, which is a second pressing portion 51, which is spaced apart from the first pressing portion 51a in the reference direction X. The first pressing portion 51a and the second pressing portion 51b are positioned at different locations in the reference orthogonal direction Y.

[0040] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the bottom surface of the driven carriage 30. The driven carriage 30 is equipped with a pressed portion 52. The pressed portion 52 is pressed upward toward Z1 by the pressing portion 51. The pressed portion 52 is positioned so as to overlap with the housing space E1 when viewed in the vertical direction. The pressed portion 52 is positioned so as not to overlap with the connected portion 37 when viewed in the reference direction along the reference direction X.

[0041] The pressed portion 52 is provided so as to protrude from the driven vehicle body 35 into the housing space E1. In this embodiment, a pair of pressed portions 52 are provided on the driven vehicle body 35 spaced apart in the reference orthogonal direction Y.

[0042] The driven carriage 30 includes a first pressed portion 52a, which is a first pressed portion 52 positioned opposite the first pressed portion 51a in the coupling position relationship described later, and a second pressed portion 52b, which is a second pressed portion 52 positioned opposite the second pressed portion 51b in the coupling position relationship. The first pressed portion 52a and the second pressed portion 52b are positioned at different locations in the reference orthogonal direction Y.

[0043] The pressing part 51 and the pressed part 52 can change between a "pressed state" in which they press against each other in the vertical Z direction by moving the driven body 35 and the drive body 25 relative to each other, and a "released press state" in which the pressing state is released. The coupling part 27 and the coupled part 37 are configured to be coupled at least in the pressed state.

[0044] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the pressing portion 51 and the pressed portion 52 in the disengaged state in this embodiment. Figure 6 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the pressing portion 51 and the pressed portion 52 in the coupled state in this embodiment. At least one of the pressing portion 51 and the pressed portion 52 is biased in the vertical direction Z by the elastic member 53.

[0045] In this embodiment, an elastic member 53 is provided on the driven carriage 30, and the pressed portion 52 is biased downward Z2 relative to the driven vehicle body 35 by the elastic member 53. Alternatively, an elastic member 53 may be provided on the drive carriage 20, and the pressed portion 51 may be biased upward Z1 relative to the drive vehicle body 25 by the elastic member 53. Elastic members 53 may be provided on both the drive carriage 20 and the driven carriage 30. Examples of elastic members 53 include compression coil springs, torsion coil springs, leaf springs, etc. In this embodiment, the elastic member 53 is a compression coil spring.

[0046] The pressed portion 52 swings about a pivot axis C2 along the reference orthogonal direction Y. The driven carriage 30 is equipped with a pair of pressed portions 52 that are spaced apart from each other in the reference orthogonal direction Y. The pair of pressed portions 52 are biased downward Z2 by a plurality (three in the example shown in Figure 4) of elastic members 53.

[0047] In this embodiment, the drive vehicle body 25 and the pressing portion 51 are configured to move integrally in the reference direction X. In this embodiment, the driven vehicle body 35 and the pressed portion 52 are configured to move integrally in the reference direction X.

[0048] In this embodiment, one of the pressing portion 51 and the pressed portion 52 is a guide member. Examples of guide members include a rail without a flange, a rail with a flange, a guide with a roller, etc. The other of the pressing portion 51 and the pressed portion 52 is a guided member that is guided by the guide member. Examples of guided members include a cylindrical roller, a spherical roller, a roller with a flange, a sliding member, etc.

[0049] The guide member (pressed portion 52 in the illustrated example) is provided with a guide surface 55 that guides the guided member (pressed portion 51 in the illustrated example) at least when pressed. The guide surface 55 is shaped so as not to have any recesses into which the guided member guided in the reference direction X fits locally. The guide surface 55 is formed in a straight line or arc shape when viewed in the reference orthogonal direction Y. In this embodiment, the guide surface 55 is a smooth surface in the reference direction X.

[0050] The guide surface 55 has a first horizontal plane that is positioned horizontally along the reference direction X. The guide surface 55 also has an inclined surface that is continuous with the first horizontal plane. In this embodiment, the guided member (pressing portion 51 in the illustrated example) is a roller that rotates around a rotation axis C1 along the reference orthogonal direction Y. In this embodiment, the guide surface 55 is a rolling surface on which the roller rolls.

[0051] The positional relationship between the pressing portion 51 and the pressed portion 52 in the connected state of the connecting portion 27 and the connected portion 37 is called the "connected positional relationship". The portion of the guide surface 55 that faces the guided member (pressing portion 51 in the illustrated example) in the connected positional relationship is called the first surface 55a. The first surface 55a is either a first horizontal plane arranged horizontally along the reference direction X, or an inclined surface that moves upward Z1 as it moves towards the first side X1 in the reference direction. In this embodiment, the first surface 55a is a first horizontal plane arranged horizontally along the reference direction X.

[0052] The guide surface 55 has a second surface 55b that is different from the first surface 55a. The guide surface 55 has a second surface 55b whose angle θ with respect to the horizontal plane in the reference direction X is different from that of the first surface 55a. In this embodiment, the pressed portion 52 is a guide member, and the second surface 55b is positioned on the guide surface 55 in a portion that is on the first side X1 in the reference direction from the first surface 55a. The second surface 55b is either a second horizontal plane positioned horizontally along the reference direction X, or an inclined surface that moves upward Z1 as it moves toward the first side X1 in the reference direction, or both. The inclined surface of the second surface 55b is continuous with the first surface 55a and is formed to move upward Z1 as it moves toward the first side X1 in the reference direction.

[0053] In this embodiment, the angle θ of the inclination toward the upper side Z1 as it moves toward the first side X1 in the reference direction is greater on the second surface 55b than on the first surface 55a. In this embodiment, the pressed portion 52 is a guide member, and the portion of the guide surface 55 toward the first side X1 in the reference direction than the first surface 55a is the second surface 55b. In this embodiment, the second surface 55b is a continuous surface from the first surface 55a.

[0054] The guided member (pressing portion 51 in the illustrated example) and the guide member (pressing portion 52 in the illustrated example) are configured such that the guided member moves from the second surface 55b to the first surface 55a by changing the coupling portion 27 and the coupled portion 37 from a discoupled state to a coupled state. The guided member and the guide member are configured such that the drive vehicle body 25 moves relative to the driven vehicle body 35 in the second side X2 of the reference direction by changing the coupling portion 27 and the coupled portion 37 from a discoupled state to a coupled state.

[0055] The guided member (pressing portion 51 in the illustrated example) and the guide member (pressing portion 52 in the illustrated example) are configured such that the guided member moves from the first surface 55a to the second surface 55b by changing the coupling portion 27 and the coupled portion 37 from a coupled state to a discoupled state. The guided member and the guide member are configured such that the drive vehicle body 25 moves relative to the driven vehicle body 35 in the first side X1 of the reference direction by changing the coupling portion 27 and the coupled portion 37 from a coupled state to a discoupled state.

[0056] In this embodiment, the drive carriage 20 and the driven carriage 30 are configured such that, in order to change the coupling portion 27 and the coupled portion 37 from a discoupled state to a coupled state, the male screw portion 27a is screwed into the female screw portion 37a and tightened, causing the drive carriage 25 to move relative to the driven carriage 35 in the second side X2 of the reference direction, and the portion of the guide surface 55 facing the guided member (pressing portion 51 in the illustrated example) moves from the second surface 55b to the first surface 55a.

[0057] In this embodiment, the drive carriage 20 and the driven carriage 30 are configured such that, in order to change the coupling portion 27 and the coupled portion 37 from a coupled state to a discoupled state, the male screw portion 27a is loosened relative to the female screw portion 37a, causing the drive body 25 to move relative to the driven body 35 in the first reference direction X1, and the portion of the guide surface 55 facing the guided member (pressing portion 51 in the illustrated example) to move from the first surface 55a to the second surface 55b.

[0058] The first surface 55a of the guide member (pressed portion 52 in the illustrated example) is biased by an elastic member 53 toward the side approaching the guided member (pressed portion 51 in the illustrated example) in the vertical direction Z. In this embodiment, the first surface 55a is biased toward the downward Z2 by an elastic member 53 positioned between the driven vehicle body 35 and the guide member. The first surface 55a or the second surface 55b swings around a swing axis C2 along the reference orthogonal direction Y. In this embodiment, the first surface 55a and the second surface 55b swing around a swing axis C2 along the reference orthogonal direction Y.

[0059] In this embodiment, the inclination angle θ of the second surface 55b is greater than that of the first surface 55a. In this embodiment, when the first surface 55a is in contact with the guided member (pressing portion 51 in the illustrated example), the first surface 55a is a horizontal surface along the reference direction X. In this embodiment, the pressed portion 52 is the guided member, and when the inclined surface of the second surface 55b is in contact with the guided member, the first surface 55a becomes an inclined surface that moves upward Z1 as it moves towards the first side X1 in the reference direction. In this embodiment, the entire second surface 55b is an inclined surface.

[0060] In this embodiment, the inclined surface of the second surface 55b is configured such that when the second surface 55b is in contact with the guided member (pressing portion 51 in the illustrated example), the angle of inclination θ is larger than when the first surface 55a is in contact with the guided member.

[0061] The second surface 55b of the guide member (pressed portion 52 in the illustrated example) is biased by the elastic member 53 toward the side approaching the guided member (pressed portion 51 in the illustrated example) in the vertical direction Z. In this embodiment, the second surface 55b is biased toward the downward Z2 by the elastic member 53 positioned between the driven vehicle body 35 and the pressed portion 52.

[0062] The following describes how to connect the driven bogie 20 and the driven bogie 30.

[0063] The drive bogie 20 and the driven bogie 30, which are currently separated from each other, are brought closer together, and the body guide portion 41 and the body guided portion 42 are brought into contact. At this point, the pressing portion 51 and the pressed portion 52 are in a release state, and the coupling portion 27 and the coupled portion 37 are in a release state.

[0064] Next, when the drive trolley 20 is moved relative to the driven trolley 30 in the second direction X2 of the reference direction, the drive body 25 is guided along the reference direction X within the housing space E1 of the driven trolley 30 by contact between the body guide portion 41 and the body guided portion 42. Furthermore, when the drive trolley 20 is moved relative to the driven trolley 30 in the second direction X2 of the reference direction, the guide member (pressed portion 52 in the illustrated example) and the guided member (pressed portion 51 in the illustrated example) come into contact. In this embodiment, the second surface 55b of the guide member comes into contact with the guided member.

[0065] Next, when the male threaded portion 27a is screwed into the female threaded portion 37a and tightened, the guided member moves along the inclined surface, the second surface 55b, and the pressing portion 51 and the pressed portion 52 change state from a released state to a pressed state. When the male threaded portion 27a is screwed into the female threaded portion 37a and tightened in the pressed state, the guided member comes into contact with the first surface 55a. When the male threaded portion 27a is screwed into the female threaded portion 37a and tightened in the pressed state, the connecting portion 27 and the connected portion 37 change state from a released state to a connected state.

[0066] In this embodiment, when the pressing portion 51 and the pressed portion 52 are moved relative to each other so that they are in a coupled position, the coupling portion 27 and the coupled portion 37 change state from a discoupled state to a coupled state. In the coupled state, the pressing portion 51 and the pressed portion 52 are in a pressed state, and the vehicle body guide portion 41 and the vehicle body guided portion 42 are in contact. In the coupled state, the driving bogie 20 can move under its own power, allowing the driving bogie 20 and the driven bogie 30 to move as a single unit.

[0067] The following describes how to disconnect the drive bogie 20 from the driven bogie 30.

[0068] When the male threaded portion 27a is loosened relative to the female threaded portion 37a while the two are connected, the connecting portion 27 and the connected portion 37 change to a disconnected state. When the male threaded portion 27a is loosened relative to the female threaded portion 37a while the two are connected, the pressing portion 51 and the pressed portion 52 are no longer in a connected positional relationship. At this point, the pressing portion 51 and the pressed portion 52 are in a pressed state.

[0069] In this embodiment, when the coupling portion 27 and the coupled portion 37 change from a coupled state to a discoupled state, the pressing portion 51 and the pressed portion 52 are no longer in a coupled positional relationship.

[0070] Furthermore, when the male threaded portion 27a is loosened relative to the female threaded portion 37a, the guided member comes into contact with the second surface 55b. Further loosening of the male threaded portion 27a relative to the female threaded portion 37a causes the guided member to separate from the second surface 55b, and the pressing portion 51 and the pressed portion 52 change from a pressed state to a released state.

[0071] Next, when the drive bogie 20 is moved relative to the driven bogie 30 in the first direction X1, the body guide portion 41 and the body guided portion 42 separate, and the drive bogie 20 and the driven bogie 30 become able to move independently of each other.

[0072] With the transport vehicle 10 described above, the coupling state is achieved when the vehicle is pressed, making it easy to ensure frictional force on the wheels of the drive vehicle 20 by pressing the drive vehicle 20 against the floor surface 11 with the load from the driven vehicle 30. Furthermore, when the drive vehicle 20 and the driven vehicle 30 are coupled together, the vehicle can absorb the vertical undulations of the floor surface 11 during travel. Additionally, by disengaging the coupling portion 27 and the coupled portion 37, and moving the drive vehicle 20 relative to the driven vehicle 30 in the reference direction X, the pressing portion 51 and the pressed portion 52 can be easily changed between a pressed state and a released state. Therefore, when separating the drive vehicle 20 from the driven vehicle 30 due to a malfunction or maintenance, the separation work can be easily performed.

[0073] According to the transport vehicle 10 described above, the angle θ with respect to the horizontal plane in the reference direction X is greater for the second surface 55b than for the first surface 55a. Therefore, when the drive trolley 20 is moved relative to the driven trolley 30 toward the first side X1 in the reference direction, the guided member can move toward the first side X1 in the reference direction along the guide surface 55 without increasing the force pressing against each other in the vertical direction Z. Consequently, the pressing state between the pressing part 51 and the pressed part 52 can be smoothly released.

[0074] According to the transport vehicle 10 described above, the angle θ with respect to the horizontal plane in the reference direction X is larger for the second surface 55b than for the first surface 55a, and since the first surface 55a and the second surface 55b are continuous, the screwing of the male threaded portion 27a and the female threaded portion 37a allows the guided member to move from the second surface 55b toward the first surface 55a, thereby increasing the pressing force between the pressing portion 51 and the pressed portion 52. Therefore, by utilizing the operation to change the coupling portion 27 and the coupled portion 37 from a discoupled state to a coupled state, the pressing portion 51 and the pressed portion 52 can be easily changed from a discoupled state to a pressed state.

[0075] [Second Embodiment] The transport vehicle 10 according to the second embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. This embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the pressing portion 51 is a guide member and the pressed portion 52 is a guided member. The following description will focus on the differences from the first embodiment. Points that are not specifically described are the same as in the first embodiment.

[0076] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the pressing part 51 and the pressed part 52 in the disengaged state in this embodiment. Figure 8 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the pressing part 51 and the pressed part 52 in the coupled state in this embodiment. Figure 8 shows the drive carriage 20 moving relative to the driven carriage 30 in the second side X2 in the reference direction from the state in Figure 7.

[0077] In this embodiment, the pressing portion 51 is a guide member, and the second surface 55b is positioned on the guide surface 55 at a point X2 on the second side in the reference direction from the first surface 55a. In this embodiment, the angle θ of the inclination toward the upper side Z1 as it moves toward the first side X1 in the reference direction is greater for the second surface 55b than for the first surface 55a. In this embodiment, the pressing portion 51 is a guide member, and the second surface 55b is positioned on the guide surface 55 at a point X2 on the second side in the reference direction from the first surface 55a.

[0078] In this embodiment, the drive carriage 20 is provided with an elastic member 53, and the pressing portion 51 is biased upward towards the drive vehicle body 25 by the elastic member 53. In this embodiment, the pressing portion 51 swings about a pivot axis C2 along the reference orthogonal direction Y. In this embodiment, the driven carriage 30 is provided with a pair of pressing portions 51 that are spaced apart from each other in the reference orthogonal direction Y. This pair of pressing portions 51 is biased upward towards the Z1 by a plurality (for example, three) of elastic members 53.

[0079] In this embodiment, the first surface 55a is biased upward towards Z1 by an elastic member 53 positioned between the drive vehicle body 25 and the pressing portion 51. The second surface 55b is also biased upward towards Z1 by an elastic member 53 positioned between the drive vehicle body 25 and the pressing portion 51.

[0080] [Other Embodiments] Next, other embodiments of the transport vehicle 10 will be described.

[0081] (1) In the above embodiment, a configuration in which the coupling portion 27 is provided with a male threaded portion 27a and the coupled portion 37 is provided with a female threaded portion 37a was described as an example. However, the embodiment of the transport vehicle 10 is not limited to such a configuration. For example, as shown in Figure 9, the coupling portion 27 may be provided with a roller portion 127b, and the coupled portion 37 may be provided with a first restricting plate 137b fixed to the driven vehicle body 35 and a second restricting plate 137c that is detachable from the driven vehicle body 35 or movable relative to the driven vehicle body 35 in a direction perpendicular to the reference direction X. The roller portion 127b and the guided member which is the pressing portion 51 may be configured to rotate integrally. In the example shown in Figure 9, the first restricting plate 137b restricts the movement of the roller portion 127b toward the second side X2 in the reference direction, and the second restricting plate 137c restricts the movement of the roller portion 127b toward the first side X1 in the reference direction. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 10, for example, the coupling portion 27 may be the end of the drive vehicle body 25. In the example shown in Figure 10, the first restricting plate 137b restricts the movement of the coupling portion 27 on the second side X2 in the reference direction toward the second side X2, and the second restricting plate 137c restricts the movement of the coupling portion 27 on the first side X1 in the reference direction toward the first side X1. In the examples shown in Figures 9 and 10, the second restricting plate 137c is configured to be detachable from the driven vehicle body 35, or movable relative to the driven vehicle body 35 in a direction perpendicular to the reference direction X, so that when connecting or disconnecting the drive bogie 20 and the driven bogie 30, the second restricting plate 137c can be retracted so that the coupling portion 27 and the second restricting plate 137c do not interfere with each other. In the examples shown in Figures 9 and 10, the first restricting plate 137b may be detachable or movable relative to the driven vehicle body 35, similar to the second restricting plate 137c. Alternatively, the coupling portion 27 and the coupled portion 37 may be equipped with a toggle mechanism, such as a toggle latch or toggle clamp. For example, the coupling portion 27 and the coupled portion 37 may be equipped with a toggle mechanism, and by switching the coupling portion 27 and the coupled portion 37 from a disconnected state to a connected state, the driven vehicle body 25 may move relative to the driven vehicle body 35 in the second side X2 of the reference direction, and the portion of the guide surface 55 facing the guided member may move from the second surface 55b to the first surface 55a. Alternatively, the coupling portion 27 may be pivotable around a pivot axis in a direction along the reference orthogonal direction Y relative to the driven vehicle body 25.Furthermore, for example, the coupled portion 37 may be able to swing around a pivot axis in a direction along the reference orthogonal direction Y with respect to the driven vehicle body 35. In this way, when the driven bogie 20 and the driven bogie 30 are coupled together during travel, the vertical undulation of the floor surface 11 can be absorbed.

[0082] (2) In the above embodiment, the guide member was described as having a guide surface 55, and the guide surface 55 has a shape in which the guided member, which is guided in the reference direction X, does not have a recess into which it locally fits, and has a second surface 55b which is an inclined surface continuous with the first surface 55a. However, the embodiment of the transport vehicle 10 is not limited to such a configuration. For example, there may be a gap between the first surface 55a and the second surface 55b of the guide surface 55 into which the guided member can move over, or a recess into which the guided member locally fits. Alternatively, for example, the guide member may not have a guide surface 55, the pressed portion 52 may be a recess, and the pressing portion 51 may be a convex portion that moves in the vertical direction Z at a position opposite the recess.

[0083] (3) In the above embodiment, the guide surface 55 was described as having a configuration in which the first surface 55a, which is the portion facing the guided member in the coupled state and coupled position relationship, is a first horizontal plane arranged horizontally along the reference direction X, and the second surface 55b is either a second horizontal plane or an inclined surface or both. However, the embodiment of the transport vehicle 10 is not limited to such a configuration. For example, the first surface 55a may be an inclined surface formed so as it moves toward the first side X1 in the reference direction, it moves toward the upper side Z1 or the lower side Z2. Also, for example, the second surface 55b may be an inclined surface formed so as it moves toward the first side X1 in the reference direction, it moves toward the lower side Z2. Also, for example, the entire guide surface 55 may be a horizontal plane arranged horizontally along the reference direction X. Also, for example, the entire guide surface 55 may be an inclined surface.

[0084] (4) In the above embodiment, the coupling portion 27 is provided with a male threaded portion 27a, and the coupled portion 37 is provided with a female threaded portion 37a. By screwing the male threaded portion 27a into the female threaded portion 37a and tightening it, the drive vehicle body 25 moves relative to the driven vehicle body 35 in the second side X2 of the reference direction, and the portion of the guide surface 55 facing the guided member moves from the second surface 55b to the first surface 55a. However, the embodiment of the transport vehicle 10 is not limited to such a configuration. For example, the coupling portion 27 may be equipped with a nut having a female thread portion 37a, and the connected portion 37 may be equipped with a male thread portion 27a fixed to the driven vehicle body 35, and by screwing the nut having the female thread portion 37a onto the male thread portion 27a and tightening it, the drive vehicle body 25 moves relative to the driven vehicle body 35 in the second side X2 of the reference direction, and the portion of the guide surface 55 facing the guided member moves from the second surface 55b to the first surface 55a. Alternatively, for example, by loosening the male thread portion 27a relative to the female thread portion 37a, the drive vehicle body 25 may move relative to the driven vehicle body 35 in the second side X2 of the reference direction, and the portion of the guide surface 55 facing the guided member moves from the second surface 55b to the first surface 55a.

[0085] (5) In the above embodiment, the drive trolley 20 was described as having a configuration in which both the first wheels 21 and the second wheels 22 are rotatable. However, the embodiment of the transport vehicle 10 is not limited to such a configuration. For example, the drive trolley 20 may be a tricycle. Also, for example, the drive trolley 20 may have five or more wheels. Also, for example, both the first wheels 21 and the second wheels 22 may not be rotatable. Also, for example, both the first wheels 21 and the second wheels 22 may be rotatable and capable of traveling in the reference orthogonal direction Y. Also, for example, the drive trolley 20 may have a configuration in which it does not have second wheels 22.

[0086] (6) In the above embodiment, a configuration was described as in which the drive trolley 20 comprises a first pressing part 51a and a second pressing part 51b, and the driven trolley 30 comprises a first pressed part 52a and a second pressed part 52b, and the first pressing part 51a and the second pressing part 51b are arranged at different positions in the reference orthogonal direction Y. However, the embodiment of the transport vehicle 10 is not limited to such a configuration. For example, the first pressing part 51a and the second pressing part 51b may be arranged at positions that overlap in a reference orthogonal direction view along the reference orthogonal direction Y. Also, for example, the drive trolley 20 may not have a second pressing part 51b. Also, for example, the driven trolley 30 may not have a second pressed part 52b.

[0087] (7) In the above embodiment, a configuration was described as in which at least one of the coupling portion 27 and the coupled portion 37 is positioned within reach of a tool held by a worker from outside the driven trolley 30 and the driven trolley 30. However, the embodiment of the transport vehicle 10 is not limited to such a configuration. For example, at least one of the coupling portion 27 and the coupled portion 37 may be positioned within reach of a worker from outside the driven trolley 30 and the driven trolley 30. For example, it is not necessary for the coupling portion 27 and the coupled portion 37 to be operated to change between a coupled state and a discoupled state from outside the drive trolley 20 and the driven trolley 30.

[0088] (8) In the above embodiment, the driven vehicle body 35 was described as having a configuration in which the vehicle body entry portion 25a that has entered the driven vehicle body 35 can exit relative to the driven vehicle body 35 toward the first side X1 in the reference direction. However, the embodiment of the transport vehicle 10 is not limited to such a configuration. For example, the driven vehicle body 35 may be configured such that the driven vehicle body 35 can travel in the reference orthogonal direction Y, and the vehicle body entry portion 25a that has entered the driven vehicle body 35 can exit relative to the driven vehicle body 35 toward the reference orthogonal direction Y. Also, for example, the drive trolley 20 may be able to move in multiple directions, that is, the reference direction X may be multiple directions.

[0089] (9) In the above embodiment, a configuration in which the coupling state is restricted from relative movement of the coupling portion 27 to both sides in the reference direction X relative to the coupled portion 37 was described as an example. However, the embodiment of the transport vehicle 10 is not limited to such a configuration. For example, the coupling state may be such that the coupling portion 27 is able to move relative to the coupled portion 37 to both sides in the reference direction X within the range in which the guided member is in contact with the first surface 55a. Also, for example, an elastic member or a cushioning material may be placed between the coupling portion 27 and the coupled portion 37. Also, for example, the first surface 55a may be a horizontal plane arranged horizontally along the reference orthogonal direction Y, and the coupling state may be such that the coupling portion 27 is restricted from relative movement of the coupled portion 37 to both sides in the reference orthogonal direction Y.

[0090] (10) In the above embodiment, a configuration in which the first wheel 21 and the second wheel 22 are provided on the vehicle body entry section 25a of the drive trolley 20 was described as an example. However, the embodiment of the transport vehicle 10 is not limited to such a configuration. For example, in the drive trolley 20, one or both of the first wheel 21 and the second wheel 22 may be positioned outward in the reference orthogonal direction Y relative to the vehicle body entry section 25a. Also, for example, in the drive trolley 20, one or both of the first wheel 21 and the second wheel 22 may be positioned outward in the reference direction X relative to the vehicle body entry section 25a.

[0091] (11) The configurations disclosed in the embodiments described above can be applied in combination with configurations disclosed in other embodiments, as long as they do not cause any inconsistencies. With regard to other configurations, the embodiments disclosed herein are merely illustrative in all respects. Therefore, various modifications can be made as appropriate without departing from the spirit of this disclosure.

[0092] [Summary of the above embodiments] The transport vehicle related to this disclosure will be described below.

[0093] In one embodiment, the transport vehicle comprises a driven trolley and a drive trolley that is connected to the driven trolley and moves under its own power to cause the driven trolley to travel along the floor surface, wherein the drive trolley comprises a drive body which is the body of the drive trolley, a pressing part, and a coupling part, wherein the driven trolley comprises a driven body which is the body of the driven trolley, a pressed part which is pressed from below by the pressing part, and a coupled part which is coupled to the coupling part, and at least a part of the drive body is positioned below the driven body The vehicle body is positioned in the vehicle body entry section, and the pressing section is provided in the vehicle body entry section. The pressing section and the pressed section can change between a pressing state in which they press against each other in the vertical direction by moving the driven vehicle body and the driven vehicle body relative to each other, and a release state in which the pressing state is released. The coupling section and the coupled section can change between a coupled state in which they are coupled to each other and a release state in which they are released, and are configured to be able to achieve the coupled state at least in the pressing state.

[0094] With this configuration, the positional relationship between the pressing part and the pressed part when the connecting part and the connected part are connected results in a pressing state where the pressing part and the pressed part press against each other in the vertical direction. This makes it easier to press the drive trolley against the floor surface with the load from the driven trolley, ensuring sufficient frictional force on the wheels of the drive trolley, and thus stabilizing the movement of both the drive trolley and the driven trolley. Furthermore, because the connecting part and the connected part are provided separately from the pressing part and the pressed part, even when the weight of the driven trolley is large, the connection between the drive trolley and the driven trolley can be maintained, and the driven trolley can be driven to move the driven trolley appropriately.

[0095] In one embodiment, the driven vehicle and the drive vehicle are relative to each other in the uncoupled state, with a specific direction along the floor surface in which the drive vehicle can move being used as the reference direction, and one of the pressing portion and the pressed portion is a guide member, and the other of the pressing portion and the pressed portion is a guided member that is guided by the guide member, and the guide member has at least a guide surface that guides the guided member in the pressed state, and the guide surface has a shape that does not have a recess into which the guided member that is guided in the reference direction fits locally.

[0096] With this configuration, when the drive trolley is moved relative to the driven trolley in the reference direction, the guided member can move along the guide surface in the reference direction without getting stuck, even when pressed. Therefore, the pressing state between the pressing part and the pressed part can be smoothly released.

[0097] In one embodiment, a specific direction along the floor surface in which the drive trolley can move is defined as the reference direction, one side of the reference direction is defined as the first side of the reference direction, and the positional relationship between the pressing portion and the pressed portion in the connected state of the connecting portion and the connected portion is defined as the connected position relationship, the driven vehicle body is configured such that the vehicle body entry portion that has entered the driven vehicle body can retract relative to the driven vehicle body toward the first side of the reference direction, one of the pressing portion and the pressed portion is a guide member, and the other of the pressing portion and the pressed portion is a guided object guided by the guide member The internal member is the guide member, and the guide member has at least a guide surface that guides the member to be guided in the pressed state, the guide surface having a first surface which is the part that faces the member to be guided in the coupled positional relationship, and a second surface which has an angle with respect to the horizontal plane in the reference direction that is different from the angle of the first surface, wherein the pressed part is the guide member and the second surface is arranged on the guide surface in a part that is on the first side in the reference direction from the first surface, or the pressing part is the guide member and the second surface is arranged on the guide surface in a part that is on the second side in the reference direction from the first surface.

[0098] With this configuration, when the drive trolley is moved relative to the driven trolley in the reference direction, the guided member can be moved along the guide surface in the reference direction while changing the force with which they press against each other in the vertical direction.

[0099] In one embodiment, the guide surface has a second surface continuous with the first surface, the coupling portion and the coupled portion each have a male screw portion arranged along the reference direction and a female screw portion into which the male screw portion is screwed, and the drive trolley and the driven trolley are configured such that the drive vehicle body moves relative to the driven vehicle body toward the second side in the reference direction, and the portion of the guide surface facing the guided member moves from the second surface to the first surface.

[0100] With this configuration, the screwing of the male and female threaded portions allows the guided member to move from the second surface to the first surface, thereby changing the pressing force between the pressing portion and the pressed portion. Therefore, by utilizing the operation to change the coupling portion and the connected portion from a disengaged state to a coupled state, the pressing portion and the pressed portion can be changed from a disengaged state to a pressed state.

[0101] In one embodiment, a specific direction along the floor surface in which the drive trolley can move is defined as the reference direction, a direction perpendicular to the reference direction when viewed from above is defined as the reference orthogonal direction, and the positional relationship between the pressing part and the pressed part in the connected state of the connecting part and the connected part is defined as the connection position relationship. The drive trolley comprises a first wheel and a second wheel spaced apart from the first wheel in the reference direction, and a first pressing part which is the first pressing part, and a second pressing part which is the second pressing part spaced apart from the first pressing part in the reference direction. The driven trolley comprises a first pressed part which is the first pressed part, positioned opposite the first pressing part in the connection position relationship, and a second pressed part which is the second pressed part, positioned opposite the second pressing part in the connection position relationship, and the first pressing part and the second pressing part are positioned at different positions in the reference orthogonal direction.

[0102] This configuration allows for easier securing of frictional force for each wheel of the drive bogie by pressing both the first and second wheels against the floor surface, in a configuration where the drive bogie is divided in the reference direction and has first and second wheels. Furthermore, when the drive bogie is moved relative to the driven bogie in the first direction of the reference direction, it is possible to avoid the first pressing part coming into contact with the second pressed part, or the second pressing part coming into contact with the first pressed part. Therefore, the release of the pressing state between the first pressing part and the first pressed part, and the release of the pressing state between the second pressing part and the second pressed part can be performed smoothly.

[0103] In one embodiment, the coupling portion and the coupled portion are arranged so that operations for changing between the coupled state and the uncoupled state can be performed from outside the driving trolley and the driven trolley.

[0104] This configuration allows for easy operation of switching the coupling and coupled parts from a discoupled state to a coupled state. Therefore, when separating the drive bogie from the driven bogie due to a malfunction or maintenance of the drive bogie, the separation work can be easily performed.

[0105] The transport vehicle described herein only needs to achieve at least one of the effects described above. The technical features of the transport vehicle described herein are also applicable to transport methods and transport programs. [Explanation of symbols]

[0106] 10: Transport vehicle 11: Floor 20: Driven bogie 21: 1st wheel 22:Second wheel 25: Drive body 25a: Vehicle entry section 27:Joining part 27a: Male threaded portion 30: Driven trolley 35: Driven vehicle 37: Joined part 37a: Female thread portion 51: Pressing part 51a: First pressing section 51b: Second pressing section 52: Pressed part 52a: First pressed portion 52b: Second pressed portion 55: Guide surface 55a: 1st page 55b: 2nd side

Claims

1. A transport vehicle comprising a driven trolley and a drive trolley that moves under its own power while connected to the driven trolley, thereby causing the driven trolley to travel along the floor surface, The aforementioned drive trolley comprises a drive body which is the body of the drive trolley, a pressing part, and a coupling part. The driven trolley comprises a driven body which is the body of the driven trolley, a pressed portion which is pressed from below by the pressing portion, and a connected portion which is connected to the connecting portion. At least a portion of the drive vehicle body is a vehicle body entry section that is positioned below the driven vehicle body, The pressing portion is provided in the vehicle body entry portion, The pressing portion and the pressed portion can change between a pressing state in which they press against each other in the vertical direction by moving the driven vehicle body and the drive vehicle body relative to each other, and a release state in which the pressing state is released. A transport vehicle wherein the coupling portion and the coupled portion are capable of changing between a coupled state in which they are coupled to each other and a discoupled state in which they are discoupled, and are configured to be able to achieve the coupled state at least in the pressed state.

2. Taking a specific direction along the floor surface in which the drive trolley can move as the reference direction, The driven vehicle body and the driven vehicle body are able to move relative to each other in the reference direction when the coupling is released. One of the pressing portion and the pressed portion is a guide member, and the other of the pressing portion and the pressed portion is a guided member that is guided by the guide member. The guide member comprises at least a guide surface that guides the member to be guided in the pressed state, The transport vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the guide surface has a shape that does not have a recess into which the guided member guided in the reference direction fits locally.

3. The reference direction is a specific direction along the floor surface in which the drive trolley can move. One side of the aforementioned reference direction is designated as the first reference direction, and the other side of the aforementioned reference direction is designated as the second reference direction. The positional relationship between the pressing portion and the pressed portion in the connected state of the connecting portion and the connected portion is defined as the connection position relationship. The driven vehicle body is configured such that the vehicle body entry portion, which is inserted into the driven vehicle body, can retract relative to the driven vehicle body toward the first side in the reference direction. One of the pressing portion and the pressed portion is a guide member, and the other of the pressing portion and the pressed portion is a guided member that is guided by the guide member. The guide member comprises at least a guide surface that guides the member to be guided in the pressed state, The guide surface has a first surface which is the portion facing the guided member in the coupling position relationship, and a second surface whose angle with respect to the horizontal plane in the reference direction is different from that of the first surface. The pressed portion is the guide member, and the second surface is positioned on the portion of the guide surface that is on the first side in the reference direction from the first surface, or The transport vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the pressing portion is the guide member, and the second surface is arranged on the guide surface in a portion on the second side in the reference direction from the first surface.

4. The guide surface has a second surface that is continuous with the first surface, The connecting portion and the connected portion each comprise a male threaded portion arranged along the reference direction and a female threaded portion into which the male threaded portion is screwed. The transport vehicle according to claim 3, wherein the drive vehicle and the driven vehicle are configured such that the drive vehicle body moves relative to the driven vehicle body toward the second side in the reference direction, and the portion of the guide surface facing the guided member moves from the second surface to the first surface, by screwing the male screw portion into the female screw portion and tightening it to move the coupling portion and the coupled portion from the discoupled state to the coupled state.

5. The reference direction is a specific direction along the floor surface in which the drive trolley can move. The direction perpendicular to the aforementioned reference direction when viewed in the vertical direction is defined as the reference orthogonal direction. The positional relationship between the pressing portion and the pressed portion in the connected state of the connecting portion and the connected portion is defined as the connection position relationship. The drive trolley comprises a first wheel and a second wheel positioned spaced apart from the first wheel in the reference direction, and also comprises a first pressing portion which is the first pressing portion and a second pressing portion which is the second pressing portion positioned spaced apart from the first pressing portion in the reference direction, The driven trolley comprises a first pressed portion which is the first pressed portion, positioned opposite the first pressing portion in the coupling position relationship, and a second pressed portion which is the second pressed portion, positioned opposite the second pressing portion in the coupling position relationship. The transport vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the first pressing portion and the second pressing portion are arranged at different positions in the reference orthogonal direction.

6. The transport vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the coupling portion and the coupled portion are arranged so that operations for changing between the coupled state and the uncoupled state can be performed from outside the drive trolley and the driven trolley.

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