Work provision system

Abstract

To implement a work plan using a mobile system including a vehicle and its payload. [Solution] The work support system 1 is equipped with an instruction unit 12 that directs the work site to at least one of the following: a self-propelled vehicle 51, a loadable vehicle 52 that can be mounted on the vehicle 51 and is capable of performing work, and a transport vehicle 40 that can transport the vehicle 51 and the loadable vehicle 52. When the vehicle 51 is transported to a predetermined location by the transport vehicle 40, it moves away from the transport vehicle 40 to a location where the loadable vehicle 52 is stored, loads the loadable vehicle 52, and then moves to the work site W1. After the vehicle 51 arrives at the work site W1, the loadable vehicle 52 performs work at the work site W1.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a work providing system.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a moving body including a traveling body that travels on a traveling surface and a mounted body mounted on the traveling body is known. The mounted body can be attached to the traveling body, and the attached mounted body can be detached from the traveling body. Depending on the usage scenario of the moving body, various types of mounted bodies can be appropriately replaced on the traveling body. An example of this type of moving body is disclosed in Non-Patent Document 1 below.

Prior Art Documents

Non-Patent Documents

[0003]

Non-Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

[0004] However, currently, there is no regulation on how to use the above-described moving body to realize a work plan.

[0005] In view of the above, an object of the present invention is to provide a work providing system that can realize a work plan using the above-described moving body.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The technical means of the present invention for solving this technical problem is characterized by the following: The work support system according to the first feature of the present invention is equipped with a self-propelled vehicle, a loadable vehicle that can be mounted on the vehicle and is capable of performing work, and at least one of the vehicle and the loadable vehicle with an indicator unit for indicating a work site, wherein when the vehicle is transported to a predetermined location by the transport unit, it moves away from the transport unit to a location where the loadable vehicle is stored, loads the loadable vehicle, and then moves to the work site, and after the vehicle arrives at the work site, the loadable vehicle performs work at the work site.

[0007] A work support system according to a second feature of the present invention includes an instruction unit for indicating a work site to at least one of a self-propelled vehicle, a loadable vehicle that can be mounted on the vehicle and is capable of performing work, and a transport vehicle that can transport the vehicle and the loadable vehicle. When the loadable vehicle is transported to a predetermined location by the transport vehicle together with the vehicle, it moves away from the transport vehicle to the work site, and after the vehicle and the loadable vehicle arrive at the work site, the loadable vehicle performs work at the work site.

[0008] In the work support system according to the third feature of the present invention, when the transporter transports the vehicle and the loaded object to the predetermined location, it stops at the predetermined location and unloads the transported vehicle and the loaded object.

[0009] In the work support system according to the fourth feature of the present invention, the mobile body moves from the work site to the transport body when the work performed by the mounted body is completed at the work site.

[0010] In the work support system according to the fifth feature of the present invention, when the work performed by the mounted body is completed at the work site, the mobile body moves to another work site different from the work site.

[0011] In the work support system according to the sixth feature of the present invention, when a work site is designated, the transporter moves to the predetermined location with the traveling body and the mounted body loaded on it.

[0012] In the work support system according to the seventh feature of the present invention, when the work performed by the mounted unit is completed at the work site, it is replaced with another mounted unit to perform a different task.

[0013] In the work support system according to the eighth feature of the present invention, when the remaining charge of the battery of the traveling body falls below a predetermined amount, the traveling body completes the work performed by the mounted body and moves from the work site toward the transport body, where it is charged by the transport body. [Effects of the Invention]

[0014] According to the present invention, a work plan can be realized using the above-mentioned mobile body. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0015] [Figure 1] This figure shows an example of the overall configuration of the work provision system 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This figure shows an example of a mobile body 50 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] This figure shows an example of a transporter 40 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] This figure shows an example of a storage cabinet 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] This is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of the operation of the work provision system 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0016] [First Embodiment] Hereinafter, referring to FIGS. 1 to 5, the work providing system 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described. Hereinafter, in the directions in this embodiment, the upper, lower, left, right, front, and rear directions correspond to the upper, lower, left, right, front, and rear directions of the arrows appropriately shown in each drawing.

[0017] As shown in FIG. 1, the work providing system 1 according to this embodiment includes a self-propelled traveling body 51, a mounting body 52 that can be mounted on the traveling body 51 and can perform work, a server 10, a carrier 40, and a storage 100.

[0018] <Moving body 50> As shown in FIG. 2, the moving body 50 is composed of the traveling body 51 and the mounting body 52 mounted on the traveling body 51.

[0019] The traveling body 51 can travel in the first direction. Here, the "first direction" is any one of the front-rear, left-right, front-oblique left, front-oblique right, rear-oblique left, and rear-oblique right directions, and corresponds to the horizontal direction. The oblique angles of the front-oblique left, front-oblique right, rear-oblique left, and rear-oblique right are each arbitrary.

[0020] Also, the "first direction" also corresponds to a direction parallel to the traveling surface. That is, the traveling body 51 can travel in all directions along the traveling surface.

[0021] The traveling body 51 includes a mounting surface 511 that faces the second direction, which is upward with respect to the first direction. The mounting surface 511 is included in the upper surface of the traveling body 51. Here, the "second direction" corresponds to upward. Also, the "second direction" also corresponds to the vertical direction away from the traveling surface.

[0022] Also, a third direction opposite to the second direction is defined. Here, the "third direction" corresponds to downward and also corresponds to the vertical direction approaching the traveling surface. Also, a fourth direction perpendicular to each of the first direction and the second direction is defined. Here, the "fourth direction" corresponds to the horizontal direction and also corresponds to a direction parallel to the traveling surface. For example, when the first direction is the front, the fourth direction is the left or right.

[0023] Furthermore, the mounting body 52 is configured to be detachable from the mounting surface 511 of the traveling body 51. When the mounting body 52 is detached (see, for example, Figure 2), first, the bottom surface of the mounting body 52, which faces the third direction, is brought into contact with the mounting surface 511, which faces the second direction. Then, by bringing both sides relatively close together, the mounting body 52 can be attached to the mounting surface 511.

[0024] More specifically, if the mounting body 52 is positioned above the mounting surface 511, the vehicle 51 is driven to the mounting position of the mounting body 52 so that both sides face each other. Then, with both sides facing each other, the mounting body 52 may be moved in a third direction to achieve mounting. If the mounting body 52 is mounted on the mounting surface 511 and mounted on the vehicle 51, it moves integrally with the vehicle 51.

[0025] On the other hand, while the mounting body 52 is attached, the mounting body 52 can be detached from the mounting surface 511 by relatively separating the lower surface of the mounting body 52 from the mounting surface 511.

[0026] More specifically, with both sides facing each other, the mounted body 52 is moved from the traveling body 51 in a second direction. Then, the mounted body 52 is positioned above the mounting surface 511, and the traveling body 51 is driven from the position where the mounted body 52 is positioned, thereby achieving detachment. When the mounted body 52 has detached from the mounting surface 511 and is not mounted on the traveling body 51, it is positioned separately from the traveling body 51.

[0027] The mounting unit 52 attached to the vehicle 51 is a so-called attachment, and the same unit may be attached and detached. Alternatively, after detaching one type of mounting unit 52, a different type of mounting unit 52 may be attached. In other words, multiple types of different mounting units 52 may be attached to a single type of vehicle 51, depending on the situation. When attached to the vehicle 51, the mounting unit 52 may be configured to perform various tasks such as farming, construction, and transportation, or it may be configured to be a rideable mobility device; the configuration is arbitrary. For example, if the configuration of the mounting unit 52 is adapted for farming, it may be configured to perform tasks such as mowing, sowing, spraying, and ridging.

[0028] <Conveyor 40> The transporter 40 is configured to deliver at least one of the traveling body 51 and the mounted body 52 that constitute the mobile body 50 to the first user.

[0029] As shown in Figure 3, the transporter 40 may be any mobile body capable of transporting the load 300, such as a four-wheeled vehicle. If the transporter 40 is a four-wheeled vehicle, it is preferable that the transporter 40 has a body that extends in the direction of travel (vehicle length direction), and is configured so that multiple vehicles 200 can enter along the vehicle length direction and the load 300 can be placed there. The transporter 40 may also be called a transport vehicle.

[0030] More specifically, as shown in Figure 3, the transporter 40 comprises a floor section 41, a traveling device 42, a storage section 43, an opening 44, a door section 45, a mounting area 46, and a placement section 47. As indicated by the arrows in Figure 3, the front and rear sides of the mobile body 50, which are the forward and reverse directions, correspond to the left and right sides of the transporter 40, which are the vehicle width direction, respectively, and the left and right sides of the mobile body 50, which are the vehicle width direction, correspond to the forward and backward directions, respectively.

[0031] The floor section 41 is configured in a rectangular shape that extends in the longitudinal direction of the transport body 40. The running gear 42 is equipped with front wheels 42F and rear wheels 42R that make contact with the running surface. The floor section 41 is positioned between the front wheels 42F and the rear wheels 42R. The floor section 41 is supported by the running gear 42 and is spaced apart so as to be substantially parallel to the running surface. The floor section 41 is positioned so that the running gear 52 of the mobile body 50 can drive onto its upper side.

[0032] The storage section 43 is a roughly rectangular parallelepiped housing that extends in the vehicle length direction of the transporter 40. The storage section 43 is configured to cover the floor section 41 and the placement section 47, respectively. When a load 52 is placed in the placement section 47, the load 52 is stored inside the storage section 43. When the direction of travel of the transporter 40 is the vehicle length direction, an opening 44 is provided only at one end of the storage section 43 in the vehicle width direction.

[0033] The opening 44 connects the inside and outside of the storage section 43. When the traveling body 51 enters the loading area 46 on the floor section 41, it passes through the opening 44. The traveling body 51 also passes through the opening 44 when the loading unit 52 is loaded in the loading area 46 and it starts moving. The opening 44 is provided with a door section 45.

[0034] The door section 45 is configured to switch between a state of communication and a state of shielding the opening 44. The door section 45 maintains the shielding state when transporting the load 52 placed in the arrangement section 47. The door section 45 may be configured, for example, in the shape of a rectangular plate, with its lower end connected to the floor section 41. In this case, the door section 45 switches between a state of communication and a state of shielding the opening 44 by operating in a flap-like manner. Furthermore, when the opening 44 is in the state of communication, the door section 45 is configured to act as a ramp that guides the vehicle 51 from the outside to the loading area 46 on the floor section 41.

[0035] The mounting area 46 is located above the floor 41 inside the storage section 43, and is used to attach the load unit 52 to the vehicle 51 that has entered the floor 41. The placement section 47 is located above the floor 41 and is capable of arranging the load unit 52 to be attached to the vehicle 51. When the load unit 52 is placed in the placement section 47, the mounting area 46 attaches the load unit 52 to the vehicle 51 located below the placement section 47.

[0036] Multiple mounting areas 46 are provided on the floor 41, and one arrangement area 47, opening 44, and door 45 is provided for each of the multiple mounting areas 46. In this embodiment, four mounting areas 46 may be provided and arranged in a line along the vehicle length direction of the transport body 40. Furthermore, the number of mounting areas 46 for one transport body 40 is not limited to four, but may be any number.

[0037] In addition, the storage unit 43 may store both the mounted unit 52 and the mobile unit 51 (i.e., the mobile unit 50) at the same time, or it may store only the mobile unit 51 or only the mounted unit 52.

[0038] <Storage 100> As shown in Figure 4, the storage unit 100 is a housing capable of accommodating the entire mobile unit 50. The storage unit 100 has a rectangular bottom surface 110, and the longitudinal and transverse directions of the bottom surface 110 correspond to the vehicle length and vehicle width directions of the mobile unit 50. The longitudinal dimension of the bottom surface 110 is greater than the vehicle length dimension of the work machine 50. The transverse dimension of the bottom surface 110 is greater than the vehicle width dimension of the mobile unit 50.

[0039] On each long side of the base portion 110, side portions 120 are erected facing upward. On one short side of the front of the base portion 110, a front portion 130 is erected facing upward. At the very top, a roof portion 140 is provided so as to face the base portion 110 in the vertical direction.

[0040] An entrance / exit is provided on the other short side of the rear of the bottom surface 110, allowing the movable body 50 to enter and exit. A ramp section 150 is connected to this short side via a hinge. When the storage unit 100 is grounded, the bottom surface 110 is slightly elevated from the ground surface. The ramp section 150 forms a downward slope toward the outside from the entrance / exit of the storage unit 100.

[0041] When the mobile unit 50 enters or exits the storage facility 100, it travels along the ramp section 150. That is, the ramp section 150 can guide the mobile unit from the entrance / exit of the storage facility 100 to the outside, or from the outside of the storage facility 100 to the entrance / exit. On the other hand, the ramp section 150 is configured to be able to be raised. When the end of the ramp section 150 is raised toward the roof section 140, the opening that serves as the entrance / exit is closed.

[0042] The storage unit 100 is equipped with a placement section 160. The placement section 160 is used to position the mounted body 52. ​​The placement section 160 is composed of an inverted L-shaped plate member when viewed from the front. The two placement sections 160 are each positioned inside the storage unit 100 so as to extend in a direction along the long side of the bottom surface 110.

[0043] More specifically, one of the two faces that make up the inverted L shape in each arrangement section 160 is connected to each side section 120. The other of these two faces protrudes from each side section 120 toward the center of the interior. The other of these two faces is approximately parallel to the bottom section 110, and the mounting body 52 can be placed on its upper part.

[0044] The configuration of the storage unit 100 is not limited to those described above; any configuration that allows the mounted unit 52 to be placed inside is acceptable. For example, the storage unit 100 may be simply constructed with only a placement section 160 and members supporting the placement section 160.

[0045] Furthermore, the storage facility 100 may have a framework structure to allow visibility into the interior, or it may have a wall structure to shield it from wind and rain from the outside, or for security purposes.

[0046] Furthermore, the front section 130 may be detachable from the storage unit 100, and when the front section 130 is removed, the mobile unit 50 can move forward from the storage unit 100.

[0047] Furthermore, the position of the mounted body 52 inside the storage unit 100 (the installation position of the mounting section 160) is preferably above the bottom surface 110, but is arbitrary. The storage unit 100 may be configured such that the mounted body 520 is positioned, for example, on the front side (first direction side), the side (fourth direction side), or above side (second direction side) of the traveling body 51 inside the storage unit 100.

[0048] <Server 10> As shown in Figure 1, the server 10 includes a management unit 11 and an instruction unit 12.

[0049] The management unit 11 manages the work plans for each work site W1 / W2. For example, such work plans include the work period, the work content, the types and number of construction machines, vehicles 51 and load units 51 used in the work, and the number of workers.

[0050] The instruction unit 12 instructs at least one of the transporters 40 capable of carrying the vehicle 51 and the loaded vehicle 52 to the work site W1 / W2.

[0051] Here, as shown in Figure 1, when the traveling body 51A is transported to a predetermined location by the transporter 40, it moves away from the transporter 40 to a location where the mounted unit 52A is stored (for example, the storage facility 100), loads the mounted unit 52A, and then moves to the work site W1. After the traveling body 51A arrives at the work site W1, the mounted unit 52A performs work at the work site W1.

[0052] Here, the designated location is a place within a predetermined range from the work site W1 where the transporter 40 can be parked. For example, the distance between the designated location and the work site W1 is preferably such that the consumption of the battery capacity of the vehicle 51A is less than or equal to a predetermined amount.

[0053] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 1, if the mounted unit 52B is transported to a predetermined location by the transporter 40 together with the traveling unit 51B, the mounted unit 52B may move away from the transporter 40 and to the work site W1 with the mounted unit 52B still mounted on the traveling unit 51B.

[0054] Furthermore, when the transporter 40 has transported the vehicle 51B and the load 52B to a predetermined location, it stops at the predetermined location and unloads the transported vehicle 51B and load 52B. Specifically, the transporter 40 may, at the loading area 46, attach the load 52B to the vehicle 51B, and then transport the vehicle 51B with the load 52B attached through the opening 44.

[0055] Furthermore, if the work performed by the mounted unit 52 is completed at the work site W1, the traveling unit 51 may move from the work site W1 towards the transport unit 40.

[0056] Furthermore, if the work performed by the mounted unit 52 is completed at work site W1, the mobile unit 51 may move to another work site W2 that is different from work site W1.

[0057] Furthermore, if a work site W1 is designated, the transporter 40 may be moved to a predetermined location with the traveling body 51B and the loaded body 52B attached.

[0058] Furthermore, when the work performed by the mounted unit 52 is completed at the work site W1, it is replaced with another mounted unit to perform a different task.

[0059] Furthermore, if the remaining charge of the battery in the vehicle 51 falls below a predetermined amount, the vehicle 51 may complete the work performed by the mounted unit 52 and move from the work site W1 towards the transport unit 40, where it may be recharged by the transport unit 40.

[0060] An example of the operation of the work provision system 1 according to this embodiment will be described below with reference to Figure 5. In the example in Figure 5, the work plan is to perform work on the mounted unit 52A at work site W1, and then perform work on the mounted unit 52C at work site W2.

[0061] As shown in Figure 5, in step S1001, the instruction unit 12 of the server 10 sends a transport instruction to the transport body 40 instructing it to transport the mobile body 51A to the work site W1, and in step S1002, it transmits the above-mentioned work plan to the mobile body 51A.

[0062] When the transporter 40 transports the traveling body 51A to a predetermined location, in step S1003, The vehicle 51A moves under its own power to the storage facility 100 where the mounted unit 52A is stored.

[0063] In step S1004, the mobile unit 51A loads the mobile unit 52A in the storage unit 100, and then in step S1005, it moves under its own power to the work site W1.

[0064] In step S1006, the mounted unit 52A performs the work specified in the work plan described above at the work site W1. The mounted unit 52A may obtain such a work plan from the traveling unit 51A or from the instruction unit 12 of the server 10.

[0065] Once this operation is complete, the vehicle 51A moves under its own power in step S1007 to the storage facility 100 where the mounted unit 52C is stored.

[0066] In step S1008, the mobile unit 51A replaces the mounted unit 52A with the mounted unit 52C within the storage unit 100, and then in step S1009, it moves under its own power to the work site W2.

[0067] In step S1010, the mounted unit 52C performs the work specified in the work plan described above at the work site W2. The mounted unit 52C may obtain such a work plan from the traveling unit 51A or from the instruction unit 12 of the server 10.

[0068] Once this work is completed, the vehicle 51A moves under its own power to the storage unit 100 at step S1011.

[0069] In step S1012, the vehicle 52A removes the mounted unit 52C, and in step S1013, moves under its own power to the location where the transport unit 40 is parked.

[0070] [summary] The work support system 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention is equipped with an instruction unit 12 that indicates the work site to at least one of a self-propelled vehicle 51, a loadable vehicle 52 that can be mounted on the vehicle 51 and is capable of performing work, and a transport vehicle 40 that can transport the vehicle 51 and the loadable vehicle 52. When the vehicle 51 is transported to a predetermined location by the transport vehicle 40, it moves away from the transport vehicle 40 to a location where the loadable vehicle 52 is stored, loads the loadable vehicle 52, and then moves to the work site W1. After the vehicle 51 arrives at the work site W1, the loadable vehicle 52 performs work at the work site W1.

[0071] With this configuration, the user does not need to go to the work site W1, as the mounted unit 52 on the mobile unit 51 can perform work at the work site W1.

[0072] The work support system 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention is equipped with an instruction unit 12 that indicates the work site to at least one of a self-propelled mobile body 51B, a mobile body 52B that can be mounted on the mobile body 51B and is capable of performing work, and a transporter 40 that can transport the mobile body 51B and the mobile body 52B. When the mobile body 52B is transported to a predetermined location by the transporter 40 together with the mobile body 51B, it moves away from the transporter 40 to the work site W1, and after the mobile body 51B and the mobile body 52B arrive at the work site W1, the mobile body 52B performs work at the work site W1.

[0073] With this configuration, the transporter 40 can transport the vehicle 51B with the load 52B mounted on it, so that work can be carried out as soon as it arrives at a designated location near the work site W1.

[0074] In the work support system 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention, when the transporter 40 has transported the traveling body 51B and the loaded body 52B to a predetermined location, it may stop at the predetermined location and unload the transported traveling body 51B and the loaded body 52B.

[0075] With this configuration, even if there is no parking space for the transporter 40 at the work site W1, the vehicle 51B and the mounted unit 52B can be transported to carry out the work.

[0076] In the work support system 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the traveling body 51 may move from the work site W1 toward the transport body 40 when the work performed by the mounted body 52 is completed at the work site W1.

[0077] With this configuration, the mobile unit 51 can be automatically retrieved after the work at the work site W1 is completed.

[0078] In the work support system 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the traveling body 51 may move to another work site W2 different from the work site W1 once the work performed by the mounted body 52 is completed at the work site W1.

[0079] With this configuration, the mounted unit 52 installed on a single mobile unit 51 can perform work continuously at multiple work sites W1 / W2, thus enabling efficient implementation of the work plan.

[0080] In the work support system 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the transporter 40 may move to a predetermined location with the traveling body 51 and the mounted body 52 mounted on it when a work site W1 is specified.

[0081] With this configuration, after arriving near the work site W1, work can be carried out immediately in accordance with the work plan.

[0082] In the work support system 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention, when the work performed by the mounted body 52 is completed at the work site W1, it may be replaced with another mounted body to perform a different task.

[0083] With this configuration, different tasks can be performed consecutively at multiple work sites W1 / W2.

[0084] In the work support system 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention, if the remaining charge of the battery of the traveling body 51 falls below a predetermined amount, the traveling body 51 may complete the work performed by the mounted body 52 and move from the work site W1 toward the transport body 40, where it may be charged by the transport body 40.

[0085] With this configuration, the carrier 40 can charge the mounted unit 52, enabling it to operate continuously for extended periods.

[0086] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered in all respects to be illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is indicated by the claims rather than by the foregoing description, and all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims are intended. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0087] 1…Work provision system 10… Server 11…Management Department 12...Instruction section 40... Carrier 50... Mobile 51, 51A, 51B... running body 511… Mounting surface 52, 52A, 52B… Mounting units 100…Storage

Claims

1. A self-propelled vehicle, a loadable vehicle that can be mounted on the vehicle and is capable of performing work, and at least one of the vehicle and the loadable vehicle are equipped with an indicator unit for indicating the work site. When the traveling body is transported to a predetermined location by the transporter, it moves away from the transporter to the location where the mounted object is stored, loads the mounted object, and then moves to the work site. A work support system in which, after the vehicle arrives at the work site, the mounted unit performs work at the work site.

2. A self-propelled vehicle, a loadable vehicle that can be mounted on the vehicle and is capable of performing work, and at least one of the vehicle and the loadable vehicle are equipped with an indicator unit for indicating the work site. When the mounted object is transported to the predetermined location by the transporter together with the traveling body, it moves away from the transporter and to the work site. A work support system in which, after the vehicle and the mounted unit arrive at the work site, the mounted unit performs work at the work site.

3. The work support system according to claim 2, wherein when the transporter transports the vehicle and the loaded object to the predetermined location, it stops at the predetermined location and unloads the transported vehicle and the loaded object.

4. The work support system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the traveling body moves from the work site toward the transport body when the work performed by the mounted body is completed at the work site.

5. The work support system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the traveling body moves to another work site different from the work site when the work performed by the mounted body is completed at the work site.

6. The work support system according to claim 2, wherein the transporter moves to the predetermined location with the traveling body and the mounted body mounted on it when the work site is designated.

7. The work support system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein when the work performed by the aforementioned mounting body is completed at the work site, it is replaced with another mounting body to perform work of a different nature.

8. The work provision system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein when the remaining charge of the battery of the vehicle falls below a predetermined amount, the vehicle completes the work performed by the mounted unit and moves from the work site to the transport unit, and is charged by the transport unit.

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