Transportation system

Abstract

Provided is a transportation system that can travel a predetermined distance while suppressing energy consumption by raising a vehicle or the like to a predetermined height and traveling from a high position to a low position using a downward-sloping road surface. 【Solution means】The transportation system A includes a basic structure a composed of a vehicle road surface 1 on which a vehicle T can travel and a three-dimensional road 2 formed in a spiral shape for raising the vehicle T to a high position, and another basic structure a-1 adjacent to the basic structure a in the traveling direction of the vehicle T. The vehicle T travels by receiving a component force acting parallel to the downward slope with respect to the basic structure a and the other basic structure a-1, and travels from the X point where the three-dimensional road 2 of the basic structure a is provided to the Y point at the lowest point 10 of the vehicle road surface 1 of the other basic structure a-1 with less energy. Specifically, the vehicle T moves from the ground surface G to the uppermost point 11 of the vehicle road surface 1 by the three-dimensional road 2 of the basic structure a and travels on the vehicle road surface 1 to the lowest point 10.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a transportation system capable of moving a predetermined distance while suppressing the energy consumption required for the running of a vehicle or a freight car. Specifically, it relates to a transportation system that can run a predetermined distance while suppressing energy consumption by raising a vehicle or the like to a predetermined height and running from a high position to a low position using a downhill road.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, there has been concern about a shortage of drivers in the logistics industry. In addition, since April 2024, due to the limitation of the upper limit of the annual overtime working hours of automobile driving operations to 960 hours, issues such as a decrease in the profits of transportation companies, an increase in transportation fares, and the resignation of truck drivers, namely the "logistics problem of 2024", have been discussed.

[0003] If the "logistics problem of 2024" becomes a reality, the impacts on shippers may include an increase in delivery fees or the inability to use detailed services such as specified delivery dates, and there is a risk that the delivery services that have been enjoyed as natural services may be disrupted. Furthermore, it is fully conceivable that not only the delivery of personal luggage but also the transportation of materials in the supply chain will be affected, and the economic impact is also incalculable.

[0004] To solve this problem, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism has held a study session aimed at realizing an "automated logistics road" that utilizes the median strip of highways and underground spaces to transport luggage using unmanned carts, etc. (https: / / www.mlit.go.jp / road / ir / ir-council / buturyu_douro / index.html). Specifically, a "ground plan" that utilizes the shoulders and median strips of highways and an "underground plan" that constructs a dedicated tunnel in the underground space are being considered.

[0005] With this "automatic logistics road", not only can the stagnation of logistics due to the shortage of truck drivers be eliminated, but it is also expected to continuously respond to the current delivery services such as the designation of the delivery date without raising the delivery fee.

[0006] Also, as another problem, when a driver goes to pick up and deliver goods to the shipper's place of residence by a delivery vehicle on the sloping land often seen in mountainous areas, it not only takes time because the road is narrow and winding, but also because the road is cut through the mountainside, there is a high risk of landslides and other disasters due to heavy rain, which has also been one of the reasons why the profession of driver is shunned.

[0007] To solve this problem, as shown in Patent Document 1, a "traffic system" is disclosed in which a passenger elevator and a cable for vehicle and material transportation are made to intersect three-dimensionally with a road for pedestrians and vehicles. Specifically, it is a traffic system in which a passenger inclined elevator and a cable for vehicle and material transportation as vertical flow lines intersect three-dimensionally with a road for pedestrians and vehicles as horizontal flow lines, and they are connected via inclined elevator stops. It is said that this traffic system enables the construction of a transportation network while minimizing the creation and natural destruction of sloping land such as in the mountains.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0008]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0009] However, both the "automatic logistics road" of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism and the "traffic system" of Patent Document 1 are premised on the use of energy for the movement of vehicles, trucks, etc., and there is room for improvement from the perspective of promoting energy conservation these days, such as using energy efficiently.

[0010] The present invention was devised in view of the above points, and aims to provide a transportation system that can run a predetermined distance while suppressing energy consumption by raising a vehicle or the like to a predetermined height and running from a high position to a low position using a downward-sloping road surface.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0011] To solve the above problems, the transportation system of the present invention includes a lifting means capable of raising a vehicle or a freight car to a predetermined height, and a road surface continuously provided in a downward slope to the lifting means, on which the vehicle or freight car lifted to a high position by the lifting means can run toward a low position, and comprises a basic structure.

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

[0013] In addition, by a road surface continuously provided in a downward slope to the lifting means, the vehicle or the like raised to a predetermined height by the lifting means can be quickly made to enter the road surface. When a freight car runs on the road surface, rails are provided.

[0014] In addition, by a road surface continuously provided in a downward slope to the lifting means, on which the vehicle or the like lifted to a high position by the lifting means can run toward a low position, when the vehicle or the like goes down the road surface, the potential energy possessed by the vehicle or the like is converted into kinetic energy, so that the vehicle or the like can run vigorously.

[0015] In addition, since the vehicle or the like runs while receiving a component force acting parallel to the downward slope surface, this component force becomes a propulsive force that pushes the vehicle or the like in the downward direction, and the vehicle or the like can run even more vigorously. As a result, the vehicle or the like can run a predetermined distance while suppressing energy consumption.

[0016] In addition, with a basic structure composed of a lifting means and a traveling path continuously provided with a downward slope to the lifting means, a series of movements of lifting a vehicle or the like and causing the vehicle or the like to travel on the downward slope can be performed on the vehicle or the like.

[0017] Also, when the lower end side of the traveling path of the basic structure is continuously provided to the lifting means of another basic structure adjacent in the traveling direction, the vehicle or the like can be continuously traveled from the basic structure to the adjacent other basic structure. That is, by continuously providing such basic structures, the vehicle or the like can travel a long distance.

[0018] In addition, when the lifting means is a spiral road or an elevator-type elevator, the vehicle or the like can be lifted to a predetermined height. In particular, in the case of a freight car without self-propelling means, it can be lifted to a predetermined height by using an elevator-type elevator.

[0019] Also, when a branch road is provided at an arbitrary location on the traveling path, the vehicle or the like can be lowered from the traveling path by advancing the vehicle or the like to the branch road.

[0020] In addition, when the vehicle or the like has a power generation unit capable of generating electricity and a power storage unit capable of storing the electricity generated by the power generation unit, the rotational force of the engine when the vehicle or the like travels on the traveling path, sunlight, or the electricity generated by regenerative braking can be stored. Thereby, when the vehicle or the like travels on the traveling path of the uphill slope, by using this stored electricity, it becomes possible to move while suppressing energy consumption.

[0021] Also, when the freight car can load the vehicle, the vehicle can be directly loaded on the freight car. Thereby, the work of transferring the cargo loaded on the vehicle to the freight car conventionally can be omitted. In addition, since the vehicle is transferred by the freight car as a whole, a driver is not required, and the shortage of manpower can be solved.

[0022] In addition, the freight car is connected by a cable to another freight car traveling on an uphill road surface. When traveling downhill, if it is possible to tow the other freight car using the cable, as the freight car moves on the downhill road surface, it can tow the other freight car moving on the uphill road surface. Therefore, when the other freight car moves, energy consumption can be suppressed.

[0023] In addition, when the road surface is provided so that vehicles and the like can travel while maintaining a predetermined speed, the speed of the vehicles and the like will not be decelerated. Therefore, it can move while maintaining the predetermined speed and can move over a longer distance. Specifically, a road surface that does not have a structure that requires a stop, such as an intersection, can be considered.

[0024] In addition, in order to solve the above problems, the transportation system of the present invention includes a lifting means capable of lifting a freight car to a predetermined height, and a basic structure including a track formed in a substantially arc shape and continuously provided with the lifting means at the starting point side on which the freight car can travel. The end point side of the track of the basic structure is continuously provided with the lifting means of another basic structure adjacent to it in the traveling direction.

[0025] Here, the lifting means capable of lifting the freight car to a predetermined height can lift the freight car on the ground surface to a high position. As a result, the freight car has a predetermined potential energy. As will be described later, it can travel by converting this potential energy into kinetic energy.

[0026] In addition, the track continuously provided with the lifting means at the starting point side allows the freight car lifted by the lifting means to quickly enter the track and travel on the track.

[0027] In addition, due to the track formed in a substantially arc shape and on which the freight car can travel, the freight car can receive a component force acting parallel to the inclined surface of the track on the downhill slope and gain momentum to travel. Therefore, like the movement of a pendulum, the freight car can be lifted to a predetermined height on the uphill slope.

[0028] In addition, a series of movements of raising the freight car and running it on the track can be performed on the freight car by a basic structure composed of a lifting means and a track.

[0029] In addition, the end side of the track of the basic structure is connected to the lifting means of another basic structure adjacent in the traveling direction, so that the freight car can be easily moved from one basic structure to another. Thus, by providing a required number of basic structures, a predetermined distance can be traveled.

[0030] Also, when the end point of the track is provided at a lower position than the starting point and the freight car can be raised to an arbitrary height by the lifting means, the freight car can be raised to an arbitrary height by the lifting means and run. Thereby, since a predetermined position energy can be given to the freight car running on the track, the track can be easily run while changing the position energy into kinetic energy.

[0031] In addition, in order to solve the above problems, the transportation system of the present invention includes a lifting means capable of raising a vehicle, a freight car, or a monorail vehicle to a predetermined height, and a V-shaped running path composed of a downward slope and an upward slope that is connected to the lifting means and on which the vehicle, the freight car, or the monorail vehicle raised to a high position by the lifting means can receive power supply and run, and a basic structure.

[0032] Here, the vehicle, the freight car, or the monorail vehicle (hereinafter referred to as "vehicle etc.") on the ground surface can be raised to a high position by a lifting means capable of raising the vehicle etc. to a predetermined height. Thereby, since the vehicle etc. has a predetermined position energy, as will be described later, it can run by changing this position energy into kinetic energy.

[0033] In addition, a V-shaped driving path that is connected to the lifting means and on which vehicles or the like lifted to a high position by the lifting means can travel allows the vehicles or the like lifted to a predetermined height by the lifting means to quickly enter the V-shaped driving path. In the case where a freight car or a monorail travels on the V-shaped driving path, rails are provided.

[0034] In addition, in a V-shaped driving path composed of a downward slope and an upward slope, when traveling on the downward slope, the potential energy possessed by vehicles or the like is converted into kinetic energy, so that the vehicle or the like can travel vigorously on the upward slope following the downward slope. Also, vehicles or the like can generate electricity by using the rotation of the engine, regenerative brakes, etc. when traveling on the downward slope.

[0035] In addition, since vehicles or the like travel while receiving a component force acting parallel to the downward slope, this component force becomes a propulsive force that pushes the vehicles or the like in the downward direction, and the vehicles or the like can travel more vigorously. As a result, the vehicles or the like can travel a predetermined distance while suppressing energy consumption.

[0036] In addition, when the speed of a vehicle or the like that can travel by receiving power supply decreases on the upward slope, the vehicle or the like can be made to travel to the top of the upward slope by supplying power. Note that the vehicle or the like is provided with a power supply unit composed of a power generation unit that can generate electricity by the rotational force of the engine, sunlight, or regenerative brakes, and a power storage unit that can store the electricity generated by the power generation unit.

[0037] In addition, a basic structure composed of the lifting means and the V-shaped driving path can cause a series of movements of lifting the vehicle or the like and moving it on the V-shaped driving path to be performed on the vehicle or the like.

Effects of the Invention

[0038] The transportation system according to the present invention is a transportation system that can travel a predetermined distance while suppressing energy consumption by lifting a vehicle or the like to a predetermined height and traveling from a high position to a low position using a downward-sloping driving path.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0039]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

[0040] Hereinafter, the traffic system A of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 2 to facilitate understanding of the present invention.

[0041] [First Embodiment] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the traffic system A includes a basic structure a composed of a vehicle traveling road 1 on which a vehicle T can travel and a three-dimensional road 2 formed in a spiral shape for raising the vehicle T to a high position, and another basic structure a-1 adjacent to the basic structure a in the traveling direction of the vehicle T. The vehicle traveling road 1 is an example of a traveling road, and the three-dimensional road 2 is an example of a spiral road (raising means), but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, traveling roads and raising means using other well-known technologies are also conceivable. Further, the number of basic structures of the traffic system A is not limited to two, and any number can be provided.

[0042] In addition, the vehicle road 1 is provided on a downward slope, and the vehicle T traveling on the vehicle road 1 travels as if going down a downhill slope. In this embodiment, the horizontal distance L of the vehicle road 1 is about 3 km, and the height H is about 300 m. Note that the size of the vehicle road 1 is not limited to this, and other sizes are also possible. And the vehicle road 1 is not limited to being linear, and it is also conceivable to form it in a curved shape.

[0043] Note that since the gradient ratio of a general road is defined as "maximum 12%" according to the Road Structure Order, in this embodiment, the gradient ratio of the inclined road 12 is set to about 10%. However, it is not limited to this gradient ratio, and it can be freely determined within a range not exceeding 12%.

[0044] Also, the elevated road 2 is a one-way upward road, and it consists of an entrance 20 provided at the lower part, a spiral road 21 formed in a spiral shape, and an exit 22 provided at the upper part of the spiral road 21. The vehicle T enters the elevated road 2 from the entrance 20, travels upward on the spiral road 21, exits the elevated road 2 from the exit 22, and reaches the vehicle road 1.

[0045] That is, the vehicle T reaches the uppermost point 11 of the vehicle road 1 from the ground surface G (which is substantially the same height as the lowermost point 10 of the vehicle road 1 in this embodiment) by the elevated road 2 of the basic structure a, and travels on the vehicle road 1 from the uppermost point 11 to the lowermost point 10. Note that the lowermost point 10 is an example of a low position, the uppermost point 11 is an example of a high position, and the lowermost point does not necessarily have to be at the same height as the ground surface G.

[0046] Also, the vehicle T that has reached the lowermost point 10 of the basic structure a can reach the uppermost point 11 of another basic structure a-1 adjacent to the vehicle T in the traveling direction by using the elevated road 2 of the other basic structure a-1, and can travel on the vehicle road 1 of the other basic structure a-1.

[0047] In this way, by continuously traveling on the basic structure a and another basic structure a-1, the vehicle T can travel without stopping from point X where the three-dimensional road 2 of the basic structure a is provided to point Y at the lowest point 10 of the vehicle road 1 of another basic structure a-1. By continuously providing more basic structures, the vehicle T can travel any distance.

[0048] Also, the vehicle road 1 has a slope road 12 formed with a downward slope, an uppermost road 13 located upstream of the slope road 12, and a lowermost road 14 located downstream of the slope road 12. Although the gradient ratios of the slope road 12, the uppermost road 13, and the lowermost road 14 are different, an upstream gradient adjustment road 15 for adjusting the difference in the gradient ratios of both roads is provided between the slope road 12 and the uppermost road 13, and a downstream gradient adjustment road 16 for adjusting the difference in the gradient ratios of both roads is provided between the slope road 12 and the lowermost road 14.

[0049] In addition, both the uppermost road 13 and the lowermost road 14 are provided with a length of about 4 - 5M and a gradient ratio of about 0 - 1% (substantially horizontal). By setting such a length and gradient ratio, it is possible to travel safely without traveling on a road with a steep gradient ratio at the start or end of the vehicle road 1, and the occurrence of accidents can be suppressed. Note that the lengths and gradient ratios of both roads are not limited to the above and can be arbitrarily determined.

[0050] Also, the upstream gradient adjustment road 15 provided between the uppermost road 13 and the slope road 12 is formed such that its gradient ratio is larger than that of the uppermost road 13 and smaller than that of the slope road 12. Since it adjusts the difference in the gradient ratios of both roads, when the driver of the vehicle T travels on the vehicle road 1, it is difficult to feel a sudden change in the gradient ratio and can travel safely. The same applies to the downstream gradient adjustment road 16 provided between the lowermost road 14 and the slope road 12.

[0051] That is, when the vehicle reaches the vehicle driving road 1 from the elevated road 2 on the uppermost road 13 by the upstream gradient adjustment road 15, instead of immediately driving on the inclined road 12, it drives on the substantially horizontal uppermost road 13, and then enters the inclined road 12 through the upstream gradient adjustment road 15. Therefore, it is possible to drive safely without feeling a sudden change in the slope of the road surface.

[0052] Also, for the vehicle T going down the inclined road 12 by the downstream gradient adjustment road 16, since the vehicle T travels on the substantially horizontal lowermost road 14 through the downstream gradient adjustment road 16 and reaches the lowest point 10, it is possible to drive with confidence without feeling a sudden change in the slope of the road surface.

[0053] Also, when the vehicle T travels to the entrance 20 of the elevated road 2 of another basic structure a-1 adjacent to the vehicle T in the traveling direction, since the vehicle T is in a substantially horizontal state, it can safely enter the elevated road 2.

[0054] In addition, since the inclined road 12 has a predetermined gradient ratio, a component force acting in a direction parallel to the slope and a component force acting in a direction perpendicular to the slope are generated on the vehicle T on the inclined road 12. Among these component forces, the component force F acting in the direction parallel to the slope becomes a propulsive force that tries to move the vehicle T from the uppermost point 11 to the lowermost point 10 of the inclined road 12. As a result, the vehicle T can be made to travel with momentum, and since the vehicle T can move with less fuel, it can contribute to energy conservation.

[0055] Also, the inclined road 12 is not limited to being formed with a constant gradient for its entire length, and it is also conceivable to provide a speed adjustment section (not shown) on the inclined road 12. For example, a section with a gentle gradient is provided at an arbitrary point between the uppermost road 13 and the lowermost road 14. As a result, when the vehicle T goes down the inclined road 12, the presence of a point with a gentle gradient (speed adjustment section) can prevent the vehicle T from gaining excessive speed, so it is possible to drive safely.

[0056] In addition, the vehicle T is provided with a power supply unit (not shown) that can supply electric power generated by the rotational force of the engine, sunlight, or regenerative braking. By using the electric power supplied from this power supply unit for the movement of the vehicle T, fuel consumption can be suppressed. As a result, it is possible to move with even less energy.

[0057] Specifically, the power supply unit uses a transformer, a capacitor, an inverter, etc. to boost the voltage and increase the rotation of the power generation unit, stores and supplies the electricity generated by this rotation. Thus, by using the electricity generated when a heavy vehicle such as a truck or a monorail descends the inclined road 12 when the truck or the like travels on the ascending inclined road, fuel consumption can be suppressed and energy conservation can be contributed.

[0058] In addition, since the power supply unit has a power generation unit (not shown) that can generate electricity using the rotational force of the engine, sunlight, or regenerative braking, and a power storage unit (not shown) that can store the electricity generated by the power generation unit, for example, while traveling on the vehicle road 1, electricity is generated, and the electricity generated at that time is used as energy when traveling on an ascending inclined road (not shown), so that it is possible to move while suppressing energy consumption. Note that this also applies to the freight vehicle W described later.

[0059] Also, as shown in FIG. 2, a branch road 17 can be provided from any location on the vehicle road 1. The branch road 17 is, for example, a road connecting from the vehicle road 1 to a general road, and is traveled when leaving the traffic system A.

[0060] In addition, when the vehicle road 1 is provided so that the vehicle T can travel while maintaining a predetermined speed, the vehicle T can move without reducing its speed, so that it can move a longer distance. Specifically, it is conceivable that the vehicle road 1 has a structure in which there are no intersections where a stop is required.

[0061] Next, the traveling of the vehicle T using the traffic system A will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. The vehicle T that enters from the entrance 20 of the three-dimensional road 2 gradually ascends while traveling on the spiral road 21, exits from the exit 22 of the three-dimensional road 2, and reaches the uppermost point 11 of the vehicle road 1.

[0062] Then, the driver of the vehicle T shifts to low speed and slowly proceeds on the uppermost road 13, and enters the inclined road 12 via the upstream gradient adjustment road 15. At this time, due to the upstream gradient adjustment road 15, the driver can hardly feel the difference in the gradient ratio between the uppermost road 13 and the inclined road 12, so that the vehicle can be driven safely.

[0063] In addition, the vehicle T receives a component force F that acts parallel to the inclined surface of the inclined road 12. Due to the component force F, a force that pushes the vehicle T obliquely downward acts on the vehicle T, and from this, the vehicle T can naturally move on the inclined road 12 with less energy. And when the driver adjusts the speed by using the regenerative brake when traveling on the inclined road 12, the electricity generated at this time can be stored and used as energy for the movement of the vehicle T. That is, due to the component force F and the power storage by the regenerative brake and the like, the fuel consumption of the vehicle T is significantly improved, and it can contribute to energy saving.

[0064] When the vehicle T reaches the lowermost point 10, in the traveling direction of the vehicle T with respect to the basic structure a, it enters from the entrance 20 of the three-dimensional road 2 of the basic structure a-1 adjacent to the basic structure a and ascends again. After reaching the uppermost point 11, it can enter the vehicle road 1 of the basic structure a-1 and travel to the lowermost point 10.

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

[0066] [Second Embodiment] The traffic system B according to the second embodiment will be described below with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4. Among the configurations of the second embodiment, those having the same structure as the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals for equivalent parts, and the description thereof will be omitted here.

[0067] As shown in FIG. 3, the traffic system B includes a basic structure b composed of a truck running road 3 on which a truck W can run and an elevator 4 for raising the truck W to the highest point 31, and another basic structure b-1 adjacent to the basic structure b in the traveling direction (i.e., the forward direction) of the truck W.

[0068] The truck W is moved from the ground surface G (substantially the same height as the lowest point 30 of the truck running road 3) to the highest point 31 of the truck running road 3 by the elevator 4 of the basic structure b and runs on the truck running road 3 to the lowest point 30. The truck running road 3 is an example of a running road, and the elevator 4 is an example of a lifting means, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and other known techniques can also be used. In particular, for a truck without a self-running function, it is also conceivable to pull it up with a wire or the like.

[0069] In addition, the truck W can run unmanned and communicates with a management center (not shown) that manages the operation of the truck by known means regarding the destination, position information, etc., and runs in response to an instruction from the management center.

[0070] In addition, the truck road 3 has a downward gradient of about 25%, and a rail 32 on which the truck W can run is installed. A substantially horizontal section is provided at the start side and the end side of the rail 32, and a gradient adjustment road (not shown) for making the difference in gradient less noticeable is provided.

[0071] Also, as shown in Fig. 4, in this embodiment, the freight car W is formed to be capable of loading a cargo D having a size generally regarded as a home delivery size (length 470 mm, width 330 mm, depth 300 mm; outer dimensions). Note that the size of the cargo is not limited to the size shown in this embodiment and can be freely determined. Also, the number of cargos that can be loaded on the freight car W is not limited to one, and a plurality of cargos can be loaded.

[0072] Further, the freight car W includes a base W1 on which the cargo D can be placed, four wheels W2 capable of traveling on a rail provided on the freight car road 3, and fixing means W3 provided at six locations for fixing the loaded cargo so as not to come off. Note that the shape of the wheels and the fixing means are not limited to this embodiment and can be freely determined.

[0073] Also, when the freight car W travels on the rail 32, a component force acting in a direction parallel to the traveling surface and a component force acting in a direction perpendicular to the traveling surface are generated. Among these component forces, the component force F acting in the direction parallel to the traveling surface becomes a propulsive force for causing the freight car W to advance from the uppermost point 31 to the lowermost point 30 of the freight car road 3. Thereby, the freight car W can be made to travel with momentum, and since the freight car W can move with less fuel, it can contribute to energy saving.

[0074] Also, the freight car W is provided with a power storage device (not shown) capable of storing the electric power generated when moving on the rail 32. Since the electric power stored in this power storage device can be used for the electric power for communication with the management center described above, it can further contribute to energy saving.

[0075] Next, the traveling of the freight car W using the transportation system B will be described with reference to Fig. 3. First, the freight car W that enters from the entrance 40 (i.e., point X) of the elevator mechanism 4 of the basic structure b ascends inside the elevator mechanism 4, exits from the exit 41 of the elevator mechanism 4, and reaches the freight car travel path 3. Then, it travels while descending from the uppermost point 31 to the lowermost point 30 of the freight car travel path 3. And it penetrates from the entrance 40 of the elevator mechanism 4 of another basic structure b-1, ascends inside the elevator mechanism 4, and reaches the uppermost point 31 of the freight car travel path 3 of another basic structure b-1. Then, it travels the freight car travel path 3 to the lowermost point 30 and reaches point Y.

[0076] In this way, by providing the elevator mechanism 4, the transportation system B enables even a freight car without a self-propelling function to easily reach the uppermost point 31 and move from point X to point Y. Needless to say, if the freight car has a self-propelling function, it can also ascend by traveling on the vehicle travel path 1 described in the first embodiment. When the freight car does not have a self-propelling function, it moves while sliding down on the freight car travel path 3 under the influence of gravity.

[0077] When the freight car W is formed to be large enough to load a vehicle, by directly loading the vehicle on the freight car, the labor of transferring the cargo of the vehicle to the freight car (such as a container) can be saved. Also, since the whole vehicle is loaded on the freight car W, a driver is not required during movement, and the shortage of the driver's workforce can be solved.

[0078] Also, when the freight car W is structured to be connected by a wire (an example of a cable) to another freight car traveling on an upwardly inclined travel path (not shown), when descending the freight car travel path 3, the other freight car can be towed using the wire. Thereby, the other freight car can move while suppressing energy consumption when traveling on an upwardly inclined travel path.

[0079] [Third Embodiment] The transportation system C which is the third embodiment will be described below with reference to FIG. 5. Among the configurations of the third embodiment, those having the same structure as the second embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals at equivalent locations, and the description thereof will be omitted here.

[0080] As shown in FIG. 5, the transportation system C includes a basic structure c composed of an arc-shaped truck running path 5 on which a truck W can run and an elevator mechanism 4 for raising the truck W to a high position, and another basic structure c-1 adjacent to the basic structure c in the traveling direction (i.e., the forward direction) of the truck W.

[0081] Further, the truck running path 5 is formed in a substantially arc shape and has a downward slope 53 provided from the starting point 51 to the lowest point 50 and an upward slope 54 provided from the lowest point 50 to the end point 52.

[0082] Also, the truck W is moved from the ground surface G (substantially the same height as the lowest point 50 of the truck running path 5) to the starting point 51 of the truck running path 5 by the elevator mechanism 4 of the basic structure c and runs on the truck running path 5 to the end point 52. Note that the truck running path 5 is an example of a running path.

[0083] Also, the truck W moving on the downward slope 53 from the starting point 51 moves like a pendulum motion and climbs the upward slope 54 toward the end point 52. At this time, when the truck W descends the downward slope 53, it runs with momentum while converting potential energy into kinetic energy and can run up the upward slope 54 to a predetermined height.

[0084] That is, when the truck W runs on the downward slope 53, a component force acting in a direction parallel to the running surface and a component force acting in a direction perpendicular to the running surface are generated. Among these component forces, the component force F acting in the direction parallel to the running surface becomes a propulsive force that tries to move the truck W from the starting point 51 to the end point 52 of the truck running path 5. Thereby, the truck W can be made to run with momentum, and the truck W can move with less fuel, so that it can contribute to energy saving.

[0085] In this way, the truck W runs on the truck running path 5 of the basic structure c. Note that the starting point 51 and the end point 52 do not necessarily have to be at the same height, and it is also conceivable that the end point 52 is located at a height different from the starting point 51.

[0086] Also, when the starting point 51 and the ending point 52 are set at the same height, since the starting point 51 of the basic structure c-1 is provided at the same height as the starting point 51 of the basic structure c, the freight car W can travel on the freight car traveling path 5 of the basic structure c-1 from the same height as the starting point 51 of the basic structure c.

[0087] Also, when the freight car W cannot rise to the same height as the starting point 51 due to the frictional resistance between the freight car traveling path 5 and the wheels W2, etc., the ending point 52 reached by the freight car W is provided at a position lower than the starting point 51, and a height difference h occurs between the starting point 51 and the ending point 52. In such a case, after the freight car W arrives at the ending point 52, the elevator mechanism 4 can raise the freight car W to the same height as the starting point 51 of the basic structure c, so that the freight car W can travel from the same height as the basic structure c.

[0088] [Fourth Embodiment] The transportation system D according to the fourth embodiment will be described below with reference to FIG. 6.

[0089] As shown in FIG. 6, the transportation system D includes a basic structure d including a vehicle traveling path 6 on which the vehicle T can travel and a three-dimensional road 7 for raising the vehicle T to a high position, and another basic structure d-1 adjacent to the basic structure d in the traveling direction (i.e., the forward direction) of the vehicle T.

[0090] In addition, the vehicle traveling path 6 has two V-shaped traveling paths 65 and 66 formed in a substantially V shape and a terminal descending slope 67. The V-shaped traveling path 65 is composed of a descending slope 63 provided from the starting point 61 to the lowest point 60 of the truck traveling path 6 and an ascending slope 64 provided from the lowest point 60 to the apex 62. Also, the V-shaped traveling path 66 is also composed of a descending slope 63a provided from the apex 62 to the lowest point 60a and an ascending slope 64a provided from the lowest point 60a to the apex 62a. Note that the number of V-shaped traveling paths is not limited to two, and any number of V-shaped traveling paths can be provided. Also, the V-shaped traveling path is not limited to vehicles and can also be used for trucks or monorails.

[0091] In addition, the terminal descending slope 67 is provided from the apex 62a toward the end point 68 and is continuous with the elevated road 7 of another adjacent basic structure d-1.

[0092] Also, the elevated road 7 has substantially the same structure as the elevated road 2 of the first embodiment, but the height H1 of the elevated road 7 is about 150 m, which is lower than the height H of the elevated road 2. Thereby, the energy required for the vehicle T to climb the elevated road 7 can be suppressed.

[0093] Also, when the vehicle T travels on the descending slope 63 from the starting point 61 to the lowest point 60 of the V-shaped traveling path 65, it converts potential energy into kinetic energy and uses this kinetic energy to travel on the ascending slope 64 following the descending slope 63 and reaches the apex 62. Then, from the apex 62, it travels toward the lowest point 60a of the descending slope 63a of the V-shaped traveling path 66, travels on the ascending slope 64a, and reaches the apex 62a. Further, it travels on the terminal descending slope 67 from the apex 62a and enters another adjacent basic structure d-1. By repeating this, the vehicle T can move an arbitrary distance.

[0094] In addition, the vehicle T can store the electricity generated by the regenerative brake in a power storage unit (not shown) attached to the vehicle T. Thereby, for example, when the vehicle T decelerates on the uphill slope 64, the vehicle T can be assisted to reach the apex 64 by the electricity stored in the power storage unit. Note that the adjustment of the assist of the vehicle T by this regenerative brake is performed by computer control.

[0095] Also, the starting point 61, the apexes 62, 62a do not necessarily have to be provided at the same height. Even if the apexes 62, 62a are provided higher than the starting point 61, it is possible to reach the apexes 62, 62a by supplying power to the vehicle T from the power supply unit.

[0096] As described above, the transportation system to which the present invention is applied can provide a transportation system that can travel a predetermined distance while suppressing energy consumption by raising a vehicle or the like to a predetermined height and traveling from a high position to a low position using a downhill traveling road.

Explanation of Signs

[0097] A Transportation system a Basic structure a-1 Other basic structures B Transportation system b Basic structure b-1 Other basic structures C Transportation system c Basic structure c-1 Other basic structures D Transportation system d Basic structure d-1 Other basic structures F Component force T Vehicle W Freight car 1 Vehicle traveling road 10 Lowest point 11 Highest point 2 Elevated road 3 Freight car traveling road 30 Lowest point 31 Highest point 4 Elevator machine 5 Roadway for freight cars 51 Starting point 52 End point 6 Roadway for vehicles 63 Downward slope road 64 Upward slope road 65 66 V-shaped roadway 7 Elevated road

Claims

1. a lifting means capable of lifting the vehicle or wagon to a predetermined height; A basic structure is provided, which is connected to the lifting means on a downward slope, and includes a runway along which a vehicle or freight car raised to a high position by the lifting means can run toward a low position. Transportation system.

2. The lower end side of the running path of the basic structure is connected to the lifting means of another basic structure adjacent to the basic structure in the traveling direction. The transportation system according to claim 1 .

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

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

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

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

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

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

9. A basic structure is provided, the basic structure being composed of a lifting means capable of lifting a freight car to a predetermined height, and a track formed in a substantially arc shape, connected to the lifting means at a start point side, and on which the freight car can run, The end of the track of the basic structure is connected to the lifting means of another basic structure adjacent to the basic structure in the traveling direction. Transportation system.

10. When the end point of the track is located lower than the start point, the lifting means can lift the freight car to any height.

10. The transportation system according to claim 9.

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

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