Baggage stations and transport vehicles

Abstract

A cargo station (1) that transfers cargos to and from a transport vehicle (3) for cargos (20) comprises a storage section (7) that stores container units (2) each of which can contain a plurality of cargos, a transfer device (8) that is used for transferring the container units between a loading section (33) of the transport vehicle and the storage section, and a selective moving device (9) that selectively pulls out a cargo from the container unit and / or stores a cargo into the container unit.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The technology disclosed herein relates to a baggage station and a transport vehicle. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, with the rise in the number of e-commerce (electronic commerce) users, the number of parcels handled by home delivery services has been increasing year by year. Furthermore, due to the declining birthrate and aging population, as well as poor working conditions, the number of young people who become delivery vehicle drivers is decreasing year by year. As a result, the labor shortage for delivery vehicles has become a social issue. Furthermore, in recent years, unmanned stores have been installed to reduce the number of people required for in-store cash register operations, in order to address the declining birthrate and aging population and improve business efficiency. However, the problem with conventional unmanned stores is that people are still required to transport incoming products to the back of the store.

[0003] Patent Document 1 describes an unmanned delivery system. The unmanned delivery system includes a drone, a storage facility, and an unmanned delivery vehicle. The drone transports luggage by air. The storage facility transfers the luggage from the drone to the unmanned delivery vehicle. The unmanned delivery vehicle, loaded with luggage, drives automatically from the storage facility to the delivery destination. The unmanned delivery system can transport luggage to the delivery destination unmanned. This system enables labor-saving luggage transportation.

[0004] The drone, storage facility, and unmanned delivery vehicle in Patent Document 1 can each handle only one package at a time when transferring packages. The unmanned delivery system in Patent Document 1 has poor efficiency in transferring packages.

[0005] Patent Document 2 describes a delivery site. The delivery site includes a building having a storage space and a stacking robot. The storage space can store multiple packages. The stacking robot selectively removes packages stored in the storage space and loads them into an unmanned delivery vehicle.

[0006] The parcels stored at the delivery site may also be self-picked by customers. The delivery site may further include a vending machine. When a customer inputs a purchase instruction for a specific product into the operation interface, the stacking robot transports the corresponding product in the storage space to a product delivery port. The customer can then receive the product through the product delivery port. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2022-42302 [Patent Document 2] Special Publication No. 2022-518087 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0008] Patent Document 2 describes that the replenishment of packages in the storage space at the delivery site is performed manually. In other words, conventional transport systems cannot store packages transported to the delivery site in the storage space unmanned. Patent Document 2 also describes that staff place the packages one by one in the storage space. Conventional transport systems cannot be said to be highly efficient in transshipping packages.

[0009] The techniques disclosed herein increase the efficiency of cargo transportation and cargo transfer. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] The technology disclosed herein relates to a baggage station that transfers baggage between a baggage transport vehicle and the baggage. a storage unit that stores storage units that can store multiple pieces of luggage; a transfer device used to transfer the storage units between the loading section of the transport vehicle and the storage section; and a selective movement device that selectively removes the luggage from the storage unit stored in the storage section and / or stores the luggage in the storage unit stored in the storage section.

[0011] The transfer device is used to transfer storage units between the transport vehicle and the storage section. The storage units can accommodate multiple loads. By transferring the storage units, multiple loads can be transferred at once between the transport vehicle and the storage section. The efficiency of the load transportation and load transfer of this transport system is high.

[0012] The selective transfer device selectively removes luggage from the storage unit. The desired luggage is removed from the storage unit and delivered, for example, to a user. The selective transfer device also stores luggage in the storage unit. For example, luggage handed over by a user is stored in the storage unit. The luggage, along with the storage unit, is loaded from the luggage station onto a transport vehicle using a transfer device. Cooperation between the selective transfer device and the transfer device not only makes it possible to unload luggage from a transport vehicle, but also to automatically transport the luggage from the location where the luggage was unloaded (storage section) to the final luggage delivery location within the luggage station.

[0013] The selective movement device may be configured to be able to move the luggage between the storage unit and an unmanned moving body that carries the luggage.

[0014] The transport vehicle transports a large number of packages together to the baggage station. Between the baggage station and the user, the unmanned mobile body transports the packages individually. Because the baggage station's selective movement device transfers the packages between the storage unit and the unmanned mobile body, there is no need to provide a device on the transport vehicle or the unmanned mobile body for directly transferring the packages between the transport vehicle and the unmanned mobile body. Also, by temporarily storing the packages in a storage unit, the transport vehicle and the unmanned mobile body do not need to be in the same location for the transfer of the packages. This allows the transport vehicle to focus on the task of transporting a large number of packages together. The unmanned mobile body can focus on transporting the packages over the last mile between the baggage station and the user. The baggage station can absorb the difference in movement speed between the transport vehicle and the unmanned mobile body. The combination of the transport vehicle and the unmanned mobile body increases the transportation efficiency of the transportation system.

[0015] The unmanned vehicle may transport luggage handed over by the user to a luggage station.

[0016] The baggage station may include a waiting area for allowing one or more of the unmanned vehicles to wait.

[0017] Since one or more unmanned mobile bodies are on standby at the baggage station, the number of unmanned mobile bodies operating between the baggage station and users can be easily increased or decreased. This makes it easy to respond to increases or decreases in the demand for transporting baggage between the baggage station and users. Furthermore, transport vehicles do not need to transport heavy unmanned mobile bodies to the baggage station in order to increase the number of operating unmanned mobile bodies. This means that transport vehicles can increase their load capacity. Transport vehicles can transport large amounts of baggage while saving energy consumption. Transportation costs are reduced.

[0018] the unmanned vehicle has a driving battery, The baggage station may be provided with a charging device that is installed in the waiting area and charges one or more of the batteries while they are mounted on or removed from the unmanned vehicle.

[0019] The baggage station can manage and / or operate the unmanned vehicle so that the unmanned vehicle remains operational at all times.

[0020] the storage unit is capable of storing a plurality of the storage units, The transfer device may be configured to be able to transfer a plurality of the storage units simultaneously between the loading section and the storage section.

[0021] This configuration allows storage units for multiple transport vehicles to be stored in the storage section of the baggage station. Furthermore, this configuration allows only desired storage units from multiple storage units loaded on a single transport vehicle to be stored in the storage section. Furthermore, by simultaneously transferring multiple storage units loaded on a single transport vehicle to the storage section, the time required to transfer storage units between the transport vehicle and the baggage station is reduced. This configuration is advantageous for improving transportation efficiency and transfer efficiency.

[0022] the luggage station includes a luggage delivery unit that delivers the luggage to and from a user; The selective movement device may be configured to be able to move the luggage between the storage unit and the luggage delivery section.

[0023] The luggage station not only relays the transportation of luggage but also functions as a window for the delivery and receipt of luggage between users, thereby improving convenience for users.

[0024] The selecting and moving device both picks up and stores luggage in the storage unit and moves luggage between the storage unit and the luggage receiving and delivering section. The equipment of the luggage station is simple.

[0025] the storage unit is adjacent to a store having a baggage removal case for the baggage as merchandise, The selective movement device may move at least the luggage removed from the accommodation unit stored in the storage section to the luggage removal case.

[0026] The selection and movement device automates the replenishing of goods into the baggage removal case. If a store is attached to the baggage station, an unmanned store can be realized.

[0027] The selective movement device may move the luggage removed from the luggage removal case to the storage unit stored in the storage section and store the luggage in the storage unit.

[0028] The technology disclosed herein relates to a transport vehicle associated with the baggage station. a loading section on which the luggage is loaded; and a cargo handling device that cooperates with the transfer device to transfer the accommodation units between the loading section and the storage section of the baggage station.

[0029] Cooperation between the cargo handling device and the transfer device allows smooth transfer of storage units between the transport vehicle and the baggage station.

[0030] the transfer device of the baggage station transfers the storage unit between the loading section and the storage section by moving the storage unit in a vehicle width direction of the transport vehicle; The loading and unloading device may have an alignment mechanism that aligns the loading section and the transfer device in at least one of the vehicle fore-and-aft direction, vehicle width direction, and height direction when the transport vehicle is parked adjacent to the transfer device.

[0031] The positioning mechanism aligns the loading section and the transfer device, allowing smooth transfer of the storage units. Also, the transport vehicle is allowed to stop at a position that is offset from the baggage station. [Effects of the Invention]

[0032] Such a baggage station or transport vehicle can increase the efficiency of baggage transportation and baggage transfer. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0033] [Figure 1] Figure 1 shows the overall luggage transport system. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 shows a transport vehicle and a baggage station. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the baggage station. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a side view of the baggage station. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a plan view of the baggage station. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a front view of the baggage station. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 shows a transport vehicle with a closed luggage compartment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 shows a transport vehicle with an open trunk. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 shows the loading section. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a plan view of the loading section. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 shows the alignment mechanism. [Figure 12] FIG. 12(a) is a front view of the alignment mechanism, and (b) is a side view of the alignment mechanism. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 shows the loading section with the pallets disconnected from each other. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a front view of the transfer device. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the transfer device. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 shows an enlarged view of the arm of the transfer device. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 shows the state in which the arms of the transfer device are engaged with the engaging portions of the storage unit. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 shows the locking pin of the storage section. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 shows a selective moving device and an unmanned moving body. [Figure 20] Figure 20 shows the containment unit from the front. [Figure 21] FIG. 21 is a front view of the storage unit. [Figure 22] FIG. 22(a) shows the luggage pallet as seen from the front, and (b) shows the luggage pallet as seen from the rear. [Figure 23] Figure 23 shows the containment unit from the rear. [Figure 24] FIG. 24 shows the unmanned vehicle as seen from the front. [Figure 25] FIG. 25(a) shows the unmanned vehicle as seen from the rear, and (b) shows the unmanned vehicle with a cargo pallet attached. [Figure 26] FIG. 26 shows the transfer section. [Figure 27] FIG. 27 shows the engagement between the luggage pallet and the storage unit, and the engagement between the luggage pallet and the transfer section. [Figure 28] FIG. 28 shows the baggage delivery area as seen from the storage area. [Figure 29] FIG. 29 is a block diagram of a transport vehicle. [Figure 30] FIG. 30 is a block diagram of a baggage station. [Figure 31] FIG. 31 shows the control flow of the transportation system. [Figure 32] FIG. 32 is a plan view of a baggage station with a store attached. [Figure 33] FIG. 33 is a block diagram of a baggage station with a store attached. [Figure 34] FIG. 34 shows a modified baggage station. [Figure 35] FIG. 35 shows a modified baggage station. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0034] Hereinafter, embodiments of a baggage station and a transport vehicle will be described with reference to the drawings. The baggage transport system, baggage station, and transport vehicle described here are merely examples.

[0035] (Baggage transport system) FIG. 1 shows an example of a luggage transport system 100. The solid arrows in FIG. 1 indicate the movement of luggage accompanying the movement of a transport vehicle 3 or an unmanned mobile object 5, which will be described later. The transport system 100 includes a luggage station 1, a transport vehicle 3, an unmanned mobile object 5, a delivery center 103, and a management center 104. The luggage station 1 is installed in various locations. The luggage station 1 may also be installed in a store 102.

[0036] The transportation system 100 delivers a package to a user 101. The package is delivered from a delivery center 103 to the user 101 using a transportation vehicle 3 and an unmanned mobile unit 5. The package is also delivered from a package station 1 to the user 101 using the unmanned mobile unit 5. More specifically, the package is delivered to a location designated by the user 101. The location designated by the user 101 is, for example, the user's 101 home. The user 101 can also designate a location other than the user's home as the delivery destination. In the following, the delivery destination of the package will be simply referred to as the user 101. The package is, for example, a product purchased by the user 101 on an e-commerce site. However, the product is not limited to a product purchased on an e-commerce site. The package delivered to the user 101 is not limited to a product.

[0037] The transportation system 100 also delivers packages to the store 102. The packages are delivered to the store 102 from a distribution center 103 using a transportation vehicle 3. The packages may also be delivered to the store 102 from another transportation station 1 located away from the store 102 using the transportation vehicle 3. The store 102 is a store that sells the packages delivered for replenishment, for example, to customers as merchandise. Specific examples of the store 102 include convenience stores, general supermarkets, apparel shops, restaurants, electronics retailers, home improvement stores, and drugstores. However, the store 102 is not limited to stores that primarily sell merchandise. For example, the store 102 may also include post offices, pharmacies, hotels, train stations, and mechanical multi-story parking facilities. Furthermore, the packages delivered to the store are not limited to merchandise. For example, the packages may include product materials, mail, and the user's 101 belongings.

[0038] The transportation system 100 may also, in the opposite manner to the above, transport the user 101's luggage to a destination specified by the user 101. In this case, the transportation system 100 uses only the unmanned mobile object 5, or the unmanned mobile object 5 and the transportation vehicle 3, to transport the luggage. For example, assume that the user 101 parks his / her car in a mechanical multi-story parking facility serving as a store 102 and purchases a product while shopping at a location far from the parking spot. In this case, the user 101 deposits the product as luggage owned by the user 101 in the nearest unmanned mobile object 5. The unmanned mobile object 5 transports the user 101's luggage to the nearest luggage station 1. The transportation vehicle 3 transports the user 101's luggage from the nearest luggage station 1 to a luggage station 1 attached to the mechanical multi-story parking facility. The user 101 can return empty-handed to the mechanical multi-story parking facility where his / her car was parked.

[0039] The delivery center 103 is the source of the package. In the delivery system 100 of Fig. 1, the delivery center 103 may also be the destination of the package. In other words, the package received from the user 101 is collected at the delivery center 103. The package is then delivered from the delivery center 103 to a destination specified by the user 101.

[0040] The baggage station 1 has a function of relaying the transportation of baggage. The baggage station 1 temporarily stores baggage. More specifically, the baggage station 1 temporarily stores baggage to be delivered to the user 101. The baggage station 1 also temporarily stores baggage received from the user 101.

[0041] The transport vehicle 3 transports luggage between the distribution center 103 and the luggage station 1. The transport vehicle 3 travels between the distribution center 103 and the luggage station 1, for example, according to a schedule or when needed. The transport vehicle 3 loads luggage at the distribution center 103 and transports the luggage to the luggage station 1. The luggage is unloaded from the transport vehicle 3 to the luggage station 1. The transport vehicle 3 also loads luggage at the luggage station 1 and transports the luggage to the distribution center 103. The transport vehicle 3 may travel between multiple luggage stations 1. The transport vehicle 3 transfers luggage at each of the luggage stations 1.

[0042] The transportation system 100 includes a plurality of unmanned mobile bodies 5. The unmanned mobile bodies 5 transport luggage between a luggage station 1 and a user 101. More specifically, the unmanned mobile bodies 5 transport luggage to be delivered to the user 101 from the luggage station 1 to the user 101. The unmanned mobile bodies 5 also transport luggage collected from the user 101 from the user 101 to the luggage station 1. When the transportation vehicle 3 is equipped with the unmanned mobile bodies 5, the unmanned mobile bodies 5 can also transport luggage between the transportation vehicle 3 and the user 101. The transportation vehicle 3 can also be used for maintenance and replacement of the unmanned mobile body 5 at the luggage station 1.

[0043] The unmanned mobile body 5 is, for example, an unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) that travels on the ground autonomously or by radio remote control. The unmanned mobile body 5 may be a drone. The unmanned mobile body 5 carries one or more loads.

[0044] The management center 104 manages the entire transportation system 100. The management center 104 is connected to a wide area communication network 105. The wide area communication network 105 is, for example, the Internet. The baggage station 1, the store 102, and the distribution center 103 are also connected to the wide area communication network 105. The delivery vehicle 3 and a terminal 106 owned by the user 101 are connected to the wide area communication network 105 via mobile communication. The terminal 106 is, for example, a smartphone or a tablet. The management center 104 sends and receives information regarding the transportation of baggage to and from the distribution center 103, the store 102, the delivery vehicle 3, the baggage station 1, or the terminal 106.

[0045] The baggage station 1, the transport vehicle 3, the unmanned vehicle 5, and the terminal 106 can also perform short-range wireless communication with each other.

[0046] The use of wide-area, mobile and short-range communications makes it possible to track each and every package.

[0047] The delivery vehicle 3 can transport a large number of packages at once between the delivery center 103 and the baggage station 1. The multiple unmanned mobile bodies 5 can transport each of the multiple packages, for example, simultaneously in parallel, between the baggage station 1 and the user 101. The combination of the delivery vehicle 3 and the unmanned mobile bodies 5 increases the transportation efficiency of the transportation system 100.

[0048] Below, each element of the transport system 100 will be described individually. In the following description, for convenience, front, rear, right, left, top, and bottom are defined based on the orientation of the transport vehicle 3 stopped to transfer cargo between the transport vehicle 3 and the baggage station 1, as shown in Fig. 2. In the following description, front, rear, right, left, top, and bottom do not refer to the absolute front, rear, right, left, top, and bottom of each element.

[0049] (All luggage stations) 2 to 6 illustrate an example of the entire baggage station 1. The baggage station 1 has a structure described below, which allows for efficient transfer of baggage between the transport vehicle 3 and the baggage station 1. Furthermore, the baggage station 1 has a structure described below, which allows for efficient distribution of baggage to the unmanned moving bodies 5.

[0050] The baggage station 1 has a storage section 7, a transfer device 8, a selection and transfer device 9, and a waiting area 10.

[0051] The storage unit 7 temporarily stores luggage 20 (see FIG. 9). The storage unit 7 has a front wall 701, a rear wall 702, a right wall, a left wall, and a ceiling 703, and is shaped like a rectangular box that is long from front to back. Note that in order to illustrate the interior of the storage unit 7, the right wall, the left wall, and part of the ceiling are not shown.

[0052] As shown in FIG. 9 , the luggage 20 is stored in a storage unit 2. The storage unit 2 is a rack. The storage unit 2 stores a plurality of luggage 20. As will be described later, the transport vehicle 3 transports the luggage 20 together with the storage unit 2. The storage unit 2 is transferred between the luggage station 1 and the transport vehicle 3. The storage unit 7 stores the storage unit 2.

[0053] The storage section 7 can store multiple storage units 2. In the illustrated example, the storage section 7 can store up to eight storage units 2. In the storage section 7, the multiple storage units 2 are lined up in one direction. Specifically, the multiple storage units 2 are lined up front and back. As will be described later, the storage units 2 move in the left-right direction (see the arrows in Figure 5). The storage section 7 stores the multiple storage units 2 lined up in a direction perpendicular to the movement direction of the storage units 2.

[0054] The storage section 7 has a transfer gate 74a (see Figure 30) for transferring the storage units 2. The transfer gate 74a opens and closes an opening 74b provided in the side wall of the storage section 7. As illustrated in Figure 2, the transport vehicle 3 is parked on the right side of the storage section 7. As shown in Figure 3, the opening 74b is provided in the right wall of the storage section 7. Note that the transfer gate 74a is not shown in Figure 3. The transfer gate 74a opens when the storage units 2 are transferred between the transport vehicle 3 and the storage section 7, and closes at other times. When the transfer gate 74a is closed, the inside of the storage section 7 is sealed off from the outside.

[0055] The transport vehicle 3 shown in the figure is a vehicle that travels on a road with traffic on the left. If the transport vehicle 3 is a vehicle that travels on a road with traffic on the right, the transport vehicle 3 will stop on the left side of the storage unit 7. In this case, the baggage station may be reversed left and right from the baggage station 1 shown in the figure.

[0056] The storage unit 7 has a first area 71, a second area 72, and a third area 73. As shown in Figures 5 or 6, the first area 71 is an area adjacent to the transport vehicle 3. The first area 71 is an area on the right side of the storage unit 7. The second area 72 is an area away from the transport vehicle 3. In the illustrated example, the second area 72 is an area on the left side of the storage unit 7. The third area 73 is an area between the first area 71 and the second area 72. The first area 71, the second area 72, and the third area 73 are arranged side by side.

[0057] The first area 71 is used when transferring the storage units 2 onto the transport vehicle 3. A transfer device 8 is located in the first area 71. The transfer device 8 transfers the storage units 2 from the transport vehicle 3 to the storage section 7, or transfers the storage units 2 from the storage section 7 to the transport vehicle 3. Details of the transfer device 8 will be explained later. The first area 71 is also an area for storing the storage units 2.

[0058] A selective movement device 9, which will be described later, is located in the third area 73. The selective movement device 9 selectively transfers luggage 20 from the storage unit 2 to the unmanned mobile body 5, or transfers luggage 20 from the unmanned mobile body 5 to the storage unit 2. The selective movement device 9 moves forward and backward in the third area 73. Details of the selective movement device 9 will be described later.

[0059] The second area 72, together with the third area 73, is used when the selective movement device 9 transfers the luggage 20 between the storage unit 2 and the unmanned mobile body 5. When transferring the luggage 20 to the storage spaces located in the center and on the right side of the storage unit 2, at least a portion of the storage unit 2 moving left and right is located within the second area 72 (see FIG. 2).

[0060] The waiting area 10 is a space where the unmanned mobile body 5 waits. The waiting area 10 is located below the storage unit 7. More precisely, the waiting area 10 is located below the second area 72 and the third area 73 of the storage unit 7. The waiting area 10 may extend to below the first area 71. Since the storage unit 7 and the waiting area 10 are stacked vertically, this has the advantage of reducing the installation area of ​​the baggage station 1. Note that in order to illustrate the interior of the waiting area 10, the left wall of the waiting area 10 is not shown in Figures 2 and 4.

[0061] The waiting area 10 has a height that allows it to accommodate the unmanned mobile body 5. The ceiling height of the waiting area 10 is relatively low. The low ceiling height of the waiting area 10 is advantageous in matching the floor height of the storage section 7 with the height of the loading section 33 of the transport vehicle 3, which will be described later.

[0062] The waiting area 10 has an exit 11 and an entrance 12 for the unmanned mobile unit 5. The unmanned mobile unit 5 exits the waiting area 10 through the exit 11. A slope 111 is attached to the exit 11. The exit 11 is located on the front wall of the waiting area 10. The exit 11 is located at a position corresponding to the third area 73. For example, an unmanned mobile unit 5 transporting luggage 20 to a user 101 exits the waiting area 10 through the exit 11. The unmanned mobile unit 5 enters the waiting area 10 through the entrance 12. A slope 121 is also attached to the entrance 12. The entrance 12 is located at the rear of the left wall of the waiting area 10. For example, an unmanned mobile unit 5 that has finished transporting luggage 20 to a user 101 and returned to the luggage station 1 enters the waiting area 10 through the entrance 12. Because the entrance 12 and the exit 11 are separate, opposite passage between unmanned mobile units 5 is suppressed in the waiting area 10. Shutters may be attached to the entrance 12 and the exit 11. The waiting area 10 may also have one entrance and exit.

[0063] As shown in FIG. 24 , the unmanned vehicle 5 has a driving battery 51. One or more charging devices 14 are installed in the waiting area 10. In the examples of FIGS. 4 and 30 , the waiting area 10 has first, second, third, and fourth charging devices 14-1, 14-2, 14-3, and 14-4. The charging devices 14 charge the batteries 51 of the unmanned vehicle 5. The charging devices 14 may perform, for example, contactless charging. The charging devices 14 may charge the batteries 51 through the power supply port of the unmanned vehicle 5. The baggage station 1 may be equipped with a battery exchange device so that the batteries 51 of the unmanned vehicle 5 can be exchanged. In this case, the battery exchange device exchanges the used battery 51 with a charged battery 51. The exchanged used battery 51 is then charged by the charging device.

[0064] (Transport vehicle) 2 and 5 to 8 show the transport vehicle 3. The transport vehicle 3 has a structure described below, which allows smooth transfer of luggage between the luggage station 1 and the transport vehicle 3.

[0065] (Overall structure) The transport vehicle 3 is equipped with a cabin 31 and a luggage compartment 32. The transport vehicle 3 is a four-wheeled covered truck. The transport vehicle 3 is a vehicle driven by a driver. The transport vehicle 3 may be a modified general-purpose truck. The transport vehicle 3 may be capable of automatic driving. The transport vehicle 3 may be an automatically driven vehicle capable of unmanned driving.

[0066] The luggage compartment 32 is shaped like a square box. As shown in Figures 7 and 8, an upper side portion 321 of the luggage compartment 32 rotates upward. A lower side portion 322 of the luggage compartment 32 rotates downward. When the upper side portion 321 and the lower side portion 322 of the luggage compartment 32 rotate, the interior of the luggage compartment 32 is widely opened to the side of the transporter vehicle 3. The transporter vehicle 3 is a so-called wing-type truck. The luggage compartment 32 is opened by operation by the driver. Note that the structure of the luggage compartment 32 is one example. The transporter vehicle 3 is not limited to a wing-type truck. The luggage compartment may have a structure in which a rear door opens and closes.

[0067] A loading section 33 and a loading device 34 are installed in the luggage compartment 32.

[0068] The loading section 33 supports the storage units 2. The loading device 34 transfers the storage units 2 between the loading section 33 and the storage section 7 in cooperation with the transfer device 8 of the baggage station 1.

[0069] (Loading area) As shown in FIG. 9, the loading section 33 is made up of a plurality of pallets 330. More specifically, the loading section 33 has first, second, third, fourth, and fifth pallets 330-1, 330-2, 330-3, 330-4, and 330-5. The first to fifth pallets 330-1 to 330-5 are lined up in this order from front to back. The first to fifth pallets 330-1 to 330-5 are connected to one another to form a single loading section 33. Note that the loading section 33 may be made up of a single pallet.

[0070] The first to fifth pallets 330-1 to 330-5 are substantially the same. Each of the first to fifth pallets 330-1 to 330-5 supports one storage unit 2. The transport vehicle 3 can carry up to five storage units 2. The maximum number of pallets that can be loaded is arbitrary. Hereinafter, the first to fifth pallets 330-1 to 330-5 will be collectively referred to as pallets 330.

[0071] Each pallet 330 has a flat main body 331. The main body 331 has a shape corresponding to the shape of the storage unit 2. In the example of FIG. 9, the main body 331 has an elongated shape that is longer in the left-right direction than in the front-to-back direction. A plurality of support rollers 332 are attached to the main body 331. The plurality of support rollers 332 are positioned at intervals in the left-to-right direction at the front and rear of the main body 331. Each support roller 332 protrudes from the top surface of the main body 331. The axis of each support roller 332 extends in the front-to-back direction. The storage unit 2 rests on the support rollers 332. The plurality of support rollers 332 support the storage unit 2 so that it can move in the left-to-right direction. Due to the friction-reducing effect of the support rollers 332, the storage unit 2 can move in the left-to-right direction relative to the pallet 330.

[0072] Each pallet 330 has guides 333, 333. Each guide 333 is located at the front and rear edges of the main body 331. Each guide 333 stands upright from the main body 331 and extends in the left-right direction. As shown in the lower diagram of Figure 9, the lower end of the storage unit 2 is sandwiched between the front and rear guides 333. The guides 333 guide the storage unit 2 in the left-right direction as it moves left and right.

[0073] As shown in FIG. 10, the distance between the guides 333 facing each other is relatively wide on the side closer to the luggage station 1, that is, the left side, and relatively narrow on the side farther from the luggage station 1, that is, the right side (W1 < W2). The distance W1 corresponds to the front-back length of the accommodation unit 2. Specifically, the distance W1 is slightly larger than the front-back length of the accommodation unit 2. Also, the distance W2 is, for example, about 105% to 130% of the front-back length of the accommodation unit 2.

[0074] The transport vehicle 3 stops on the side of the luggage station 1. At this time, the orientation of the transport vehicle 3 may be deviated with respect to the luggage station 1, and the front-back axis of the transport vehicle 3 may be inclined and not parallel to the luggage station 1. When the driver drives the transport vehicle 3, the orientation of the transport vehicle 3 may deviate. The wide distance W2 allows the accommodation unit 2 moving in the left-right direction to move back and forth. Even if the front-back axis of the transport vehicle 3 is inclined, it is possible to transfer the accommodation unit 2 between the transport vehicle 3 and the luggage station 1.

[0075] (Alignment mechanism) The handling device 34 has an alignment mechanism 35 for adjusting the position of the loading part 33. The alignment mechanism 35 moves the position of the loading part 33 relative to the vehicle body of the parked transport vehicle 3 in each of the alignment direction of the accommodation unit 2 (that is, the front-back direction) and the moving direction of the accommodation unit 2 (that is, the left-right direction). As shown in FIGS. 11 to 12, the alignment mechanism 35 has a base 351, an intermediate body 352, and an actuator. The alignment mechanism 35 includes a first actuator 353 and a second actuator 354 as an example of the actuator. The alignment mechanism 35 has a simple structure. The alignment mechanism 35 with a simple structure is advantageous for weight reduction of the transport vehicle 3. [[ID=……]]

[0076] Note that FIGS. 11 to 12 illustrate only the first pallet 330-1 for ease of understanding, and the illustration of the second to fifth pallets 330-2 to 330-5 is omitted.

[0077] The base 351 is fixed to the floor of the luggage compartment 32. The base 351 may be the floor member of the luggage compartment 32 itself.

[0078] The intermediate body 352 has a flat plate shape and is smaller than the base 351. To reduce the weight of the intermediate body 352, two openings 3521 are formed in the intermediate body 352. The intermediate body 352 is positioned above the base 351 so as to overlap the base 351. In the illustrated example, the intermediate body 352 can move relatively to the base 351 in the left-right direction. The intermediate body 352 may also be able to move relatively to the base 351 in the front-rear direction.

[0079] A first rail 355 is attached to the underside of the intermediate body 352. The first rail 355 extends in the left-right direction. The first rails 355 are attached to the front end, rear end, and middle portion of the intermediate body 352. A first roller 356 is attached to the base 351. The first roller 356 engages with the first rail 355. The first roller 356 allows the intermediate body 352 to move in the left-right direction relative to the base 351, but prevents it from moving in the front-rear direction.

[0080] A second rail 357 is attached to the upper surface of the intermediate body 352. The second rail 357 extends in the front-rear direction. The second rails 357 are attached to the right and left ends of the intermediate body 352. The first to fifth pallets 330-1 to 330-5 are positioned above the intermediate body 352 so as to overlap the intermediate body 352. A second roller 358 is attached to the lower surface of each pallet 330. The second roller 358 engages with the second rail 357. The second roller 358 can move in the front-rear direction along the second rail 357, but cannot move in the left-right direction. The engagement between the second roller 358 and the second rail 357 allows the loading section 33 to move in the front-rear direction relative to the intermediate body 352.

[0081] Therefore, the loading section 33 can move relative to the chassis of the transporter vehicle 3 that is parked in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle body and in the vehicle width direction.

[0082] The first actuator 353 is a telescopic actuator having a cylinder tube and a rod. The first actuator 353 may be, for example, an electric actuator. As shown in FIG. 11, the first actuator 353 is disposed between the pallet 330 and the intermediate body 352 so as to be telescopic in the front-rear direction.

[0083] 12(b), the cylinder tube of the first actuator 353 is attached to the upper surface of the intermediate body 352. The rod of the first actuator 353 is attached to the lower surface of the first pallet 330-1. When the first actuator 353 extends and contracts, the loading section 33 including the first pallet 330-1 moves in the front-to-rear direction relative to the intermediate body 352.

[0084] The second actuator 354 is also a telescopic actuator having a cylinder tube and a rod. The second actuator 354 may also be an electric actuator. The second actuator 354 is disposed between the intermediate body 352 and the base 351 so as to be telescopic in the left-right direction.

[0085] 12(a), the cylinder tube of the second actuator 354 is attached to the base 351. The rod of the second actuator 354 is attached to the lower surface of the intermediate body 352. When the second actuator 354 extends or contracts, the intermediate body 352 and the loading section 33 move in the left-right direction relative to the base 351.

[0086] Depending on the position of the transport vehicle 3 parked beside the baggage station 1, it may be necessary to adjust the position of the loading unit 33 of the transport vehicle 3. For example, this may occur when the loading unit 33 and the storage unit 7 are misaligned in the front-to-rear direction (see G1 in FIG. 5) and / or when the loading unit 33 is far from the right end of the baggage station 1 (see G2 in FIG. 6). As described above, the alignment mechanism 35 of the cargo handling device 34 uses the first actuator 353 and the second actuator 354 to adjust the position of the loading unit 33 so as to eliminate the misalignments G1 and G2. Adjusting the position of the loading unit 33 enables smooth reloading of the storage units 1.

[0087] Furthermore, it may be necessary to adjust the height of the loading section 33 of the transport vehicle 3 so that the height of the loading section 33 matches the height of the storage section 7 of the baggage station 1. The height of the loading section 33 can be adjusted, for example, by using an air suspension 38 (see FIG. 6) pre-installed on the transport vehicle 3 to adjust the vehicle height of the transport vehicle 3. The air suspension 38 is also included in the alignment mechanism 35 (see also FIG. 29).

[0088] The first actuator 353 and the second actuator 354 are not limited to telescopic actuators. Taking into consideration the required position adjustment margin and position adjustment accuracy in the front-rear and / or left-right directions, various known actuators can be used as the first actuator 353 and the second actuator 354.

[0089] (Pallet separation) As described above, the first to fifth pallets 330-1 to 330-5 are connected to one another. The first to fourth pallets 330-1 to 330-4 each have a connector 334, as shown in Figure 10. The connector 334 of the first pallet 330-1 connects the first pallet 330-1 to the second pallet 330-2. The connector 334 of the second pallet 330-2 connects the second pallet 330-2 to the third pallet 330-3. The connector 334 of the third pallet 330-3 connects the third pallet 330-3 to the fourth pallet 330-4. The connector 334 of the fourth pallet 330-4 connects the fourth pallet 330-4 to the fifth pallet 330-5.

[0090] A connector 334 is attached to the main body 331 of each of the first to fourth pallets 330-1 to 330-4. The connector 334 has a link mechanism consisting of a hook 3341 and an operating rod 3342. The hook 3341 is attached to the left-right center of the main body 331. The hook 3341 hooks onto a protrusion 3343, which is attached to the front end of the adjacent pallet 330. When the hook 3341 hooks onto the protrusion 3343, the two adjacent pallets 330 are connected to each other. The hook 3341 swings around an axis extending in the vertical direction, as shown by the dashed line in Figure 10. The hook 3341 switches between a state in which it is hooked onto the protrusion 3343 and a state in which it is separated from the protrusion 3343.

[0091] The operating rod 3342 is connected to the end of the hook 3341. The operating rod 3342 extends from the center of the main body 331 to the left end. The operating rod 3342 is located in the gap between the storage unit 2 placed on the pallet 330 and the main body 331 of the pallet 330. When a driver or operator standing on the left side of the luggage compartment 32 grasps the operating rod 3342 with their hand and pushes or pulls it left or right as shown by the arrows in FIG. 10, the hook 3341 swings. The driver or operator can switch any two adjacent pallets 330 between a connected state and an unconnected state, even when storage units 2 are placed on the pallets 330.

[0092] Since there is no pallet behind the fifth pallet 330-5, the fifth pallet 330-5 does not have a connector 334. A protrusion 3343 is attached to the front end of the fifth pallet 330-5, and the hook 3341 of the fourth pallet 330-4 is hooked onto it.

[0093] 10, the front-to-rear length of the loading section 33 in which the first to fifth pallets 330-1 to 330-5 are connected to one another is shorter than the front-to-rear length of the intermediate body 352. An empty space in which no storage unit 2 is positioned is provided in the luggage compartment 32. The empty space in the arrangement direction of the storage units 2 is an adjustment margin in the front-to-rear direction when aligning the loading section 33 as described above.

[0094] 9, when the first to fifth pallets 330-1 to 330-5 are connected to one another, the distance between the storage units 2 is narrow. In this state, the operator cannot access the luggage 20 stored in the storage units 2.

[0095] When adjacent pallets 330 are disconnected, each pallet 330 can move forward and backward. More precisely, because the second to fifth pallets 330-2 to 330-5 do not have the first actuator 353 attached, they can be manually moved forward and backward once the connection is released. Figure 13 shows, as an example, a state in which the third to fifth pallets 330-3 to 330-5 have been moved backward as a result of the connection between the second pallet 330-2 and the third pallet 330-3 being released. This creates a space between the second pallet 330-2 and the third pallet 330-3.

[0096] For ease of understanding, the storage units 2 are not depicted in FIG. 13, but an operator can enter the space between the second pallet 330-2 and the third pallet 330-3 to access the luggage 20 in the storage unit 2 placed on the third pallet 330-3. The operator can access each of the luggage 20 stored in each storage unit 2 even after the storage units 2 are loaded onto the transport vehicle 3. Access to the luggage 20 improves the convenience of the transport system 100.

[0097] While the transporter vehicle 3 is traveling, the first to fifth pallets 330-1 to 330-5 are all connected and the first actuator 353 and the second actuator 354 are stopped, thereby restricting the loading section 33 from moving in the front-to-rear and left-to-right directions. Furthermore, the guides 333 of each pallet 330 restrict movement of each storage unit 2 loaded on the loading section 33 in the front-to-rear direction, and the left and right side walls (including the upper side surfaces 321 and lower side surfaces 322) of the luggage compartment 32 restrict movement of each storage unit 2 loaded on the loading section 33 in the left-to-right direction. Furthermore, the ceiling wall of the luggage compartment 32 restricts movement of each storage unit 2 loaded on the loading section 33 in the up-to-down direction.

[0098] (Installation on unmanned vehicles) The transport vehicle 3 in the illustrated example is capable of carrying an unmanned moving body 5. However, the transport vehicle 3 does not necessarily have to be capable of carrying an unmanned moving body 5.

[0099] As shown in Figures 7 and 8, the transport vehicle 3 has a storage shelf 36. The storage shelf 36 stores unmanned vehicles 5. The storage shelf 36 has a plurality of storage spaces separated from one another. The storage shelf 36 in the illustrated example has three storage spaces lined up in the left-right direction and two storage spaces overlapping in the up-down direction. One unmanned vehicle 5 is stored in one storage space. The transport vehicle 3 in the illustrated example can carry up to six unmanned vehicles 5. Note that the number of storage spaces is not limited to that in the illustrated example.

[0100] The storage shelves 36 are installed at the rear of the luggage compartment 32. Each storage space is open toward the rear of the transport vehicle 3.

[0101] An elevator device 37 is attached to the rear end of the transport vehicle 3. The elevator device 37 has a loading platform 371 and a post 372. The loading platform 371 has a width corresponding to the width of the transport vehicle 3 and a length in the front-to-rear direction that allows at least the unmanned mobile body 5 to be placed on it. The loading platform 371 is supported by the post 372. As shown by the arrow in FIG. 8, the post 372 raises and lowers the loading platform 371.

[0102] The loading platform 371 can be switched between a vertical position in which it covers at least a portion of the rear of the storage shelf 36, as shown in Fig. 7, and a horizontal position in which the unmanned mobile object 5 is placed, as shown in Fig. 8. The vertical position is a storage position of the loading platform 371, and the horizontal position is a use position of the loading platform 371. In the storage position, the loading platform 371 prevents the unmanned mobile object 5 from falling off the storage shelf 36 while the transport vehicle 3 is traveling.

[0103] The platform 371 is positioned at a position corresponding to the storage space, and in this state, the unmanned mobile body 5 moves by itself, thereby moving in and out of the storage shelf 36 (see the arrows in FIG. 8). In addition, the platform 371 on which the unmanned mobile body 5 is placed moves up and down, allowing the unmanned mobile body 5 to move between the ground and the storage shelf 36 (see the arrows in FIG. 8).

[0104] The unmanned mobile body 5 that is unloaded from the parked delivery vehicle 3 delivers luggage 20 to, for example, a user 101. The unmanned mobile body 5 may be loaded with luggage in advance. The unmanned mobile body 5 may also move to the user 101 to receive the luggage 20 from the user 101. Thereafter, the unmanned mobile body 5 may return to the delivery vehicle 3 or may go to any of the luggage stations 1. The delivery vehicle 3 may also load the unmanned mobile body 5 after it has departed from the luggage station 1 and delivered the luggage 20 to the user 101. The delivery vehicle 3 may also pick up an unmanned mobile body 5 that has stopped due to a malfunction while transporting luggage 20 for maintenance.

[0105] (transshipment equipment) 14 shows the entirety of the transfer device 8. The transfer device 8 has a structure described below, and is therefore capable of efficiently transferring one or more storage units 2 between the transport vehicle 3 and the baggage station 1.

[0106] The first area 71 and the second area 72 of the storage section 7 are divided into a plurality of storage sections. The first area 71 and the second area 72 are divided into a plurality of storage sections in a direction perpendicular to the direction of movement of the storage unit 2. More specifically, as shown in FIGS. 2, 4 and 5, the first area 71 and the second area 72 are divided into first to eighth storage sections 7-1 to 7-8 in the front-to-rear direction. Each of the first to eighth storage sections 7-1 to 7-8 stores one storage unit 20. Each of the first to eighth storage sections 7-1 to 7-8 stores one storage unit 20 in a manner that allows it to move left and right.

[0107] The first to eighth storage sections 7-1 to 7-8 correspond to the first to fifth pallets 330-1 to 330-5 of the transport vehicle 3. However, the first to eighth storage sections 7-1 to 7-8 are greater in number than the first to fifth pallets 330-1 to 330-5. The storage section 7 can store spare storage units 2. The spare storage units 2 store, for example, luggage 20 picked up from the user 101.

[0108] As shown enlarged in FIG. 15, the first to eighth storage sections 7-1 to 7-8 of the first area 71 are separated by guides 70. The first area 71 has a plurality of guides 70. Each guide 70 rises from the floor of the storage section 7 and extends in the left-right direction. The lower end of the storage unit 2 is sandwiched between the front and rear guides 70. As with the guides 333 of the loading section 33, the guides 70 of the storage section 7 also have a non-constant front-to-rear spacing between the guides 70. The spacing between the guides 70 is relatively wider on the right side and relatively narrower on the left side (W3>W4). In other words, the spacing between the guides 70 is wider on the side closer to the transport vehicle 3 and narrower on the side farther from the transport vehicle 3. The spacing W4 between the guides 70 corresponds to the front-to-rear length of the storage unit 2. Specifically, the spacing W4 is slightly greater than the front-to-rear length of the storage unit 2. Furthermore, the spacing W3 between the guides 70 is, for example, approximately 105% to 130% of the front-to-rear length of the storage unit 2. The spacing W3 corresponds to the spacing W2 between the guides 333 of the loading section 33 (W3 = W2 or W3 ≒ W2). The wide spacing W3 allows the storage unit 2, which moves left and right, to move forward and backward. The storage unit 2 can be smoothly transferred between the transport vehicle 3 and the baggage station 1.

[0109] A transfer device 8 is installed in each of the first to eighth storage sections 7-1 to 7-8. Therefore, the baggage station 1 has a plurality of transfer devices 8. The plurality of transfer devices 8 are lined up in the front-to-rear direction as shown in FIG. 3. Hereinafter, when distinguishing between the plurality of transfer devices 8, they may be referred to as the first to eighth transfer devices 8-1 to 8-8 in order from front to back. The first to eighth transfer devices 8-1 to 8-8 are all the same.

[0110] The transfer device 8 has an arm 81 and a drive unit 82. The arm 81 is installed at an end of the baggage station 1, more specifically at the right end. The arm 81 has the function of transferring the storage unit 2 between the transport vehicle 3 and the baggage station 1. The drive unit 82 is installed next to the arm 81, more specifically to the left of the arm 81. The drive unit 82 extends in the left-right direction in the first area 71. The drive unit 82 has the function of transporting the storage unit 2 left and right in cooperation with the arm 81 when transferring the storage unit 2 between the transport vehicle 3 and the baggage station 1. The drive unit 82 also has the function of transporting the storage unit 2 left and right when selectively transferring baggage 20 between the storage unit 2 and the unmanned mobile body 5 using the selective transfer device 9, as described below.

[0111] 15 and 16 show an enlarged view of the arm 81. The arm 81 includes a link mechanism including a plurality of arms and a drive source for the link mechanism. Specifically, the arm 81 includes a first arm 811, a second arm 812, and a first motor 813. As shown in FIG. 15, the arm 81 switches between an extended state and a folded state. In FIG. 15, the first to third transfer devices 8-1 to 8-3 are in an extended state, and the fourth to fifth transfer devices 8-4 to 8-5 are in a folded state. For the sake of explanation, FIG. 16 depicts a plurality of first arms 811 and second arms 812 that have changed direction as the state changes.

[0112] At the right end of the first area 71 of the storage unit 7, a channel 711 is provided that can move back and forth as shown by the arrow in FIG. 16. All of the arms 81 are attached to the channel 711. The storage unit 7 has a drive device that moves the channel 711 back and forth. When the channel 711 is moved back and forth, all of the arms 81 move back and forth simultaneously. Each arm 81 may also be able to move back and forth individually.

[0113] The first motor 813 is fixed to the channel 711. The first motor 813 is connected to a first shaft 815 via a reducer 814. The first shaft 815 extends in the vertical direction and is attached rotatably relative to the channel 711. When the first motor 813 is driven, the first shaft 815 rotates in both the forward and reverse directions.

[0114] A first end of the first arm 811 is fixed to a first shaft 815. When the first shaft 815 rotates, the first arm 811 rotates together with the first shaft 815 in the forward and reverse directions.

[0115] A second shaft 816 is rotatably attached to a second end of the first arm 811. The second shaft 816 can rotate in a forward and reverse direction relative to the first arm 811. A first end of the second arm 812 is fixed to the second shaft 816. When the second shaft 816 rotates, the second arm 812 rotates in a forward and reverse direction relative to the first arm 811. A transport pin 817 that protrudes upward is attached to the second end of the second arm 812. The transport pin 817 engages with an engagement portion 21 attached to the underside of the storage unit 2. The engagement portion 21 has an inverted U-shaped cross section that opens downward, and its recesses are open to the front and back (see also FIG. 17).

[0116] A fixed sprocket is fixed to the channel 711 so that its center of rotation coincides with that of the first shaft 815. By driving the first motor 813, power is transmitted to the first arm 811 via the reducer 814 and the first shaft 815, causing the first arm 811 to rotate relative to the channel 711. As a result, the first arm 811 rotates relative to the fixed sprocket. A swivel sprocket is fixed to the second shaft. A chain 818 is wound around the fixed sprocket and the swivel sprocket.

[0117] The gear ratio r (= number of teeth of the fixed-side sprocket / number of teeth of the swivel sprocket) between the fixed-side sprocket and the swivel sprocket is set such that 1 < r < 3. It is preferable that r is closer to 2. When the first motor 813 is driven, the rotation angle of the swivel sprocket with respect to the first arm 811 is larger than the rotation angle of the fixed-side sprocket with respect to the first arm 811.

[0118] FIG. 16 depicts three states: the folded state of the arm 81 (shown with shading), the extended state of the arm 81, and the transfer state of the arm 81. The folded state of the arm 81 is a state where the first arm 811 and the second arm 812 overlap vertically. In this state, both the first arm 811 and the second arm 812 extend in the front-rear direction. The extended state of the arm 81 is a state where the first arm 811 and the second arm 812 do not substantially overlap. In this state, both the first arm 811 and the second arm 812 extend rightward from the storage unit 7. The first arm 811 and the second arm 812 extend toward the transport vehicle 3. The transfer state of the arm 81 is similar to the folded state of the arm 81. The transfer state of the arm 81 is a state where the first arm 811 and the second arm 812 substantially overlap vertically. In this state, the second arm 812 tilts leftward. The second arm 812 approaches the drive unit 82.

[0119] Next, a procedure for the arm 81 to transfer the storage unit 2 from the transport vehicle 3 to the luggage station 1 will be described.

[0120] When the arm 81 is in the folded state, the first motor 813 drives the first shaft 815 to rotate in the forward direction. Then, the first arm 811 rotates in the forward direction, causing the first arm 811 to extend to the right. The second arm 812 moves to the right as the first arm 811 rotates, and rotates relative to the first arm 811 by the chain 818. The second arm 812 also extends to the right, causing the arm 81 to extend. When the arm 81 is in the extended state, the conveying pin 817 is positioned in a position corresponding to the engaging portion 21 of the storage unit 2 in the left-right direction. Note that the engaging portion 21 of each storage unit 2 is positioned in a predetermined position by the loading and unloading device 34 of the transport vehicle 3.

[0121] Here, before arm 81 transitions from the folded state to the extended state, channel 711 moves forward (or backward), and as a result, when arm 81 transitions to the extended state, conveying pin 817 and engaging portion 21 are misaligned in the front-to-rear direction (see the dashed line in FIG. 16). In this state, as channel 711 moves backward (or forward), conveying pin 817 moves forward or backward relative to engaging portion 21, and conveying pin 817 engages with engaging portion 21 (see the solid line in FIG. 16 and FIG. 17).

[0122] When the carrying pin 817 engages with the engaging portion 21, the arm 81 moves from the extended state to the folded state by the reverse operation of the above. Since the carrying pin 817 moves from right to left, the storage unit 2 loaded on the loading portion 33 of the transport vehicle 3 moves from right to left.

[0123] Even after the arm 81 is in the folded state, the first motor 813 continues to be driven. The first arm 811 tilts to the left from its orientation extending in the front-to-rear direction, and the second arm 812 also tilts to the left from its orientation extending in the front-to-rear direction. The conveying pin 817 moves further to the left than in the folded state. The conveying pin 817 is positioned to hand over the storage unit 2 to the drive unit 82. More specifically, the position of the conveying pin 817 is between two chains 824 of the drive unit 82, which will be described later.

[0124] After the arm 81 is in the transfer state, the channel 711 moves forward (or backward), thereby disengaging the transport pin 817 from the engagement portion 21. Thereafter, the first motor 813 is driven, causing the arm 81 to transition from the transfer state to the folded state. Thereafter, as will be described later, the storage unit 2 is transferred from the arm 81 to the drive portion 82, which then transports the storage unit 2 to the left. The transfer of the storage unit 2 from the transport vehicle 3 to the baggage station 1 is completed.

[0125] The procedure by which the arm 81 transfers the accommodation unit 2 from the baggage station 1 to the transport vehicle 3 is the reverse of that described above.

[0126] Cooperation between the cargo handling device 34 of the transport vehicle 3 and the transfer device 8 of the baggage station 1 allows the storage units 2 to be transferred smoothly between the transport vehicle 3 and the baggage station 1.

[0127] As shown in FIGS. 14 and 18, a plurality of support rollers 75 are attached to each of the first to eighth storage sections 7-1 to 7-8. Similar to the support rollers 332 of the pallet 330, the support rollers 75 support the storage unit 2 so that it can move in the left-right direction. The support rollers 75 are positioned at intervals in the left-right direction at the front and rear of the first area 71 and the second area 72 of each of the storage sections 7-1 to 7-8. Each support roller 75 protrudes from the floor surface of each storage section 7-1 to 7-8. The axis of each support roller 75 extends in the front-to-rear direction.

[0128] The drive unit 82 has a chain conveyance mechanism and a drive source for the chain conveyance mechanism. More specifically, as shown in Fig. 14, the drive unit 82 has a second motor 821, a drive sprocket 822, a driven sprocket 823, and a chain 824. As shown in Fig. 18, the drive unit 82 is located below the storage unit 2, between the support rollers 75 adjacent to each other in the front-rear direction.

[0129] The drive sprocket 822 is installed at the left end of the first area 71 of the storage unit 7. The axis of the drive sprocket 822 is oriented in the front-to-rear direction. The drive sprocket 822 consists of a pair of sprockets installed at a distance in the front-to-rear direction. The pair of sprockets are connected to each other so that they rotate together. The second motor 821 is connected to the drive sprocket 822 via a chain. When the second motor 821 is driven, the drive sprocket 822 rotates in the forward or reverse direction.

[0130] The driven sprocket 823 is located at the right end of the first area 71. The axis of the driven sprocket 823 is oriented in the front-to-rear direction. As shown in Figures 16 and 17, the driven sprocket 823, like the driving sprocket 822, is also made up of a pair of sprockets spaced apart in the front-to-rear direction. The pair of sprockets are connected to each other so that they rotate together.

[0131] The chain 824 is wound around the drive sprocket 822 and the driven sprocket 823. Because the drive sprocket 822 and the driven sprocket 823 each consist of a pair of sprockets, the chain 824 is wound around each of the pair of sprockets. Therefore, the chain 824 includes a pair of chains. The pair of chains extend in the left-right direction, with a gap between them in the front-to-rear direction. When the drive sprocket 822 rotates in the forward or reverse direction, the chain 824 runs in the left-to-right direction.

[0132] As shown in Figures 16 and 17, a carrier bar 825 is attached to the pair of chains. The carrier bar 825 is disposed so as to bridge the pair of chains and is fixed to each of the pair of chains. When the chain 824 travels, the carrier bar 825 moves left or right.

[0133] The transport bar 825 engages with the engaging portion 21 of the storage unit 2. When the chain 824 travels with the transport bar 825 engaged with the engaging portion 21, the storage unit 2 moves leftward or rightward.

[0134] 14, a plurality of conveyor bars 825 are attached to the pair of chains. The plurality of conveyor bars 825 are attached to the chain 824 at intervals corresponding to the left-right length of the storage unit 2. An engagement portion 21 is attached to each of the right and left ends of the underside of the storage unit 2 (see also FIG. 21).

[0135] Between the chain 824 and the storage unit 2, (1) one conveyor bar 825 engages only with the right engaging portion 21, (2) one conveyor bar 825 engages only with the left engaging portion 21, or (3) two conveyor bars 825 engage with both the right engaging portion 21 and the left engaging portion 21. As shown in FIG. 14 , when the conveyor bar 825 engages with the right engaging portion 21, the drive unit 82 can transport the storage unit 2 to the second area 72. When the conveyor bar 825 engages with the left engaging portion 21, the drive unit 82 can transport the storage unit 2 to the transport vehicle 3.

[0136] Here, the transfer of the storage unit 2 between the arm 81 and the drive unit 82 will be described with reference to FIG. 16 . As described above, after the arm 81 enters the transfer state, the engagement between the conveying pin 817 and the engaging portion 21 is released. At this time, the engaging portion 21 of the storage unit 2 is located between the pair of chains 824 near the driven sprocket 823, as indicated by the dashed-dotted line. In this state, when the chain 824 of the drive unit 82 travels from right to left, the conveying bar 825 enters the engaging portion 21 from below and engages with the engaging portion 21. The storage unit 2 is transferred from the arm 81 to the drive unit 82. Once the storage unit 2 is transferred from the arm 81 to the drive unit 82, the storage unit 2 moves back and forth left and right between the first area 71 and the second area 72 as the chain 824 travels left and right.

[0137] The transfer of the accommodation unit 2 from the driving part 82 to the arm 81 is performed in the reverse order to the above.

[0138] As shown in FIG. 19, the second area 72 is also divided into first to eighth storage sections 7-1 to 7-8. Guides 76 and support rollers 75 are installed in the second area 72. The guides 76 divide the first to eighth storage sections 7-1 to 7-8 in the second area 72. The second area 72 also has multiple guides 76. Each guide 76 rises from the floor of the storage section 7 and extends in the left-right direction. The lower end of the storage unit 2 is sandwiched between the front and rear guides 76 (see FIG. 14). The guides 76 in the second area 72 are not continuous with the guides 70 in the first area 71. This is because the selection and movement device 9, described later, moves in the front-to-rear direction in the third area 73. The front-to-rear spacing between the guides 76 is constant. The spacing between the guides 76 is slightly greater than the front-to-rear length of the storage unit 2.

[0139] Here, the storage section 7 has a plurality of transfer devices 8 that are independent of each other. The plurality of transfer devices 8 can individually transfer a plurality of storage units 2 between the loading section 33 of the transport vehicle 3 and the storage section 7. Furthermore, by operating the plurality of transfer devices 8 simultaneously, a plurality of storage units 2 can be transferred simultaneously. Because the interior of the luggage compartment 32 of the transport vehicle 3 is widely open to the sides of the transport vehicle 3, the plurality of transfer devices 8 can transfer a large number of storage units 2 simultaneously. The simultaneous transfer of a plurality of storage units 2 shortens the time it takes to transfer the storage units 2 between the transport vehicle 3 and the baggage station 1. The transfer efficiency of the transport system 100 is improved.

[0140] Furthermore, the plurality of transshipment devices 8 can move the plurality of storage units 2 individually in the storage section 7, and can also move the plurality of storage units 2 simultaneously.

[0141] FIG. 18 shows a lock pin 77 of the storage section 7. The lock pin 77 engages with the storage unit 2 and restrains the storage unit 2 so that the storage unit 2 does not move in the left-right direction. The lock pin 77 is a restraining mechanism for the storage unit 2. A lock pin 77 is provided for each of the first to eighth storage sections 7-1 to 7-8 in the first area 71 of the storage section 7. The storage section 7 has multiple lock pins 77. The lock pin 77 is located in the left-right center of the first area 71. The lock pin 77 extends in the front-rear direction and can move forward or backward as indicated by the arrow. As shown in FIG. 14, a lock hole 22 is provided in the left-right center of the underside of the storage unit 2. The lock pin 77 switches between a state in which it is inserted into the lock hole 22 and a state in which it is disengaged from the lock hole 22. When the lock pin 77 is inserted into the lock hole 22, the lock pin 77 restrains the storage unit 2. The storage units 2 are stored in the first area 71 so as not to move. The multiple lock pins 77 can individually restrain the multiple storage units 2.

[0142] (Containment Unit) 20 and 21 illustrate an example of the storage unit 2. The storage unit 2 has a structure described below, and thereby stores a plurality of pieces of luggage 20, and realizes efficient transfer of the pieces of luggage 20 between the transport vehicle 3 and the luggage station 1, and efficient distribution of the pieces of luggage 20 to the unmanned mobile bodies 5.

[0143] As described above, the storage unit 2 is a rack. The storage unit 2 can store multiple pieces of luggage 20. In the illustrated example, the storage unit 2 is divided into four sections in the vertical direction and three sections in the horizontal direction. The storage unit 2 is divided into a first tier, a second tier, a third tier, and a fourth tier from top to bottom, and into a first row, a second row, and a third row from right to left. The storage unit 2 has 12 storage spaces and can store a maximum of 12 pieces of luggage. Note that the maximum number of pieces that can be stored in the storage unit 2 is not limited to a specific number.

[0144] Here, in the transport system 100, the luggage 20 stored in the storage unit 2 is placed on a luggage pallet 23. As will be described later, the luggage 20 is transferred between the storage unit 2 and the unmanned mobile body 5 along with the luggage pallet 23. The use of the luggage pallet 23 has the advantage that the objects that are actually transferred between the storage unit 2 and the unmanned mobile body 5 can be standardized regardless of the shape and / or size of the luggage 20. The use of the luggage pallet 23 also has the advantage that it is not necessary to directly touch the luggage 20 when transferring it.

[0145] FIG. 22 illustrates a luggage pallet 23. The luggage pallet 23 has a main body 231 and a back panel 232. The luggage 20 is placed on the main body 231. The main body 231 is a square flat plate. An enclosure 233 is attached around the main body 231. The enclosure 233 prevents the luggage 20 from falling from the main body 231 when the luggage pallet 23 is moving (when the luggage 20 is being transported by the transport vehicle 3, when the luggage 20 is being transferred, or when the luggage 20 is being transported by the unmanned mobile body 5). The back panel 232 is attached to the rear of the main body 231. The back panel 232 extends vertically and horizontally. As shown in FIG. 25, when the luggage pallet 23 is placed on the unmanned mobile body 5, the back panel 232 becomes the rear wall of the luggage compartment 52 of the unmanned mobile body 5. Note that the main body 231 and the enclosure 233 are not limited to the structures shown in FIG. 22 . The main body may be a box having a ceiling wall. The main body may also have upper and lower stages, with the luggage 20 placed on each of the upper and lower stages.

[0146] A hook 234 is attached to the rear surface of the back panel 232. The hook 234 swings up and down as shown in Figures 26 and 27. The hook 234 is biased downward by a spring (not shown). As will be described later, the hook 234 catches on the perch 24 of the storage unit 2 (see Figure 23). The hook 234 prevents the luggage pallet 23 from falling out of the storage unit 2. An engagement bar 235 is also attached to the rear surface of the back panel 232. The engagement bar 235 is used when the luggage pallet 23 is transferred, as will be described later.

[0147] Each storage space of the storage unit 2 is open to the front. The storage unit 2 has a structure that allows luggage 20 and luggage pallets 23 to be loaded and unloaded in a direction perpendicular to the movement direction and the up-down direction of the storage unit 2. By combining the storage unit 2 with a selective movement device 9 having a structure described below, luggage 20 can be selectively loaded and unloaded.

[0148] Each storage space is fitted with a loading roller 25. The loading rollers 25 are arranged on both the left and right sides of each storage space. A space 26 is provided between the left and right loading rollers 25 (see FIG. 21).

[0149] As shown in Figure 27, the loading rollers 25 are composed of multiple rollers aligned in the front-to-rear direction. The axis of each roller extends in the left-to-right direction. The cargo pallet 23 is placed on the left and right loading rollers 25. The loading rollers 25 support the cargo pallet 23 and reduce resistance when the cargo pallet 23 moves in the front-to-rear direction.

[0150] A plurality of beams 27 are attached to the rear of the storage unit 2. The beams 27 extend left and right so as to bridge between the left and right ends of the storage unit 2. The beams 27 are attached to the storage unit 2 at intervals in the vertical direction. The beams 27 interfere with the back panels 232 of the luggage pallets 23 stored in each storage space, thereby preventing the luggage pallets 23 from falling.

[0151] A perch 24 is attached to the rear of each storage space. The perch 24 is fixed to a beam 27. The perch 24 is located in the center of each storage space in the left-right direction. The perch 24 extends in the left-right direction. As shown enlarged in Figure 23, a hook 234 of the cargo pallet 23 is hooked onto the perch 24.

[0152] As described above, two engagement portions 21 and a lock hole 22 are provided on the underside of the storage unit 2. The engagement portions 21 are attached to the right and left ends of the storage unit 2. The engagement portions 21 have recesses that open downward. The transport pin 817 or transport bar 825 engages with the engagement portions 21. The lock hole 22 is attached to the center of the left and right sides of the storage unit 2. The lock hole 22 is a through hole that opens in the front-to-rear direction. The lock pin 77 is inserted into the lock hole 22.

[0153] (Unmanned Mobile Vehicle) 24 and 25 show an example of the unmanned mobile body 5. The unmanned mobile body 5 has a structure described below, and thereby makes the transportation of the cargo 20 in the transportation system 100 more efficient.

[0154] The unmanned vehicle 5 is a four-wheeled electric vehicle equipped with a battery 51, and moves autonomously on the ground. The unmanned vehicle 5 can use a known UGV as a base vehicle before modification.

[0155] The unmanned vehicle 5 has a box-shaped luggage compartment 52. The luggage compartment 52 is open to the rear. Rollers 53 are installed on the bottom of the luggage compartment 52. The rollers 53 reduce resistance when the luggage pallet 23 is transferred. As described above, when the luggage pallet 23 is loaded into the luggage compartment 52 of the unmanned vehicle 5, the rear opening of the luggage compartment 52 is blocked by the back panel 232 of the luggage pallet 23. This structure eliminates the need to provide the unmanned vehicle 5 with a rear opening / closing door and an opening / closing mechanism for the rear opening / closing door, thereby reducing the weight of the unmanned vehicle 5. Reducing the weight of the unmanned vehicle 5 improves the power efficiency of the unmanned vehicle 5, thereby increasing the traveling distance. This improves the transportation efficiency of the transportation system 100.

[0156] A pin 54 is provided at the front of the luggage compartment 52. The pin 54 moves forward and backward into the luggage compartment 52. As shown in FIG. 22 , a pin hole 236 is provided at the front end of the luggage pallet 23. The pin 54 is inserted into the pin hole 236. When the luggage pallet 23 is loaded in the luggage compartment 52 and the pin 54 protrudes into the luggage compartment 52, the luggage pallet 23 is restrained by the pin 54.

[0157] The top of the luggage compartment 52 is closed by a lid 521. The lid 521 opens upward as shown by the dashed dotted line in FIG. 24 . The lid 521 is locked electromagnetically and mechanically. When the user 101 opens the lid 521 of the unmanned vehicle 5, the user 101 unlocks the electromagnetic lock via short-range wireless communication using the terminal 106, and also unlocks the mechanical lock by operating a release button 522 on the side of the luggage compartment 52. By unlocking these two locks, the delivery of luggage between the unmanned vehicle 5 and the user 101 can be carried out safely. Note that the lid 521 is not limited to being provided on the top of the luggage compartment 52, and multiple lids may be provided on the sides of the luggage compartment.

[0158] The structure of the luggage compartment 52 of the unmanned vehicle 5 is an example. The luggage compartment of the unmanned vehicle 5 can have a variety of different structures.

[0159] (Selection and movement device) 19, 26 and 27 show the selective movement device 9. The selective movement device 9 efficiently transfers the cargo 20 between the storage unit 2 and the unmanned moving body 5.

[0160] The selective movement device 9 has a lifting unit 91, a horizontal movement unit 92, and a transfer unit 93. The lifting unit 91 has the function of raising and lowering the unmanned mobile body 5. The horizontal movement unit 92 has the function of transporting the unmanned mobile body 5 in the front-to-rear direction, which is the arrangement direction of the storage units 2. The transfer unit 93 has the function of transferring the cargo pallets 23 between the storage units 2 and the unmanned mobile body 5.

[0161] The lifting unit 91 has a lifting platform 911 and a lifting guide 912. The lifting platform 911 is a flat member. The unmanned vehicle 5 is placed on the lifting platform 911. The lifting guide 912 supports the lifting platform 911 so that it can move up and down. The lifting guide 912 has a pair of vertical rails 912a and sliders 912b slidably inserted into each of the vertical rails 912a. Each of the pair of vertical rails 912a extends in the up-down direction. The pair of vertical rails are arranged with a gap in the front-rear direction. The slider 912b extends in the up-down direction. The lifting platform 911 is attached to the lower end of the slider 912b.

[0162] The upper end of the vertical rail 912a is located near the ceiling of the storage unit 7. In the third area 73 of the storage unit 7, a partition wall 73a separating the storage unit 7 from the waiting area 10 has a communication opening 731 formed therein (see FIGS. 5 and 19). The communication opening 731 connects the storage unit 7 to the waiting area 10. The lower end of the vertical rail 912a extends to near the upper surface of the partition wall 73a. When the lifting platform 911 is located above the partition wall 73a, the lifting guide 912 can move back and forth without interfering with the partition wall 73a. When the lifting platform 911 is lowered into the waiting area 10, the lower end of the slider 912b passes through the communication opening 731 and descends below the lower end of the vertical rail 912a (see FIG. 4). The lifting platform 911 can move between the storage section 7 and the waiting area 10 through the communication opening 731.

[0163] The unmanned mobile body 5 moves under its own power in the waiting area 10 and is placed on the lifting platform 911. The lifting guide 912 raises the lifting platform 911 on which the unmanned mobile body 5 is placed, and moves the unmanned mobile body 5 from the waiting area 10 to the storage unit 7. The lifting guide 912 also lowers the lifting platform 911 on which the unmanned mobile body 5 is placed, and moves the unmanned mobile body 5 from the storage unit 7 to the waiting area 10. The unmanned mobile body 5 descends from the lifting platform 911 by moving under its own power in the waiting area 10.

[0164] The horizontal movement unit 92 moves the lifting / lowering unit 91 in the front-to-rear direction in the third area 73. The horizontal movement unit 92 has a pair of upper and lower front-to-rear rails 921 (see also FIG. 4). The front-to-rear rails 921 are fixed to the storage unit 7. The front-to-rear rails 921 support the lifting / lowering unit 91 so that it can move in the front-to-rear direction. The horizontal movement unit 92 can move the lifting / lowering unit 91 from the front end to the rear end in the third area 73.

[0165] The transfer unit 93 has the function of moving the luggage pallet 23 relative to the storage unit 2 in a transfer direction. The transfer direction is a direction perpendicular to the movement direction and up-down direction of the storage unit 2, and is the front-to-back direction in the luggage station 1 shown in the figure. As shown in FIG. 26 , the transfer unit 93 is fixed to the lifting platform 911. The transfer unit 93 extends rearward from the rear end of the lifting platform 911. The transfer unit 93 has a slider 931 and a ball screw mechanism 932. The ball screw mechanism 932 moves the slider 931 in the front-to-back direction. The slider 931 is supported by a guide 933 and fixed to a nut 934 of the ball screw mechanism 932. The guide 933 is parallel to the screw rod of the ball screw mechanism 932. The guide 933 is a keyed shaft. As the ball screw mechanism 932 is driven, the nut 934 moves back and forth in the front-rear direction, and the slider 931 moves back and forth in the front-rear direction along the guide 933 .

[0166] The slider 931 has a rotary engagement portion 935. The rotary engagement portion 935 has a pair of engagement pieces 935a. The pair of engagement pieces 935a are spaced apart in the front-to-rear direction. This space corresponds to the size of the engagement bar 235 of the luggage pallet 23. The pair of engagement pieces 935a can sandwich the engagement bar 235 therebetween. The rotary engagement portion 935 can also rotate together with the guide 933 around the axis of the guide 933. As the rotary engagement portion 935 rotates, the pair of engagement pieces 935a switch between a disengaged state with the engagement bar 235 shown in the upper diagram of FIG. 26 and a state engaged with the engagement bar 235 shown in the lower diagram. The ball screw mechanism 932 is driven by a drive motor (not shown). The guide 933 is rotationally driven by a rotary solenoid (not shown). The drive motor and rotary solenoid (not shown) are attached to the lifting platform 911.

[0167] 19 and 27, the transfer of cargo 20 between the storage unit 2 and the unmanned mobile body 5 will be described. As described above, the hook 234 of the cargo pallet 23 stored in the storage unit 2 is caught on the perch 24 (see the enlarged view 271 in FIG. 27).

[0168] First, the drive unit 82 of the transfer device 8 moves the storage unit 2 storing the cargo pallets 23 to be transferred in the left-right direction. The first, second, or third row of the storage unit 2 is positioned in the third area 73. As illustrated in FIG. 19 , the cargo pallets 23 to be transferred are positioned in the third area 73.

[0169] The lifting / lowering unit 91 of the selective movement device 9 raises and lowers the lifting platform 911. The lifting platform 911 is positioned at the height of the first, second, third, or fourth step. The lifting / lowering unit 91 positions the lifting platform 911 at a height corresponding to the height of the cargo pallet 23 to be transferred. At this time, the lifting / lowering unit 91 is positioned in front of the storage unit 2. Then, the horizontal movement unit 92 of the selective movement device 9 moves the lifting / lowering unit 91 rearward. The transfer unit 93 passes through the space 26 of the storage unit 2 (see Figure 21), and the rear end of the transfer unit 93 protrudes rearward beyond the rear end of the storage unit 2. The unmanned mobile body 5 placed on the lifting / lowering platform 911 and the cargo pallet 23 to be transferred are adjacent to each other in the front-to-rear direction (see Figure 27). At this time, the slider 931 of the transfer unit 93 is located at the rear end of the transfer unit 93 and is in a disengaged state (see the dashed line in the upper diagram of FIG. 26).

[0170] The transfer unit 93 rotates the rotary engagement portion 935 of the slider 931, which is in the disengaged state, to engage the pair of engagement pieces 935a with the engagement bars 235 of the luggage pallet 23. At this time, as shown in an enlarged view 272 of FIG. 27, the engagement pieces 935a come into contact with the lower parts of the hooks 234 of the luggage pallet 23 and lift the hooks 234 upward. At this time, the engagement pieces 935a lift the hooks 234 upward against the biasing force of a spring (not shown). The hooks 234 are disengaged from the perch 24.

[0171] With the pair of engagement pieces 935a engaged with the engagement bar 235, the slider 931 moves forward by driving the ball screw mechanism 932. Accordingly, the luggage pallet 23 moves forward. The luggage pallet 23 enters the luggage compartment 52 of the unmanned mobile object 5 from the rear end opening of the luggage compartment 52.

[0172] As shown in the lower diagram of Figure 26, once the entry of the luggage pallet 23 is complete, the rotating engagement portion 935 of the slider 931 rotates, causing the pair of engagement pieces 935a to disengage from the engagement bar 235 (see the upper diagram of Figure 26). Also, the pins 54 of the unmanned mobile body 5 are inserted into the pin holes 236 of the luggage pallet 23. In this way, the transfer of the luggage pallet 23 from the storage unit 2 to the unmanned mobile body 5 is completed.

[0173] The transfer of the cargo pallet 23 from the unmanned vehicle 5 to the storage unit 2 is carried out in the reverse order to the above.

[0174] The selective movement device 9 can move the unmanned mobile body 5 in two directions perpendicular to the movement direction of the storage unit 2. The luggage station 1 can transfer luggage 20 at any position in any storage unit 2 among a plurality of storage units 2 lined up in one direction between the storage unit 2 and the unmanned mobile body 5. Transfer of luggage 20 at the luggage station 1 can be achieved with a relatively simple structure.

[0175] Furthermore, the direction of movement of the storage units 2 in the storage section 7 of the baggage station 1 coincides with the direction of transfer of the storage units 2 between the transport vehicle 3 and the baggage station 1. The transfer device 8 of the baggage station 1 performs both the transfer of the storage units 2 between the transport vehicle 3 and the baggage station 1 and the movement of the storage units 2 in the storage section 7. The structure of the baggage station 1 is simple. Furthermore, the transfer device 8 moves the storage units 2 in the left-right direction in the storage section 7, which makes it possible to transfer baggage for each of the multiple storage units 2 while reducing the installation area of ​​the baggage station 1.

[0176] Here, before the transfer unit 93 passes through the space 26 of the storage unit 2, the rear end of the transfer unit 93 must be positioned forward of the storage unit 2. Because the transfer unit 93 protrudes rearward from the rear end of the lifting platform 911, the lifting platform 911 carrying the unmanned mobile body 5 is positioned further forward of the storage unit 2 that is the target of transfer.

[0177] When the storage unit 2 in the first storage section 7-1, which is located foremost in the storage section 7, is the target for transshipment, the lifting platform 911 and the transfer unit 93 need to be positioned further forward than the first storage section 7-1. In order to avoid interference between the lifting platform 911 and the transfer unit 93 and the front wall 701 of the storage section 7, the front wall 701 has a bulging portion 704 that bulges forward, as shown in FIGS. 2 to 5. By positioning the lifting unit 91 within the bulging portion 704, the transfer unit 93 can pass through the storage unit 2 in the first storage section 7-1.

[0178] (Baggage delivery section) As shown in FIGS. 2 to 5, a baggage receiving and delivering section 705 is provided in the third area 73 of the storage section 7. The baggage receiving and delivering section 705 is used when directly delivering baggage 20 between the user 101 and the baggage station 1. When the user 101 comes to the baggage station 1 to pick up the baggage 20, or when the user 101 comes to the baggage station 1 to deposit the baggage 20 to be transported, the user 101 uses the baggage receiving and delivering section 705. The baggage station 1 not only relays the transportation of the baggage 20, but also functions as a window for the delivery of the baggage 20 to and from the user 101. The baggage receiving and delivering section 705 improves convenience for the user 101.

[0179] The baggage receiving and delivering area 705 is provided on the rear wall 702 of the baggage station 1. The baggage receiving and delivering area 705 protrudes rearward from the rear wall 702. Because the waiting area 10 is located below the storage area 7, the baggage receiving and delivering area 705 is spaced apart from the ground. A step 706 is provided to allow the user 101 to access the baggage receiving and delivering area 705.

[0180] As described above, the selection and movement device 9 can move forward and backward with the unmanned mobile body 5 placed on the lifting platform 911. The selection and movement device 9 uses the unmanned mobile body 5 to transport the luggage 20 between the storage unit 2 and the luggage delivery section 705.

[0181] As shown in FIG. 28, the interior of the luggage receiving and delivering section 705 is connected to the third area 73 of the storage section 7. Inside the luggage receiving and delivering section 705, loading rollers 707 and perches 708 are installed. These are the same as the loading rollers 25 and perches 24 of the storage unit 2. According to the procedure described above, luggage 20 and luggage pallets 23 are transferred between the luggage receiving and delivering section 705 and the unmanned mobile body 5.

[0182] Outside the storage unit 7, a door 709 is attached to the top of the luggage receiving and delivering unit 705. An electromagnetic lock is attached to the luggage receiving and delivering unit to lock the door 709. When the electromagnetic lock is released and the door 709 opens, the inside of the luggage receiving and delivering unit 705 is opened to the outside. The user 101 can take luggage 20 out of the luggage receiving and delivering unit 705 or place luggage 20 inside the luggage receiving and delivering unit 705. The luggage 20 is placed on an empty luggage pallet 23 placed inside the luggage receiving and delivering unit 705.

[0183] A touch panel 710 is installed on the rear wall 702 of the baggage station 1. The touch panel 710 is both a display device and an operation device. The display device and the operation device may be separate. A user 101 who arrives at the baggage station 1 can receive or hand over baggage 20 through the baggage delivery section 705 by performing a predetermined operation using the touch panel 710.

[0184] When the user 101 hands over the luggage 20, the selection and movement device 9 transfers the luggage pallet 23 from the luggage delivery section 705 to the unmanned mobile body 5. The selection and movement device 9 also stores the luggage 20 handed over by the user 101 in a specified storage unit 2. The unmanned mobile body 5 can also transport the luggage 20 handed over by the user 101 directly to another luggage station 1.

[0185] (Transportation system control) 29 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the control configuration of the transport vehicle 3. The transport vehicle 3 has at least a GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) receiver 301, a mobile communication unit 302, a short-range wireless communication unit 303, a position sensor 304, an alignment mechanism 35, an elevator device 37, an operation device 305, and a control unit 306. The control unit 306 is connected to each device so as to be able to send and receive signals.

[0186] The GNSS receiver 301 receives positioning signals from positioning satellites. The control unit 306 determines the position of the delivery vehicle 3 based on the received positioning signals.

[0187] The mobile communication unit 302 communicates through the wide area communication network 105. The control unit 306 transmits, for example, the position of the transport vehicle 3 to the management center 104 through the mobile communication unit 302. In addition, the control unit 306 receives, for example, information on the baggage station 1 where the storage unit 2 is to be transferred from the management center 104 through the mobile communication unit 302.

[0188] The short-range wireless communication unit 303 communicates with the baggage station 1 via short-range wireless communication. The control unit 306 exchanges information with the baggage station 1 via the short-range wireless communication unit 303, for example, when transferring storage units 2 between the transport vehicle 3 and the baggage station 1. The short-range wireless communication unit 303 also communicates with the unmanned mobile body 5 via short-range wireless communication. When the unmanned mobile body 5 on which the control unit 306 is mounted is used to transport baggage 20, the control unit 306 communicates with the unmanned mobile body 5 via short-range wireless communication. The control unit 306 uses the lifting device 37 when unmanned mobile body 5 is unloaded from the transport vehicle 3 or when unmanned mobile body 5 is loaded onto the transport vehicle 3.

[0189] The position sensor 304 measures the relative position between the loading unit 33 and the baggage station 1 after the transport vehicle 3 stops next to the baggage station 1. The position sensor 304 may be, for example, an image sensor. The image sensor mounted on the transport vehicle 3 takes an image of a target attached to a specific location on the baggage station 1, for example, and measures the distance between the transport vehicle 3 and the baggage station 1. Note that the position sensor 304 is not limited to an image sensor. The position sensor 304 may be, for example, a distance measuring sensor that uses a laser, radio waves, or ultrasonic waves.

[0190] The control unit 306 adjusts the position of the loading unit 33 through at least one of the first actuator 353 , the second actuator 354 , and the air suspension 38 of the positioning mechanism 35 based on the measurement signal of the position sensor 304 .

[0191] 30 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the control configuration of the baggage station 1. The baggage station 1 has at least a wide-area communication unit 107, a short-range wireless communication unit 108, a touch panel 710, a transfer gate 74a, a selective movement device 9, a baggage delivery unit 705, a charging device 14, a transfer device 8, a lock pin 77, and a control unit 109. The control unit 109 is connected to each device so as to be able to send and receive signals.

[0192] The wide area communication unit 107 performs communication via the wide area communication network 105. The control unit 109 sends, for example, information on stored luggage 20 to the management center 104 via the wide area communication unit 107. In addition, the control unit 109 receives, for example, information on a transport vehicle 3 that will transfer storage units 2 from the management center 104 via the wide area communication unit 107.

[0193] The short-range wireless communication unit 108 communicates with the transport vehicle 3 by short-range wireless communication. The short-range wireless communication unit 108 also communicates with the unmanned moving body 5 by short-range wireless communication.

[0194] As described above, the touch panel 710 is a device for the user 101 to operate. The control unit 109, for example, unlocks the electromagnetic lock on the door 709 of the baggage receiving and delivering unit 705 based on an operation signal from the touch panel 710, thereby delivering the baggage 20 to the user 101 who has come to receive it. Alternatively, the control unit 109 allows the user 101 who has come to deliver the baggage 20 to place the baggage 20 inside the baggage receiving and delivering unit 705.

[0195] The control unit 109 also opens the transfer gate 74 a when the transport vehicle 3 arrives at the baggage station 1 to allow the storage units 2 to be transferred between the transport vehicle 3 and the baggage station 1 .

[0196] As described above, the selective movement device 9 transfers the luggage pallet 23 between the accommodation unit 2 and the unmanned mobile body 5 by means of the lifting section 91, the horizontal movement section 92, and the transfer section 93.

[0197] The charging device 14 charges the battery 51 of the unmanned vehicle 5 in the waiting area 10. When charging is required, the unmanned vehicle 5 moves to the charging device 14. As described above, the transfer device 8 transfers the storage units 2 between the transport vehicle 3 and the baggage station 1. The lock pin 77 restrains the storage units 2 stored in the storage section 7 so that they do not move.

[0198] FIG. 31 is a control flow showing the procedure for transferring the storage unit 2 between the transport vehicle 3 and the baggage station 1, and the procedure for transferring the baggage 20 between the storage unit 2 and the unmanned mobile body 5 in the transport system 100. FIG. 31 also shows the procedure for delivering the baggage 20 loaded on the transport vehicle 3 to the user 101. Note that in this control flow, it is possible to change the order of the steps, or to execute multiple steps simultaneously. It is also possible to omit some steps in this control flow, or to add other steps.

[0199] This control flow starts after the driver stops the transport vehicle 3 next to the baggage station 1 and opens the luggage compartment 32.

[0200] In step S1, the control unit 306 of the transporter vehicle 3 reads the measurement signal of the position sensor 304, and in the following step S2, the control unit 306 aligns the position of the loading unit 33 using the alignment mechanism 35. In step S3, the control unit 306 determines whether the alignment is complete. If the determination in step S3 is No, the process returns to step S2. The alignment mechanism 35 continues aligning the position of the loading unit 33. If the determination in step S3 is Yes, the process proceeds to step S4.

[0201] In step S4, the control unit 109 of the baggage station 1 receives a signal indicating completion of alignment from the transport vehicle 3, and uses the transfer device 8 to transfer the storage unit 2. The control unit 109 of the baggage station 1 transfers the storage unit 2 based on information from the management center 104. For example, a storage unit 2 containing baggage 20 to be delivered to a user 101 is transferred from the transport vehicle 3 to the baggage station 1, and a storage unit 2 containing baggage 20 handed over from the user 101 is transferred from the baggage station 1 to the transport vehicle 3. Once the transfer of the storage unit 2 is complete, the transport vehicle 3 departs from the baggage station 1. The transport vehicle 3 can concentrate on the task of transporting a large number of bags 20 together.

[0202] In the following step S5, the control unit 109 of the baggage station 1 moves the unmanned mobile body 5 waiting in the waiting area 10, and in the following step S6, the control unit 109 uses the selection and movement device 9 to transfer the specified baggage pallet 23 from the storage unit 2 to the unmanned mobile body 5. In step S7, the unmanned mobile body 5 carrying the baggage pallet 23 departs from the baggage station 1 to the user 101. The unmanned mobile body 5 can concentrate on transporting the baggage for the last mile between the baggage station 1 and the user 101. By temporarily storing the baggage 20 in the storage unit 7, the delivery vehicle 3 and the unmanned mobile body 5 do not need to be in the same location to transfer the baggage 20. This allows the baggage station 1 to absorb the difference in travel speed between the delivery vehicle 3 and the unmanned mobile body 5 (for example, the delivery vehicle 3 has an average speed of 30 km / h or more and the unmanned mobile body 5 has an average speed of 4 km / h or less).

[0203] In step S8, the control unit 109 of the baggage station 1 determines whether all deliveries by the unmanned mobile object 5 have been completed. If the determination in step S8 is No, the process returns to step S5. If the determination in step S8 is Yes, the process ends.

[0204] Since multiple unmanned mobile bodies 5 are on standby at the baggage station 1, the number of unmanned mobile bodies 5 operating between the baggage station 1 and the user 101 can be easily increased or decreased. This makes it easy to respond to increases or decreases in the demand for transporting baggage between the baggage station 1 and the user 101. Furthermore, the transport vehicle 3 does not need to transport the unmanned mobile bodies 5, which are heavy objects, to the baggage station 1 in order to increase the number of operating unmanned mobile bodies 5. This allows the transport vehicle 3 to increase its load capacity of baggage 20 accordingly. The transport vehicle 3 can transport large amounts of baggage 20 while saving energy consumption. The transportation costs of the transport system 100 are reduced.

[0205] Furthermore, since the luggage station 1 has a charging device 14, the luggage station 1 can independently manage and / or operate the unmanned mobile body 5 so that the unmanned mobile body 5 is always kept in an operable state.

[0206] (Baggage station with shop attached) FIG. 32 illustrates a baggage station 1 attached to a store 102. FIG. 33 is a block diagram related to the control of the baggage station 1 attached to a store 102. As described above, the transportation system 100 delivers, for example, merchandise such as baggage 20 to the store 102 via the baggage station 1. In this baggage station 1, the baggage receiving and delivering section 705 is omitted. The baggage station 1 and the store 102 are connected at the omitted baggage receiving and delivering section 705.

[0207] Store 102 is an unmanned store. In store 102, not only is payment performed unmanned, but the display of products 200 in baggage removal cases 1021 is also performed unmanned. Inside store 102, baggage removal cases 1021, a payment device 1022 for unmanned stores, and a second selection and movement device 90 are installed. Second selection and movement device 90 is located inside store 102, but is part of baggage station 1. Customers enter store space 1023 inside store 102 through entrance / exit 1024.

[0208] The payment device 1022 is installed in a store space 1023. A customer can operate the payment device 1022 himself / herself and make a payment in cash or cashless manner.

[0209] The baggage removal case 1021 displays the products 200 placed on the baggage pallet 23. The baggage removal case 1021 may be configured not to display the products 200 directly to customers. For example, the baggage removal case 1021 may be a vending machine having a product selection touch panel on which photos of the products 200 are displayed and a product removal opening. In the example of FIG. 32 , the baggage removal case 1021 extends in the left-right direction. The baggage removal case 1021 divides the interior of the store 102 into a store space 1023 where customers can enter and a back space 1025 where customers cannot enter. The back space 1025 is connected to the third area 73 of the baggage station 1.

[0210] The baggage unloading case 1021 may have a structure similar to the storage unit 2. In the example of FIG. 32, the baggage unloading case 1021 displays the products 200 side by side. The baggage unloading case 1021 may also display the products 200 side by side. Customers in the store space 1023 can remove the products 200 from the baggage unloading case 1021.

[0211] The second selection and movement device 90 has a structure similar to the selection and movement device 9 installed in the storage section 7. The second selection and movement device 90 is installed in the back space 1025. More specifically, the second selection and movement device 90 is installed next to the baggage removal case 1021 extending in the left-right direction.

[0212] As shown in Fig. 33, the second selection movement device 90 has a lifting unit 901, a horizontal movement unit 902, and a transfer unit 903. The lifting unit 901 has a lifting platform and raises and lowers the unmanned mobile object 5 placed on the lifting platform. The horizontal movement unit 902 moves the lifting unit 901 in the horizontal direction (see the arrow in Fig. 32). In Fig. 32, the horizontal movement unit 902 moves the lifting unit 901 in the left-right direction. The transfer unit 903 transfers the luggage pallet 23 on which the products 200 are placed between the unmanned mobile object 5 and the luggage unloading case 1021 (see the arrow in Fig. 32).

[0213] The selection movement device 9 and the second selection movement device 90 can mutually transfer the unmanned moving body 5 on the lifting platform at the connection point between the third area 73 and the backspace 1025. For example, the unmanned moving body 5 may temporarily descend from the lifting platform, and then be placed on the lifting platform of the second selection movement device 90 or the lifting platform of the selection movement device 9.

[0214] Next, the procedure for displaying the products 200 in the baggage removal case 1021 will be described. As described above, after the baggage pallet 23 is transferred from the storage unit 2 to the unmanned mobile body 5 in the storage section 7 of the baggage station 1, the selection and movement device 9 transports the unmanned mobile body 5 to the rear of the third area 73. At the connection point between the third area 73 and the back space 1025, the unmanned mobile body 5 is transferred from the selection and movement device 9 to the second selection and movement device 90.

[0215] The second selection and movement device 90 uses the lifting unit 901 and / or the horizontal movement unit 902 to move the lifting platform left and right (and up and down) to position the unmanned mobile body 5 at a position corresponding to a specified position on the baggage removal case 1021. The transfer unit 903 of the second selection and movement device 90 transfers the baggage pallet 23 from the unmanned mobile body 5 to the baggage removal case 1021. In this way, the products 200 transported by the transport vehicle 3 are unmanned and displayed on the baggage removal case 1021. The selection and movement device 9 and the second selection and movement device 90 automate the replenishment of the products 200 in the baggage removal case 1021. If a store 102 is established next to the baggage station 1, an unmanned store can be realized.

[0216] As described above, Fig. 33 illustrates an example of the control configuration of a baggage station 1 attached to a store 102. Compared to the baggage station 1 in Fig. 30, this baggage station 1 additionally includes a payment device 1022, a second selection transfer device 90, and an inventory management unit 1026, which are related to the store 102.

[0217] Based on information from the payment device 1022, etc., the control unit 109 manages the products 200 displayed in the luggage removal case 1021 and the products 200 stored in the storage unit 7 of the luggage station 1 through the inventory management unit 1026.

[0218] The luggage pallet 23, which has been emptied by the customer after the products 200 have been removed, is transferred from the luggage removal case 1021 to the unmanned mobile body 5 by the second selection and movement device 90 at an appropriate timing. The second selection and movement device 90 then displays new products 200 removed from the storage unit 7 in the luggage removal case 1021.

[0219] The second selection and movement device does not have to be configured to use the unmanned moving body 5 as described above. For example, the second selection and movement device may move the luggage pallet 23 carrying the products 200 or the products 200 from the connection point between the third area 73 of the luggage station 1 and the back space 1025 of the store 102 to the luggage removal case 1021 by a loading arm or a belt conveyor.

[0220] Furthermore, the control unit 109 transmits management information from the inventory management unit 1026 to the management center 104 via the wide area communication unit 107. The management of products in the unmanned store 102 is performed remotely.

[0221] The baggage station 1 can also be configured as a direct sales store without having a store 102 having a store space 1023 attached thereto. Specifically, by utilizing the baggage receiving and delivering section 705 of the baggage station 1 shown in FIG. 5 and other figures, the baggage station 1 can function as a sales store that sells products to customers. The customer selects the product they wish to purchase by operating the touch panel 710. Once the product is selected, the selection and moving device 9 retrieves the specified product from the storage unit 2 stored in the storage section 7 and transports the product to the baggage receiving and delivering section 705. The storage section 7 stores product inventory. After performing a predetermined payment operation, the customer can open the door 709 of the baggage receiving and delivering section 705 and retrieve the purchased product from the baggage receiving and delivering section 705.

[0222] (Baggage Station Variation) 34 and 35 show modified examples of the baggage station. The modified baggage station 6 has a structure that raises and lowers a storage unit 61, as shown by the arrow in FIG. 34. Specifically, the baggage station 6 has an elevator 62. The elevator 62 is an example of a transfer device.

[0223] The storage unit 61 is shaped like a container. The interior of the storage unit 61 is divided into multiple spaces. Baggage is stored in each space. Multiple doors 611 are attached to the side of the storage unit 61. When the doors 611 are opened, the spaces are opened and baggage can be transferred between the storage unit 61 and the unmanned mobile body 5.

[0224] As shown in Figure 35, the baggage station 6 has a passage 63 for the unmanned mobile body 5 on the side of the elevator 62. The unmanned mobile body 5 travels along the passage 63 in one direction. The unmanned mobile body 5 stops at the side of the storage unit 61, substantially at ground level. In this state, the door 611 of the storage unit 61 opens. Next, the baggage 20 is transferred between the storage unit 61 and the unmanned mobile body 5 by a selective movement device (not shown).

[0225] The elevator 62 can accommodate multiple storage units 61 stacked one on top of the other. Specifically, the elevator 62 has two storage unit mounting pallets 621 spaced apart from each other above and below. One storage unit 61 is placed on each of the two storage unit mounting pallets 621. The elevator 62 raises and lowers the two storage unit mounting pallets 621 simultaneously. In this way, the elevator 62 raises and lowers two storage units 61 simultaneously. The baggage station 6 has an underground pit 64 (see dashed lines in Figure 34) so ​​that the elevator 62 can position each door 611 of each storage unit 61 at ground level.

[0226] The storage units 61 are transferred between the transport vehicle 30 and the baggage station 6 by a loading arm 307 of the transport vehicle 30. The loading arm 307 is an example of a loading device. The transport vehicle 30 may be a general-purpose vehicle equipped with a loading arm 307. When transferring the storage units 61 between the transport vehicle 30 and the baggage station 6, the elevator 62 adjusts the storage unit mounting pallet 621 to a height position that makes it easy for the loading arm 307 of the transport vehicle 30 to transfer the storage units 61. As described above, in the baggage station 6 of the modified example, the loading arm 307 as a loading device and the elevator 307 as a transfer device move in coordination when transferring the storage units 61. On the other hand, in the baggage station 6 of the modified example, the elevator 307 as a transfer device does not directly move the storage units 61. The elevator 307 is used to transfer the storage units 61.

[0227] The loading arm 307 has a hook 308. A bar 612 is attached to the front of the storage unit 6. The hook 308 catches on the bar 612. When the transport vehicle 30 is parked in front of the baggage station 6, the loading arm 307 can transfer the storage unit 61 between the transport vehicle 30 and the baggage station 6.

[0228] The unmanned vehicle 5 is not an essential element in the transportation system. The transportation system can also be constructed without the unmanned vehicle 5.

[0229] The above-described embodiments are merely examples and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present disclosure. The scope of the present disclosure is defined by the claims, and all modifications and variations that fall within the scope of the claims equivalents are within the scope of the present disclosure. [Explanation of symbols]

[0230] 1 Luggage Station 10 Waiting area 14 Charging device 2 Containment Unit 20 Luggage 3 Transport vehicles 30 Transport Vehicles 33 Loading section 34 Cargo handling equipment 35 Alignment mechanism 307 Loading arm (loading device) 5 Unmanned Vehicles 51 Battery 6. Luggage Station Containment Unit 61 62 Elevator (transportation device) 7 Storage section 705 Baggage Delivery Section 8 Transshipment equipment 9. Selection and movement device 90 Second Selection Movement Device 102 stores 1021 Luggage removal case

Claims

1. A luggage station for transferring luggage between a luggage transport vehicle and the luggage transport vehicle, a storage unit that stores storage units that can store multiple pieces of luggage; a transfer device used to transfer the storage units between the loading section of the transport vehicle and the storage section; a selective movement device that selectively removes the luggage from the storage unit stored in the storage section and / or stores the luggage in the storage unit stored in the storage section, A luggage station characterized by:

2. the selective movement device is configured to be able to move the luggage between the storage unit and an unmanned moving body that carries the luggage.

2. The baggage station of claim 1.

3. a waiting area for waiting one or more of the unmanned vehicles, 3. The baggage station of claim 2.

4. the unmanned vehicle has a driving battery, a charging device that is installed in the waiting area and charges one or more of the batteries while the batteries are mounted on the unmanned vehicle or while the batteries are removed from the unmanned vehicle; 4. The baggage station of claim 3.

5. the storage unit is capable of storing a plurality of the storage units, The transfer device is configured to be able to transfer a plurality of the storage units simultaneously between the loading section and the storage section.

2. The baggage station of claim 1.

6. a luggage delivery unit that delivers the luggage to a user, The selective movement device is configured to be able to move the luggage between the storage unit and the luggage delivery section.

2. The baggage station of claim 1.

7. the storage unit is adjacent to a store having a baggage removal case for the baggage as merchandise, The selective movement device moves at least the luggage removed from the storage unit stored in the storage section to the luggage removal case.

2. The baggage station of claim 1.

8. A transport vehicle associated with the baggage station according to any one of claims 1 to 7, a loading section on which the luggage is loaded; and a cargo handling device that cooperates with the transfer device to transfer the storage units between the loading section and the storage section of the luggage station. A transport vehicle characterized by:

9. the transfer device of the baggage station transfers the storage unit between the loading section and the storage section by moving the storage unit in a vehicle width direction of the transport vehicle; The loading and unloading device has an alignment mechanism that aligns the positions of the loading section and the transfer device in at least one direction selected from the vehicle longitudinal direction, the vehicle width direction, and the height direction when the transport vehicle is parked adjacent to the transfer device.

9. A transport vehicle according to claim 8.

Images