Keeping equipment

Abstract

To provide a holding device capable of easily storing transport vehicles during suspension in response to an increase or decrease in the number of transport vehicles to be operated and stably holding the transport vehicles during storage.SOLUTION: A holding unit 1 includes: a platform 12 on which a plurality of transport vehicles 8 are placed side by side; and N support columns 11 attached to the platform 12 so as to protrude at least downward with respect to the platform 12. Each of the support columns 11 of the holding unit 1 is configured to be detachable in a vertical direction with respect to the support columns 11 of other holding units 1. The support columns 11 of the holding unit 1 are connected to the corresponding support columns 11 of the other holding units 1, thereby stacking the plurality of holding units 1 in layers. The support columns 11 of the holding unit 1 are detached from the corresponding support columns 11 of the other holding units 1, thereby disassembling the plurality of stacked holding units 1.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a holding device for holding a plurality of transport vehicles each having a main body portion and wheels attached to the main body portion together.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, automation of article conveyance has been progressing in article conveyance facilities such as logistics warehouses. In such article conveyance facilities, for example, a transport vehicle (10) as disclosed in Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2022-050240 (Patent Document 1) is widely used. The transport vehicle (10) is configured to travel on a traveling floor unmanned and convey articles.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] By the way, in a facility using a transport vehicle as described in Patent Document 1, surplus transport vehicles (transport vehicles in a stopped state) may occur during a slack period when the operating state is calm. In this case, it is conceivable to use a part of the traveling floor as a standby area and let the stopped transport vehicles standby there, but a traveling restriction will be imposed on a part of the traveling floor, and the freedom of movement of the operating transport vehicles may be inhibited. Therefore, it is required to be able to remove the stopped transport vehicles from the traveling floor and store them, but there may be cases where a sufficient storage space for such transport vehicles cannot be secured. Further, even when a storage space can be secured, it is also necessary to hold each transport vehicle in a stable state during storage so that the transport vehicle having wheels does not move unintentionally due to vibration or the like.

[0005] In light of the above situation, there is a need for a holding device that can easily store idle transport vehicles in response to increases or decreases in the number of transport vehicles in operation, and that can stably hold transport vehicles in storage. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A holding device for holding multiple transport vehicles, each having a main body and wheels attached to the main body, The system comprises multiple holding units that hold multiple of the aforementioned transport vehicles, Multiple of the aforementioned holding units are configured to be stackable in the vertical direction. The aforementioned holding unit is A platform on which multiple transport vehicles are placed side by side, The mounting base is equipped with N support columns (where N is an integer of 3 or more) attached to the aforementioned mounting base so as to protrude at least downward from the mounting base, The mounting platform is configured to support the main body from below while the wheels are suspended in the air. Each of the support columns of the holding unit is configured to be detachably attached to the support columns of other holding units in the vertical direction. Each of the support columns of the holding unit is connected to the corresponding support column of another holding unit, thereby allowing multiple holding units to be stacked. The stacked holding units are disassembled when each of the support columns of the holding unit detaches from the corresponding support column of another holding unit.

[0007] This configuration allows a single holding unit to hold multiple transport vehicles. Furthermore, stacking other holding units on top of a single holding unit increases the number of transport vehicles that can be held. Conversely, disassembling the stacked holding units reduces the number of transport vehicles that can be held. Holding is performed by a mounting platform. The mounting platform supports the main body of the transport vehicle from below while its wheels are elevated, preventing the wheels from rolling on the platform and thus ensuring stable holding of the transport vehicle. As described above, this configuration allows for easy storage of idle transport vehicles in response to increases or decreases in the number of transport vehicles in operation, and enables stable holding of transport vehicles while they are stored. Additionally, because each stackable holding unit can stably hold multiple transport vehicles, this holding device can be suitably used when transporting a large number of transport vehicles.

[0008] Further features and advantages of the technology relating to this disclosure will become clearer from the following description of exemplary and non-limiting embodiments, with reference to the drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] Floor plan showing the first and second floors of the goods sorting facility. [Figure 2] Diagram illustrating the movement of the transport vehicle. [Figure 3] Plan view of the retaining device [Figure 4] Front view of the retaining device [Figure 5] Cross-sectional view of region V in Figure 4. [Figure 6] Cross-sectional view of region VI in Figure 4. [Figure 7] A diagram showing how multiple holding units are stacked. [Figure 8] A diagram showing how a transport vehicle held by a holding unit is lowered onto the floor. [Figure 9] A diagram showing how the holding unit is connected to the support unit. [Figure 10] Figure showing the sheet winding operation

Embodiments for Carrying out the Invention

[0010] The holding device is configured to hold a plurality of carrier vehicles together. Such a carrier vehicle is used in an article conveying facility where articles are conveyed and stored. In an article conveying facility, surplus carrier vehicles (idle carrier vehicles) may occur during a slack period when the operating state is calm. The holding device according to the present disclosure is used, for example, to hold the above-described idle carrier vehicles. Alternatively, it is used when moving a plurality of carrier vehicles together between different facilities or different departments where the carrier vehicles are used.

[0011] First, the structure of the carrier vehicle to be held by the holding device and the article conveying facility in which the carrier vehicle is used will be exemplarily described.

[0012] As shown in FIG. 1, the article conveying facility FC includes a plurality of floors arranged in the vertical direction and a plurality of carrier vehicles 8 traveling on the floors. In FIG. 1, a two-story article conveying facility FC including a first floor F1 and a second floor F2 is exemplified. In this example, the article conveying facility FC includes a first lifter L1 and a second lifter L2 for raising and lowering the carrier vehicle 8 between the first floor F1 and the second floor F2. Hereinafter, the first floor F1 and the second floor F2 may be simply collectively referred to as "floors".

[0013] In the present embodiment, on the first floor F1, a handover area A1 where the handover operation of the article G to the carrier vehicle 8 is performed, a receiving area A3 where the article G conveyed by the carrier vehicle 8 is received, and a connection area A2 connecting the handover area A1 and the receiving area A3 are set.

[0014] In the delivery area A1, an article G to be conveyed by the carrier vehicle 8 is supplied. The article G is delivered to the carrier vehicle 8 in the delivery area A1. In the illustrated example, the single or plural articles G are delivered to the carrier vehicle 8 in a state of being housed in the container C. The operation of delivering the article G to the carrier vehicle 8 is performed by the operator W or a robot.

[0015] The carrier vehicle 8 is configured to convey the article G delivered in the delivery area A1 to the receiving area A3 via the connection area A2.

[0016] In the receiving area A3, the article G conveyed by the carrier vehicle 8 is received. Then, the sorting operation of the received article G is performed. The sorting operation is performed based on the predetermined order information. For example, the order information includes various information such as customer information, shipping destination information, article type information, and the like. The sorting operation of the article G is performed by the operator W or a robot.

[0017] The carrier vehicle 8 traveling on the passage provided in the receiving area A3 throws the article G (or the container C housing the article G) held by itself into a conveyor or a chute provided adjacent to the passage. The thrown article G is sorted by the operator W or a robot as described above.

[0018] For example, in the sorting operation, an operation of taking out the article G from the container C is performed. Thereby, an empty container C is generated. The empty container C generated in the receiving area A3 is conveyed to the delivery area A1 by a dedicated conveyor and is used again for the operation in the delivery area A1.

[0019] After throwing the article G in the receiving area A3, the carrier vehicle 8 gets on the second lifter L2 and heads for the second floor F2. Then, the carrier vehicle 8 travels on the second floor F2, gets on the first lifter L1 installed on the side opposite to the second lifter L2, and returns to the first floor F1. The returned carrier vehicle 8 conveys the article G between the delivery area A1 and the receiving area A3 as described above.

[0020] Here, the transport vehicle 8 is configured to be able to travel freely on the travel surface Fa formed on the first floor F1 and the second floor F2.

[0021] As shown in Figure 2, a grid of virtual travel paths is set on the travel surface Fa. In this embodiment, the transport vehicle 8 is configured to perform both straight-line travel and a turning motion by rotating around the vertical axis in place to change direction. By combining straight-line travel and turning motion, the transport vehicle 8 can travel along any of the travel paths set on the travel surface Fa.

[0022] In this embodiment, multiple location information storage units 7 are provided at multiple locations on the travel surface Fa, each storing location information for that location. In this example, a virtual travel path is set up to connect the multiple location information storage units 7. The transport vehicle 8 is configured to travel while sequentially detecting the multiple location information storage units 7 installed on the travel path. The location of each location information storage unit 7 is set as a position for the transport vehicle 8 to perform a turning maneuver. The transport vehicle 8 changes direction by turning at the location of the location information storage unit 7 as needed. A one-dimensional code or a two-dimensional code containing identification information can be used as the location information storage unit 7, or an RFID tag (Radio Frequency Identification Tag) containing identification information can be used.

[0023] In this way, the transport vehicle 8 may be used in the goods transport equipment FC. However, as mentioned above, depending on the operating status of the goods transport equipment FC, surplus transport vehicles 8 (transport vehicles 8 that are idle) may occur. It is conceivable to keep the idle transport vehicles 8 on standby in a part of the floor, but in this case, travel restrictions would be imposed on a part of the floor, which could hinder the freedom of movement of the transport vehicles 8 that are in operation.

[0024] Therefore, as shown in Figures 3 and 4, a holding device 100 is used. The holding device 100 is configured to hold multiple idle transport vehicles 8 together, as described above. This improves the freedom of movement for operational transport vehicles 8 compared to having idle transport vehicles 8 waiting in a part of the floor, and makes effective use of the floor space. The details of the holding device 100 will be described below.

[0025] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the holding device 100 is configured to hold multiple transport vehicles 8, each having a main body 80 and wheels 81 attached to the main body 80, together.

[0026] The holding device 100 comprises multiple holding units 1, each capable of holding multiple transport vehicles 8. Figure 4 shows two examples of holding units 1. Each holding unit 1 is configured to hold multiple transport vehicles 8.

[0027] Multiple holding units 1 are configured to be stackable in the vertical direction. Figure 4 shows a state where two holding units 1 are stacked. However, three or more holding units 1 may be stacked. In other words, the number of holding units 1 that can be stacked can be arbitrarily set according to the strength of the holding units 1 and the balance when holding the transport vehicle 8.

[0028] The holding unit 1 comprises a mounting platform 12 on which multiple transport vehicles 8 are placed side by side, and N support columns 11 (where N is an integer of 3 or more) attached to the mounting platform 12 so as to protrude at least downward from the mounting platform 12.

[0029] In this embodiment, the mounting base 12 comprises a plurality of horizontal bars 121 and horizontal bar connecting members 122 that connect adjacent horizontal bars 121. In this example, the horizontal bars 121 and the horizontal bar connecting members 122 are constructed using elongated members. The plurality of horizontal bars 121 and the one or more horizontal bar connecting members 122 that connect the plurality of horizontal bars 121 extend along directions that intersect each other when viewed in the vertical direction. In this example, they extend along directions that are perpendicular to each other when viewed in the vertical direction.

[0030] In this embodiment, the holding unit 1 is equipped with four support columns 11. In this example, the four support columns 11 are positioned such that the lines connecting each support column 11 form a rectangular shape when viewed in the vertical direction.

[0031] A set of two adjacent support columns 11 from the four support columns 11 is defined as the first support column set 11A, and a set of the other two adjacent support columns 11 is defined as the second support column set 11B. The two support columns 11 that make up the first support column set 11A are connected by a support column connecting member 13. The two support columns 11 that make up the second support column set 11B are connected by another support column connecting member 13. In this example, each support column connecting member 13 extends along the horizontal direction. In the illustrated example, each support column connecting member 13 extends along the same direction as the extension direction of the crossbar connecting member 122.

[0032] The first support assembly 11A and the second support assembly 11B are connected by multiple horizontal bars 121. This forms the main framework of the support unit 1.

[0033] As shown in Figure 5, the mounting base 12 is configured to support the main body 80 from below with the wheels 81 suspended. In this embodiment, the main body 80 of the transport vehicle 8 is supported from below by a plurality of crossbars 121. A portion of the bottom of the main body 80 contacts the crossbars 121 from above and is supported by the crossbars 121. The portion of the bottom of the main body 80 that is not supported by the crossbars 121 (the unsupported portion) is suspended. The wheels 81 of the transport vehicle 8 are positioned in this unsupported portion. Therefore, with the main body 80 of the transport vehicle 8 supported by the mounting base 12, the wheels 81 positioned in the unsupported portion are suspended. This configuration prevents the wheels 81 from rolling on the mounting base 12, and as a result, stable holding of the transport vehicle 8 can be achieved.

[0034] In this embodiment, the mounting base 12 is provided with an opposing wall portion 14 positioned in close proximity to and opposite to the side surface of the main body portion 80 of the transport vehicle 8 placed on the mounting base 12. This makes it possible to position the transport vehicle 8 placed on the mounting base 12. "Close proximity" includes cases where the opposing wall portion 14 is in contact with the main body portion 80 of the transport vehicle 8. For example, a guide roller (not shown) installed on the side surface of the transport vehicle 8 may be in contact with the opposing wall portion 14. This guide roller is a roller that rotates around a vertical axis and has the function of guiding the transport vehicle 8 in the direction of travel.

[0035] In this embodiment, a pair of opposing wall sections 14 are provided so as to sandwich the transport vehicle 8 placed on the mounting base 12. In this example, the opposing wall sections 14 are constructed using long members with an L-shaped cross section and extend along a direction that intersects the horizontal bar 121 in a vertical view (specifically, a direction perpendicular to it). In this embodiment, the corresponding pair of opposing wall sections 14 are configured to allow the positioning of two transport vehicles 8 in their extending direction (see Figure 3).

[0036] In this embodiment, the opposing wall portion 14 extends along the rolling direction D81 (see also Figure 8) of the wheels 81 of the transport vehicle 8 placed on the mounting base 12. In other words, the opposing wall portion 14 extends along a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis of the wheels 81 when viewed in the vertical direction. This configuration makes it easier to move the transport vehicle 8 along the opposing wall portion 14 when placing the transport vehicle 8 on the mounting base 12 or removing the transport vehicle 8 from the mounting base 12.

[0037] As described above with reference to Figure 4, the multiple holding units 1 are configured to be stackable in the vertical direction. The stacking and disassembly of the multiple holding units 1 can be performed as needed. For example, when the number of transport vehicles 8 to be held is relatively large, stacking the multiple holding units 1 allows for a larger total number of transport vehicles 8 that can be held by the holding device 100 while maintaining the space occupied by the holding device 100 in the vertical direction. On the other hand, when the number of transport vehicles 8 to be held is relatively small, the stacked multiple holding units 1 can be disassembled.

[0038] Each of the support columns 11 of the holding unit 1 is configured to be detachably attached to the support columns 11 of other holding units 1 in the vertical direction. Multiple holding units 1 can be stacked by connecting each of the support columns 11 of one holding unit 1 to the corresponding support column 11 of another holding unit 1. The stacked multiple holding units 1 can be disassembled by detaching each of the support columns 11 of one holding unit 1 from the corresponding support column 11 of another holding unit 1.

[0039] As shown in Figure 6, in this embodiment, an engaging portion 111 is provided at the lower end of the support column 11 of the holding unit 1, which engages with the upper end of the support column 11 of another holding unit 1 that is connected from below the support column 11.

[0040] In this embodiment, the engaging portion 111 is configured to surround the support column 11 of another holding unit 1 when engaged with it. In this example, the engaging portion 111 is formed in the shape of a container with an open bottom. The support column 11 of the other holding unit 1 is positioned inside the container-shaped engaging portion 111. When the holding unit 1 is placed on the floor by itself, the container-shaped engaging portion 111 will come into contact with the floor, enabling stable self-support.

[0041] In this embodiment, when a support column 11 of a holding unit 1 is connected to a corresponding support column 11 of another holding unit 1, it means that the upper end of the corresponding support column 11 of the other holding unit 1 contacts the engaging portion 111 of the support column 11 of the holding unit 1 from below. The area around the upper end of the support column 11 to be connected is covered by the engaging portion 111. As a result, the support column 11 to be connected is positioned horizontally with respect to the support column 11 of the holding unit 1 positioned above it. Since this positioning is performed for each of the N (four in this example) support columns 11, the stacked holding units 1 can maintain a stable connection state without shifting relative to each other.

[0042] In this embodiment, the engaging portion 111 includes a guide portion 111a that guides the upper end of another support column 11 approaching the engaging portion 111 from below toward a predetermined engaging position. The guide portion 111a is formed on the inner circumferential surface of the container-shaped engaging portion 111. The guide portion 111a is formed in a tapered shape that narrows as it extends upward.

[0043] Multiple holding units 1 are stacked by bringing the holding unit 1 to be stacked on top of the holding unit 1 from above (see Figure 7). At this time, the lower holding unit 1 approaches the upper holding unit 1 from below. The upper end of the support column 11 of the lower holding unit 1 approaches the support column 11 of the upper holding unit 1 relatively close and is guided horizontally by the guide portion 111a. As a result, the upper end of the support column 11 of the upper holding unit 1 is guided to the engagement position described above. The "engagement position" is the position of the lower support column 11 relative to the upper support column 11 such that the support column 11 of the lower holding unit 1 is aligned in a straight line vertically with respect to the support column 11 of the upper holding unit 1.

[0044] As shown in Figure 7, in this embodiment, the holding unit 1 is configured to be transported by a transport device 9 having forks 90. A forklift can be an example of such a transport device 9.

[0045] The area below the mounting platform 12, between a pair of adjacent support columns 11, is designated as the fork placement area 16, where the forks 90 are positioned to transport the holding unit 1.

[0046] In this embodiment, an insertion opening 15 into which the forks 90 are inserted is provided in the fork placement area 16. This allows the holding unit 1 to be properly transported by the transport device 9 having the forks 90. In this example, a frame-shaped member 150 that forms the insertion opening 15 for the forks 90 is provided so as to protrude downward from the mounting base 12. A pair of frame-shaped members 150 are provided on the underside of the mounting base 12. By inserting the forks 90 into each of the pair of frame-shaped members 150, the holding unit 1 is lifted by the transport device 9.

[0047] The conveying device 9 lifts the holding unit 1 and brings it closer to the lower holding unit 1 to perform the stacking. This stacking operation, which brings the corresponding support columns 11 closer together in the vertical direction, requires the skill of the operator of the conveying device 9. However, as described above, the engaging portion 111, which extends horizontally beyond the main body portion (shaft portion) of the support column 11, is configured to guide the lower support column 11, thus making the stacking operation easier.

[0048] Figure 8 shows the process of loading the transport vehicle 8, which is held by the holding unit 1, onto the floor of the goods transport equipment FC. For transporting the holding unit 1 to the floor, a transport device 9 is used, for example.

[0049] In the article transport equipment FC according to this embodiment, the first floor F1 is located at a position above the floor surface of the equipment. The second floor F2 is located at a position even higher than the first floor F1. In such article transport equipment FC, when loading a transport vehicle 8 onto the first floor F1, it is necessary to lift the transport vehicle 8 to be loaded above the floor surface. The same applies when loading a transport vehicle 8 onto the second floor F2.

[0050] As described above, the holding unit 1 can be transported by the transport device 9 having a fork 90. ​​Therefore, the transport vehicle 8, while being held by the holding unit 1, can be transported by the transport device 9 to a position adjacent to the first floor F1.

[0051] In this embodiment, the opening direction D15 of the insertion port 15 provided in the holding unit 1 is configured to align with the rolling direction D81 of the wheels 81 (see Figure 5) of the transport vehicle 8 placed on the mounting base 12. This makes it possible to align the direction in which the holding unit 1 is transported by the transport device 9 with the direction in which the transport vehicle 8 is loaded from the holding unit 1 to the first floor F1. Therefore, loading the transport vehicle 8 into the first floor F1 is made easier. The same effect can be achieved when retrieving the transport vehicle 8 from the first floor F1, making it easier to retrieve the transport vehicle 8 from the first floor F1.

[0052] As shown in Figure 9, in this embodiment, the holding device 100 includes a support unit 2 that supports the holding unit 1 from below. The support unit 2 is configured to support a single holding unit 1 or a stack of multiple holding units 1.

[0053] In this embodiment, the support unit 2 is equipped with N support columns 21 (where N is an integer of 3 or more). In other words, the support unit 2 is equipped with the same number of support columns 21 as the support columns 11 equipped with the holding unit 1. Therefore, in this example, the support unit 2 is equipped with 4 support columns 21.

[0054] In this embodiment, the support unit 2 includes a connecting base 22 on which N support columns 21 are connected to each other and whose upper surface 22a is formed in a flat shape. The N support columns 21 are integrated by being connected to one connecting base 22.

[0055] Each of the support columns 21 of the support unit 2 is configured to be detachably attached vertically to the support column 11 of the holding unit 1 to be supported. When each of the support columns 21 of the support unit 2 is connected to the corresponding support column 11 of the holding unit 1, the support unit 2 supports the holding unit 1. When each of the support columns 21 of the support unit 2 is detached from the corresponding support column 11 of the holding unit 1, the support of the holding unit 1 by the support unit 2 is released.

[0056] The connection between the support column 21 of the support unit 2 and the support column 11 of the holding unit 1 is performed in the same way as the connection between the support columns 11 of different holding units 1 as described above. That is, the support column 21 and the support column 11 are connected when the upper end of the support column 21 of the support unit 2 engages with the engaging portion 111 provided on the lower end of the support column 11 of the holding unit 1. The upper end of the support column 21 is guided horizontally by the engaging portion 111 of the support column 11 to be positioned at the engagement point.

[0057] In this embodiment, caster wheels 211 are provided at the lower end of each of the N support columns 21 of the support unit 2. This allows one or more holding units 1 supported by the support unit 2 to be moved manually without the need for a transport device 9. However, the caster wheels 211 do not necessarily have to be provided at the lower end of each of the N support columns 21; they only need to be provided to support the main components of the support unit 2 from below.

[0058] As described above, the holding device 100 can be used when moving multiple transport vehicles 8 together between different facilities or departments where the transport vehicles 8 are used. By using the support unit 2, this movement can be easily carried out manually. Transport of transport vehicles 8 between different facilities is carried out, for example, by truck. The movement of the transport vehicles 8 using the support unit 2 is used to move them to the truck, and the transport vehicles 8 are loaded onto the truck while still being held by the holding unit 1.

[0059] When the transport vehicle 8 is transported by truck as cargo, vibrations during transport must be taken into consideration. Therefore, it is preferable to ensure that the transport vehicle 8 is firmly held in place by the holding unit 1.

[0060] As shown in Figure 10, in this embodiment, the upper surface 22a of the connecting base 22 of the support unit 2 is a rolling area on which the roll-shaped holding sheet 3 rolls during the sheet-wrapping operation, in which the holding sheet 3 is wrapped around the lower surface of the mounting base 12 and the upper surfaces of the multiple transport vehicles 8 placed on the mounting base 12 in order to fix multiple transport vehicles 8 to the mounting base 12 of the holding unit 1. In other words, by fixing multiple transport vehicles 8 to the holding unit 1 with the holding sheet 3, the holding of the transport vehicles 8 by the holding unit 1 can be made stronger. This prevents the transport vehicles 8 from falling off the holding unit 1 due to vibrations during transport, for example, when they are transported by truck. Note that only one transport vehicle 8 may be fixed to the holding unit 1 using the holding sheet 3.

[0061] Since the holding unit 1 is configured to hold multiple transport vehicles 8, it needs to be of a certain size. In that case, the sheet-wrapping work, which involves wrapping the holding sheet around the underside of the mounting base 12 of the holding unit 1 and the tops of the multiple transport vehicles 8 placed on the mounting base 12, is more efficient when performed by multiple workers W rather than by one worker W.

[0062] In this embodiment, the connecting base 22 of the support unit 2 and the mounting base 12 of the holding unit 1 are configured to have the same dimensions when viewed from above. Multiple workers W are positioned so as to sandwich the mounting base 12 of the holding unit 1. The workers W located on opposite sides of the mounting base 12 repeatedly pass the roll-shaped holding sheet 3 to each other by rolling it on the upper surface 22a (rolling area) of the connecting base 22 of the support unit 2. This makes it possible for multiple workers W to cooperate and perform the sheet winding work efficiently.

[0063] [Other Embodiments] Next, other embodiments will be described.

[0064] (1) In the above embodiment, an example was described in which the opposing wall portion 14 provided on the mounting base 12 of the holding unit 1 is constructed using a long member. However, the example is not limited to this example, and the opposing wall portion 14 may be constructed using a block member or the like and be locally arranged relative to the mounting base 12.

[0065] (2) In the above embodiment, an example was described in which a frame-shaped member 150 forming an insertion opening 15 for the fork 90 is provided on the lower side of the mounting base 12 of the holding unit 1. However, the configuration is not limited to this, and the frame-shaped member 150 may not be provided.

[0066] (3) In the above embodiment, an example was described in which an engaging portion 111 is provided at the lower end of the support column 11 of the holding unit 1 to engage with the upper end of the support column 11 of another holding unit 1 that is connected from below the support column 11. However, the example is not limited to this example, and the engaging portion 111 may be provided at the upper end of the support column 11. In this case, the engaging portion 111 provided at the upper end of the support column 11 engages with the lower end of the support column 11 of the other holding unit 1 that is connected from above.

[0067] (4) In the above embodiments, an example was described in which the holding device 100 is equipped with a support unit 2. However, the holding device 100 is not limited to such an example, and does not need to be equipped with such a support unit 2.

[0068] (5) The configurations disclosed in the embodiments described above can be applied in combination with configurations disclosed in other embodiments, as long as no inconsistencies arise. With regard to other configurations, the embodiments disclosed herein are merely illustrative in all respects. Therefore, various modifications can be made as appropriate without departing from the spirit of this disclosure.

[0069] [Summary of this embodiment] The following is a summary of this embodiment.

[0070] A holding device for holding multiple transport vehicles, each having a main body and wheels attached to the main body, The system comprises multiple holding units that hold multiple of the aforementioned transport vehicles, Multiple of the aforementioned holding units are configured to be stackable in the vertical direction. The aforementioned holding unit is A platform on which multiple transport vehicles are placed side by side, The mounting base is equipped with N support columns (where N is an integer of 3 or more) attached to the aforementioned mounting base so as to protrude at least downward from the mounting base, The mounting platform is configured to support the main body from below while the wheels are suspended in the air. Each of the support columns of the holding unit is configured to be detachably attached to the support columns of other holding units in the vertical direction. Each of the support columns of the holding unit is connected to the corresponding support column of another holding unit, thereby allowing multiple holding units to be stacked. The stacked holding units are disassembled when each of the support columns of the holding unit detaches from the corresponding support column of another holding unit.

[0071] This configuration allows a single holding unit to hold multiple transport vehicles. Furthermore, stacking other holding units on top of a single holding unit increases the number of transport vehicles that can be held. Conversely, disassembling the stacked holding units reduces the number of transport vehicles that can be held. Holding is performed by a mounting platform. The mounting platform supports the main body of the transport vehicle from below while its wheels are elevated, preventing the wheels from rolling on the platform and thus ensuring stable holding of the transport vehicle. As described above, this configuration allows for easy storage of idle transport vehicles in response to increases or decreases in the number of transport vehicles in operation, and enables stable holding of transport vehicles while they are stored. Additionally, because each stackable holding unit can stably hold multiple transport vehicles, this holding device can be suitably used when transporting a large number of transport vehicles.

[0072] Preferably, the mounting platform is provided with opposing wall portions that are positioned opposite to the side surface of the main body of the transport vehicle placed on the mounting platform.

[0073] With this configuration, the movement of the transport vehicle placed on the mounting platform can be restricted by the opposing wall. Therefore, even more stable holding of the transport vehicle can be achieved.

[0074] Preferably, the opposing wall portion extends along the direction of rotation of the wheels of the transport vehicle placed on the aforementioned base.

[0075] With this configuration, when placing the transport vehicle on the mounting platform or removing the transport vehicle from the mounting platform, it is easy to move the transport vehicle along the opposing wall. Therefore, it becomes easier to place the transport vehicle into and out of the holding device.

[0076] The holding unit is configured to be transported by a conveying device having a fork, Preferably, the area below the mounting platform, between a pair of adjacent support columns, is designated as a fork placement area where the forks are positioned to transport the holding unit.

[0077] With this configuration, the conveying device equipped with forks makes it easy to transport multiple transport vehicles together at once.

[0078] An insertion opening into which the fork is inserted is provided in the fork placement area. It is preferable that the opening direction of the insertion port is configured to be in a direction that aligns with the direction of rotation of the wheels of the transport vehicle placed on the aforementioned base.

[0079] With this configuration, the process of transporting the holding unit to a position adjacent to the traveling floor where the transport vehicle is traveling, for the purpose of loading the transport vehicle onto the traveling floor and retrieving the transport vehicle from the traveling floor, can be easily performed by a transport device equipped with forks.

[0080] An engaging portion is provided at the lower end of the support column of the holding unit, which engages with the upper end of the support column of another holding unit connected from below the support column. Preferably, the engaging portion includes a guide portion that guides the upper end of another support column approaching the engaging portion from below toward a predetermined engaging position.

[0081] This configuration makes it easier to properly connect the support columns, and consequently, to stack the holding units.

[0082] The holding unit is supported from below by a support unit, The aforementioned support unit is Equipped with N support columns, Each of the support columns of the support unit is configured to be detachably attached in the vertical direction to the support column of the holding unit to be supported. Each of the support columns of the support unit is connected to the corresponding column of the holding unit to be supported, thereby the support unit supports the holding unit. It is preferable that the support of the holding unit by the support unit is released when each of the support columns of the support unit detaches from the corresponding column of the holding unit to be supported.

[0083] This configuration makes it possible to properly support multiple or a single holding unit with a support unit.

[0084] The support unit comprises a connecting base which connects the N support columns to each other and has a flat upper surface. It is preferable that the upper surface of the connecting stand is a rolling area on which the rolled holding sheet rolls during the sheet-wrapping operation, in which the holding sheet is wrapped around the lower surface of the aforementioned stand and the upper surface of the multiple transport vehicles placed on the aforementioned stand in order to fix the multiple transport vehicles to the aforementioned stand.

[0085] Since the holding unit is configured to hold multiple transport vehicles, it needs to be of a certain size. In this case, the sheet-wrapping operation, which involves wrapping the holding sheet around the underside of the mounting platform and the tops of the multiple transport vehicles placed on the platform, is more efficient when performed by multiple workers than by one worker. With this configuration, for example, multiple workers can be positioned on either side of the mounting platform of the holding unit, and the workers on opposite sides of the platform can repeatedly pass the roll-shaped holding sheet to each other while rolling it along the rolling area of ​​the connecting platform, thereby enabling efficient sheet-wrapping. [Industrial applicability]

[0086] The technology disclosed herein can be used in a holding device for holding multiple transport vehicles, each having a main body and wheels attached to the main body. [Explanation of symbols]

[0087] 100: Holding device 1: Holding unit 11: Strut 111: Engaging part 111a: Information department 12: Mounting platform 14: Opposing wall section 15: Insertion port 16: Fork placement area 2: Support Unit 21:Support strut 22:Connection stand 22a:Top surface 3: Retaining sheet 8: Transport vehicle 80: Main body 81 :Wheel 9: Conveyor equipment 90: Fork D15: Opening direction D81: Rolling direction

Claims

1. A holding device for holding multiple transport vehicles, each having a main body and wheels attached to the main body, The system comprises multiple holding units that hold multiple of the aforementioned transport vehicles, Multiple of the aforementioned holding units are configured to be stackable in the vertical direction. The aforementioned holding unit is A platform on which multiple transport vehicles are placed side by side, The mounting base is equipped with N support columns (where N is an integer of 3 or more) attached to the aforementioned mounting base so as to protrude at least downward from the mounting base, The mounting platform is configured to support the main body from below while the wheels are suspended in the air. Each of the support columns of the holding unit is configured to be detachably attached to the support columns of other holding units in the vertical direction. Each of the support columns of the holding unit is connected to the corresponding support column of another holding unit, thereby allowing multiple holding units to be stacked. A holding device in which a plurality of stacked holding units are disassembled by each of the support columns of the holding unit detaching from the corresponding support column of another holding unit.

2. The holding device according to claim 1, wherein the mounting base is provided with an opposing wall portion that is positioned opposite to the side surface of the main body of the transport vehicle placed on the mounting base.

3. The holding device according to claim 2, wherein the opposing wall portion extends along the direction of rotation of the wheels of the transport vehicle placed on the aforementioned base.

4. The holding unit is configured to be transported by a conveying device having a fork, The holding device according to claim 1, wherein the area below the mounting base and between a pair of adjacent support columns is designated as a fork placement area where the forks are positioned to transport the holding unit.

5. An insertion opening into which the fork is inserted is provided in the fork placement area. The holding device according to claim 4, wherein the opening direction of the insertion port is configured to be in a direction along the rolling direction of the wheels of the transport vehicle placed on the base described above.

6. An engaging portion is provided at the lower end of the support column of the holding unit, which engages with the upper end of the support column of another holding unit connected from below the support column. The retaining device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the engaging portion includes a guide portion that guides the upper end of another support column approaching the engaging portion from below toward a predetermined engaging position.

7. The holding unit is supported from below by a support unit, The aforementioned support unit is Equipped with N support columns, Each of the support columns of the support unit is configured to be detachably attached in the vertical direction to the support column of the holding unit to be supported. Each of the support columns of the support unit is connected to the corresponding column of the holding unit to be supported, thereby the support unit supports the holding unit. The holding device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein each of the support columns of the support unit detaches from the corresponding column of the holding unit to be supported, thereby releasing the support of the holding unit by the support unit.

8. The support unit comprises a connecting base which connects the N support columns to each other and has a flat upper surface. The holding device according to claim 7, wherein the upper surface of the connecting base is a rolling area on which the rolled holding sheet rolls during a sheet-wrapping operation in which the holding sheet is wrapped around the lower surface of the aforementioned base and the upper surface of the aforementioned multiple transport vehicles placed on the aforementioned base in order to fix the aforementioned multiple transport vehicles to the aforementioned base.

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