Holding device

Abstract

A holding device (100) for holding a conveyance vehicle comprises a plurality of holding units (1). Each of the holding units (1) is provided with: a placement table (12) whereon a plurality of conveyance vehicles (8) are placed side by side; and N support columns (11) attached to the placement table (12) so as to protrude at least toward a lower side relative to the placement table (12). The support columns (11) of one holding unit (1) are respectively configured to be attachable to / detachable from, in an up-down direction, the support columns (11) of another holding unit (1). The plurality of holding units (1) are stacked by connecting each of the support columns (11) of the one holding unit (1) to corresponding support columns (11) of the other holding unit (1). The plurality of stacked holding units (1) are disassembled by separating each of the support columns (11) of the one holding unit (1) from the corresponding support columns (11) of the other holding unit (1).

Description

HOLDING DEVICE

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

[0002] In recent years, automation of goods transportation has progressed in goods transportation facilities such as logistics warehouses. In such goods transportation facilities, a transport vehicle (10) such as that disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2022-050240 is widely used. The transport vehicle (10) is configured to transport goods by traveling unmanned on a traveling floor.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2022-050240

[0004] In facilities using guided vehicles, such as those described in the above literature, excess guided vehicles (idle guided vehicles) may occur during off-peak periods when operation is slow. In this case, it is possible to designate a portion of the travel floor as a waiting area and store the idle guided vehicles there, but this would impose travel restrictions on a portion of the travel floor, potentially hindering the freedom of movement of active guided vehicles. Therefore, it is necessary to remove idle guided vehicles from the travel floor and store them there, but there are cases where sufficient storage space for such vehicles cannot be secured. Even if storage space is available, it is also necessary to stably hold each stored guided vehicle so that wheeled guided vehicles do not move unintentionally due to vibrations or other factors.

[0005] In view of the above situation, it is desirable to realize a holding device that can easily store idle transport vehicles in response to an increase or decrease in the number of transport vehicles in operation, and that can stably hold transport vehicles in storage.

[0006] In view of the above, a holding device is a holding device that holds multiple transport vehicles, each having a main body and wheels attached to the main body, and includes a plurality of holding units that hold the multiple transport vehicles, and the multiple holding units are configured to be stackable in the vertical direction, and the holding unit includes a platform on which the multiple transport vehicles are placed side by side, and N (N is an integer of 3 or more) pillars attached to the platform so as to protrude at least downward from the platform, and the platform is configured to support the main body from below with the wheels raised, and each of the pillars of the holding unit is configured to be freely attached and detached in the vertical direction relative to the pillars of other holding units, and the multiple holding units are stacked by connecting each of the pillars of one holding unit to the corresponding pillar of the other holding unit, and the stacked multiple holding units are disassembled by detaching each of the pillars of one holding unit from the corresponding pillar of the other holding unit.

[0007] According to this configuration, multiple transport vehicles can be held by one holding unit. By stacking other holding units on top of a holding unit, the number of transport vehicles that can be held can be increased. Furthermore, by disassembling multiple stacked holding units, the number of transport vehicles that can be held can be reduced. The holding units are held by a platform. The platform supports the vehicle's main body from below while keeping the vehicle's wheels afloat, preventing the wheels from rolling on the platform, thereby achieving stable vehicle holding. As described above, this configuration allows for easy storage of idle transport vehicles in response to an increase or decrease in the number of operating transport vehicles, and also allows for stable holding of stored transport vehicles. Furthermore, because this configuration allows multiple transport vehicles to be stably held in each of the stackable holding units, this holding device can be used effectively even when transporting a large number of transport vehicles.

[0008] Further features and advantages of the techniques according to the present disclosure will become more apparent from the following description of exemplary and non-limiting embodiments, which proceeds with reference to the drawings.

[0009] A plan view showing the first and second floors of the article sorting equipment. An explanatory diagram showing the traveling operation of the transport vehicle. A plan view of the holding device. A front view of the holding device. A cross-sectional view of region V in FIG. 4. A cross-sectional view of region VI in FIG. 4. A diagram showing how multiple holding units are stacked. A diagram showing how a transport vehicle held by a holding unit is brought onto the floor. A diagram showing how a holding unit is connected to a support unit. A diagram showing a sheet winding operation.

[0010] The holding device is configured to hold multiple transport vehicles together. Such transport vehicles are used in article transport facilities where articles are transported and stored. In article transport facilities, surplus transport vehicles (idle transport vehicles) may occur during off-peak periods when operation is slow. The holding device according to the present disclosure is used, for example, to hold such idle transport vehicles. Alternatively, it is used when moving multiple transport vehicles together between different facilities or different departments where the transport vehicles are used.

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

[0012] As shown in FIG. 1, the article transport facility FC includes multiple floors arranged vertically and multiple transport vehicles 8 that travel on the floors. FIG. 1 illustrates a two-story article transport facility FC consisting of a first floor F1 and a second floor F2. Here, the first floor F1 is the first floor, and the second floor F2 is the second floor. In this example, the article transport facility FC includes a first lifter L1 and a second lifter L2 that raise and lower the transport vehicles 8 between the first floor F1 and the second floor F2. Hereinafter, the first floor F1 and the second floor F2 may be collectively referred to simply as "floors."

[0013] In this embodiment, the first floor F1 is provided with a delivery area A1 where the delivery of items G to the transport vehicle 8 is carried out, a receiving area A3 where the items G transported by the transport vehicle 8 are received, and a connection area A2 which connects the delivery area A1 and the receiving area A3.

[0014] The delivery area A1 is supplied with items G to be transported by the transport vehicle 8. The items G are delivered to the transport vehicle 8 in the delivery area A1. In the illustrated example, one or more items G are delivered to the transport vehicle 8 in a state where they are contained in a container C. The work of delivering the items G to the transport vehicle 8 is performed by a worker W or a robot.

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

[0016] In the receiving area A3, the items G transported by the transport vehicle 8 are received. Then, the received items G are sorted. The sorting work is performed based on predetermined order information. For example, the order information includes various information such as customer information, shipping destination information, and item type information. The sorting work of the items G is performed by a worker W or a robot.

[0017] The transport vehicles 8 traveling along the passages provided in the receiving area A3 deposit the items G they are carrying (or containers C containing the items G) onto conveyors or chutes provided adjacent to the passages. The deposited items G are sorted by the workers W or the robots, as described above.

[0018] For example, in the sorting work, items G are removed from containers C. This results in empty containers C. The empty containers C generated in the receiving area A3 are transported to the delivery area A1 by a dedicated conveyor and are used again for work in the delivery area A1.

[0019] After the transport vehicle 8 deposits the item G in the receiving area A3, it gets on the second lifter L2 and heads to the second floor F2. The transport vehicle 8 then travels across the second floor F2, gets on the first lifter L1 installed on the opposite side of the second lifter L2, and returns to the first floor F1. The returning transport vehicle 8 transports the item G between the delivery area A1 and the receiving area A3 in the same manner as described above.

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

[0021] As shown in Fig. 2, virtual travel routes are set in a grid pattern on the travel surface Fa. In this embodiment, the transport vehicle 8 is configured to travel straight and also to change direction by turning on the spot around a vertical axis. The transport vehicle 8 is able to travel along any of the travel routes set on the travel surface Fa by performing a combination of straight travel and turning.

[0022] In this embodiment, position information storage units 7 that store position information of multiple locations are provided at multiple locations on the travel surface Fa. In this example, a virtual travel route is set to connect the multiple position information storage units 7. The transport vehicle 8 is configured to travel while sequentially detecting the multiple position information storage units 7 installed on the travel route. The position of each position information storage unit 7 is set as a position where the transport vehicle 8 performs a turning operation. The transport vehicle 8 changes direction by turning at the position of the position information storage unit 7 as necessary. Note that the position information storage unit 7 can be a one-dimensional code or a two-dimensional code that holds identification information, or an RFID tag (Radio Frequency Identification Tag) that holds identification information.

[0023] In this way, the transport vehicles 8 may be used in the article transport facility FC. Here, as described above, depending on the operating state of the article transport facility FC, surplus transport vehicles 8 (inactive transport vehicles 8) may be generated. It is possible to have the inactive transport vehicles 8 wait on a part of the floor, but in this case, travel restrictions will be imposed on a part of the floor, which may impede the freedom of travel of the operating transport vehicles 8.

[0024] Therefore, a holding device 100 is used, as shown in Figures 3 and 4. The holding device 100 is configured to be able to hold multiple idle transport vehicles 8 together as described above. This allows for greater freedom of movement of operating transport vehicles 8 compared to a case where idle transport vehicles 8 are kept waiting on a portion of the floor, making it possible to make effective use of the floor. Details of the holding device 100 are described below.

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

[0026] The holding device 100 includes a plurality of holding units 1 that hold a plurality of transport vehicles 8. Figure 4 illustrates two holding units 1. Each holding unit 1 is configured to be able to hold a plurality of transport vehicles 8.

[0027] The multiple holding units 1 are configured to be stackable in the vertical direction. Figure 4 shows two holding units 1 stacked on top of each other. However, three or more holding units 1 may be stacked on top of each other. In other words, the number of holding units 1 that can be stacked can be set as desired depending on the strength of the holding units 1, the balance when holding the transport vehicle 8, and the like.

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

[0029] In this embodiment, the mounting table 12 includes a plurality of horizontal crosspieces 121 and horizontal crosspiece connecting members 122 that connect adjacent horizontal crosspieces 121. In this example, the horizontal crosspieces 121 and the horizontal crosspiece connecting members 122 are formed using elongated members. The horizontal crosspieces 121 and the single or multiple horizontal crosspiece connecting members 122 that connect the horizontal crosspieces 121 extend in directions that intersect with each other when viewed in the vertical direction. In this example, these extend in directions that are perpendicular to each other when viewed in the vertical direction.

[0030] In this embodiment, the holding unit 1 includes four support columns 11. In this example, the four support columns 11 are arranged in positions such that the lines connecting the support columns 11 form a rectangle when viewed in the up-down direction.

[0031] Of the four pillars 11, a set consisting of two adjacent pillars 11 is defined as a first pillar set 11A, and a set consisting of the other two adjacent pillars 11 is defined as a second pillar set 11B. The two pillars 11 constituting the first pillar set 11A are connected by a pillar connecting member 13. The two pillars 11 constituting the second pillar set 11B are connected by another pillar connecting member 13. In this example, each pillar connecting member 13 extends horizontally. In the illustrated example, each pillar connecting member 13 extends in the same direction as the cross-beam connecting member 122.

[0032] The first support column set 11A and the second support column set 11B are connected by a plurality of horizontal beams 121. This forms the main framework of the holding unit 1.

[0033] As shown in FIG. 5 , the platform 12 is configured to support the main body 80 from below with the wheels 81 raised. In this embodiment, the main body 80 of the transport vehicle 8 is supported from below by multiple horizontal beams 121. A portion of the bottom of the main body 80 contacts the horizontal beams 121 from above and is supported by the horizontal beams 121. The portion of the bottom of the main body 80 that is not supported by the horizontal beams 121 (unsupported portion) is raised. The wheels 81 of the transport vehicle 8 are located in this unsupported portion. Therefore, when the main body 80 of the transport vehicle 8 is supported on the platform 12, the wheels 81 located in the unsupported portion are raised. This configuration prevents the wheels 81 from rolling on the platform 12, thereby achieving stable support of the transport vehicle 8.

[0034] In this embodiment, the mounting table 12 is provided with an opposing wall 14 that is disposed close to and opposite the side surface of the main body 80 of the transport vehicle 8 placed on the mounting table 12. This makes it possible to position the transport vehicle 8 placed on the mounting table 12. The opposing wall 14 may be in contact with the main body 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 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 traveling direction.

[0035] In this embodiment, a pair of opposing walls 14 are provided to sandwich the transport vehicle 8 placed on the mounting table 12. In this example, the opposing walls 14 are configured using elongated members with an L-shaped cross section, and extend in a direction intersecting (specifically, perpendicular to) the horizontal beam 121 when viewed in the up-down direction. In this embodiment, the corresponding pair of opposing walls 14 are configured to be able to position two transport vehicles 8 in their extending direction (see FIG. 3 ).

[0036] In this embodiment, the opposing wall portion 14 extends along the rolling direction D81 (see also FIG. 8 ) of the wheels 81 of the transport vehicle 8 placed on the mounting table 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 up-down 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 table 12 or removing the transport vehicle 8 from the mounting table 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 multiple holding units 1 can be stacked and disassembled as needed. For example, when a relatively large number of transport vehicles 8 are to be held, stacking the multiple holding units 1 can increase the 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 a relatively small number of transport vehicles 8 are to be held, the stacked multiple holding units 1 can be disassembled.

[0038] Each of the support posts 11 of a holding unit 1 is configured to be detachable in the vertical direction relative to the support posts 11 of other holding units 1. A plurality of holding units 1 are stacked by connecting each of the support posts 11 of one holding unit 1 to the corresponding support posts 11 of another holding unit 1. Furthermore, a plurality of stacked holding units 1 can be disassembled by detaching each of the support posts 11 of one holding unit 1 from the corresponding support posts 11 of another holding unit 1.

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

[0040] In this embodiment, the engaging portion 111 is configured to cover the periphery of the support 11 of another holding unit 1 when engaged with the support 11. In this example, the engaging portion 111 is formed in a container shape that is open at the bottom. The support 11 of the other holding unit 1 is placed inside the container-shaped engaging portion 111. Note that when the holding unit 1 is placed alone on the floor, the container-shaped engaging portion 111 comes into contact with the floor surface, allowing the holding unit 1 to stand independently in a stable manner.

[0041] In this embodiment, connecting the support 11 of one holding unit 1 to the corresponding support 11 of another holding unit 1 means that the upper end of the corresponding support 11 of the other holding unit 1 comes into contact with the engaging portion 111 of the support 11 of the holding unit 1 from below. The periphery of the upper end of the support 11 to be connected is covered by the engaging portion 111. As a result, the support 11 to be connected is positioned horizontally relative to the support 11 of the holding unit 1 arranged above. Since this positioning is performed for each of the N (four in this example) supports 11, the stacked holding units 1 can maintain a stable connection state without shifting from one another.

[0042] In this embodiment, the engaging portion 111 includes a guide portion 111a that guides the upper end of another support 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] Stacking of multiple holding units 1 is performed by bringing the holding unit 1 to be stacked on top closer to the holding unit 1 below it from above (see FIG. 7 ). At this time, the lower holding unit 1 approaches the upper holding unit 1 from below. The upper ends of the support posts 11 of the lower holding unit 1 approach the support posts 11 of the upper holding unit 1 relatively and are guided horizontally by the guide portions 111a. As a result, the upper ends of the support posts 11 of the upper holding unit 1 are guided to the above-mentioned engagement position. The "engagement position" is a position of the lower support posts 11 relative to the upper support posts 11 such that the support posts 11 of the lower holding unit 1 are aligned vertically in a straight line with the support posts 11 of the upper holding unit 1.

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

[0045] The area below the mounting table 12 and between a pair of adjacent support columns 11 is a fork placement area 16 where forks 90 are placed to transport the holding unit 1 .

[0046] In this embodiment, the fork placement area 16 is provided with insertion openings 15 into which the forks 90 are inserted. This allows the holding unit 1 to be properly transported by the transport device 9 having the forks 90. In this example, frame-shaped members 150 that form the insertion openings 15 for the forks 90 are provided so as to protrude downward from the mounting table 12. A pair of frame-shaped members 150 are provided below the mounting table 12. The forks 90 are inserted into each of the pair of frame-shaped members 150, allowing the holding unit 1 to be lifted by the transport device 9.

[0047] Stacking is performed by lifting the holding unit 1 with the conveying device 9 and bringing the holding unit 1 closer to the lower holding unit 1. This stacking operation of bringing corresponding supports 11 closer to each other in the vertical direction requires the skill of an operator operating the conveying device 9. However, as described above, the engaging portion 111, which extends horizontally further than the main body portion (shaft portion) of the support 11, is configured to guide the lower support 11, making the stacking operation easier.

[0048] 8 shows how the transport vehicle 8 held by the holding unit 1 is introduced onto the floor of the article transport facility FC. For example, a transport device 9 is used to transport the transport vehicle 8 to the floor of the holding unit 1.

[0049] In the article transport facility FC according to this embodiment, the first floor F1 is located at a position above the floor surface of the facility. The second floor F2 is located at a position even higher than the first floor F1. In this article transport facility FC, when a transport vehicle 8 is introduced onto the first floor F1, the transport vehicle 8 to be introduced must be lifted above the floor surface. The same applies when introducing the transport vehicle 8 into the second floor F2.

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

[0051] In this embodiment, the opening direction D15 of the insertion port 15 provided in the holding unit 1 is configured to be aligned with the rolling direction D81 of the wheels 81 (see FIG. 5) of the transport vehicle 8 placed on the mounting table 12. This allows the direction in which the transport device 9 transports the holding unit 1 to coincide with the direction in which the transport vehicle 8 is introduced from the holding unit 1 to the first floor F1. This makes it easier to introduce the transport vehicle 8 to the first floor F1. 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] 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 be able to support a single holding unit 1 or a plurality of holding units 1 stacked one on top of the other.

[0053] In this embodiment, the support unit 2 has N (N is an integer of 3 or more) support pillars 21. In other words, the support unit 2 has the same number of support pillars 21 as the support pillars 11 included in the holding unit 1. Therefore, in this example, the support unit 2 has four support pillars 21.

[0054] In this embodiment, the support unit 2 includes a connecting base 22 that connects the N support columns 21 to one another and has a flat upper surface 22 a. The N support columns 21 are integrated by being connected to one connecting base 22.

[0055] Each of the support pillars 21 of the support unit 2 is configured to be attachable to and detachable from the pillars 11 of the supporting unit 1 that it supports in the vertical direction. Each of the support pillars 21 of the support unit 2 is connected to the corresponding pillar 11 of the supporting unit 1 that it supports, so that the support unit 2 supports the supporting unit 1. Furthermore, each of the support pillars 21 of the support unit 2 is detached from the corresponding pillar 11 of the supporting unit 1 that it supports, so that the support of the supporting unit 1 by the support unit 2 is released.

[0056] The support pillars 21 of the support unit 2 and the pillars 11 of the holding unit 1 are connected in the same manner as the connection between the pillars 11 of different holding units 1 as described above. That is, the upper end of the support pillar 21 of the support unit 2 engages with the engaging portion 111 provided at the lower end of the pillar 11 of the holding unit 1, thereby connecting the support pillars 21 and 11. The upper end of the support pillar 21 is guided horizontally by the engaging portion 111 of the pillar 11, and is thereby positioned at the engagement position.

[0057] In this embodiment, caster wheels 211 are provided at the lower end of each of the N support pillars 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 using the transport device 9. However, the caster wheels 211 do not have to be provided at the lower end of each of the N support pillars 21, as long as they are provided to support the main components of the support unit 2 from below.

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

[0059] When the transport vehicle 8 is transported as cargo by a truck, it is necessary to take into consideration vibrations during transportation. Therefore, it is preferable that the support unit 1 firmly support the transport vehicle 8.

[0060] 10 , in this embodiment, the upper surface 22a of the connecting base 22 of the support unit 2 is a rolling area where the rolled 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 to secure the multiple transport vehicles 8 to the mounting base 12 of the holding unit 1. In other words, by securing the 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 strengthened. This prevents the transport vehicles 8 from falling off the holding unit 1 due to vibrations during transport, for example, when the transport vehicles 8 are transported by truck. Note that only one transport vehicle 8 may be secured to the holding unit 1 using the holding sheet 3.

[0061] The holding unit 1 needs to be large to a certain extent because it is configured to be able to hold multiple transport vehicles 8. In this case, the sheet wrapping work of wrapping the holding sheet so as to cover the underside of the mounting base 12 of the holding unit 1 and the upper surfaces of the multiple transport vehicles 8 placed on the mounting base 12 is more efficient when performed by multiple workers W rather than by a single worker W.

[0062] In this embodiment, the connecting table 22 of the support unit 2 and the mounting table 12 of the holding unit 1 are configured to have the same dimensions when viewed in the vertical direction. Multiple workers W are positioned so that the mounting table 12 of the holding unit 1 is sandwiched between them. The workers W positioned on opposite sides of the mounting table 12 repeatedly pass the rolled holding sheet 3 to each other while rolling it on the upper surface 22a (rolling area) of the connecting table 22 of the support unit 2. This allows the multiple workers W to work together to efficiently perform the sheet wrapping work.

[0063] Next, other embodiments will be described.

[0064] (1) In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the opposing wall 14 provided on the mounting table 12 of the holding unit 1 is configured using a long member. However, without being limited to this example, the opposing wall 14 may be configured using a block member or the like and may be disposed locally relative to the mounting table 12.

[0065] (2) In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which a frame-shaped member 150 that forms the insertion opening 15 for the fork 90 is provided below the mounting base 12 of the holding unit 1. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration, and the frame-shaped member 150 may not be provided.

[0066] (3) In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the lower end of the support 11 of the holding unit 1 is provided with an engaging portion 111 that engages with the upper end of the support 11 of another holding unit 1 that is connected from below the support 11. However, without being limited to this example, the engaging portion 111 may be provided at the upper end of the support 11. In this case, the engaging portion 111 provided at the upper end of the support 11 engages with the lower end of the support 11 of another holding unit 1 that is connected from above.

[0067] (4) In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the holding device 100 includes the support unit 2. However, the present invention is not limited to this example, and the holding device 100 does not necessarily need to include such a support unit 2.

[0068] (5) The configurations disclosed in the above-described embodiments can be applied in combination with configurations disclosed in other embodiments, as long as no contradictions arise. Regarding other configurations, the embodiments disclosed in this specification are merely examples in all respects. Therefore, various modifications can be made as appropriate within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0069] The present embodiment will be summarized below.

[0070] In one aspect, the holding device is a holding device that holds multiple transport vehicles, each having a main body and wheels attached to the main body, and includes multiple holding units that hold the multiple transport vehicles, and the multiple holding units are configured to be stackable in the vertical direction.The holding unit includes a platform on which the multiple transport vehicles are placed side by side, and N (N is an integer greater than or equal to 3) pillars attached to the platform so as to protrude at least downward from the platform, and the platform is configured to support the main body from below with the wheels raised, and each of the pillars of the holding unit is configured to be freely attached and detached in the vertical direction relative to the pillars of other holding units, and the multiple holding units are stacked by connecting each of the pillars of one holding unit to the corresponding pillar of the other holding unit, and the stacked multiple holding units are disassembled by detaching each of the pillars of one holding unit from the corresponding pillar of the other holding unit.

[0071] According to this configuration, multiple transport vehicles can be held by one holding unit. By stacking other holding units on top of a holding unit, the number of transport vehicles that can be held can be increased. Furthermore, by disassembling multiple stacked holding units, the number of transport vehicles that can be held can be reduced. The holding units are held by a platform. The platform supports the vehicle's main body from below while keeping the vehicle's wheels afloat, preventing the wheels from rolling on the platform, thereby achieving stable vehicle holding. As described above, this configuration allows for easy storage of idle transport vehicles in response to an increase or decrease in the number of operating transport vehicles, and also allows for stable holding of stored transport vehicles. Furthermore, because this configuration allows multiple transport vehicles to be stably held in each of the stackable holding units, this holding device can be used effectively even when transporting a large number of transport vehicles.

[0072] Preferably, the holding device has an opposing wall portion disposed on the table so as to face a side surface of the main body portion of the transport vehicle placed on the table.

[0073] According to this configuration, the opposing wall portion can restrict movement of the transport vehicle placed on the platform, thereby realizing even more stable holding of the transport vehicle.

[0074] It is also preferable that the opposing wall portion of the holding device extends along the rolling direction of the wheels of the transport vehicle placed on the table.

[0075] According to this configuration, when placing the transport vehicle on the platform or removing the transport vehicle from the platform, the transport vehicle can be easily moved along the opposing wall portion, making it easier to store and remove the transport vehicle from the holding device.

[0076] Furthermore, it is preferable that the holding device is configured so that the holding unit is transported by a transport device having forks, and that the area below the table and between a pair of adjacent supports is a fork placement area where the forks are placed to transport the holding unit.

[0077] According to this configuration, it is easy to transport multiple transport vehicles at once using a transport device with forks.

[0078] Furthermore, it is preferable that the holding device has an insertion opening in the fork placement area through which the fork is inserted, and that the opening direction of the insertion opening is configured to be in the direction along the rolling direction of the wheels of the transport vehicle placed on the loading table.

[0079] According to this configuration, in order to load and unload the transport vehicle onto and from the running floor, the task of transporting the holding unit to a position adjacent to the running floor on which the transport vehicle travels can be easily performed by a transport device having a fork.

[0080] Furthermore, it is preferable that the holding device has an engagement portion at the lower end of the support of the holding unit that engages with the upper end of the support of another holding unit that is connected from the underside of the support, and that the engagement portion has a guide portion that guides the upper end of the other support approaching the engagement portion from below toward a predetermined engagement position.

[0081] According to this configuration, it is easy to properly connect the support columns to each other, and therefore it is easy to stack the holding units on top of each other.

[0082] Furthermore, it is preferable that the holding device includes a support unit that supports the holding unit from below, the support unit including N support pillars, each of which is configured to be freely attached and detached in the vertical direction relative to the pillars of the holding unit that is to be supported, and that each of the support pillars of the support unit is connected to the corresponding pillar in the holding unit that is to be supported, thereby causing the support unit to support the holding unit, and that each of the support pillars of the support unit is detached from the corresponding pillar in the holding unit that is to be supported, thereby releasing the support of the holding unit by the support unit.

[0083] According to this configuration, it is possible to appropriately support a plurality of or a single holding unit by the support unit.

[0084] Furthermore, it is preferable that the holding device has a support unit that connects the N support pillars to each other and has a connecting base with a flat upper surface, and the upper surface of the connecting base is configured as a rolling area in which the roll-shaped holding sheet rolls during a sheet wrapping operation in which the holding sheet is wrapped to cover the lower surface of the mounting base and the upper surfaces of the multiple transport vehicles placed on the mounting base in order to secure the multiple transport vehicles to the mounting base.

[0085] The holding unit is configured to be able to hold multiple transport vehicles, so it needs to be a certain size. In this case, the sheet wrapping work of wrapping the holding sheet so that it covers the underside of the mounting table and the upper surfaces of the multiple transport vehicles placed on the mounting table is more efficient when performed by multiple workers rather than by a single worker. With this configuration, for example, multiple workers can be positioned on either side of the mounting table of the holding unit, and workers positioned on opposite sides of the mounting table can repeatedly pass the rolled holding sheet to each other while rolling it across the rolling area of ​​the connecting table, thereby making it possible to efficiently perform the sheet wrapping work.

[0086] 100: Holding tool 1: Holding unit 11: Support 111: Engagement portion 111a: Guide portion 12: Placement base 14: Opposing wall portion 15: Insertion opening 16: Fork placement area 2: Support unit 21: Support support 22: Connecting base 22a: Upper surface 3: Holding sheet 8: Transport vehicle 80: Main body 81: Wheels 9: Transport device 90: Forks D15: Opening direction D81: Rolling direction

Claims

1. A holding device for holding a plurality of transport vehicles, each having a main body and wheels attached to the main body, comprising a plurality of holding units for holding a plurality of the transport vehicles, the plurality of holding units being configured to be stackable in the vertical direction, the holding unit comprising: a platform on which the plurality of transport vehicles are placed side by side; and N (N is an integer of 3 or more) pillars attached to the platform so as to protrude at least downwardly from the platform, the platform being configured to support the main body from below with the wheels raised, each of the pillars of the holding unit being configured to be freely attached and detached in the vertical direction relative to the pillars of the other holding units, the plurality of holding units being stacked by connecting each of the pillars of the holding unit to the corresponding pillars of the other holding units, and the plurality of stacked holding units being disassembled by detaching each of the pillars of the holding unit from the corresponding pillars of the other holding units.

2. A holding device as described in claim 1, wherein the mounting table is provided with an opposing wall portion arranged to face a side surface of the main body portion of the transport vehicle placed on the mounting table.

3. A holding device as described in claim 2, wherein the opposing wall portion extends along the rolling direction of the wheels of the transport vehicle placed on the platform.

4. The holding device according to claim 1, wherein the holding unit is configured to be transported by a transport device having forks, and an area below the mounting table and between a pair of adjacent supports is defined as a fork arrangement area in which the forks are arranged to transport the holding unit.

5. A holding device as described in claim 4, wherein the fork placement area is provided with an insertion opening through which the fork is inserted, and the opening direction of the insertion opening is configured to be in the direction along the rolling direction of the wheels of the transport vehicle placed on the mounting table.

6. A holding device as described in any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein an engagement portion is provided at the lower end of the support of the holding unit for engaging with the upper end of the support of another holding unit connected from the underside of the support, and the engagement portion is provided with a guide portion for guiding the upper end of the other support approaching the engagement portion from below toward a predetermined engagement position.

7. A holding device as described in any one of claims 1 to 5, comprising a support unit that supports the holding unit from below, the support unit comprising N support pillars, each of the support pillars of the support unit being configured to be freely attached and detached in the vertical direction relative to the pillars of the holding unit that is to be supported, each of the support pillars of the support unit being connected to the corresponding pillars of the holding unit that is to be supported, thereby causing the support unit to support the holding unit, and each of the support pillars of the support unit being detached from the corresponding pillars of the holding unit that is to be supported, thereby releasing support of the holding unit by the support unit.

8. The holding device described in claim 7, wherein the support unit includes a connecting base that connects the N support pillars to each other and has a flat upper surface, and the upper surface of the connecting base is configured as a rolling area in which the rolled holding sheet rolls during a sheet wrapping operation in which the holding sheet is wrapped to cover the lower surface of the mounting base and the upper surfaces of the multiple transport vehicles placed on the mounting base in order to secure the multiple transport vehicles to the mounting base.

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