Transport facility

Abstract

This transport facility comprises: a transport vehicle (4) that transports an object (B) to be transported; and a support device (5) that supports the object (B) to be transported. The transport vehicle (4) comprises: a first support base (42) that supports a bottom surface of the object (B) to be transported; and a pressing part (43). The support device (5) comprises: a second support base (6) on which at least a part of a movable support part (61c) moves; a restricting part (7) that restricts movement of the object (B) to be transported that is supported by the second support base (6); and a pressed part (8) that is pressed by the pressing part (43). The movable support part (61c) is configured so as to retract in conjunction with the pressed part (8) being pressed by the pressing part (43). The second support base (6) is configured to allow the first support base (42) to enter a space vacated by the retraction of the movable support part (61c).

Description

TRANSPORT FACILITY

[0001] The present invention relates to a transport facility including a transport vehicle that transports an object to be transported and a support device that supports the object to be transported.

[0002] An example of such a conveying facility is disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2023-111572 (Patent Document 1). In the following description of this background art, the reference numerals and names in Patent Document 1 will be cited in parentheses.

[0003] In the conveying equipment (item sorting equipment 1) described in Patent Document 1, an object to be conveyed (item W) carried in by a supply system (receiving section 8) is supported by a conveying device (85). Here, the conveying device (85) is a conveyor. Then, the object to be conveyed (item W) is carried out to a predetermined location (shipping location) by the conveying device (85).

[0004] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2023-111572

[0005] The conveying device (85) described in Patent Document 1 includes an operating mechanism for transporting the object (item W) to a predetermined location (shipping location), such as a drive source and a transmission mechanism for transmitting the drive force of the drive source, which tends to make the configuration complex and also makes it difficult to change the layout of the facility. To facilitate layout changes of the facility, it is possible to have a transport vehicle perform the role of transporting the object (item W) to the predetermined location (shipping location) instead of the conveying device (85). When a transport vehicle is used for such transportation, a device for transferring the object (item W) between the transport vehicle and the conveying device is required. However, if the configuration of the device for transferring the object is complex, this can lead to increased costs for the facility.

[0006] Therefore, it is desirable to realize a transport facility that can easily simplify the configuration of the device for transferring the transported object to and from the transport vehicle.

[0007] The transport facility is a transport facility including a transport vehicle that transports an object to be transported and a support device configured to support the object to be transported, wherein the transport vehicle includes a moving vehicle body, a first support base that is supported by the vehicle body and supports the bottom surface of the object to be transported, and a pressing unit supported by the vehicle body, and the support device includes a second support base that supports the bottom surface of the object to be transported and is configured so that at least a portion of a movable support unit can move, a limiting unit that limits the movement of the object to be transported that is supported by the support base, and a pressed unit that is pressed by the pressing unit, and wherein a specific direction along the horizontal direction is a transfer direction, one side of the transfer direction is a first transfer direction side, and the other side of the transfer direction is a second transfer direction side, and the first support base is adjacent to the second support base on the first transfer direction side. With the positional relationship between the vehicle and the support device as a reference positional relationship, the pressing portion is configured to move together with the first support base toward the second transfer direction in conjunction with the vehicle body moving toward the second transfer direction side, the pressed portion is positioned opposite the pressing portion from the second transfer direction side in the reference positional relationship state, the movable support portion is configured to retract toward the second transfer direction side in conjunction with the pressed portion being pressed toward the second transfer direction side by the pressing portion, the second support base is configured to allow the first support base to enter the space created by the movable support portion retracting toward the second transfer direction side, and the limiting portion is configured to limit the movement of the transported object supported by the second support base toward the second transfer direction side.

[0008] According to this characteristic configuration, there is no need to provide a drive device for moving the movable support member on the support device side. The object supported on the second support platform can be transferred to the first support platform by moving the transport vehicle. That is, by moving the vehicle body toward the second transfer direction with the pressing member and the pressed member facing each other, the movement of the object toward the second transfer direction is restricted by the restricting member. This presses the pressed member toward the second transfer direction, retracting the movable support member toward the second transfer direction, and the first support platform enters the space vacated by the retraction of the movable support member. This allows the object to move from the second support platform toward the first support platform, allowing it to be transferred from the second support platform to the first support platform. Therefore, this configuration facilitates simplifying the configuration of the support device for transferring the object to and from the transport vehicle.

[0009] 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.

[0010] 1 is an explanatory diagram of the positional relationship between the support device and the transport vehicle shown in FIG. 1; a perspective view of the support device shown in FIG. 1; a diagram schematically showing a state in which the locking mechanism shown in FIG. 3 has unlocked the movement of the second support platform; a diagram schematically showing a state in which the locking mechanism shown in FIG. 4 has locked the movement of the second support platform; a diagram in which the transport vehicle shown in FIG. 2 hands over an object to be transported to the support device; a diagram in which the transport vehicle shown in FIG. 2 receives an object to be transported from the support device; a diagram in which the transport vehicle shown in FIG. 6 receives an object to be transported from the support device; a diagram schematically showing a transport vehicle according to the second embodiment; a diagram in which the transport vehicle shown in FIG. 9 is turning; a diagram in which the transport vehicle shown in FIG. 9 hands over an object to be transported to the support device;

[0011] [Overview of the Conveying Equipment] As shown in Fig. 1, the conveying equipment 1 conveys an object B to be conveyed to a predetermined location. The object B to be conveyed includes, for example, a container that contains an object G, or the object G itself. In this embodiment, the conveying equipment 1 sorts various objects G into a plurality of containers and conveys the objects G to locations assigned according to the type of object G contained in each container. Therefore, the object B to be conveyed is a container that contains an object G or an empty container that does not contain an object G.

[0012] 1. Conveying Equipment of First Embodiment A conveying equipment 1 of a first embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. As shown in FIG. 1 , the conveying equipment 1 includes a supply system that supplies at least a portion of the objects B to be conveyed, a conveying vehicle 4 that conveys the objects B, and a support device 5 configured to support the objects B. In this embodiment, the supply system supplies items G contained in containers constituting the objects B to the containers supported by the support device 5. As a result, the containers containing the items G are conveyed to the conveying vehicle 4 as the objects B. The conveying vehicle 4 receives the objects B from the support device 5 and conveys the objects B to a predetermined location assigned as the destination of the objects B. In this embodiment, the conveying equipment 1 includes multiple support devices 5 so as to be able to convey multiple objects B simultaneously in parallel. The conveying equipment 1 also includes multiple conveying vehicles 4 so as to convey multiple objects B simultaneously in parallel.

[0013] [Supply System] In this embodiment, the supply system includes a supply unit 2 that supplies at least a portion of the objects B to be transported, and a transport table 3 that transports at least a portion of the objects B supplied from the supply unit 2 to a support device 5. In this embodiment, one transport table 3 is assigned to one support device 5. The support device 5 is arranged at a position adjacent to the destination of the transport table 3 so that it can receive the item G from the transport table 3.

[0014] The supply unit 2 includes a station 21 for supplying items G and a supply vehicle 22 that receives items G from the station 21 and transports them to each transport table 3. FIG. 1 illustrates an example of the supply unit 2 that includes a plurality of stations 21. The station 21 is, for example, a location where an operator, a supply device, or other supply entity hands over items G to the supply vehicle 22. Examples of supply devices provided in the station 21 include a device that includes a storage shelf (not shown) for storing items G and a stacker crane or other transport device (not shown). Other examples of supply devices provided in the station 21 include a device that transports items G to the station 21 using a vehicle or the like.

[0015] In this embodiment, the supply vehicle 22 transports the items G received at the station 21 to a predetermined conveyance platform 3. The conveyance platform 3 to which the items G are transported is determined, for example, based on the type of the items G and commands issued to the conveyance equipment 1. The supply vehicle 22 illustrated in FIG. 2 includes a traveling device for traveling between the station 21 and the conveyance platform 3, a platform 24 having an upper surface 24f that supports the items G from below, and a transfer mechanism for transferring the items G supported on the upper surface 24f of the platform 24 to another component. The traveling device includes a plurality of wheels for traveling on the floor surface and a chassis 23 that rotatably supports the plurality of wheels. The chassis 23 supports the platform 24 from below. A transfer structure 25 is provided on the platform 24. The platform 24 and the transfer structure 25 move together with the platform 23 between the station 21 and the conveyance platform 3.

[0016] The transfer structure 25 illustrated in Fig. 2 receives and delivers the item G by changing the position of the platform 24. In the receiving position in which the platform 24 receives the item G, the transfer structure 25 makes the upper surface 24f of the platform 24 horizontal. A worker or a device that delivers the item G to the platform 24 places the item G on the upper surface 24f of the platform 24 in the horizontal position. On the other hand, in the delivery position in which the platform 24 delivers the item G, the transfer structure 25 tilts the platform 24 obliquely. Specifically, the platform 24 is positioned adjacent to the origin of the transport platform 3, which will be described later, and the item G is delivered to the transport platform 3 by tilting the platform 24 obliquely. In detail, by tilting the base plate 24 on which the article G is placed at an angle, the article G slides or rolls off the upper surface 24f of the base plate 24 toward the conveying platform 3, or the article G is dropped vertically or at an angle, thereby delivering the article G to the conveying platform 3. The delivery structure 25 illustrated in Fig. 2 is tilted so that, when delivering the article G on the base plate 24 to the conveying platform 3, the side of the base plate 24 closer to the conveying platform 3 is lowered and the side of the base plate 24 away from the conveying platform 3 is higher. The delivery structure 25 is configured to tilt the base plate 24 using known means, for example, a motor or a cylinder.

[0017] The conveying platform 3 conveys the items G from the origin, which is the location where the items G are handed over from the supply vehicle 22, to the destination where the support device 5 is located. For this reason, the conveying platform 3 is provided with a receiving surface 32 that receives the items G handed over by the supply vehicle 22. In this embodiment, the receiving surface 32 extends along the conveying path along which the items G are conveyed, and the receiving surface 32 itself moves, causing the items G to move along the conveying path. Hereinafter, for ease of explanation, the direction along the conveying path will be referred to as the conveying direction T. The side closer to the origin in the conveying direction T will be referred to as the upstream side, and the side closer to the support device 5 in the conveying direction T will be referred to as the downstream side.

[0018] The receiving surface 32 is disposed horizontally. This makes it easier to stabilize the posture of the article G received by the receiving surface 32. The entire upper surface 24f of the platform 24 is disposed at a higher position than the receiving surface 32, regardless of the inclination. In other words, the receiving surface 32 is disposed at a lower position than the upper surface 24f of the platform 24 when the platform 24 is in the handover position. This allows the article G supported on the upper surface 24f of the platform 24 to slide down from the upper surface 24f of the platform 24 onto the receiving surface 32 and be received by the receiving surface 32 when the platform 24 is in the handover position.

[0019] In this embodiment, when the goods G are handed over from the supply vehicle 22 to the conveyance platform 3, a guide table 31 is provided between the platform 24 and the receiving surface 32 of the conveyance platform 3 to guide the movement of the goods G. The guide table 31 has an inclined surface that slopes downward from the platform 24 side toward the receiving surface 32 side. This allows the goods G moving from the platform 24 to be appropriately guided by the guide table 31 toward the receiving surface 32 located below. Note that the guide table 31 is not an essential component of the conveyance platform 3, and the goods G may move directly from the platform 24 to the receiving surface 32.

[0020] In this embodiment, the conveying table 3 is equipped with a conveying mechanism that conveys the article G received by the receiving surface 32. The conveying mechanism illustrated in FIG. 2 is a conveyor, and the receiving surface 32 constitutes a part of the conveying mechanism. As the conveyor that constitutes the conveying mechanism, well-known conveyors such as a belt conveyor and a roller conveyor can be used. When the conveyor is configured using a belt conveyor, the upper surface of the belt corresponds to the receiving surface 32. When the conveyor is configured using a roller conveyor, an imaginary surface that continuously connects the upper ends of multiple rollers corresponds to the receiving surface 32.

[0021] [Transportation Vehicle] As shown in Fig. 2, the transportation vehicle 4 includes a moving vehicle body 41, a first support base 42 supported by the vehicle body 41, and a pressing unit 43 supported by the vehicle body 41. In this embodiment, the transportation vehicle 4 moves by traveling on a floor surface. For this purpose, the vehicle body 41 rotatably supports a plurality of wheels that roll on the floor surface. The plurality of wheels includes drive wheels that rotate by a driving force generated by a motor or other drive source. Therefore, the transportation vehicle 4 can autonomously travel on the floor surface.

[0022] The first support table 42 supports the transport object B from below. Preferably, the first support table 42 moves the transport object B it supports in a fixed direction. In this embodiment, the first support table 42 moves the transport object B in a horizontal direction. Additionally, in this embodiment, in order to simplify the structure of the transport vehicle 4, the transport vehicle 4 is not provided with a lifting device that raises and lowers the first support table 42. Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, a specific direction along the horizontal direction will be referred to as the transfer direction X. Furthermore, one side of the transfer direction X will be referred to as the transfer direction first side X1, and the other side of the transfer direction X will be referred to as the transfer direction second side X2. Additionally, as shown in FIG. 3 , the direction perpendicular to the transfer direction X will be referred to as the width direction Y.

[0023] The first support table 42 supports the bottom surface of the transport object B. Preferably, the first support table 42 applies a driving force to the bottom surface of the transport object B to move the transport object B. In this embodiment, the first support table 42 is configured to apply a driving force toward the first side X1 in the transfer direction to the bottom surface of the transport object B that is in contact with the first support table 42 in a reference positional relationship described below. For this purpose, the first support table 42 illustrated in FIG. 2 includes a transport surface 42f that supports the bottom surface of the transport object B. The transport surface 42f illustrated in FIG. 2 is configured to move toward the first side X1 in the transfer direction while supporting the bottom surface of the transport object B. When the transport surface 42f moves toward the first side X1 in the transfer direction while supporting the transport object B, the transport object B moves toward the first side X1 in the transfer direction.

[0024] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the first support table 42 is configured to apply a driving force toward the second side X2 in the transfer direction to the bottom surface of the transport object B that is in contact with the first support table 42 in a reference positional relationship described below. For this purpose, the transport surface 42f illustrated in Fig. 2 is configured to move in the second side X2 in the transfer direction while supporting the bottom surface of the transport object B. When the transport surface 42f illustrated in Fig. 2 moves in the second side X2 in the transfer direction while supporting the transport object B, the transport object B moves in the second side X2 in the transfer direction.

[0025] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the first support table 42 can switch between a state in which a driving force toward the first side X1 in the transfer direction is applied to the bottom surface of the transport object B and a state in which a driving force toward the second side X2 in the transfer direction is applied to the bottom surface of the transport object B. The first support table 42 illustrated in FIG. 2 switches the direction of movement of the transport surface 42f to switch between a state in which a driving force toward the first side X1 in the transfer direction is applied to the bottom surface of the transport object B and a state in which a driving force toward the second side X2 in the transfer direction is applied to the bottom surface of the transport object B. A belt conveyor, a roller conveyor, a chain conveyor, or any other known conveyor can be used as the first support table 42. FIG. 2 shows a belt conveyor as an example of the first support table 42.

[0026] The pressing unit 43 is configured to move together with the first support base 42 toward the second side X2 in the transfer direction in conjunction with the movement of the car body 41 toward the second side X2 in the transfer direction. In this embodiment, the pressing unit 43 is fixed to the car body 41. Therefore, the amount and direction of movement of the pressing unit 43 are the same as the amount and direction of movement of the car body 41. In the example shown in FIG. 2 , a portion of the car body 41 covers the first support base 42 at least from the second side X2 in the transfer direction. The outer surface of the car body 41 that covers the first support base 42 from the second side X2 in the transfer direction functions as the pressing unit 43. With this configuration, the pressing unit 43 also functions to cover the first support base 42 from the transfer direction X, thereby simplifying the structure of the car body 41. In addition, the car body 41 illustrated in FIG. 2 also covers the first support base 42 from the first side X1 in the transfer direction. The outer surface of the vehicle body 41 covering the first support stand 42 from the first side X1 in the transfer direction can also function as the pressing portion 43.

[0027] 2 and 3 , the support device 5 includes a second support base 6 that supports the transport object B from below, a limiting unit 7 that limits the movement of the transport object B supported by the second support base 6, and a pressed unit 8 that is pressed by the pressing unit 43. Here, since the support device 5 transfers the transport object B to and from the transport vehicle 4, the detailed structure of the support device 5 is determined based on its positional relationship with the transport vehicle 4. Therefore, hereinafter, each component of the support device 5 will be described using the positional relationship between the transport vehicle 4 and the support device 5, in which the first support base 42 is adjacent to the second support base 6 on the first side X1 in the transfer direction, as a reference positional relationship. The reference positional relationship includes both the positional relationship between the transport vehicle 4 and the support device 5 in a state in which the pressing unit 43 is separated from the pressed unit 8, and the positional relationship between the transport vehicle 4 and the support device 5 in a state in which the pressing unit 43 and the pressed unit 8 are in contact with each other.

[0028] In this embodiment, the second support table 6 has a support surface 61f that supports the bottom surface of the object B to be transported. At least a portion of the support surface 61f is located downstream of the destination position of the transport table 3. Here, the destination position of the transport table 3 refers to the downstream edge of the transport table 3 in the transport direction T. In the example shown in FIG. 2, most of the support surface 61f is located downstream of the destination position of the transport table 3. A portion of the support surface 61f is located directly below the destination position of the transport table 3. In addition, the support surface 61f illustrated in FIG. 2 is located below the receiving surface 32 of the transport table 3.

[0029] The second support base 6 includes a movable support portion 61c. The movable support portion 61c constitutes at least a part of the second support base 6. That is, the movable support portion 61c constitutes at least a part of the support surface 61f. The movable support portion 61c is configured to move in the transfer direction X. In the example shown in FIG. 2, the entire second support base 6 is the movable support portion 61c.

[0030] The movable support part 61c is configured to retract toward the second side X2 in the transfer direction in response to the pressed part 8 being pressed toward the second side X2 in the transfer direction by the pressing part 43. In this embodiment, the pressed part 8 is fixed to the movable support part 61c. In the example shown in FIG. 3, the end of the movable support part 61c on the first side X1 in the transfer direction serves as the pressed part 8. In this embodiment, the movable support part 61c retracts by sliding parallel to a support surface 61f that supports the bottom surface of the transport object B.

[0031] The second support base 6 is configured to allow the first support base 42 to enter the space created by the retraction of the movable support member 61c toward the second side X2 in the transfer direction. In this embodiment, the second support base 6 is configured so that there is no obstacle to the first support base 42 entering the space below the transported object B after the retraction of the movable support member 61c. In detail, the support guide 61g and the locking mechanism 61r, which will be described later, are configured so as not to hinder the entry of the first support base 42. The second support base 6 shown in FIG. 2 is configured to allow not only the first support base 42 but also the vehicle body 41 to enter the space created by the retraction of the movable support member 61c toward the second side X2 in the transfer direction.

[0032] The limiting unit 7 is configured to limit movement of the transport object B supported on the second support table 6 toward the second side X2 in the transfer direction. The limiting unit 7 limits the range in which the transport object B can move toward the second side X2 in the transfer direction, and allows movement to the extent that mechanical error and other play are allowed so that the transport object B does not interfere with delivery to the first support table 42. In this embodiment, the limiting unit 7 is located below the transport table 3. In addition, the limiting unit 7 is located at a position that does not interfere with the delivery of the item G from the transport table 3 to the support device 5 in the transfer direction X. The limiting unit 7 illustrated in FIG. 2 is located directly below the destination position of the transport table 3.

[0033] The movable support portion 61c is configured so that, when the transport vehicle 4 is in the reference position, the transport surface 42f of the first support base 42 is positioned above the support surface 61f of the second support base 6. Here, the reference position is a position where the transport vehicle 4 has a reference positional relationship with the support device 5 and where the pressing portion 43 does not press the pressed portion 8.

[0034] In this embodiment, the support surface 61f includes an inclined portion 61t, at least at the end of the support surface 61f on the first side X1 in the transfer direction, which slopes upward as it approaches the first side X1 in the transfer direction. In the example shown in FIG. 2, the inclined portion 61t is formed only at the end of the support surface 61f on the first side X1 in the transfer direction, and its upper vertex is positioned to engage with the bottom of the object B when the object B is supported on the support surface 61f. In addition, the upper vertex of the inclined portion 61t is positioned below the transport surface 42f of the transport vehicle 4 when the transport vehicle 4 is positioned at the reference position. This configuration prevents the inclined portion 61t from interfering with the transfer of the object B from the transport vehicle 4 to the second support base 6.

[0035] As shown in Fig. 3, the second support base 6 preferably includes a support guide 61g that guides the movement of the movable support member 61c in the transfer direction X. With this configuration, the movement of the movable support member 61c in the transfer direction X is stabilized, thereby enabling stable delivery of the transport object B from the second support base 6 to the transport vehicle 4. In this embodiment, the support guide 61g is a pair of rails arranged along the transfer direction X. The pair of rails are arranged so as to sandwich the movable support member 61c. The movable support member 61c is held by each of the pair of rails so as to be movable in the transfer direction X.

[0036] The second support base 6 preferably includes a locking mechanism 61r that fixes the position of the movable support member 61c in the transfer direction X. According to this configuration, when the transport object B is handed over from the transport vehicle 4 to the second support base 6, the frictional force generated between the bottom surface of the transport object B and the support surface 61f can prevent the movable support member 61c from moving toward the second side X2 in the transfer direction. As a result, the transport object B is appropriately transferred from the first support base 42 to the movable support member 61c. The locking mechanism 61r is configured, for example, by combining a snatch lock and a link mechanism.

[0037] In this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 3 , the locking mechanism 61r includes a fixed portion 62 whose position in the transfer direction X is fixed, and an interlocking portion 63 that interlocks with the movement of the movable support portion 61c. In this embodiment, the fixed portion 62 is disposed at a fixed position with respect to the transport table 3. The fixed portion 62 illustrated in Fig. 3 is a rod-shaped member extending in the width direction Y. The interlocking portion 63 includes a locking body 64 that moves together with the second support table 6, and a switching mechanism 66 that switches between a state in which the movement of the movable support portion 61c is unlocked (released state) and a state in which the movement of the movable support portion 61c at least toward the second transfer direction X2 is locked (locked state).

[0038] As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 , the lock body 64 includes a main body 64a that moves along the transfer direction X together with the movable support member 61c, and a locking piece 65 that can be positioned opposite the fixed member 62 from the first side X1 in the transfer direction. In this embodiment, the main body 64a is fixed to the movable support member 61c so as to be positioned at least opposite the fixed member 62 from the second side X2 in the transfer direction when the movable support member 61c is positioned to receive the object B from the transport vehicle 4. According to this configuration, when the movable support member 61c moves from the position to receive the object B from the transport vehicle 4 to the first side X1 in the transfer direction, the main body 64a abuts against the fixed member 62 from the second side X2 in the transfer direction, restricting movement of the main body 64a toward the first side X1 in the transfer direction. As a result, excessive movement of the movable support member 61c toward the first side X1 in the transfer direction when the movable support member 61c is positioned to receive the object B from the transport vehicle 4 is prevented.

[0039] The locking piece 65 is connected to the main body 64a so as to be swingably positioned in a position (locked position) facing the fixed part 62 from the first side X1 in the transfer direction when the movable support part 61c is positioned to receive the transported object B from the transport vehicle 4. When the locking piece 65 is positioned in the locked position, the fixed part 62 restricts movement of the movable support part 61c connected to the locking piece 65 via the locking piece 65 and the main body 64a toward the second side X2 in the transfer direction. In other words, the movable support part 61c is locked. On the other hand, the locking piece 65 can be positioned by swinging to a position other than the locked position (released position). In other words, by swinging the locking piece 65, the movable support part 61c can be changed from the locked state to the released state.

[0040] The switching mechanism 66 includes a switch unit 67 for causing the transport vehicle 4 to switch the movable support portion 61c between an unlocked state shown in FIG. 4 and a locked state shown in FIG. 5, and a link mechanism 68 for swinging the locking piece 65 when the switch unit 67 is operated. The switch unit 67 is a rod-shaped member that can protrude toward the first side X1 in the transfer direction from the end of the second support base 6 on the first side X1 in the transfer direction. As shown in FIG. 4, the movable support portion 61c is in the unlocked state when the switch unit 67 is pushed into the second support base 6 by the transport vehicle 4. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 5, the movable support portion 61c is in the locked state when the switch unit 67 protrudes from the second support base 6.

[0041] The switch unit 67 is configured to be attracted to the transport vehicle 4. For example, a permanent magnet is fixed to the tip of the switch unit 67, and the transport vehicle 4 is made of a magnetic material. It is also possible to provide an electromagnet on the transport vehicle 4 in order to simplify the configuration of the switch unit 67 and arbitrarily set the timing of attraction. In this case, for example, an electromagnet is fixed to a portion of the transport vehicle 4 that comes into contact with the switch unit 67, and the switch unit 67 is made of a magnetic material. Then, for example, the switch unit 67 is attracted to the transport vehicle 4 by operating the electromagnet using a control system described below.

[0042] The link mechanism 68 includes a first link 68a connected to the switch unit 67 and a second link 68b connected to the first link 68a and the locking piece 65. The first link 68a swings a first connection portion 68c between the first link 68a and the second link 68b in a specific direction as the switch unit 67 switches between a state in which the switch unit 67 protrudes from the second support base 6 and a state in which the switch unit 67 does not protrude from the second support base 6. The movement of the first connection portion 68c is transmitted to the locking piece 65 via a second connection portion 68d between the second link 68b and the locking piece 65, causing the second connection portion 68d to swing in a specific direction. The swinging of the second connection portion 68d switches the locking piece 65 between a state in which the locking piece 65 is positioned in a locked position and a state in which the locking piece 65 is positioned in an unlocked position.

[0043] The pressed portion 8 is disposed in a position facing the pressing portion 43 from the second side X2 in the transfer direction in a state of the reference positional relationship. Here, the state in which the pressed portion 8 is disposed in a position facing the pressing portion 43 includes a state in which the pressed portion 8 is in contact with and facing the pressing portion 43, and a state in which the pressed portion 8 is spaced apart from and facing the pressing portion 43.

[0044] 8, the movable support portion 61c is configured to protrude toward the first side X1 in the transfer direction and return to the support position in conjunction with movement of the transport vehicle 4 in the first side X1 in the transfer direction from a state in which the pressing portion 43 is pressing the pressed portion 8. Here, the support position is a position of the movable support portion 61c at which the movable support portion 61c can support the transport object B. The support position includes a position at which the transport object B is supported by the second support base 6 including the movable support portion 61c. In other words, the support position includes a position at which the movable support portion 61c is in a state in which the entire area of ​​the bottom surface of the transport object B in the transfer direction X is supported by the second support base 6.

[0045] The movable support portion 61c includes a return structure (not shown) for returning to the support position. The return structure is configured to move the movable support portion 61c in response to the movement of the pressing portion 43 toward the first side X1 in the transfer direction while the pressing portion 43 is pressing the pressed portion 8. In this embodiment, the return structure is linked to the movement of the transport vehicle 4 by attracting the movable support portion 61c to the transport vehicle 4. For example, the return structure is configured so that one of the movable support portion 61c and the transport vehicle 4 attracts the other. The return structure is configured, for example, by fixing a permanent magnet to the pressing portion 43 and making the pressed portion 8 out of a magnetic material. It is also possible to provide an electromagnet on the transport vehicle 4 to simplify the configuration of the second support base 6 and arbitrarily set the timing of attraction. In this case, the return structure is configured, for example, by fixing an electromagnet to the pressing portion 43 and making the pressed portion 8 out of a magnetic material. Then, for example, by operating the electromagnet using a control system described later, the pressed portion 8 can be attracted to the pressed portion 8 .

[0046] [Control System] The control system controls at least the transport vehicle 4. In detail, the control system assigns to each transport vehicle 4 a transport task that specifies a location where the transport vehicle 4 receives the transport object B and a designated location including a destination to which the transport vehicle 4 transports the transport object B. The designated location includes the support device 5. When a specific support device 5 is designated as the designated location, the transport vehicle 4 assigned the transport task transports the transport object B to the designated support device 5 and hands over the transport object B to the support device 5. Furthermore, the location where the transport vehicle 4 receives the transport object B includes the support device 5. When a specific support device 5 is designated as the location where the transport vehicle 4 receives the transport object B, the transport vehicle 4 assigned the transport task transports the transport object B to the designated location after receiving the transport object B at the designated support device 5.

[0047] The control system includes, for example, a host control device (not shown) that manages the entire conveyance facility 1 and a vehicle control device (not shown) that controls each conveyance vehicle 4. The host control device and the vehicle control device are configured to communicate with each other. The host control device assigns conveyance tasks to the vehicle control devices (conveyance vehicles 4). The vehicle control devices assigned conveyance tasks control various devices and the like provided therein according to the conveyance tasks. The host control device and the vehicle control device each include, for example, a processor such as a microcomputer, peripheral circuits such as memory, and the like. Each process or function is realized by cooperation between this hardware and a program executed on a processor such as a computer. Hereinafter, the process of the control system will not be strictly defined as being performed by either the host control device or the vehicle control device, and the process performed by either the host control device or the vehicle control device will be referred to as the process of the control system.

[0048] The processing of the control system will be described below with reference to Figures 6 to 8. The control system executes, for the transport vehicle 4, a process (handover process) for the transport vehicle 4 to hand over the transport object B to the support device 5, and a process (receiving process) for the transport vehicle 4 to receive the transport object B from the support device 5. In this embodiment, when the control system executes the handover process, an empty container for storing the item G is supported on the support device 5. The supply system supplies the item G to the empty container supported on the support device 5 by the control system executing the handover process. Then, when the control system executes the receiving process, the transport vehicle 4 transports the container containing the item G, i.e., the transport object B, to a specified location while being supported by the support device 5.

[0049] [Transfer Process] In the transfer process, the control system moves the transport vehicle 4, with the transport object B supported by the first support platform 42, to a reference position that is in a reference positional relationship with the support device 5 specified by the transport task. Then, as shown in FIG. 6 , with the transport vehicle 4 positioned at the reference position, the control system operates the first support platform 42 to apply a driving force toward the second side X2 in the transfer direction to the bottom surface of the transport object B in contact with the first support platform 42. In the example shown in FIG. 6 , the first support platform 42 moves the transport surface 42f toward the second side X2 in the transfer direction. As a result, the transport object B supported on the transport surface 42f moves toward the second support platform 6. The first support platform 42 applies a driving force toward the second side X2 in the transfer direction to the bottom surface of the transport object B until the entire transport object B is supported by the second support platform 6.

[0050] During the transfer process, the locking mechanism 61r is preferably in a locked state. Therefore, the transport vehicle 4 is positioned away from the switch unit 67 protruding from the second support base 6 toward the first side X1 in the transfer direction. In this case, the transport vehicle 4 is positioned away from the second support base 6 by a distance sufficient to allow the transfer of the transported object B from the first support base 42 to the second support base 6. According to this configuration, when transferring the transported object B from the first support base 42 to the second support base 6, the frictional force generated between the movable support member 61c and the transported object B prevents the movable support member 61c from moving toward the second side X2 in the transfer direction. As a result, the transported object B is properly supported on the support surface 61f.

[0051] [Receiving Process] In the receiving process, the control system moves the transport vehicle 4 to a reference position. As shown in FIG. 7 , the control system moves the transport vehicle 4 from the reference position to the second side X2 in the transfer direction. Then, the control system causes the pressing unit 43 to press the pressed unit 8 toward the second side X2 in the transfer direction, and causes the first support base 42 to enter the space created by the retraction of the movable support unit 61c toward the second side X2 in the transfer direction in conjunction with the pressed unit 8. As the movable support unit 61c moves toward the second side X2 in the transfer direction, the transport object B supported by the movable support unit 61c also moves toward the second side X2 in the transfer direction together with the movable support unit 61c. After the transport object B moves toward the second side X2 in the transfer direction to a certain extent, the limiting unit 7 restricts its movement toward the second side X2 in the transfer direction. Then, the object B to be transported moves onto the transport surface 42f of the first support table 42 that has entered the space created by the movement of the movable support portion 61c.

[0052] Preferably, the control system applies a driving force toward the first side X1 in the transfer direction to the bottom surface of the transport object B in contact with the first support base 42 in the space vacated by the retraction of the movable support member 61c. In the example shown in FIG. 7, the transport surface 42f moves toward the first side X1 in the transfer direction while a portion of the transport object B is supported on the transport surface 42f. This draws the transport object B toward the transport surface 42f. As shown in FIG. 8, when the entire transport object B is supported on the transport surface 42f, the transport vehicle 4 moves toward the first side X1 in the transfer direction. In this case, due to the return mechanism, the movable support member 61c moves toward the first side X1 in the transfer direction together with the transport vehicle 4. When the movable support member 61c moving toward the first side X1 in the transfer direction reaches the support position, the pressing portion 43 and the pressed portion 8 separate. Similarly, the transport vehicle 4 separates from the switch unit 67 while the switch unit 67 is protruding. This locks the movement of the movable support part 61c in the transfer direction X. Thereafter, the transport vehicle 4 moves together with the object B to be transported to the designated location.

[0053] 2. If the first support platform 42 of the transport vehicle 4 of the transport facility of the second embodiment can support multiple transport objects B, even if the first support platform 42 is supporting one transport object B, another transport object B can be supported on the first support platform 42, enabling flexible transport of multiple transport objects B. Therefore, the transport facility 1 of the second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that it includes multiple conveyor units that support the transport objects B so that the first support platform 42 can support multiple transport objects B. Specifically, the transport facility 1 of the second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in the configurations of the first support platform 42 and the pressing unit 43. Below, the main differences between the transport facility 1 of the second embodiment and the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 9 to 11 . Note that a description of the same features of the second embodiment as those of the first embodiment will be omitted. In the description of the second embodiment, components that perform the same functions as those of the first embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals as those used in the first embodiment.

[0054] As shown in Fig. 9, the first support table 42 includes a first conveyor section 42a and a second conveyor section 42b configured to support different objects B to be transported and to move the objects B independently of each other. In the example shown in Fig. 9, the first conveyor section 42a and the second conveyor section 42b are belt conveyors configured to apply a driving force in the transfer direction X to the bottom surface of the object B to be transported. In the example shown in Fig. 9, the first conveyor section 42a and the second conveyor section 42b are arranged in series along the transfer direction X. Note that the first conveyor section 42a and the second conveyor section 42b may be independent belt conveyors, or may be independent roller conveyors, chain conveyors, or other known conveyors.

[0055] The pressing portion 43 is a part of the vehicle body 41 that covers the first conveyor portion 42a and the second conveyor portion 42b from the transfer direction X. In the example shown in Fig. 8, the pressing portion 43 is a member of the vehicle body 41 that sandwiches the first conveyor portion 42a and the second conveyor portion 42b from the transfer direction X. According to this configuration, regardless of whether the first conveyor portion 42a or the second conveyor portion 42b transfers the transported object B between the second support base 6 and the transport vehicle 4, when the transport vehicle 4 is moved in the transfer direction X, the pressing portion 43 comes into contact with the pressed portion 8.

[0056] When transferring the object B between the second support table 6 and the conveyor section (referred to as the target conveyor section) of the first conveyor section 42a or the second conveyor section 42b that is the main conveyor section for transferring the object B, the control system moves the transport vehicle 4 to a reference position. Here, the reference position is defined in the same manner as the positions and reference positional relationship between the first support table 42 and the support device 5 described in the first embodiment. Specifically, in this embodiment, the reference position is also a position where the transport vehicle 4 has a reference positional relationship with the support device 5, and where the pressing section 43 does not press the pressed section 8. In this embodiment, the reference positional relationship is a positional relationship between the transport vehicle 4 and the support device 5 where the target conveyor section is adjacent to the second support table 6 on the first side X1 in the transfer direction. After moving the transport vehicle 4 to the reference position, the control system executes either a delivery process or a receiving process.

[0057] Hereinafter, the delivery process and receiving process of the transport vehicle 4 of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 9 to 11 . FIGS. 9 to 11 show an example of control of the transport vehicle 4 of this embodiment. In detail, FIGS. 9 to 11 show an example of a series of processes of a control system that executes a delivery process for the transport vehicle 4 to deliver the transport object B supported by the second conveyor unit 42b to the second support platform 6 after a receiving process for the first conveyor unit 42a to receive the transport object B from the second support platform 6. Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, the transport object B received by the first conveyor unit 42a from the second support platform 6 will be referred to as the first transport object B1, and the transport object B delivered by the second conveyor unit 42b to the second support platform 6 will be referred to as the second transport object B2. Furthermore, the second support table 6 that transfers the first transport object B1 to the first conveyor section 42a and the second support table 6 that receives the second transport object B2 from the second support table 6 may be the same or different.

[0058] 9 to 11 , although not shown, the control system starts processing from a state in which the second support table 6 supports the first transport object B1 and the second conveyor unit 42b supports the second transport object B2. In a receiving process in which the first conveyor unit 42a receives the first transport object B1 from the second support table 6, the control system moves the transport vehicle 4 to a reference position, with the first conveyor unit 42a as the target conveyor unit. The control system then moves the transport vehicle 4 in the second transfer direction X2 until the first conveyor unit 42a is in a state in which it supports the first transport object B1. When moving the transport vehicle 4 in the second transfer direction X2, the control system may apply a driving force toward the first transfer direction X1 to the bottom surface of the first transport object B1 in contact with the first conveyor unit 42a, similar to the first support table 42 described in the first embodiment. After the first conveyor section 42a receives the first transport object B1 in this manner, as shown in Figure 9, the control system moves the transport vehicle 4 to the first side X1 in the transfer direction, and moves the transport vehicle 4 away from the second support table 6.

[0059] In a transfer process in which the second conveyor unit 42b transfers the second object B2 to the second support platform 6, the control system moves the transport vehicle 4 to a reference position, with the second conveyor unit 42b as the target conveyor unit. In FIG. 10 , the transport vehicle 4 rotates about an axis extending in the vertical direction so that the second conveyor unit 42b is positioned adjacent to the second support platform 6 on the first side X1 in the transfer direction. Then, as shown in FIG. 11 , with the transport vehicle 4 positioned at the reference position, the control system applies a driving force toward the second side X2 in the transfer direction to the bottom surface of the second object B2 in contact with the second conveyor unit 42b. As a result, the second object B2 is supported on the second support platform 6.

[0060] 3. Other Embodiments Next, other embodiments of the conveying facility 1 will be described.

[0061] (1) In the present embodiment, the conveying equipment 1 has been described as including a supply system. The supply system has been described as including a supply unit 2 and a supply vehicle 22. However, the supply system does not have to be composed of only mechanical devices as long as it can cause the support device 5 to support the objects B to be conveyed. For example, the supply system may be configured so that a worker conveys at least a portion of the objects B to the support device 5.

[0062] (2) In the present embodiment, the conveying table 3 is described as including a conveying mechanism. However, the conveying mechanism is not an essential component of the conveying table 3, and any configuration may be used as long as the conveying table 3 can transport the item from the destination to the support device 5. For example, the conveying table 3 may not include a conveying mechanism and may be an inclined structure overall so that the destination is located lower than the source. With this configuration, the item G placed at the destination can slide on the receiving surface 32 by its own weight and be moved onto the second support table 6, thereby simplifying the structure of the conveying table 3 and, ultimately, the structure of the entire facility.

[0063] (3) In the present embodiment, the transport vehicle 4 is described as moving by traveling on a floor surface. However, this does not mean that the transport vehicle 4 is limited to traveling on a floor surface, and the transport vehicle 4 may have any configuration as long as it is movable. For example, the transport vehicle 4 may be configured to move along a track suspended from the floor surface or the ceiling.

[0064] (4) In the present embodiment, the pressing portion 43 is described as a part of the vehicle body 41 that covers the first support base 42. However, the pressing portion 43 is not limited to a part of the vehicle body 41. For example, the pressing portion 43 may be a dedicated member that is supported on the vehicle body 41 below the first support base 42 and has only the function of pressing the support device 5. The pressing portion 43 may also be configured to be able to retract from the surface of the vehicle body 41. In other words, the pressing portion 43 may be provided with a pressing drive mechanism that drives the pressing portion 43 to retract in the transfer direction X, and may be supported on the vehicle body 41 via the pressing drive mechanism.

[0065] (5) In the present embodiment, the entire second support base 6 is described as the movable support portion 61c. However, a portion of the second support base 6 on the first side X1 in the transfer direction may be the movable support portion 61c. In other words, the second support base 6 may be configured such that the portion on the second side X2 in the transfer direction is a fixed support portion that does not move in the transfer direction X, and the portion on the first side X1 in the transfer direction relative to the fixed support portion is the movable support portion 61c.

[0066] (6) In the present embodiment, the pressed portion 8 is described as being fixed to the movable support portion 61 c. However, the pressed portion 8 may be configured to be coupled to the movable support portion 61 c via a power transmission mechanism such as a link mechanism or a gear mechanism so as to move in conjunction with the movable support portion 61 c.

[0067] (7) In the present embodiment, the movable support member 61c is described as retracting by sliding parallel to the support surface 61f. However, the movable support member 61c may be configured to retract by swinging downward. In such a configuration, the swing axis is an axis that is aligned horizontally and perpendicular to the transfer direction X, and is located at the center of the second support base 6 in the transfer direction X.

[0068] (8) In the present embodiment, the limiting unit 7 limits the range in which the transport object B can move toward the first side X1 in the transfer direction. However, the limiting unit 7 may limit the transport object B so that it cannot move at all toward the first side X1 in the transfer direction.

[0069] (9) In the present embodiment, the return structure has been described as a structure that attracts the movable support portion 61c to the transport vehicle 4. However, the return structure may be a structure that urges the movable support portion 61c toward the first side X1 in the transfer direction by a tension coil spring or a compression coil spring. Furthermore, if the return structure is configured so that the movable support portion 61c retracts by swinging downward, the return structure may be a structure that urges the movable support portion 61c upward around the swing axis of the movable support portion 61c by a torsion coil spring.

[0070] (10) In the present embodiment, the inclined portion 61t is formed only at the end of the support surface 61f on the first side X1 in the transfer direction. However, the inclined portion 61t may be formed on the entire support surface 61f. In this case, the end of the support surface 61f on the first side X1 in the transfer direction is at the uppermost position, and the support surface 61f is gradually positioned lower as it moves toward the second side X2 in the transfer direction.

[0071] (11) In the second embodiment, the pressing unit 43 is described as a part of the vehicle body 41 that sandwiches the first conveyor unit 42 a and the second conveyor unit 42 b in the transfer direction X. However, in the second embodiment, the pressing unit 43 may be provided on one side of the vehicle body 41 in the transfer direction X when the transport vehicle 4 is configured to include a turning mechanism that turns the first support base 42 around a turning axis along the up-down direction. In this case, the transport vehicle 4 that transfers the transport object B to and from the support device 5 approaches the support device 5 so that the pressing unit 43 faces the pressed unit 8. Then, the control system operates the turning mechanism so that the target conveyor unit is positioned close to the support device 5.

[0072] (12) In the second embodiment, the control system executes the receiving process using the first conveyor unit 42a as the target conveyor unit and executes the handover process using the second conveyor unit 42b as the target conveyor unit. However, the control system may execute the handover process using the first conveyor unit 42a as the target conveyor unit, or execute the receiving process using the second conveyor unit 42b as the target conveyor unit.

[0073] (13) Note that 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.

[0074] 4. Summary of the Present Embodiment The following provides a summary of the embodiment relating to the transport facility described above.

[0075] The transport facility is a transport facility including a transport vehicle that transports an object to be transported and a support device configured to support the object to be transported, wherein the transport vehicle includes a moving vehicle body, a first support base that is supported by the vehicle body and supports the bottom surface of the object to be transported, and a pressing unit supported by the vehicle body, and the support device includes a second support base that supports the bottom surface of the object to be transported and is configured so that at least a portion of a movable support unit can move, a limiting unit that limits the movement of the object to be transported that is supported by the support base, and a pressed unit that is pressed by the pressing unit, and wherein a specific direction along the horizontal direction is a transfer direction, one side of the transfer direction is a first transfer direction side, and the other side of the transfer direction is a second transfer direction side, and the first support base is adjacent to the second support base on the first transfer direction side. With the positional relationship between the vehicle and the support device as a reference positional relationship, the pressing portion is configured to move together with the first support base toward the second transfer direction in conjunction with the vehicle body moving toward the second transfer direction side, the pressed portion is positioned opposite the pressing portion from the second transfer direction side in the reference positional relationship state, the movable support portion is configured to retract toward the second transfer direction side in conjunction with the pressed portion being pressed toward the second transfer direction side by the pressing portion, the second support base is configured to allow the first support base to enter the space created by the movable support portion retracting toward the second transfer direction side, and the limiting portion is configured to limit the movement of the transported object supported by the second support base toward the second transfer direction side.

[0076] According to this characteristic configuration, there is no need to provide a drive device for moving the movable support member on the support device side. The object supported on the second support platform can be transferred to the first support platform by moving the transport vehicle. That is, by moving the vehicle body toward the second transfer direction with the pressing member and the pressed member facing each other, the movement of the object toward the second transfer direction is restricted. The pressed member is pressed toward the second transfer direction, causing the movable support member to retract toward the second transfer direction, and the first support platform enters the space created by the retraction of the movable support member. This allows the object to move from the second support platform toward the first support platform, allowing it to be transferred from the second support platform to the first support platform. Therefore, this configuration facilitates simplifying the configuration of the support device for transferring the object to and from the transport vehicle.

[0077] Furthermore, it is preferable that the position of the movable support part at which the movable support part can support the transported object is defined as a support position, and the movable support part is configured to protrude toward the first side in the transfer direction and return to the support position in conjunction with the transport vehicle moving toward the first side in the transfer direction from a state in which the pressing part is pressing the pressed part.

[0078] According to this configuration, after the pressing of the pressing part of the transport vehicle against the pressed part is released, the movable support part can automatically return to the supporting position. Therefore, after the transport vehicle takes away the transport object received from the support device, the support device can appropriately support another transport object on the second support base.

[0079] Furthermore, it is preferable that the first support table is configured so that a driving force toward the first side in the transfer direction can be applied to the bottom surface of the object to be transported that is in contact with the first support table while in the reference position relationship.

[0080] According to this configuration, the object to be transported supported on the second support platform can be transferred to the first support platform using the driving force of the transport vehicle. That is, the object to be transported can be moved from the side of the second support platform to the side of the first support platform while the driving force of the first support platform is applied to the bottom surface of the object to be transported. Therefore, it is easy to transfer the object from the second support platform to the first support platform.

[0081] Furthermore, in a configuration in which a driving force toward the first side in the transfer direction can be applied to the bottom surface of the transport object that is in contact with the first support table when the first support table is in the reference position relationship, it is preferable that the first support table is equipped with a first conveyor section and a second conveyor section that are each configured to support different transport objects and to move the transport objects independently of each other.

[0082] This configuration allows the transport vehicle to transport multiple objects and to independently transfer the objects to the support device. Therefore, for example, the transport vehicle can receive an object from the second support table of the support device and then transfer another object to the second support table, which is no longer supporting the object. Furthermore, for example, the transport vehicle can transport two objects and transfer them to two support devices, or move with neither the first nor the second conveyor unit supporting an object and receive objects from two support devices. This facilitates improving the efficiency of transporting objects by the transport vehicle.

[0083] Furthermore, when the transport vehicle receives the object to be transported from the support device, it moves to a reference position which is a position that is in the reference positional relationship with the support device and where the pressing portion does not press the pressed portion, and by moving the vehicle body from the reference position toward the second side in the transfer direction, the pressing portion presses the pressed portion toward the second side in the transfer direction, and the first support base enters the space created by the movable support portion retracting toward the second side in the transfer direction in conjunction with the pressed portion, and the first support base preferably applies a driving force toward the first side in the transfer direction to the bottom surface of the object to be transported that is in contact with the first support base.

[0084] According to this configuration, the transport vehicle can receive the transport object from the support device by moving the body of the transport vehicle from the reference position to the second side in the transfer direction and by operating the first support base. Therefore, the transfer of the transport object from the support device to the transport vehicle can be achieved by a support device with a simple configuration.

[0085] Furthermore, the first support table is configured to be able to apply a driving force toward the second side in the transfer direction to the bottom surface of the object to be transported that is in contact with the first support table while in the reference position relationship, and when the transport vehicle hands over the object to the support device, it moves to a reference position that is a position that is in the reference position relationship with the support device and where the pressing portion does not press the pressed portion, and it is preferable to operate the first support table at the reference position so that a driving force toward the second side in the transfer direction is applied to the bottom surface of the object to be transported that is supported by the first support table.

[0086] According to this configuration, the object can be handed over from the transport vehicle to the support device by using the operation of the first support base of the transport vehicle, which makes it easy to simplify the configuration of the support device for transferring the object to and from the transport vehicle.

[0087] Furthermore, when the transport vehicle is in a reference position where it is in the reference positional relationship with the support device and where the pressing portion does not press the pressed portion, it is preferable that the surface of the first support table that supports the object to be transported is located higher than the support surface that is the surface of the second support table, and at least the end of the support surface on the first side in the transfer direction is inclined so as to move upward as it moves toward the first side in the transfer direction.

[0088] According to this configuration, when the transport vehicle delivers the transport object to the support device, the transport object is less likely to return from the support platform to the first support platform. Also, when the transport vehicle receives the transport object from the support device, the transport object can be lifted upward as the movable support unit retracts toward the second transfer direction. This makes it easier to move the transport object onto the first support platform.

[0089] The technology disclosed herein can be used in a transport facility that includes a transport vehicle that transports an object to be transported and a support device that supports the object to be transported.

[0090] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1: Conveying equipment 4: Conveying vehicle 5: Supporting device 6: Second support base 7: Restricting portion 8: Pressed portion 41: Vehicle body 42: First support base 42a: First conveyor portion 42b: Second conveyor portion 43: Pressing portion 61c: Movable support portion 61f: Support surface B: Conveying object X: Transfer direction X1: First transfer direction side X2: Second transfer direction side

Claims

1. A transport facility comprising: a transport vehicle for transporting an object to be transported; and a support device configured to support the object to be transported, wherein the transport vehicle comprises: a moving vehicle body; a first support base supported on the vehicle body and supporting the bottom surface of the object to be transported; and a pressing section supported on the vehicle body, wherein the support device comprises: a second support base that supports the bottom surface of the object to be transported and is configured so that at least a portion of a movable support section can move; a limiting section that limits the movement of the object to be transported supported on the second support base; and a pressed section that is pressed by the pressing section, wherein a specific direction along the horizontal direction is defined as a transfer direction, one side of the transfer direction is defined as a first transfer direction side, and the other side of the transfer direction is defined as a second transfer direction side, and the positional relationship between the transport vehicle and the support device in which the first support base is adjacent to the second support base on the first transfer direction side is defined as a reference positional relationship, a conveying facility in which the pressing portion is configured to move together with the first support base toward the second transfer direction in conjunction with the vehicle body moving toward the second transfer direction; the pressed portion is arranged at a position facing the pressing portion from the second transfer direction side in the reference positional relationship; the movable support portion is configured to retract toward the second transfer direction side in conjunction with the pressed portion being pressed toward the second transfer direction side by the pressing portion; the second support base is configured to allow the first support base to enter a space created by the movable support portion retracting toward the second transfer direction side; and the limiting portion is configured to limit the movement of the object to be conveyed supported by the second support base toward the second transfer direction side.

2. The conveying equipment according to claim 1, wherein the position of the movable support part at which the movable support part can support the object to be conveyed is defined as a support position, and the movable support part is configured to protrude toward the first side in the transfer direction and return to the support position in conjunction with the conveying vehicle moving toward the first side in the transfer direction from a state in which the pressing part is pressing the pressed part.

3. The conveying equipment described in claim 1, wherein the first support table is configured to apply a driving force toward the first side in the transfer direction to the bottom surface of the object to be conveyed that is in contact with the first support table in the reference positional relationship state.

4. The conveying equipment described in claim 3, wherein the first support platform is provided with a first conveyor section and a second conveyor section each configured to support a different object to be conveyed and to move the object to be conveyed independently of each other.

5. The conveying equipment described in claim 3 or 4, wherein, when receiving the object to be conveyed from the support device, the conveying vehicle moves to a reference position which is a position in the reference positional relationship with the support device and where the pressing portion does not press the pressed portion, and by moving the vehicle body from the reference position toward the second side in the transfer direction, the pressing portion presses the pressed portion toward the second side in the transfer direction, and the first support platform enters into the space created by the movable support portion retracting toward the second side in the transfer direction in conjunction with the pressed portion, and the first support platform applies a driving force toward the first side in the transfer direction to the bottom surface of the object to be conveyed which is in contact with the first support platform.

6. The conveying equipment described in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the first support table is configured to be able to apply a driving force toward the second side in the transfer direction to the bottom surface of the object to be conveyed that is in contact with the first support table while in the reference position relationship, and when the conveying vehicle hands over the object to the support device, it moves to a reference position that is a position that is in the reference position relationship with the support device and where the pressing portion does not press the pressed portion, and the first support table is operated at the reference position so as to apply a driving force toward the second side in the transfer direction to the bottom surface of the object to be conveyed that is supported by the first support table.

7. A conveying facility as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, when the conveying vehicle is in a reference position where it has the reference positional relationship with the support device and where the pressing portion does not press the pressed portion, the surface of the first support table that supports the object to be conveyed is positioned above the support surface that is the surface of the second support table, and at least the end of the support surface on the first side in the transfer direction is inclined so as to move upward as it moves towards the first side in the transfer direction.

Images