Transport facility

Abstract

A transport facility (10) is provided with: a first transport vehicle (20) having a first raising / lowering part that raises and lowers a first support surface (20a) between a first position and a second position; a second transport vehicle (30) having a pair of second carriage leg parts (36); and a support base (50) having a transport object support surface (50a) that supports a transport object (W) at a side (Z1) lower than the first support surface (20a) at the first position and at a side (Z1) higher than the first support surface (20a) at the second position. Among four columns (53), a pair of adjacent columns (53) are defined as a first column set. A first outer interval (C1) is set such that the pair of columns (53) constituting the first column set cannot relatively enter the inner side between the pair of second carriage leg parts (36). A first inner interval (C2) is larger than a first outer dimension (A1), and a second outer interval (D1) is smaller than a second inner dimension (B2). A second inner interval (D2) is set such that the first transport vehicle (20) cannot pass therethrough.

Description

Transport Facility

[0001] The present invention relates to a transport facility including a support base for supporting a transported object.

[0002] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 03-207630 (Patent Document 1) describes a transport facility including a support base (10) and a transport vehicle (45). In this transport facility, abutting stoppers (51, 52) against which a transported object (46) carried by the transport vehicle (45) abuts are erected near the support base (10).

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 03-207630

[0004] In the transport facility of Patent Document 1, the arrangement and shape of the support base and the stopper are set according to the shape and dimensions of the transport vehicle. However, depending on the transport facility, there may be cases where a plurality of types of transport vehicles transport transported objects. In such a case, providing different support bases for each type of transport vehicle may cause problems such as an increase in the ground contact area of the transport facility and a decrease in transport efficiency due to properly using a plurality of types of support bases.

[0005] Therefore, it is desired to realize a transport facility in which a plurality of types of transport vehicles can appropriately transport transported objects using a common support base.

[0006] The conveying equipment according to this disclosure comprises a first conveying vehicle that travels on a travel surface to convey an object, a second conveying vehicle that travels on the travel surface to convey the object, and a support base that supports the object, wherein the direction perpendicular to the first travel direction, which is the travel direction of the first conveying vehicle when viewed from above, is defined as the first width direction, the direction perpendicular to the second travel direction, which is the travel direction of the second conveying vehicle when viewed from above, is defined as the second width direction, one side of the second travel direction is defined as the first side of the second travel direction, and the other side of the second travel direction is defined as the second side of the second travel direction, and the first conveying vehicle supports the object from below. The second transport vehicle comprises a first support surface, a first lifting unit for raising and lowering the first support surface between a first position and a second position lower than the first position, and a first trolley unit on which the first lifting unit is mounted and which is positioned below the first support surface and overlapping with the first support surface when viewed in the vertical direction. The second transport vehicle comprises a second support unit for supporting the transported object, a second trolley body unit positioned on the second side in the second travel direction relative to the second support unit, and a second trolley body unit positioned spaced outward in the second width direction relative to the second support unit and on the first side in the second travel direction relative to the second trolley body unit. The support base comprises a pair of second trolley legs formed to protrude, and the support base comprises four support columns that extend vertically so as to intersect with the running surface and are arranged at positions corresponding to the four corners of a square shape when viewed vertically, and a transport object support surface that is supported by the four support columns and is located below the first support surface at the first position and above the first support surface at the second position, and the larger of the first external dimension of the first trolley portion in the first width direction and the first external dimension of the first support surface in the first width direction is defined as the first external dimension, and the pair of the second trolleys The second internal dimension of the vehicle leg in the second width direction is defined as the second internal dimension, and of the four support columns, a pair of adjacent support columns is defined as the first support column set, and a pair of adjacent support columns in a different combination from the first support column set is defined as the second support column set, and the internal dimension of the distance between the pair of support columns constituting the first support column set is defined as the first internal distance, and the external dimension of the distance between the pair of support columns constituting the first support column set is defined as the first external distance, and the internal dimension of the distance between the pair of support columns constituting the second support column set is defined as the second internal distance, and the external dimension of the distance between the pair of support columns constituting the second support column set is defined as the second external distance, and the first external distance is,The pair of support columns constituting the first support column assembly are spaced so that they cannot relatively enter the inside of the pair of second trolley legs, the first inner spacing is greater than the first outer dimension, the second outer spacing is smaller than the second inner dimension, and the second inner spacing is such that the first transport vehicle cannot pass through.

[0007] With this configuration, the first support surface and the first trolley section of the first transport vehicle can pass between the first column assembly and reach the area inside the four columns. Therefore, by raising and lowering the first support surface, the transported goods can be appropriately transferred between the first transport vehicle and the support base, and the transported goods can be appropriately loaded into and unloaded from the support base. In addition, since the pair of second trolley legs of the second transport vehicle can pass outside the second column assembly, the transported goods can be appropriately loaded into and unloaded from the support base. Furthermore, by arranging the first column assembly in a manner suitable for the first transport vehicle and the second column assembly in a manner suitable for the second transport vehicle, and by using different directions for approaching and moving away from the support base for the first and second transport vehicles, the first and second transport vehicles, which have different structures, can simultaneously transport transported goods appropriately using a common support base.

[0008] Perspective view of the conveying equipment according to the first embodiment Top view of the first transport vehicle according to the first embodiment Cross-sectional view of the first transport vehicle according to the first embodiment Perspective view of the second transport vehicle according to the first embodiment Bottom view of the second transport vehicle according to the first embodiment Top view of the conveying equipment according to the first embodiment Figure showing the second transport vehicle of the first embodiment supporting the transported object Figure showing the support base of the first embodiment supporting the transported object Figure showing the first transport vehicle of the first embodiment supporting the transported object Top view of the conveying equipment according to the second embodiment Top view of the conveying equipment according to the third embodiment Top view of the conveying equipment according to the fourth embodiment

[0009] [First Embodiment] Hereinafter, a conveying equipment 10 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. Figure 1 is a perspective view showing an example of the conveying equipment 10. The conveying equipment 10 is installed in facilities such as warehouses, factories, ships, etc. The conveying equipment 10 includes a support base 50 that supports the conveyed object W. Examples of conveyed object W include pallets, skids, containers, machine parts, goods, etc. The conveyed object W includes a mounting base W1 which is a pallet or skid. In this embodiment, the mounting base W1 is a pallet and is provided with an insertion opening W1a into which the forks of a forklift are inserted. In this embodiment, the conveyed object W includes a conveyed container W2.

[0010] Figure 2 is a top view showing an example of the first transport vehicle 20. The transport equipment 10 includes a first transport vehicle 20 that travels on a travel surface 11 to transport the transported object W. The first transport vehicle 20 may travel on a travel surface 11 provided on a frame, or it may travel on rails provided on the travel surface 11. In this embodiment, the travel surface 11 on which the first transport vehicle 20 travels is the floor. Examples of the first transport vehicle 20 include a manned transport vehicle, an unmanned transport vehicle, an autonomous transport vehicle, a transport vehicle operated by remote control, etc. In this embodiment, the first transport vehicle 20 is an autonomous unmanned transport vehicle.

[0011] Here, the direction perpendicular to the first travel direction Xa, which is the travel direction of the first transport vehicle 20 when viewed from above, is defined as the first width direction Ya. Also, one side of the first travel direction Xa is defined as the first side Xa1 of the first travel direction, and the other side of the first travel direction Xa is defined as the second side Xa2 of the first travel direction. In this embodiment, the first transport vehicle 20 can travel in both the first side Xa1 and the second side Xa2 of the first travel direction.

[0012] The first transport vehicle 20 includes a first support surface 20a that supports the transported object W from below Z2, and a first lifting unit 23 that raises and lowers the first support surface 20a between a first position and a second position lower Z2 than the first position. The first position is higher than the transported object support surface 50a, which will be described later. The second position is lower than the transported object support surface 50a, which will be described later.

[0013] The first support surface 20a is provided on the upper surface of the first support portion 22 of the first transport vehicle 20. In this embodiment, the first support portion 22 has the function of a turntable that rotates the transported object W around a rotation axis along the vertical direction Z.

[0014] The first transport vehicle 20 is equipped with a loading section 20b on which the transported object W is placed. In this embodiment, the first lifting section 23 raises the first support surface 20a to a position higher and lower than the upper surface of the loading section 20b. In this embodiment, the upper surface of the loading section 20b is positioned lower than the second position described above.

[0015] The first transport vehicle 20 includes a first trolley section 25 positioned below the first support surface 20a at a position Z2 and overlapping with the first support surface 20a in a vertical view. The first trolley section 25 is equipped with a first support section 22. The first trolley section 25 is equipped with a first lifting section 23.

[0016] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the arrangement of the drive wheels 26 and other components of the first transport vehicle 20. The first chassis 25 has drive wheels 26. The first chassis 25 is equipped with a drive motor 27 that drives the drive wheels 26. The first chassis 25 is equipped with a power storage device 28 that stores the power supplied to the drive motor 27. Examples of the power storage device 28 include batteries, capacitors, batteries and capacitors, etc. The first chassis 25 has driven wheels. The driven wheels include a first driven wheel 29a and a second driven wheel 29b. In this embodiment, the drive wheels 26 and the driven wheels are arranged side by side in the front-rear direction of the first transport vehicle 20. In this embodiment, the front-rear direction of the first transport vehicle 20 is the first travel direction Xa.

[0017] In this embodiment, the first bogie section 25 has a pair of drive wheels 26 that can rotate in opposite directions. In this embodiment, the rotation of the pair of drive wheels 26 in opposite directions allows the entire first bogie section 25 to pivot around the first pivot axis M1. In this embodiment, the first pivot axis M1 and the rotation axis of the turntable of the first support section 22 are coaxial.

[0018] Figure 4 is a perspective view showing an example of a second transport vehicle 30. The transport equipment 10 includes a second transport vehicle 30 that travels on a travel surface 11 to transport the transported object W. The second transport vehicle 30 may travel on a travel surface 11 provided on a frame, or it may travel on rails provided on the travel surface 11. In this embodiment, the travel surface 11 on which the second transport vehicle 30 travels is the floor. In this embodiment, the travel surface 11 on which the first transport vehicle 20 travels and the travel surface 11 on which the second transport vehicle 30 travels are at the same height. Examples of the second transport vehicle 30 include a manned transport vehicle, an unmanned transport vehicle, an autonomous transport vehicle, a transport vehicle operated by remote control, etc. In this embodiment, the first transport vehicle 20 is an autonomous unmanned transport vehicle.

[0019] Here, the direction perpendicular to the second travel direction Xb, which is the travel direction of the second transport vehicle 30 when viewed from above, is defined as the second width direction Yb. Also, one side of the second travel direction Xb is defined as the first side of the second travel direction Xb1, and the other side of the second travel direction Xb is defined as the second side of the second travel direction Xb2.

[0020] The second transport vehicle 30 is equipped with a second support section 31 that supports the transported object W. In this embodiment, the second support section 31 of the second transport vehicle 30 is a fork. In the illustrated example, the second support section 31 is branched into two. The second support section 31 may be branched into three or more. Alternatively, the second support section 31 may be a single flat plate-shaped member.

[0021] Returning to Figure 1, the transported object W includes a mounting platform W1 which is a pallet or skid. The transported object W is supported by forks with the forks inserted into an insertion opening W1a provided on the mounting platform W1. In this embodiment, the mounting platform W1 is a pallet, and both the upper Z1 and lower Z2 sides of the insertion opening W1a are plate-shaped. Alternatively, the mounting platform W1 may be a skid, and the insertion opening W1a may not be a hole, and the lower Z2 may be a concave shape without a plate.

[0022] In the example shown in Figure 4, the second transport vehicle 30 is equipped with a second lifting unit 33 that raises and lowers the second support unit 31. The second lifting unit 33 is mounted on the second trolley body 35, which will be described later. The second lifting unit 33 is equipped with a winding member 33a connected to the second support unit 31. The second lifting unit 33 is equipped with a guide member 33b that guides the second support unit 31 in a direction along the vertical direction Z. The second lifting unit 33 is equipped with a guided member 33c that is connected to the second support unit 31 and guided along the vertical direction Z by the guide member 33b.

[0023] The second transport vehicle 30 includes a second trolley body 35 positioned on the second side Xb2 of the second travel direction relative to the second support portion 31. The second transport vehicle 30 also includes a pair of second trolley legs 36 positioned spaced apart on the outside in the second width direction Yb relative to the second support portion 31. The pair of second trolley legs 36 are formed to protrude from the second trolley body 35 on the first side Xb1 of the second travel direction. In this way, the dimension of the second trolley body 35 in the second travel direction Xb can be shortened compared to, for example, the case where the second trolley body 35 is made larger in order to stabilize the balance of the second transport vehicle 30 without providing a pair of second trolley legs 36 to the second transport vehicle 30.

[0024] Figure 5 is a bottom view showing an example of the second transport vehicle 30. The second transport vehicle 30 is equipped with at least one pair of first wheels 38 and at least one pair of second wheels 39. The pair of first wheels 38 are supported by the second trolley body 35. The pair of second wheels 39 are supported by a pair of second trolley legs 36. In this embodiment, two second wheels 39 are supported by each of the pair of second trolley legs 36.

[0025] The second transport vehicle 30 is equipped with a wheel drive source 43. The wheel drive source 43 drives at least one of the pair of first wheels 38 and the pair of second wheels 39. In this embodiment, the pair of first wheels 38 are the drive wheels of the second transport vehicle 30. In this embodiment, the pair of second wheels 39 are the driven wheels of the second transport vehicle 30. The second transport vehicle 30 is equipped with a pair of wheel drive sources 43 so that each of the pair of first wheels 38 can be driven independently.

[0026] The second bogie body 35 is equipped with a swivel support section 47. The swivel support section 47 supports the first wheel 38 so that it can rotatably move around a second swivel axis M2 along the vertical direction Z. The pair of wheel drive sources 43 drive the pair of first wheels 38 so that they rotate at the same speed and in opposite directions, thereby allowing the pair of first wheels 38 to swivel around the second swivel axis M2. The swivel trajectory Q2 shown in Figure 5 is the swivel trajectory of the first wheel 38 around the second swivel axis M2.

[0027] Figure 6 is a top view showing an example of the conveying equipment 10 of this embodiment. In Figure 6, the conveyed object support section 51 and the guide section 58 of the support base 50 are shown by thin dashed lines. The conveyed object support surface 50a is shown as a single virtual surface by a thick dashed line.

[0028] The support base 50 has a conveying object support surface 50a that supports the conveying object W at a position Z2 below the first support surface 20a at the first position and Z1 above the first support surface 20a at the second position. The conveying object support surface 50a is formed by the upper surface of the conveying object support portion 51 provided on the support base 50. The support base 50 has four support columns 53. The conveying object support surface 50a is supported by the four support columns 53.

[0029] In this embodiment, the upper end of the first transport vehicle 20 is lower than the transport object support surface 50a when the first support surface 20a is in the second position. In this embodiment, four support columns 53 are arranged so that the entire first transport vehicle 20 can fit inside the transport object support surface 50a when viewed in the vertical direction. In this embodiment, the transport object support surface 50a is configured to support only one transport object W, but the transport object support surface 50a may be configured to support multiple transport objects W.

[0030] In the example shown in Figure 6, the rotational trajectory Q1 of the first bogie section 25 around the first pivot axis M1 is shown by a dashed line. In this embodiment, the four support columns 53 are positioned outside the rotational trajectory Q1. Each of the four support columns 53 is made of a material that is resistant to horizontal deformation, for example. Examples of materials for the four support columns 53 include metal, wood, highly rigid resin, etc.

[0031] As shown in Figures 1 and 6, the support base 50 comprises a plurality of transported object support sections 51, each supported by one or more support columns 53. In this embodiment, the plurality of transported object support sections 51 are each supported by different support columns 53. The transported object support surface 50a is formed by a plurality (four in the illustrated example) of transported object support sections 51. The transported object support surface 50a is positioned above the four support columns 53 in Z1.

[0032] As shown in Figures 1 and 6, the support base 50 is equipped with a plurality of guide sections 58 that restrict the horizontal movement of the mounting base W1. In this embodiment, the support base 50 is equipped with four guide sections 58 that restrict the horizontal movement of the mounting base W1. In this embodiment, each of the plurality of guide sections 58 is provided on the upper surface of the transported object support section 51. In this embodiment, the plurality of guide sections 58 are supported by a plurality of support columns 53. In the illustrated example, each of the plurality of guide sections 58 is supported by a plurality of different support columns 53.

[0033] The positions of the four guide sections 58 are arranged to correspond to the positions of the four corners of the mounting platform W1, regardless of the positions of the four support columns 53. Each of the four guide sections 58 restricts the outward movement of the mounting platform W1 in two orthogonal directions within the horizontal direction. In this embodiment, the four guide sections 58 are arranged to correspond to the positions of the four corners of the conveyed object support surface 50a.

[0034] The support base 50 is equipped with four support columns 53, which are positioned at locations corresponding to the four corners of a square shape when viewed from above. The four support columns 53 extend in the vertical direction Z so as to intersect with the running surface 11. The four support columns 53 may be mounted on a frame located above Z1 or below Z2 of the running surface 11, or they may also serve as support columns for other structures. In this embodiment, the four support columns 53 are erected on the running surface 11.

[0035] Of the four support columns 53, adjacent pairs of support columns 53 are designated as the first support column pair, and adjacent pairs of support columns 53 in a different combination from the first support column pair are designated as the second support column pair. In this embodiment, the pair of support columns 53 in the second support column pair are each different from the pair of support columns 53 in the first support column pair.

[0036] The larger of the outer dimension Ya in the first width direction of the first bogie section 25 and the outer dimension Ya in the first width direction of the first support surface 20a is defined as the first outer dimension A1. The outer dimension Yb in the second width direction of the pair of second bogie legs 36 is defined as the second outer dimension B1. The inner dimension Yb in the second width direction of the pair of second bogie legs 36 is defined as the second inner dimension B2. The outer dimension Yb in the second width direction of the second support section 31 is defined as the fourth outer dimension B4.

[0037] In this embodiment, the first external dimension A1 is the external dimension of the first chassis 25 in the first width direction Ya. In this embodiment, the third external dimension A3, which is the external dimension of the first chassis 25 in the first travel direction Xa, is larger than the first external dimension A1. In this embodiment, the first external dimension A1 of the first transport vehicle 20 is smaller than the second internal dimension B2 of the second transport vehicle 30. In this embodiment, the first external dimension A1 of the first transport vehicle 20 is larger than the fourth external dimension B4 of the second transport vehicle 30.

[0038] The outer dimension of the distance between a pair of support columns 53 constituting the first support column assembly is defined as the first outer distance C1. The first outer distance C1 is the distance at which the pair of support columns 53 constituting the first support column assembly cannot relatively enter the inside of a pair of second bogie legs 36. The distance at which the pair of support columns 53 cannot relatively enter the inside of a pair of second bogie legs 36 is a distance that is larger than the second inner dimension B2, or even if the distance is smaller than the second inner dimension B2, it is difficult for the pair of support columns 53 to stably enter the inside of a pair of second bogie legs 36 without contact with the second bogie legs 36. In this embodiment, the first outer distance C1 is larger than the second inner dimension B2.

[0039] Here, "relatively" entering the inside of the pair of second bogie legs 36 means that the position of the pair of support columns 53 relative to the pair of second bogie legs 36 changes, causing them to enter the inside of the pair of second bogie legs 36. Conversely, "relatively" exiting the inside of the pair of second bogie legs 36 means that the position of the pair of support columns 53 relative to the pair of second bogie legs 36 changes, causing them to exit the inside of the pair of second bogie legs 36. In this embodiment, the change in the position of the pair of support columns 53 relative to the pair of second bogie legs 36 occurs due to the movement of the second bogie legs 36.

[0040] Let the inner dimension of the distance between the pair of columns 53 constituting the first column set be the first inner distance C2. The first inner distance C2 is larger than the first outer dimension A1. In the present embodiment, the first inner distance C2 is a distance through which the first carrier 20 can pass. In the present embodiment, the first inner distance C2 is smaller than the third outer dimension A3. In the present embodiment, the first inner distance C2 is smaller than the second outer dimension B1.

[0041] Let the outer dimension of the distance between the pair of columns 53 constituting the second column set be the second outer distance D1. The second outer distance D1 is smaller than the second inner dimension B2.

[0042] Let the inner dimension of the distance between the pair of columns 53 constituting the second column set be the second inner distance D2. The second inner distance D2 is a distance through which the first carrier 20 cannot pass. The distance through which the first carrier 20 cannot pass means a distance smaller than the outer dimension in the first width direction Ya of the first carrier 20, or a distance where, even if the second inner distance D2 is larger than the outer dimension in the first width direction Ya of the first carrier 20, it is difficult for the first carrier 20 to pass stably without contact with the column 53. In the present embodiment, the second inner distance D2 is larger than the fourth outer dimension B4.

[0043] The outer dimension is the dimension between the surfaces facing the outside in the case where the target member is a single member. In the case where the target member is a pair of members, the outer dimension is the dimension between the surfaces facing opposite sides and facing the outside in the pair of target members. The inner dimension is the dimension between the surfaces facing opposite sides and facing the inside in the pair of target members.

[0044] Among the four columns 53, a pair of adjacent columns 53 with a combination different from the first column set and the second column set is defined as the third column set, and a pair of adjacent columns 53 with a combination different from the first column set, the second column set, and the third column set is defined as the fourth column set. In the present embodiment, the pair of columns 53 that is the third column set are columns 53 different from the pair of columns 53 that is the fourth column set, respectively.

[0045] The outer dimension of the interval between the pair of columns 53 constituting the third column group is defined as the third outer interval E1. The third outer interval E1 is an interval at which the pair of columns 53 constituting the third column group cannot relatively enter inside the pair of second bogie legs 36. In the present embodiment, the third outer interval E1 is larger than the second inner dimension B2.

[0046] The inner dimension of the interval between the pair of columns 53 constituting the third column group is defined as the third inner interval E2. The third inner interval E2 is larger than the first outer dimension A1. In the present embodiment, the third inner interval E2 is an interval through which the first carrier 20 can pass. In the present embodiment, the third inner interval E2 is smaller than the third outer dimension A3. In the present embodiment, the third inner interval E2 is smaller than the second outer dimension B1.

[0047] The outer dimension of the interval between the pair of columns 53 constituting the fourth column group is defined as the fourth outer interval F1. The fourth outer interval F1 is an interval at which the pair of columns 53 constituting the fourth column group cannot relatively enter inside the pair of second bogie legs 36. In the present embodiment, the fourth outer interval F1 is larger than the second inner dimension B2.

[0048] The inner dimension of the interval between the pair of columns 53 constituting the fourth column group is defined as the fourth inner interval F2. The fourth inner interval F2 is larger than the first outer dimension A1. In the present embodiment, the fourth inner interval F2 is an interval through which the first carrier 20 can pass. In the present embodiment, the fourth inner interval F2 is smaller than the third outer dimension A3. In the present embodiment, the fourth inner interval F2 is smaller than the second outer dimension B1.

[0049] The first outer interval C1, the first inner interval C2, the second outer interval D1, the second inner interval D2, the third outer interval E1, the third inner interval E2, the fourth outer interval F1, and the fourth inner interval F2 are intervals in the horizontal direction. Here, one direction in the horizontal direction is defined as the first direction Ua, and the direction orthogonal to the first direction Ua is defined as the second direction Ub. In the present embodiment, the direction in which the pair of columns 53 constituting the second column group are arranged is the first direction Ua. In the present embodiment, the pair of columns 53 constituting the first column group are arranged in the first direction Ua.

[0050] In this embodiment, the first outer spacing C1 and the first inner spacing C2 are the spacings in the first direction Ua, respectively. In this embodiment, the second outer spacing D1 and the second inner spacing D2 are the spacings in the first direction Ua, respectively. In this embodiment, the third outer spacing E1 and the third inner spacing E2 are the spacings in the second direction Ub, respectively. In this embodiment, the fourth outer spacing F1 and the fourth inner spacing F2 are the spacings in the second direction Ub, respectively.

[0051] In this embodiment, the difference between the inner dimensions of a pair of guide portions 58 supported by a pair of support columns 53 constituting the first support column assembly in the first direction Ua and the first outer spacing C1 is different from the difference between the inner dimensions of a pair of guide portions 58 supported by a pair of support columns 53 constituting the second support column assembly in the first direction Ua and the second outer spacing D1.

[0052] The support base 50 has a first opening 55a through which the first support portion 22 and the first trolley portion 25 can pass. In this embodiment, the first opening 55a is located between a pair of support columns 53 that constitute the first support column assembly. In this embodiment, the first opening 55a is located between a pair of support columns 53 that constitute the third support column assembly. In this embodiment, the first opening 55a is located between a pair of support columns 53 that constitute the fourth support column assembly.

[0053] In this embodiment, the first opening 55a is an opening through which the first support portion 22 and the first trolley portion 25 can pass when the first support surface 20a is higher than the conveyed object support surface 50a. In this embodiment, the first opening 55a is an opening through which the first conveyor vehicle 20, which is supporting the conveyed object W, can pass.

[0054] The support base 50 has a second opening 56 through which the second support portion 31 can pass from above Z1 to below Z2 above the conveyed object support surface 50a. In this embodiment, the second opening 56 is positioned between a pair of support columns 53 that constitute the second support column assembly. In this way, even if the conveyed object W does not have an insertion opening W1a, the conveyed object W on the conveyed object support surface 50a can be transferred.

[0055] In this embodiment, a pair of conveying support parts 51 supported by a pair of support columns 53 constituting the first support column assembly are spaced apart from each other. In this embodiment, a pair of conveying support parts 51 supported by a pair of support columns 53 constituting the second support column assembly are spaced apart from each other. In this embodiment, a pair of conveying support parts 51 supported by a pair of support columns 53 constituting the third support column assembly are spaced apart from each other. In this embodiment, a pair of conveying support parts 51 supported by a pair of support columns 53 constituting the fourth support column assembly are spaced apart from each other.

[0056] In this embodiment, the pair of guide sections 58 supported by each of the pair of support columns 53 constituting the first support column assembly are spaced apart from each other. In this embodiment, the pair of guide sections 58 supported by each of the pair of support columns 53 constituting the second support column assembly are spaced apart from each other. In this embodiment, the pair of guide sections 58 supported by each of the pair of support columns 53 constituting the third support column assembly are spaced apart from each other. In this embodiment, the pair of guide sections 58 supported by each of the pair of support columns 53 constituting the fourth support column assembly are spaced apart from each other.

[0057] The first transport vehicle 20 transfers the transport object W supported by the transport object support surface 50a onto the first support surface 20a by raising the first support surface 20a from the second position to the first position while the first support surface 20a overlaps with the transport object support surface 50a in a vertical view. The first transport vehicle 20 also transfers the transport object W supported by the first support surface 20a onto the transport object support surface 50a by lowering the first support surface 20a from the first position to the second position while the first support surface 20a overlaps with the transport object support surface 50a in a vertical view. In this embodiment, the first transport vehicle 20 is configured so that transport objects W placed directly on the running surface 11, which is the floor, cannot be transferred to the first support section 22.

[0058] The second transport vehicle 30 is configured to transfer the transported object W between the second support portion 31 and the transported object support surface 50a when viewed from above and below, with the second support portion 31 overlapping with the transported object support surface 50a. The second transport vehicle 30 in this embodiment is configured to transfer the transported object W, which is placed directly on the running surface 11 which is the floor, to the second support portion 31.

[0059] Returning to Figure 1, in this embodiment, support columns 53a and 53b constitute the first support column set. In this embodiment, support columns 53c and 53d constitute the second support column set. In this embodiment, support columns 53b and 53c constitute the third support column set. In this embodiment, support columns 53d and 53a constitute the fourth support column set.

[0060] The following describes the method of loading the transported object W onto the support base 50 by the second transport vehicle 30 and the method of unloading the transported object W from the support base 50 by the first transport vehicle 20.

[0061] Figure 7 shows an example of the state in which the second support portion 31 of the second transport vehicle 30 is supporting the transported object W. Figure 8 shows an example of the state in which the transported object support surface 50a of the support base 50 is supporting the transported object W. Figure 9 shows an example of the state in which the first support surface 20a of the first transport vehicle 20 is supporting the transported object W. In Figures 7 to 9, the support columns 53c and 53d of the support base 50, the mounting portion 20b of the first transport vehicle 20, the second trolley body portion 35 of the second transport vehicle 30, etc., are omitted.

[0062] As shown in Figure 7, the second transport vehicle 30 supports the transported object W with the second support portion 31 such that the lower surface of the transported object W (the lower surface of the mounting table W1 in the illustrated example) is at a fourth position, which is at a position Z1 above the transported object support surface 50a of the support base 50. Here, the height of the fourth position from the running surface 11 of the first transport vehicle 20 is defined as the fourth height T4. In this embodiment, the fourth height T4 is higher than the upper surface of the guide portion 58. In this embodiment, the second transport vehicle 30 travels with the second support portion 31 inserted into the insertion opening W1a. Figure 7 shows the state in which the support columns 53c and 53d are relatively inside the pair of second trolley legs 36.

[0063] As shown in Figure 8, the second transport vehicle 30 lowers the second support part 31 so that the lower surface of the transported object W moves from the fourth position to the third position. The third position is at the same height as the transported object support surface 50a of the support base 50. Here, the height of the third position from the running surface 11 of the first transport vehicle 20 is defined as the third height T3. The third height T3 is the height from the running surface 11 of the first transport vehicle 20 to the transported object support surface 50a of the support base 50. After lowering the second support part 31 further, the second transport vehicle 30 pulls the second support part 31 out of the insertion opening W1a.

[0064] The first transport vehicle 20, without supporting the transported object W, has its first support surface 20a at a second position Z2 lower than the transported object support surface 50a, and at least the first support surface 20a and the first trolley section 25 enter inside the transported object support surface 50a when viewed in the vertical direction. Here, the height of the second position of the first transport vehicle 20 from the running surface 11 is defined as the second height T2. The second height T2 is lower than the third height T3. Figure 8 shows the state in which the first transport vehicle 20 has entered inside the transported object support surface 50a when viewed in the vertical direction from between the support columns 53a and 53b.

[0065] As shown in Figure 9, the first transport vehicle 20 sets its first support surface 20a to a first position Z1 above the transport object support surface 50a from the second position, and supports the transport object W with the first support surface 20a. Figure 9 shows the state in which the first trolley section 25 is located inside the transport object support surface 50a in a vertical view, and the transport object W is supported by the first support surface 20a. Here, the height of the first position from the running surface 11 of the first transport vehicle 20 is called the first height T1. In this embodiment, the first height T1 is higher than the upper surface of the guide section 58.

[0066] The first transport vehicle 20, with the first support surface 20a in the first position and supporting the transported object W, exits through the gap between the support columns 53a and 53b. In this embodiment, the first transport vehicle 20 exits by passing between the support columns 53a and 53b with the first support surface 20a in the first position and supporting the transported object W.

[0067] The following describes the method of loading the transported object W onto the support base 50 using the first transport vehicle 20 and unloading the transported object W from the support base 50 using the second transport vehicle 30.

[0068] As shown in Figure 9, the first transport vehicle 20, with the first support surface 20a in the first position and supporting the transported object W, moves at least the first support surface 20a and the first trolley section 25 inside the transported object support surface 50a in a vertical view from between the support columns 53a and 53b. In this embodiment, the first transport vehicle 20, with the first support surface 20a in the first position and supporting the transported object W, passes between the support columns 53a and 53b and moves inside the transported object support surface 50a in a vertical view.

[0069] As shown in Figure 8, the first transport vehicle 20 moves the first support surface 20a from the first position to a second position Z2 below the transport object support surface 50a, and transfers the transport object W from the first support surface 20a to the transport object support surface 50a. Next, the first transport vehicle 20 exits the first support surface 20a and the first trolley section 25 from between the support columns 53a and 53b. In this embodiment, with the first support surface 20a in the second position and without supporting the transport object W, the first transport vehicle 20 passes between the support columns 53a and 53b and exits from the inside of the transport object support surface 50a when viewed from above.

[0070] The second transport vehicle 30 travels such that the support columns 53c and 53d relatively enter the inside of the pair of second trolley legs 36. In this embodiment, the transport vehicle travels such that the second support portion 31 is inserted into the insertion opening W1a of the transport object W when the lower surface of the transport object W supported by the transport object support surface 50a is in the third position.

[0071] As shown in Figure 7, the second transport vehicle 30 raises the second support section 31 so that the lower surface of the transported object W moves from the third position to the fourth position. Next, the second transport vehicle 30 travels such that the support columns 53c and 53d move relatively out from the inside of the pair of second trolley legs 36.

[0072] As shown in Figure 8, in the conveying equipment 10 of this embodiment, even when the first support surface 20a of the first conveying vehicle 20 is inside the conveyed object support surface 50a when viewed in the vertical direction, the second conveying vehicle 30 can load and unload the conveyed object W to and from the support base 50.

[0073] In this embodiment, the support column 53 is fixed to the running surface 11. Alternatively, the support base 50 may be a trolley in which the support column 53 is mounted on the running surface 11 via wheels. Examples of such trolleys include a four-wheeled vehicle capable of traveling on the running surface 11, a powered trolley or an unpowered trolley that travels on a track installed on the running surface 11, and so on.

[0074] In this embodiment, the dimensions of members whose dimensions change, such as cushioning material attached to the first transport vehicle 20, the second transport vehicle 30, the support column 53, etc., are not included in each of the first external dimension A1, first internal dimension A2, second external dimension B1, second internal dimension B2, third external dimension A3, fourth external dimension B4, turning trajectory Q1, first outer spacing C1, first inner spacing C2, second outer spacing D1, second inner spacing D2, third outer spacing E1, third inner spacing E2, fourth outer spacing F1, and fourth inner spacing F2.

[0075] As described above, in the conveying equipment 10 of this embodiment, the first support column assembly is arranged to suit the first transport vehicle 20, and the second support column assembly is arranged to suit the second transport vehicle 30. Compared to the case where both the first and second support column assemblies are arranged to suit both the first transport vehicle 20 and the second transport vehicle 30, the constraints on the spacing and dimensions of these support columns 53 can be reduced, and the degree of freedom for the dimensions of each of the four support columns 53 can be increased. Therefore, it becomes easier to ensure the strength of each support column 53.

[0076] [Second Embodiment] The conveying equipment 10 according to the second embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. In this embodiment, the arrangement of the support columns 53 differs from that of the first embodiment. The following description will focus on the differences from the first embodiment. Points that are not specifically described are the same as in the first embodiment. Figure 10 is a top view showing an example of the conveying equipment 10 of this embodiment.

[0077] In this embodiment, the fourth outer spacing F1 is smaller than the second inner dimension B2. In this embodiment, the fourth inner spacing F2 is a spacing that the first transport vehicle 20 cannot pass through. In this embodiment, the fourth inner spacing F2 is larger than the fourth outer dimension B4.

[0078] In this embodiment, the direction in which the pair of support columns 53 constituting the second support column assembly are aligned is the first direction Ua. In this embodiment, the direction in which the pair of support columns 53 constituting the first support column assembly are aligned is different from the first direction Ua.

[0079] In this embodiment, the first outer spacing C1 and the first inner spacing C2 are the spacings in the first direction Ua, respectively. In this embodiment, the second outer spacing D1 and the second inner spacing D2 are the spacings in the first direction Ua, respectively. In this embodiment, the third outer spacing E1 and the third inner spacing E2 are the spacings in the second direction Ub, respectively. In this embodiment, the fourth outer spacing F1 and the fourth inner spacing F2 are the spacings in the second direction Ub, respectively.

[0080] In this embodiment, the first opening 55a is positioned between a pair of support columns 53 that constitute the first support column assembly. In this embodiment, the first opening 55a is positioned between a pair of support columns 53 that constitute the third support column assembly. In this embodiment, the second opening 56 is positioned between a pair of support columns 53 that constitute the second support column assembly. In this embodiment, the second opening 56 is positioned between a pair of support columns 53 that constitute the fourth support column assembly.

[0081] [Third Embodiment] The conveying equipment 10 according to the third embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. This embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the conveyed object support surface 50a is formed by two conveyed object support parts 51. The following description will focus on the differences from the first embodiment. Points that are not specifically described are the same as in the first embodiment.

[0082] Figure 11 is a top view showing an example of the conveying equipment 10 of this embodiment. In Figure 11, the conveying object support surface 50a of the support base 50 is shown by a thin dashed line, and the conveying object support section 51 is shown by a thick dashed line. In this embodiment, the conveying object support section 51 has the function of conveying the conveying object W in at least one horizontal direction. In the illustrated example, the conveying object support section 51 conveys the conveying object W in the second direction Ub. The conveying object support surface 50a is configured to support, for example, multiple conveying objects W, but the conveying object support surface 50a may be configured to support only one conveying object W.

[0083] In this embodiment, the support base 50 further includes two support columns 53 that are different from the four support columns 53. Of the six support columns 53 provided by the support base 50, a pair of adjacent support columns 53 in a combination different from the first support column set, the second support column set, the third support column set, and the fourth support column set is designated as the fifth support column set. Of the six support columns 53 provided by the support base 50, a pair of adjacent support columns 53 in a combination different from the first support column set, the second support column set, the third support column set, the fourth support column set, and the fifth support column set is designated as the sixth support column set. Of the six support columns 53, a pair of adjacent support columns 53 in a combination different from the first support column set, the second support column set, the third support column set, the fourth support column set, the fifth support column set, and the sixth support column set is designated as the seventh support column set.

[0084] In this embodiment, the pair of support posts 53 that constitute the fifth support post group are different from the pair of support posts 53 that constitute the first support post group and the pair of support posts 53 that constitute the second support post group. In this embodiment, the pair of support posts 53 that constitute the sixth support post group are different from the pair of support posts 53 that constitute the seventh support post group.

[0085] The outer dimension of the distance between a pair of support columns 53 constituting the fifth support column assembly is defined as the fifth outer distance G1. The fifth outer distance G1 is greater than the second inner distance B2. The inner dimension of the distance between a pair of support columns 53 constituting the fifth support column assembly is defined as the fifth inner distance G2. The fifth inner distance G2 is greater than the first outer distance A1. In this embodiment, the fifth inner distance G2 is the distance through which the first transport vehicle 20 can pass. In this embodiment, the fifth inner distance G2 is smaller than the third outer distance A3. In this embodiment, the fifth inner distance G2 is smaller than the second outer distance B1.

[0086] The sixth inner spacing H2 is defined as the internal distance between a pair of support columns 53 that constitute the sixth support column assembly. The sixth inner spacing H2 is greater than the first outer dimension A1. In this embodiment, the sixth inner spacing H2 is the distance through which the first transport vehicle 20 can pass. In this embodiment, the sixth inner spacing H2 is smaller than the third outer dimension A3. In this embodiment, the sixth inner spacing H2 is smaller than the second outer dimension B1.

[0087] The seventh inner spacing I2 is defined as the internal dimension between a pair of support columns 53 that constitute the seventh support column assembly. The seventh inner spacing I2 is greater than the first outer dimension A1. In this embodiment, the seventh inner spacing I2 is the spacing through which the first transport vehicle 20 can pass. In this embodiment, the seventh inner spacing I2 is smaller than the third outer dimension A3. In this embodiment, the seventh inner spacing I2 is smaller than the second outer dimension B1.

[0088] In this embodiment, the direction in which the pair of support columns 53 constituting the second support column group are aligned is the first direction Ua. In this embodiment, the pair of support columns 53 constituting the fifth support column group are aligned in the first direction Ua.

[0089] In this embodiment, the fifth outer spacing G1 and the fifth inner spacing G2 are the spacings in the first direction Ua, respectively. In this embodiment, the sixth inner spacing H2 is the spacing in the second direction Ub. In this embodiment, the seventh inner spacing I2 is the spacing in the second direction Ub.

[0090] In this embodiment, a first opening 55a is provided between a pair of support columns 53 constituting the first support column assembly, through which the first transport vehicle 20 supporting the transported object W can pass. In this embodiment, a first opening 55a is provided between a pair of support columns 53 constituting the fifth support column assembly, through which the first transport vehicle 20 supporting the transported object W can pass.

[0091] The support base 50 has a third opening 55b through which the first transport vehicle 20, which is not supporting the transported object W, can pass. In this embodiment, the third opening 55b is an opening through which the first transport vehicle 20 can pass when it is in a second position where the first support surface 20a is lower than the transported object support surface 50a and the transported object W is not being supported. In this embodiment, the third opening 55b is an opening through which the first transport vehicle 20 cannot pass when it is supporting the transported object W.

[0092] In this embodiment, the third opening 55b is positioned between a pair of support columns 53 that constitute the third support column assembly. In this embodiment, the third opening 55b is positioned between a pair of support columns 53 that constitute the fourth support column assembly. In this embodiment, the third opening 55b is positioned between a pair of support columns 53 that constitute the sixth support column assembly. In this embodiment, the third opening 55b is positioned between a pair of support columns 53 that constitute the seventh support column assembly.

[0093] In this embodiment, the dimensions of members whose dimensions change, such as cushioning material attached to the support column 53, are not included in the fifth outer spacing G1, fifth inner spacing G2, sixth inner spacing H2, and seventh inner spacing I2.

[0094] [Fourth Embodiment] The conveying equipment 10 according to the fourth embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. In this embodiment, the arrangement of the support columns 53 differs from that of the third embodiment. The following description will focus on the differences from the third embodiment. Points that are not specifically described are the same as in the third embodiment. Figure 12 is a top view showing an example of the conveying equipment 10 of this embodiment.

[0095] In this embodiment, the fourth outer spacing F1 is smaller than the second inner dimension B2. In this embodiment, the fourth inner spacing F2 is a spacing that the first transport vehicle 20 cannot pass through.

[0096] In this embodiment, the direction in which the pair of support columns 53 constituting the second support column assembly are aligned is the first direction Ua. In this embodiment, the direction in which the pair of support columns 53 constituting the first support column assembly are aligned is different from the first direction Ua. In this embodiment, the second opening 56 is positioned between the pair of support columns 53 constituting the fourth support column assembly.

[0097] [Other Embodiments] Next, other embodiments of the conveying equipment 10 will be described.

[0098] (1) In the above embodiment, the configuration described as an example in which the pair of support columns 53 that constitute the second support column set are different from the pair of support columns 53 that constitute the first support column set (see Figures 6 to 12). However, the embodiment of the conveying equipment 10 is not limited to such a configuration. For example, the support columns 53c and 53d shown in Figure 1 may constitute the second support column set, and the support columns 53b and 53c may constitute the first support column set.

[0099] (2) In the above embodiment, a configuration was described as in which the pair of support columns 53 that constitute the fifth support column group are different from the pair of support columns 53 that constitute the first support column group (see Figures 11 and 12). However, the embodiment of the conveying equipment 10 is not limited to such a configuration. For example, one of the pair of support columns 53 that constitute the fifth support column group may be the same as one of the pair of support columns 53 that constitute the first support column group, and the pair of support columns 53 that constitute the sixth support column group or the seventh support column group may each be different from the pair of support columns 53 that constitute the first support column group.

[0100] (3) In the above embodiment, the direction in which the pair of support columns 53 constituting the second support column assembly are aligned is the first direction Ua, and the first outer spacing C1, first inner spacing C2, second outer spacing D1, second inner spacing D2, fifth outer spacing G1, and fifth inner spacing G2 are the spacings in the first direction Ua, and the third outer spacing E1, third inner spacing E2, fourth outer spacing F1, fourth inner spacing F2, sixth inner spacing H2, and seventh inner spacing I2 are the spacings in the second direction Ub, as described as an example (see Figures 6 to 12). However, embodiments of the conveying equipment 10 are not limited to such configurations. For example, the first outer spacing C1, second outer spacing D1, third outer spacing E1, fourth outer spacing F1, and fifth outer spacing G1 may each be the shortest outer dimensions of the pair of support columns 53. For example, the first inner spacing C2, second inner spacing D2, third inner spacing E2, fourth inner spacing F2, fifth inner spacing G2, sixth inner spacing H2, and seventh inner spacing I2 may each be the shortest inner dimensions of a pair of support columns 53. Also, for example, the direction in which a pair of support columns 53 constituting a support column group different from the second support column group, such as the fourth support column group and the seventh support column group, are aligned may be the first direction Ua.

[0101] (4) In the above embodiment, a configuration in which the third outer spacing E1 is larger than the second inner dimension B2 and the third inner spacing E2 is larger than the first outer dimension A1 was described as an example (see Figures 6 to 12). However, the embodiment of the conveying equipment 10 is not limited to such a configuration. For example, the third outer spacing E1 may be a spacing of the second inner dimension B2 or less. Also, for example, the third inner spacing E2 may be a spacing of the first outer dimension A1 or less.

[0102] (5) In the above embodiment, a configuration in which the fourth outer spacing F1 is smaller than the second inner dimension B2 and the fourth inner spacing F2 is a spacing that the first transport vehicle 20 cannot pass through was described as an example (see Figures 10 and 12). However, the embodiment of the transport equipment 10 is not limited to such a configuration. For example, the fourth outer spacing F1 may be a spacing greater than or equal to the second inner dimension B2. Also, for example, the fourth inner spacing F2 may be a spacing that the first transport vehicle 20 can pass through.

[0103] (6) In the above embodiment, a configuration was described as in which the support base 50 is equipped with four guide sections 58 that are separated from each other, and the positions of the four guide sections 58 are arranged to correspond to the positions of the four corners of the mounting base W1 (see Figures 6 and 10). However, the embodiment of the conveying equipment 10 is not limited to such a configuration. For example, two guide sections 58 supported by a second support column assembly may be connected. Also, for example, two guide sections 58 supported by a third support column assembly may be connected. Also, for example, two guide sections 58 supported by a fourth support column assembly may be connected. Also, for example, the positions of the four guide sections 58 may be arranged to correspond to the positions of the four corners of the mounting base W1. Also, for example, the support base 50 may be equipped with five or more guide sections 58. Also, for example, the support base 50 may not be equipped with guide sections 58.

[0104] (7) In the above embodiment, a configuration was described as in which the front-rear direction, which is the direction in which the drive wheels 26 and driven wheels (first driven wheel 29a, second driven wheel 29b) of the first transport vehicle 20 are aligned, is the first travel direction Xa (see Figure 3). However, the embodiment of the transport equipment 10 is not limited to such a configuration. For example, the first transport vehicle 20 may be configured such that the front-rear direction of the first transport vehicle 20 can be changed to the first width direction Ya and the direction perpendicular to the front-rear direction is the first travel direction Xa by the rotation of the drive wheels 26 of the first transport vehicle 20.

[0105] (8) In the above embodiment, a configuration was described as in which the first carriage section 25, positioned in a position overlapping with the first support surface 20a in a vertical view, comprises drive wheels 26, a drive motor 27, a power storage unit 28, and driven wheels (first driven wheel 29a and second driven wheel 29b) (see Figure 3). However, the embodiment of the transport equipment 10 is not limited to such a configuration. For example, a part of the first transport vehicle 20 that is different from the first carriage section 25 and is positioned in a position that does not overlap with the first support surface 20a in a vertical view may comprise one or more of the drive wheels 26, the drive motor 27, the power storage unit 28, and the driven wheels.

[0106] (9) In the above embodiment, the configuration in which the second transport vehicle 30 is a forklift equipped with a second lifting unit 33 and the second support unit 31 is a fork was described as an example (see Figures 6 to 12). However, the embodiment of the transport equipment 10 is not limited to such a configuration. For example, the second transport vehicle 30 may be a crane and the second support unit 31 may be a hook. Also, for example, the second transport vehicle 30 may be a conveyor without a second lifting unit 33 and the second support unit 31 may be the transport surface of the conveyor. Furthermore, the transported object W does not have to include a platform W1.

[0107] (10) In the above embodiment, a configuration was described as in which the conveyed object support surface 50a is formed by four conveyed object support parts 51, and each of the four conveyed object support parts 51 is supported by different support columns 53 (see Figures 6 and 10). However, the embodiment of the conveying equipment 10 is not limited to such a configuration. For example, the conveyed object support surface 50a may be formed by three conveyed object support parts 51, such that a second support column set, consisting of columns 53c and 53d, supports one conveyed object support part 51. Also, for example, a third support column set, consisting of columns 53b and 53c, supports one conveyed object support part 51. Also, for example, a fourth support column set, consisting of columns 53d and 53a, supports one conveyed object support part 51. Also, for example, a single U-shaped conveyed object support part 51 may be supported by four support columns 53. Furthermore, a fifth support column for supporting the conveyed object support section 51 may be provided, for example, on the outside of the first support column assembly or on the inside of the second support column assembly.

[0108] (11) In the above embodiment, the configuration described as one in which the first inner spacing C2, the third inner spacing E2, and the fifth inner spacing G2 are spacings through which the first transport vehicle 20 supporting the transported object W can pass (see Figures 6 to 12). However, the embodiment of the transport equipment 10 is not limited to such a configuration. For example, the first inner spacing C2 may be a spacing through which the first transport vehicle 20 cannot pass, but which can pass through the first support surface 20a and the first trolley section 25 supporting the transported object W. Also, for example, the third inner spacing E2 may be a spacing through which the first transport vehicle 20 cannot pass, but which can pass through the first support surface 20a and the first trolley section 25 supporting the transported object W. Also, for example, the fifth inner spacing G2 may be a spacing through which the first transport vehicle 20 cannot pass, but which can pass through the first support surface 20a and the first trolley section 25 supporting the transported object W.

[0109] (12) In the above embodiment, the configuration described as an example in which the third inner spacing E2, the sixth inner spacing H2, and the seventh inner spacing I2 are spacings that allow the first transport vehicle 20 to pass through when it is not supporting the transported object W, but that do not allow the first transport vehicle 20 to pass through when it is supporting the transported object W (see Figures 8 and 12). However, the embodiment of the transport equipment 10 is not limited to such a configuration. For example, any of the third inner spacing E2, the sixth inner spacing H2, and the seventh inner spacing I2 may be spacings that allow the first transport vehicle 20 to pass through when it is supporting the transported object W. Also, for example, any of the third inner spacing E2, the sixth inner spacing H2, and the seventh inner spacing I2 may be spacings that do not allow the first transport vehicle 20 to pass through when it is not supporting the transported object W.

[0110] (13) In the above embodiment, a configuration in which the conveyed object support section 51 has the function of conveying the conveyed object W in the second direction Ub was described as an example (see Figures 11 and 12). However, the embodiment of the conveying equipment 10 is not limited to such a configuration. For example, the conveyed object support surface 50a may be configured to support a plurality of conveyed objects W, and the conveyed object support section 51 may not have the function of conveying the conveyed objects W.

[0111] (14) In the above embodiment, a configuration in which the running surface 11 on which the first transport vehicle 20 travels and the running surface 11 on which the second transport vehicle 30 travels are at the same height was described as an example (see Figures 1 to 12). However, the embodiment of the transport equipment 10 is not limited to such a configuration. For example, the second transport vehicle 30 may travel on rails provided on the running surface 11 on which the first transport vehicle 20 travels. Alternatively, for example, the first transport vehicle 20 may travel on rails provided on the running surface 11 on which the second transport vehicle 30 travels. Also, for example, the height of the floor surface that is the running surface 11 on which the second transport vehicle 30 travels and the height of the floor surface that is the running surface 11 on which the first transport vehicle 20 travels may be different.

[0112] (15) The configurations disclosed in the embodiments described above can also be applied in combination with configurations disclosed in other embodiments, as long as no inconsistencies arise. With regard to other configurations, the embodiments disclosed herein are merely illustrative in all respects. Therefore, various modifications can be made as appropriate without departing from the spirit of this disclosure.

[0113] The following describes the transport equipment related to this disclosure.

[0114] In one embodiment, the conveying equipment comprises a first conveyor vehicle that travels on a travel surface to convey an object, a second conveyor vehicle that travels on the travel surface to convey the object, and a support base that supports the object, wherein the direction perpendicular to the first travel direction, which is the travel direction of the first conveyor vehicle when viewed from above, is defined as the first width direction, the direction perpendicular to the second travel direction, which is the travel direction of the second conveyor vehicle when viewed from above, is defined as the second width direction, one side of the second travel direction is defined as the first side of the second travel direction, and the other side of the second travel direction is defined as the second side of the second travel direction, and the first conveyor vehicle supports the object from below. The second transport vehicle comprises a first support surface, a first lifting unit for raising and lowering the first support surface between a first position and a second position lower than the first position, and a first trolley unit on which the first lifting unit is mounted and which is positioned below the first support surface and overlapping with the first support surface when viewed in the vertical direction, wherein the second transport vehicle comprises a second support unit for supporting the transported object, a second trolley body unit positioned on the second side in the second travel direction relative to the second support unit, and the second trolley body unit positioned spaced outward in the second width direction relative to the second support unit and separated from the second trolley body unit The support base comprises a pair of second trolley legs formed to protrude to the first side in the direction of travel, and the support base comprises four support columns extending in a direction intersecting the travel surface and positioned at locations corresponding to the four corners of a square shape when viewed in the vertical direction, and a transport object support surface that supports the transport object from below, located below the first support surface at the first position and above the first support surface at the second position, and the first external dimension is defined as the larger of the first external dimension of the first trolley portion and the first external dimension of the first support surface in the first external dimension, and the pair of second trolley legs The inner dimension in the width direction is defined as the second inner dimension, and of the four support columns, a pair of adjacent support columns is defined as the first support column set, and a pair of adjacent support columns in a different combination from the first support column set is defined as the second support column set, the inner dimension of the distance between the pair of support columns constituting the first support column set is defined as the first inner distance, the outer dimension of the distance between the pair of support columns constituting the first support column set is defined as the first outer distance, the inner dimension of the distance between the pair of support columns constituting the second support column set is defined as the second inner distance, and the outer dimension of the distance between the pair of support columns constituting the second support column set is defined as the second outer distance, and the first outer distance is,The pair of support columns constituting the first support column assembly are spaced so that they cannot relatively enter the inside of the pair of second trolley legs, the first inner spacing is greater than the first outer dimension, the second outer spacing is smaller than the second inner dimension, and the second inner spacing is such that the first transport vehicle cannot pass through.

[0115] With this configuration, the first support surface and the first trolley section of the first transport vehicle can pass between the first column assembly and reach the area inside the four columns. Therefore, by raising and lowering the first support surface, the transported goods can be appropriately transferred between the first transport vehicle and the support base, and the transported goods can be appropriately loaded into and unloaded from the support base. In addition, since the pair of second trolley legs of the second transport vehicle can pass outside the second column assembly, the transported goods can be appropriately loaded into and unloaded from the support base. Furthermore, by arranging the first column assembly to be suitable for the first transport vehicle and the second column assembly to be suitable for the second transport vehicle, and by using different directions for approaching and moving away from the support base for the first and second transport vehicles, the first and second transport vehicles, which have different structures, can simultaneously transport transported goods appropriately using a common support base.

[0116] In one embodiment, the second support portion of the second transport vehicle is a fork, and the transported object includes a platform which is a pallet or skid, and is supported by the fork with the fork inserted into the insertion opening provided on the platform.

[0117] With this configuration, even when the first support surface of the first transport vehicle is located inside the transport object support surface when viewed from above, the second transport vehicle can load and unload transport objects onto and from the support platform by inserting its forks into the insertion opening provided on the platform. Therefore, the efficiency of loading and unloading transport objects can be increased.

[0118] In one embodiment, of the four support columns, a pair of adjacent columns in a combination different from the first and second support column sets are designated as a third support column set, and a pair of adjacent columns in a combination different from the first, second, and third support column sets are designated as a fourth support column set. The inner distance between the pair of columns constituting the third support column set is designated as the third inner distance, the outer distance between the pair of columns constituting the third support column set is designated as the third outer distance, the inner distance between the pair of columns constituting the fourth support column set is designated as the fourth inner distance, and the outer distance between the pair of columns constituting the fourth support column set is designated as the fourth outer distance. The third outer distance is such that the pair of columns constituting the third support column set cannot relatively enter the inside of the pair of second trolley legs, the third inner distance is larger than the first outer distance, the fourth outer distance is smaller than the second inner distance, and the fourth inner distance is such that the first transport vehicle cannot pass through.

[0119] In this configuration, the first support surface and the first trolley section of the first transport vehicle can pass between the third column assembly and reach the area inside the four columns, and the pair of second trolley legs of the second transport vehicle can pass outside the fourth column assembly. In other words, the first and third column assembly are arranged in a manner suitable for the first transport vehicle, and the second and fourth column assembly are arranged in a manner suitable for the second transport vehicle. This increases the degree of freedom for both the first and second transport vehicles in the directions of approaching and moving away from the support base.

[0120] In one embodiment, the transported object includes a platform which is a pallet or skid, and the support base is provided with four guides that restrict the horizontal movement of the platform, and the positions of the four guides are arranged to correspond to the positions of the four corners of the platform, regardless of the positions of the four support columns.

[0121] With this configuration, regardless of the positions of the four support columns, the positions of the four guide sections are arranged to correspond to the positions of the four corners of the platform. Therefore, the positions of the support columns in the first and second support column sets can be appropriately positioned, and the platform, as the object being transported, can be properly supported by the object support surface.

[0122] The conveying equipment described herein only needs to achieve at least one of the effects described above. The technical features of the conveying equipment described herein are also applicable to conveying methods and conveying programs.

[0123] 10: Conveying equipment 11: Traveling surface 20: First transport vehicle 20a: First support surface 23: First lifting section 25: First trolley section 30: Second transport vehicle 31: Second support section 35: Second trolley body section 36: Second trolley leg section 50: Support base 50a: Conveyed object support surface 53: Support column 58: Guide section A1: First outer dimension B2: Second inner dimension C1: First outer spacing C2: First inner spacing D1: Second outer spacing D2: Second inner spacing E1: Third outer spacing E2: Third inner spacing F1: Fourth outer spacing F2: Fourth inner spacing W: Conveyed object W1: Mounting platform Xa: First travel direction Xb: Second travel direction Xb1: First side in second running direction Xb2: Second side in second running direction Ya: First width direction Yb: Second width direction Z: Vertical direction Z1: Upper side Z2: Lower side

Claims

1. A transport system comprising: a first transport vehicle that travels on a travel surface to transport an object; a second transport vehicle that travels on the travel surface to transport the object; and a support base for supporting the object, wherein the direction perpendicular to the first travel direction, which is the travel direction of the first transport vehicle, when viewed in the vertical direction is defined as the first width direction; the direction perpendicular to the second travel direction, which is the travel direction of the second transport vehicle, when viewed in the vertical direction is defined as the second width direction; one side of the second travel direction is defined as the first side of the second travel direction; and the other side of the second travel direction is defined as the second side of the second travel direction; wherein the first transport vehicle comprises: a first support surface that supports the object from below; a first lifting unit that raises and lowers the first support surface between a first position and a second position lower than the first position; and a first trolley unit on which the first lifting unit is mounted and which is positioned below the first support surface and overlaps with the first support surface when viewed in the vertical direction. The second transport vehicle comprises a second support portion for supporting the transported object, a second trolley body portion positioned on the second side of the second travel direction relative to the second support portion, and a pair of second trolley legs positioned spaced apart on the outside in the second width direction relative to the second support portion and formed to protrude from the second trolley body portion on the first side of the second travel direction, the support base comprises four support columns extending vertically so as to intersect the travel surface and positioned at locations corresponding to the four corners of a square shape when viewed vertically, and a transported object support surface supported by the four support columns, which is lower than the first support surface at the first position and higher than the first support surface at the second position and supports the transported object from below, the first external dimension is the larger of the first external dimension of the first trolley portion and the first external dimension of the first support surface in the first width direction, and the second internal dimension is the second internal dimension of the pair of second trolley legs in the second width direction. Of the four support columns, a pair of adjacent support columns shall be designated as the first support column pair, a pair of adjacent support columns in a different combination from the first support column pair shall be designated as the second support column pair, the inner distance between the pair of support columns constituting the first support column pair shall be designated as the first inner distance, the outer distance between the pair of support columns constituting the first support column pair shall be designated as the first outer distance, the inner distance between the pair of support columns constituting the second support column pair shall be designated as the second inner distance, and the outer distance between the pair of support columns constituting the second support column pair shall be designated as the second outer distance.A conveying system in which the first outer spacing is such that a pair of support columns constituting the first support column assembly cannot relatively enter the inside of a pair of second trolley legs, the first inner spacing is greater than the first outer dimension, the second outer spacing is smaller than the second inner dimension, and the second inner spacing is such that the first transport vehicle cannot pass through.

2. The conveying equipment according to claim 1, wherein the second support portion of the second conveying vehicle is a fork, and the conveyed object includes a mounting platform which is a pallet or skid, and is supported by the fork with the fork inserted into an insertion opening provided on the mounting platform.

3. Of the four support columns, a pair of adjacent columns in a combination different from the first and second support column sets shall be designated as the third support column set, a pair of adjacent columns in a combination different from the first, second, and third support column sets shall be designated as the fourth support column set, the inner distance between the pair of columns constituting the third support column set shall be designated as the third inner distance, the outer distance between the pair of columns constituting the third support column set shall be designated as the third outer distance, the inner distance between the pair of columns constituting the fourth support column set shall be designated as the fourth inner distance, and the outer distance between the pair of columns constituting the fourth support column set shall be designated as the fourth outer distance, the third outer distance being such that the pair of columns constituting the third support column set cannot relatively enter the inside of the pair of second bogie legs, the third inner distance being greater than the first outer distance, and the fourth outer distance being smaller than the second inner distance. The conveying equipment according to claim 1, wherein the fourth inner spacing is a spacing that prevents the first conveying vehicle from passing through.

4. The conveying equipment according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the conveyed object includes a platform which is a pallet or skid, the support base is provided with four guides that restrict the horizontal movement of the platform, and the positions of the four guides are arranged to correspond to the positions of the four corners of the platform, regardless of the positions of the four support columns.

Images