JP2019067315A - Unmanned carrier - Google Patents

Unmanned carrier Download PDF

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JP2019067315A
JP2019067315A JP2017194734A JP2017194734A JP2019067315A JP 2019067315 A JP2019067315 A JP 2019067315A JP 2017194734 A JP2017194734 A JP 2017194734A JP 2017194734 A JP2017194734 A JP 2017194734A JP 2019067315 A JP2019067315 A JP 2019067315A
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base
wheels
vehicle body
vehicle
wheel
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JP6995556B2 (en
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四郎 熊沢
Shiro Kumazawa
四郎 熊沢
直哉 柏原
Naoya Kashiwabara
直哉 柏原
基雅 田中
Motomasa Tanaka
基雅 田中
智輝 山下
Tomoteru Yamashita
智輝 山下
幹人 高橋
Mikihito Takahashi
幹人 高橋
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Mayekawa Manufacturing Co
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Abstract

To provide an unmanned carrier capable of running on a road surface including undulations and irregularities in a simple configuration with the number of components restrained and capable of easily making a small turn.SOLUTION: The unmanned carrier includes: at least one pair of right and left wheels; at least one drive unit applying a rotational force to the pair of wheels; a base supporting at least one drive unit; a vehicle body supported on the base; and a connection unit connecting the base and the vehicle body to be oscillatable around a shaft at least along the cross direction. The connection unit is arranged more upward than a center of gravity of the base including the pair of wheels and at least one drive unit.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

本開示は無人搬送車に関する。   The present disclosure relates to an unmanned carrier.

従来、工業製品を製造する工場や物流倉庫等において、重量物の搬送に用いられる無人搬送車(Automated Guided Vehicle:AGV)が知られている。   2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, an Automated Guided Vehicle (AGV) used for transporting heavy objects in factories and physical distribution warehouses that manufacture industrial products is known.

例えば、特許文献1には、2個の車輪と、各車輪にそれぞれ対応して設けられ各車輪をそれぞれ別々に駆動する2個のモータと、各モータが取り付けられるモータ支持部材と、モータ支持部材を揺動可能に支持する第1支持部材と、本体に支持され第1支持部材を上下動自在に支持する第2支持部材とを有する無人搬送車が開示されている。   For example, in Patent Document 1, two wheels, two motors provided corresponding to the respective wheels and separately driving the respective wheels, a motor support member to which each motor is attached, and a motor support member An unmanned transfer vehicle is disclosed having a first support member pivotally supporting the second support member and a second support member supported by the main body and vertically and movably supporting the first support member.

特開2015−111348号公報JP, 2015-111348, A

ところで、農園や施設園芸農場等(以下、農園等)を作業ステージとする農業分野においても、重量物の搬送機会が多いため無人搬送車によるサポートが望まれるが、農園等は上記工場や倉庫等に比べて路面(床面又は地面)の起伏や凹凸が大きいため、悪路走破性等の問題から未だ十分に無人搬送車が普及しているとは言い難い。例えば、先進的な農場であっても、無人搬送車の走行路は、露出した地面やその上に防草シートを敷いただけのものが多い。さらに、農園等では単位面積あたりの収穫量を増やすために多数の栽培ベンチが並べて配置されるため、必ずしも十分に広い通路が確保されない場合があり得る。
これらの点に関し、上記特許文献1に開示された無人搬送車は、各車輪を接地させつつ上下動可能に支持する構成を開示するが、基本的にコンクリート製等の平坦な床面を走行することを前提に製作されているため、上記農園等で用いるには走破性や旋回性に問題がある他、必ずしも部品点数を抑えたシンプルな構成とはいえないという問題があった。
By the way, even in the agricultural field where farms and facilities and gardening farms etc. (hereinafter, farms etc.) are used as work stages, support by unmanned transport vehicles is desired because there are many opportunities for transporting heavy goods. Because the road surface (floor or ground) is rough and uneven as compared with the case of U.S.A., it is difficult to say that unmanned transport vehicles are widely used due to problems such as poor road travelability. For example, even in advanced farms, there are many travel paths of unmanned transport vehicles that have grass protection sheets on the exposed ground or on it. Furthermore, in a farm or the like, a large number of cultivation benches may be arranged side by side to increase the yield per unit area, so a sufficiently wide passage may not necessarily be secured.
With regard to these points, the automatic guided vehicle disclosed in Patent Document 1 discloses a configuration in which each wheel is supported so as to move up and down while being grounded, but basically travels on a flat floor surface made of concrete or the like. Since it is manufactured on the premise, there is a problem in running ability and turning ability to be used in the above-mentioned farmland etc., and there is a problem that it can not necessarily be said that it is a simple composition which suppressed the number of parts.

上記問題に鑑み、本発明の少なくとも一実施形態は、部品点数を抑えた簡易な構成で起伏や凹凸を含む路面を走行でき、且つ、小回り容易な無人搬送車を提供することを目的とする。   In view of the above problems, at least one embodiment of the present invention aims to provide an unmanned transfer vehicle that can travel on a road surface including unevenness and irregularities with a simple configuration with a reduced number of parts, and that is easy to make a small turn.

(1)本発明の少なくとも一実施形態に係る無人搬送車は、
少なくとも左右一対の車輪と、
前記一対の車輪に回転力を付与する少なくとも1つの駆動部と、
少なくとも1つの前記駆動部を支持するベースと、
前記ベースに支持された車両本体と、
前記ベースと前記車両本体とを少なくとも前後方向に沿う軸周りに揺動自在に連結する連結部と、を備え、
前記連結部は、前記一対の車輪及び少なくとも1つの前記駆動部を含む前記ベースの重心よりも上方に配置されている。
(1) An unmanned carrier according to at least one embodiment of the present invention,
At least a pair of left and right wheels,
At least one drive unit for applying a rotational force to the pair of wheels;
A base supporting at least one drive unit;
A vehicle body supported by the base;
And a connecting portion pivotally connecting the base and the vehicle body around an axis extending at least in the front-rear direction,
The connection is disposed above the center of gravity of the base including the pair of wheels and at least one drive.

上記(1)の構成によれば、車両本体の前後方向に沿う軸周りにベースと車両本体とが揺動自在であることにより、無人搬送車の走行路面に車両本体の幅方向(左右方向)に不均一な起伏等(例えば、起伏、凹凸又は障害物等)が存在しても、少なくとも車両本体に対するベースの可動範囲内において車両本体の傾きを抑制しながら上記起伏等の形状に応じて各車輪を追従させることができる。よって、車輪の空転を抑制して各車輪の接地性を向上させることができる。
また、ベース、一対の車輪及び少なくとも1つの駆動部を含めた構造体の重心よりも上方に連結部すなわち該構造体の支点を配置したことにより、左右何れか一方の車輪が凹凸を通過する際、両輪を水平に戻して接地させる方向にモーメントが働くため、車両本体に対するベースの復元力が増加して各車輪の接地性を向上させることができる。従って、各車輪のトラクションを確保して無人搬送車による走行路面の走破性をより一層向上させることができる。
従って、部品点数を抑えた簡易な構成でありながら、起伏等を含む路面を走行でき、且つ、小回り可能な無人搬送車を実現することができる。
According to the configuration of the above (1), the base and the vehicle body are swingable around the axis along the longitudinal direction of the vehicle body, whereby the width direction (left and right direction) of the vehicle body on the traveling road surface of the automated guided vehicle. Even if uneven undulations (for example, undulations, irregularities, obstacles, etc.) exist in each of the above according to the shape of the undulation or the like while suppressing the inclination of the vehicle body at least within the movable range of the base with respect to the vehicle body. The wheels can be made to follow. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the idling of the wheels and to improve the contactability of each wheel.
In addition, by arranging the connecting portion, that is, the fulcrum of the structure above the center of gravity of the structure including the base, the pair of wheels, and at least one drive portion, when either the left or the right wheel passes through the unevenness Since a moment acts in a direction in which both wheels are returned horizontally to ground, the restoring force of the base on the vehicle body can be increased to improve the contactability of each wheel. Therefore, the traction of each wheel can be secured to further improve the travelability of the traveling road surface by the automated guided vehicle.
Therefore, it is possible to realize an unmanned conveyance vehicle capable of traveling on a road surface including unevenness and the like, and capable of small rotation, with a simple configuration in which the number of parts is suppressed.

(2)幾つかの実施形態では、上記(1)の構成において、無人搬送車は、
前記ベースに対する前記車両本体の相対姿勢が中立状態に復帰するように、前記ベースに対して前記車両本体を付勢するための付勢部をさらに備えていてもよい。
(2) In some embodiments, in the configuration of (1), the unmanned carrier is:
The base may further include a biasing unit for biasing the vehicle main body with respect to the base so that the relative posture of the vehicle main body with respect to the base returns to the neutral state.

上記(2)の構成によれば、ベースに対する車両本体の相対姿勢が中立状態に復帰するようにして車両本体に対してベースが付勢されることにより、左右何れか一方の車輪が凹凸を通過して上記軸回りにベースが回動(揺動)した場合に、中立位置にベースを復帰させるように付勢部が付勢するため、凹凸通過後には左右一対の車輪を速やかに水平に復帰させることができる。従って、各車輪の接地性をさらに向上させてトラクションを確保することができるので、無人搬送車による走行路面の走破性をより一層向上させることができる。   According to the configuration of (2), the base is biased with respect to the vehicle main body such that the relative posture of the vehicle main body with respect to the base returns to the neutral state, whereby either one of the left and right wheels passes the unevenness. When the base pivots (swings) around the axis, the biasing unit biases the base to return to the neutral position, so that the pair of left and right wheels are quickly returned horizontally after passing through the unevenness It can be done. Therefore, since the ground contact property of each wheel can be further improved and traction can be secured, the travelability of the traveling road surface by the automated guided vehicle can be further improved.

(3)幾つかの実施形態では、上記(2)の構成において、
前記連結部は、
前記車両本体と前記ベースとの何れか一方に固定される筒状の軸受外殻と、
前記車両本体と前記ベースとの何れか他方に固定され、前記軸受外殻に内挿される筒状の軸受内殻と、
前記軸受内殻の外周と前記軸受外殻の内周との間に設けられる前記付勢部としての弾性部材と、を含んでいてもよい。
(3) In some embodiments, in the configuration of (2) above,
The connecting portion is
A cylindrical bearing shell fixed to one of the vehicle body and the base;
A cylindrical bearing inner shell fixed to any one of the vehicle body and the base and inserted into the bearing outer shell;
The elastic member as the biasing portion may be included between the outer periphery of the bearing inner shell and the inner periphery of the bearing outer shell.

上記(3)の構成によれば、軸受内殻及び軸受外殻を介して車両本体とベースとが上記前後方向に沿う軸周りに相対的に回動(揺動)した場合、軸受内殻と軸受外殻との間に設けられた弾性部材により弾性的に抗力が作用し、車両本体及びベースを互いの中立位置に戻すように付勢力を作用させることができる。つまり、連結部と付勢部とを一体に構成して前後方向に沿う軸周りに配置することができるため、簡易且つコンパクトな構成で、上述した無人搬送車を実現することができる。   According to the configuration of (3), when the vehicle body and the base relatively rotate (swing) around the axis along the longitudinal direction through the bearing inner shell and the bearing outer shell, the bearing inner shell and The resilient member provided between the bearing outer shell and the resilient member acts resiliently to exert an urging force to return the vehicle body and the base to each other's neutral position. That is, since the connecting portion and the urging portion can be integrally configured and arranged around the axis along the front-rear direction, the above-described unmanned transfer vehicle can be realized with a simple and compact configuration.

(4)幾つかの実施形態では、上記(2)の構成において、
前記付勢部は、一端が前記車両本体に接続され他端が前記ベースに接続された弾性部材を含んでいてもよい。
(4) In some embodiments, in the configuration of (2) above,
The biasing portion may include an elastic member having one end connected to the vehicle body and the other end connected to the base.

上記(4)の構成によれば、車両本体とベースとが上記前後方向に沿う軸周りに相対的に回動(揺動)した場合、弾性部材によって弾性的に抗力が作用し、車両本体及びベースを互いの中立位置に戻すように付勢力を作用させることができる。   According to the configuration of (4), when the vehicle body and the base relatively rotate (swing) around the axis along the front-rear direction, the elastic member exerts a resilient action, and the vehicle body and A biasing force can be applied to return the bases to their neutral positions.

(5)幾つかの実施形態では、上記(1)乃至(4)の何れか一つに記載の構成において、
前記駆動部は、前記左右一対の車輪に各々独立に駆動力を付与するように構成されてもよい。
(5) In some embodiments, in the configuration according to any one of (1) to (4) above,
The drive unit may be configured to independently apply a driving force to the pair of left and right wheels.

上記(5)の構成によれば、無人搬送車は、左右一対の車輪にそれぞれ独立に回転力が付与されるので、両輪を同一方向に回転させて前進又は後退できるほか、各車輪に回転速度差をつけて同一方向に回転させる左右の旋回動作、何れか一方の車輪を停止させ他方を回転させる信地旋回、及び、両輪を互いに逆向きに回転させる超信地旋回を自在に組み合わせて行うことができる。よって、小回り可能な無人搬送車を実現することができる。   According to the configuration of the above (5), since the unmanned transfer vehicle has rotational force applied independently to the pair of left and right wheels, it is possible to rotate both wheels forward and backward in the same direction, and to rotate each wheel A combination of left and right turning motions to make a difference and turn in the same direction, a pivot turn to stop one of the wheels and a turn to the other, and a super pivot turn to turn both wheels in the opposite direction be able to. Therefore, it is possible to realize a small-sized unmanned carrier.

(6)幾つかの実施形態では、上記(1)乃至(5)の何れか一つに記載の構成において、無人搬送車は、
前記車両本体に回転可能に支持された従動輪としてのキャスタをさらに備え、
前記少なくとも一対の車輪は、前記キャスタよりも大径の駆動輪を含んでもよい。
(6) In some embodiments, in the configuration described in any one of the above (1) to (5), the unmanned carrier is:
It further comprises a caster as a driven wheel rotatably supported on the vehicle body,
The at least one pair of wheels may include a drive wheel having a diameter larger than that of the caster.

上記(6)の構成によれば、従動輪であるキャスタよりも大径の駆動輪を採用することにより、例えば、凹凸や障害物等、路面における走破性を大径の駆動輪で確保しつつ、該駆動輪よりも小径のキャスタ(従動輪)を採用して車両本体内のスペースを確保し、設計の自由度を向上させた無人搬送車を実現することができる。   According to the configuration of the above (6), by adopting the drive wheel having a diameter larger than that of the caster which is a driven wheel, for example, the runability on the road surface such as irregularities and obstacles is ensured by the drive wheel having a large diameter. A caster (follower wheel) having a diameter smaller than that of the drive wheel can be adopted to secure a space in the vehicle body, and an unmanned carrier with improved design freedom can be realized.

(7)幾つかの実施形態では、上記(1)乃至(6)の何れか一つに記載の構成において、
前記少なくとも一対の車輪は、前記車両本体のうち進行方向の前方部に配置されてもよい。
(7) In some embodiments, in the configuration according to any one of (1) to (6) above,
The at least one pair of wheels may be disposed at a front portion in the traveling direction of the vehicle body.

上記(7)の構成によれば、無人搬送車は、駆動部から回転力を付与される駆動輪としての少なくとも一対の車輪を車両本体における進行方向の前方部に配置した前輪駆動方式で構成される。従って、例えば全輪駆動方式に比べて軽量化、構成の簡素化及び低コスト化が図られ、後輪駆動方式に比べて高い悪路走破性を備えた無人搬送車を得ることができる。また、後輪よりも大径の前輪を採用したことにより、例えば後輪と同径又は後輪よりも小径の前輪を採用する場合に比べて、進行方向の前方に凹凸や障害物が存在する走行路面の走破性がより一層向上した無人搬送車を得ることができる。   According to the configuration of the above (7), the unmanned transfer vehicle is configured by a front wheel drive method in which at least a pair of wheels as drive wheels to which rotational force is applied from the drive portion is disposed in the forward portion in the traveling direction of the vehicle body Ru. Therefore, for example, weight reduction, simplification of the configuration and cost reduction can be achieved as compared with the all-wheel drive system, and an unmanned carrier with high road traffic can be obtained compared to the rear wheel drive system. Further, by adopting a front wheel having a diameter larger than that of the rear wheel, for example, as compared with the case where a front wheel having the same diameter as the rear wheel or a diameter smaller than that of the rear wheel is employed, irregularities and obstacles exist in the forward direction. It is possible to obtain an unmanned carrier with further improved travelability of the traveling road surface.

(8)幾つかの実施形態では、上記(1)乃至(7)の何れか一つに記載の構成において、
前記駆動部は、前記車輪を駆動するためのモータを含み、
前記モータの回転軸が前記連結部の揺動中心よりも下方に設けられてもよい。
(8) In some embodiments, in the configuration according to any one of (1) to (7) above,
The driving unit includes a motor for driving the wheel.
The rotation shaft of the motor may be provided below the swinging center of the connection portion.

上記(8)の構成によれば、ベース、駆動部及び車輪を含む構造体の重心をより低い位置に設定することができるので、該構造体の重心に対して車両本体とベースとの連結部の揺動中心をより上方に配置でき、車両本体に対するベースの復元力がより増加して各車輪の接地性を向上させることができる。従って、各車輪のトラクションを確保して無人搬送車による走行路面の走破性をより一層向上させることができる。   According to the configuration of the above (8), since the center of gravity of the structure including the base, the drive unit and the wheel can be set at a lower position, the connecting portion between the vehicle body and the base with respect to the center of gravity of the structure The rocking center of the wheel can be disposed at a higher position, and the restoring force of the base to the vehicle body can be further increased to improve the contactability of each wheel. Therefore, the traction of each wheel can be secured to further improve the travelability of the traveling road surface by the automated guided vehicle.

(9)幾つかの実施形態では、上記(1)乃至(8)の何れか一つに記載の構成において、無人搬送車は、農業用無人搬送車を含んでもよい。 (9) In some embodiments, in the configuration according to any one of the above (1) to (8), the AGV may include an AGV.

上記(9)の構成によれば、農園又は施設園芸農場のハウス内等を走行可能な農業用の無人搬送車を得ることができる。従って、無人搬送車を農業用に用いて作業者の負担軽減及び生産効率の向上との両立を図ることができる。   According to the configuration of the above (9), it is possible to obtain an unmanned transport vehicle for agriculture capable of traveling in the farmland or the inside of a house of a facility horticultural farm. Therefore, the unmanned transport vehicle can be used for agriculture, which can achieve both the burden on the operator and the improvement of production efficiency.

本発明の幾つかの実施形態によれば、部品点数を抑えた簡易な構成で起伏等を含む路面を走行でき、且つ、小回り容易な無人搬送車を提供することができる。   According to some embodiments of the present invention, it is possible to provide an unmanned transfer vehicle which can travel on a road surface including undulations and the like with a simple configuration with a reduced number of parts, and which is easy to make small turns.

一実施形態に係る無人搬送車の外観を示す概略斜視図である。BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS It is a schematic perspective view which shows the external appearance of the automatic guided vehicle which concerns on one Embodiment. 一実施形態における車両本体とベースとの連結状態を示す概略図であり、(a)は走行路面が平坦な場合、(b)は一方の車輪が走行路面の凹凸に乗り上げた状態を示す。It is the schematic which shows the connection state of the vehicle main body and base in one Embodiment, (a) is a case where a traveling road surface is flat, (b) shows the state which one wheel ran on the unevenness of a traveling road surface. 一実施形態における連結部を示す概略図である。It is the schematic which shows the connection part in one Embodiment. 一実施形態における連結部の構成を示す概略斜視図であり、(a)は中立状態、(b)は付勢状態を示す。It is a schematic perspective view which shows the structure of the connection part in one Embodiment, (a) is a neutral state, (b) shows a biasing state. 他の実施形態における付勢部を示す概略図であり、(a)は付勢部としてコイルばねを、(b)は付勢部としてねじりばねを用いた構成を示す。It is the schematic which shows the biasing part in other embodiment, (a) shows the structure which used the coiled spring as a biasing part, (b) used the torsion spring as a biasing part. 一実施形態における無人搬送車を示す概略平面図である。It is a schematic plan view which shows the automatic guided vehicle in one Embodiment. 一実施形態に係る無人搬送車が用いられ得る無人搬送システムの概略構成を示す図である。FIG. 1 is a view showing a schematic configuration of an unmanned transfer system in which an unmanned transfer vehicle according to an embodiment may be used.

以下、添付図面を参照して本発明の幾つかの実施形態について説明する。ただし、実施形態として記載されている又は図面に示されている構成部品の寸法、材質、形状、その相対的配置等は、本発明の範囲をこれに限定する趣旨ではなく、単なる説明例にすぎない。
例えば、「ある方向に」、「ある方向に沿って」、「平行」、「直交」、「中心」、「同心」或いは「同軸」等の相対的或いは絶対的な配置を表す表現は、厳密にそのような配置を表すのみならず、公差、若しくは、同じ機能が得られる程度の角度や距離をもって相対的に変位している状態も表すものとする。
例えば、「同一」、「等しい」及び「均質」等の物事が等しい状態であることを表す表現は、厳密に等しい状態を表すのみならず、公差、若しくは、同じ機能が得られる程度の差が存在している状態も表すものとする。
例えば、四角形状や円筒形状等の形状を表す表現は、幾何学的に厳密な意味での四角形状や円筒形状等の形状を表すのみならず、同じ効果が得られる範囲で、凹凸部や面取り部等を含む形状も表すものとする。
一方、一の構成要素を「備える」、「具える」、「具備する」、「含む」、又は、「有する」という表現は、他の構成要素の存在を除外する排他的な表現ではない。
Hereinafter, some embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the dimensions, materials, shapes, relative arrangements, etc. of the components described as the embodiments or shown in the drawings are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention to this, but are merely illustrative. Absent.
For example, a representation representing a relative or absolute arrangement such as “in a direction”, “along a direction”, “parallel”, “orthogonal”, “center”, “concentric” or “coaxial” is strictly Not only does it represent such an arrangement, but also represents a state of relative displacement with an angle or distance that allows the same function to be obtained.
For example, expressions that indicate that things such as "identical", "equal" and "homogeneous" are equal states not only represent strictly equal states, but also have tolerances or differences with which the same function can be obtained. It also represents the existing state.
For example, expressions representing shapes such as quadrilateral shapes and cylindrical shapes not only represent shapes such as rectangular shapes and cylindrical shapes in a geometrically strict sense, but also uneven portions and chamfers within the range where the same effect can be obtained. The shape including a part etc. shall also be expressed.
On the other hand, the expressions "comprising", "having", "having", "including" or "having" one component are not exclusive expressions excluding the presence of other components.

図1は、一実施形態に係る無人搬送車の外観例を示す斜視図である。図2は、一実施形態における車両本体とベースとの連結状態を示す概略図であり、(a)は走行路面が平坦な場合、(b)は一方の車輪が走行路面の凹凸に乗り上げた状態を示す。   FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of the appearance of an unmanned transfer vehicle according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a schematic view showing the connection between the vehicle body and the base in one embodiment, where (a) is a flat road surface and (b) is a state in which one wheel rides on the uneven surface of the road surface. Indicates

本明細書に開示する無人搬送車10は、例えば、コンクリート、アスファルト又は木製等の平坦な整備面の他、起伏や凹凸を含む不規則路面で用いることができる。
図1及び図2に示すように、本発明の少なくとも一実施形態に係る無人搬送車10は、少なくとも左右一対の車輪20と、該一対の車輪20に回転力を付与する少なくとも1つの駆動部24と、少なくとも1つの駆動部24を支持するベース16と、ベース16に支持された車両本体12と、ベース16と車両本体12とを少なくとも前後方向に沿う軸(揺動中心32)周りに揺動自在に連結する連結部18と、を備えている。そして、連結部18は、一対の車輪20,20及び少なくとも1つの駆動部24を含むベース16の重心Gよりも上方に配置されている(図2参照)。
The unmanned transfer vehicle 10 disclosed in the present specification can be used, for example, on a flat maintenance surface such as concrete, asphalt or wood, or on an irregular road surface including unevenness and irregularities.
As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the unmanned transfer vehicle 10 according to at least one embodiment of the present invention comprises at least a pair of left and right wheels 20 and at least one drive unit 24 for applying a rotational force to the pair of wheels 20. , The base 16 supporting at least one drive unit 24, the vehicle body 12 supported by the base 16, and the base 16 and the vehicle body 12 at least about an axis (oscillation center 32) along the longitudinal direction And a connecting portion 18 that connects freely. And the connection part 18 is arrange | positioned above the gravity center G of the base 16 containing a pair of wheel 20,20 and the at least 1 drive part 24 (refer FIG. 2).

車輪20は、無人搬送車10が走行する走行路面4の路面状況に応じて、その直径、幅、トレッドの有無又はトレッドパターン等を採用し得る。
駆動部24は、上記車輪20に回転力を付与できるものであればよく、該駆動部24としては、例えば電動機又は内燃機関等、種々の動力源を採用し得る。
幾つかの実施形態において、ベース16は、車輪20と駆動部24とをそれぞれ直接的に支持するように構成されていてもよい。或いは、車輪20のハブや回転軸に連結された駆動部24をベース16が支持するように構成されていてもよい。
車両本体12は、箱型(矩形)の筐体であってもよく、ベース16を介して下部に車輪20が配置される。幾つかの実施形態では、ベース16を介して下部に配置される車輪20のほか、該車両本体12に直接的に回転可能に車輪が取り付けられ得る(図1参照)。車両本体12の内部には、例えば、上記駆動部24の燃料又はバッテリ等が収容されてもよい。車両本体12の上部には、例えば、搬送対象物を搭載可能な載置台14を配置してもよい。なお、載置台14は、例えば、平板状、椀状、盆型又は箱型等、搬送対象物の種類や形状等に応じて該搬送対象物を適切に搬送可能な形状としてもよい。
連結部18は、例えば、図2(a)及び図2(b)に示すように、無人搬送車10の進行方向を前方として、少なくとも前後方向に沿う軸(揺動中心32)を中心に、ベース16と車両本体12とを揺動自在に連結する。
The wheel 20 may adopt the diameter, width, presence or absence of a tread, a tread pattern, or the like according to the road surface condition of the traveling road surface 4 on which the automated guided vehicle 10 travels.
The drive part 24 should just be what can provide a rotational force to the said wheel 20, As this drive part 24, various power sources, such as an electric motor or an internal combustion engine, can be employ | adopted, for example.
In some embodiments, the base 16 may be configured to directly support the wheel 20 and the drive 24 respectively. Alternatively, the base 16 may be configured to support the drive unit 24 connected to the hub of the wheel 20 or the rotation shaft.
The vehicle body 12 may be a box-shaped (rectangular) casing, and the wheel 20 is disposed at the lower part via the base 16. In some embodiments, in addition to the wheels 20 located at the lower part through the base 16, the wheels may be rotatably mounted directly on the vehicle body 12 (see FIG. 1). For example, the fuel or the battery of the drive unit 24 may be accommodated inside the vehicle body 12. At an upper portion of the vehicle body 12, for example, a mounting table 14 on which the object to be transferred can be mounted may be disposed. The mounting table 14 may have a shape such as a flat plate, a bowl, a tray, a box, or the like that can appropriately convey the object according to the type and the shape of the object.
For example, as shown in FIGS. 2 (a) and 2 (b), the connecting portion 18 is centered on an axis (oscillation center 32) along at least the front-rear direction, with the traveling direction of the automatic guided vehicle 10 forward. The base 16 and the vehicle body 12 are swingably connected.

上記の構成によれば、例えば、図2に示すように、車両本体12の前後方向に沿う軸としての揺動中心32周りにベース16と車両本体12とが揺動自在であることにより、無人搬送車10の走行路面4に車両本体12の幅方向(左右方向)に不均一な起伏等(例えば、起伏、凹凸又は障害物等)が存在しても、少なくとも車両本体12に対するベース16の可動範囲内において車両本体12の傾きを抑制しながら上記起伏等の形状に応じて各車輪20を追従させることができる。よって、車輪20の空転を抑制して各車輪20の接地性を向上させることができる。
また、ベース16、一対の車輪20及び少なくとも1つの駆動部24を含めた構造体の重心Gよりも上方に、該構造体の支点となる連結部18を配置したことにより、左右何れか一方の車輪20が走行路面4の凹凸を通過する際、両車輪20,20を水平に復帰させて接地させる方向にモーメントが働くため、車両本体12に対するベース16の復元力が増加して各車輪20,20の接地性を向上させることができる。こうして、各車輪20,20のトラクションを確保して無人搬送車10による走行路面4の走破性をより一層向上させることができる。
従って、部品点数を抑えた簡易な構成でありながら、起伏等を含む走行路面4を走行でき、且つ、小回り可能な無人搬送車10を実現することができる。
According to the above configuration, for example, as shown in FIG. 2, the base 16 and the vehicle body 12 can swing freely around the swing center 32 as an axis along the front-rear direction of the vehicle body 12. Even if uneven unevenness or the like (for example, unevenness, unevenness, obstacle, etc.) exists in the width direction (left and right direction) of the vehicle body 12 on the traveling road surface 4 of the transport vehicle 10, at least the movable of the base 16 with respect to the vehicle body 12 Each wheel 20 can be made to follow according to shapes, such as the above-mentioned ups and downs, controlling inclination of the vehicle body 12 within a range. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the idling of the wheels 20 and improve the contactability of the wheels 20.
Further, by arranging the connecting portion 18 serving as the fulcrum of the structure above the center of gravity G of the structure including the base 16, the pair of wheels 20 and the at least one drive portion 24, either left or right When the wheels 20 pass through the unevenness of the traveling road surface 4, a moment acts in a direction to return both the wheels 20, 20 horizontally to contact the ground, so that the restoring force of the base 16 with respect to the vehicle body 12 increases. The groundability of 20 can be improved. Thus, the traction of each of the wheels 20, 20 can be secured, and the travelability of the traveling road surface 4 by the AGV 10 can be further improved.
Therefore, it is possible to realize the unmanned transfer vehicle 10 capable of traveling on the traveling road surface 4 including unevenness and the like and capable of small rotation while having a simple configuration in which the number of parts is suppressed.

図3は、一実施形態における連結部を示す概略図である。図4は、一実施形態における連結部の構成を示す概略斜視図であり、(a)は中立状態、(b)は付勢状態を示す。
幾つかの実施形態において、無人搬送車10は、ベース16に対する車両本体12の相対姿勢が中立状態に復帰するように、ベース16に対して車両本体12を付勢するための付勢部30をさらに備えていてもよい(例えば、図3、図4及び図5参照)。
FIG. 3 is a schematic view showing a connecting portion in one embodiment. FIG. 4 is a schematic perspective view showing the configuration of the connecting portion in one embodiment, in which (a) shows a neutral state and (b) shows a biased state.
In some embodiments, the AGV 10 biases the biasing portion 30 for biasing the vehicle body 12 relative to the base 16 such that the relative posture of the vehicle body 12 relative to the base 16 returns to the neutral state. You may provide further (for example, refer FIG.3, FIG.4 and FIG. 5).

上記中立状態は、車両本体12とベース16とが、揺動中心32周りにおいて互いが所定の角度に配置される状態に設定してもよい。例えば、無人搬送車10を平坦な走行路面4に配置して、全ての車輪20が接地した状態における車両本体12とベース16との相対配置を上記中立状態としてもよい。また、車両本体12の仮想的な垂直中心線Aに対して各車輪20の中心軸(車軸)Bが垂直になる状態を中立状態に設定してもよいし、車両本体12の水平部(例えば、車両本体12の下面等)を基準にして該水平部に対して各車輪20の車軸Bが平行となる状態を中立状態として設定してもよい。なお、付勢部30による付勢力は、揺動中心32周りの中立位置を境に、双方向に逆向きの圧縮力又は引張力が作用する構成であってもよい。   The neutral state may be set such that the vehicle body 12 and the base 16 are disposed at a predetermined angle with respect to the swing center 32. For example, the unmanned transfer vehicle 10 may be disposed on a flat traveling road surface 4, and the relative arrangement between the vehicle body 12 and the base 16 in the state where all the wheels 20 are in contact with the ground may be the neutral state. Alternatively, the central axis (axle shaft) B of each wheel 20 may be perpendicular to the virtual vertical center line A of the vehicle body 12 in a neutral state, or the horizontal portion of the vehicle body 12 (for example, A state in which the axle B of each wheel 20 is parallel to the horizontal portion with reference to the lower surface of the vehicle body 12 or the like may be set as the neutral state. The biasing force by the biasing unit 30 may be configured such that a compressive force or a tensile force in opposite directions acts on both sides of the neutral position around the swing center 32.

上記のように付勢部30を備えた構成とすれば、ベース16に対する車両本体12の相対姿勢が中立状態に復帰するようにして車両本体12に対してベース16が付勢されることにより、左右何れか一方の車輪20が凹凸を通過して前後方向に沿う軸回りにベース16が回動(揺動)した場合に、ベース16を中立位置に復帰させるように付勢部30が付勢する。従って、凹凸通過後には左右一対の車輪20を速やかに水平に復帰させることができるから、各車輪20の接地性をさらに向上させてトラクションを確保することができ、無人搬送車10による走行路面4の走破性をより一層向上させることができる。   As described above, when the biasing portion 30 is provided, the base 16 is biased with respect to the vehicle body 12 so that the relative posture of the vehicle body 12 with respect to the base 16 returns to the neutral state. The biasing portion 30 biases the base 16 to return to the neutral position when either the left or right wheel 20 passes the unevenness and the base 16 pivots (swings) around an axis along the front-rear direction. Do. Therefore, after passing through the unevenness, the pair of left and right wheels 20 can be promptly returned to the horizontal, so that the contactability of each wheel 20 can be further improved and traction can be secured. Can further improve the runnability.

幾つかの実施形態において、連結部18は、例えば、図3及び図4に示すように、車両本体12とベース16との何れか一方に固定される筒状の軸受外殻36と、車両本体12とベース16との何れか他方に固定され、軸受外殻36に内挿される筒状の軸受内殻34と、軸受内殻34の外周と軸受外殻36の内周との間に設けられる付勢部30としての弾性部材38と、を含んでいてもよい。   In some embodiments, the connecting portion 18 is, for example, a cylindrical bearing outer shell 36 fixed to one of the vehicle body 12 and the base 16 as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4; 12 is fixed to any one of the base 12 and the base 16 and is provided between a cylindrical bearing inner shell 34 inserted into the bearing outer shell 36 and the outer periphery of the bearing inner shell 34 and the inner periphery of the bearing outer shell 36 The elastic member 38 as the biasing part 30 may be included.

このように連結部18が軸受外殻36、軸受内殻34及び弾性部材38を含む構成によれば、軸受内殻34及び軸受外殻36を介して車両本体12とベース16とが上記前後方向に沿う軸周りに相対的に回動(揺動)した場合、軸受内殻34と軸受外殻36との間に設けられた弾性部材38により弾性的に抗力が作用し、車両本体12及びベース16を互いの中立位置に戻すように付勢力を作用させることができる。つまり、連結部18と付勢部30とを一体に構成して前後方向に沿う軸周りに配置することができるため、簡易且つコンパクトな構成で、上述した無人搬送車10を実現することができる。   Thus, according to the configuration in which the connecting portion 18 includes the bearing outer shell 36, the bearing inner shell 34, and the elastic member 38, the vehicle main body 12 and the base 16 via the bearing inner shell 34 and the bearing outer shell 36 In the case of relative rotation (rocking) around the axis along the axis, the elastic member 38 provided between the bearing inner shell 34 and the bearing outer shell 36 exerts a resilient action, and the vehicle body 12 and the base A biasing force can be applied to return 16 to their neutral position. That is, since the connecting portion 18 and the urging portion 30 can be integrally configured and arranged around the axis along the front-rear direction, the above-described unmanned transfer vehicle 10 can be realized with a simple and compact configuration. .

図5は、他の実施形態における付勢部を示す概略図であり、(a)は付勢部としてコイルばねを、(b)は付勢部としてねじりばねを用いた構成を示す。
図5(a)及び図5(b)に示すように、幾つかの実施形態において、付勢部30は、一端が車両本体12に接続され他端がベース16に接続された弾性部材38を含んでもよい。
例えば、図5(a)に例示するように弾性部材38としてコイルばねを採用する場合、弾性部材38を車両本体12の垂直中心線Aを挟んで左右何れにも設ける構成としてもよいし、少なくとも左右何れか一方に設ける構成としてもよい。
FIG. 5 is a schematic view showing a biasing portion in another embodiment, in which (a) shows a coil spring as the biasing portion and (b) shows a configuration using a torsion spring as the biasing portion.
As shown in FIGS. 5 (a) and 5 (b), in some embodiments, the biasing portion 30 has a resilient member 38 connected at one end to the vehicle body 12 and at the other end to the base 16. May be included.
For example, when a coil spring is employed as the elastic member 38 as illustrated in FIG. 5A, the elastic member 38 may be provided on either side of the vertical center line A of the vehicle body 12 or at least It may be configured to be provided on either the left or the right.

このように付勢部30として弾性部材38を含む構成によれば、車両本体12とベース16とが前後方向に沿う軸周りに相対的に回動(揺動)した場合、弾性部材38によって弾性的に抗力が作用し、車両本体12及びベース16を互いの中立位置に戻すように付勢力を作用させることができる。   As described above, according to the configuration including the elastic member 38 as the biasing portion 30, when the vehicle body 12 and the base 16 relatively rotate (swing) around the axis along the front-rear direction, the elastic member 38 is elastic. In this case, a drag force is exerted, and a biasing force can be exerted to return the vehicle body 12 and the base 16 to their neutral positions.

幾つかの実施形態において、駆動部24は、左右一対の車輪20に各々独立に駆動力を付与するように構成されてもよい。この場合、駆動部24は、各車輪20に個別に動力を付与し得るように、駆動輪となる車輪20の数に対応する数設けられていてもよいし(図2、図3及び図6参照)、一つの駆動部24から、種々の伝達機構を介して複数の車輪20に個別に動力を付与し得るように構成されていてもよい。   In some embodiments, the drive unit 24 may be configured to independently apply a driving force to the pair of left and right wheels 20. In this case, the drive units 24 may be provided in a number corresponding to the number of wheels 20 serving as drive wheels so that power can be individually applied to the wheels 20 (FIGS. 2, 3 and 6). Reference), one drive unit 24 may be configured to be able to individually apply power to the plurality of wheels 20 via various transmission mechanisms.

このように各車輪20に各々独立に駆動力を付与する構成によれば、無人搬送車10は、左右一対の車輪20にそれぞれ独立に回転力が付与されるので、両車輪20,20を同一方向に回転させて前進又は後退できるほか、各車輪20,20に回転速度差をつけて同一方向に回転させる左右の旋回動作、何れか一方の車輪20を停止させ他方を回転させる信地旋回、及び、両車輪20,20を互いに逆向きに回転させる超信地旋回を自在に組み合わせて走行させることができる。よって、小回り可能な無人搬送車10を実現することができる。   As described above, according to the configuration in which the driving force is independently applied to the respective wheels 20, the unmanned transfer vehicle 10 has the same rotational force applied to the pair of left and right wheels 20. It is possible to rotate forward or backward by rotating in the direction, or left and right turning operation to make the wheels 20, 20 have different rotational speeds and rotate in the same direction, turn to stop the one wheel 20 and turn the other. Also, it is possible to freely combine and travel with a super pivot that rotates both wheels 20, 20 in opposite directions. Therefore, the unmanned transfer vehicle 10 capable of small rotation can be realized.

幾つかの実施形態において、駆動部24は、車輪20を駆動するためのモータ24Aを含んでもよい。モータ24Aは、直流(DC)モータ、交流(AC)モータ、エンコーダ付モータ、ギヤドモータ等、種々の汎用モータを適用し得る。
そして、幾つかの実施形態では、上記モータ24Aの回転軸(出力軸)が連結部18の揺動中心32よりも下方に設けられるようにしてモータ24Aを配置してもよい(図3参照)。
In some embodiments, the drive 24 may include a motor 24A for driving the wheels 20. As the motor 24A, various general-purpose motors such as a direct current (DC) motor, an alternating current (AC) motor, a motor with an encoder, and a geared motor can be applied.
Further, in some embodiments, the motor 24A may be disposed such that the rotation shaft (output shaft) of the motor 24A is provided below the swing center 32 of the connecting portion 18 (see FIG. 3). .

上記のようにモータ24Aの回転軸が連結部18の揺動中心32よりも下方に位置するように配置した構成によれば、ベース16、駆動部24及び車輪20を含む構造体の重心Gをより低い位置に設定することができるので、該構造体の重心Gに対して車両本体12とベース16との揺動中心である連結部18を相対的により上方に配置でき、車両本体12に対するベース16の復元力がより増加して各車輪20の接地性を向上させることができる。従って、各車輪20のトラクションを確保して無人搬送車10による走行路面4の走破性をより一層向上させることができる。   According to the configuration in which the rotation axis of the motor 24A is positioned below the swing center 32 of the connecting portion 18 as described above, the center of gravity G of the structure including the base 16, the drive portion 24 and the wheel 20 is Since it can be set at a lower position, the connecting portion 18 which is the rocking center of the vehicle body 12 and the base 16 can be arranged relatively higher with respect to the center of gravity G of the structure. The restoring force of 16 can be further increased to improve the ground contact of each wheel 20. Therefore, the traction of each wheel 20 can be secured to further improve the travelability of the traveling road surface 4 by the unmanned transfer vehicle 10.

上記の構成によれば、ベース16、駆動部24及び車輪20を含む構造体の重心Gをより低い位置に設定することができるので、該構造体の重心Gに対して車両本体12とベース16との揺動中心である連結部18をより上方に配置できることとなり、車両本体12に対するベース16の復元力が増加して各車輪20の接地性を向上させることができる。従って、各車輪20のトラクションを確保して無人搬送車10による走行路面4の走破性をより一層向上させることができる。   According to the above configuration, the center of gravity G of the structure including the base 16, the drive unit 24 and the wheel 20 can be set at a lower position, so that the vehicle body 12 and the base 16 can be positioned relative to the center of gravity G of the structure. Thus, the connecting portion 18 which is the rocking center of the vehicle can be disposed further upward, and the restoring force of the base 16 with respect to the vehicle main body 12 can be increased to improve the ground contactability of each wheel 20. Therefore, the traction of each wheel 20 can be secured to further improve the travelability of the traveling road surface 4 by the unmanned transfer vehicle 10.

幾つかの実施形態において、無人搬送車10は、車両本体12に回転可能に支持された従動輪としてのキャスタ26をさらに備えていてもよい。そして、少なくとも一対の車輪20は、キャスタ26よりも大径の駆動輪を含んでもよい(図1及び図6参照)。
幾つかの実施形態では、左右一対の従動輪として、車両本体12の左右にそれぞれ一つのキャスタ26が取り付けられてもよい。キャスタ26は、任意の水平方向に方向転換可能な状態で車両本体12の下部に取り付けられ、車輪20とともに、車両本体12を支持する。
駆動輪としての車輪20の直径D1と従動輪としてのキャスタ26の直径D2との比率は、走行路面4の粗さや該走行路面4に含まれ得る凹凸等の大きさ等を考慮して任意に設定してもよい(D1>D2)。
In some embodiments, the AGV 10 may further include a caster 26 as a driven wheel rotatably supported by the vehicle body 12. And at least one pair of wheels 20 may include a drive wheel having a diameter larger than that of the caster 26 (see FIGS. 1 and 6).
In some embodiments, one caster 26 may be attached to the left and right of the vehicle body 12 as a pair of left and right driven wheels. The caster 26 is attached to the lower part of the vehicle body 12 in an optional horizontally diversionable state, and supports the vehicle body 12 together with the wheels 20.
The ratio of the diameter D1 of the wheel 20 as the driving wheel to the diameter D2 of the caster 26 as the driven wheel is arbitrary in consideration of the roughness of the traveling road surface 4 and the size of irregularities etc. that may be included in the traveling road surface 4 It may be set (D1> D2).

上記のように、従動輪であるキャスタ26よりも大径の駆動輪を採用する構成によれば、例えば、凹凸や障害物等、走行路面4における走破性を大径の駆動輪(車輪20)で確保しつつ、該駆動輪よりも小径の従動輪(キャスタ26)を採用して車両本体12内のスペースを確保し、設計の自由度を向上させた無人搬送車10を実現することができる。   As described above, according to the configuration in which the driving wheel having a diameter larger than that of the caster 26, which is a driven wheel, is employed, for example, the driving wheel having large diameter such as irregularities and obstacles can be made large. Thus, the unmanned transfer vehicle 10 can be realized in which a space within the vehicle body 12 is secured by adopting a driven wheel (caster 26) having a diameter smaller than that of the drive wheel while securing the .

幾つかの実施形態において、少なくとも一対の車輪20は、車両本体12のうち進行方向の前方部に配置されてもよい(図1及び図6参照)。つまり、無人搬送車10は、車両本体12に対して車輪20が取り付けられた側を主に前方として走行するように構成されていてもよい。
なお、車輪20を正方向又は逆方向に回転させることにより、無人搬送車10を前進及び後退可能に構成することを制限するものではなく、後退の際には、進行方向において車輪20が車両本体12の後方部に位置してもよい。
In some embodiments, at least a pair of wheels 20 may be disposed in the forward portion of the vehicle body 12 (see FIGS. 1 and 6). That is, the unmanned transfer vehicle 10 may be configured to travel with the side on which the wheels 20 are attached to the vehicle body 12 as the front.
In addition, by rotating the wheel 20 in the forward direction or in the reverse direction, it is not limited to configure the unmanned transfer vehicle 10 to be able to move forward and backward, but when moving backward, the wheel 20 is the vehicle body in the moving direction. It may be located at the rear of the twelve.

このようにすれば、無人搬送車10は、駆動部24から回転力を付与される駆動輪としての少なくとも一対の車輪20を車両本体12における進行方向の前方部に配置した前輪駆動方式で構成される。従って、例えば全輪駆動方式に比べて軽量化、構成の簡素化及び低コスト化が図られると共に、後輪駆動方式に比べて高い悪路走破性を備えた無人搬送車10を得ることができる。また、前輪を後輪よりも大径とした場合、例えば後輪と同径又は後輪よりも小径の前輪を採用する場合に比べて、進行方向の前方に凹凸や障害物が存在する走行路面4の走破性がより一層向上した無人搬送車10を得ることができる。   In this manner, the unmanned transfer vehicle 10 is configured by a front wheel drive method in which at least a pair of wheels 20 as drive wheels to which a rotational force is applied from the drive unit 24 is disposed in the forward portion in the traveling direction of the vehicle body 12 Ru. Therefore, for example, weight reduction, simplification of the configuration and cost reduction can be achieved as compared with the all-wheel drive system, and the unmanned transfer vehicle 10 can be obtained which has higher rough road travelability than the rear wheel drive system. . In addition, when the diameter of the front wheel is larger than that of the rear wheel, for example, as compared with the case where the same diameter as the rear wheel or a smaller diameter front wheel is employed, the traveling road surface has unevenness and obstacles ahead The unmanned transfer vehicle 10 with the travelability of 4 further improved can be obtained.

図7は、一実施形態に係る無人搬送車が用いられ得る無人搬送システムの概略構成を例示する図である。
図7に示すように、幾つかの実施形態において、無人搬送車10は、農業用無人搬送車を含んでもよい。すなわち、幾つかの実施形態における無人搬送車10は、例えば、農園や施設園芸農場等(以下、農園等と称する)を作業ステージとした無人搬送システム1に用いることができ、該農園等において屋外やハウス内等を移動可能な自律走行型の搬送車両として構成され得る。この無人搬送車10は、例えば、多数の栽培ベンチ6が所定の間隔を隔てて並べて配置された走行路面4を、該走行路面4上に設置された誘導ライン8に沿って移動し、集荷場5と栽培ベンチ6との間で搬送対象物(被搬送物)を搬送し得るように構成されてもよい。
FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of an unmanned transfer system in which an unmanned transfer vehicle according to an embodiment can be used.
As shown in FIG. 7, in some embodiments, the automated guided vehicle 10 may include an agricultural automated guided vehicle. That is, the unmanned transfer vehicle 10 in some embodiments can be used for the unmanned transfer system 1 using, for example, a farm or a facility horticultural farm (hereinafter referred to as a farm or the like) as a work stage. It can be configured as an autonomous traveling type transport vehicle that can move in the house or the like. For example, the unmanned transport vehicle 10 travels along a guiding line 8 installed on the traveling road surface 4 by moving the traveling road surface 4 on which a large number of cultivation benches 6 are arranged side by side at a predetermined interval, It may be constituted so that a conveyance subject (to-be-conveyed thing) can be conveyed between 5 and the cultivation bench 6.

上記の構成によれば、農園又は施設園芸農場のハウス内等を走行可能な農業用の無人搬送車10を得ることができる。従って、無人搬送車10を農業用に用いて作業者の負担軽減及び生産効率の向上との両立を図ることができる。また、例えば、通路の幅等に応じて車両本体12の大きさを設定することにより、比較的狭い通路で行うピッキングや収穫に伴う搬送作業を適切に補助して作業者の負担を大幅に軽減することができる。   According to the above configuration, it is possible to obtain an unmanned automatic transfer vehicle 10 for agriculture that can travel in the farmland or the inside of a house of a facility horticultural farm or the like. Therefore, the unmanned transfer vehicle 10 can be used for agriculture, which can achieve both the burden on the operator and the improvement of production efficiency. Also, for example, by setting the size of the vehicle body 12 according to the width of the passage, etc., the conveyance work involved in picking and harvesting performed in a relatively narrow passage is appropriately assisted to significantly reduce the burden on the operator. can do.

以上述べた構成によれば、部品点数を抑えた簡易な構成で起伏等を含む路面を走行でき、且つ、小回り容易な無人搬送車を提供することができる。   According to the configuration described above, it is possible to provide an unmanned transfer vehicle which can travel on a road surface including undulations and the like with a simple configuration in which the number of parts is suppressed, and which is easy to make a small turn.

本発明は上述した実施形態に限定されることはなく、上述した実施形態に変更を加えた形態や、これらの形態を組み合わせた形態も含む。   The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and includes the embodiments in which the above-described embodiments are modified, and the embodiments in which these embodiments are combined.

1 無人搬送システム
4 走行路面
5 集荷場
6 栽培ベンチ
8 誘導ライン
10 無人搬送車
12 車両本体
14 載置台
16 ベース
18 連結部
20 車輪(前輪/駆動輪)
24 駆動部
24A モータ
26 キャスタ(後輪/従動輪)
30 付勢部
32 回動軸(揺動中心)
34 軸受内殻
36 軸受外殻
38 弾性部材
A 垂直中心線
B 車輪の中心軸(車軸)
D1 車輪の直径
D2 キャスタの直径
G 重心
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 unmanned conveyance system 4 traveling road surface 5 collection place 6 cultivation bench 8 guidance line 10 unmanned conveyance vehicle 12 vehicle main body 14 mounting base 16 base 18 connection part 20 wheel (front wheel / driving wheel)
24 drive unit 24A motor 26 caster (rear wheel / follower wheel)
30 Biasing part 32 Rotating shaft (Swinging center)
34 bearing inner shell 36 bearing outer shell 38 elastic member A vertical center line B wheel central axis (axle)
D1 Wheel diameter D2 Caster diameter G Center of gravity

Claims (9)

少なくとも左右一対の車輪と、
前記一対の車輪に回転力を付与する少なくとも1つの駆動部と、
少なくとも1つの前記駆動部を支持するベースと、
前記ベースに支持された車両本体と、
前記ベースと前記車両本体とを少なくとも前後方向に沿う軸周りに揺動自在に連結する連結部と、を備え、
前記連結部は、前記一対の車輪及び少なくとも1つの前記駆動部を含む前記ベースの重心よりも上方に配置されている
ことを特徴とする無人搬送車。
At least a pair of left and right wheels,
At least one drive unit for applying a rotational force to the pair of wheels;
A base supporting at least one drive unit;
A vehicle body supported by the base;
And a connecting portion pivotally connecting the base and the vehicle body around an axis extending at least in the front-rear direction,
The unmanned transfer vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the connecting portion is disposed above a center of gravity of the base including the pair of wheels and at least one drive portion.
前記ベースに対する前記車両本体の相対姿勢が中立状態に復帰するように、前記ベースに対して前記車両本体を付勢するための付勢部をさらに備える
ことを特徴とする請求項1に記載の無人搬送車。
The unmanned vehicle according to claim 1, further comprising a biasing unit for biasing the vehicle main body against the base so that the relative posture of the vehicle main body with respect to the base returns to the neutral state. Carrier.
前記連結部は、
前記車両本体と前記ベースとの何れか一方に固定される筒状の軸受外殻と、
前記車両本体と前記ベースとの何れか他方に固定され、前記軸受外殻に内挿される筒状の軸受内殻と、
前記軸受内殻の外周と前記軸受外殻の内周との間に設けられる前記付勢部としての弾性部材と、を備える
ことを特徴とする請求項2に記載の無人搬送車。
The connecting portion is
A cylindrical bearing shell fixed to one of the vehicle body and the base;
A cylindrical bearing inner shell fixed to any one of the vehicle body and the base and inserted into the bearing outer shell;
The unmanned transfer vehicle according to claim 2, further comprising an elastic member as the biasing portion provided between an outer periphery of the bearing inner shell and an inner periphery of the bearing outer shell.
前記付勢部は、一端が前記車両本体に接続され他端が前記ベースに接続された弾性部材を含む
ことを特徴とする請求項2に記載の無人搬送車。
The unmanned transfer vehicle according to claim 2, wherein the biasing unit includes an elastic member having one end connected to the vehicle body and the other end connected to the base.
前記駆動部は、前記左右一対の車輪に各々独立に駆動力を付与するように構成される
ことを特徴とする請求項1乃至4の何れか一項に記載の無人搬送車。
The said drive part is comprised so that a driving force may each be independently provided to the said left-right paired wheel, The unmanned carrier vehicle as described in any one of the Claims 1 thru | or 4 characterized by the above-mentioned.
前記車両本体に回転可能に支持された従動輪としてのキャスタをさらに備え、
前記少なくとも一対の車輪は、前記キャスタよりも大径の駆動輪を含む
ことを特徴とする請求項1乃至5の何れか一項に記載の無人搬送車。
It further comprises a caster as a driven wheel rotatably supported on the vehicle body,
The unmanned transfer vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the at least one pair of wheels includes drive wheels having a diameter larger than that of the caster.
前記少なくとも一対の車輪は、前記車両本体のうち進行方向の前方部に配置される
ことを特徴とする請求項1乃至6の何れか一項に記載の無人搬送車。
The unmanned transfer vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the at least one pair of wheels is disposed at a front portion in the traveling direction of the vehicle body.
前記駆動部は、前記車輪を駆動するためのモータを含み、
前記モータの回転軸が前記連結部の揺動中心よりも下方に設けられている
ことを特徴とする請求項1乃至7の何れか一項に記載の無人搬送車。
The driving unit includes a motor for driving the wheel.
The unmanned transfer vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein a rotation shaft of the motor is provided below a swing center of the connection portion.
前記無人搬送車は、農業用無人搬送車である
ことを特徴とする請求項1乃至8の何れか一項に記載の無人搬送車。
The unmanned transfer vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the unmanned transfer vehicle is an agricultural unmanned transfer vehicle.
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JPH08172813A (en) * 1994-12-21 1996-07-09 Mitsubishi Agricult Mach Co Ltd Control device for traveling vehicle for operation
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