Conveying device

Abstract

The conveying equipment is provided with a rail (4) passing through the opening part, a door for opening and closing the opening part, and a limiting device (7). The rail (4) is provided with a movable rail section (6), a first fixed rail section (40), and a second fixed rail section (41). The movable rail section (6) is disposed in a region overlapping the trajectory of the door movement, and is capable of changing the posture to a connection posture in which the first fixed rail section (40) and the second fixed rail section (41) are connected, and a retreat posture in which the movable rail section (6) is retreated from the overlapping region and the first fixed rail section (40) and the second fixed rail section (41) are separated from each other. When the movable rail part (6) is in the connected posture, the limiting device (7) is in a normal posture in which the traveling of the transport vehicle (2) is not limited, and is in a protruding posture in which the traveling of the transport vehicle is limited in conjunction with the movable rail part (6) being changed from the connected posture to the retracted posture.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a conveying device, comprising: a track arranged along a travel path passing through an opening formed in a wall body for a conveying vehicle to travel; and a door for opening and closing the opening. Background Art

[0002] An example of such a conveying device is disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2019-59596 (Patent Document 1). In the following description of the background art, the reference numerals and names in Patent Document 1 are cited in parentheses.

[0003] The conveying equipment of Patent Document 1 comprises: an article conveying vehicle (1) that travels along a travel path (L) passing through an opening (3) formed in a wall body (2); a guide rail (4) that guides the article conveying vehicle (1) along the travel path (L); and a fire door (7) that closes the opening (3) by moving along the wall surface of the wall body (2). A first gap (G1) is provided in the guide rail (4) through which the fire door (7) can pass. Furthermore, the guide rail (4) comprises a first rail body (41) and a second rail body (42) that are separately arranged on both sides along the direction of the travel path (L) with a second gap (G2) larger than the first gap (G1) sandwiched therebetween, and comprises a first adjustment component (8) mounted on the first rail body (41) and a second adjustment component (9) mounted on the second rail body (42). The first rail body (41) includes a first main body running surface (41a) on which the running wheels (16) of the article transport vehicle (1) roll. The second rail body (42) includes a second main body running surface (42a) on which the running wheels (16) of the article transport vehicle (1) roll. The first adjustment component (8) includes a first adjustment running surface (8a) that forms a running surface that follows the first main body running surface (41a), and is configured in a manner that at least a portion of the first adjustment running surface (8a) protrudes into a second gap (G2). The second adjustment component (9) includes a second adjustment running surface (9a) that forms a running surface that follows the second main body running surface (42a), and is configured in a manner that at least a portion of the second adjustment running surface (9a) protrudes into a second gap (G2). The gap between the first adjustment component (8) and the second adjustment component (9) that faces each other is the first gap (G1), and an adjustment mechanism (MA) is provided that can change the position of the first gap (G1) to a direction along the travel path (L). Summary of the invention

[0004] However, in the conveying equipment of Patent Document 1, since the first gap (G1) through which the fire door (7) can pass is always provided on the guide rail (4), if the article conveying vehicle (1) is driven at a relatively high speed, the vibration when passing through the first gap (G1) tends to become larger. If the driving speed of the article conveying vehicle (1) is reduced in order to suppress such vibration, there is a technical problem that the efficiency of conveying articles by the article conveying vehicle (1) is reduced.

[0005] In view of this, it is desirable to realize a conveying device that can suppress the vibration generated in the conveying vehicle to a small level when the conveying vehicle passes through an overlapping area of ​​the movement trajectory of the door, that is, the door trajectory and the travel path of the rail.

[0006] The technology used to solve the above-mentioned technical problems is as follows.

[0007] A conveying device, comprising: a track, arranged along a travel path passing through an opening formed in a wall body, for a conveying vehicle to travel; and a door, for opening and closing the aforementioned opening; characterized in that a direction along the aforementioned travel path is set as a path direction, one side of the aforementioned path direction is set as a first side of the path direction, and the other side of the aforementioned path direction is set as a second side of the path direction; the aforementioned track comprises: a movable track portion, arranged in an overlapping area that overlaps with a moving track of the aforementioned door when opening and closing the aforementioned opening, i.e., a door track; a first fixed track portion, arranged on the first side of the aforementioned path direction relative to the aforementioned overlapping area; and a second fixed track portion, arranged on the second side of the aforementioned path direction relative to the aforementioned overlapping area. ; The movable rail portion can change its posture to a connection posture and a retreat posture, the connection posture is to be arranged in the aforementioned overlapping area and connect the first fixed rail portion with the second fixed rail portion, and the retreat posture is to retreat from the aforementioned overlapping area and disconnect the first fixed rail portion from the second fixed rail portion; it is equipped with a limiting device, which is a normal posture that does not overlap with the moving trajectory of the aforementioned transport vehicle, that is, the trajectory of the transport vehicle when the movable rail portion is in the aforementioned connection posture, and is linked to the change of the movable rail portion from the aforementioned connection posture to the aforementioned retreat posture, and becomes a protruding posture that protrudes to a position that overlaps with the trajectory of the aforementioned transport vehicle, thereby limiting the travel of the aforementioned transport vehicle.

[0008] According to this characteristic structure, by changing the movable track portion from the connection posture to the retreat posture, the track can be prevented from becoming an obstacle to the opening and closing action of the door. In addition, when the movable track portion is in the connection posture, since the first fixed track portion and the second fixed track portion are connected by the movable track portion, the step difference and gap of the track in the overlapping area can be reduced, and the vibration generated in the transport vehicle when the transport vehicle passes through the overlapping area can be easily suppressed.

[0009] In addition, according to the present structure, since there is a limiting device that limits the travel of the transport vehicle and protrudes to a position overlapping with the trajectory of the transport vehicle when the movable rail portion is in a retracted position, it is possible to appropriately limit the transport vehicle from intruding into the disconnected section when the movable rail portion disconnects the first fixed rail portion and the second fixed rail portion.

[0010] Furthermore, according to this structure, since such a restriction device is configured to be in a protruding posture in conjunction with the movable rail portion changing from the connection posture to the retreat posture, the necessity of providing a dedicated drive source for changing the posture of the restriction device can be reduced. Therefore, it is easy to simplify the structure of the restriction device and reduce the cost.

[0011] Further features and advantages of the technology disclosed herein will become more apparent from the following description of illustrative and non-limiting embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] Figure 1 It is a top view of the main parts of the conveying equipment.

[0013] Figure 2 It is a side view of the movable rail part including the connection posture.

[0014] Figure 3 This is a side view including the movable rail portion when the posture is changed.

[0015] Figure 4 This is a side view including the movable rail portion when the posture is changed.

[0016] Figure 5 It is a side view of the movable rail portion including the retracted posture.

[0017] Figure 6 It is a side view of the transport vehicle whose travel is restricted by the first restriction device.

[0018] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 Cross-sectional view along line of sight VII-VII.

[0019] Figure 8 It is a stereoscopic view of the first limiting device of the protruding posture.

[0020] Fig. 9 It is a side view of the transport vehicle whose travel is restricted by the second restriction device.

[0021] Fig.10 yes Fig. 9 A cross-sectional view taken along line of sight XX.

[0022] Fig.11 It is a stereoscopic view of the second limiting device of the protruding posture.

[0023] Fig.12 It is a block diagram showing the control structure of the conveying equipment.

[0024] Fig.13 It is a schematic diagram showing the sensor structure in the movable rail part. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] 1. Implementation Method

[0026] The embodiment of the conveying device 100 is described based on the drawings. Figure 1 As shown, the transport equipment 100 includes: a track 4 arranged along a travel path passing through an opening 3 formed in a wall body 2, for the transport vehicle 1 to travel; and a door 5 for opening and closing the opening 3. In addition, the door 5 of this embodiment is assumed to be a fire door, but it is not limited to this, and it can also be a door for air blocking, etc.

[0027] The transport vehicle 1 includes a carriage portion 10 which is suspended from a ceiling H (see Fig.13 ) The upper surface of the suspended track 4 runs along the track 4; the vehicle body 11 is suspended and supported by the trolley portion 10 and passes on the lower side than the track 4; and the connecting portion 12 connects the trolley portion 10 and the vehicle body portion 11.

[0028] The carriage part 10 includes a front carriage part 10F and a rear carriage part 10R arranged in the front-rear direction of the vehicle body. Furthermore, the vehicle body part 11 is connected to a pair of front and rear connecting parts 12 so as to be rotatable around the longitudinal axis, and the front carriage part 10F and the rear carriage part 10R are each configured to rotate around the longitudinal axis integrally with the connecting part 12 to which they are connected. Figure 6 ) is located between a pair of left and right tracks 4.

[0029] The front carriage 10F is provided with a pair of left and right running wheels 13 that are rotationally driven by an electric drive motor in a state of rolling on a running surface formed by the upper surfaces of the left and right pair of rails 4. In addition, the front carriage 10F is provided with two sets of left and right guide wheels that are freely rotatable around an axis in the vertical direction in a state of contacting the inner side surfaces of the left and right pair of rails 4.

[0030] In addition, the rear carriage 10R is equipped with a pair of left and right running wheels 13 and two pairs of left and right guide wheels, similar to the front carriage 10F. Thus, the transport vehicle 1 is provided with a pair of left and right running wheels 13, and the pair of left and right rails 4 are provided with running surfaces on which the running wheels 13 of the transport vehicle 1 roll.

[0031] Sensors 14 for detecting the restricting device 7 described later are provided on both side surfaces of the vehicle body portion 11 in the traveling direction (see Figure 6). As such a sensor 14, for example, an obstacle sensor 14A, a collision detection sensor 14B, etc. can be cited. In the present embodiment, an obstacle sensor 14A is provided on the forward direction side of the transport vehicle 1, and a collision detection sensor 14B is provided on the backward direction side of the transport vehicle 1. As the obstacle sensor 14A, for example, an optical sensor is preferably used. In addition, as the collision detection sensor 14B, for example, a bumper switch is preferably used.

[0032] The transport vehicle 1 is configured to travel along the rails 4 while the guide wheels of the front and rear carriage parts 10F and 10R are guided by the pair of left and right rails 4 to restrict the position of the vehicle body in the lateral width direction Y, and the travel wheels 13 of the front and rear carriage parts 10F and 10R are rotationally driven.

[0033] The conveying device 100 thus constructed is as follows Figure 1 As shown in FIG. 1 , the first area A1 and the second area A2 are provided. In addition, both the first area A1 and the second area A2 of the present embodiment are set as clean rooms.

[0034] At the boundary portion between the first area A1 and the second area A2, there are provided: a wall body 2, which separates the first area A1 and the second area A2 and forms an opening portion 3 corresponding to the travel path of the transport vehicle 1; and a door 5, which opens and closes the opening portion 3. The door 5 is configured to move freely to a closed position for locking the opening portion 3 and an open position for opening the opening portion 3 by moving along the wall surface of the wall body 2. In addition, in the present embodiment, the door 5 is configured to move in the up-down direction along the wall surface of the wall body 2, but is not limited to this. The door 5 may also be configured to move in the left-right direction (horizontal direction) along the wall surface of the wall body 2. In this way, the transport device 100 is provided with a door 5 that locks the opening portion 3 by moving along the wall surface of the wall body 2.

[0035] In addition, a direction along the travel path is defined as a path direction X, one side of the path direction X is defined as the path direction first side X1, and the other side of the path direction X is defined as the path direction second side X2. In the present embodiment, the side where the first area A1 is located is the path direction first side X1, and the side where the second area A2 is located is the path direction second side X2. In addition, in the present embodiment, the forward direction of the transport vehicle 1 is defined as the direction from the path direction first side X1 toward the path direction second side X2, and the backward direction of the transport vehicle 1 is defined as the direction from the path direction second side X2 toward the path direction first side X1.

[0036] The track 4 includes: a movable track portion 6, which is arranged in an overlapping area W overlapping with a door track 50, the door track 50 being a moving track of the door 5 when the opening portion 3 is opened or closed; a first fixed track portion 40, which is arranged on the first side X1 in the path direction relative to the overlapping area W; a second fixed track portion 41, which is arranged on the second side X2 in the path direction relative to the overlapping area W; and a support member 71, which supports the end of the movable track portion 6. In addition, the positions of the first fixed track portion 40 and the second fixed track portion 41 relative to the opening portion 3 are fixed.

[0037] In the present embodiment, the first fixed rail portion 40 refers to a rail portion that is closer to the front side than the overlap area W in the forward direction of the transport vehicle 1, but is not limited to this structure, and may also be a rail portion that is closer to the back side than the overlap area W in the forward direction of the transport vehicle 1. The transport vehicle 1 can stop at a position in front of the overlap area W as long as the obstacle sensor 14A described later can detect the restriction device 7 before a certain distance.

[0038] In the present embodiment, the second fixed rail portion 41 is a rail portion further back than the overlap region W in the advancing direction of the transport vehicle 1 , but the present invention is not limited to this structure and may be a rail portion further forward than the overlap region W in the advancing direction of the transport vehicle 1 .

[0039] The movable rail portion 6 is configured to be able to change its posture to a connection posture in which it is arranged in the overlap region W and connects the first fixed rail portion 40 and the second fixed rail portion 41 (see FIG. 1 ). Figure 2 ) and the retreat posture of retreating from the overlapping area W to separate the first fixed rail portion 40 and the second fixed rail portion 41 (refer to Figure 5 ) In addition, the movable rail portion 6 is arranged in a region larger than the overlapping region W when viewed in the up-down direction.

[0040] like Figure 2 to Figure 5 As shown, the direction orthogonal to the path direction X when viewed in the up and down direction is taken as the width direction Y, and the movable rail portion 6 comprises: a first axis support portion 60, which is supported to swing freely around the first rotation axis along the width direction Y relative to the first fixed rail portion 40; a rail connecting portion 61, which is a connecting portion between the first fixed rail portion 40 and the second fixed rail portion 41 in the connected posture; and a first extension portion 62, which is formed to extend toward the first side X1 in the path direction relative to the first axis support portion 60 in the connected posture.

[0041] When the movable rail portion 6 changes from the connection posture to the retracted posture, the rail connection portion 61 swings around the first rotation axis toward the side rising relative to the first fixed rail portion 40 , and the first extension portion 62 swings around the first rotation axis toward the side descending relative to the first fixed rail portion 40 .

[0042] Furthermore, the transport facility 100 includes a restriction device 7 that restricts the travel of the transport vehicle 1. The restriction device 7 of this embodiment includes a first restriction device 7A that restricts the travel of the transport vehicle 1 in the forward direction and a second restriction device 7B that restricts the travel of the transport vehicle 1 in the backward direction.

[0043] In this embodiment, the first restricting device 7A is supported by the first fixed rail portion 40, and the second restricting device 7B is supported by the second fixed rail portion 41. In addition, the present invention is not limited to this structure, and the restricting device 7 may be supported by the support structure of the support rail 4, the wall body 2, or the like.

[0044] The first restriction device 7A is configured to include a swing member 70 that descends in conjunction with the descent of the first extending portion 62 of the movable rail portion 6 .

[0045] The swing member 70 is supported to be swingable relative to the first fixed rail portion 40 about the rotation axis along the width direction Y at a position upstream of the movable rail portion 6 in the travel direction. When the movable rail portion 6 is in the connected posture, the swing member 70 is supported by the first extension portion 62 of the movable rail portion 6 and is maintained in the extension direction of the first fixed rail portion 40. Moreover, when the movable rail portion 6 is in the retracted posture, the support is released by the lowering of the first extension portion 62, and the swing member 70 is lowered by its own weight. In addition, the structure of the swing member 70 is not limited to the above-mentioned structure, and it can also be a structure that is linked to the first extension portion 62 not by its own weight but by a well-known link mechanism or the like.

[0046] The second limiting device 7B is configured to include a support member 71. Although not shown in the figure, the second limiting device 7B may include a swing member 70 that is lowered in conjunction with the lowering of the second extension portion 712 of the support member 71 in addition to the support member 71. The swing member 70 in this case may be configured to be released from support by the lowering of the second extension portion 712 and to be lowered by its own weight, or may be configured to be linked to the second extension portion 712 by a known link mechanism or the like instead of its own weight.

[0047] The supporting component 71 includes: a second axis supporting portion 710, which is supported to swing freely around a second rotation axis along the width direction Y relative to the second fixed rail portion 41; a supporting portion 711, which supports the end of the rail connecting portion 61 on the second side X2 in the path direction from the lower side when the movable rail portion 6 is in a connected posture; and a second extending portion 712, which is formed to extend toward the second side X2 in the path direction relative to the second axis supporting portion 710 when the movable rail portion 6 is in a connected posture.

[0048] The structure is as follows: by changing the movable rail portion 6 from the connection posture to the retreat posture, the rail connecting portion 61 swings around the first rotation axis toward the side that rises relative to the first fixed rail portion 40, and the end of the second side X2 in the path direction of the rail connecting portion 61 leaves the support portion 711, and the support member 71 swings around the second rotation axis toward the side that descends relative to the second fixed rail portion 41 of the second extension portion 712.

[0049] When the movable rail portion 6 is in the connected position, both the first restricting device 7A and the second restricting device 7B are in a normal position that does not overlap with the vehicle trajectory that is the moving trajectory of the transport vehicle 1 (see Figure 2 ), and the movable rail portion 6 changes from the connection posture to the retreat posture in conjunction with the protruding posture to the position overlapping the transport vehicle track (refer to Figure 5 ), restricting the travel of the transport vehicle 1. In the present embodiment, the first restricting device 7A and the second restricting device 7B do not have an independent driving source, and are configured to be in a protruding posture by linking with the movable rail portion 6 through a swing mechanism using their own weight. In addition, a mechanism that protrudes by the force of a spring may be used instead of a swing mechanism using its own weight.

[0050] In addition, the posture change action from the normal posture to the protruding posture of the first limiting device 7A and the second limiting device 7B is not limited to the above, and can also be made into a structure that is mechanically linked to the posture change of the movable rail part 6. In this case, for example, a structure that uses a linkage mechanism, a gear mechanism, a cam mechanism, etc. can also be adopted. In addition, the first limiting device 7A and the second limiting device 7B can also use a driving source shared with the movable rail part 6 to implement the posture change action.

[0051] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the first limiting device 7A and the second limiting device 7B are configured to be linked with the movable rail portion 6 changing from the retreat posture to the connection posture and changing from the protruding posture to the normal posture. Specifically, when the movable rail portion 6 changes from the retreat posture to the connection posture, the swing component 70 is pushed by the first extension portion 62 of the movable rail portion 6, and the first limiting device 7A changes from the protruding posture to the normal posture. Furthermore, when the movable rail portion 6 changes from the retreat posture to the connection posture, the support portion 711 is pushed by the rail connection portion 61 of the movable rail portion 6, and the second limiting device 7B changes from the protruding posture to the normal posture. In addition, regarding the action of the first limiting device 7A and the second limiting device 7B changing from the protruding posture to the normal posture, it is also possible that the operator or the like manually performs the action without being linked with the movable rail portion 6.

[0052] like Figure 6 and Fig. 9As shown, the limiting device 7 includes a detected portion 8, and in the state of being in a protruding posture, the detected portion 8 functions as at least one of a portion detected by the obstacle sensor 14A provided by the transport vehicle 1 and a portion contacting with the collision detection sensor 14B provided by the transport vehicle 1. In addition, the limiting device 7 is not limited to such a structure, and the limiting device 7 may also include a component that is not detected by the sensor 14 of the transport vehicle 1, but abuts against the wheels or body of the transport vehicle 1 to forcibly limit the travel of the transport vehicle 1.

[0053] like Figure 6 to Figure 8 As shown, in the first limiting device 7A, the detected portion 8 can be provided for the first extension portion 62 of the movable rail portion 6 or the swing member 70. In the present embodiment, the detected portion 8 is provided for the swing member 70, and a reflector 80 detected by the obstacle sensor 14A (optical sensor) of the transport vehicle 1 is used as the detected portion 8.

[0054] like Figures 9 to 11 As shown, in the second limiting device 7B, the detected portion 8 can be provided for the second extension portion 712 of the support member 71. In the present embodiment, the detected portion 8 is provided for the second extension portion 712 of the support member 71, and the abutment member 81 detected by the collision detection sensor 14B (bumper switch) of the transport vehicle 1 is used as the detected portion 8. The abutment member 81 is arranged at a position overlapping with the moving track of the collision detection sensor 14B of the transport vehicle 1.

[0055] The type and installation position of the detected portion 8 are not limited to the above-mentioned structure, and can be appropriately changed according to the type of the sensor 14 installed in the transport vehicle 1. For example, the swing member 70 of the first limiting device 7A can be provided with the contact member 81. When the first limiting device 7A does not have the structure of the swing member 70, that is, when the movable rail portion 6 is the first limiting device 7A, the detection portion 8 such as the reflection plate 80 and the contact member 81 can be provided on the first extension portion 62 of the movable rail portion 6. In addition, the reflection plate 80 can be provided on the second extension portion 712 of the support member 71 of the second limiting device 7B as the detection portion 8. When the second limiting device 7B has the structure of the swing member 70, the detection portion 8 such as the reflection plate 80 and the contact member 81 can be provided on the swing member 70.

[0056] The track 4 includes: a urging mechanism (for example, a spring, which is a mechanism using the urging mechanism) not shown in the figure, which urging the track connecting portion 61 around the first rotation axis toward the side that rises relative to the first fixed track portion 40 when the movable track portion 6 is in the connected posture; and a holding mechanism D3 (refer to Fig.12), the state changes to a holding state in which the movable rail portion 6 is held in a connected posture and a released state in which the holding of the movable rail portion 6 is released.

[0057] The holding mechanism D3 is configured to be in a holding state when powered, and in a released state when not powered. That is, when the holding mechanism D3 is in a released state, the track connection portion 61 rises relative to the first fixed track portion 40 around the first rotation axis, and the movable track portion 6 changes from a connected posture to a retracted posture. Examples of such a holding mechanism D3 include a mechanism using a motor, a mechanism using an electromagnetic lock, a mechanism using an electromagnet, and the like.

[0058] According to this structure, when the holding mechanism D3 is in a non-powered state, the holding mechanism D3 is released, and the movable rail portion 6 is changed to a retreat posture by the force-applying mechanism. Therefore, even in the case of a power outage due to a fire, the movable rail portion 6 can be appropriately changed from the connection posture to the retreat posture. Therefore, the movable rail portion 6 can be prevented from hindering the opening and closing action of the door 5.

[0059] like Fig.12 As shown, the transport facility 100 includes a fire detection device D2 for detecting the occurrence of a fire, a control device C, and an uninterruptible power supply device D1. The control device C controls the operation of the uninterruptible power supply device D1, the transport vehicle 1, and the door 5.

[0060] The control device C is configured to issue a power supply stop command to the uninterruptible power supply device D1 if fire information from the fire detection device D2 is input. The uninterruptible power supply device D1 that receives the power supply stop command stops supplying power to the holding mechanism D3, so the holding mechanism D3 is released, thereby changing the movable rail portion 6 from the connected posture to the retreat posture.

[0061] like Figure 2 to Figure 5 As shown, in conjunction with the movable rail portion 6 changing from the connected posture to the retracted posture, the first restricting device 7A and the second restricting device 7B change from a normal posture that does not overlap with the transport vehicle trajectory that is the moving trajectory of the transport vehicle 1 to a protruding posture that protrudes to a position that overlaps with the transport vehicle trajectory.

[0062] In this embodiment, while the rail connection portion 61 of the movable rail portion 6 in the first restricting device 7A rises relative to the first fixed rail portion 40 and becomes an upright state, the first extension portion 62 of the movable rail portion 6 falls relative to the first fixed rail portion 40. Furthermore, as the first extension portion 62 falls, the support of the swing member 70 is released, and the swing member 70 falls by its own weight. In addition, the second extension portion 712 of the support member 71 in the second restricting device 7B falls relative to the second fixed rail portion 41.

[0063] like Figure 6 As shown, in the transporting device 100, when the transporting vehicle 1 is moving forward, the obstacle sensor 14A provided on the vehicle body of the transporting vehicle 1 detects the reflector 80 provided on the swing member 70 of the first limiting device 7A, and if the detection signal is input to the control device C, the control device C stops the travel of the transporting vehicle 1. Fig. 9 As shown, when the transport vehicle 1 moves backward, the collision detection sensor 14B provided on the vehicle body of the transport vehicle 1 contacts the abutment member 81 of the second extension portion 712 provided on the support member 71 of the second limiting device 7B, and if the contact signal is input to the control device C, the control device C stops the travel of the transport vehicle 1. Next, the control device C operates the door 5 (fire door) to lock the opening 3 formed in the wall body 2.

[0064] 2. Other Implementation Methods

[0065] (1) Fig.13 As shown, it is also possible to configure such that the size of the step difference between the first fixed rail portion 40 and the second fixed rail portion 41 (i.e., the distance in the path direction X) is measured by respectively providing a step difference detection sensor S1 and a detected component M on the first fixed rail portion 40 side and the second fixed rail portion 41 side. In the present embodiment, the step difference detection sensor S1 is provided on the hanging component h on the first fixed rail portion 40 side, and the detected component M is provided on the supporting component 71. As the step difference detection sensor S1, for example, a well-known laser distance meter or the like can be used, and as the detected component M, for example, a reflector or the like can be used. With this structure, for example, when the size of the step difference between the first fixed rail portion 40 and the second fixed rail portion 41 exceeds a predetermined size, it is possible to perform control such as issuing a warning to the manager and allowing the transport vehicle 1 to pass through the movable rail portion 6 while reducing its speed.

[0066] (2) Fig.13 As shown, it is also possible to construct such that a connection posture detection sensor S2 for detecting the connection posture state of the movable rail portion 6 and a retreat posture detection sensor S3 for detecting the retreat posture state of the movable rail portion 6 are provided near the first axis support portion 60 of the movable rail portion 6. According to this structure, the connection posture detection sensor S2 can more reliably detect the state in which the movable rail portion 6 is completely lowered, that is, the first fixed rail portion 40 and the second fixed rail portion 41 are connected. In addition, the retreat posture detection sensor S3 can more reliably detect the state in which the movable rail portion 6 is completely raised, that is, the first fixed rail portion 40 and the second fixed rail portion 41 are disconnected. As a result, the control device C (refer to Fig.12) or the stopping action of the door 5 or the transport vehicle 1, or the driving action of the transport vehicle 1 detected by the connection posture detection sensor S2 and performed by the control device C. In addition, the connection posture detection sensor S2 and the retreat posture detection sensor S3 can also be composed of one sensor. For example, by using a sensor that detects the rotation angle of the movable rail part 6, the connection posture detection and the retreat posture detection can be performed by one sensor.

[0067] In addition, as long as there is no contradiction, the structures disclosed in the above-mentioned embodiments, the other structures optionally represented, and the structures disclosed in other embodiments may be appropriately combined and applied. In addition, the embodiments disclosed in this specification are merely simple illustrations in all aspects. Therefore, various changes can be appropriately made within the scope of the main purpose of the present disclosure.

[0068] 3. Summary of this Implementation

[0069] Hereinafter, a summary of the embodiments of the conveying equipment described above will be described.

[0070] A conveying device, comprising: a track, arranged along a travel path passing through an opening formed in a wall body, for a conveying vehicle to travel; and a door, for opening and closing the aforementioned opening; the direction along the aforementioned travel path is set as the path direction, one side of the aforementioned path direction is set as the first side of the path direction, and the other side of the aforementioned path direction is set as the second side of the path direction; the aforementioned track comprises: a movable track portion, arranged in an overlapping area that overlaps with the moving track of the aforementioned door when opening and closing the aforementioned opening, that is, the door track; a first fixed track portion, arranged on the first side of the aforementioned path direction relative to the aforementioned overlapping area; and a second fixed track portion, arranged on the second side of the aforementioned path direction relative to the aforementioned overlapping area; the aforementioned The movable rail portion can change its posture to a connection posture and a retreat posture, wherein the connection posture is to be arranged in the aforementioned overlapping area and connect the aforementioned first fixed rail portion with the aforementioned second fixed rail portion, and the retreat posture is to retreat from the aforementioned overlapping area and disconnect the aforementioned first fixed rail portion from the aforementioned second fixed rail portion; it is equipped with a limiting device, which, when the aforementioned movable rail portion is in the aforementioned connection posture, is a normal posture that does not overlap with the moving trajectory of the aforementioned transport vehicle, that is, the trajectory of the transport vehicle, and is linked to the change of the posture of the aforementioned movable rail portion from the aforementioned connection posture to the aforementioned retreat posture, and becomes a protruding posture that protrudes to a position that overlaps with the trajectory of the aforementioned transport vehicle, thereby limiting the travel of the aforementioned transport vehicle.

[0071] According to this structure, by changing the movable track portion from the connection posture to the retreat posture, the track can be prevented from becoming an obstacle to the opening and closing action of the door. In addition, when the movable track portion is in the connection posture, since the first fixed track portion and the second fixed track portion are connected by the movable track portion, the step difference and gap of the track in the overlapping area can be reduced, and the vibration generated in the transport vehicle when the transport vehicle passes through the overlapping area can be easily suppressed.

[0072] In addition, according to the present structure, since there is a limiting device that limits the travel of the transport vehicle and protrudes to a position overlapping with the trajectory of the transport vehicle when the movable rail portion is in a retracted position, it is possible to appropriately limit the transport vehicle from intruding into the disconnected section when the movable rail portion disconnects the first fixed rail portion and the second fixed rail portion.

[0073] Furthermore, according to this structure, since such a restriction device is configured to be in a protruding posture in conjunction with the movable rail portion changing from the connection posture to the retreat posture, the necessity of providing a dedicated drive source for changing the posture of the restriction device can be reduced. Therefore, it is easy to simplify the structure of the restriction device and reduce the cost.

[0074] Here, it is preferable that the restriction device is configured to be linked to the change of the movable rail portion from the retracted posture to the connected posture, and to be changed from the protruding posture to the normal posture.

[0075] According to this configuration, since the restricting device posture is changed to the normal posture in conjunction with the movable rail portion changing from the retracted posture to the connected posture, the workload of the operator or the like for returning the restricting device from the protruding posture to the normal posture can be reduced.

[0076] Furthermore, it is preferred that the restriction device includes a detected portion which, in the state of the protruding posture, functions as at least one of a portion detected by an obstacle sensor of the transport vehicle and a portion in contact with a collision detection sensor of the transport vehicle.

[0077] According to this configuration, in a state where the movable rail portion separates the first fixed rail portion and the second fixed rail portion, it is possible to appropriately restrict the transport vehicle from intruding into the separated section without causing damage to the transport vehicle.

[0078] In addition, it is preferred that the transport vehicle comprises a trolley portion that travels on the upper surface of the track, and a vehicle body portion that is suspended from the trolley portion and passes on the lower side of the track; the direction orthogonal to the direction of the path when viewed in the up-down direction is defined as the width direction; the movable track portion comprises: a first shaft support portion that is supported so as to be swingable relative to the first fixed track portion around a first rotation axis along the width direction; a track connecting portion that, in the connected posture, becomes a connecting portion between the first fixed track portion and the second fixed track portion; and a first The extension portion is formed to extend toward the first side of the path direction relative to the first axis support portion in the aforementioned connection posture; the aforementioned track connection portion is swung around the aforementioned first rotation axis toward the side that rises relative to the aforementioned first fixed track portion by the aforementioned movable track portion changing from the aforementioned connection posture to the aforementioned retreat posture, and the aforementioned first extension portion is swung around the aforementioned first rotation axis toward the side that descends relative to the aforementioned first fixed track portion; the aforementioned detected portion is arranged on the aforementioned first extension portion, or is arranged on a component that descends in conjunction with the descent of the aforementioned first extension portion.

[0079] According to this structure, the movable rail part is in the retreat posture, and the rail connection part swings to the rising side and is arranged on the upper side relative to the first fixed rail part, so that the rail connection part can function as a stopper for the carriage part of the transport vehicle. Therefore, the reliability of stopping the transport vehicle when the movable rail part is in the retreat posture can be improved.

[0080] Furthermore, according to this structure, the detected portion of the limiting device can be made to protrude downward relative to the first fixed rail portion in conjunction with the swing of the movable rail portion. Therefore, there is no need to provide a dedicated drive source for changing the posture of the limiting device, which can easily simplify the structure of the limiting device and reduce costs.

[0081] In addition, it is preferred that the above-mentioned transport vehicle comprises a trolley portion that travels on the upper surface of the above-mentioned track, and a vehicle body portion that is suspended from the above-mentioned trolley portion and passes on the lower side than the above-mentioned track; the direction orthogonal to the above-mentioned path direction when viewed in the up and down direction is set as the width direction; the above-mentioned movable track portion comprises: a first axis support portion, which is supported so as to be able to swing freely around a first rotation axis along the above-mentioned width direction relative to the above-mentioned first fixed track portion; and a track connecting portion, which becomes a portion connecting the above-mentioned first fixed track portion and the above-mentioned second fixed track portion in the above-mentioned connecting posture; the above-mentioned track also comprises a supporting component; the above-mentioned supporting component comprises: a second axis support portion, which is supported so as to be able to swing freely around a second rotation axis along the above-mentioned width direction relative to the above-mentioned second fixed track portion; the supporting portion, when the above-mentioned movable track portion is in the above-mentioned connecting posture In the state, the end of the aforementioned track connecting part on the second side in the aforementioned path direction is supported from the lower side; and the second extension part is formed so that, when the aforementioned movable track part is in the aforementioned connection posture, it extends to the second side in the aforementioned path direction relative to the aforementioned second axis support part; by the aforementioned movable track part changing from the aforementioned connection posture to the aforementioned retreat posture, the aforementioned track connecting part swings around the aforementioned first rotation axis to the side that rises relative to the aforementioned first fixed track part, and by the end of the aforementioned track connecting part on the second side in the aforementioned path direction leaves the aforementioned support part, the aforementioned support part swings around the aforementioned second rotation axis to the side that the aforementioned second extension part descends relative to the aforementioned second fixed track part; the aforementioned detected part is arranged on the aforementioned second extension part, or on a part that descends in conjunction with the descent of the aforementioned second extension part.

[0082] According to this structure, the movable rail part is in the retreat posture, and the rail connection part swings to the rising side and is arranged on the upper side relative to the first fixed rail part, so that the rail connection part can function as a stopper for the carriage part of the transport vehicle. Therefore, the reliability of stopping the transport vehicle when the movable rail part is in the retreat posture can be improved.

[0083] Furthermore, according to this structure, the detected part of the limiting device can be made to protrude downward relative to the second fixed rail part in conjunction with the swing of the movable rail part. Therefore, there is no need to provide a dedicated drive source for changing the posture of the limiting device, which can easily simplify the structure of the limiting device and reduce costs.

[0084] Industrial Applicability

[0085] The technology disclosed herein can be used for transportation equipment including a rail arranged along a travel path passing through an opening formed in a wall body and on which a transportation vehicle travels, and a door for opening and closing the opening.

[0086] Description of Reference Numerals

[0087] 100: Conveying equipment

[0088] 1: Transport vehicle

[0089] 10: Trolley Department

[0090] 10F: Front trolley department

[0091] 10R: Rear carriage

[0092] 11: Body

[0093] 12: Connection

[0094] 13: Driving wheel

[0095] 14: Sensor

[0096] 14A: Obstacle sensor

[0097] 14B: Collision detection sensor

[0098] 2: Wall

[0099] 3: Opening

[0100] 4: Track

[0101] 40: 1st fixed track section

[0102] 41: Second fixed track section

[0103] 5: Door

[0104] 50: Door track

[0105] A1: Area 1

[0106] A2: Area 2

[0107] X1: Path direction side 1

[0108] X2: Path direction, side 2

[0109] W: Repeating region

[0110] 6: Movable track

[0111] 60: First shaft support

[0112] 61: Track connection

[0113] 62: Extension 1

[0114] 7: Restraining device

[0115] 7A: 1st restraining device

[0116] 70: Swinging parts

[0117] 7B: Second restraining device

[0118] 71: Supporting parts

[0119] 710: Second shaft support

[0120] 711: Supporting part

[0121] 712: Second extension

[0122] 8: Detected part

[0123] 80: Reflector

[0124] 81: Abutment component

[0125] C: Control device

[0126] D1: Non-interruptible power supply device

[0127] D2: Fire detection device

[0128] D3: Holding mechanism

[0129] X: Path direction

[0130] Y: Width direction

[0131] h: Suspension parts

[0132] H: Ceiling

[0133] S1: Step detection sensor

[0134] S2: Connect the posture detection sensor

[0135] S3: Retreat posture detection sensor

[0136] M: Component to be tested

Claims

1. A conveying device, comprising: A track is arranged along a travel path passing through an opening formed in the wall body, for the transport vehicle to travel; and The door opens and closes the aforementioned opening; It is characterized in that Let the direction along the aforementioned travel path be a path direction, let one side of the aforementioned path direction be a first side of the path direction, and let the other side of the aforementioned path direction be a second side of the path direction; The track comprises: a movable track portion, which is arranged in an overlapping area that overlaps with the movement track of the door when the opening is opened and closed, that is, the door track; a first fixed track portion, which is arranged on the first side of the path direction relative to the overlapping area; and a second fixed track portion, which is arranged on the second side of the path direction relative to the overlapping area. The movable rail portion can be changed into a connection posture and a retreat posture, wherein the connection posture is configured in the overlapped area to connect the first fixed rail portion with the second fixed rail portion, and the retreat posture is retreated from the overlapped area to disconnect the first fixed rail portion from the second fixed rail portion; A limiting device is provided, which, when the movable rail portion is in the aforementioned connection posture, is in a normal posture that does not overlap with the moving trajectory of the aforementioned transport vehicle, i.e., the transport vehicle trajectory, and is linked with the movable rail portion changing from the aforementioned connection posture to the aforementioned retreat posture, to become a protruding posture protruding to a position overlapping with the aforementioned transport vehicle trajectory, thereby limiting the travel of the aforementioned transport vehicle.

2. The conveying device according to claim 1, characterized in that The restricting device is configured to be linked to the movable rail portion changing from the retracted posture to the connected posture, and to change from the protruding posture to the normal posture.

3. The conveying device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The restriction device includes a detected portion that functions as at least one of a portion detected by an obstacle sensor of the transport vehicle and a portion in contact with a collision detection sensor of the transport vehicle in the protruding posture.

4. The conveying device according to claim 3, characterized in that The transport vehicle includes a carriage portion that travels on the upper surface of the rail, and a vehicle body portion that is suspended from the carriage portion and travels below the rail. The direction perpendicular to the path direction when viewed in the up-down direction is defined as the width direction; The movable rail portion comprises: A first shaft support portion is supported to swing freely around a first rotation axis along the width direction relative to the first fixed rail portion; A rail connection portion, which, in the connection posture, becomes a connection portion between the first fixed rail portion and the second fixed rail portion; as well as a first extension portion formed so as to extend toward a first side in the path direction relative to the first shaft support portion in the connection posture; By changing the movable rail portion from the connection posture to the retreat posture, the rail connection portion swings around the first rotation axis toward a side that rises relative to the first fixed rail portion, and the first extension portion swings around the first rotation axis toward a side that falls relative to the first fixed rail portion; The detected portion is provided on the first extending portion, or is provided on a member that descends in conjunction with the descent of the first extending portion.

5. The conveying device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The transport vehicle includes a carriage portion that travels on the upper surface of the rail, and a vehicle body portion that is suspended from the carriage portion and travels below the rail. The direction perpendicular to the path direction when viewed in the up-down direction is defined as the width direction; The movable rail portion comprises: a first shaft support portion supported so as to be swingable about a first rotation axis along the width direction with respect to the first fixed rail portion; and A rail connection portion, which is a portion connecting the first fixed rail portion and the second fixed rail portion in the connection posture; The aforementioned track also has a supporting member; The supporting member comprises: A second shaft support portion is supported so as to be swingable relative to the second fixed rail portion about a second rotation axis along the width direction; a support portion that supports the end portion of the track connection portion on the second side in the path direction from below when the movable track portion is in the connection posture; and a second extension portion formed so as to extend toward a second side in the path direction relative to the second shaft support portion when the movable rail portion is in the connected position; The movable rail portion is changed from the connection posture to the retreat posture, the rail connection portion is swung around the first rotation axis toward the side that rises relative to the first fixed rail portion, the end portion of the rail connection portion on the second side of the path direction is separated from the support portion, and the support member is swung around the second rotation axis toward the side that the second extension portion is lowered relative to the second fixed rail portion; The detected portion is provided on the second extending portion, or provided on a member that descends in conjunction with the descent of the second extending portion.

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