Article conveying facility

Abstract

The invention provides an article transport facility. In an article transport facility, a control system is provided with a first stop mode and a second stop mode as stop modes in which a plurality of transport vehicles do not transport articles. In the first stop mode, the plurality of transport vehicles are arranged in a plurality of rows, and a passage (72) through which the transport vehicles can pass is set between adjacent rows of transport vehicles. All of the transport vehicles disposed in each row are disposed adjacent to at least one passage (72). In the second rest mode, a plurality of transport vehicles are densely arranged without providing a passage (72).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to article conveying equipment for conveying articles by a plurality of conveying vehicles. Background Art

[0002] In recent years, automation of article transportation has been developing in article transportation facilities such as logistics warehouses. For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2000-128318 (Patent Document 1) describes an article transportation facility in which articles (W) are transported by a plurality of transport vehicles (cage vehicles 2). Summary of the invention

[0003] In addition, in Patent Document 1 Figure 1 In the article conveying equipment shown, articles (W) are transferred between a plurality of storage racks (7) arranged adjacent to a track-shaped circulating conveying path (F) and a plurality of conveying vehicles (2) passing through the track-shaped circulating conveying path (F). Here, for example, in the case where there are many types of articles or a large number of destinations, it is conceivable to set up a plurality of circulating conveying paths (F) in the article conveying equipment. In this case, as the number of circulating conveying paths (F) increases, the number of conveying vehicles (2) also increases, so it is required to efficiently maintain the floor on which the conveying vehicles (2) travel, maintain the conveying vehicles (2), etc. However, in Patent Document 1, there is no particular disclosure regarding a method for efficiently maintaining the conveying vehicles (2) and the floor.

[0004] Therefore, it is desired to realize article transport equipment that allows easy and efficient maintenance of the floor and the transport vehicle.

[0005] The article conveying equipment disclosed in the present invention is an article conveying equipment in which multiple conveying vehicles each travel on the floor to convey articles; it is equipped with a control system for controlling the aforementioned conveying vehicles; the aforementioned control system has a first rest mode and a second rest mode as a rest mode in which the plurality of aforementioned conveying vehicles do not convey the aforementioned articles; in the aforementioned first rest mode, the plurality of aforementioned conveying vehicles are arranged in multiple rows, and passages through which the aforementioned conveying vehicles can pass are set between adjacent rows of the aforementioned conveying vehicles, and all of the aforementioned conveying vehicles arranged in each row are arranged in a manner adjacent to at least one of the aforementioned passages; in the aforementioned second rest mode, the aforementioned passages are not set and the plurality of aforementioned conveying vehicles are densely arranged.

[0006] According to the present structure, in the first rest mode, a passage is set between adjacent rows of transport vehicles, so that, for example, the transport vehicle can move through the passage for charging, etc., or the operator can move through the passage for maintenance of the transport vehicle. Therefore, it is easy to maintain the transport vehicle. On the other hand, in the second rest mode, a plurality of transport vehicles are densely arranged, so the area of ​​the floor where the transport vehicles in rest are arranged can be suppressed to be smaller. Therefore, it is easy to maintain the floor. In this way, according to the present structure, in the rest mode in which a plurality of transport vehicles are not transporting articles, the transport vehicles can be arranged and stopped in different arrangement styles according to the content of the maintenance operations performed by the operator, the necessity of charging the transport vehicles, etc. Therefore, it is easy to effectively utilize the rest mode. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] Figure 1 It is a top view of the article transport facility according to the first embodiment.

[0008] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Front view of the access area.

[0009] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 Control block diagram of the item conveying equipment.

[0010] Figure 4 Yes means Figure 1 Diagram of the 1st resting pattern in the 1st layer of the floor.

[0011] Figure 5 Yes means Figure 1 Diagram of the 1st resting pattern in the 2nd layer of the floor.

[0012] Figure 6 Yes means Figure 1 Diagram of the 2nd resting pattern in the 1st layer of the floor.

[0013] Figure 7 Yes means Figure 1 Diagram of the 2nd resting pattern in the 2nd layer of the floor.

[0014] Figure 8 It is a diagram showing the first rest mode in the second embodiment.

[0015] Fig. 9 It is a diagram showing the second rest mode in the second embodiment.

[0016] Fig.10 It is a front view of the passage area in the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0017] Hereinafter, an article transport facility according to a first embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0018] Figure 1 1 is a top view of an article transport facility 10 in which a plurality of transport vehicles 20 each travel on a floor E to transport articles W. The article transport facility 10 of this embodiment is an article sorting facility that sorts articles W by causing each of the plurality of transport vehicles 20 to transport articles W. The article transport facility 10 includes the transport vehicles 20, a floor E, a supply unit 15 that supplies articles W to the transport vehicles 20, and a plurality of receiving units 31. The plurality of receiving units 31 are configured to receive articles W from the transport vehicles 20, respectively.

[0019] In the supply unit 15, the operator 16 transfers the article W to the transport vehicle 20. Here, the so-called "operator" is, for example, one or both of the operator and the operating device. The operator 16 transfers the article W from the supply conveyor 17 to the transport vehicle 20, and the supply conveyor 17 conveys the article W from the automatic warehouse outside the figure. Examples of the supply conveyor 17 include a belt conveyor, a crane, an arm-type robot, etc.

[0020] Here, a specific direction along the floor E is set as the Y direction, and a direction along the floor E that is orthogonal to the Y direction is set as the X direction. One side in the Y direction is set as the first side Y1 in the Y direction, and the other side in the Y direction is set as the second side Y2 in the Y direction. One side in the X direction is set as the first side X1 in the X direction, and the other side in the X direction is set as the second side X2 in the X direction. The up and down direction is set as the Z direction. Examples of the floor E include a running surface or a floor provided in facilities such as a building or a ship. In the present embodiment, the floor E is a running surface provided on a platform indoors.

[0021] On the floor E, a supply area E1 provided with a supply portion 15 and a passage area E3 extending along the Y direction are set. The supply area E1 is arranged on the first side Y1 in the Y direction relative to the passage area E3. A plurality of passage areas E3 are arranged in an array in the X direction. On the floor E, a connection area E2 is set to connect the plurality of passage areas E3 with the supply area E1. The supply area E1, the connection area E2, and the passage area E3 set on the floor E may be areas demarcated by real areas of the floor E, or may be virtual areas. In the present embodiment, the boundary between the supply area E1 and the connection area E2 is a virtual boundary set on the floor E. In the present embodiment, both sides of the passage area E3 in the X direction become the outer edges of the floor E.

[0022] The connection area E2 connects the supply area E1 and the passage area E3 so that the transport vehicle 20 can travel. Here, the end of the passage area E3 on the first side Y1 in the Y direction is referred to as the first end 51. The connection area E2 connects the first end 51 of the passage area E3 and the supply area E1.

[0023] A plurality of passage areas E3 are arranged in the X direction on the floor E, and the first ends 51 of the plurality of passage areas E3 are connected to each other via the connection area E2. A plurality of receiving parts 31 are arranged along each of the plurality of passage areas E3. The article transport device 10 includes a plurality of supply parts 15. A plurality of supply areas E1 each including a supply part 15 are arranged in the X direction on the floor E.

[0024] Figure 2 It is a front view of the passage area E3. A plurality of receiving parts 31 are arranged in a manner arranged along the Y direction at respective locations on both sides in the X direction in the passage area E3. The transport vehicle 20 includes a transfer part 21 for transferring articles W from the transport vehicle 20 to the receiving part 31. The transfer part 21 is configured to freely change the posture of a loading surface 22 on which the articles W are loaded to a "horizontal posture" and a "tilted posture". The articles W are loaded on the loading surface 22 in a horizontal posture for transport, and are transferred to the receiving part 31 if the loading surface 22 is set to an inclined posture. The transport vehicle 20 includes a traveling part 25. The traveling part 25 is provided with a plurality of wheels 23 that roll on a traveling surface on the floor E. Examples of the transport vehicle 20 include electric vehicles that travel by means of power supply such as a battery, a fuel cell, contact power supply from the floor E, and non-contact power supply, and vehicles with an internal combustion engine. In the present embodiment, a battery 27 (see Figure 3 ) In the present embodiment, the transport vehicle 20 is an electric unmanned transport vehicle.

[0025] The transport vehicle 20 is provided with an operated part 28 operated by an operator. Examples of the operated part 28 provided on the transport vehicle 20 include switches, connectors, touch screens, etc. A cover covering the switch, connector, touch screen, storage part for articles W, etc. may be provided on the transport vehicle 20, and the operated part 28 may be operated by the operator for the purpose of attaching or detaching the cover or opening and closing the cover. In the present embodiment, the operated part 28 is operated by an operator who performs maintenance.

[0026] A receiving conveyor device 35 is provided at each of the plurality of receiving sections 31. The articles W transferred to the receiving section 31 are conveyed in the direction along the X direction by the receiving conveyor device 35 and stored in containers 38 corresponding to each of the plurality of receiving sections 31. In the present embodiment, a delivery device 36 is arranged adjacent to the plurality of receiving conveyor devices 35. The containers 38 are arranged in an array on the delivery device 36, and if the articles W of the type and quantity specified in one order information are stored in the container 38, the container 38 is transported to the delivery location by the delivery device 36. Examples of the receiving conveyor device 35 include a belt conveyor, a crane, an arm-type robot, and the like. Examples of the delivery device 36 include a belt conveyor, a stacking crane, an automatic transport vehicle, and the like.

[0027] Figure 3 : is a control block diagram of the article conveying device 10 of the present embodiment. The article conveying device 10 is provided with a control system 45 for controlling the conveying vehicle 20. In the example shown in the figure, the control system 45 is provided with a control device 46 for controlling the transfer section 21 and the travel section 25 of the conveying vehicle 20, the supply conveying device 17, the receiving conveying device 35, and the shipping device 36. The control device 46 is provided with: a computing device such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit); and a main storage device such as a RAM (Random Access Memory) and a ROM (Read Only Memory) that can be referenced by the computing device. The various functions of the control device 46 (for example, the function of controlling the travel of the conveying vehicle 20) are realized by the cooperation of the hardware provided by the control device 46 and the program executed on the hardware such as the computing device. Specifically, the various functions of the control device 46 are realized by the control device 46 executing the program stored in the storage device (main storage device, a separately provided storage unit, etc.). In other words, a program (e.g., an article transport program) for enabling a computer (a computer controlling the system 45) to implement the various functions of the control device 46 is stored in a storage device that can be referenced by the computer. The program is provided, for example, by a storage medium or via a communication network. Then, the provided program is stored in a storage device that can be referenced by the computer. In the present embodiment, the control device 46 (specifically, an arithmetic processing device included in the control device 46) functions as a "computer". The control device 46 may not be a single piece of hardware, but may be composed of a collection of multiple pieces of hardware (multiple separate pieces of hardware) that can communicate with each other by wire or wireless communication. For example, the control device 46 may also be a structure that includes an upper control device that is configured in a control facility not shown in the figure to control multiple transport vehicles 20 and a control device that is mounted on each transport vehicle 20.

[0028] The floor E is divided into a plurality of virtual unit areas Au in a grid shape when viewed in the Z direction. The travel path of the transport vehicle 20 is set so as to connect a plurality of arbitrary virtual unit areas Au. In this embodiment, a position information detection unit 29 (see FIG. 2 ) is provided at each of the plurality of transport vehicles 20. Figure 3 ). A position information holding unit is provided at each virtual unit area Au. If the transport vehicle 20 is traveling on the driving path, the position information detection unit 29 of the transport vehicle 20 is configured to detect the position information held by the position information holding body arranged at each virtual unit area Au. Examples of the position information holding body include a bar code (one-dimensional code), a two-dimensional code, an IC tag, etc. The position information detected by the position information detection unit 29 is sent from the transport vehicle 20 to the control device 46 of the control system 45.

[0029] The control system 45 issues a transport instruction to each transport vehicle 20. In the transport instruction, the "transport source" and "transport destination" of the article W are specified. In the present embodiment, the transport source is the supply unit 15. The transport destination is the receiving unit 31. In the transport instruction, the travel path of the transport vehicle 20 from the transport source to the transport destination is specified. The transport vehicle 20 that receives the transport instruction from the control system 45 receives the article W at the specified transport source and transports the article W to the specified transport destination.

[0030] In the transport command of the present embodiment, an outward route is set for traveling from the supply unit 15 to the end of the passage area E3. In the transport command of the present embodiment, a return route is set for traveling from the end of the passage area E3 to the supply unit 15. In the present embodiment, the return route 81 (see Figure 5 ) is a return path. In the present embodiment, the end of the passage area E3 on the second side Y2 in the Y direction is the terminal end of the passage area E3.

[0031] Figure 4 1 is a diagram showing the first layer F1 of the article transport facility 10. In the connection area E2, a charging position 42 for charging the transport vehicle 20 by the charger 41 is set. In this way, the connection area E2 where the supply unit 15 and the receiving unit 31 are not arranged can be efficiently used. In the example shown in the figure, the charger 41 is arranged adjacent to the connection area E2. The charging position 42 is arranged so that a plurality of transport vehicles 20 can be parked.

[0032] When the amount of power stored in the transport vehicle 20 is less than a predetermined amount of power (e.g., less than 50% of the amount of power stored in the fully charged state), the transport vehicle 20 moves to the charging position 42 and stops. At the charging position 42, the battery 27 (see Figure 3 ) for rapid charging. The charger 41 may be a contactless power supply device or a contact power supply device. In this embodiment, a control device 46 of a control system 45 described later acquires the storage capacity of the battery 27 of each transport vehicle 20 and controls the transport vehicle 20 with a storage capacity less than a specified value to move to the charging position 42.

[0033] Figure 51 is a diagram showing the second layer F2 of the article conveying device 10. The floor E includes a first layer F1 and a second layer F2, and the first layer F1 and the second layer F2 are arranged at different positions in the Z direction (up and down direction). In the present embodiment, the first layer F1 and the second layer F2 are layers adjacent to each other in the Z direction. In the present embodiment, the second layer F2 is arranged above the first layer F1, but the second layer F2 may be arranged below the first layer F1. In the present embodiment, a supply area E1, a connection area E2, and a passage area E3 are provided on the first layer F1.

[0034] The article conveying equipment 10 includes a first lifter L1 for conveying a conveying vehicle 20 in the Z direction. The first lifter L1 is connected to the passage area E3 of the first layer F1 and the second layer F2. In the example shown in the figure, the first lifter L1 is connected to the end of the passage area E3 and the second layer F2. The article conveying equipment 10 includes a second lifter L2 for conveying a conveying vehicle 20 in the Z direction. In the example shown in the figure, the second lifter L2 is connected to the supply area E1 of the first layer F1 and the second layer F2. The first lifter L1 and the second lifter L2 are arranged to be separated from each other in the horizontal direction.

[0035] The first elevator L1 and the second elevator L2 are connected in the second layer F2 by the return passage 81 described later in a manner that the transport vehicle 20 can travel. In the illustrated example, the second elevator L2 is connected to the return passage 81 and the first layer F1. The first elevator L1 and the second elevator L2 may be directly or indirectly connected to the return passage 81. The first elevator L1 and the passage area E3 may be directly or indirectly connected. The second elevator L2 may be directly or indirectly connected to the supply area E1. The first elevator L1 and the second elevator L2 may also transport the transport vehicle 20 autonomously, respectively, or may be controlled by the control system 45. As examples of the first elevator L1 and the second elevator L2, a device for lifting and lowering the transport vehicle 20 by circulating a plurality of lifting platforms along a predetermined annular path, a multi-rotor helicopter capable of transporting the transport vehicle 20, an elevator, etc. may be cited.

[0036] On the second layer F2, a return passage 81 for the transport vehicle 20 to travel is provided. The first elevator L1 is connected to the starting end of the return passage 81 and the terminal end of the passage area E3. The second elevator L2 is connected to the terminal end of the return passage 81 and the supply area E1. In the illustrated example, a plurality of return passages 81 are provided on the second layer F2, extending respectively along the Y direction. The return passage 81 is a passage for the transport vehicle 20 to travel after transporting the article W to the receiving section 31 in the passage area E3. In the present embodiment, the use of the return passage 81 as a resting place is prohibited. In the illustrated example, the return passage 81 is set to one-way traffic.

[0037] On the second layer F2, a passage connection area E4 is provided to connect a plurality of return passages 81 in a manner that the transport vehicle 20 can travel. In the example shown in the figure, the passage connection area E4 is arranged between adjacent return passages 81 in the X direction. In the passage connection area E4, a charging position 42 for charging the transport vehicle 20 is set. In the passage connection area E4, a restable area 71 described later is set. In the passage connection area E4, a travel-only area 72 described later is set.

[0038] The control system 45 performs a batch process of receiving the articles W of the type and quantity specified in one order information at each of the plurality of receiving units 31. The control system 45 is configured to perform a second batch process of receiving the articles W of the type and quantity specified in another order information after performing a first batch process of receiving the articles W of the type and quantity specified in one order information at each of the plurality of receiving units 31. In the present embodiment, one container 38 corresponds to one order information. The control system 45 stores the articles W of the type and quantity specified in one order information in the container 38 (see FIG. 1 ) disposed adjacent to the receiving unit 31 through the first batch process. Figure 2 ). If the first batch processing is performed, in other words, if all the articles W of the type and quantity specified in one order information are contained in the container 38, the container 38 is transported to the shipping location. Then, the next container 38 corresponding to another order information is arranged adjacent to the receiving unit 31, and the control system 45 stores the articles W of the type and quantity specified in the other order information in the next container 38 through the second batch processing.

[0039] The control system 45 has a first rest mode and a second rest mode as rest modes in which the plurality of transport vehicles 20 do not transport the article W. In the rest mode of the present embodiment, the arrangement patterns of the plurality of transport vehicles 20 are different in the first rest mode and the second rest mode. These rest modes may also be modes in which all the transport vehicles 20 provided by the article transporting equipment 10 do not transport the article W. The rest mode may also be a mode in which a part of the transport vehicles 20 provided by the article transporting equipment 10 do not transport the article W, and another part of the transport vehicles 20 transport the article W.

[0040] Figure 4 and Figure 5 This indicates the configuration style for the first rest mode. Figure 6 and Figure 7The configuration pattern of the second rest mode is represented. Here, the so-called configuration pattern is the configuration shape of the restable area 71 of multiple transport vehicles 20 observed in the Z direction. On the floor E, there is set a restable area 71 that can be used as a resting place for the transport vehicle 20 to rest in the first rest mode or the second rest mode, and a driving dedicated area 72 that is prohibited from being used as a resting place. In the example shown in the figure, the restable area 71 is represented as an area with a square in the virtual unit area Au, and the driving dedicated area 72 is represented as an area with an arrow in the virtual unit area Au. In this embodiment, a transport vehicle 20 rests in a restable area 71. The driving dedicated area 72 is set to one-way traffic. The driving dedicated area 72 can also be an area that can be changed by the control system 45 or the operator, or it can be an area that cannot be changed. Below, it is set to be explained in the state where the transport vehicle 20 is resting in all the restable areas 71, but of course there can also be a restable area 71 where the transport vehicle 20 is not resting.

[0041] like Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, in the first rest mode of the present embodiment, a plurality of transport vehicles 20 are arranged in a plurality of rows, and passages through which the transport vehicles 20 can pass are set between the rows of adjacent transport vehicles 20. All of the transport vehicles 20 configured in each row are configured in a manner adjacent to at least one passage. In the present embodiment, in the first rest mode, a restable area 71 is set so that a travel path that connects the passage between the rows of adjacent transport vehicles 20 with the charging position 42 can be formed. In the first rest mode, the transport vehicle 20 is configured in a manner that the operated portion 28 becomes a side close to the passage. In the illustrated example, the passage through which the transport vehicle 20 can pass in the first rest mode is represented by a dedicated travel area 72. In the illustrated example, all of the restable area 71 is configured in a manner adjacent to at least one dedicated travel area 72.

[0042] The control system 45 stops at least a portion of the transport vehicles 20 in the connection area E2 in the first rest mode. In addition, the control system 45 may also be configured to set a portion of the connection area E2 as a configuration area for configuring the transport vehicles 20 and the passage in the first rest mode, and set another portion of the connection area E2 as a conveying area for the transport vehicles 20 to convey the articles W. In this case, the operator can perform maintenance on a plurality of transport vehicles 20 while normal conveyance is performed in another portion of the connection area E2.

[0043] The control system 45 automatically selects the first stop mode when the transport operation of the article W by the transport vehicle 20 is completed. Examples of the case where the transport operation of the article W by the transport vehicle 20 is completed include the completion of the transport operation of the article W by the transport vehicle 20 accompanied by a stop instruction for the periodic stop of the article transport equipment 10, a stop instruction for the transport operation due to a power outage or an earthquake, and a stop instruction for the transport operation of an unspecified maintenance object from a maintenance operator.

[0044] The control system 45 sets the travel-only area 72 in the first rest mode so that the transport vehicle 20 supplied with the article W in the supply unit 15 can transport the article W to the plurality of receiving units 31. The control system 45 sets the travel-only area 72 in the first rest mode so that the transport vehicle 20 can return to the supply unit 15 after transporting the article W to the receiving unit 31 in the passage area E3. In this way, while the plurality of transport vehicles 20 transport the article W from the supply unit 15 to the receiving unit 31 to separate the articles W, the operator can perform maintenance on the plurality of transport vehicles 20.

[0045] like Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, in the second rest mode of the present embodiment, a plurality of transport vehicles 20 are densely arranged without providing a passage. In the illustrated example, the travel-only area 72 is not set, but the travel-only area 72 may be set in an area other than the restable area 71. In the second rest mode, the restable area 71 at the outer edge of the configuration area where the plurality of restable areas 71 are densely arranged is not adjacent to the travel-only area 72. The control system 45 is configured in the second rest mode so that the configuration area where the plurality of transport vehicles 20 are densely arranged can be changed according to an instruction from an operator.

[0046] In the second rest mode, the control system 45 sets a part of the connection area E2 as a configuration area where a plurality of transport vehicles 20 are densely arranged. The control system 45 divides (e.g., divides) the connection area E2 into a plurality of parts, and sets one of them as a configuration area where a plurality of transport vehicles 20 are densely arranged. For example, when the control system 45 divides the connection area E2 into two parts and sets one of them as a configuration area, the operator performs maintenance on the half of the connection area E2 that is not set as a configuration area. Then, the operator can perform maintenance on the remaining half of the connection area E2 by giving an instruction to change the configuration area.

[0047] like Figure 6 As shown, the control system 45 stops at least a portion of the transport vehicle 20 in the second rest mode at the connection area E2. Figure 5 As shown, the control system 45 stops at least a portion of the transport vehicle 20 at the second layer F2 in the first rest mode. Figure 7As shown, the control system 45 stops at least a part of the transport vehicle 20 on the second floor F2 in the second rest mode.

[0048] The control system 45 selects the first rest mode when there is an instruction from the operator for maintenance of the transport vehicle 20. The control system 45 selects the second rest mode when there is an instruction from the operator for maintenance of the floor E.

[0049] Hereinafter, the article transport facility 10 according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In this embodiment, the floor E on which the plurality of transport vehicles 20 travel is one layer, which is different from the first embodiment. Hereinafter, the description will be centered on the differences from the first embodiment. In addition, for any point not specifically described, it is assumed to be the same as the first embodiment.

[0050] Figure 8 and Fig. 9 It is a top view of the article transport facility 10 according to the present embodiment. Fig.10 1 is a front view of the passage area E3 of the present embodiment. In the present embodiment, a direction change position 53 is set at the second side Y2 in the Y direction relative to the first end 51. In the example shown in the figure, the direction change position 53 is set at the end of the passage area E3 at the second side Y2 in the Y direction, that is, the terminal portion.

[0051] In this embodiment, the outbound route in the transport instruction is set so that the transport vehicle 20 travels from the first end 51 to the direction change position 53 in the passage area E3. The return route in the transport instruction is set so that the transport vehicle 20 that has made a U-turn at the direction change position 53 in the passage area E3 travels from the direction change position 53 to the first end 51. These outbound routes and return routes are arranged in the X direction in the passage area E3. Figure 8 and Fig.10 As shown, in this embodiment, the transport vehicle 20 transfers the article W to the receiving unit 31 arranged on the opposite side of the return side in the X direction in the passage area E3 during the outward journey, and transfers the article W to the receiving unit 31 arranged on the opposite side of the outward journey in the passage area E3 during the return journey.

[0052] Figure 81 shows the configuration pattern of the first rest mode. In the example shown in the figure, the control system 45 stops all the transport vehicles 20 that are not transporting the article W in the first rest mode in the connection area E2. In the example shown in the figure, a travel-only area 72 is set in the first rest mode so that the travel path of the non-stop transport vehicle 20 that travels back and forth between the supply unit 15 and the receiving unit 31 becomes a loop. If this is done, while the multiple transport vehicles 20 each transport the article W from the supply unit 15 to the receiving unit 31 to distinguish the article W, the operator can perform maintenance on the multiple transport vehicles 20.

[0053] Fig. 9 This shows the configuration style for the second rest mode. Fig. 9 In the example shown, the control system 45 stops all transport vehicles 20 not transporting articles W in the connection area E2 in the second rest mode. In the present embodiment, the control system 45 divides the connection area E2 into equal parts and sets one of the parts as an arrangement area where a plurality of transport vehicles 20 are densely arranged.

[0054] Next, other embodiments of the article transport facility 10 will be described.

[0055] (1) In the above-mentioned embodiment, the article conveying device 10 is an article sorting device, and a plurality of supply areas E1, a connection area E2, and a plurality of passage areas E3 are arranged on the floor E. However, the present invention is not limited to such an example, and for example, there may be only one passage area E3. For example, there may be only one supply area E1. For example, there may be only one supply unit 15. For example, there may be no connection area E2 on the floor E. For example, the article conveying device 10 may not be a device for sorting articles W, but may be a conveying device in which the supply area E1 and the passage area E3 are not arranged on the floor E.

[0056] (2) In the above-mentioned embodiment, the supply area E1 and the connection area E2 are separated by a virtual boundary, and the two sides of the passage area E3 in the X direction are the outer edges of the floor E. However, the present invention is not limited to such an example. For example, the supply area E1, the connection area E2, and the passage area E3 may be areas divided by the actual outer edges of the floor E and in which the transport vehicle 20 can move. For example, the supply area E1, the connection area E2, and the passage area E3 may all be virtual areas set on a larger floor E. For example, an area different from the supply area E1, the connection area E2, and the passage area E3 may be set on the floor E, such as a buffer area where a plurality of transport vehicles 20 can be arranged.

[0057] (3) In the above-mentioned embodiment, the control system 45 includes a host control device for controlling a plurality of transport vehicles 20 and a control device mounted on each transport vehicle 20. However, the control system 45 is not limited to such an example, and the control device mounted on each transport vehicle 20 may be a system in which the control device mounted on each transport vehicle 20 communicates with the control device of other transport vehicles 20 and performs judgment and operation independently. For example, the position information holder may not be provided on the floor E, and the position information of the transport vehicle 20 may be obtained by an image sensor or the like provided on the transport vehicle 20 or a facility.

[0058] (4) In the above-mentioned embodiment, the structure in which the control system 45 controls the transfer unit 21 and the travel unit 25 of the transport vehicle 20 is described as an example. However, it is not limited to such an example. For example, the control device 46 may be a control device that controls only the travel unit 25 of the transport vehicle 20. For example, the transport vehicle 20 may not have the transfer unit 21 and the operating body 16 may transfer the article W on the transport vehicle 20. For example, the structure in which the article W is stored in the storage room of the transport vehicle 20 may be used. For example, the control system 45 may control the operating device as the operating body 16. For example, the transport vehicle 20 may not have the operated part 28.

[0059] (5) In the above-mentioned embodiment, the article transport facility 10 is described as an example in which the article transport facility 10 includes the supply transport device 17, the receiving transport device 35, and the delivery device 36. However, the present invention is not limited to such an example, and for example, the article transport facility 10 may not include the supply transport device 17, the receiving transport device 35, and the delivery device 36, and the operator or the vehicle operated by the operator may transport the article W or the container 38.

[0060] (6) In the above-mentioned embodiment, the structure in which at least a part of the plurality of transport vehicles 20 stops at the connection area E2 in each of the first rest mode and the second rest mode is described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to such an example, and for example, a structure in which all or a part of the transport vehicles 20 stops at the supply area E1, the passage area E3, the first elevator L1, the second elevator L2, etc. in the first rest mode or the second rest mode may also be adopted.

[0061] (7) In the above-mentioned embodiment, the configuration in which the charging position 42 for charging the transport vehicle 20 by the charger 41 is set in the connection area E2 is described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to such an example, and the charging position 42 may be set in another area that can be entered and exited from the supply area E1, the passage area E3, and the connection area E2.

[0062] (8) In the above embodiment, the configuration in which the arrangement area of ​​the plurality of transport vehicles 20 arranged densely is changed in accordance with the instruction from the operator in the second rest mode is described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to such an example, and for example, the arrangement area may not be changed in the second rest mode.

[0063] (9) In the above-mentioned embodiment, the configuration in which the first rest mode is automatically selected when the transport operation of the article W by the transport vehicle 20 is completed is described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to such an example, and for example, the configuration in which the second rest mode is automatically selected when the transport operation of the article W by the transport vehicle 20 is completed may be adopted. For example, the configuration in which the first rest mode and the second rest mode are not automatically selected but are selected by the operator may be adopted.

[0064] (10) In addition, the structure disclosed in the above-mentioned embodiment can also be combined with the structure disclosed in other embodiments and applied as long as there is no contradiction. Regarding other structures, the embodiments disclosed in this specification are also only illustrative in all aspects. Therefore, various changes can be appropriately made within the scope of the main purpose of the present disclosure.

[0065] Hereinafter, the article transport facility according to the present disclosure will be described.

[0066] As one form, the article conveying equipment is an article conveying equipment in which multiple conveying vehicles each travel on the floor to convey articles; it is equipped with a control system for controlling the aforementioned conveying vehicles; the aforementioned control system has a first rest mode and a second rest mode as a rest mode in which the plurality of aforementioned conveying vehicles do not convey the aforementioned articles; in the aforementioned first rest mode, the plurality of aforementioned conveying vehicles are arranged in multiple rows, and passages through which the aforementioned conveying vehicles can pass are set between adjacent rows of the aforementioned conveying vehicles, and all of the aforementioned conveying vehicles arranged in each row are arranged in a manner adjacent to at least one of the aforementioned passages; in the aforementioned second rest mode, the aforementioned passages are not set and the plurality of aforementioned conveying vehicles are densely arranged.

[0067] According to the present structure, in the first rest mode, a passage is set between adjacent rows of transport vehicles, so that, for example, the transport vehicle can move through the passage for charging, etc., or the operator can move through the passage for maintenance of the transport vehicle. Therefore, it is easy to maintain the transport vehicle. On the other hand, in the second rest mode, a plurality of transport vehicles are densely arranged, so the area of ​​the floor where the transport vehicles in rest are arranged can be suppressed to be smaller. Therefore, it is easy to maintain the floor. In this way, according to the present structure, in the rest mode in which a plurality of transport vehicles are not transporting articles, the transport vehicles can be arranged and stopped in different arrangement styles according to the content of the maintenance operations performed by the operator, the necessity of charging the transport vehicles, etc. Therefore, it is easy to effectively utilize the rest mode.

[0068] As one form, the control system automatically selects the first rest mode when the transport operation of the article by the transport vehicle is completed; selects the second rest mode when there is an instruction from the operator for maintenance of the floor; and in the second rest mode, changes the configuration area where the plurality of transport vehicles are densely configured according to the instruction from the operator.

[0069] According to this structure, the first rest mode is automatically selected after the normal operation is completed, so the charging of the transport vehicle and the maintenance of the transport vehicle can be easily and appropriately performed in the rest mode. In addition, when maintaining the floor, multiple transport vehicles can be arranged in a specified configuration area, and the configuration area can be moved, so the operator can easily and appropriately perform floor maintenance.

[0070] In one aspect, the transport vehicle includes an operated portion operated by an operator; and in the first rest mode, the transport vehicle is arranged so that the operated portion is on a side close to the passage.

[0071] According to this configuration, in the first rest mode, an operator can easily perform work such as maintenance on each transport vehicle.

[0072] As one form, a specific direction along the aforementioned floor is set as the Y direction, a direction along the aforementioned floor that is orthogonal to the aforementioned Y direction is set as the X direction, one side of the aforementioned Y direction is set as the first side of the Y direction, and the other side of the aforementioned Y direction is set as the second side of the Y direction; on the aforementioned floor, there are set: a plurality of passage areas, each extending along the aforementioned Y direction and arranged in a manner arranged in the aforementioned X direction; a supply area, which is arranged on the first side of the aforementioned Y direction relative to the plurality of aforementioned passage areas and is provided with a supply unit for supplying the aforementioned articles to the aforementioned transport vehicle; and a connection area, which connects the plurality of aforementioned passage areas with the aforementioned supply area; a plurality of receiving units for receiving the aforementioned articles from the aforementioned transport vehicle are arranged along each of the plurality of aforementioned passage areas; and it is configured so that in each of the aforementioned first rest mode and the aforementioned second rest mode, at least a part of the plurality of aforementioned transport vehicles is stopped in the aforementioned connection area.

[0073] According to this structure, the connecting area is connected to each of the multiple passage areas and the supply area, so compared with the situation where all the transport vehicles are stopped at the passage area outside the connecting area in the first rest mode and the second rest mode, it is easy to ensure a higher degree of freedom of the moving destination of the transport vehicles after the release of these rest modes.

[0074] In one embodiment, a charging position for charging the transport vehicle with a charger is set in the connection area.

[0075] According to this configuration, in the first rest mode, the transport vehicle can be moved in the passage between adjacent rows of transport vehicles and the transport vehicle can be easily brought to the charger. Therefore, the transport vehicle can be efficiently charged.

[0076] The article conveying device of the present disclosure only needs to achieve at least one of the above-mentioned effects. The technical features of the article conveying device of the present disclosure can also be applied to an article conveying method and an article conveying program.

[0077] Description of Reference Numerals

[0078] 10: Goods conveying equipment

[0079] 15: Supply Department

[0080] 20: Transport vehicle

[0081] 28: Operated part

[0082] 31: Receiving Department

[0083] 41: Charger

[0084] 42: Charging position

[0085] 45: Control System

[0086] 51: 1st end

[0087] E: Floor

[0088] E1: Supply Zone

[0089] E2: Connection area

[0090] E3: Access area

[0091] W: Items

Claims

1. An article conveying device, which is an article conveying device in which a plurality of conveying vehicles each travel on the floor to convey articles, characterized in that: A control system for controlling the aforementioned transport vehicle; The aforementioned control system A first rest mode and a second rest mode are provided as rest modes in which the plurality of transport vehicles do not transport the articles; In the first rest mode, the plurality of transport vehicles are arranged in a plurality of rows, passages through which the transport vehicles can pass are set between adjacent rows of the transport vehicles, and all of the transport vehicles arranged in each row are arranged adjacent to at least one of the passages; In the second rest mode, the passage is not provided and the plurality of transport vehicles are densely arranged.

2. The article conveying device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The aforementioned control system automatically selecting the first rest mode when the transport operation of the article by the transport vehicle is completed; selecting the second rest mode when there is an instruction from an operator for maintenance of the floor; In the second rest mode, the arrangement area where the plurality of transport vehicles are densely arranged is changed according to an instruction from the operator.

3. The article conveying device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The transport vehicle is provided with an operated portion operated by an operator; In the first rest mode, the transport vehicle is arranged so that the operated portion is on a side close to the passage.

4. The article conveying device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: A specific direction along the floor is defined as a Y direction, a direction along the floor that is perpendicular to the Y direction is defined as an X direction, one side of the Y direction is defined as a Y direction first side, and the other side of the Y direction is defined as a Y direction second side; In the above floor, the following are set: a plurality of passage areas, each extending along the aforementioned Y direction and arranged in a manner of being arranged in the aforementioned X direction; a supply area, which is arranged on the first side in the Y direction relative to the plurality of passage areas and is provided with a supply unit for supplying the articles to the transport vehicle; and a connection area, interconnecting the plurality of the aforementioned passage areas and the aforementioned supply area; A plurality of receiving sections for receiving the aforementioned articles from the aforementioned transport vehicle are respectively arranged along the plurality of aforementioned passage areas; The system is configured such that, in each of the first rest mode and the second rest mode, at least a part of the plurality of transport vehicles is stopped in the connection area.

5. The article conveying device according to claim 4, characterized in that: The connection area is provided with a charging position for charging the transport vehicle with a charger.

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