Article conveyance facility

Abstract

To realize an article conveyance facility, upon executing a maintenance work to conveyance vehicles, which can easily take out each conveyance vehicle on each floor.SOLUTION: An article conveyance facility comprises: a lifting device L2 provided so as to connect plural floors F1, F2 installed at different heights in a vertical direction Z and lifting conveyance vehicles 20; and a movement passage 72 through which the conveyance vehicles 20 move for a maintenance work to the conveyance vehicles. A running passage 71 of the conveyance vehicles 20 connecting the lifting device L2 with each of the plural floors F1, F2 is arranged so as to extend from the lifting device L2 toward a first side Y1 in a Y direction, and the movement passage 72 is arranged so as to extend from the lifting device L2 toward a side Y2 other than the first side Y1 in the Y direction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an article transport facility in which a plurality of transport vehicles transport articles. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, an article conveying facility in which multiple conveying vehicles convey articles has been known in a logistics warehouse, etc. For example, JP 2020-100482 A (Patent Document 1) describes an article conveying facility in which a travel path for an article conveying vehicle (V) is set on a floor (70) and multiple conveying vehicles convey articles. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2020-100482 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in the article conveying facility of Patent Document 1, when, for example, a transport vehicle (V) is stopped on the travel path between the receiving section (80) and the supply section (90) to perform maintenance work on the transport vehicle (V) and removed, the stopped transport vehicle (V) interferes with the travel of other transport vehicles. In addition, when the article conveying facility has multiple floors (70) installed at different heights in the vertical direction, for example, the transport vehicle (V) needs to be stopped and removed at each floor (70), and removing the transport vehicle (V) is not easy.

[0005] Therefore, it is desirable to realize an article transport facility that allows transport vehicles to be easily removed from the floor when maintenance work is to be performed on the transport vehicles. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The item transport equipment of the present disclosure is an item transport equipment that transports items W by multiple transport vehicles, and includes multiple floors that are installed at different vertical heights, each of which the transport vehicles can run on, a lifting device that is arranged to connect the multiple floors and raises and lowers the transport vehicles, and a travel path along which the transport vehicles move for maintenance work on the transport vehicles, wherein a specific direction along the floors is defined as the Y direction, one side of the Y direction is defined as the Y direction first side, and the other side of the Y direction is defined as the Y direction second side, and the travel path for the transport vehicles connecting the lifting device and each of the multiple floors is arranged to extend from the lifting device toward the Y direction first side, and the travel path is arranged to extend from the lifting device toward a side other than the Y direction first side.

[0007] According to this configuration, when performing maintenance work on a transport vehicle, the transport vehicle on the floor can be easily removed via the lifting device and the moving path. Therefore, regardless of whether or not the transport vehicles are performing work to transport items, maintenance work can be easily performed on a specific transport vehicle. Furthermore, according to this configuration, the moving path on which the transport vehicle moves for maintenance work is arranged to extend toward a different side from the running path of the transport vehicle connecting the lifting device and each of the multiple floors. Therefore, even if a work area for performing maintenance work is arranged in an area that does not overlap with the multiple floors in a plan view, the transport vehicle can be appropriately removed toward the work area. Furthermore, for example, it is possible to return a transport vehicle that has finished work at the work area from the moving path to the floor via the lifting device, or to introduce a new transport vehicle from the moving path to the floor via the lifting device. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a top view of an article conveying facility according to an embodiment; [Diagram 2] Front view of the passage area of ​​FIG. [Diagram 3] Control block diagram of the goods transport equipment in Figure 1 [Figure 4]FIG. 2 shows the first floor of the article transport facility of FIG. 1. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 shows the second floor of the article transport facility of FIG. 1. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the lifting device of FIG. 1; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] An embodiment of an article conveying equipment 10 will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a top view of an article conveying equipment 10 that conveys articles W by a plurality of conveying vehicles 20. The article conveying equipment 10 of this embodiment is an article sorting equipment that sorts articles W by conveying articles W by each of the plurality of conveying vehicles 20 traveling on a floor E. In this embodiment, the article conveying equipment 10 includes the conveying vehicles 20, a floor E, a supply unit 15 that supplies articles W to the conveying vehicles 20, and a plurality of receiving units 31. Each of the plurality of receiving units 31 is configured to receive articles W from the conveying vehicles 20.

[0010] In this embodiment, the work subject 16 transfers the item W to the transport vehicle 20 at the supply unit 15. Here, the "work subject" refers to, for example, one or both of a worker and a work device. The work subject 16 transfers the item W to the transport vehicle 20 from a supply conveying device 17 that conveys the item W from an automated warehouse (not shown). Examples of the supply conveying device 17 include a belt conveyor, a crane, and an arm-type robot.

[0011] Here, a specific direction among the directions along the floor E is defined as the Y direction, and a direction perpendicular to the Y direction among the directions along the floor E is defined as the X direction. One side of the Y direction is defined as the Y direction first side Y1, and the other side of the Y direction is defined as the Y direction second side Y2. One side of the X direction is defined as the X direction first side X1, and the other side of the X direction is defined as the X direction second side X2. The up-down direction is defined as the Z direction. Examples of the floor E include running surfaces and floors provided in facilities such as buildings and ships. In this embodiment, the floor E is a running surface provided on an indoor platform.

[0012] In this embodiment, a supply area E1 in which the supply unit 15 is provided and a passage area E3 extending along the Y direction are set on the floor E. The supply area E1 is disposed on the second side Y2 in the Y direction with respect to the passage area E3. A plurality of passage areas E3 are disposed so as to be lined up in the X direction. In addition, a connection area E2 that connects the passage area E3 and the supply area E1 is set on the floor E. The supply area E1, the connection area E2, and the passage area E3 set on the floor E may each be an area into which the floor E is actually divided, or may be a virtual area. In this embodiment, the boundary between the supply area E1 and the connection area E2 is a virtual boundary set on the floor E. In addition, in this embodiment, both sides of the passage area E3 in the X direction are the outer edges of the floor E.

[0013] In this embodiment, the connection area E2 connects the supply area E1 and the passage area E3 so that the transport vehicle 20 can travel therethrough. Here, an end of the passage area E3 on the second side Y2 in the Y direction is defined as a first end 51. The connection area E2 connects the first end 51 of the passage area E3 and the supply area E1.

[0014] In this embodiment, a plurality of passage areas E3 are arranged side by side in the X direction on floor E, and first ends 51 of the plurality of passage areas E3 are connected to each other via connection areas E2. A plurality of receiving sections 31 are arranged along the passage area E3. The article conveying equipment 10 also includes a plurality of supply sections 15. A plurality of supply areas E1, each equipped with a supply section 15, are also arranged side by side in the X direction on floor E.

[0015] FIG. 2 is a front view of the passage area E3. In this embodiment, a plurality of receiving sections 31 are arranged in line along the Y direction on both sides of the passage area E3 in the X direction. In this embodiment, the transport vehicle 20 includes a transfer section 21 that transfers the article W from the transport vehicle 20 to the receiving section 31. The transfer section 21 is configured so that the placement surface 22 on which the article W is placed can be freely changed between a "horizontal position" and an "inclined position". The article W is placed on the placement surface 22 in a horizontal position and transported, and when the placement surface 22 is in an inclined position, the article W is transferred to the receiving section 31. In this embodiment, the transport vehicle 20 includes a running section 25. The running section 25 is provided with a plurality of wheels 23 that roll on the running surface on the floor E. Examples of the transport vehicle 20 include an electric vehicle that runs on power supplied from a storage battery, a fuel cell, or the floor E by contact power supply or non-contact power supply, and a vehicle equipped with an internal combustion engine. In this embodiment, a storage battery 27 (see FIG. 3) is mounted on the traveling section 25 of the transport vehicle 20. In this embodiment, the transport vehicle 20 is an electric unmanned transport vehicle.

[0016] In this embodiment, a receiving and conveying device 35 is provided in each of the multiple receiving sections 31. The goods W transferred to the receiving section 31 are conveyed in the X direction by this receiving and conveying device 35 and stored in the containers 38 corresponding to each of the multiple receiving sections 31. In this embodiment, a shipping device 36 is arranged adjacent to the multiple receiving and conveying devices 35. The containers 38 are arranged side by side on the shipping device 36, and when the type and number of goods W specified in one order information are stored in the container 38, the shipping device 36 conveys the container 38 to the shipping location. Examples of the receiving and conveying device 35 include a belt conveyor, a crane, an arm-type robot, etc. Examples of the shipping device 36 include a belt conveyor, a stacker crane, an automatic guided vehicle, etc.

[0017] FIG. 3 is a control block diagram of the article conveying facility 10 of this embodiment. In this embodiment, the article conveying facility 10 includes a control system 45 that controls the conveying vehicle 20. In the illustrated example, the control system 45 includes a control device 46 that controls the transfer unit 21 and the traveling unit 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 includes an arithmetic processing device such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), and a main storage device that can be referenced by the arithmetic processing device, such as a RAM (Random Access Memory) or a ROM (Read Only Memory). Each function of the control device 46 (for example, a function to control the traveling of the conveying vehicle 20) is realized by cooperation between the hardware included in the control device 46 and a program executed on the hardware such as the arithmetic processing device. Specifically, each function of the control device 46 is realized by the control device 46 executing a program stored in a storage device (such as a main storage device or a separately provided storage unit). In other words, a program (e.g., an article transport program) for causing a computer (a computer of the control system 45) to realize each function of the control device 46 is stored in a storage device that the computer can refer to. This program is provided, for example, by a storage medium or via a communication network. The provided program is stored in a storage device that the computer can refer to. In this embodiment, the control device 46 (specifically, an arithmetic processing device provided in the control device 46) functions as a "computer". The control device 46 may be configured not as a single piece of hardware, but as a set of multiple pieces of hardware (multiple separate pieces of hardware) that can communicate with each other by wire or wirelessly. For example, the control device 46 may be configured to include a host control device that is arranged in a control facility (not shown) and controls multiple transport vehicles 20, and a control device mounted on each transport vehicle 20.

[0018] In this embodiment, the floor E is divided into a plurality of virtual unit areas Au that form a lattice shape when viewed in the Z direction. The travel route 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. 3) is provided in each of the plurality of transport vehicles 20. In addition, a position information holder is provided in each of the virtual unit areas Au. When the transport vehicle 20 travels along the travel route, the position information detection unit 29 of the transport vehicle 20 is configured to detect position information held by the position information holder arranged in each of the virtual unit areas Au. Examples of the position information holder include a barcode (one-dimensional code), a two-dimensional code, and an IC tag. The position information detected by the position information detection unit 29 is transmitted from the transport vehicle 20 to a control device 46 provided in the control system 45.

[0019] In this embodiment, the control system 45 issues transport commands to each transport vehicle 20. The transport command specifies the "origin" and "destination" of the item W. In this embodiment, the origin is the supply section 15, and the destination is the receiving section 31. The transport command also specifies the travel route of the transport vehicle 20 from the origin to the destination. Upon receiving the transport command from the control system 45, the transport vehicle 20 receives the item W at the specified origin and transports the item W to the specified destination.

[0020] In the transport command of this embodiment, an "outbound route" is set for traveling from the supply unit 15 to the terminal end of the passage region E3. In addition, in the transport command of this embodiment, a "return route" is set for traveling from the terminal end of the passage region E3 to the supply unit 15. In this embodiment, the terminal end of the passage region E3 is the end of the passage region E3 on the first side Y1 in the Y direction.

[0021] In this embodiment, the control system 45 performs batch processing in which the type and number of items W specified in one piece of order information are received in each of the multiple receiving units 31. Also, in this embodiment, one container 38 corresponds to one piece of order information. The control system 45 stores the type and number of items W specified in one piece of order information in a container 38 (see FIG. 2) arranged adjacent to the receiving unit 31 by batch processing. When the batch processing is performed, in other words, when all of the type and number of items W specified in one piece of order information are stored in the container 38, the container 38 is transported to a shipping location. Thereafter, the next container 38 corresponding to the next order information is arranged adjacent to the receiving unit 31, and the control system 45 stores the type and number of items W specified in another piece of order information in the next container 38 by the next batch processing.

[0022] In this embodiment, the article conveying equipment 10 includes a plurality of floors E, each of which allows the conveying vehicle 20 to travel, and which are installed at different heights in the Z direction. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a first floor F1 of the article conveying equipment 10. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a second floor F2 of the article conveying equipment 10. In the example shown in FIG. 4 and FIG. 5, the floors E are shown as a first floor F1 and a second floor F2 adjacent to each other in the Z direction. In this embodiment, the second floor F2 is disposed above the first floor F1, but the second floor F2 may be disposed below the first floor F1. In this embodiment, a supply area E1 and a passage area E3 are provided on the first floor F1. In this embodiment, a connection area E2 is provided on the first floor F1.

[0023] In this embodiment, a charging position 42 for charging the transport vehicle 20 by the charger 41 is set in the connection area E2. This allows efficient use of the connection area E2 where the supply unit 15 and the receiving unit 31 are not arranged. In the illustrated example, the charger 41 is arranged adjacent to the connection area E2. In addition, the charging position 42 is arranged so that multiple transport vehicles 20 can stop there.

[0024] In this embodiment, when the amount of stored power in the transport vehicle 20 is less than a specified amount (for example, less than 50% based on the amount of stored power in a fully charged state), the transport vehicle 20 moves to and stops at the charging position 42. At the charging position 42, the storage battery 27 (see FIG. 3) provided in the transport vehicle 20 can be quickly charged. The charger 41 may be configured as a non-contact power supply device or a contact power supply device. In this embodiment, a control device 46 provided in a control system 45 described later acquires the amount of stored power in the storage battery 27 of each transport vehicle 20, and controls the transport vehicle 20 with less than the specified amount of stored power to move to the charging position 42.

[0025] In this embodiment, the article transport facility 10 is provided to connect a plurality of floors E (a first floor F1, a second floor F2) and includes a first lifting device L1 that lifts and lowers the transport vehicle 20. In the illustrated example, the first lifting device L1 is disposed on a first side Y1 in the Y direction of the plurality of floors E. The first lifting device L1 is connected to the passage area E3 of the first floor F1 and the second floor F2. The first lifting device L1 and the passage area E3 may be directly connected to each other, or may be indirectly connected to each other, for example, by a transfer device. The first lifting device L1 may autonomously transport the transport vehicle 20 or may be controlled by the control system 45. Examples of the first lifting device L1 include a lifting device that circulates the transport vehicle 20 along a predetermined circular path, a lifting device that lifts and lowers the transport vehicle 20 along the Z direction, a crane, and the like.

[0026] In this embodiment, the article conveying facility 10 is provided to connect a plurality of floors E (first floor F1, second floor F2) and includes a second lifting device L2 that lifts and lowers the conveying vehicle 20. In the illustrated example, the second lifting device L2 is disposed on the second side Y2 in the Y direction of the plurality of floors E. The second lifting device L2 is also connected to the supply area E1 of the first floor F1 and the second floor F2. The second lifting device L2 and the supply area E1 may be directly connected to each other, or may be indirectly connected to each other, for example, by a transfer device. The first lifting device L1 and the second lifting device L2 are disposed apart from each other in the horizontal direction. The second lifting device L2 may autonomously convey the conveying vehicle 20 or may be controlled by the control system 45. Examples of the second lifting device L2 include a lifting device that circulates the conveying vehicle 20 along a predetermined circular path, a lifting device that lifts and lowers the conveying vehicle 20 along the Z direction, a crane, and the like. The second lifting device L2 corresponds to "lifting device."

[0027] In this embodiment, a conveying passage 61 along which the conveying vehicle 20 travels is provided on the first floor F1. The first lifting device L1 and the second lifting device L2 are connected to each other on the first floor F1 by the conveying passage 61 so that the conveying vehicle 20 can travel thereon. In the illustrated example, the conveying passage 61 and the second lifting device L2 are connected to each other via a travel path 71 described later. The first lifting device L1 is connected to the conveying passage 61 and the second floor F2. The conveying passage 61 is a part of the above-mentioned forward path, and is a path along which the conveying vehicle 20 travels to convey the article W supplied from the supply unit 15 to the receiving unit 31. In this embodiment, the first lifting device L1 is connected to the end of the conveying passage 61 and the second floor F2. In the illustrated example, the conveying passage 61 is set to be one-way in the supply area E1, the connection area E2, and the passage area E3.

[0028] In this embodiment, a return passage 63 along which the transport vehicle 20 travels is provided on the second floor F2. The first lifting device L1 and the second lifting device L2 are connected to each other on the second floor F2 by the return passage 63 so that the transport vehicle 20 can travel therethrough. In this embodiment, the return passage 63 and the first lifting device L1 are directly connected, but may be indirectly connected thereto. In this embodiment, the return passage 63 and the second lifting device L2 are connected to each other via a travel path 71 described later. In the illustrated example, the second lifting device L2 is connected to the return passage 63 and the first floor F1. The return passage 63 is a part of the return path described above, and is a passage along which the transport vehicle 20 travels after transferring the article W to the receiving section 31 in the passage area E3. In this embodiment, the return passage 63 is set to be one-way.

[0029] In this embodiment, the first lifting device L1 is connected to the start end of the return passage 63 and the end end of the passage area E3. The second lifting device L2 is connected to the end end of the return passage 63 and the supply area E1. In the illustrated example, a plurality of return passages 63 are provided on the second floor F2, each extending along the Y direction. In this embodiment, a passage connection area E4 is provided on the second floor F2, which connects the plurality of return passages 63 so that the transport vehicle 20 can travel therethrough. In the illustrated example, the passage connection area E4 is disposed between the adjacent return passages 63 in the X direction. In addition, a charging position 42 for charging the transport vehicle 20 is set in the passage connection area E4.

[0030] 6 is a side view of the first lifting device L1 and the second lifting device L2. In this embodiment, the transport vehicle 20 is transported along a first lifting path 62 by the first lifting device L1. In the illustrated example, the first lifting path 62 is an upward path. In this embodiment, the transport vehicle 20 is transported along a second lifting path 64 by the second lifting device L2. In the illustrated example, the second lifting path 64 is a downward path.

[0031] In this embodiment, the travel path traveled by the transport vehicle 20 includes a circuit path that goes around the supply unit 15 and the receiving unit 31. In the example shown in Fig. 6, the circuit path is configured to include a transport passage 61, a first lifting path 62, a return passage 63, and a second lifting path 64. The transport vehicle 20 travels along the circuit path in one direction (clockwise in Fig. 6). The transport vehicle 20 passes through the supply unit 15 and the receiving unit 31 multiple times by traveling along the circuit path.

[0032] In this embodiment, the travel path 71 of the transport vehicle 20 connecting the second lifting device L2 and the first floor F1 is arranged to extend from the second lifting device L2 toward the first side Y1 in the Y direction. Also, the travel path 71 of the transport vehicle 20 connecting the second lifting device L2 and the second floor F2 is arranged to extend from the second lifting device L2 toward the first side Y1 in the Y direction.

[0033] The article transport facility 10 includes a travel path 72 along which the transport vehicle 20 moves for maintenance work on the transport vehicle 20. In this embodiment, the travel path 72 is arranged to extend from the second lifting device L2 toward the second side Y2 in the Y direction. The travel path 72 connects a work place 75 for performing maintenance work and the second lifting device L2. The work place 75 is arranged at a position that does not overlap with a plurality of floors E as viewed in the Z direction along the Z direction. The work place 75 is arranged on the side of the second lifting device L2 other than the first side Y1 in the Y direction. In the example shown in FIG. 6, the work place 75 is arranged on the second side Y2 in the Y direction of the second lifting device L2.

[0034] In this embodiment, a workbench 77 on which the transport vehicle 20 is placed is disposed in the work area 75. A storage shelf 78 (see FIG. 4) is also disposed in the work area 75. For example, tools, replacement parts, etc. are stored in the storage shelf 78. The transport vehicle 20 to be maintained may be stored in the storage shelf 78. The travel path 72 connects the second lifting device L2 and the storage shelf 78 so that the transport vehicle 20 can run or the transport vehicle 20 can be transported. The travel path 72 also connects the second lifting device L2 and the workbench 77 so that the transport vehicle 20 can run or the transport vehicle 20 can be transported. In this way, the burden on the worker 76 performing the maintenance work is reduced.

[0035] In this embodiment, the first lifting device L1 includes a plurality of lifting platforms 81 on which the transport vehicle 20 can be placed, and is configured to circulate the plurality of lifting platforms 81 along a circular path 88 that forms a loop as viewed in the X direction along the X direction. In the example shown in Fig. 6, the plurality of lifting platforms 81 included in the first lifting device L1 circulate counterclockwise.

[0036] In this embodiment, the second lifting device L2 includes a plurality of lifting platforms 81 on which the transport vehicle 20 can be placed, and is configured to circulate the plurality of lifting platforms 81 along a circular path 88 that is circular as viewed in the X direction along the X direction. In the example shown in Fig. 6, the plurality of lifting platforms 81 included in the second lifting device L2 circulate counterclockwise. Here, a region on a first side Y1 in the Y direction from a center position 88a in the Y direction on the circular path 88 of the second lifting device L2 is defined as a first region B1, and a region on a second side Y2 in the Y direction from a center position 88a in the Y direction on the circular path 88 of the second lifting device L2 is defined as a second region B2.

[0037] In this embodiment, the multiple travel paths 71 are configured to be connected to a lift platform 81 located in the first area B1. In the illustrated example, one of the multiple travel paths 71 is connected to the supply unit 15. In this embodiment, the multiple travel paths 71 are each connected to the lift platform 81 so that the transport vehicle 20 can travel on it.

[0038] In this embodiment, the runway 71 connected to the first floor F1 is connected to one of the platforms 81 located in the first area B1 that is at the same height as the runway 71. Also, the runway 71 connected to the second floor F2 is connected to one of the platforms 81 located in the first area B1 that is at the same height as the runway 71.

[0039] In this embodiment, the moving path 72 is configured to be connected to a lifting platform 81 located in the second area B2. In the illustrated example, the moving path 72 is connected to a lifting platform 81 located at the same height as the moving path 72 among the lifting platforms 81 located in the second area B2. In addition, the moving path 72 is connected to the lifting platform 81 so that the transport vehicle 20 can travel thereon.

[0040] In this embodiment, the moving path 72 is installed at a height equal to or lower than the runway 71 connected to the lowest floor of the multiple floors E. In the illustrated example, the moving path 72 is installed at a height lower than the runway 71 connected to the first floor F1. The moving path 72 is installed at a height lower than the height of the floor surface of the first floor F1 or the same height as the height of the floor surface of the first floor F1. The moving path 72 is installed at a height lower than the height of the supply area E1 or the same height as the height of the supply area E1. In addition, when the moving path 71 or the moving path 72 is an inclined path, the height of the moving path 71 or the moving path 72 is, for example, the height of the end of the moving path 71 or the moving path 72 on the second lifting device L2 side.

[0041] In this embodiment, the moving path 72 is installed at the same height as the lifting platform 81 located in the section 88c along the Z direction in the second region B2. In the illustrated example, the moving path 72 is installed at the same height as the lifting platform 81 located at the bottom of the section 88c along the Z direction in the second region B2.

[0042] In this embodiment, the moving path 72 is provided with a first conveying mechanism 89a and a second conveying mechanism 89b that move the transport vehicle 20 without moving the transport vehicle itself. The first conveying mechanism 89a and the second conveying mechanism 89b move the transport vehicle 20 along the moving path 72. The moving path 72 may have an inclined surface that becomes higher as it approaches the second lifting device L2. The inclined surface is connected to the lifting platform 81 located in the second area B2. In this embodiment, the first conveying mechanism 89a conveys the transport vehicle 20 to the work place 75. The second conveying mechanism 89b moves the transport vehicle 20 from the second lifting device L2 to the moving path 72. Examples of the first conveying mechanism 89a include a conveyor, a pusher, a hook, etc. attached to the moving path 72. Examples of the second conveying mechanism 89b include a conveyor, a pusher, a hook, etc. attached to the second lifting device L2. The first conveying mechanism 89a and the second conveying mechanism 89b correspond to a "conveying mechanism". In this way, the transport vehicle 20 can be automatically removed from the second lifting device L2 even when the worker 76 performing the maintenance work is not present. Therefore, the time during which the second lifting device L2 is stopped for maintenance of the transport vehicle 20 can be shortened.

[0043] According to the above-mentioned article conveying equipment 10, the transport vehicle 20 to be maintained can be stopped at the second lifting device L2 provided to connect the plurality of floors E and can be easily taken out via the moving path 72. Therefore, the stopped transport vehicle 20 is unlikely to hinder the travel of other transport vehicles 20. In addition, it is not necessary to provide a branch path for taking out the transport vehicle 20 on each of the plurality of floors E. In addition, if the transport vehicle 20 to be maintained cannot move on its own, the worker 76 performing the maintenance work can easily take out the transport vehicle 20 via the moving path 72 by simply inserting the transport vehicle 20 to be maintained into the second lifting device L2 using, for example, his / her hand, a jig, another transport vehicle 20, or the like. In other words, the worker 76 does not need to transport the transport vehicle 20 to be maintained that cannot move on its own in the Z direction.

[0044] Other embodiments Next, other embodiments of the article transport facility will be described.

[0045] (1) In the above embodiment, the article transport equipment 10 is described as having a first lifting device L1 and a second lifting device L2. However, the present invention is not limited to such an example. For example, the article transport equipment 10 may not have the first lifting device L1, and the transport vehicle 20 may be transported by a lifting device, passage, etc. that connects the connection area E2 of the first floor F1 and the second floor F2. Also, for example, the second lifting device L2 may connect the connection area E2 of the first floor F1 and the passage connection area E4 of the second floor F2.

[0046] (2) In the above embodiment, the travel path 71 of the transport vehicle 20 connecting the second lifting device L2 and each of the multiple floors E is arranged to extend from the second lifting device L2, and the moving path 72 is arranged to extend from the second lifting device L2. However, without being limited to such an example, for example, the travel path 71 of the transport vehicle 20 connecting the first lifting device L1 and each of the multiple floors E may be arranged to extend from the first lifting device L1 toward the first side in the Y direction, and the moving path 72 may be arranged to extend from the first lifting device L1 toward a side other than the first side in the Y direction. In this case, the first lifting device L1, not the second lifting device L2, corresponds to the "lifting device", and "Y2" in the above embodiment corresponds to the first side in the Y direction, and "Y1" corresponds to the second side in the Y direction.

[0047] (3) In the above embodiment, the multiple floors E are described as a first floor F1 and a second floor F2 adjacent to each other in the Z direction. However, the present invention is not limited to such an example, and for example, the first floor F1 and the second floor F2 do not have to be adjacent to each other in the Z direction. The floors E may also include three or more floors arranged in the Z direction. Furthermore, the second floor F2 may be provided with a supply area E1, a connection area E2, and a passage area E3, and a return passage 63 may be provided to the first floor F1.

[0048] (4) In the above embodiment, the moving path 72 and the lifting platform 81 are connected to enable the transport vehicle 20 to travel thereon. However, the present invention is not limited to such an example, and may be configured such that the transport vehicle 20 on the moving path 72 is transported by a conveyor, a pusher, or the like. In addition, the moving path 72 may be a platform onto which the transport vehicle 20 is transferred from the second lifting device L2.

[0049] (5) In the above embodiment, a configuration has been described as an example in which the runway 71 connects the second lifting device L2 and multiple floors E on the first side Y1 in the Y direction with respect to the runway 71. However, the present invention is not limited to such an example, and may be configured, for example, such that the multiple floors E are located on the first side X1 in the X direction with respect to the runway 71 and the second lifting device L2, and the runway 71 extends from the second lifting device L2 toward the first side Y1 in the Y direction and curves toward the first side X1 in the X direction.

[0050] (6) In the above embodiment, the moving path 72 is arranged to extend from the second lifting device L2 toward the second side Y2 in the Y direction. However, the present invention is not limited to such an example. For example, the moving path 72 may be arranged to extend from the second lifting device L2 toward a side other than the first side Y1 in the Y direction and the second side Y2 in the Y direction. For example, the moving path 72 may extend from the second lifting device L2 toward the first side X1 in the X direction and bend toward the second side Y2 in the Y direction. Alternatively, the work area 75 for performing maintenance work may be arranged on the first side Y1 in the Y direction of the second lifting device L2, and the moving path 72 may be bent toward the first side Y1 in the Y direction.

[0051] (7) In the above embodiment, a configuration has been described as an example in which the first transport mechanism 89a and the second transport mechanism 89b are provided on the transfer path 72 to move the transfer vehicle 20 without moving the transfer vehicle itself. However, the present invention is not limited to such an example, and for example, the first transport mechanism 89a or the second transport mechanism 89b may not be provided on the transfer path 72. Also, for example, the second transport mechanism 89b may not move the transfer vehicle 20 along the transfer path 72, but may only move the transfer vehicle 20 from the second lifting device L2 to the transfer path 72. Also, for example, the second transport mechanism 89b that moves the transfer vehicle 20 from the second lifting device L2 to the transfer path 72 may be provided on the second lifting device L2.

[0052] (8) In the above embodiment, the moving path 72 is installed at a height equal to or lower than the runway 71 that connects to the lowest floor of the multiple floors E. However, the present invention is not limited to such an example, and the moving path 72 may be installed at a height equal to the height of the runway 71 that connects to one of the multiple floors E. For example, the moving path 72 may be installed at a height equal to the height of the floor surface of the first floor above ground of the multiple floors E.

[0053] (9) In the above embodiment, the item transport equipment 10 is an item sorting equipment, and a configuration in which a plurality of supply areas E1, a connection area E2, and a plurality of passage areas E3 are arranged on the floor E has been described as an example. However, without being limited to such an example, 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 section 15. For example, there may be no connection area E2 on the floor E. For example, the item transport equipment 10 is not equipment that sorts items W, and may be a transport equipment in which the supply area E1 and the passage area E3 are not arranged on the floor E.

[0054] (10) In the above embodiment, the supply area E1 and the connection area E2 are separated by a virtual boundary, and both 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 separated by the actual outer edges of the floor E, and may be areas in which the transport vehicle 20 can move. In addition, the supply area E1, the connection area E2, and the passage area E3 may all be virtual areas set on a wide floor E. In addition, an area different from the supply area E1, the connection area E2, and the passage area E3, such as a buffer area in which multiple transport vehicles 20 can be lined up, may be provided on the floor E.

[0055] (11) In the above embodiment, a configuration has been described as an example in which the charging position 42 for charging the transport vehicle 20 by the charger 41 is set in the connection area E2. However, the present invention is not limited to such an example, and for example, the charging position 42 may be set in the supply area E1, the passage area E3, another area accessible to the connection area E2, or the like.

[0056] (12) In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the control system 45 includes a host control device that controls a plurality of transport vehicles 20 and a control device mounted on each transport vehicle 20. However, the present invention is not limited to such an example, and the control system 45 may be, for example, a system in which a control device mounted on each transport vehicle 20 communicates with the control devices of the other transport vehicles 20 and each control vehicle makes an autonomous decision to operate. In addition, for example, a position information holder may not be provided on the floor E, and position information of the transport vehicle 20 may be obtained by an image sensor or the like provided on the transport vehicle 20 or the facility. In addition, the item transport equipment 10 may not be provided with the control system 45.

[0057] (13) In the above embodiment, a configuration has been described in which the control system 45 controls the transfer unit 21 and the travel unit 25 of the transport vehicle 20. However, the present invention is not limited to such an example, and the control device 46 may be a control device that controls only the travel unit 25 of the transport vehicle 20. In addition, the transport vehicle 20 may not be equipped with the transfer unit 21, and the work subject 16 may transfer the item W on the transport vehicle 20. In addition, the transport vehicle 20 may be equipped with a storage chamber in which the item W is stored. In addition, the control system 45 may be equipped to control a work device that is the work subject 16.

[0058] (14) In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the article conveying equipment 10 includes the supply conveying device 17, the receiving conveying device 35, and the shipping device 36. However, the present invention is not limited to such an example, and for example, the article conveying equipment 10 may not include the supply conveying device 17, the receiving conveying device 35, and the shipping device 36, and an operator or a vehicle operated by the operator may convey the article W or the container 38.

[0059] (15) The configurations disclosed in the above-described embodiments can be applied in combination with configurations disclosed in other embodiments, as long as no contradiction occurs. As for other configurations, the embodiments disclosed in this specification are merely examples in all respects. Therefore, various modifications can be made as appropriate within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0060] Summary of the above embodiment The above-described article transport facility will now be described.

[0061] The item transport equipment of the present disclosure is an item transport equipment that transports items W by multiple transport vehicles, and includes multiple floors that are installed at different vertical heights, each of which the transport vehicles can run on, a lifting device that is arranged to connect the multiple floors and raises and lowers the transport vehicles, and a travel path along which the transport vehicles move for maintenance work on the transport vehicles, wherein a specific direction along the floors is defined as the Y direction, one side of the Y direction is defined as the Y direction first side, and the other side of the Y direction is defined as the Y direction second side, and the travel path for the transport vehicles connecting the lifting device and each of the multiple floors is arranged to extend from the lifting device toward the Y direction first side, and the travel path is arranged to extend from the lifting device toward a side other than the Y direction first side.

[0062] According to this configuration, when performing maintenance work on a transport vehicle, the transport vehicle on the floor can be easily removed via the lifting device and the moving path. Therefore, regardless of whether or not the transport vehicles are performing work to transport items, maintenance work can be easily performed on a specific transport vehicle. Furthermore, according to this configuration, the moving path on which the transport vehicle moves for maintenance work is arranged to extend toward a different side from the running path of the transport vehicle connecting the lifting device and each of the multiple floors. Therefore, even if a work area for performing maintenance work is arranged in an area that does not overlap with the multiple floors in a plan view, the transport vehicle can be appropriately removed toward the work area. Furthermore, for example, it is possible to return a transport vehicle that has finished work at the work area from the moving path to the floor via the lifting device, or to introduce a new transport vehicle from the moving path to the floor via the lifting device.

[0063] In one embodiment, a direction perpendicular to the Y direction among directions along the floor is defined as an X direction, and the lifting device is configured to include a plurality of lifting platforms on which the transport vehicle can be placed, and to circulate the plurality of lifting platforms along a circular path that forms a ring as viewed in the X direction along the X direction, and a first region is a region on a first side in the Y direction of a center position of the circular path in the Y direction, and a second region is a region on a second side in the Y direction of the center position of the circular path in the Y direction, and the plurality of running paths are connected to the lifting platforms located in the first region, and the moving path is connected to the lifting platforms located in the second region.

[0064] According to this configuration, even when a target transport vehicle that is the subject of maintenance work is moved to the movement path, the target transport vehicle can be moved from a travel path on any floor to any lifting platform of the lifting device, and can reach the movement path by simply circulating the target transport vehicle along the circulation path without being directed to a travel path on another floor. Therefore, the target transport vehicle can be moved to the movement path without interfering with transport vehicles ascending and descending between floors.

[0065] As one aspect, it is preferable that a transport mechanism that moves the transport vehicle without moving the transport vehicle itself is provided on the movement path.

[0066] According to this configuration, the transport vehicle can be moved along the travel path regardless of whether the transport vehicle is capable of moving on its own. Therefore, even if the transport vehicle has difficulty moving on its own, maintenance work can be performed appropriately.

[0067] In one embodiment, the movement path is preferably installed at a height equal to or lower than a running path connected to the lowest floor among the plurality of floors.

[0068] According to this configuration, the target transport vehicle that is the subject of the maintenance work can be removed from a relatively low position on the lifting device, which makes it easy to remove the transport vehicle from the lifting device and also makes it easy to set up a work area for performing the maintenance work. [Explanation of symbols]

[0069] 10: Goods transport equipment 20: Transport vehicle 71: Road 72: Travel route 81: Lift platform 88:Circular route 88a: Center position 89a: First conveying mechanism (conveying mechanism) 89b: Second transport mechanism (transport mechanism) B1: 1st area B2:Second area E: Floor L2: Second lifting device (lifting device) W:Goods

Claims

1. An article transport facility that transports articles by a plurality of transport vehicles, A plurality of floors, each of which is capable of carrying the transport vehicle, and which are installed at different heights in the vertical direction; a lifting device provided to connect the plurality of floors and configured to lift and lower the transport vehicle; a path along which the transport vehicle moves for maintenance work on the transport vehicle; Equipped with A specific direction among the directions along the floor is defined as a Y 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, a travel path of the transport vehicle connecting the lifting device and each of the plurality of floors is disposed so as to extend from the lifting device toward the first side in the Y direction; The article transport facility, wherein the movement path is arranged to extend from the lifting device toward a side other than the first side in the Y direction.

2. A direction perpendicular to the Y direction among directions along the floor is defined as an X direction, the lifting device is configured to include a plurality of lifting platforms on which the transport vehicle can be placed, and to circulate the plurality of lifting platforms along a circular path that is circular as viewed in the X direction along the X direction, a region on a first side in the Y direction from a center position in the Y direction on the circular path is defined as a first region, and a region on a second side in the Y direction from the center position in the Y direction on the circular path is defined as a second region, The plurality of travel paths are connected to the lift platform located in the first area, The article transport facility according to claim 1 , wherein the moving path is connected to the lift platform located in the second area.

3. 3. The article transport facility according to claim 1, wherein the transport path is provided with a transport mechanism that moves the transport vehicle without the transport vehicle itself traveling.

4. The article transport facility according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the moving path is installed at a height equal to or lower than the height of the running path that connects to a lowest floor among the plurality of floors.

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