Transport facility

Abstract

To provide a transport facility capable of suppressing vibrations caused in a transport vehicle when the transport vehicle passes through an overlapping region between a door locus which is a moving locus of a door, and a rail travel route.SOLUTION: A movable rail section 6 is capable of changing its posture between a connecting posture in which it is arranged in the overlapping region and connects a first fixed rail section 40 and a second fixed rail section 41, and a retracted posture in which it retracts from the overlapping region and divides the first fixed rail section 40 and the second fixed rail section 41. When the movable rail section 6 is in the connecting posture, it becomes a normal posture that does not overlap with a transport vehicle locus which is a moving locus of the transport vehicle, and a transport facility comprises a regulating device 7 that, in conjunction with the movable rail section 6 changing its posture from the connecting posture to the retracted posture, becomes a protruding posture that protrudes to a position that overlaps with the transport vehicle locus and regulates the travel of the transport vehicle.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a transport facility that includes a rail along which a transport vehicle travels, the rail being arranged along a travel path that passes through an opening formed in a wall, and a door that opens and closes the opening. [Background technology]

[0002] An example of such a conveying facility is disclosed in the following Patent Document 1. In the following description of this background art, the reference numerals and names in Patent Document 1 will be cited in parentheses.

[0003] The conveying equipment of Patent Document 1 includes an article transport vehicle (1) that travels along a travel path (L) that passes through an opening (3) formed in a wall body (2), a guide rail (4) that guides the article transport vehicle (1) along the travel path (L), and a fire door (7) that moves in a direction along the wall surface of the wall body (2) to close the opening (3), with a first gap (G1) that allows the fire door (7) to pass through in the guide rail (4). The guide rail (4) includes a first rail body portion (41) and a second rail body portion (42) that are arranged separately on either side of the travel path (L) with a second gap (G2) that is larger than the first gap (G1) between them, and also includes a first adjustment member (8) attached to the first rail body portion (41) and a second adjustment member (9) attached to the second rail body portion (42). The first rail main body (41) has a first main running surface (41a) on which the running wheels (16) of the article transport vehicle (1) roll, and the second rail main body (42) has a second main running surface (42a) on which the running wheels (16) of the article transport vehicle (1) roll. The first adjustment member (8) has a first adjusted running surface (8a) that forms a running surface continuing from the first main running surface (41a), and is arranged so that at least a portion of the first adjusted running surface (8a) protrudes into the second gap (G2). The second adjustment member (9) has a second adjusted running surface (9a) that forms a running surface continuing from the second main running surface (42a), and is arranged so that at least a portion of the second adjusted running surface (9a) protrudes into the second gap (G2). The gap between the first adjustment member (8) and the second adjustment member (9) facing each other is the first gap (G1), and an adjustment mechanism (MA) is provided that enables the position of the first gap (G1) to be changed in a direction along the travel path (L). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2019-59596 A (Figs. 1 to 6) Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, in the conveying equipment of Patent Document 1, the first gap (G1) through which the fire door (7) can pass is always provided in the guide rail (4), so when the article transport vehicle (1) travels at a high speed, vibrations tend to increase when it passes through the first gap (G1). If the travel speed of the article transport vehicle (1) is reduced in order to reduce such vibrations, there is a problem that the efficiency of transporting articles by the article transport vehicle (1) decreases.

[0006] Therefore, it is desirable to realize a transport facility that can minimize vibrations that occur in a transport vehicle when the transport vehicle passes through an overlapping area between the door trajectory, which is the trajectory of the door movement, and the rail travel path. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In view of the above, a characteristic configuration of the conveying equipment includes a rail arranged along a travel path passing through an opening formed in a wall body, on which a conveying vehicle travels; a door that opens and closes the opening, A direction along the travel route is defined as a route direction, one side of the route direction is defined as a route direction first side, and the other side of the route direction is defined as a route direction second side, The rail includes a movable rail portion that is arranged in an overlapping area that overlaps with a door trajectory that is a movement trajectory of the door when opening and closing the opening, a first fixed rail portion that is arranged on a first side in the path direction with respect to the overlapping area, and a second fixed rail portion that is arranged on a second side in the path direction with respect to the overlapping area, the movable rail portion is capable of changing its position between a connecting position in which it is disposed in the overlapping area and connects the first fixed rail portion and the second fixed rail portion, and a retracted position in which it retracts from the overlapping area and separates the first fixed rail portion and the second fixed rail portion, When the movable rail section is in the connected position, it assumes a normal position that does not overlap with the transport vehicle trajectory, which is the movement trajectory of the transport vehicle, and in conjunction with the movable rail section changing its position from the connected position to the retracted position, it is provided with a regulating device that assumes a protruding position that protrudes to a position that overlaps with the transport vehicle trajectory and regulates the travel of the transport vehicle.

[0008] According to this characteristic configuration, by changing the position of the movable rail section from the connected position to the retracted position, the rail does not interfere with the opening and closing of the door. Furthermore, when the movable rail section is in the connected position, the movable rail section connects the first fixed rail section and the second fixed rail section, making it possible to reduce the steps and gaps in the rails in the overlapping area, and making it easier to minimize vibrations that occur in the transport vehicle when it passes through the overlapping area.

[0009] Furthermore, according to this configuration, when the movable rail section is in a retracted position, a regulating device is provided that protrudes to a position that overlaps with the transport vehicle trajectory and regulates the movement of the transport vehicle, thereby appropriately restricting the transport vehicle from entering the separated section when the movable rail section separates the first fixed rail section and the second fixed rail section.

[0010] Furthermore, with this configuration, the regulating device is configured to assume the extended position in conjunction with the change in position of the movable rail section from the connected position to the retracted position, which reduces the need for a dedicated drive source for changing the position of the regulating device, thereby simplifying the configuration of the regulating device and reducing costs. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] Plan view of the main parts of the transport equipment [Figure 2] Side view including the movable rail in the connected position [Figure 3] Side view including the movable rail when changing position [Figure 4] Side view including the movable rail when changing position [Figure 5] Side view including the movable rail in the retracted position [Figure 6] A side view of a transport vehicle whose travel is restricted by a first restricting device. [Figure 7] Cross-sectional view taken along the line VII-VII in Figure 6 [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the first restriction device in the protruding position; [Figure 9]A side view of a transport vehicle whose travel is restricted by a second restricting device. [Figure 10] Cross-sectional view of arrow X-X in Figure 9 [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a second restriction device in a protruding position; [Figure 12] Block diagram showing the control configuration of the transport equipment [Figure 13] Schematic diagram showing the sensor configuration in the movable rail section DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] 1. Embodiment An embodiment of the conveying equipment 100 will be described with reference to the drawings. 1, the transport equipment 100 is arranged along a travel path that passes through an opening 3 formed in a wall 2, and includes a rail 4 on which the transport vehicle 1 travels, and a door 5 that opens and closes the opening 3. Note that, although the door 5 in this embodiment is assumed to be a fire door, it is not limited to this and may be an air-blocking door or the like.

[0013] The transport vehicle 1 comprises a carriage section 10 that runs along the upper surface of a rail 4 suspended from the ceiling H (see Figure 13) via a suspension member h, a body section 11 that is suspended from the carriage section 10 and travels below the rail 4, and a connecting section 12 that connects the carriage section 10 and the body section 11.

[0014] The bogie section 10 has a front bogie section 10F and a rear bogie section 10R aligned in the fore-and-aft direction of the car body. The car body section 11 is connected to each of a pair of front and rear connecting sections 12 so as to be rotatable about a vertical axis, and each of the front bogie section 10F and the rear bogie section 10R is configured to rotate about the vertical axis integrally with the connecting sections 12 to which it is connected. The pair of front and rear connecting sections 12 (see FIG. 6) are located between the pair of left and right rails 4.

[0015] The front bogie section 10F is equipped with a pair of left and right running wheels 13 that are rotationally driven by an electric drive motor and that roll and run on the running surfaces formed by the upper surfaces of the pair of left and right rails 4. The front bogie section 10F also is equipped with two sets of left and right pair of guide wheels that rotate freely around axes that run along the vertical direction and are in contact with the inner surfaces of the pair of left and right rails 4.

[0016] Similarly to the front bogie section 10F, the rear bogie section 10R is equipped with one pair of left and right running wheels 13 and two pairs of left and right guide wheels. In this way, the transport vehicle 1 is equipped with a pair of left and right running wheels 13, and each of the pair of left and right rails 4 has a running surface on which the running wheels 13 of the transport vehicle 1 roll.

[0017] Sensors 14 (see FIG. 6) for detecting regulating devices 7, which will be described later, are provided on both sides of the vehicle body 11 in the traveling direction. Examples of such sensors 14 include an obstacle sensor 14A and a collision detection sensor 14B. In this embodiment, the obstacle sensor 14A is provided on the forward direction side of the transported vehicle 1, and the collision detection sensor 14B is provided on the backward direction side of the transported vehicle 1. For example, an optical sensor is preferably used as the obstacle sensor 14A. Furthermore, for example, a bumper switch is preferably used as the collision detection sensor 14B.

[0018] The transport vehicle 1 is configured so that the guide wheels of the front bogie section 10F and the rear bogie section 10R are guided by a pair of left and right rails 4, thereby restricting the position of the transport vehicle 1 in the vehicle width direction Y, while the running wheels 13 of the front bogie section 10F and the rear bogie section 10R are driven to rotate, thereby allowing the transport vehicle 1 to run along the rails 4.

[0019] The transfer facility 100 configured as above is installed across a first area A1 and a second area A2, as shown in Fig. 1. In this embodiment, both the first area A1 and the second area A2 are set as clean rooms.

[0020] At the boundary between the first area A1 and the second area A2, there is provided a wall 2 that separates the first area A1 from the second area A2 and has an opening 3 formed therein that corresponds to the travel path of the transport vehicle 1, and a door 5 that opens and closes the opening 3. The door 5 is configured to move freely between a closed position that closes the opening 3 and an open position that opens the opening 3 by moving along the wall surface of the wall 2. In this embodiment, the door 5 is configured to move in the vertical direction along the wall surface of the wall 2. However, this is not a limitation, and the door 5 may also be configured to move in the left-right direction (horizontal direction) along the wall surface of the wall 2. In this way, the transport facility 100 is provided with the door 5 that closes the opening 3 by moving along the wall surface of the wall 2.

[0021] Furthermore, the direction along the travel route is defined as the route direction X, one side of the route direction X as the route direction first side X1, and the other side of the route direction X as the route direction second side X2. In this embodiment, the side where the first area A1 is located is the route direction first side X1, and the side where the second area A2 is located is the route direction second side X2. In this embodiment, the forward direction of the guided vehicle 1 is defined as the direction from the route direction first side X1 toward the route direction second side X2, and the backward direction of the guided vehicle 1 is defined as the direction from the route direction second side X2 toward the route direction first side X1.

[0022] The rail 4 includes a movable rail portion 6 arranged in an overlapping area W that overlaps with a door trajectory 50, which is the movement trajectory of the door 5 when opening and closing the opening 3, a first fixed rail portion 40 arranged on a first side X1 in the path direction relative to the overlapping area W, a second fixed rail portion 41 arranged on a second side X2 in the path direction relative to the overlapping area W, and a support member 71 that supports an end of the movable rail portion 6. The positions of the first fixed rail portion 40 and the second fixed rail portion 41 relative to the opening 3 are fixed.

[0023] In this embodiment, the first fixed rail portion 40 refers to the rail portion located in front of the overlapping area W in the forward direction of the transport vehicle 1, but is not limited to this configuration and may be the rail portion located behind the overlapping area W in the forward direction of the transport vehicle 1. The transport vehicle 1 can stop before the overlapping area W if the regulating device 7 can be detected a certain distance in front by the obstacle sensor 14A described later.

[0024] In this embodiment, the second fixed rail portion 41 refers to the rail portion further back than the overlap area W in the forward direction of the transport vehicle 1, but is not limited to this configuration and may also be the rail portion further forward than the overlap area W in the forward direction of the transport vehicle 1.

[0025] The movable rail section 6 is configured to be able to change its position between a connecting position (see FIG. 2) in which it is disposed in the overlapping region W and connects the first fixed rail section 40 and the second fixed rail section 41, and a retracted position (see FIG. 5) in which it is retracted from the overlapping region W and separates the first fixed rail section 40 and the second fixed rail section 41. The movable rail section 6 is disposed in an area wider than the overlapping region W when viewed in the up-down direction.

[0026] As shown in Figures 2 to 5, the movable rail portion 6 includes a first axis support portion 60 that is supported so as to be able to swing freely around a first rotation axis along the width direction Y relative to the first fixed rail portion 40, with the direction perpendicular to the path direction X when viewed in the vertical direction being the width direction Y, a rail connection portion 61 that serves as a connection portion between the first fixed rail portion 40 and the second fixed rail portion 41 in the connected position, and a first extension portion 62 that is formed so as to extend toward the first side X1 in the path direction relative to the first axis support portion 60 in the connected position.

[0027] When the movable rail portion 6 changes its position from the connection position to the retracted position, the rail connection portion 61 swings upward relative to the first fixed rail portion 40 around the first rotation axis, and the first extension portion 62 swings downward relative to the first fixed rail portion 40 around the first rotation axis.

[0028] The transport facility 100 also includes a regulating device 7 that regulates the travel of the transport vehicle 1. In this embodiment, the regulating device 7 includes a first regulating device 7A that regulates the forward travel of the transport vehicle 1, and a second regulating device 7B that regulates the backward travel of the transport vehicle 1.

[0029] In this embodiment, the first regulating device 7A is supported by the first fixed rail portion 40, and the second regulating device 7B is supported by the second fixed rail portion 41. However, this configuration is not limiting, and the regulating device 7 may be supported by a support structure that supports the rail 4, the wall 2, or the like.

[0030] The first restricting device 7A is configured to include a swinging member 70 that moves down in conjunction with the downward movement of the first extending portion 62 of the movable rail portion 6.

[0031] The oscillating member 70 is supported at a position upstream of the movable rail section 6 in the travel direction so as to be able to oscillate freely around a rotation axis along the width direction Y relative to the first fixed rail section 40. When the movable rail section 6 is in the connected position, the oscillating member 70 is supported by the first extending section 62 of the movable rail section 6, and is thereby held in a direction along the extension direction of the first fixed rail section 40. When the movable rail section 6 is in the retracted position, the first extending section 62 descends, thereby releasing the support and allowing the oscillating member 70 to descend under its own weight. Note that the configuration of the oscillating member 70 is not limited to the above-mentioned configuration, and it may also be configured so that the oscillating member 70 is linked to the first extending section 62 by a known link mechanism or the like rather than by its own weight.

[0032] The second regulating device 7B is configured to include a support member 71. Although not shown, the second regulating device 7B may further include a swinging member 70 that descends in conjunction with the descent of the second extending portion 712 of the support member 71, in addition to the support member 71. In this case, the swinging member 70 may be configured to be released from support when the second extending portion 712 descends and to descend under its own weight, or may be configured to be linked to the second extending portion 712 by a known link mechanism or the like rather than by its own weight.

[0033] The support member 71 includes a second axis support portion 710 that is supported so as to be freely swingable around a second rotation axis along the width direction Y relative to the second fixed rail portion 41, a support portion 711 that supports the end portion of the rail connection portion 61 on the second side X2 in the path direction from below when the movable rail portion 6 is in the connected position, and a second extension portion 712 that is formed to extend toward the second side X2 in the path direction relative to the second axis support portion 710 when the movable rail portion 6 is in the connected position.

[0034] The support member 71 is configured such that, when the movable rail section 6 changes position from the connected position to the retracted position, the rail connection section 61 swings upward relative to the first fixed rail section 40 around the first rotation axis, and when the end of the rail connection section 61 on the second side X2 in the path direction moves away from the support section 711, the support member 71 swings downward relative to the second fixed rail section 41 around the second rotation axis.

[0035] When the movable rail section 6 is in the connected position, both the first regulating device 7A and the second regulating device 7B are in a normal position (see FIG. 2) that does not overlap with the guided vehicle trajectory, which is the movement trajectory of the guided vehicle 1, and in conjunction with the movable rail section 6 changing its position from the connected position to the retracted position, they are in a protruding position (see FIG. 5) that protrudes to a position that overlaps with the guided vehicle trajectory, thereby regulating the travel of the guided vehicle 1. In this embodiment, both the first regulating device 7A and the second regulating device 7B do not have an independent drive source, and are configured to be in the protruding position in conjunction with the movable rail section 6 by a swinging mechanism that operates by its own weight. Note that instead of a swinging mechanism that operates by its own weight, a mechanism that protrudes by the biasing force of a spring may be used.

[0036] Furthermore, the position change operation of the first regulating device 7A and the second regulating device 7B from the normal position to the protruding position is not limited to the above, and may be configured to be performed mechanically in conjunction with the position change of the movable rail section 6. In this case, for example, a link mechanism, a gear mechanism, a cam mechanism, or the like may be used for interlocking. Furthermore, the first regulating device 7A and the second regulating device 7B may perform the position change operation using a drive source common to the movable rail section 6.

[0037] Furthermore, in this embodiment, both the first regulating device 7A and the second regulating device 7B are configured to change from the protruding position to the normal position in conjunction with the movable rail section 6 changing its position from the retracted position to the connected position. Specifically, when the movable rail section 6 changes its position from the retracted position to the connected position, the first extension portion 62 of the movable rail section 6 presses the swing member 70, causing the first regulating device 7A to change from the protruding position to the normal position. Furthermore, when the movable rail section 6 changes its position from the retracted position to the connected position, the rail connection portion 61 of the movable rail section 6 presses the support portion 711, causing the second regulating device 7B to change from the protruding position to the normal position. Note that the operation of the first regulating device 7A and the second regulating device 7B to change from the protruding position to the normal position may be performed manually by an operator or the like, without being linked to the movable rail section 6.

[0038] 6 and 9, the regulating device 7 has a detectable portion 8 that, when in the protruding position, functions as at least one of a portion that is detected by an obstacle sensor 14A provided on the transport vehicle 1 and a portion that comes into contact with a collision detection sensor 14B provided on the transport vehicle 1. The regulating device 7 is not limited to this configuration, and may have a member that is not detected by the sensor 14 of the transport vehicle 1, but comes into contact with the wheels or body of the transport vehicle 1 to forcibly regulate the travel of the transport vehicle 1.

[0039] 6 to 8, in the first regulating device 7A, a detectable portion 8 can be provided on the first extending portion 62 of the movable rail portion 6 or on the swinging member 70. In this embodiment, the detectable portion 8 is provided on the swinging member 70, and a reflector 80 that is detected by the obstacle sensor 14A (optical sensor) of the transport vehicle 1 is used as the detectable portion 8.

[0040] As shown in Figures 9 to 11, in the second regulating device 7B, a detectable portion 8 can be provided on the second extending portion 712 of the support member 71. In this embodiment, the detectable portion 8 is provided on the second extending portion 712 of the support member 71, and an abutting member 81 that is detected by a collision detection sensor 14B (bumper switch) of the transporting vehicle 1 is used as the detectable portion 8. The abutting member 81 is arranged at a position that overlaps with the movement trajectory of the collision detection sensor 14B of the transporting vehicle 1.

[0041] The type and installation position of the detectable part 8 are not limited to the above-described configuration and may be changed as appropriate depending on the type of sensor 14 provided on the transport vehicle 1. For example, an abutting member 81 may be provided on the oscillating member 70 of the first regulating device 7A. In a configuration in which the first regulating device 7A does not include the oscillating member 70, i.e., in a case in which the movable rail section 6 serves as the first regulating device 7A, a detectable part 8 such as a reflector 80 or an abutting member 81 may be provided on the first extending section 62 of the movable rail section 6. In addition, a reflector 80 may be provided as the detectable part 8 on the second extending section 712 of the support member 71 of the second regulating device 7B. In a configuration in which the second regulating device 7B includes the oscillating member 70, a detectable part 8 such as a reflector 80 or an abutting member 81 may be provided on the oscillating member 70.

[0042] The rail 4 is equipped with a biasing mechanism (e.g., a spring that uses the biasing force) not shown that biases the rail connection portion 61 upward relative to the first fixed rail portion 40 around the first rotation axis when the movable rail portion 6 is in the connected position, and a holding mechanism D3 (see Figure 12) that changes state between a holding state in which the movable rail portion 6 is held in the connected position and a release state in which the holding of the movable rail portion 6 is released.

[0043] The holding mechanism D3 is configured to be in a holding state when power is supplied and in a non-powered state when power is not supplied. That is, when the holding mechanism D3 is in the released state, the rail connection portion 61 rises around the first rotation axis relative to the first fixed rail portion 40, and the movable rail portion 6 changes position from the connected position to the retracted position. Examples of such a holding mechanism D3 include a mechanism that uses a motor, a mechanism that uses an electromagnetic lock, and a mechanism that uses an electromagnet for holding.

[0044] According to this configuration, when the holding mechanism D3 is in a de-energized state where no power is supplied to it, the holding mechanism D3 is released and the biasing mechanism changes the movable rail part 6 to the retracted position, so that even in the event of a power outage or the like caused by a fire, the movable rail part 6 can be appropriately changed from the connected position to the retracted position. Therefore, the movable rail part 6 does not interfere with the opening and closing operation of the door 5.

[0045] 12, the transportation facility 100 is equipped with a fire detection device D2 that detects the occurrence of a fire, a control device C, and an uninterruptible power supply D1. The control device C controls the operations of the uninterruptible power supply D1, the transportation vehicle 1, and the door 5.

[0046] The control device C is configured to issue a power supply stop command to the uninterruptible power supply D1 when fire information is input from the fire detection device D2. Upon receiving the power supply stop command, the uninterruptible power supply D1 stops supplying power to the holding mechanism D3, causing the holding mechanism D3 to enter a released state, which changes the position of the movable rail portion 6 from the connected position to the retracted position.

[0047] As shown in Figures 2 to 5, in conjunction with the movable rail section 6 changing its position from the connected position to the retracted position, the first regulating device 7A and the second regulating device 7B change from a normal position that does not overlap with the transport vehicle trajectory, which is the movement trajectory of the transport vehicle 1, to a protruding position in which they protrude to a position that overlaps with the transport vehicle trajectory.

[0048] In this embodiment, the rail connection portion 61 of the movable rail portion 6 in the first regulating device 7A rises relative to the first fixed rail portion 40 and assumes an upright state, and at the same time, the first extending portion 62 of the movable rail portion 6 descends relative to the first fixed rail portion 40. Furthermore, as the first extending portion 62 descends, support for the swinging member 70 is released and the swinging member 70 descends under its own weight. Also, the second extending portion 712 of the support member 71 in the second regulating device 7B descends relative to the second fixed rail portion 41.

[0049] As shown in Fig. 6, in the conveying facility 100, when the conveying vehicle 1 is moving forward, the obstacle sensor 14A provided on the body of the conveying vehicle 1 detects the reflector 80 provided on the swinging member 70 of the first regulating device 7A, and when the detection signal is input to the control device C, the control device C stops the movement of the conveying vehicle 1. Also, as shown in Fig. 9, when the conveying vehicle 1 is moving backward, the collision detection sensor 14B provided on the body of the conveying vehicle 1 comes into contact with the abutment member 81 provided on the second extension portion 712 of the support member 71 of the second regulating device 7B, and when the contact signal is input to the control device C, the control device C stops the movement of the conveying vehicle 1. Next, the control device C operates the door 5 (fire door) to close the opening 3 formed in the wall 2.

[0050] 2. Other embodiments (1) As shown in FIG. 13 , a step detection sensor S1 and a detection target member M may be provided on each of the first fixed rail portion 40 and the second fixed rail portion 41, respectively, to measure the size of the step between the first fixed rail portion 40 and the second fixed rail portion 41 (i.e., the distance in the path direction X). In this embodiment, the step detection sensor S1 is provided on the hanging member h on the first fixed rail portion 40 side, and the detection target member M is provided on the support member 71. For example, a known laser distance meter or the like may be used as the step detection sensor S1, and for example, a reflector or the like may be used as the detection target member M. With this configuration, for example, when the size of the step between the first fixed rail portion 40 and the second fixed rail portion 41 exceeds a predetermined size, it becomes possible to perform control such as issuing a warning to an administrator or slowing down the speed of the transport vehicle 1 as it passes over the movable rail portion 6.

[0051] (2) As shown in FIG. 13 , a connection posture detection sensor S2 for detecting the connection posture of the movable rail section 6 and a retracted posture detection sensor S3 for detecting the retracted posture of the movable rail section 6 may be provided near the first shaft support section 60 of the movable rail section 6. With this configuration, the connection posture detection sensor S2 can more reliably detect that the movable rail section 6 is fully lowered, i.e., that the first fixed rail section 40 and the second fixed rail section 41 are connected. Furthermore, the retracted posture detection sensor S3 can more reliably detect that the movable rail section 6 is fully raised, i.e., that the first fixed rail section 40 and the second fixed rail section 41 are disconnected. This allows the control device C (see FIG. 12 ) to more smoothly and reliably lower the door 5 or stop the transport vehicle 1 after detection by the retracted posture detection sensor S3, or to more smoothly and reliably run the transport vehicle 1 after detection by the connection posture detection sensor S2. The connection posture detection sensor S2 and the retracted posture detection sensor S3 may be configured as a single sensor. For example, by using a sensor that detects the rotation angle of the movable rail portion 6, the connection posture detection and the retracted posture detection can be performed by a single sensor.

[0052] The configurations disclosed in the above-described embodiments, other optional configurations, and configurations disclosed in other embodiments may be combined as appropriate as long as no contradictions arise. Furthermore, 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.

[0053] 3. Summary of this embodiment The above-described embodiments of the conveying equipment will be summarized below.

[0054] The conveying equipment is arranged along a travel path that passes through an opening formed in the wall body, and includes a rail on which the conveying vehicle travels; a door that opens and closes the opening, A direction along the travel route is defined as a route direction, one side of the route direction is defined as a route direction first side, and the other side of the route direction is defined as a route direction second side, The rail includes a movable rail portion that is arranged in an overlapping area that overlaps with a door trajectory that is a movement trajectory of the door when opening and closing the opening, a first fixed rail portion that is arranged on a first side in the path direction with respect to the overlapping area, and a second fixed rail portion that is arranged on a second side in the path direction with respect to the overlapping area, the movable rail portion is capable of changing its position between a connecting position in which it is disposed in the overlapping area and connects the first fixed rail portion and the second fixed rail portion, and a retracted position in which it retracts from the overlapping area and separates the first fixed rail portion and the second fixed rail portion, When the movable rail section is in the connected position, it assumes a normal position that does not overlap with the transport vehicle trajectory, which is the movement trajectory of the transport vehicle, and is equipped with a regulating device that, in conjunction with the movable rail section changing its position from the connected position to the retracted position, assumes a protruding position that protrudes to a position that overlaps with the transport vehicle trajectory and regulates the travel of the transport vehicle.

[0055] With this configuration, by changing the position of the movable rail section from the connected position to the retracted position, the rail does not interfere with the opening and closing of the door. Furthermore, when the movable rail section is in the connected position, the movable rail section connects the first fixed rail section and the second fixed rail section, making it possible to reduce the steps and gaps in the rails in the overlapping area, and making it easier to minimize vibrations that occur in the transport vehicle when it passes through the overlapping area.

[0056] Furthermore, according to this configuration, when the movable rail section is in a retracted position, a regulating device is provided that protrudes to a position that overlaps with the transport vehicle trajectory and regulates the movement of the transport vehicle, thereby appropriately restricting the transport vehicle from entering the separated section when the movable rail section separates the first fixed rail section and the second fixed rail section.

[0057] Furthermore, with this configuration, the regulating device is configured to assume the extended position in conjunction with the change in position of the movable rail section from the connected position to the retracted position, which reduces the need for a dedicated drive source for changing the position of the regulating device, thereby simplifying the configuration of the regulating device and reducing costs.

[0058] Preferably, the regulating device is configured to change from the extended position to the normal position in conjunction with the position change of the movable rail portion from the retracted position to the connected position.

[0059] According to this configuration, the regulating device changes its position to its normal position in conjunction with the movable rail section changing its position from the retracted position to the connected position, thereby reducing the effort required by workers and others to return the regulating device from the protruding position to the normal position.

[0060] It is also preferable that the regulating device has a detectable portion that, when in the protruding position, functions as at least one of a portion that is detected by an obstacle sensor equipped on the transport vehicle and a portion that comes into contact with a collision detection sensor equipped on the transport vehicle.

[0061] According to this configuration, when the movable rail section separates the first fixed rail section and the second fixed rail section, the transport vehicle can be appropriately restricted from entering the separated section without causing damage to the transport vehicle.

[0062] The transport vehicle further comprises a carriage section that runs on an upper surface of the rail, and a vehicle body section that is suspended from the carriage section and travels below the rail, When viewed from above, the direction perpendicular to the path direction is defined as the width direction, The movable rail portion is a first shaft support portion supported to be swingable about a first rotation axis along the width direction relative to the first fixed rail portion; a rail connection portion that serves as a connection portion between the first fixed rail portion and the second fixed rail portion in the connection posture; a first extending portion formed to extend toward the first side in the path direction relative to the first shaft support portion in the connected posture, When the movable rail portion changes its position from the connected position to the retracted position, the rail connection portion swings upward relative to the first fixed rail portion around the first rotation axis, and the first extension portion swings downward relative to the first fixed rail portion around the first rotation axis, The detected portion is preferably provided on the first extending portion, or on a member that descends in conjunction with the descending of the first extending portion.

[0063] With this configuration, when the movable rail section is in the retracted position, the rail connection section swings upward and is positioned above the first fixed rail section, allowing the rail connection section to function as a stopper for the carriage section of the transport vehicle, thereby increasing the reliability of stopping the transport vehicle when the movable rail section is in the retracted position.

[0064] Furthermore, with this configuration, the detection part of the regulating device can be caused to protrude downward relative to the first fixed rail part in conjunction with the swing of the movable rail part. Therefore, there is no need to provide a dedicated drive source for changing the position of the regulating device, which makes it easier to simplify the configuration of the regulating device and reduce costs.

[0065] The transport vehicle further comprises a carriage section that runs on an upper surface of the rail, and a vehicle body section that is suspended from the carriage section and travels below the rail, When viewed from above, the direction perpendicular to the path direction is defined as the width direction, The movable rail portion is a first shaft support portion supported to be swingable about a first rotation axis along the width direction relative to the first fixed rail portion; a rail connection portion that serves as a connection portion between the first fixed rail portion and the second fixed rail portion in the connection posture, The rail further comprises a support member; The support member is a second shaft support portion supported to be swingable about a second rotation axis along the width direction relative to the second fixed rail portion; a support portion that supports an end portion of the rail connection portion on the second side in the path direction from below when the movable rail portion is in the connected posture; a second extension portion formed to extend toward the second side in the path direction relative to the second shaft support portion when the movable rail portion is in the connected posture, When the movable rail portion changes its position from the connected position to the retracted position, the rail connection portion swings upward relative to the first fixed rail portion around the first rotation axis, and when the end of the rail connection portion on the second side in the path direction moves away from the support portion, the second extension portion of the support member swings downward relative to the second fixed rail portion around the second rotation axis, The detected portion is preferably provided on the second extending portion, or on a member that descends in conjunction with the descending of the second extending portion.

[0066] With this configuration, when the movable rail section is in the retracted position, the rail connection section swings upward and is positioned above the first fixed rail section, allowing the rail connection section to function as a stopper for the carriage section of the transport vehicle, thereby increasing the reliability of stopping the transport vehicle when the movable rail section is in the retracted position.

[0067] Furthermore, with this configuration, the detection part of the regulating device can be caused to protrude downward relative to the second fixed rail part in conjunction with the swing of the movable rail part. Therefore, there is no need to provide a dedicated drive source for changing the position of the regulating device, which makes it easier to simplify the configuration of the regulating device and reduce costs. [Industrial Applicability]

[0068] The technology disclosed herein can be used in a conveying facility that is arranged along a travel path that passes through an opening formed in a wall, and that has rails on which a conveying vehicle travels, and a door that opens and closes the opening. [Explanation of symbols]

[0069] 100:Transportation equipment 1: Transport vehicle 10: Cart section 10F: Front bogie section 10R: Rear bogie section 11: Body 12:Connection part 13: Running wheel 14: Sensor 14A: Obstacle sensor 14B: Collision detection sensor 2: Wall 3: Opening 4: Rail 40: First fixed rail section 41: Second fixed rail section 5: Door 50: Door trajectory A1: Area 1 A2: Area 2 X1: Route direction 1st side X2: Route direction second side W: Overlapping area 6: Movable rail section 60: 1st axis support part 61: Rail connection 62:First extension part 7: Regulator 7A: 1st regulating device 70: Swinging member 7B:Second regulation device 71: Support member 710:Second axis support part 711: Support part 712:Second extension part 8: Detected part 80:Reflector 81: Contact member C: Control device D1: Uninterruptible power supply D2: Fire detection device D3: Holding mechanism X: Route direction Y: Width direction h: Hanging member H:Ceiling S1: Step detection sensor S2: Connection posture detection sensor S3: Evacuation posture detection sensor M: Detected member

Claims

1. a rail along which the transport vehicle travels, the rail being disposed along a travel path passing through an opening formed in the wall; A door for opening and closing the opening, A direction along the travel route is defined as a route direction, one side of the route direction is defined as a route direction first side, and the other side of the route direction is defined as a route direction second side, The rail includes a movable rail portion disposed in an overlapping area that overlaps with a door trajectory, which is a movement trajectory of the door when opening and closing the opening, a first fixed rail portion disposed on a first side in the path direction with respect to the overlapping area, and a second fixed rail portion disposed on a second side in the path direction with respect to the overlapping area, the movable rail portion is capable of changing its posture between a connection posture in which it is disposed in the overlapping region and connects the first fixed rail portion and the second fixed rail portion, and a retracted posture in which it retracts from the overlapping region and separates the first fixed rail portion and the second fixed rail portion, The conveying equipment is provided with a regulating device that, when the movable rail section is in the connected position, assumes a normal position that does not overlap with the conveying vehicle trajectory, which is the movement trajectory of the conveying vehicle, and that, in conjunction with the movable rail section changing its position from the connected position to the retracted position, assumes a protruding position that protrudes to a position that overlaps with the conveying vehicle trajectory and regulates the travel of the conveying vehicle.

2. The conveying facility according to claim 1 , wherein the regulating device is configured to change from the extended position to the normal position in conjunction with the movable rail portion changing its position from the retracted position to the connected position.

3. The conveying equipment according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the regulating device is provided with a detectable portion that functions, when in the protruding position, as at least one of a portion that is detected by an obstacle sensor provided on the conveying vehicle and a portion that contacts a collision detection sensor provided on the conveying vehicle.

4. The transport vehicle includes a carriage section that runs on an upper surface of the rail, and a vehicle body section that is suspended from the carriage section and travels below the rail, When viewed from the top and bottom, the direction perpendicular to the path direction is defined as the width direction, The movable rail portion is a first shaft support portion supported to be pivotable about a first rotation axis along the width direction relative to the first fixed rail portion; a rail connection portion that serves as a connection portion between the first fixed rail portion and the second fixed rail portion in the connection posture; a first extension portion formed to extend toward a first side in the path direction relative to the first shaft support portion in the connection posture, When the movable rail portion changes its posture from the connection posture to the retracted posture, the rail connection portion swings upward relative to the first fixed rail portion about the first rotation axis, and the first extension portion swings downward relative to the first fixed rail portion about the first rotation axis, The conveying facility according to claim 3 , wherein the detection target portion is provided on the first extension portion or on a member that descends in conjunction with the descending of the first extension portion.

5. The transport vehicle includes a carriage section that runs on an upper surface of the rail, and a vehicle body section that is suspended from the carriage section and travels below the rail, When viewed from the top and bottom, the direction perpendicular to the path direction is defined as the width direction, The movable rail portion is a first shaft support portion supported to be pivotable about a first rotation axis along the width direction relative to the first fixed rail portion; a rail connection portion that serves as a connection portion between the first fixed rail portion and the second fixed rail portion in the connection posture, The rail further comprises a support member; The support member is a second shaft support portion supported to be pivotable about a second rotation axis along the width direction relative to the second fixed rail portion; a support portion that supports an end portion of the rail connection portion on the second side in the path direction from below while the movable rail portion is in the connected posture; a second extension portion formed to extend toward a second side in the path direction relative to the second shaft support portion when the movable rail portion is in the connected posture, When the movable rail portion changes its posture from the connection posture to the retracted posture, the rail connection portion swings about the first rotation axis in a direction upward relative to the first fixed rail portion, and when the end portion of the rail connection portion on the second side in the path direction moves away from the support portion, the second extension portion of the support member swings about the second rotation axis in a direction downward relative to the second fixed rail portion, The conveying facility according to claim 3 , wherein the detection target portion is provided on the second extension portion or on a member that descends in conjunction with the descending of the second extension portion.

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