Article transfer installation

Abstract

To realize an article transfer installation easy to efficiently carry out maintenance of a floor and carriers.SOLUTION: An article transfer installation includes a control system having first and second suspension modes, as suspension modes for a plurality of carriers not to carry articles. In the first suspension mode, passages 72 are set up allowing a plurality of carriers to line up in a plurality of rows and the carrier to pass between adjacent rows of carriers, so that every carrier arranged in a respective row is arranged adjacent to at least one passage 72. In the second suspension mode, a plurality of carriers is densely arranged without providing passages 72.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

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, automation of article transportation has progressed in article transportation facilities in logistics warehouses, etc. For example, JP 2000-128318 A (Patent Document 1) describes an article transportation facility in which an article (W) is transported by a plurality of transport vehicles (cage cars 2). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2000-128318 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the article conveying facility shown in FIG. 1 of Patent Document 1, articles (W) are transferred between a plurality of storage shelves (7) arranged adjacent to a track-shaped circulating conveying path (F) and a plurality of conveying vehicles (2) passing through the track-shaped circulating conveying path (F). Here, it is considered to provide a plurality of circulating conveying paths (F) in the article conveying facility, for example, when there are many types of articles or many sorting destinations. In this case, the number of conveying vehicles (2) also increases with an increase in the circulating conveying paths (F), so that it is required to efficiently perform maintenance of the floor on which the conveying vehicles (2) run and maintenance of the conveying vehicles (2). However, Patent Document 1 does not particularly disclose a method for efficiently performing maintenance of the conveying vehicles (2) and the floor.

[0005] Therefore, it is desirable to realize an article transport facility that allows for easy and efficient maintenance of the floor and transport vehicles. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The item transport equipment according to the present disclosure is an item transport equipment in which multiple transport vehicles each travel on a floor to transport items, and includes a control system for controlling the transport vehicles, and the control system includes a first pause mode and a second pause mode as pause modes in which the multiple transport vehicles do not transport the items, and in the first pause mode, the multiple transport vehicles are arranged in multiple rows, an aisle through which the transport vehicles can pass is set between adjacent rows of the transport vehicles, and all of the transport vehicles arranged in each row are positioned adjacent to at least one of the aisles, and in the second pause mode, the multiple transport vehicles are arranged closely together without providing an aisle.

[0007] According to this configuration, in the first pause mode, an aisle is set between adjacent rows of transport vehicles, so that, for example, the transport vehicles can move through the aisle for charging or the like, or workers can move through the aisle for maintenance of the transport vehicles. Therefore, maintenance of the transport vehicles can be easily performed. On the other hand, in the second pause mode, multiple transport vehicles are arranged close together, so that the area of ​​the floor where the paused transport vehicles are arranged can be kept small. Therefore, maintenance of the floor can be easily performed. Thus, according to this configuration, in the pause mode in which multiple transport vehicles do not transport articles, the transport vehicles can be arranged and stopped in different arrangement patterns depending on the content of the work such as maintenance performed by the workers and the need for charging the transport vehicles. Therefore, it is possible to easily make effective use of the pause mode. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a top view of an article conveying facility according to a first embodiment; [Diagram 2] Front view of the aisle area in Figure 1 [Diagram 3] Control block diagram of the goods transport equipment in Figure 1 [Figure 4] FIG. 2 illustrates a first sleep mode on a first level of the floor of FIG. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 illustrates a first sleep mode on the second level of the floor of FIG. 1. [Figure 6]FIG. 2 illustrates a second sleep mode on the first level of the floor of FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 illustrates a second sleep mode on a second level of the floor of FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 13 illustrates a first sleep mode in the second embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 13 illustrates a second sleep mode in the second embodiment. [Figure 10] Front view of the passage area in the second embodiment DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] [First embodiment] Hereinafter, an article transport facility according to a first embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0010] 1 is a top view of an article conveying equipment 10 in which a plurality of transport vehicles 20 each travel on a floor E to convey an article W. The article conveying equipment 10 of this embodiment is an article sorting equipment in which a plurality of transport vehicles 20 each transport an article W and sort the article W. In this embodiment, the article conveying equipment 10 includes the transport vehicles 20, a floor E, a supply unit 15 that supplies articles W to the transport vehicles 20, and a plurality of receiving units 31. Each of the plurality of receiving units 31 is configured to receive an article W from the transport vehicles 20.

[0011] 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.

[0012] 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.

[0013] 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 arranged on the first side Y1 in the Y direction with respect to the passage area E3. A plurality of passage areas E3 are arranged so as to be lined up in the X direction. In addition, a connection area E2 that connects a plurality of passage areas 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.

[0014] 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, the end of the passage area E3 on the first side Y1 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.

[0015] 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 units 31 are arranged along each of the plurality of passage areas E3. The article conveying equipment 10 also includes a plurality of supply units 15. A plurality of supply areas E1, each equipped with a supply unit 15, are also arranged side by side in the X direction on floor E.

[0016] 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.

[0017] In this embodiment, the transport vehicle 20 is equipped with an operated unit 28 that is operated by a worker. Examples of the operated unit 28 equipped on the transport vehicle 20 include a switch, a connector, a touch screen, and the like. The transport vehicle 20 may also be provided with a cover that covers a switch, a connector, a touch screen, a storage unit for the item W, and the operated unit 28 may be operated by the worker to attach / detach or open / close the cover. In this embodiment, the operated unit 28 is operated by a worker performing maintenance.

[0018] In this embodiment, a receiving conveying device 35 is provided for 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 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 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 transports the container 38 to the shipping location. Examples of the receiving 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.

[0019] 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.

[0020] 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 holding unit 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 a 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.

[0021] 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.

[0022] In the transport command of this embodiment, an outgoing route for traveling from the supply unit 15 to the terminal end of the passage area E3 is set. In addition, in the transport command of this embodiment, a return route for traveling from the terminal end of the passage area E3 to the supply unit 15 is set. In this embodiment, the return route is a return passage 81 (see FIG. 5) described below. In this embodiment, the end of the passage area E3 on the second side Y2 in the Y direction is the terminal end of the passage area E3.

[0023] 4 is a diagram showing the first floor F1 of the article conveying facility 10. In this embodiment, a charging position 42 for charging the transport vehicles 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 located. In the illustrated example, the charger 41 is arranged adjacent to the connection area E2. Furthermore, 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] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the second floor F2 of the article conveying equipment 10. In this embodiment, the floor E has a first floor F1 and a second floor F2 arranged at different positions in the Z direction (up-down direction). In this embodiment, the first floor F1 and the second floor F2 are adjacent to each other in the Z direction. In this embodiment, the second floor F2 is arranged above the first floor F1, but the second floor F2 may also be arranged below the first floor F1. In this embodiment, a supply area E1, a connection area E2, and a passage area E3 are provided on the first floor F1.

[0026] In this embodiment, the article transport equipment 10 includes a first lifter L1 that transports the transport vehicle 20 in the Z direction. The first lifter L1 is connected to the passage area E3 of the first floor F1 and the second floor F2. In the illustrated example, the first lifter L1 is connected to the end of the passage area E3 and the second floor F2. In this embodiment, the article transport equipment 10 includes a second lifter L2 that transports the transport vehicle 20 in the Z direction. In the illustrated example, the second lifter L2 is connected to the supply area E1 of the first floor F1 and the second floor F2. The first lifter L1 and the second lifter L2 are arranged horizontally spaced apart from each other.

[0027] In this embodiment, the first lifter L1 and the second lifter L2 are connected to the second floor F2 via a return passage 81 described later so that the transport vehicle 20 can travel. In the illustrated example, the second lifter L2 is connected to the return passage 81 and the first floor F1. The first lifter L1 and the second lifter L2 may be directly connected to the return passage 81 or indirectly connected to the return passage 81. The first lifter L1 and the passage area E3 may be directly connected to the passage area E3 or indirectly connected to the supply area E1. The first lifter L1 and the second lifter L2 may transport the transport vehicle 20 autonomously, or may be controlled by the control system 45. Examples of the first lifter L1 and the second lifter L2 include a device that raises and lowers the transport vehicle 20 by circulating a plurality of lifting platforms along a predetermined circular path, a multicopter that can transport the transport vehicle 20, an elevator, and the like.

[0028] In this embodiment, a return passage 81 along which the transport vehicle 20 travels is provided on the second floor F2. The first lifter L1 is connected to the start end of the return passage 81 and the end end of the passage area E3. The second lifter L2 is connected to the end end of the return passage 81 and the supply area E1. In the illustrated example, a plurality of return passages 81 are provided on the second floor F2, each extending along the Y direction. The return passage 81 is a passage along which the transport vehicle 20 travels after transporting the article W to the receiving section 31 in the passage area E3. In this embodiment, the return passage 81 is prohibited from being used as a resting place. In the illustrated example, the return passage 81 is set to be one-way.

[0029] In this embodiment, a passage connection area E4 that connects the multiple return passages 81 so that the transport vehicle 20 can travel therethrough is provided on the second floor F2. In the illustrated example, the passage connection area E4 is disposed between adjacent return passages 81 in the X direction. A charging position 42 for charging the transport vehicle 20 is set in the passage connection area E4. A resting area 71, which will be described later, is set in the passage connection area E4. A travel-only area 72, which will be described later, is set in the passage connection area E4.

[0030] In this embodiment, the control system 45 performs a batch process in each of the multiple receiving units 31 to receive the type and number of items W specified in one piece of order information. The control system 45 is configured to perform a first batch process in each of the multiple receiving units 31 to receive the type and number of items W specified in one piece of order information, and then a second batch process in each of the multiple receiving units 31 to receive the type and number of items W specified in another piece of order information. 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 the first batch process. When the first batch process is performed, in other words, when all 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. Then, the next container 38 corresponding to the other order information is placed adjacent to the receiving section 31, and the control system 45 places the type and number of items W specified in the other order information into the next container 38 by the second batch process.

[0031] In this embodiment, the control system 45 has a first pause mode and a second pause mode as pause modes in which the multiple transport vehicles 20 do not transport items W. In the pause mode of this embodiment, the arrangement pattern of the multiple transport vehicles 20 differs between the first pause mode and the second pause mode. These pause modes may be modes in which all of the transport vehicles 20 equipped in the item transport equipment 10 do not transport items W. Also, the pause mode may be a mode in which some of the transport vehicles 20 equipped in the item transport equipment 10 do not transport items W, and other some of the transport vehicles 20 transport items W.

[0032] 4 and 5 show the arrangement pattern in the first pause mode, and FIG. 6 and FIG. 7 show the arrangement pattern in the second pause mode. Here, the arrangement pattern is the arrangement shape of the pause possible areas 71 of the multiple transport vehicles 20 as viewed in the Z direction. On the floor E, the pause possible areas 71 that can be used as a pause place where the transport vehicles 20 pause in the first pause mode or the second pause mode, and the running-only areas 72 that are prohibited from being used as a pause place are set. In the illustrated example, the pause possible areas 71 are shown as areas marked with a square in the virtual unit area Au, and the running-only areas 72 are shown as areas marked with an arrow in the virtual unit area Au. In this embodiment, one transport vehicle 20 pauses in one pause possible area 71. The running-only areas 72 are set to be one-way. The running-only areas 72 may be areas that are set to be changeable by the control system 45 or an operator, or may be areas that are set to be unchangeable. In the following description, it is assumed that the transportation vehicles 20 are parked in all of the possible rest areas 71, but it goes without saying that there may be possible rest areas 71 in which the transportation vehicles 20 are not parked.

[0033] As shown in FIG. 4 and FIG. 5, in the first pause mode of this embodiment, a plurality of transport vehicles 20 are arranged in a plurality of rows, and a passage through which the transport vehicles 20 can pass is set between adjacent rows of the transport vehicles 20. In addition, all of the transport vehicles 20 arranged in each row are arranged so as to be adjacent to at least one passage. In this embodiment, in the first pause mode, a pause possible area 71 is set so that a travel path connecting the passage between the rows of the adjacent transport vehicles 20 and the charging position 42 can be formed. In addition, in the first pause mode, the transport vehicles 20 are arranged so that the operated unit 28 is on the side closer to the passage. In the illustrated example, the passage through which the transport vehicles 20 can pass in the first pause mode is indicated by a travel-only area 72. In addition, in the illustrated example, all of the pause possible areas 71 are arranged so as to be adjacent to at least one travel-only area 72.

[0034] In this embodiment, the control system 45 stops at least some of the transport vehicles 20 in the connection area E2 in the first pause mode. Note that the control system 45 may be configured to set a part of the connection area E2 as a placement area where the transport vehicles 20 and the passages are placed in the first pause mode, and set another part of the connection area E2 as a transport area where the transport vehicles 20 transport the articles W. In this case, a worker can perform maintenance on the multiple transport vehicles 20 while normal transport is being performed in the other part of the connection area E2.

[0035] In this embodiment, the control system 45 automatically selects the first pause mode when the transport vehicle 20 has finished transporting the article W. Examples of the end of the transport vehicle 20 transporting the article W include the end of the transport vehicle 20 transporting the article W due to an instruction to stop the transport operation for periodic shutdown of the article transport equipment 10, an instruction to stop the transport operation due to a power outage or earthquake, an instruction from a maintenance worker to stop the transport operation for which no maintenance target is specified, etc.

[0036] In this embodiment, the control system 45 sets the travel-only area 72 so that the transport vehicle 20 to which the article W has been supplied at the supply unit 15 in the first pause mode can transport the article W to the multiple receiving units 31. The control system 45 also sets the travel-only area 72 so that the transport vehicle 20 can return to the supply unit 15 after transporting the article W to the receiving unit 31 in the passage area E3 in the first pause mode. In this way, each of the multiple transport vehicles 20 can transport the article W from the supply unit 15 to the receiving unit 31 to sort the articles W, while a worker can perform maintenance on the multiple transport vehicles 20.

[0037] 6 and 7, in the second pause mode of this embodiment, the multiple transport vehicles 20 are arranged close together without providing an aisle. In the illustrated example, the driving-only area 72 is not set, but the driving-only area 72 may be set in an area other than the pause possible area 71. In the second pause mode, among the arrangement area in which the multiple pause possible areas 71 are arranged close together, only the outer edge pause possible areas 71 are adjacent to the driving-only area 72. Furthermore, in the second pause mode, the control system 45 is configured to be able to change the arrangement area in which the multiple transport vehicles 20 are arranged close together in response to an instruction from an operator.

[0038] In the second pause mode, in this embodiment, the control system 45 sets a part of the connection area E2 as a placement area where multiple guided vehicles 20 are densely placed. Also, the control system 45 divides the connection area E2 into multiple areas (e.g., equally) and sets one of them as a placement area where multiple guided vehicles 20 are densely placed. For example, when the control system 45 divides the connection area E2 into two equal parts and sets one of them as the placement area, the worker performs maintenance on the half of the connection area E2 that was not set as the placement area. Next, the worker can perform maintenance on the remaining half of the connection area E2 by issuing an instruction to change the placement area.

[0039] As shown in Fig. 6, in this embodiment, the control system 45 stops at least a part of the transport vehicle 20 in the connection area E2 in the second pause mode. Also, as shown in Fig. 5, in this embodiment, the control system 45 stops at least a part of the transport vehicle 20 on the second floor F2 in the first pause mode. Also, as shown in Fig. 7, the control system 45 stops at least a part of the transport vehicle 20 on the second floor F2 in the second pause mode.

[0040] In this embodiment, the control system 45 selects the first pause mode when an instruction is received from an operator for maintenance of the transport vehicle 20. The control system 45 selects the second pause mode when an instruction is received from an operator for maintenance of the floor E.

[0041] Second Embodiment The article conveying equipment 10 according to the second embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. This embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the floor E on which the multiple conveying vehicles 20 travel is one level. The following description will focus on the differences from the first embodiment. Note that points that are not specifically described are the same as those in the first embodiment.

[0042] Figures 8 and 9 are top views of the article conveying equipment 10 of this embodiment. Figure 10 is a front view of the aisle area E3 of this embodiment. In this embodiment, the turning position 53 is set on the second side Y2 in the Y direction from the first end 51. In the illustrated example, the turning position 53 is set at the terminal portion, which is the end of the aisle area E3 on the second side Y2 in the Y direction.

[0043] In this embodiment, the outward route in the transport command is set so that the transport vehicle 20 travels from the first end 51 to the turning position 53 in the passage area E3. The return route in the transport command is set so that the transport vehicle 20, which has made a U-turn at the turning position 53 in the passage area E3, travels from the turning position 53 to the first end 51. These outward and return routes are set side by side in the X direction in the passage area E3. As shown in Figs. 8 and 10, in this embodiment, the transport vehicle 20 delivers the article W to the receiving unit 31 arranged on the opposite side of the return route in the X direction in the passage area E3 on the outward route, and delivers the article W to the receiving unit 31 arranged on the opposite side of the outward route in the X direction in the passage area E3 on the return route.

[0044] 8 shows an arrangement pattern in the first pause mode. In the illustrated example, the control system 45 stops all the transport vehicles 20 that do not transport the goods W in the first pause mode in the connection area E2. In addition, in the illustrated example, the travel-only area 72 is set so that the travel route of the transport vehicles 20 that do not pause in the first pause mode, traveling back and forth between the supply unit 15 and the receiving unit 31, is circular. In this way, each of the multiple transport vehicles 20 transports the goods W from the supply unit 15 to the receiving unit 31, so that the workers can perform maintenance on the multiple transport vehicles 20 while sorting the goods W.

[0045] Fig. 9 shows an arrangement pattern in the second pause mode. In the example shown in Fig. 9, the control system 45 stops all transport vehicles 20 that are not transporting an article W in the second pause mode in the connection area E2. In this embodiment, the control system 45 divides the connection area E2 into equal parts, and one of the equal parts is set as an arrangement area in which multiple transport vehicles 20 are densely arranged.

[0046] Other embodiments Next, other embodiments of the article conveying facility 10 will be described.

[0047] (1) In the above embodiment, the article transport equipment 10 is an article sorting equipment, and a configuration in which a plurality of supply areas E1, a connection area E2, and a plurality of aisle 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 aisle 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 article transport equipment 10 is not an equipment that sorts articles W, and may be a transport equipment in which the supply area E1 and the aisle area E3 are not arranged on the floor E.

[0048] (2) 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, for example, a buffer area in which multiple transport vehicles 20 can be lined up, may be provided on the floor E.

[0049] (3) 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 the control device mounted on each transport vehicle 20 communicates with the control devices of the other transport vehicles 20 and each makes an autonomous decision to operate. In addition, for example, a position information holder does not need to be provided on the floor E, and the position information of the transport vehicle 20 may be obtained by an image sensor or the like provided on the transport vehicle 20 or the facility.

[0050] (4) In the above embodiment, a configuration in which the control system 45 controls the transfer unit 21 and the travel unit 25 of the transport vehicle 20 has been described as an example. 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. Also, for example, 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. Also, the transport vehicle 20 may be equipped with a storage chamber in which the item W is stored. Also, the control system 45 may be equipped with a work device that is the work subject 16. Also, the transport vehicle 20 may not be equipped with an operated unit 28.

[0051] (5) 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.

[0052] (6) In the above embodiment, in each of the first and second pause modes, at least some of the transport vehicles 20 stop in the connection area E2. However, the present invention is not limited to such an example, and may be configured such that, for example, in the first or second pause mode, all or some of the transport vehicles 20 stop in the supply area E1, the passage area E3, the first lifter L1, the second lifter L2, etc.

[0053] (7) In the above embodiment, a configuration has been described 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 the charging position 42 may be set in, for example, the supply area E1, the passage area E3, or another area accessible to the connection area E2.

[0054] (8) In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the arrangement area in which multiple transport vehicles 20 are closely arranged is changed in the second pause mode in response to an instruction from an operator. However, the present invention is not limited to such an example, and may be configured such that the arrangement area cannot be changed in the second pause mode.

[0055] (9) In the above embodiment, a configuration has been described as an example in which the first pause mode is automatically selected when the transport vehicle 20 has finished transporting the item W. However, the present invention is not limited to such an example, and may be configured, for example, to automatically select the second pause mode when the transport vehicle 20 has finished transporting the item W. Also, the first pause mode and the second pause mode may not be selected automatically, but may be selected by an operator.

[0056] (10) 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.

[0057] Summary of the above embodiment The article transport facility described above will now be described.

[0058] The item transport equipment according to the present disclosure is an item transport equipment in which multiple transport vehicles each travel on a floor to transport items, and includes a control system for controlling the transport vehicles, and the control system includes a first pause mode and a second pause mode as pause modes in which the multiple transport vehicles do not transport the items, and in the first pause mode, the multiple transport vehicles are arranged in multiple rows, an aisle through which the transport vehicles can pass is set between adjacent rows of the transport vehicles, and all of the transport vehicles arranged in each row are positioned adjacent to at least one of the aisles, and in the second pause mode, the multiple transport vehicles are arranged closely together without providing an aisle.

[0059] According to this configuration, in the first pause mode, an aisle is set between adjacent rows of transport vehicles, so that, for example, the transport vehicles can move through the aisle for charging or the like, or workers can move through the aisle for maintenance of the transport vehicles. Therefore, maintenance of the transport vehicles can be easily performed. On the other hand, in the second pause mode, multiple transport vehicles are arranged close together, so that the area of ​​the floor where the paused transport vehicles are arranged can be kept small. Therefore, maintenance of the floor can be easily performed. Thus, according to this configuration, in the pause mode in which multiple transport vehicles do not transport articles, the transport vehicles can be arranged and stopped in different arrangement patterns depending on the content of the work such as maintenance performed by the workers and the need for charging the transport vehicles. Therefore, it is possible to easily make effective use of the pause mode.

[0060] In one embodiment, the control system automatically selects the first pause mode when the transport vehicle has completed its item transporting operation, and selects the second pause mode when an instruction is received from a worker for maintenance of the floor, and in the second pause mode, preferably changes the placement area in which the multiple transport vehicles are closely spaced in response to an instruction from the worker.

[0061] According to this configuration, the first pause mode is automatically selected after normal work is completed, so that it is easy to appropriately charge the transport vehicles and perform maintenance of the transport vehicles during the pause mode. Furthermore, during floor maintenance, the transport vehicles can be placed in a predetermined placement area, and the placement area can be moved, so that it is easy for workers to appropriately perform floor maintenance.

[0062] In one embodiment, the transport vehicle is provided with an operated part that is operated by an operator, and in the first pause mode, the transport vehicle is preferably positioned so that the operated part is on the side closer to the aisle.

[0063] According to this configuration, in the first pause mode, workers can easily perform work such as maintenance on each transportation vehicle.

[0064] In one aspect, a specific direction among the directions along the floor is defined as a Y direction, a direction perpendicular to the Y direction among the directions along the floor is defined as an X direction, one side of the Y direction is defined as a first side in the Y direction, and the other side of the Y direction is defined as a second side in the Y direction. The floor is preferably configured to have a plurality of aisle areas each extending along the Y direction and arranged to be lined up in the X direction, a supply area arranged on the first side in the Y direction with respect to the plurality of aisle areas and provided with a supply unit that supplies the items to the transport vehicles, and a connection area that connects the plurality of aisle areas and the supply area to each other, a plurality of receiving units that receive the items from the transport vehicles are arranged along each of the plurality of aisle areas, and at least some of the plurality of transport vehicles are stopped in the connection area in each of the first pause mode and the second pause mode.

[0065] According to this configuration, since the connection area is connected to each of the multiple aisle areas and the supply area, it is easier to ensure a high degree of freedom in the destination of the transport vehicles after the first and second pause modes are released, compared to a case in which all transport vehicles are stopped in aisle areas other than the connection areas, etc., in the first and second pause modes.

[0066] As one aspect, it is preferable that a charging position for charging the transport vehicle by a charger is set in the connection area.

[0067] According to this configuration, in the first pause mode, the transported vehicles can be moved through the passage between adjacent rows of transported vehicles, allowing the transported vehicles to easily reach the charger, thereby enabling efficient charging of the transported vehicles. [Explanation of symbols]

[0068] 10: Goods transport equipment 15: Supply section 20: Transport vehicle 28: Operated part 31:Reception Department 41: Charger 42: Charging position 45: Control Systems 51: First end E: Floor E1: Supply area E2: Connection area E3: Passage area W:Goods

Claims

1. An article transport facility in which a plurality of transport vehicles each travel on a floor to transport an article, A control system for controlling the transport vehicle is provided. The control system includes: The idle mode in which the plurality of transport vehicles do not transport the articles includes a first idle mode and a second idle mode, In the first pause mode, a plurality of the transport vehicles are arranged in a plurality of rows, an aisle through which the transport vehicles can pass is set between adjacent rows of the transport vehicles, and all of the transport vehicles arranged in each row are arranged so as to be adjacent to at least one of the aisles; In the second pause mode, the plurality of transport vehicles are arranged closely together without providing an aisle.

2. The control system includes: automatically selecting the first pause mode when the transport vehicle has completed the transport operation of the article; selecting the second pause mode when an instruction for maintenance of the floor is received from an operator; The article transport facility according to claim 1 , wherein in the second pause mode, an arrangement area in which the plurality of transport vehicles are arranged in a crowded manner is changed in response to an instruction from the operator.

3. The transport vehicle includes an operated unit that is operated by an operator, The article transport facility according to claim 1 or 2, wherein in the first pause mode, the transport vehicle is positioned such that the operated portion is on a side closer to the aisle.

4. A specific direction among the directions along the floor is defined as a Y direction, a direction perpendicular to the Y direction among the directions along the floor is defined as an X direction, one side of the Y direction is defined as a Y direction first side, and the other side of the Y direction is defined as a Y direction second side, The floor includes: A plurality of passage areas each extending along the Y direction and arranged to be aligned in the X direction; a supply area in which a supply unit that supplies the articles to the transport vehicle is provided and that is disposed on a first side in the Y direction with respect to the plurality of passage areas; a connection area connecting the passage areas and the supply area to each other; is set, a plurality of receiving sections for receiving the articles from the transport vehicle are disposed along each of the plurality of passage areas; The article transport facility according to claim 1 or 2, configured to stop at least some of the plurality of transport vehicles in the connection area in each of the first pause mode and the second pause mode.

5. The article transport facility according to claim 4 , wherein a charging position for charging the transport vehicle with a charger is set in the connection area.

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