Carrier vehicle

Abstract

To provide technology that is easy to assemble, has high maintainability, and can appropriately obtain vehicle information of a carrier vehicle.SOLUTION: A carrier vehicle that conveys an article comprises: a travelling portion that travels; a vehicle body including a storage portion for storing the article; and an information communication portion 2. The vehicle body comprises: a first wall portion 11 that opposes the storage portion from a travelling direction first side X1; and a first bumper portion 12 arranged to protrude toward the travelling direction first side X1 beyond the first wall portion 11. The information communication portion 2 comprises: a sensor 6 that detects movement of the vehicle body; a communication device 21 that communicates with at least the travelling unit; and a recording device 22 that records detection data by the sensor 6 and acquisition data obtained by the communication device 21. The information communication portion 2 is detachably attached to the first wall portion 11 and is disposed between an end portion 12a of the first bumper portion 12 on the travelling direction first side X1 and the first wall portion 11 in the travelling direction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a transport vehicle. [Background technology]

[0002] For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2022-003858 (Patent Document 1) discloses a technology related to a transport vehicle. In the following description of the background art, the reference numerals in parentheses refer to those in Patent Document 1.

[0003] The transport facility (100) of Patent Document 1 includes a traveling rail (2) arranged along a traveling path (1) and a transport vehicle (article transport vehicle 3) that travels along the traveling path (1). The transport facility (100) also includes a plurality of article processing units (P) along the traveling path (1). The transport vehicle includes a traveling section (9) that travels while being guided by the traveling rail (2), and a vehicle body (transport vehicle main body 10) supported from above by the traveling section (9). The vehicle body includes an article support section that suspends and supports articles, and an actuator that raises and lowers the article support section. The transport vehicle travels along the traveling path (1) and raises and lowers the article support section to transport articles to the plurality of article processing units (P). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2022-003858 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Incidentally, in a transport vehicle such as that described in Patent Document 1, in order to transport articles appropriately, it is desirable to grasp vehicle information indicating the state of the traveling parts and the movement of the vehicle body (e.g., vibration, etc.) during transport. For this reason, for example, it is conceivable to provide the transport vehicle with sensors for detecting the state of the traveling parts and the movement of the vehicle body, and a recording device for recording the detection results. However, if such sensors, devices, and other equipment are installed on all transport vehicles, there is a problem that the cost becomes very high when there are a large number of transport vehicles. On the other hand, if such equipment is installed only on some of the transport vehicles, the difference in the configuration of the transport vehicle depending on whether or not the equipment is installed will cause problems such as the complexity of the assembly process of the transport vehicle and the deterioration of maintainability.

[0006] Therefore, it is desirable to provide a technology that can appropriately acquire vehicle information of a transport vehicle using a configuration that is easy to assemble and has high maintainability. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The transport vehicle according to the present disclosure is a transport vehicle that transports an article, The vehicle includes a traveling section that travels, a vehicle body that is supported by the traveling section and includes a storage section that stores the item, and an information communication unit, One side of the traveling portion in the traveling direction is defined as a first side in the traveling direction, The vehicle body includes a first wall portion facing the storage portion from a first side in the traveling direction, and a first bumper portion arranged to protrude toward the first side in the traveling direction beyond the first wall portion, The information communication unit includes: A sensor for detecting the movement of the vehicle body, a communication device for communicating with at least the traveling unit, and a recording device for recording detection data by the sensor and acquired data acquired by the communication device, A removably attached member is attached to the first wall portion. The first wall portion is disposed between an end portion of the first bumper portion on the first side in the traveling direction and the first wall portion.

[0008] According to this configuration, by providing an information communication unit, vehicle information indicating the movement of the vehicle body, the state of the traveling part, etc. can be acquired and recorded as data at any time. Therefore, vehicle information of the transport vehicle can be easily collected. Furthermore, according to this configuration, since such an information communication unit is detachably attached to the first wall portion where it is relatively easy for workers to work, it is possible to select whether or not to attach an information communication unit to the transport vehicle, and the differences in the parts used in the manufacturing process of the transport vehicle and the parts that constitute the transport vehicle itself depending on whether the transport vehicle is equipped with an information communication unit can be reduced. Furthermore, the information communication unit can be easily attached after the transport vehicle has started to be used, and in the event of a malfunction or the like occurring in the information communication unit, the information communication unit can also be easily removed, improving the maintainability of the transport vehicle. Furthermore, with this configuration, the information communication unit is disposed on the inner side (first wall side) of the end portion of the first bumper portion on the first side in the traveling direction, thereby making it possible to protect the information communication unit from impacts and the like.

[0009] Further features and advantages of the transport vehicle will become apparent from the following description of exemplary, non-limiting embodiments, which are given with reference to the drawings. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] Front view of the transport vehicle [Diagram 2] Side view of the transport vehicle [Diagram 3] Control Block Diagram [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a plan view showing the arrangement of the information communication unit, the first bumper portion, and the first wall portion; [Diagram 5] FIG. 4 is a front view showing the arrangement of the information communication unit, the first bumper portion, and the first wall portion; [Figure 6] FIG. 4 is a side view showing the arrangement of the information communication unit, the first bumper portion, and the first wall portion; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the transport vehicle will be described with reference to the drawings. As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the transport vehicle 1 transports an article W. In this embodiment, the transport vehicle 1 is configured to travel along a preset travel path 10 in a transport facility 100 to transport the article W. In this example, the article W is a container (FOUP: Front Opening Unified Pod) that stores a semiconductor substrate. The transport vehicle 1 transports the article W to a processing device that processes the semiconductor substrate. The transport vehicle 1 may also transport the article W to a storage shelf or the like that stores the article W. Note that the article W may be a reticle storage container (so-called reticle pod) that stores a reticle other than a FOUP. In the transport facility 100 of this embodiment, a plurality of transport vehicles 1 are configured to transport the article W.

[0012] As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the transport vehicle 1 includes a traveling section 5, a vehicle body 4 supported by the traveling section 5 and including a storage section 3 for storing an article W, and an information communication unit 2. The transport vehicle 1 further includes a first control device H1 (FIG. 3). In this embodiment, the traveling section 5 travels along a travel route 10. In the following, one side of the traveling section 5 in the traveling direction X is referred to as a traveling direction first side X1, and the opposite side of the traveling direction X to the traveling direction first side X1 is referred to as a traveling direction second side X2. In addition, the direction perpendicular to the traveling direction X when viewed in the up-down direction is referred to as a width direction Y, one side of the width direction Y is referred to as a width direction first side Y1, and the opposite side is referred to as a width direction second side Y2.

[0013] 2, in this embodiment, the second side X2 in the traveling direction is the front side in the traveling direction X. In more detail, the traveling unit 5 travels from the first side X1 in the traveling direction to the second side X2 in the traveling direction along the traveling path 10. Therefore, the second side X2 in the traveling direction is the front side in the traveling direction of the traveling unit 5 (transportation vehicle 1), and the first side X1 in the traveling direction is the rear side in the traveling direction of the traveling unit 5 (transportation vehicle 1).

[0014] As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the traveling unit 5 includes a plurality of wheels 51. The wheels 51 roll on a traveling rail R1 (here, a pair of traveling rails R1) provided along the traveling path 10. The traveling unit 5 includes a traveling motor M1 for driving the wheels 51. At least one of the plurality of wheels 51 is rotated by the traveling motor M1, so that the traveling unit 5 travels along the traveling rail R1. In this example, the traveling rail R1 is supported by being suspended from the ceiling, and the traveling path 10 is formed along the ceiling. That is, in this example, the transport vehicle 1 is a ceiling transport vehicle. Note that the transport vehicle 1 may be a transport vehicle other than a ceiling transport vehicle (for example, a transport vehicle that travels autonomously on the floor surface, a transport vehicle that travels guided by rails provided on the floor surface, an automatic sorting cart that sorts articles W while traveling in an automatic warehouse, a stacker crane, etc.).

[0015] In this example, the traveling unit 5 includes a plurality of guide wheels 52. The guide wheels 52 abut against a guide rail R2 suspended from the ceiling. The guide rail R2 is disposed in a branching section or a merging section of the traveling route 10. The guide wheels 52 are movable between a right guide position where the guide rail R2 abuts from the right side and a left guide position where the guide rail R2 abuts from the left side. The traveling unit 5 travels along any traveling route 10 in a branching section or a merging section by moving the guide wheels 52 to either the right guide position or the left guide position. The traveling unit 5 is configured to support the car body 4 by suspending it. In the example of FIG. 2, the traveling unit 5 includes a first traveling unit 5a and a second traveling unit 5b disposed to be spaced apart from each other in the traveling direction X. The first traveling unit 5a is disposed in front of the second traveling unit 5b (the second traveling direction side X2). Each of the first running section 5a and the second running section 5b is provided with a plurality of wheels 51 and a plurality of guide wheels 52. Each of the first running section 5a and the second running section 5b suspends and supports one vehicle body 4. When the transport vehicle 1 is other than an overhead transport vehicle, the running section 5 may be a cart section that supports the wheels 51 and the like and also supports the vehicle body 4 from below.

[0016] The vehicle body 4 is suspended and supported by the traveling section 5. In this example, the vehicle body 4 is disposed below the traveling rail R1 (below the traveling section 5 across the traveling rail R1). The vehicle body 4 holds the article W and transfers the article W to the transport location. In this embodiment, the vehicle body 4 includes a holding section 9 that holds the article W. The holding section 9 supports the article W by suspending it. The holding section 9 is configured to be able to rise and fall relative to the traveling section 5. When the traveling section 5 is traveling, the holding section 9 is disposed in an elevated position. When the article W is transferred to the transport location, the holding section 9 is disposed in a lowered position. The elevated position is a position where the article W held by the holding section 9 is stored in the storage section 3. The lowered position is a position below the elevated position, where the holding section 9 receives the article W placed at the transport location and delivers the article W to the transport location. In this example, the vehicle body 4 includes a lifting section 8. The lifting unit 8 includes a drum, a belt wound around the drum and connected to the holding unit 9 at its tip, and a lifting motor M2 (FIG. 1) that rotates the drum to drive the belt. The lifting unit 8 lifts and lowers the holding unit 9 between the raised position and the lowered position as described above by rotating the drum by driving the lifting motor M2.

[0017] 2, the vehicle body 4 includes a first wall portion 11 facing the storage unit 3 from a first side X1 in the traveling direction, and a first bumper portion 12 arranged to protrude toward the first side X1 in the traveling direction beyond the first wall portion 11. The vehicle body 4 also includes a second wall portion 14 facing the storage unit 3 from a second side X2 in the traveling direction, and a second bumper portion 15 arranged to protrude toward the second side X2 in the traveling direction beyond the second wall portion 14. Each of the first wall portion 11 and the second wall portion 14 is arranged to overlap with the article W stored in the storage unit 3 when viewed in the traveling direction X.

[0018] 1, 2, and 4, the car body 4 includes a cover portion 7. The cover portion 7 is provided so as to cover the storage portion 3 in the traveling direction X and from above. The cover portion 7 is also provided so as to cover the lifting portion 8 and the holder 9 in the raised position. In this example, the cover portion 7 is disposed below the traveling rail R1.

[0019] The cover section 7 includes a cover body 71 and a unit cover 72. The unit cover 72 is configured to be detachable from the cover body 71. The cover body 71 includes a first cover section 71a, a second cover section 71b, and a connecting section 71c that connects the first cover section 71a and the second cover section 71b. The first cover section 71a is disposed so as to cover the storage section 3 from the first side X1 of the travel direction. The second cover section 71b is disposed so as to cover the storage section 3 from the second side X2 of the travel direction. The connecting section 71c is disposed so as to cover the storage section 3 (here, further the lifting section 8 and the holding section 9 in the raised position) from above. In the illustrated example, the connecting section 71c connects the upper end of the first cover section 71a to the upper end of the second cover section 71b.

[0020] As shown in FIG. 4, in this example, the first cover portion 71a includes a first wall portion 11. The first cover portion 71a includes a vehicle body cover 73 that is detachable from the first wall portion 11. The vehicle body cover 73 is disposed so as to cover the first wall portion 11 from the first side X1 in the traveling direction. In the example of FIGS. 5 and 6, the first cover portion 71a includes a plate-shaped bottom portion 13. The bottom portion 13 connects the lower end of the first wall portion 11 to the lower end of the vehicle body cover 73. In this example, the first wall portion 11 is a member (here, a rectangular member) that extends along the vertical direction and the width direction Y, and the vehicle body cover 73 is attached to the first wall portion 11 to form an accommodation space E between the vehicle body cover 73 and the first wall portion 11 (FIG. 4). Here, the unit cover 72 is detachable from the vehicle body cover 73. When the unit cover 72 is attached to the vehicle body cover 73, the storage space E is a space surrounded by the first cover portion 71a, the first wall portion 11, and the bottom portion 13. The area of ​​the vehicle body cover 73 where the unit cover 72 is attached is open (FIG. 4).

[0021] In this example, a bracket 41 is disposed in the accommodation space E. Specifically, the bracket 41 is provided on a surface 11a of the first wall portion 11 facing the first side X1 in the traveling direction. Here, the bracket 41 is a strip-shaped member extending along the width direction Y. As shown in FIG. 4, for example, various devices such as the first control device H1 can be accommodated in the accommodation space E by using the bracket 41.

[0022] In the example of FIG. 4 and FIG. 5, the bracket 41 includes a first inclined portion 41a, a central portion 41b, and a second inclined portion 41c. The first inclined portion 41a, the central portion 41b, and the second inclined portion 41c are arranged in this order from the second widthwise side Y2 to the first widthwise side Y1. The first inclined portion 41a is fixed to the end of the second widthwise side Y2 of the first wall portion 11, and is formed so as to incline toward the first widthwise side Y1 in the running direction. The central portion 41b is formed continuously from the end of the first widthwise side Y1 of the first inclined portion 41a. Here, the central portion 41b is arranged so as to be parallel to the first wall portion 11. The second inclined portion 41c is formed continuously from the end of the first widthwise side Y1 of the central portion 41b. The second inclined portion 41c is formed so as to incline toward the second widthwise side X2 in the running direction in the direction toward the first widthwise side Y1. An end portion of the second inclined portion 41c on the first widthwise side Y1 is fixed to an end portion of the first widthwise side Y1 of the first wall portion 11. In the illustrated example, the first control device H1 is accommodated in the accommodation space E in a state in which the first control device H1 is supported by the first inclined portion 41a.

[0023] 4 to 6, the storage space E can be divided into a first storage space E1 on the second side X2 in the traveling direction from the bracket 41, and a second storage space E2 on the first side X1 in the traveling direction from the bracket 41. Then, for example, by using the bracket 41, it is possible to store devices in both the first storage space E1 and the second storage space E2.

[0024] As shown in FIG. 2, in this example, the second cover portion 71b includes a second wall portion 14. In this embodiment, an obstacle sensor 16 for detecting an obstacle present on the second side X2 in the traveling direction is attached to the second wall portion 14. Here, the second wall portion 14 is a member (specifically, a rectangular member) along the vertical direction and the width direction Y. In this example, an obstacle detection sensor 16a and a collision prevention sensor 16b are attached to the second wall portion 14 as the obstacle sensor 16. In the illustrated example, the obstacle detection sensor 16a and the collision prevention sensor 16b are arranged so as to be spaced apart in the vertical direction. The obstacle detection sensor 16a is configured to detect an obstacle within a specified distance range in front of the vehicle body 4 (the second side X2 in the traveling direction). In addition, the collision prevention sensor 16b is configured to detect another transport vehicle 1 traveling ahead when the distance between the transport vehicle 1 and the other transport vehicle 1 is within a specified distance. When the collision prevention sensor 16b detects the transportation vehicle 1 ahead, the vehicle (transportation vehicle 1) is configured to decelerate or stop. Here, the obstacle sensor 16 is disposed so as to protrude toward the second side X2 in the traveling direction beyond the second cover portion 71b.

[0025] The second cover portion 71b may have the same configuration as the first cover portion 71a. That is, the second cover portion 71b may include a vehicle body cover 73 that covers the second wall portion 14 from the second side X2 in the traveling direction, and a bottom portion 13. In that case, the obstacle sensor 16 may be attached to the second wall portion 14 via the vehicle body cover 73. Also, the second cover portion 71b may not include the vehicle body cover 73 or the bottom portion 13. In this way, the configuration of the second cover portion 71b can be appropriately changed as necessary.

[0026] As shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 4, the first bumper portion 12 is provided at the end of the connecting portion 71c on the first side X1 in the running direction. The first bumper portion 12 is attached so that its outer edge (first bumper portion outer edge 12b) is disposed outside the first cover portion 71a on the first side X1 in the running direction. In this example, the first bumper portion 12 is curved when viewed in the vertical direction. Specifically, the first bumper portion 12 is a rod-shaped member that is curved so as to protrude toward the first side X1 in the running direction as it approaches the center in the width direction Y. The vehicle body cover 73 and the unit cover 72 are disposed so as to be contained within a region S surrounded by the first bumper portion outer edge 12b and the first wall portion 11 when viewed in the vertical direction. In the illustrated example, the unit cover 72 is disposed between the end 12a of the first bumper portion 12 on the first side X1 in the running direction and the first wall portion 11 in the running direction when viewed in the vertical direction.

[0027] As shown in FIG. 2, the second bumper portion 15 is provided at the end of the connecting portion 71c on the second side X2 in the traveling direction. The second bumper portion 15 is disposed so as to be at the same position in the up-down direction as the first bumper portion 12. The second bumper portion 15 is attached so that its outer edge is disposed on the outer side of the second side X2 in the traveling direction relative to the second cover portion 71b. In this example, the second bumper portion 15 is curved when viewed in the up-down direction. Specifically, the second bumper portion 15 is a rod-shaped member that is curved so as to protrude toward the second side X2 in the traveling direction as it moves toward the center in the width direction Y. The obstacle sensor 16 is disposed inside the outer edge of the second bumper portion 15 (the first side X1 in the traveling direction).

[0028] The information communication unit 2 has a function of acquiring and recording vehicle information D, which indicates the movement of the vehicle body 4 and the state of the traveling unit 5, as data. In addition, as shown in FIG. 3, the information communication unit 2 has a function of transmitting the acquired vehicle information D to an external user terminal 90 or the like. As shown in FIGS. 4 to 6, the information communication unit 2 is detachably attached to the first wall portion 11. Specifically, the information communication unit 2 is detachably attached to the first wall portion 11 via a bracket 41. Here, the information communication unit 2 is attached to the center portion 41b of the bracket 41 by a fastening member. Therefore, the information communication unit 2 can be attached to or detached from the center portion 41b by attaching and detaching the fastening member. The information communication unit 2 may be attached to the bracket 41 by a clamp mechanism, an engagement mechanism, or the like, or may be directly attached to the first wall portion 11. In this example, the information communication unit 2 is attached to the first side X1 in the traveling direction of the center portion 41b. Therefore, the information communication unit 2 is disposed in the second accommodation space E2 on the first side X1 in the traveling direction relative to the bracket 41.

[0029] In this example, as shown in FIG. 4, the information communication unit 2 is covered by the unit cover 72 when attached to the bracket 41. In the illustrated example, the information communication unit 2 is accommodated inside the first cover portion 71a by attaching the unit cover 72 to the vehicle body cover 73. That is, the information communication unit 2 is disposed between the end portion 12a of the first bumper portion 12 on the first side X1 in the traveling direction and the first wall portion 11 in the traveling direction X. More specifically, the information communication unit 2 is disposed so as to be contained within the area S surrounded by the outer edge (first bumper portion outer edge 12b) of the first bumper portion 12 and the first wall portion 11 when viewed in the up-down direction. Furthermore, in this example, the information communication unit 2 and the unit cover 72 are disposed so as to be positioned differently in the up-down direction from the obstacle sensor 16. Specifically, the information communication unit 2 and the unit cover 72 are positioned above the obstacle detection sensor 16a and below the collision prevention sensor 16b, and do not overlap with these sensors when viewed in the driving direction X.

[0030] The cover section 7 does not necessarily have to include the unit cover 72. In this case, the information communication unit 2 can be covered from the first side X1 in the traveling direction by the vehicle body cover 73. Specifically, at least a portion of the vehicle body cover 73 that covers the information communication unit 2 from the first side X1 in the traveling direction needs to be disposed closer to the first side X1 in the traveling direction than the information communication unit 2.

[0031] 3 to 6, the information communication unit 2 includes a sensor 6 that detects the movement of the vehicle body 4, a communication device 21 that communicates with at least the traveling part 5, and a recording device 22 that records detection data D1 by the sensor 6 and acquisition data D2 acquired by the communication device 21. In this embodiment, the information communication unit 2 further includes a second control device H2 and an external communication unit 24. The communication device 21 and the recording device 22 are included in the second control device H2.

[0032] In this embodiment, the sensor 6 detecting the movement of the vehicle body 4 may be one or more sensors 6. Examples of such a sensor 6 include an acceleration sensor 6a (three-axis acceleration sensor) that measures the acceleration in the vertical direction, the running direction X, and the width direction Y of the vehicle body 4, a gyro sensor that measures the angular velocity of the vehicle body 4, and a temperature sensor that measures the temperature of the vehicle body 4. In the examples of Figs. 3 to 6, an acceleration sensor 6a is provided as the sensor 6.

[0033] The communication device 21 is configured to be able to communicate with the travel unit 5, the lift unit 8, the holding unit 9, the obstacle sensor 16 (obstacle detection sensor 16a, rear-end collision prevention sensor 16b), and the acceleration sensor 6a. As described above, the communication device 21 is included in the second control device H2. In this example, the second control device H2 is capable of communicating with the first control device H1. That is, the second control device H2 is capable of communicating with the travel unit 5, the lift unit 8, the holding unit 9, and the obstacle sensor 16 via the first control device H1. In addition, the second control device H2 does not directly communicate with the upper controller 80. In this way, the communication device 21 communicates with the travel unit 5, the lift unit 8, the holding unit 9, and the obstacle sensor 16 via the first control device H1, but is not limited to this. For example, the communication device 21 may be configured to communicate with the travel unit 5, the lift unit 8, the holding unit 9, and the obstacle sensor 16 without going through the first control device H1. The communication device 21 may also be capable of directly or indirectly communicating with one or more of the traveling unit 5, the lifting unit 8, the holding unit 9, and the obstacle sensor 16.

[0034] Here, as shown in FIG. 3, the first control device H1 is configured to control the traveling unit 5, the lifting unit 8, the holding unit 9, and the obstacle sensor 16. The first control device H1 is capable of communicating with the upper controller 80 that controls the entire conveyance facility 100. The second control device H2 is capable of communicating with the first control device H1 as described above. The second control device H2 is configured to control the acceleration sensor 6a and the external communication unit 24. The first control device H1 and the second control device H2 each include, for example, a processor such as a microcomputer, and peripheral circuits such as a memory. Each function is realized by the cooperation of these hardware components and a program executed on a processor such as a computer. Here, the recording device 22 may be a memory built into the second control device H2, or may be a storage medium that is detachable from the second control device H2 as illustrated in FIG. 5. The recording device 22 may also include a communication function for storing data on the cloud, or for directly transmitting data to the upper controller 80 for storage.

[0035] In this example, the second control device H2 acquires and stores acquired data D2 from the first control device H1. Examples of the acquired data D2 include data indicating the state (specifically, current, voltage, motor rotation speed, etc.) of the traveling motor M1 of the traveling unit 5, the lifting motor M2 of the lifting unit 8, and the holding motor of the holding unit 9, data indicating the state and detection result of the obstacle sensor 16 (obstacle detection sensor 16a, collision prevention sensor 16b), data indicating the communication state between the upper controller 80 and the first control device H1, and data indicating the state (temperature, etc.) of the first control device H1. In addition, the second control device H2 acquires and stores detection data D1 indicating the detection result by the acceleration sensor 6a mounted on the information communication unit 2. In this example, the data acquired by the second control device H2 (detection data D1, acquisition data D2) is set as vehicle information D, and the second control device H2 transmits the vehicle information D to the external communication unit 24.

[0036] The external communication unit 24 is a communication board for communicating with an external terminal (here, a user terminal 90). The external communication unit 24 transmits the above-mentioned vehicle information D acquired from the second control device H2 to one or more user terminals 90.

[0037] As shown in FIG. 3 to FIG. 6, in this embodiment, a power supply connector 17 having a power supply terminal 18 for supplying power to the information communication unit 2 is attached to the first wall portion 11. Also, as shown in FIG. 5, the power supply connector 17 is arranged so as to face in a direction other than the upper side. In this example, the power supply connector 17 is attached to the first wall portion 11 via a connector plate 27. Here, in addition to the power supply connector 17, a communication connector 20 having a communication terminal 19 for communicating with the first control device H1 is also attached to the first wall portion 11 via the connector plate 27. Then, both the power supply connector 17 and the communication connector 20 are arranged so as to be along a direction along a horizontal surface (specifically, the width direction Y). In this example, the power supply connector 17 and the communication connector 20 are detachably fixed to the connector plate 27 in a posture along the width direction Y. Also, a plurality of power supply connectors 17 and a plurality of communication connectors 20 can be fixed to the connector plate 27. Wires connected to the power supply connector 17 and the communication connector 20 can be accommodated in the second accommodation space E2 or the first accommodation space E1. In the example of Fig. 5 and Fig. 6, the connector plate 27 is a plate-like member that extends along the up-down direction and the traveling direction X, and is attached to the first wall portion 11 via an auxiliary bracket 42. The auxiliary bracket 42 is fixed to the first wall portion 11 below the bracket 41. The configuration of the auxiliary bracket 42 is the same as the configuration of the bracket 41, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0038] In the illustrated example, the information communication unit 2 includes a support member 25 for supporting the second control device H2, the external communication unit 24, and the acceleration sensor 6a. As shown in Figs. 5 and 6, the support member 25 is a plate-like member extending in the vertical direction and the traveling direction X. The support member 25 is detachably attached to the bracket 41. More specifically, the support member 25 is attached to the center portion 41b of the bracket 41 by a fastening member. In the example of Figs. 5 and 6, the support member 25 is detachably attached to the auxiliary bracket 42 in addition to the bracket 41. The external communication unit 24 and the acceleration sensor 6a are attached to a surface of the support member 25 facing the second width direction side Y2. The second control device H2 is attached to a surface of the support member 25 facing the first width direction side Y1. The external communication unit 24 and the second control device H2 are connected to be able to communicate with each other by wire or wirelessly. The support member 25 has an opening 25a for passing communication wiring that connects each device of the information communication unit 2 and devices (such as the first control device H1) provided in the vehicle body 4, power supply wiring, etc. Here, the support member 25 overlaps with the connector plate 27 when viewed in the width direction Y.

[0039] In this manner, in the information and communication unit 2 of this embodiment, the second control device H2, the external communication unit 24, and the acceleration sensor 6a are each supported on the support member 25. The support member 25 is attached to the bracket 41 (the bracket 41 and the auxiliary bracket 42 in the examples of FIGS. 5 and 6). Therefore, by simply removing the support member 25 from the bracket 41 and disconnecting the wiring from the power supply connector 17 and the communication connector 20, the entire information and communication unit 2 can be easily removed from the vehicle body 4, and maintainability can be improved. Furthermore, since various devices such as sensors and devices can be provided on the support member 25 as necessary, the installation work of the devices is easier than when these devices are provided on the vehicle body 4.

[0040] Other embodiments (1) In the above embodiment, the unit cover 72 is disposed between the end 12a of the first bumper portion 12 on the first side X1 in the traveling direction and the first wall portion 11 in the traveling direction X when viewed in the vertical direction. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The unit cover 72 may be disposed so as to protrude outward (on the first side X1 in the traveling direction) from the end 12a of the first bumper portion 12 on the first side X1 in the traveling direction when viewed in the vertical direction. In this case, it is preferable that the distance between the end of the second bumper portion 15 on the second side X2 in the traveling direction and the second wall portion 14 for each of the multiple transport vehicles 1 disposed in the transport facility 100 is set to be larger than the protrusion amount of the unit cover 72 from the end 12a of the first bumper portion 12 on the first side X1 in the traveling direction. As a result, even if the transport vehicles 1 collide with each other on the travel route 10, the first bumper portion 12 and the second bumper portion 15 collide directly with each other, so that the unit cover 72 and the information and communication unit 2 housed within the unit cover 72 can be protected from the impact. Note that the vehicle body 4 does not necessarily have to include the first bumper portion 12 and the second bumper portion 15.

[0041] (2) In the above embodiment, the information communication unit 2 is detachably attached to the first wall portion 11, but the present invention is not limited to this. The information communication unit 2 may be detachably attached to the second wall portion 14, for example. The information communication unit 2 may also be detachably attached to the connecting portion 71c of the cover body 71.

[0042] (3) In the above embodiment, the obstacle sensor 16 for detecting an obstacle present on the second side X2 in the traveling direction is attached to the second wall 14. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The obstacle sensor 16 can be attached to, for example, the connecting portion 71c of the cover body 71 instead of the second wall 14.

[0043] (4) In the above embodiment, the information communication unit 2 is arranged so as to be contained within the area S surrounded by the first bumper outer edge 12b and the first wall 11 when viewed in the up-down direction, but the present invention is not limited to this. The information communication unit 2 may be arranged so as to protrude in the width direction Y from the area S surrounded by the first bumper outer edge 12b and the first wall 11. The same applies to the unit cover 72 that covers the information communication unit 2.

[0044] (5) In the above embodiment, the power supply connector 17 is arranged to face in a direction other than the upward direction, but the present invention is not limited to this. The power supply connector 17 may be arranged to face the upward direction. In the above embodiment, the power supply connector 17 is supported by the first wall 11 via the auxiliary bracket 42 in a state independent of the information communication unit 2, but the present invention is not limited to this. The power supply connector 17 may be supported by, for example, the support member 25 of the information communication unit 2. In this way, the power supply connector 17 may be supported by the first wall 11 as one unit with the information communication unit 2.

[0045] (6) Note that the configurations disclosed in each of the above-described embodiments can be applied in combination with configurations disclosed in other embodiments (including combinations of the embodiments described as other embodiments) as long as no contradiction occurs. Regarding 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.

[0046] Summary of the above embodiment The above-described transport vehicles will now be summarized.

[0047] The transport vehicle according to the present disclosure is a transport vehicle that transports an article, The vehicle includes a traveling section that travels, a vehicle body that is supported by the traveling section and includes a storage section that stores the item, and an information communication unit, One side of the traveling portion in the traveling direction is defined as a first side in the traveling direction, the vehicle body includes a first wall portion facing the storage portion from a first side in the traveling direction, and a first bumper portion arranged to protrude toward the first side in the traveling direction beyond the first wall portion, The information communication unit includes: A sensor for detecting the movement of the vehicle body, a communication device for communicating with at least the traveling unit, and a recording device for recording detection data by the sensor and acquired data acquired by the communication device, A removably attached member is attached to the first wall portion. The first wall portion is disposed between an end portion of the first bumper portion on the first side in the traveling direction and the first wall portion.

[0048] According to this configuration, by providing an information communication unit, vehicle information indicating the movement of the vehicle body, the state of the traveling part, etc. can be acquired and recorded as data at any time. Therefore, vehicle information of the transport vehicle can be easily collected. Furthermore, according to this configuration, since such an information communication unit is detachably attached to the first wall portion where it is relatively easy for workers to work, it is possible to select whether or not to attach an information communication unit to the transport vehicle, and the differences in the parts used in the manufacturing process of the transport vehicle and the parts that constitute the transport vehicle itself depending on whether the transport vehicle is equipped with an information communication unit can be reduced. Furthermore, the information communication unit can be easily attached after the transport vehicle has started to be used, and in the event of a malfunction or the like occurring in the information communication unit, the information communication unit can also be easily removed, improving the maintainability of the transport vehicle. Furthermore, with this configuration, the information communication unit is disposed on the inner side (first wall side) of the end portion of the first bumper portion on the first side in the traveling direction, thereby making it possible to protect the information communication unit from impacts and the like.

[0049] Here, the side opposite to the first side in the traveling direction is defined as a second side in the traveling direction, The vehicle body includes a second wall portion facing the storage portion from the second side in the traveling direction, and a second bumper portion arranged to protrude toward the second side in the traveling direction more than the second wall portion, The second side in the traveling direction is a front side in the traveling direction, It is preferable that an obstacle sensor is attached to the second wall portion for detecting an obstacle present on the second side in the traveling direction.

[0050] According to this configuration, the information communication unit is attached to the side opposite to the side where the obstacle sensor is attached. Therefore, it is possible to effectively utilize both the first wall and the second wall. Furthermore, according to this configuration, it is easier to miniaturize the vehicle body compared to, for example, a case where both the information communication unit and the obstacle sensor are attached to the first wall.

[0051] It is also preferable that the information communication unit be disposed so as to be contained within a region surrounded by an outer edge of the first bumper portion and the first wall portion when viewed in the up-down direction.

[0052] According to this configuration, since the information communication unit is positioned inside (toward the first wall portion) the outer edge of the first bumper portion, the information communication unit can be more appropriately protected in the event of a collision between transport vehicles.

[0053] Further, a power supply connector having a power supply terminal for supplying power to the information communication unit is attached to the first wall portion, It is preferable that the power supply connector is arranged to face in a direction other than the upward direction.

[0054] According to this configuration, even if the information communication unit is not attached to the vehicle body, it is possible to prevent dust and other foreign matter from entering the power supply connector.

[0055] It is sufficient for the transportation vehicle according to the present disclosure to achieve at least one of the effects described above. [Explanation of symbols]

[0056] 1: Transport vehicle 2: Information and communication unit 3: Storage section 4: Body 5: Running part 6: Sensor that detects vehicle movement 11: 1st wall part 12: First bumper section 12a: end portion on the first side in the traveling direction of the first bumper portion 12 12b: Outer edge of the first bumper portion 12 (outer edge of the first bumper portion) 14:Second wall part 15: Second bumper section 16: Obstacle sensor 17: Power supply connector 18: Power supply terminal 21: Communication equipment 22: Recording device D1: Detection data D2: Acquired data S: Area surrounded by the outer edge of the first bumper portion (outer edge of the first bumper portion) and the first wall portion W:Goods X: Traveling direction X1: First side of travel direction X2: Second side of travel direction

Claims

1. A transport vehicle for transporting an item, The vehicle includes a traveling section that travels, a vehicle body that is supported by the traveling section and includes a storage section that stores the item, and an information communication unit, One side of the traveling portion in the traveling direction is defined as a first side in the traveling direction, the vehicle body includes a first wall portion facing the accommodation portion from a first side in the traveling direction, and a first bumper portion arranged to protrude toward the first side in the traveling direction beyond the first wall portion, The information communication unit includes: A sensor for detecting the movement of the vehicle body, a communication device for communicating with at least the traveling unit, and a recording device for recording detection data by the sensor and acquired data acquired by the communication device, A removably attached member is attached to the first wall portion. A transport vehicle is disposed between an end portion of the first bumper portion on a first side in the traveling direction and the first wall portion in the traveling direction.

2. The side opposite to the first side in the traveling direction is defined as a second side in the traveling direction, the vehicle body includes a second wall portion facing the accommodation portion from the second side in the traveling direction, and a second bumper portion arranged to protrude toward the second side in the traveling direction more than the second wall portion, The second side in the traveling direction is a front side in the traveling direction, The transport vehicle according to claim 1 , wherein the second wall portion is provided with an obstacle sensor for detecting an obstacle present on the second side in the traveling direction.

3. The transport vehicle according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the information communication unit is disposed so as to be contained within a region surrounded by an outer edge of the first bumper portion and the first wall portion when viewed in the up-down direction.

4. a power supply connector having a power supply terminal for supplying power to the information communication unit is attached to the first wall portion; The transport vehicle according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the power supply connector is arranged to face in a direction other than the upward direction.

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