Horizontal carrier and automated warehouse

Abstract

To make it possible to easily move a stopped horizontal carrier.SOLUTION: A horizontal carrier, for traveling on a horizontally-extending guideway and loading / unloading an article to / from a shelf positioned adjacent the guideway and storing a plurality of articles arranged along the guideway, comprises: a carriage that travels on the guideway and includes a wheel to move on the guideway, a body rotatably supporting the wheel and resting / supporting the article and a drive unit supported on the body to rotate the wheel; an article loading / unloading mechanism that is to load / unload the article between the carriage and the shelf; a housing that covers the drive unit and is formed with an opening in part of the outer surface thereof; a cover that covers the opening to open / close; and an operation unit for travel-mode changeover that is provided in a position accessible from the opening and changes over between a first travel mode allowing the wheel to be traveled by the drive unit and a second travel mode allowing it to be traveled manually.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 12

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a technique for facilitating the maintenance of a horizontal transporter.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an automated warehouse including a pair of storage shelves arranged opposite to each other, a plurality of running rails installed between the pair of storage shelves, a plurality of carrier trucks running on the running rails, and a support member arranged so as to straddle the pair of storage shelves. The support member includes a first support portion that supports a first suspension device for suspending the carrier truck, and a second support portion that supports a second suspension device for suspending the carrier truck. Such first and second suspension devices suspend the carrier truck on the running rails.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the automated warehouse described in Patent Document 1, the carrier truck can stop at an arbitrary position on the running rail. At this time, if the carrier truck stops at a position different from the suspension position, it may be necessary to move the carrier truck to the suspension position.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to enable an easily movable stopped horizontal transporter.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] In order to solve the above problems, a horizontal transport vehicle is a horizontal transport vehicle that runs on a running path that extends horizontally and is used to load and unload items from a shelf that is located next to the running path and on which a plurality of items are stored lined up along the running path, and includes wheels that move on the running path, a vehicle body that rotatably supports the wheels and supports the items to be placed on them, and a drive unit that is supported by the vehicle body and drives the wheels to rotate.The horizontal transport vehicle is also equipped with a cart that runs on the running path, an item loading and unloading mechanism that loads and unloads the items between the cart and the shelf, a housing that covers the drive unit and has an opening formed in part of its outer surface, a cover that covers the opening in an openable and closable manner, and a running mode switching operation unit that is provided in a position accessible from the opening and that switches the wheels between a first running mode that enables the wheels to run by the drive unit and a second running mode that enables the wheels to run manually. Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to this horizontal transport vehicle, a stopped horizontal transport vehicle can be easily moved. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008]

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Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] Hereinafter, the horizontal transfer cart and the automatic warehouse according to the embodiment will be described. First, the automatic warehouse system will be described.

[0010] <Regarding the automatic warehouse system> FIG. 1 is a schematic side view showing an automatic warehouse system 10, FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view showing the loading / unloading part of the automatic warehouse system 10, and FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view showing the loading / unloading part of the automatic warehouse system 10.

[0011] The automatic warehouse system 10 includes an automatic warehouse 20 and a maintenance device 80 for the automatic warehouse.

[0012] The automatic warehouse 20 is a warehouse that can store a plurality of articles W for loading and unloading. The automatic warehouse 20 is provided with a horizontal transfer cart 40 for moving the article W.

[0013] The maintenance device 80 for the automatic warehouse is installed in the above - mentioned automatic warehouse 20, and is a device for taking out the horizontal transfer cart 40 from the automatic warehouse 20 and returning it during maintenance of the horizontal transfer cart 40.

[0014] The automated warehouse 20 includes a storage shelf 50, a travel path 48, a lifting device 30, and a horizontal transfer vehicle 40.

[0015] The storage shelf 50 has a plurality of tiers of shelves 52 supported at intervals in the vertical direction. Each tier of the shelf 52 can support and store the article W. Also, in the shelf 52 at each tier, a plurality of articles W can be supported. Therefore, when looking at the entire storage shelf 50, a plurality of articles W are stored in a state of being arranged vertically and horizontally. In the storage shelf 50, the space where the article W is stored is the storage space.

[0016] In the present embodiment, the automated warehouse 20 includes two rows of storage shelves 50. A gap is provided between the two storage shelves 50, and the horizontal transfer vehicle 40 can travel between the two storage shelves 50. For this reason, in each storage shelf 50, a plurality of storage spaces arranged along the moving direction of the horizontal transfer vehicle 40 traveling on the travel path 48 are formed. Each storage space may be continuous without a partition or may be partitioned.

[0017] Note that the automated warehouse 20 may be configured to include one storage shelf 50, or may include three or more storage shelves 50.

[0018] The travel path 48 is provided vertically in association with the plurality of tiers of shelves 52. For example, the travel path 48 is associated with the plurality of tiers of shelves 52 on a one-to-one basis. The travel path 48 may be associated with a plurality of the shelves among the plurality of tiers of shelves 52. For example, the travel path 48 may be associated with every two tiers of shelves 52.

[0019] Each of the plurality of running paths 48 extends horizontally along a position adjacent to the shelf 52. In the present embodiment, it extends horizontally at a position between the shelves 52 of each of the two storage shelves 50. The running path 48 extends along the extending direction of the storage shelf 50 and extends to a transfer device 60 described later. Each running path 48 may have a configuration including, for example, a pair of rails 48a. The rail 48a may also serve as a horizontal frame of the storage shelf 50, or may be configured separately from the storage shelf 50. One of the pair of rails 48a is adjacent to one storage shelf 50, and the other rail 48a is adjacent to the other storage shelf 50. For this reason, there is a gap between the pair of rails 48a.

[0020] The running path may be a plate shape extending so as to block between the two shelves 52. In this case, the running path may be removable at the take-out position of the horizontal transporter 40 described later.

[0021] A lifting device 30 and a transfer device 60 are provided at at least one end side in the extending direction of the storage shelf 50. In the present embodiment, a transfer device 60, a lifting device 30, and a conveyor 16 are provided at each one end portion of the pair of storage shelves 50. The lifting device 30 is located outside the plurality of running paths 48 in the direction in which the plurality of running paths 48 extend.

[0022] In the present embodiment, the transfer device 60, the lifting device 30, and the conveyor 16 are used for both incoming and outgoing goods. Another transfer device, lifting device, and conveyor may be provided at each other end portion of the pair of storage shelves. In this case, the transfer device, the lifting device, and the conveyor may be divided into those for incoming goods and those for outgoing goods between one end side and the other end side of the storage shelf 50.

[0023] The transfer device 60 is a part also called a temporary storage shelf, and is a device that relays articles between the lifting device 30 and the horizontal transfer cart 40. The transfer device 60 includes a plurality of support bases 62 corresponding to each of the plurality of shelf levels. The plurality of support bases 62 are provided at the same height position as the corresponding shelf 52 at a position adjacent to the storage shelf 50. The support base 62 is, for example, a roller conveyor having rollers. By rotationally driving a motor built into the roller, the article W can be moved along the conveyance direction. The article W on the support base 62 may be pushed and moved along the conveyance direction by a pusher driven by an actuator such as a separately provided cylinder. The horizontal transfer cart 40 provided corresponding to each shelf level can transfer the article W to the support base 62 and the shelf 52 at that shelf level.

[0024] The lifting device 30 is a device that performs at least one of an incoming lifting process of moving the incoming article W from the incoming height position to the height position corresponding to the storage location, and an outgoing lifting process of moving the outgoing article W from the height position corresponding to the storage location to the outgoing height position. The lifting device 30 may be referred to as a reservoir.

[0025] That is, it is assumed that the incoming and outgoing operations for the automatic warehouse 20 are set at positions where it is easy for the operator to perform the incoming and outgoing operations. The storage shelf 50 stores the articles W separately in the upper and lower shelves 52 so as to be able to store a large number of articles W. Therefore, by the lifting device 30 moving the article W up and down, at least one of the above incoming lifting process and outgoing lifting process is performed.

[0026] In the present embodiment, the lifting device 30 is located on one end side of the storage shelf 50 and performs both the incoming lifting process and the outgoing lifting process.

[0027] More specifically, the lifting device 30 includes a column 31, a lifting mounting table 32, and a lifting drive mechanism 34.

[0028] The column 31 is a long member installed in a vertical posture along the gravitational direction. The column 31 may be located, for example, between a pair of storage shelves 50. Thereby, it becomes difficult for the column 31 to protrude outward in the direction in which the pair of storage shelves 50 are arranged, and the installation space of the automatic warehouse 20 can be reduced. The column 31 supports the elevating platform 32 so as to be able to move up and down.

[0029] The elevating platform 32 moves up and down along the column 31 while supporting the article W. The elevating platform 32 is, for example, a roller conveyor having rollers. The plurality of rollers are rotatably supported, for example, in a state of being arranged in parallel by a frame portion. By rotationally driving a motor built in the roller, the article W can be moved along the conveying direction. The article W on the elevating platform may be pushed and moved along the conveying direction by a pusher driven by an actuator such as a separately provided cylinder.

[0030] The elevating drive mechanism 34 includes a drive source 34a and an elevating mechanism. The drive source 34a is a power source that generates a driving force for moving the elevating platform 32 up and down. The elevating mechanism is a mechanism that transmits the driving force of the drive source 34a as a force for moving the elevating platform 32 up and down. For example, the drive source 34a is an electric motor. Also, for example, the elevating mechanism is a mechanism that transmits the rotational motion of the electric motor as a linear reciprocating motion for moving the elevating platform 32 up and down. More specifically, the elevating mechanism may include a pair of pulleys and a circulating belt wound around the pair of pulleys. Then, by rotationally driving the pulley in both forward and reverse directions by the drive source 34a, the elevating platform 32 connected to the middle of the circulating belt may be driven to move up and down.

[0031] From the viewpoints of the gravitational balance of the elevating device 30 and the ease of maintenance, etc., it is required that the drive source 34a be attached to the lower part of the column 31.

[0032] By driving the lifting drive mechanism 34, the lifting placement table 32 is lifted and moved to a position corresponding to each of the plurality of support tables 62 at a position adjacent to the transfer device 60. When the lifting placement table 32 is positioned at a height corresponding to any one of the support tables 62, the article W can be horizontally moved and transferred between the lifting placement table 32 and the support table 62.

[0033] The conveyor 16 is located on the side opposite to the transfer device 60 with respect to the lifting device 30. The lifting placement table 32 is lifted and moved to a position corresponding to the conveyor 16. When the lifting placement table 32 is positioned at a height corresponding to the conveyor 16, the article W can be horizontally moved and transferred between the lifting placement table 32 and the conveyor 16. The conveyor 16 may be installed separately above and below as an incoming conveyor and an outgoing conveyor. In this case, when the lifting placement table 32 is lifted to a position corresponding to the incoming conveyor, the article W is transferred from the conveyor 16 to the lifting placement table 32. Also, when the lifting placement table 32 is lifted to a position corresponding to the outgoing conveyor, the article W is transferred from the lifting placement table 32 to the conveyor 16.

[0034] A plurality of horizontal transport carts 40 are provided corresponding to the plurality of running paths 48. The plurality of horizontal transport carts 40 each travel on the running path 48 and transfer the article W between the lifting device 30 and the shelf 52. The horizontal transport cart 40 is also called a picker or a dolly.

[0035] In this embodiment, the horizontal transfer vehicle 40 is provided with an article loading and unloading mechanism 42 for loading and unloading articles W with respect to the storage shelf 50 and the transfer device 60. The article loading and unloading mechanism 42 has a pair of arms that can move in and out with respect to the storage shelf 50 and the transfer device 60. The pair of arms can move in and out with respect to both of the two storage shelves 50. A pair of claws are provided at each of the leading end side in the advancing direction of the pair of arms and in front of the leading end. It should be noted that it is conceivable that when the advancing direction of the pair of arms is reversed, the positional relationship between the pair of claws on the leading end side in the advancing direction of the pair of arms and the pair of claws in front of the leading end will be reversed. By protruding the pair of claws in front of the leading end and moving the pair of arms forward, the article W on the horizontal transfer vehicle is pushed out to the storage shelf 50 or the transfer device 60 side. With the pair of arms advanced, the pair of claws at the leading end are protruded, and then the pair of arms are retracted. As a result, the article W on the storage shelf 50 or the transfer device 60 side is drawn into the storage shelf 50 side. Thereby, the article W is moved between the horizontal transfer vehicle 40 and the storage shelf 50 or the transfer device 60. With respect to the storage shelf 50, the article W is loaded and unloaded from the traveling path 48 side. The horizontal transfer vehicle 40 traveling on the traveling path 48 can load and unload the article W with respect to both of the pair of storage shelves 50.

[0036] Similarly, the horizontal transfer vehicle 40 can load and unload the article W with respect to the transfer device 60. As described above, the transfer device 60 can transfer the article W with respect to the lifting device 30. Therefore, the horizontal transfer vehicle 40 transfers the article W with respect to the lifting device 30 via the transfer device 60. The horizontal transfer vehicle 40 may directly transfer the article W with respect to the lifting device 30.

[0037] When the traveling path 48 is provided corresponding to a plurality of shelves 52, the horizontal transfer vehicle 40 may transfer the article W with respect to the plurality of tiers of shelves 52 and the support base 62. In this case, the traveling path 48 may be provided with a plurality of article loading and unloading mechanisms 42 in the vertical direction.

[0038] In this embodiment, an intrusion prevention fence 38 is installed so as to surround the lifting device 30. The intrusion prevention fence 38 is a fence for preventing an operator from inadvertently entering around the lifting device 30. For this reason, it is conceivable that the intrusion prevention fence 38 is installed within a height range to prevent the operator from entering from the floor.

[0039] The above-described intrusion prevention fence 38 may be omitted.

[0040] <Automated Warehouse Maintenance Device> It is conceivable that there may be a case where it is required to take out the horizontal transfer vehicle 40 outside the automated warehouse 20 due to maintenance convenience or the like of the horizontal transfer vehicle 40.

[0041] Here, the automated warehouse 20 has columns that support each part. For example, the column 31 of the lifting device 30 is an example of a column. Also, in the storage shelf 50, the vertical long member 52P that supports the plurality of shelves 52 or the support base 62 is also an example of a column. The column 31 and the long member 52P may be located on the extension of the travel path 48. Therefore, if an attempt is made to take out the horizontal transfer vehicle 40 on the travel path 48 as it is, along the extension of the travel path 48 and outside the automated warehouse 20, the column 31 and the long member 52P may get in the way and it may be difficult to take out the horizontal transfer vehicle 40.

[0042] Also, when the column 31 and the long member 52P are arranged so as to protrude between the respective sides of the two storage shelves 50, the interval P1 between the two columns 31 and the interval P2 between the two long members 52P may be smaller than the width W1 of the horizontal transfer vehicle 40. In such a case, it is difficult to take out the horizontal transfer vehicle 40 moved to the end of the travel path 48 as it is.

[0043] Also, various objects are arranged below the automated warehouse 20. For example, the drive source 34a of the lifting device 30 is supported below the column 31. Also, the above-described intrusion prevention fence 38 is installed within a predetermined height range from the floor. For this reason, even if an attempt is made to take out the horizontal transfer vehicle 40 from below the automated warehouse 20, the drive source 34a and the intrusion prevention fence 38 may get in the way.

[0044] In the present embodiment, in order to make it easier to take out the horizontal transfer cart 40 outside the automated warehouse 20, the following maintenance device 80 for the automated warehouse is installed in the automated warehouse 20.

[0045] The maintenance device 80 for the automated warehouse includes a guide portion 82 for the suspension device and a suspension device 90.

[0046] The guide portion 82 for the suspension device extends horizontally at a position higher than the lowermost traveling path 48 among the plurality of traveling paths 48. In the present embodiment, the lowermost traveling path 48 is the traveling path 48 corresponding to the lowermost shelf 52. The guide portion 82 for the suspension device may extend horizontally at a position higher than the uppermost traveling path 48 among the plurality of traveling paths 48. In the present embodiment, the uppermost traveling path 48 is the traveling path 48 corresponding to the uppermost shelf 52.

[0047] The guide portion 82 for the suspension device only needs to be able to support the suspension device 90 so as to be movable along the horizontal direction. In the present embodiment, the guide portion 82 for the suspension device is a guide rail formed of metal or the like. For example, the guide portion 82 for the suspension device is a rail having a vertical piece portion 82a extending along the vertical direction and a horizontal piece portion 82b extending along the left-right direction from the lower edge of the vertical piece portion 82a. That is, the vertical cross-section (the cross-section in the direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction) of the guide portion 82 for the suspension device has a portion having an upside-down T shape.

[0048] The guide portion 82 for the suspension device extends from at least a part of the traveling path of the horizontal transfer cart 40 on the traveling path 48 toward the outside of the automated warehouse 20. In the present embodiment, the guide portion 82 for the suspension device extends along the direction in which the traveling path 48 extends between the two storage shelves 50.

[0049] One end of the guide portion 82 for the suspension device is a suspension end 83e1, which is set at a position overlapping the traveling path 48 in a plan view. In the present embodiment, the suspension end 83e1 is located adjacent to the transfer device 60.

[0050] The other end of the guide portion 82 for the suspension device is the take-out end 83e2 located outside the plurality of levels of travel paths 48. That is, the take-out end 83e2 is set at a position where it exits from the travel path 48 in a plan view, and further, at a position outside the two storage shelves 50, the two transfer devices 60, and the two lifting devices 30. In the present embodiment, the take-out end 83e2 is a portion that extends from between the two lifting devices 30 to the side opposite to the storage shelf 50.

[0051] The take-out end 83e2 of the take-out end 83e2 is located above the floor adjacent to the outside of the lifting device 30. Regardless of whether it is on the floor or on a workbench, etc., the take-out end 83e2 only needs to extend to a position where it is easy to take out the horizontal transport vehicle 40 outside the automated warehouse 20.

[0052] The guide portion 82 for the suspension device is supported at a certain height position by the storage shelf 50 or the transfer device 60. The configuration for supporting the guide portion 82 for the suspension device is not limited to this configuration. For example, the guide portion for the suspension device may be supported at a certain height position by a dedicated pillar. The guide portion 82 for the suspension device may be supported at a certain height position by the ceiling where the automated warehouse 20 is installed.

[0053] The guide portion 82 for the suspension device only needs to be configured to be able to support the suspension device 90 movably, and it does not need to be a rail. For example, the guide portion for the suspension device may be an overhead rope. The guide portion 82 for the suspension device may be additionally installed for an existing automated warehouse 20. The guide portion 82 for the suspension device may be temporarily installed for the automated warehouse 20.

[0054] The suspension device 90 is movably supported along the direction in which the guide portion 82 for the suspension device extends by the guide portion 82 for the suspension device. FIG. 4 is a side view showing an example of the suspension device 90. The suspension device 90 includes a moving mechanism 92, a suspension portion 94, and a winding portion 96.

[0055] The moving mechanism 92 is supported by the guide portion 82 for the suspension device and moves horizontally along the guide portion 82 for the suspension device between the position facing the shelf 52 and the take-out end 83e2. For example, the moving mechanism 92 includes a rolling element 92b rotatably supported by a base 92a, an operation wheel 92d, and a moving cable body 92c such as a chain that rotationally drives the operation wheel 92d.

[0056] The rolling element 92b is a wheel, a sphere, or a gear that rolls and moves along the guide portion 82 for the suspension device while being in contact with the guide portion 82 for the suspension device. For example, the base 92a includes a pair of left and right rolling elements 92b. A gap is formed between the left and right rolling elements 92b that allows the vertical piece portion 82a of the guide portion 82 for the suspension device to be disposed. With the vertical piece portion 82a positioned between the left and right rolling elements 92b, the left and right rolling elements 92b are disposed on the horizontal piece portions 82b that extend to the left and right of the vertical piece portion 82a. As the left and right rolling elements 92b roll on the vertical piece portion 82a, the moving mechanism 92 can reciprocate along the guide portion 82 for the suspension device.

[0057] Also, the operation wheel 92d is rotatably supported by the base 92a. The rotation of the operation wheel 92d is transmitted to the rolling element 92b via a gear. The moving cable body 92c is wound around the operation wheel 92d, and by pulling the moving cable body 92c, the operation wheel 92d rotates. When the operation wheel 92d rotates, the rolling element 92b rotates, and the moving mechanism 92 can travel on the guide portion 82 for the suspension device.

[0058] The moving mechanism 92 may be pushed or pulled directly by the hand of an operator and move along the guide portion 82 for the suspension device.

[0059] As in the modified example shown in FIG. 5, the moving mechanism may be an electric moving mechanism 192. The electric moving mechanism 192 omits the operation wheel 92d and the moving cable body 92c with respect to the moving mechanism 92, and instead includes a motor 192m that rotationally drives the rolling element 92b. Power may be supplied to the motor 192m from an external power source 194. The electric moving mechanism 192 may incorporate a battery that drives the motor 192m.

[0060] An operation button 192B is connected to the motor 192m, and the motor 192m rotates in both forward and reverse directions in response to the operation of the operation button 192B. The rotation of the motor is transmitted directly or via a gear to the rolling element 92b. Thereby, the electric moving mechanism 192 can travel in both directions along the guide portion 82 for the suspension device.

[0061] If the electric moving mechanism 192 is used, the suspension device 90 can be easily moved along the guide portion 82 for the suspension device by driving the motor 191m.

[0062] The above-described moving mechanisms 92 and 192 may be so-called geared trolleys or electric trolleys.

[0063] As shown in FIG. 4, the suspension part 94 has a carrier connecting part 95 detachably connected to the horizontal carrier 40 and a cable-like body 94a extending from the carrier connecting part 95.

[0064] The carrier connecting part 95 is a part called a hook and has a shape in which a part of an annular shape is opened. The opened part is preferably closed by a fitting such as a latch. The horizontal carrier 40 has a hooking part that can hook the carrier connecting part 95. The hooking part is an annular part or a rod-shaped part attached to the horizontal carrier 40. By hooking the carrier connecting part 95 to the hooking part, it is detachably connected to the carrier connecting part 95. The hooking part is preferably provided on at least one side part of the carrier connecting part 95. More preferably, the hooking parts are provided on both side parts of the horizontal carrier 40.

[0065] The cable-like body 94a is a chain or the like and extends from the carrier connecting part 95.

[0066] The upper winding part 96 is configured to be able to pay out and wind up the cable-like body 94a with respect to the moving mechanism 92. For example, the upper winding part 96 has a winding-up rotating body 96a rotatably supported with respect to a base 96c, and a lever 96b for rotating the winding-up rotating body 96a. The cable-like body 94a is wound around the winding-up rotating body 96a. By rotating the winding-up rotating body 96a, the cable-like body 94a can be paid out from the upper winding part 96 or wound up. When the cable-like body 94a is paid out from the upper winding part 96, the carrier vehicle connecting part 95 descends, and when the cable-like body 94a is wound up, the carrier vehicle connecting part 95 ascends.

[0067] The support shaft of the lever 96b is connected to the winding-up rotating body 96a via a ratchet mechanism. By switching the ratchet mechanism, the reciprocating operation of the lever 96b is transmitted as a force for rotating the winding-up rotating body 96a in the winding-up direction or as a force for rotating the winding-up rotating body 96a in the pay-out direction. That is, by the operator's lever operation, the cable-like body 94a can be paid out or wound up.

[0068] The above-mentioned hanging lower part 94 and upper winding part 96 may be those called a lever block (registered trademark) or a lever hoist. The above-mentioned hanging lower part 94 and upper winding part 96 may be those called a chain block or a chain hoist. The above-mentioned hanging lower part 94 and upper winding part 96 may be electrically operated to wind up the cable-like body 94a and the like.

[0069] Since the guide part 82 for the hanging device and the hanging device 90 are located between the two storage shelves 50, the horizontal carrier vehicle 40 can be suspended between the two storage shelves 50.

[0070] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the positions of the guide part 82 for the hanging device and the hanging device 90 between the two support bases 62. The guide part 82 for the hanging device and the hanging device 90 may be located at the center of the two storage shelves 50, or may be located offset to one of the storage shelves 50 side. In the present embodiment, the guide part 82 for the hanging device and the hanging device 90 are located offset to one of the storage shelves 50 side between the two storage shelves 50.

[0071] In this embodiment, the maintenance device 80 for the automated warehouse further includes an auxiliary lifting device 100.

[0072] The auxiliary lifting device 100 is a device that lifts and supports the horizontal transfer vehicle 40 at a position different from the position where the transfer vehicle connection portion 95 of the horizontal transfer vehicle 40 is connected, at the position where the lifting device 90 starts to lift the horizontal transfer vehicle 40. As the auxiliary lifting device 100, for example, a configuration having a lifting portion 104 with the same configuration as the above-described lifting portion 94 and a winding portion 106 with the same configuration as the winding portion 96 may be used.

[0073] In this embodiment, since the lower end 83e1 of the suspension is located between the two transfer devices 60 in plan view, the auxiliary lifting device 100 is located between the two transfer devices 60 in plan view.

[0074] Further, the lifting device 90 is connected to one side of the horizontal transfer vehicle 40 to lift the transfer vehicle connection portion 95. Therefore, the auxiliary lifting device 100 is located at a position different from the lifting device 90 in the direction connecting the two transfer devices 60. Here, the lifting device 90 is disposed at a position biased toward one transfer device 60, and the auxiliary lifting device 100 is disposed at a position biased toward the other transfer device 60.

[0075] The auxiliary lifting device 100 serves to lift the other side of the horizontal transfer vehicle 40 to stably move the horizontal transfer vehicle 40 upward when the lifting device 90 lifts one side of the horizontal transfer vehicle 40 and moves it upward. After the lifting device 90 lifts the horizontal transfer vehicle 40 upward, since the posture of the horizontal transfer vehicle 40 becomes stable, the lifting state by the auxiliary lifting device 100 may be released. Therefore, the auxiliary lifting device 100 is installed at a fixed position in the automated warehouse 20. For example, the auxiliary lifting device 100 is supported at a fixed position by the storage shelf 50. The auxiliary lifting device 100 may be supported by a dedicated support column or the ceiling. The auxiliary lifting device 100 is not essential and may be omitted.

[0076] <Example of the operation of taking out the horizontal transfer vehicle using the maintenance device for the automated warehouse> The horizontal transfer vehicle 40 is taken out as follows.

[0077] First, the horizontal transfer vehicle 40 to be taken out is placed at a position below the take-out end 83e2. The horizontal transfer vehicle 40 may move on its own to a position below the take-out end 83e2, or may be moved to a position below the take-out end 83e2 by an operator. For the horizontal transfer vehicle 40 above the horizontal transfer vehicle 40 to be taken out, it is placed at a position deviated from below the take-out end 83e2. That is, below the take-out end 83e2, no other horizontal transfer vehicle 40 is placed above the horizontal transfer vehicle 40 to be taken out.

[0078] In this state, as shown in FIG. 6, the cable 94a of the suspension device 90 is drawn out, and the suspension part 94 is connected to one side part of the horizontal transfer vehicle 40. Also, the cable of the auxiliary suspension device 100 is drawn out, and the suspension part 104 is connected to the other side part of the horizontal transfer vehicle 40.

[0079] As shown in FIG. 7, the winding part 96 of the suspension device 90 winds up the cable 94a. Thereby, the suspension part 94 moves upward, one side part of the horizontal transfer vehicle 40 is lifted upward, and the horizontal transfer vehicle 40 tilts. When the cable 94a is further wound up and the suspension part 94 moves further upward, the tilt of the horizontal transfer vehicle 40 increases.

[0080] When the tilt of the horizontal transfer vehicle 40 increases, the wheels 41 on the other side of the horizontal transfer vehicle 40 may fall inward from the rail 48a. However, the other side of the horizontal transfer vehicle 40 is suspended by the suspension part 104 of the auxiliary suspension device 100. For this reason, even if the wheels on the other side of the horizontal transfer vehicle 40 drop off from the rail 48a, a large downward displacement of the other side part of the horizontal transfer vehicle 40 is suppressed. For this reason, by winding up the cable 94a by the winding part 96 of the suspension device 90, the horizontal transfer vehicle 40 can be lifted upward while gradually increasing the tilt of the horizontal transfer vehicle 40.

[0081] Regarding the auxiliary suspension device 100, it is advisable to gradually wind up the suspension part 104 while eliminating the slack of the cable body that suspends the suspension part 104 in accordance with the winding up by the suspension device 90.

[0082] When the winding up by the suspension device 90 is completed, the horizontal transfer cart 40 is suspended at a position above the travel path 48 below the guide part 82 for the suspension device. If the guide part 82 for the suspension device is at a position above the uppermost travel path 48, all the horizontal transfer carts 40 on the shelf levels can be suspended. Therefore, it is preferable that the guide part 82 for the suspension device is located above the uppermost travel path 48. Preferably, the horizontal transfer cart 40 is suspended at a position above the horizontal transfer cart 40 traveling on the uppermost travel path 48. Even if the guide part 82 for the suspension device is located at the middle in the vertical direction of the shelf level, the horizontal transfer cart 40 traveling on the travel path 48 below the guide part 82 for the suspension device can be suspended. Therefore, the guide part 82 for the suspension device only needs to be located above the lowermost travel path 48.

[0083] In this state, the suspension part 94 suspends and supports the horizontal transfer cart 40 in a posture that intersects the horizontal transfer cart 40 with respect to the horizontal direction. More specifically, the posture is such that the width direction of the horizontal transfer cart 40 is along the vertical direction. The horizontal transfer cart 40 has a smaller height dimension than the width dimension in the normal use state. For this reason, by setting the posture of the horizontal transfer cart 40 such that the width direction is along the vertical direction, the dimension W2 of the horizontal transfer cart 40 can be reduced in the direction connecting the two storage shelves 50. The width direction of the horizontal transfer cart 40 may be in a vertical posture or may be inclined with respect to the vertical posture. If the width direction of the horizontal transfer cart 40 is inclined with respect to the horizontal direction, it is easy to reduce the width of the horizontal transfer cart 40 in the suspended state. The width direction of the horizontal transfer cart 40 may be inclined by 45 degrees or more, preferably 60 degrees or more, more preferably 80 degrees or more with respect to the horizontal direction.

[0084] In this state, the suspension lower part 94 suspends and supports the horizontal transfer cart 40 in a posture that intersects the horizontal transfer cart 40 with respect to the horizontal direction. More specifically, the posture is such that the width direction of the horizontal transfer cart 40 is along the vertical direction. The horizontal transfer cart 40 has a smaller height dimension than the width dimension in the normal use state. Therefore, by setting the posture of the horizontal transfer cart 40 such that the width direction is along the vertical direction, the dimension W2 of the horizontal transfer cart 40 can be reduced in the direction connecting the two storage shelves 50.

[0085] By suspending the horizontal transfer cart 40 in the above posture, the interval P1 between the two columns 31 and the interval P2 between the two long members 52P can be made large enough for the horizontal transfer cart 40 suspended by the suspension device 90 to pass through.

[0086] As shown in FIG. 8, the horizontal transfer cart 40 suspended by the suspension device 90 is guided by the guide part 82 for the suspension device in the suspended posture and can move between the two transfer devices 60 and between the two lifting devices 30 to the take-out end 83e2 outside the traveling path 48. Since the horizontal transfer cart 40 moves while being suspended upward, it can move outward without interfering with the drive source 34a of the lifting device 30 or the intrusion prevention fence 38.

[0087] When the suspension device 90 reaches the take-out end 83e2, the cable-like body 94a is paid out, and the horizontal transfer cart 40 can be lowered onto the floor. Thereby, the horizontal transfer cart 40 can be maintained.

[0088] Conversely, the horizontal transfer cart 40 can be placed on the traveling path 48.

[0089] <Horizontal transfer cart 40> A more specific example of the horizontal transfer vehicle 40 will be described. FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing the horizontal transfer vehicle 40. FIGS. 11 and 12 are plan views showing the rear part of the horizontal transfer vehicle 40. FIG. 11 shows a state where the opening 43d of the housing 43 is closed by the cover 44, and FIG. 12 shows a state where the opening 43d is open. FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing the drive unit 41a. FIGS. 14 and 15 are enlarged side views showing the left rear part of the horizontal transfer vehicle 40. FIG. 14 shows a state where the side unit 47a is attached, and FIG. 15 shows a state where the side unit 47a is removed. FIG. 16 is a perspective view showing the rear part of the horizontal transfer vehicle 40.

[0090] In the following description, front and rear, left and right, and up and down correspond to the front and rear, left and right, and up and down shown in FIG. 10. The horizontal transfer vehicle 40 moves along the front-rear direction. In the portion of the horizontal transfer vehicle 40 in front of the center, the front side is the outer side along the front-rear direction, and the rear side is the inner side along the front-rear direction. In the portion of the horizontal transfer vehicle 40 behind the center, the rear side is the outer side along the vehicle width direction, and the front side is the inner side along the vehicle width direction. The vehicle width direction of the horizontal transfer vehicle 40 is the direction along the left-right direction. In the portion of the horizontal transfer vehicle 40 on the left side of the center, the left side is the outer side along the vehicle width direction, and the right side is the inner side along the vehicle width direction. In the portion of the horizontal transfer vehicle 40 on the right side of the center, the right side is the outer side along the vehicle width direction, and the left side is the inner side along the vehicle width direction.

[0091] The horizontal transfer vehicle 40 travels on a horizontally extending traveling path 48. The horizontal transfer vehicle 40 takes in and out the article W with respect to a shelf 52 that is located adjacent to the traveling path 48 and on which a plurality of articles W are stored side by side along the traveling path 48. The horizontal transfer vehicle 40 includes a cart 40a including the wheels 41, and the article taking-in and out mechanism 42 that takes in and out the article W between the cart 40a and the shelf 52.

[0092] The carriage 40a is the part that travels on the traveling path 48. The carriage 40a includes a vehicle body 41b and a drive unit 41a in addition to the above-mentioned wheels 41. The wheels 41 move on the traveling path 48. For example, two pairs of wheels, such as a pair of front wheels and a pair of rear wheels, may be provided. The vehicle body 41b rotatably supports the two pairs of wheels 41. Further, the vehicle body 41b has a mounting and supporting portion 41c for mounting and supporting the article W. The drive unit 41a is supported by the vehicle body 41b and rotationally drives the wheels 41. For example, the drive unit 41a includes a drive source such as a motor MT that generates a driving force, and a transmission mechanism such as a gear that transmits the driving force to the wheels 41.

[0093] As described above, here, the article loading and unloading mechanism 42 includes a pair of arms 42a and two pairs of claws 42b. The pair of arms 42a are provided on both sides in the front-rear direction with respect to the mounting and supporting portion 41c. One pair of claws 42b out of the two pairs of claws 42b are provided at one end in the left-right direction of the pair of arms 42a, and the other pair of claws 42b are provided at the other end in the left-right direction. The article loading and unloading mechanism 42 may have a configuration that does not use the arms 42a and the claws 42b, and may be, for example, a roller conveyor or the like.

[0094] The horizontal transfer vehicle 40 includes a housing 43, a cover 44, and an operation unit 45. The housing 43 covers the drive unit 41a. An opening 43d is formed in a part of the outer surface of the housing 43. The cover 44 covers the opening 43d of the housing 43 so as to be openable and closable. The operation unit 45 is provided inside the housing 43 at a position accessible from the opening 43d.

[0095] Here, the drive unit 41a and the housing 43 are provided at the rear of the horizontal transfer vehicle 40 with respect to the placement support portion 41c. The housing 43 has an upper plate portion 43a, side plate portions 43bL and 43bR, and a rear plate portion 43c. The upper plate portion 43a is the portion of the housing 43 that faces upward. Here, the upper plate portion 43a has a first upper plate portion 43a1 that faces vertically upward and a second upper plate portion 43a2 that is provided behind the first upper plate portion 43a1 and faces obliquely with respect to the vertical direction. One of the first upper plate portion 43a1 and the second upper plate portion 43a2 may be omitted. The side plate portions 43bL and 43bR are the portions of the housing 43 that face sideways. The side plate portions 43bL and 43bR have a side plate portion 43bR that faces rightward and a side plate portion 43bL that faces leftward. The rear plate portion 43c is the portion of the housing 43 that faces rearward. The housing 43 may be configured by connecting each plate portion. Two or more plate portions may be integrally formed. The housing 43 is fastened to the vehicle body 41b by a fastening member.

[0096] Here, the opening 43d is provided in the first upper plate portion 43a1 of the housing 43. The opening 43d may be provided in a panel portion of the housing 43 other than the first upper plate portion 43a1.

[0097] Here, the opening 43d is rectangular. The opening 43d may have a shape other than rectangular. Here, the first upper plate portion 43a1 and the opening 43d are longer in the left-right direction than in the front-rear direction. One or both of the first upper plate portion 43a1 and the opening 43d may be longer in the front-rear direction than in the left-right direction.

[0098] The opening 43d is smaller than the first upper plate portion 43a1. The lower limit of the size of the opening 43d is not particularly limited as long as an operator can operate the operation unit 45 through the opening 43d and can be set as appropriate. Preferably, the size of the opening 43d is such that an operator can insert a hand. For example, in each of the left-right direction and the front-rear direction, the length of the opening 43d may be about 20% to 80% of the length of the first upper plate portion 43a1. Here, in each of the left-right direction and the front-rear direction, the length of the opening 43d is about 50% to 80% of the length of the first upper plate portion 43a1.

[0099] Here, the opening 43d is provided at a position closer to one side (here, the left side) than the center of the first upper plate portion 43a1 in the left - right direction. Here, the opening 43d is formed such that an operator can insert a hand into the housing 43 through the opening 43d and access the side plate portion 43bL.

[0100] The cover 44 is formed to be the same size as or larger than the opening 43d. Here, the cover 44 is formed to be slightly larger than the opening 43d.

[0101] The cover 44 is attached to the housing 43 by a detachable locking member CR such as a clamp or a rivet. Here, mounting holes 44a are formed at the four corners of the cover 44. Also, on the housing 43, locking holes 43e are formed at the peripheries of the four corners of the opening 43d. The locking member CR may be tool - less, that is, it can be inserted into and removed from the holes simply by the operator directly pushing or pulling. The locking member CR may be elastically deformed by receiving a force from the peripheral portion of the hole when being inserted into and removed from the hole, so as to lock or unlock with respect to the hole.

[0102] When the cover 44 closes the opening 43d, the locking member CR is inserted into the mounting hole 44a and the locking hole 43e from the outside of the cover 44 and locked to the locking hole 43e, so that the cover 44 is kept in a state of closing the opening 43d. When the locking member CR locked to the locking hole 43e is removed and the cover 44 is displaced from the opening 43d, the opening 43d is opened.

[0103] The operation unit 45 is an operation unit 45 for switching the wheel 41 between a first traveling mode and a second traveling mode. When the operation unit 45 is operated, the traveling mode of the wheel 41 is switched. The first traveling mode is a mode in which the driving unit 41a enables traveling. The second traveling mode is a mode in which the wheel 41 can be manually traveled. In the second traveling mode, an operator can roll and move the horizontal transfer vehicle 40 on the rail by pushing the horizontal transfer vehicle 40 on the rail in the front-rear direction. In the first traveling mode, even if the operator pushes the horizontal transfer vehicle 40 on the rail in the front-rear direction with a force of the same magnitude as the force that enables the horizontal transfer vehicle 40 to move in the second traveling mode, it is difficult for the horizontal transfer vehicle 40 to roll and move on the rail.

[0104] The operation unit 45 includes a connector 45 connected to the driving unit 41a. By inserting and removing the connector 45, the first traveling mode and the second traveling mode are switched. The driving unit 41a includes a mating connector CN1 connected to the connector 45. By inserting and removing the connector 45 with respect to the mating connector CN1, the connector 45 and the mating connector CN1 are switched between a connected state and a non-connected state. Here, the first traveling mode is in the connected state, and the second traveling mode is in the non-connected state. It may be configured such that the second traveling mode is in the connected state and the first traveling mode is in the non-connected state.

[0105] The connector 45 is provided, for example, at one end of a cable CA1. The connection destination of the other end of the cable CA1 is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, a control unit or a power supply unit such as a current collector.

[0106] The mating connector CN1 may be provided on the device body of the drive unit 41a or on a cable extending from the device body of the drive unit 41a. The mating connector CN1 may be supported at a fixed position inside the housing 43. For example, even if the mating connector CN1 is provided on the device body of the drive unit 41a and the device body is fixed to the vehicle body 41b so that the mating connector CN1 is supported at a fixed position inside the housing 43. When the mating connector CN1 is supported at a fixed position inside the housing 43, it is possible to insert and remove the connector 45 without holding down the mating connector CN1 during insertion and removal. Thereby, the insertion and removal of the connector 45 becomes easy.

[0107] The connector 45 includes, for example, a connector terminal to which an end of the cable CA1 is connected and a connector housing that holds the connector terminal. The mating connector CN1 includes a mating connector terminal connected to the connector terminal and a mating connector housing that holds the mating connector terminal. When the cable CA1 is an electric wire, each of the connector terminal and the mating connector terminal is a conductive member, and each of the connector housing and the mating connector housing is an insulating member.

[0108] Inside the housing 43, it may be configured to be easily accessible to the connector 45. For example, there are a plurality of types of connectors inside the housing 43, and a connector device in which the connector 45 for switching the running mode and the mating connector CN1 among the plurality of types of connectors are connected may be arranged at a position closer to the opening 43d than other connectors for other purposes. Also, for example, the cable CA1 of the connector 45 for switching the running mode among the cables of the plurality of types of connectors may be made easily distinguishable by a different color from other cables.

[0109] However, it is not an essential configuration that the operation unit 45 is the connector 45. The operation unit 45 may be a switch or a lever other than the connector 45. The switch or the lever may be integrated with the motor or provided separately from the motor.

[0110] As shown in FIG. 13, here, the drive unit 41a includes a brake BR. The brake BR may be, for example, an electromagnetic brake BR. The connector 45 and the mating connector CN1 have a circuit connected to the brake BR. The horizontal transfer vehicle 40 has the brake BR automatically act when stopping from normal running. As long as the connector 45 is not removed, the brake BR cannot be manually released, so it is difficult to roll the wheels 41 to move the horizontal transfer vehicle 40. When the connector 45 is removed, the brake BR is manually released, and it becomes easy to roll the wheels 41 to move the horizontal transfer vehicle 40. During normal running, the control unit controls the on / off of the brake BR.

[0111] Therefore, the first running mode is a state where the control unit controls the brake BR. In the first running mode, when the horizontal transfer vehicle 40 is in a stopped state, the brake BR is in an operating state. The second running mode is a state where the brake BR is not operating. The second running mode may be a state where the brake BR is released from the control of the control unit.

[0112] As shown in FIG. 13, here, the drive unit 41a includes a motor MT as a drive source. The brake BR is a brake BR for the motor MT. However, the brake BR may be a brake other than the brake BR for the motor MT, for example, a brake for the wheels 41. Also, the operation target of the operation unit 45 may be other than the brake BR, for example, a gear or the like.

[0113] Here, the connector 45 also serves as a power supply to the drive unit 41a. The connector 45 has a circuit that supplies power to the drive unit 41a.

[0114] In addition, when an operator enters the traveling path 48 of the automatic warehouse 20, the power supply of the automatic warehouse 20 may be turned off first. As a result, when the operator contacts the horizontal transfer vehicle 40 on the rail 48a, basically, the power supply to the horizontal transfer vehicle 40 is not performed. In this case, as a double lock, a connector 45 in which the power supply circuit and the brake circuit are integrated may be used.

[0115] However, the connector 45 may be configured not to have a circuit for supplying power to the drive source. The connector 45 may be, for example, a dedicated brake connector 45 that has only a circuit for the brake BR.

[0116] Here, the horizontal transfer cart 40 includes a device 46. The device 46 is supported by the housing 43 so as to be movable between a first position P1 and a second position P2. The device 46 is set to the first position P1 during normal use and to the second position P2 during maintenance. As shown in FIG. 16, a device operation unit N for operating the movement of the device 46 between the first position P1 and the second position P2 is provided at a position accessible from the opening 43d.

[0117] The device 46 is attached so as to protrude outward from the side surface of the housing 43. Here, the device 46 is movably supported by the side plate portion 43bL. Specifically, the device 46 includes a device main body 46a and a bracket 46b that supports the device main body 46a. A guide groove 43g is formed in the side plate portion 43bL. The guide groove 43g is a through hole that penetrates the side plate portion 43bL. The base end portion of a bolt 46c protruding from the bracket 46b is inserted into the guide groove 43g. One end portion (here, the upper end portion) of the guide groove 43g corresponds to the first position P1, and the other end portion (here, the lower end portion) corresponds to the second position P2.

[0118] The first position P1 is a position where the device 46 protrudes in the height direction (here, the vertical direction) of the vehicle body 41b more than the wheels 41. The state where the base end portion of the bolt 46c is located at one end portion of the guide groove 43g is the state where the device 46 is at the first position P1. In the state where the device 46 is at the first position P1, the device main body 46a is located above the wheels 41. As shown in FIG. 14, in the state where the device 46 is at the first position P1, the upper portion of the device main body 46a protrudes above the upper plate portion 43a.

[0119] The second position P2 is a position where the protruding amount of the device 46 with respect to the wheel 41 in the height direction is smaller than that in the first position P1. The state where the base end portion of the bolt 46c is located at the other end portion of the guide groove 43g is the state where the device 46 is in the second position P2. As shown by the phantom line in FIG. 15, in the state where the device 46 is in the second position P2, the upper portion of the device main body 46a is located below the upper plate portion 43a. Here, in the state where the device 46 is in the second position P2, the upper end of the device 46 is at the same height as the upper end of the wheel 41.

[0120] The tip end portion of the bolt 46c protrudes into the housing 43 more than the side plate portion 43bL. The device operation portion N is, for example, a lock nut N fastened to the tip end portion of the bolt 46c. The lock nut N is fastened to the bolt 46c at each of the first position P1 and the second position P2 to fix the device 46 at each of the positions of the first position P1 and the second position P2. By releasing the fastening state of the lock nut N, the device 46 becomes movable between the first position P1 and the second position P2.

[0121] The guide groove 43g has a first groove portion extending upward from the lower end portion toward the upper end portion and a second groove portion extending in the front-rear direction from the upper end portion of the first groove portion. By providing the second groove portion, even if the fastening state of the lock nut N is released in the state where the device 46 is not supported at the first position P1, the device 46 is suppressed from falling downward along the guide groove 43g.

[0122] Here, the device 46 is connected to another device (for example, a control device) inside the housing 43 via the device cable CA2. The side plate portion 43bL is provided with an insertion hole 43f1 through which the device cable CA2 extending from the device 46 passes. For example, the insertion hole 43f1 is provided at the upper portion of the side plate portion 43bL and in front of the guide groove 43g.

[0123] The horizontal transfer vehicle 40 includes a side device 47d and a side device cable CA3. The side device 47d is detachably attached to the side surface of the vehicle body 41b. The side device cable CA3 is detachably connected to the side device 47d.

[0124] The housing 43 has an insertion hole 43f2 through which the side device cable CA3 is inserted. The side device cable CA3 extends from the inside of the housing 43 through the insertion hole 43f2 to the outside of the housing 43 and is connected to the side device 47d. With the side device cable CA3 removed, the portion of the side device cable CA3 located inside the housing 43 is pulled through the opening 43d, and the portion on the tip side of the insertion hole 43f2 can move inside the housing 43. For example, the insertion hole 43f2 is provided below the lower part of the side plate portion 43bL and below the guide groove 43g.

[0125] Here, the side device 47d is attached below the wheel 41. Here, the side device 47d is integrated with the guide roller 47c via the bracket 47b. The integrated unit of the side device 47d and the guide roller 47c via the bracket 47b is referred to as the side unit 47a. By using the side unit 47a, the guide roller 47c and the side device 47d can be detached and attached together. Thereby, they can be detached and attached more simply than detaching and attaching the guide roller 47c and the side device 47d individually.

[0126] Here, a plurality of side devices 47d are provided in one side unit 47a. The side unit 47a is provided with a mating connector CN3 connected to the connector CN2 provided at the end of the side device cable CA3, and a plurality of wirings 47e connecting the mating connector CN3 and each side device 47d. By inserting and removing the connector CN2 and the mating connector CN3, the connection with the plurality of side devices 47d can be performed collectively.

[0127] However, the side device 47d does not necessarily have to be unitized. Also, instead of providing a plurality of side devices 47d in one side unit 47a, only one side device 47d may be provided. Further, the side unit 47a may not include the guide roller 47c, and a plurality of side devices 47d may be unitized.

[0128] <Operation, etc.> When the horizontal transfer vehicle 40 in operation stops at an arbitrary position on the rail 48a and maintenance is required, an operator approaches the horizontal transfer vehicle 40. The operator who has reached the horizontal transfer vehicle 40 removes the locking member CR and opens the cover 44. Then, the operator operates the operation unit 45 to switch the running mode from the first running mode to the second running mode. Here, the running mode is switched from the first running mode to the second running mode by removing the connector 45 from the mating connector CN1. After the running mode is switched, the operator pushes the horizontal transfer vehicle 40 in the front-rear direction. As a result, the wheels 41 of the horizontal transfer vehicle 40 roll, and it moves on the rail 48a. The operator moves the horizontal transfer vehicle 40 to a predetermined position on the rail 48a. Thereby, the operator can perform maintenance work at a predetermined position on the rail 48a. After the movement of the horizontal transfer vehicle 40 is completed, the operator may or may not return the running mode to the first running mode. The running mode may be set to the first running mode, the second running mode, or appropriately switched during maintenance.

[0129] The predetermined position on the rail 48a is not particularly limited. For example, it may be a position where the surrounding is relatively open and it is easy for the operator to perform maintenance work. Also, when a maintenance device capable of suspending the horizontal transfer vehicle 40 at a predetermined position, such as the above-described maintenance device for the automated warehouse 80, is incorporated into the automated warehouse 20, the predetermined position may be the suspension position of the horizontal transfer vehicle 40.

[0130] Here, when the horizontal transfer vehicle 40 is suspended for maintenance, there is a risk that the device 46 and the side device 47d may interfere with peripheral members (such as the rail 48a or the shelf 52). Here, by moving the device 46 from the first position P1 to the second position P2 and removing the side device 47d, it is possible to suppress the interference of the device 46 and the side device 47d with the peripheral members during suspension.

[0131] At this time, the operator can move the device 46 from the first position P1 to the second position P2 by accessing the device operation unit N from the opening 43d and operating the device operation unit N. Further, after the operator disconnects the connector CN2 from the mating connector CN3 and removes the side unit 47a from the vehicle body 41b, the operator can access the side device cable CA3 whose connection to the side device 47d has been released from the opening 43d and store the side device cable CA3 in the housing 43.

[0132] When the maintenance of the horizontal transfer cart 40 is completed, the operator performs the reverse operation of the above to put the horizontal transfer cart 40 in an operable state. That is, with the horizontal transfer cart 40 returned onto the rail 48a from the suspended state, the operator accesses the device operation unit N from the opening 43d and moves the device 46 to the first position P1. Further, the operator attaches the side unit 47a to the vehicle body 41b and connects the connector CN2 at the end of the side device cable CA3 to the mating connector CN3. Also, the operator connects the connector 45 to the mating connector CN1 and returns the traveling mode to the first traveling mode. When the work through the opening 43d is completed, the cover 44 is closed and the locking member CR is attached. Thereby, the horizontal transfer cart 40 becomes in an operable state.

[0133] <Effects, etc.> According to the horizontal transfer cart 40 configured as described above, by opening the cover 44 and operating the operation unit 45 for switching the traveling mode, the horizontal transfer cart 40 can be manually traveled. Thereby, even when the horizontal transfer cart 40 stops at an arbitrary position on the traveling path 48, it becomes easy to manually move the horizontal transfer cart 40 to a predetermined maintenance position or the like on the traveling path 48. Thereby, the maintenance of the horizontal transfer cart 40 becomes easy.

[0134] Here, the housing 43 is also detachable from the vehicle body 41b, and by removing the housing 43 from the vehicle body 41b, it may be possible to access the operation unit 45. Even in this case, since the cover 44 is smaller than the housing 43, it is easier to attach and detach the cover 44 to and from the housing 43 than to attach and detach the housing 43 to and from the vehicle body 41b.

[0135] Also, since the first running mode and the second running mode are switched by inserting and removing the connector 45, it is difficult for a switching error of the running mode to occur. That is, an operator can confirm the switching of the running mode by visually checking the inserted / removed state of the connector 45.

[0136] Further, when the connector 45 is removed, the brake BR is released. Thereby, in a state where the connector 45 is removed and the brake BR is released, the horizontal transfer vehicle 40 can be moved by rolling the wheels 41 by manually pushing the horizontal transfer vehicle 40.

[0137] Also, the connector 45 has a circuit that supplies power to the drive unit 41a. Thereby, when the connector 45 is removed to switch the running mode to the second running mode, the power supply of the drive unit 41a is physically cut off at the same time, and the horizontal transfer vehicle 40 can be moved manually more safely.

[0138] Also, a device operation unit N for operating the movement of the device 46 between the first position P1 and the second position P2 is provided at a position accessible from the opening 43d. Thereby, when operating the operation unit 45 for switching the running mode through the opening 43d, the device operation unit N can also be operated to move the device 46.

[0139] Also, the device 46 is attached so as to protrude outward from the side surface of the housing 43. The first position P1 is a position that protrudes in the height direction (here, the vertical direction) of the vehicle body 41b more than the wheel 41, and the second position P2 is a position where the protruding amount of the device 46 with respect to the wheel 41 in the height direction is smaller than that of the first position P1. Thereby, during maintenance, the protruding amount of the device 46 in the height direction of the vehicle body 41b can be reduced. Thereby, for example, when the horizontal transfer vehicle 40 is rotated about an axis along the rail 48a to change the posture between the vertical posture and the horizontal posture, the device 46 is less likely to interfere with the peripheral members.

[0140] Also, with the side device cable CA3 removed, the portion of the side device cable CA3 located inside the housing 43 is pulled through the opening 43d, and the portion on the tip side of the insertion hole 43f2 can move inside the housing 43. Thereby, when operating the operation unit 45 for switching the traveling mode through the opening 43d, the side device cable CA3 can be pulled to accommodate the tip side portion inside the housing 43. Thereby, when the horizontal transfer vehicle 40 is moved with the side device 47d removed, the tip side portion of the side device cable CA3 is less likely to interfere with the peripheral members.

[0141] Also, by applying the horizontal transfer vehicle 40 to the automated warehouse 20, an automated warehouse 20 can be provided that can easily move the horizontal transfer vehicle 40 stopped at an arbitrary position on the travel path 48 manually.

[0142] <Supplementary Note> In addition, each configuration described in the above embodiments and each modification can be appropriately combined as long as they do not conflict with each other.

[0143] This specification and the drawings disclose the following aspects.

[0144] The first aspect is a horizontal transfer vehicle for loading and unloading articles with respect to a shelf that extends horizontally on a traveling path and in which a plurality of articles are stored side by side adjacent to the traveling path and along the traveling path. The horizontal transfer vehicle includes wheels that move on the traveling path, a vehicle body that rotatably supports the wheels and places and supports the articles, and a drive unit that is supported by the vehicle body and rotationally drives the wheels. The horizontal transfer vehicle also includes a trolley that travels on the traveling path, an article loading and unloading mechanism for loading and unloading articles between the trolley and the shelf, a housing that covers the drive unit and has an opening formed in a part of the outer surface, a cover that openably and closably covers the opening, and an operation unit for switching the traveling mode that is provided at a position accessible from the opening and switches the wheels between a first traveling mode in which the wheels can travel by the drive unit and a second traveling mode in which the wheels can travel manually.

[0145] According to this horizontal transfer vehicle, by opening the cover and operating the operation unit for switching the traveling mode, it becomes possible to manually drive the horizontal transfer vehicle. Thereby, even when the horizontal transfer vehicle stops at an arbitrary position on the traveling path, it becomes easy to manually move the horizontal transfer vehicle to a predetermined maintenance position or the like on the traveling path. Thereby, the maintenance of the horizontal transfer vehicle becomes easy.

[0146] The second aspect is the horizontal transfer vehicle according to the first aspect, wherein the operation unit includes a connector connected to the drive unit, and the first traveling mode and the second traveling mode are switched by inserting and removing the connector. Thereby, since the traveling mode is switched by inserting and removing the connector, it is difficult to make a mistake in switching the traveling mode.

[0147] The third aspect is the horizontal transfer vehicle according to the first or second aspect, wherein the drive unit includes a brake, the connector has a circuit connected to the brake, and the brake is released when the connector is removed. Thereby, in a state where the connector is removed and the brake is released, by manually pushing the horizontal transfer vehicle, the wheels can be rolled to move the horizontal transfer vehicle.

[0148] The fourth aspect is the horizontal transfer vehicle according to the third aspect, wherein the connector has a circuit for supplying power to the drive unit. Thereby, when the connector is removed to switch the traveling mode to the second traveling mode, the power supply of the drive unit is physically cut off at the same time, and the horizontal transfer vehicle can be manually moved more safely.

[0149] The fifth aspect is the horizontal transfer vehicle according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, comprising a device supported by the housing so as to be movable between a first position and a second position, the device being in the first position during normal use and in the second position during maintenance, and a device operation unit for operating the movement of the device between the first position and the second position of the device being provided at a position accessible from the opening. Thereby, when operating the operation unit for switching the traveling mode through the opening, the device operation unit can also be operated to move the device.

[0150] The sixth aspect is the horizontal transfer vehicle according to the fifth aspect, wherein the device is attached so as to protrude outward from a side surface of the housing, the first position is a position protruding in the height direction of the vehicle body more than the wheels, and the second position is a position where the amount of protrusion of the device with respect to the wheels in the height direction is smaller than that in the first position. Thereby, during maintenance, the amount of protrusion of the device in the height direction of the vehicle body can be reduced. Thereby, for example, when the horizontal transfer vehicle is rotated about an axis along the traveling rail to change the posture between the vertical posture and the horizontal posture, it is less likely that the device interferes with peripheral members.

[0151] The seventh aspect is the horizontal transfer vehicle according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, including a side device detachably attached to the side surface of the vehicle body, and a cable detachably connected to the side device. The housing has an insertion hole through which the cable is inserted. The cable extends from the inside of the housing to the outside of the housing through the insertion hole and is connected to the side device. With the cable removed, the portion of the cable located inside the housing is pulled through the opening, and the portion on the tip side of the insertion hole can move inside the housing. Thus, when operating the operation unit for switching the running mode through the opening, the cable can be pulled to accommodate the tip side portion inside the housing. This makes it less likely for the tip side portion of the cable to interfere with peripheral members when moving the horizontal transfer vehicle with the side device removed.

[0152] The eighth aspect is an automated warehouse comprising the horizontal transfer vehicle according to any one of the first to seventh aspects, a storage rack including a plurality of shelves, a plurality of the running paths provided side by side vertically and associated with the plurality of shelves, each extending horizontally along a position adjacent to the shelf, and a lifting device configured to perform at least one of an inbound lifting process of moving an item to be stored from an inbound height position to a height position corresponding to a storage location, and an outbound lifting process of moving the item to be shipped from a height position corresponding to the storage location to an outbound height position. This can provide an automated warehouse in which the horizontal transfer vehicle stopped at an arbitrary position on the running path can be easily moved manually.

[0153] The above description is illustrative in all aspects and the present invention is not limited thereto. Innumerable modifications not illustrated can be assumed without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0154] 20 Automated warehouse 30 Lifting device 40 Horizontal transfer vehicle 40a Trolley 41 Wheels 41a Driving unit 41b Vehicle body 41c Mounting and supporting part 42 Goods loading and unloading mechanism 43 Housing 43d Opening 43f1, 43f2 Insertion holes 44 Cover 45 Operation part (connector) 46 Equipment 47d Side equipment 48 Travel path 48a Rail 50 Storage shelf 52 Shelf CA1 Cable for operation part CA2 Cable for equipment CA3 Cable for side equipment MT Motor BR Brake N Equipment operation part P1 First position P2 Second position W Goods

Claims

1. A horizontal transporter for loading and unloading articles with respect to a shelf that extends horizontally along a traveling path and in which a plurality of articles are stored side by side adjacent to the traveling path, the horizontal transporter comprising: wheels that move on the traveling path; a vehicle body that rotatably supports the wheels and supports the articles thereon; and a drive unit that is supported by the vehicle body and rotationally drives the wheels, the transporter being a trolley that travels on the traveling path; an article loading and unloading mechanism for loading and unloading the articles between the trolley and the shelf; a housing that covers the drive unit and has an opening formed in a part of an outer surface thereof; a cover that covers the opening in an openable and closable manner; an operation unit for switching the traveling mode, provided at a position accessible from the opening, for switching the wheels between a first traveling mode in which the wheels can travel by the drive unit and a second traveling mode in which the wheels can travel manually; A horizontal transporter comprising the above components.

2. The horizontal transporter according to claim 1, wherein the operation unit includes a connector connected to the drive unit, and the first traveling mode and the second traveling mode are switched by inserting and removing the connector.

3. The horizontal transporter according to claim 2, wherein the drive unit includes a brake, the connector has a circuit connected to the brake, and the brake is released when the connector is removed.

4. The horizontal transporter according to claim 3, wherein the connector has a circuit for supplying power to the drive unit.

5. The horizontal transporter according to any one of claims 1 to 4, comprising a device supported by the housing so as to be movable between a first position and a second position, wherein the device is in the first position during normal use and in the second position during maintenance, and a device operation unit for operating the movement of the device between the first position and the second position is provided at a position accessible from the opening.

6. The horizontal transporter according to claim 5, wherein the device is attached so as to protrude outward from a side surface of the housing, the first position is a position protruding in the height direction of the vehicle body more than the wheels, and the second position is a position where the amount of protrusion of the device with respect to the wheels in the height direction is smaller than that in the first position.

7. A horizontal transfer cart according to any one of claims 1 to 4, a side device detachably attached to a side surface of the vehicle body, a cable detachably connected to the side device, comprising: the housing has an insertion hole through which the cable is inserted, the cable extends out of the housing from the inside of the housing through the insertion hole and is connected to the side device, a horizontal transfer cart, wherein, in a state where the cable is removed, a portion of the cable located inside the housing is pulled through the opening, and a portion on the tip side of the insertion hole is movable inside the housing.

8. a horizontal transfer cart according to any one of claims 1 to 4, a storage shelf including a plurality of tiers of the shelves, a plurality of the running paths provided side by side vertically and associated with the plurality of tiers of shelves, each extending along a horizontal direction at a position adjacent to the shelf, a lifting device that performs at least one of a warehousing lifting process of moving an article to be warehoused from a warehousing height position to a height position corresponding to a storage location, and an outwarehousing lifting process of moving the article to be outwarehoused from a height position corresponding to the storage location to an outwarehousing height position, an automated warehouse comprising.

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