Article conveyance device

Abstract

To provide an article conveyance device capable of preventing a power storage part from being damaged.SOLUTION: An article conveyance device (1) comprises a travel part for traveling along a travel route, a main body part (20) suspended from the travel part, and a power storage part (30) storing electric power. The main body part (20) has a first structure (40a) extended downward from the side of the travel part. The first structure (40a) houses the power storage part (30), and has a shock absorbing member (42) provided before the power storage part (30), i.e. on a side far from the center position of the main body part (20) in a front-rear direction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an article conveying device.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, in factories, warehouses, etc., automatic conveyance of articles using article conveying devices has been put into practical use. As such an article conveying device, for example, Patent Document 1 discloses an overhead conveyance vehicle that travels along a track laid on the ceiling. In the overhead conveyance vehicle of Patent Document 1, a cover that covers the conveyance device is provided in the front-rear direction of the conveyance device for conveying articles.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Here, among article conveying devices, there are some provided with a power storage unit for storing electric power. In the overhead conveyance vehicle of Patent Document 1, for example, there has been a problem that the power storage unit may be damaged when colliding with an obstacle or the like.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to provide an article conveying device capable of preventing damage to the power storage unit.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] To solve the above problems, the article conveying device of the present disclosure includes a traveling unit for traveling along a traveling route, a main body unit suspended from the traveling unit, and a power storage unit for storing power. When the traveling direction of the traveling unit is defined as the front-rear direction, the main body unit is disposed at least at either the front part or the rear part of the main body unit, and has a structure extending downward from the side of the traveling unit. The structure houses the power storage unit, and has a shock absorption member provided in front or rear, which is the side far from the center position in the front-rear direction of the main body unit with respect to the power storage unit.

Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, it is possible to prevent the power storage unit from being damaged when the article conveying device collides with an obstacle or the like.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] 〔Embodiment〕 Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the overall configuration of the article transfer device 1. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing the configuration of the main body 20 of the article transfer device 1. In FIG. 2, the traveling unit 10 is omitted. In the following description, as indicated by the arrows in FIGS. 1 and 2, the vertical direction, the front-rear direction, and the left-right direction of the article transfer device 1 are defined.

[0010] [Configuration of Article Transfer Device] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the article transfer device 1 is, for example, a ceiling transfer cart that transfers a FOUP (Front Opening Unified Pod) or the like that houses a semiconductor substrate as an article along a travel path (not shown) laid on the ceiling or near the ceiling. Note that the article transfer device 1 is not limited to a ceiling transfer cart, and may be, for example, a transfer cart that transfers articles along a travel path laid on the floor surface.

[0011] The article transfer device 1 includes a traveling unit 10, a main body unit 20, and a power storage unit 30. The traveling unit 10 has two pairs of left and right traveling wheels 11. The traveling unit 10 travels forward along the travel path by the traveling wheels 11. The traveling direction of the traveling unit 10 corresponds to the front-rear direction.

[0012] The traveling unit 10 is disposed on the base frame 22. The base frame 22 is a plate-shaped metal member that constitutes the upper surface of the main body unit 20. Bumpers 12 are integrally formed at the front and rear portions of the base frame 22, respectively. Note that the bumper 12 includes the front and rear most ends in the front-rear direction of the article transfer device 1.

[0013] The main body unit 20 is suspended from the traveling unit 10. The main body unit 20 has a holding unit 21 that suspends and holds an object, and a lifting unit (not shown) that raises and lowers the holding unit 21. The holding unit 21 holds an object by gripping claws or the like. The lifting unit is configured to have, for example, a winding belt, and raises and lowers the holding unit 21 in the vertical direction by winding and unwinding the winding belt. The article transfer device 1 travels with the holding unit 21 in the raised state to transfer articles.

[0014] A first structure 40a is disposed at the front of the main body 20. Also, a second structure 40b is disposed at the rear of the main body 20. The first structure 40a and the second structure 40b extend downward from the side of the traveling unit 1. The first structure 40a and the second structure 40b are an example of a structure. Note that the main body 20 may have a structure only at either the front or the rear of the main body 20.

[0015] [Cover] The first structure 40a has a first cover 41a. The second structure 40b has a second cover 41b. The first cover 41a and the second cover 41b are an example of a cover.

[0016] The first cover 41a is made of, for example, synthetic resin and is configured to cover the front surface of the main body 20. The first cover 41a extends in the vertical direction and has a shape in which both left and right end portions are curved toward the center in the front-rear direction of the main body 20. The first cover 41a is fixed to a frame 60 (to be described later) of the first structure 40a by screws or the like.

[0017] The second cover 41b is made of, for example, synthetic resin and is configured to cover the rear surface of the main body 20. The second cover 41b extends in the vertical direction and has a shape in which both left and right end portions are curved toward the center in the front-rear direction of the main body 20. The second cover 41b is fixed to the frame 60 of the second structure 40b by screws or the like.

[0018] [Shock Absorbing Member] The shock absorbing member 42 is a member for absorbing an impact applied to the power storage unit 30 when the article conveying device 1 collides with an obstacle or the like during traveling. In the first structure 40a, the shock absorbing member 42 is disposed between the first cover 41a and the power storage unit 30. That is, the shock absorbing member 42 of the first structure 40a is disposed in front of the power storage unit 30, on the side far from the center position in the front-rear direction of the main body 20.

[0019] The shock-absorbing member 42 of the first structure 40a has a shape along the outer shape of the first cover 41a. That is, the shock-absorbing member 42 of the first structure 40a extends in the vertical direction and has a shape in which both left and right ends are curved backward.

[0020] The shock-absorbing member 42 of the first structure 40a is fixed to the frame 60 described later by screws or the like. That is, the shock-absorbing member 42 of the first structure 40a is disposed between the first cover 41a and the frame 60.

[0021] Also in the second structure 40b, although not shown, the shock-absorbing member 42 is disposed between the second cover 41b and the power storage unit 30. That is, the shock-absorbing member 42 of the second structure 40b is disposed behind the power storage unit 30 on the side far from the central position in the front-rear direction of the main body 20.

[0022] Also, the shock-absorbing member 42 of the second structure 40b, although not shown, has a shape along the outer shape of the second cover 41b. That is, the shock-absorbing member 42 of the second structure 40b extends in the vertical direction and has a shape in which both left and right ends are curved forward.

[0023] The shock-absorbing member 42 of the second structure 40b is fixed to the frame 60 by screws or the like. That is, the shock-absorbing member 42 of the second structure 40b is disposed between the second cover 41b and the frame 60.

[0024] Note that the first structure 40a is provided with electronic devices such as a camera 51, a collision detection sensor 52, and a collision detection sensor 53. The camera 51 is a device for imaging another article conveying device or an obstacle in front. The collision detection sensor 52 is a sensor for detecting an obstacle or the like. The collision detection sensor 53 is a sensor for detecting another article conveying device in front. Note that the camera 51 may not be provided.

[0025] [Power storage unit] As shown in Fig. 2, the first structure 40a houses the power storage unit 30. Although not shown, the second structure 40b also has the power storage unit 30. The power storage unit 30 is, for example, a battery and is a member for storing surplus power in the article conveying device 1.

[0026] Fig. 3 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the power storage unit 30 and the frame 60. As shown in Fig. 3, the power storage unit 30 has a rectangular parallelepiped shape. A frame 60 is provided around the power storage unit 30. The frame 60 is made of, for example, a metal member. The frame 60 has a plate-like member that covers the front and rear surfaces of the power storage unit 30, plate-like members that cover the left and right side surfaces of the power storage unit 30, and columns that extend in the vertical direction.

[0027] As described above, the first structure 40a has a frame 60 configured to surround the power storage unit 30 (see Fig. 2). Although not shown, the second structure 40b also has a frame 60 configured to surround the power storage unit 30. These frames 60 have a function of reducing the impact applied to each power storage unit 30 when the article conveying device 1 collides with an obstacle or the like.

[0028] Note that a fire extinguishing sheet may be attached over the entire outer peripheral surface of the power storage unit 30. The fire extinguishing sheet is configured to generate an aerosol containing a fire extinguishing component, for example, when the temperature of the power storage unit 30 reaches a predetermined temperature or higher. Thereby, when the power storage unit 30 becomes hot and catches fire, the power storage unit 30 can be quickly extinguished by the effect of the fire extinguishing sheet.

[0029] [Reinforcing member] Fig. 4 is a perspective view showing the configuration around the shock absorbing member 42. As shown in Fig. 4, the shock absorbing member 42 is configured to include a first member 421 and a second member 422 that is thicker than the first member 421. The second member 422 has a first reinforcing member 422a, a second reinforcing member 422b, a third reinforcing member 422c, and a fourth reinforcing member 422d. Note that in the example shown in Fig. 4, the shock absorbing member 42 provided in the first structure 40a is shown.

[0030] The shock-absorbing member 42 is mainly composed of a first member 421. The first member 421 extends in the vertical direction and has a shape in which both left and right end portions are bent toward the center in the front-rear direction. The material of the first member 421 is a metal such as aluminum or stainless steel. The first member 421 has a rectangular opening 420 and the like.

[0031] The second member 422 is an elongated plate-like member for reinforcing the first member 421 and is composed of, for example, a bracket or a rib. The material of the second member 422 is a metal such as stainless steel. Note that the material of the second member 422 may also be a synthetic resin or the like.

[0032] The first reinforcing member 422a, the second reinforcing member 422b, and the third reinforcing member 422c are attached to the surface on the power storage unit 30 side around the opening 420 of the first member 421 by screws or the like. The fourth reinforcing member 422d is attached to the surface on the power storage unit 30 side at the lower end portion of the first member 421 by screws or the like.

[0033] Specifically, the first reinforcing member 422a extends in the left-right direction above the opening 420. The first reinforcing member 422a is in contact with the first member 421 and has a plurality of bent portions bent along the outer shape of the first member 421.

[0034] The second reinforcing member 422b extends in the left-right direction below the opening 420, arranged vertically with the first reinforcing member 422a. The second reinforcing member 422b is in contact with the first member 421 and has a plurality of bent portions bent along the outer shape of the first member 421.

[0035] The third reinforcing member 422c extends in the vertical direction on the left side of the opening 420 and is in contact with the first member 421. The vertical length of the third reinforcing member 422c is shorter than the horizontal lengths of the first reinforcing member 422a and the second reinforcing member 422b. Note that the first reinforcing member 422a, the second reinforcing member 422b, and the third reinforcing member 422c are included in a first deformed portion A1 described later.

[0036] The fourth reinforcing member 422d extends in the left - right direction at the lower end of the first member 421. The length of the fourth reinforcing member 422d in the left - right direction is longer than the lengths of the first reinforcing member 422a and the second reinforcing member 422b in the left - right direction. The fourth reinforcing member 422d has a plurality of bent portions bent along the outer shape of the first member 421. Note that the fourth reinforcing member 422d is included in the second deformation portion A2 described later.

[0037] [First Deformation Portion and Second Deformation Portion] FIG. 5 is a top view showing the arrangement configuration of the first deformation portion A1 and the second deformation portion A2 in the first structure 40a. In FIG. 5, the bumper 12 and the shock - absorbing member 42 disposed below the bumper 12 are shown superposed in the vertical direction, and the cross - sectional shape of the first member 421 of the shock - absorbing member 42 as viewed from above is shown.

[0038] As shown in FIG. 5, the shock - absorbing member 42 has a first deformation portion A1 and a second deformation portion A2. The first deformation portion A1 is arranged so as to include a position farther from the center position in the front - rear direction of the main body portion 20 than the second deformation portion A2.

[0039] That is, in the first structure 40a, the first deformation portion A1 includes the front portion of the first member 421 of the shock - absorbing member 42, the first reinforcing member 422a, the second reinforcing member 422b, and the third reinforcing member 422c. The second deformation portion A2 includes the rear portion of the first member 421 and the fourth reinforcing member 422d.

[0040] Note that since the first reinforcing member 422a, the second reinforcing member 422b, and the third reinforcing member 422c are provided around the opening 420 of the first member 421, the periphery of the opening 420 is less likely to be deformed by an impact.

[0041] Note that in the second structure 40b, although not shown, the first deformation portion A1 includes the rear portion of the first member 421 of the shock - absorbing member 42, the first reinforcing member 422a, the second reinforcing member 422b, and the third reinforcing member 422c. The second deformation portion A2 includes the front portion of the first member 421 and the fourth reinforcing member 422d.

[0042] The first deformed portion A1 of the shock absorption member 42 has a trapezoidal outer shape. The second deformed portion A2 has a trapezoidal outer shape that is larger than that of the first deformed portion A1. These first deformed portion A1 and second deformed portion A2 are arranged side by side in the front-rear direction. Note that a bumper 12 is disposed at the outermost ends in the front-rear direction of the article conveying device 1.

[0043] In the article conveying device 1 having such a configuration, when the article conveying device 1 collides with an obstacle or another article conveying device in the front-rear direction, first, the bumper 12 deforms. When the shock is not absorbed by the bumper 12, the first deformed portion A1 of the shock absorption member 42 deforms as the first cover 41a deforms. When the first deformed portion A1 deforms, the camera 51, the collision detection sensor 52, the collision detection sensor 53, etc. are damaged, but the power storage unit 30 is not damaged.

[0044] Then, after the first deformed portion A1 deforms, the second deformed portion A2 deforms. Since the second reinforcing member 422b is provided in the second deformed portion A2, it is easy to absorb an external shock.

[0045] When the second deformed portion A2 deforms, a power source, a drive unit, etc. (not shown) are damaged, but the power storage unit 30 is not damaged. In this way, since the first deformed portion A1 and the second deformed portion A2 absorb the external shock step by step, the shock applied to the power storage unit 30 is effectively reduced, preventing damage to the power storage unit 30.

[0046] 〔Effects of the Embodiment〕 According to the article conveying device 1 of the present embodiment described above, since the shock absorption member 42 is provided in front of the power storage unit 30 in the first structure 40a, the shock applied to the power storage unit 30 can be reduced when the article conveying device 1 collides with an obstacle in front or the like. Also, since the shock absorption member 42 is provided behind the power storage unit 30 in the second structure 40b, the shock applied to the power storage unit 30 can be reduced when the article conveying device 1 collides with an obstacle behind or the like. In this way, damage to the power storage unit 30 and the article can be prevented.

[0047] In particular, since the shock-absorbing members 42 are respectively arranged between the first cover 41a and the power storage unit 30 and between the second cover 41b and the power storage unit 30, even if the first cover 41a and the second cover 41b are deformed when the article conveying device 1 collides with an obstacle or the like, each shock-absorbing member 42 can surely absorb the shock applied from the first cover 41a and the second cover 41b to the power storage unit 30.

[0048] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 3, since the periphery of the power storage unit 30 is surrounded by a metal frame 60, the shock applied from the outside to the power storage unit 30 can be surely reduced, and damage to the power storage unit 30 can be more surely prevented.

[0049] Also, as shown in FIG. 4, the shock-absorbing member 42 has a configuration in which a second member 422 having a greater thickness than the first member 421 is attached to the first member 421. Therefore, the strength of the shock-absorbing member 42 can be improved by the second member 422. Thereby, when the article conveying device 1 collides with an obstacle or the like, the shock applied to the power storage unit 30 can be surely reduced.

[0050] 〔Other Embodiments〕 In the article conveying device 1 of the above-described embodiment, the first structure 40a is arranged at the front part of the main body part 20, and the second structure 40b is arranged at the rear part of the main body part 20. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a configuration in which a structure is arranged only on one of the front part or the rear part of the main body part 20 may be used.

[0051] Also, in the article conveying device 1 of the above-described embodiment, it is assumed that the power storage unit 30 is accommodated in both the first structure 40a and the second structure 40b. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the power storage unit 30 may be accommodated in only one of the first structure 40a or the second structure 40b. In this case, the shock-absorbing member 42 may be provided only in the structure in which the power storage unit 30 is accommodated.

[0052] In the article conveying device 1 of the above-described embodiment, the first cover 41a is disposed on the first structure 40a and the second cover 41b is disposed on the second structure 40b. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a cover may be disposed only on one of the first structure 40a or the second structure 40b, or the cover may be omitted.

[0053] In the above-described embodiment, the second member 422 is disposed on the surface of the first member 421 on the side of the power storage unit 30. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the second member 422 may be disposed on the surface of the first member 421 on the side opposite to the power storage unit 30. Further, the second member 422 may be disposed at a location on the first member 421 where damage is likely to occur, and the number and arrangement location of the second member 422 can be appropriately changed.

[0054] In the above-described embodiment, the second member 422 is attached to the first member 421 by screws or the like. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the second member 422 may be attached to the first member 421 by double-sided tape or the like. Further, the second member 422 may be integrally formed with the first member 421.

[0055] In the first structure 40a and the second structure 40b, for example, heat sinks for dissipating heat generated by the power storage unit 30 may be respectively disposed on the upper surface and the left and right side surfaces of the power storage unit 30 inside the frame 60. According to this configuration, since the heat generated by the power storage unit 30 is dissipated well through the heat sinks, it is possible to prevent the power storage unit 30 from becoming overheated.

[0056] In the first structure 40a and the second structure 40b, for example, fans for blowing air to the power storage unit 30 may be respectively provided in the space above the power storage unit 30. According to this configuration, by blowing air to the power storage unit 30 by the fans, it is possible to prevent the power storage unit 30 from becoming hot.

[0057] 〔Summary〕 The article conveying device according to the first aspect of the present disclosure includes a traveling unit for traveling along a traveling route, a main body unit suspended from the traveling unit, and a power storage unit for storing power. When the traveling direction of the traveling unit is defined as the front-rear direction, the main body unit is disposed at least at either the front part or the rear part of the main body unit, and has a structure that extends downward from the side of the traveling unit. The structure houses the power storage unit, and has a shock absorbing member provided in front or rear, which is the side far from the center position in the front-rear direction of the main body unit with respect to the power storage unit.

[0058] According to the article conveying device according to the first aspect, since the shock absorbing member is provided in front or rear of the power storage unit, the shock applied to the power storage unit can be reduced when the article conveying device collides with an obstacle or the like. Thereby, damage to the power storage unit can be prevented.

[0059] In the article conveying device according to the second aspect of the present disclosure, in the first aspect, the structure further has a cover configured to cover either the front surface or the rear surface of the main body unit. The shock absorbing member is disposed between the cover and the power storage unit.

[0060] According to the article conveying device according to the second aspect, since the shock absorbing member is disposed between the cover and the power storage unit, even if the cover is deformed when the article conveying device collides with an obstacle or the like, the shock absorbing member can absorb the shock to the power storage unit. Thereby, damage to the power storage unit can be effectively prevented.

[0061] In the article conveying device according to the third aspect of the present disclosure, in the second aspect, the structure further has a frame configured to surround the power storage unit. The shock absorbing member is disposed between the cover and the frame.

[0062] According to the article conveying device according to the third aspect, since the power storage unit is surrounded by the frame, the shock applied to the power storage unit can be more reliably reduced when the article conveying device collides with an obstacle or the like.

[0063] In the conveying device according to the fourth aspect of the present disclosure, in any one of the first to third aspects, the shock absorbing member is configured to include a first member and a second member having a different thickness from the first member.

[0064] According to the conveying device according to the fourth aspect, since the shock absorbing member includes the first member and the second member having a different thickness from the first member, the strength of the shock absorbing member can be improved by the second member, and when the article conveying device collides with an obstacle or the like, the shock applied to the power storage unit can be more reliably reduced.

[0065] In the conveying device according to the fifth aspect of the present disclosure, in any one of the first to fourth aspects, the shock absorbing member has a first deformed portion and a second deformed portion. The first deformed portion is arranged so as to include a position farther from the center position in the front-rear direction of the main body portion than the second deformed portion.

[0066] According to the conveying device according to the fifth aspect, at the time of collision between the article conveying device and an obstacle or the like, the first deformed portion and the second deformed portion can absorb the shock applied to the power storage unit step by step, and effectively reduce the shock applied to the power storage unit.

[0067] The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible within the scope shown in the claims. The present disclosure also includes configurations obtained by appropriately combining the technical means disclosed in the embodiments.

Description of Reference Numerals

[0068] 1 Article conveying device 10 Traveling unit 12 Bumper 20 Main body portion 30 Power storage unit 40a First structure 40b Second structure 41a First cover 41b Second cover 42 Shock absorbing member 60 Frame 421 First member 422 Second member 422a First reinforcing member 422b Second reinforcing member 422c Third reinforcing member 422d Fourth reinforcing member A1 First deformation part A2 Second deformation part

Claims

1. A traveling unit for traveling along a traveling route, a main body unit suspended from the traveling unit, a power storage unit for storing power, and comprising, when the traveling direction of the traveling unit is defined as the front-rear direction, the main body unit is disposed at at least one of the front part or the rear part of the main body unit, and has a structure extending downward from the side of the traveling unit, the structure, accommodates the power storage unit, and an article conveying device, characterized in that it has a shock absorbing member provided on the front or rear side, which is farther from the center position in the front-rear direction of the main body unit, with respect to the power storage unit.

2. The structure further has a cover configured to cover either the front surface or the rear surface of the main body unit, The article conveying device according to claim 1, wherein the shock absorbing member is disposed between the cover and the power storage unit.

3. The structure, further has a frame configured to surround the power storage unit, The article conveying device according to claim 2, wherein the shock absorbing member is disposed between the cover and the frame.

4. The shock absorbing member, a first member, and a second member having a different thickness from the first member, and is configured to include the article conveying device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The shock absorbing member has a first deformation part and a second deformation part, The article conveying device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first deformation part is disposed so as to include a position farther from the center position in the front-rear direction of the main body unit than the second deformation part.

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