Article conveyance facility

Abstract

To realize an article conveyance facility capable of easily alleviating a passage failure of a conveyance vehicle.SOLUTION: An article conveyance facility 10 in which each of a plurality of conveyance vehicles travels on a floor F1 installed on a platform to convey articles comprises: the floor F1 having a first passage R1, a second passage R2 arranged so as not to intersect with the first passage F1, a connection area E2 connecting a first base end part R1a which is one end of the first passage R1 with a second base end part R2a which is one end of the second passage R2; and a bridge unit 50 connecting the first passage R1 and the second passage R2 which is detachably provided on the floor F1.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an article transport facility in which a plurality of transport vehicles transport articles. [Background technology]

[0002] There is known an article transport facility in which a plurality of transport vehicles transport articles. For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2000-128318 (Patent Document 1) describes an article transport facility that includes an aisle (F) having an entrance (13) and an exit (14), and in which a plurality of transport vehicles (2) receive and transport articles (W) from a storage shelf (7) adjacent to the aisle (F). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2000-128318 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the article conveying equipment of Patent Document 1, the passage is track-shaped, and multiple conveyance vehicles are loaded into the passage from an entrance, circulate through the passage, and are removed from an exit. Therefore, if a traffic jam occurs in which a conveyance vehicle is blocked from passing through a part of the passage, not only the conveyance vehicle but also other conveyance vehicles on the passage are blocked from passing through, making it difficult to remove the conveyance vehicle from the exit.

[0005] Therefore, it is desirable to realize an article transport facility that can easily alleviate the disruption of transport vehicle traffic. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The item transport equipment disclosed herein is an item transport equipment in which multiple transport vehicles each travel along a floor installed on a platform to transport items, the floor comprising a first passageway, a second passageway arranged so as not to intersect with the first passageway, and a connection area connecting a first base end portion which is one end of the first passageway and a second base end portion which is one end of the second passageway, and a bridge unit connecting the first passageway and the second passageway is detachably provided on the floor.

[0007] According to this configuration, a connecting passageway that connects the first passageway and the second passageway can be provided using the bridge unit. Therefore, if an obstacle that prevents the passage of the transport vehicle occurs in either the first passageway or the second passageway, the transport vehicle can be moved to the other of the first passageway and the second passageway via the connecting passageway. Therefore, it is possible to alleviate the impediment to the passage of the transport vehicle due to the obstacle. Furthermore, according to this configuration, since the bridge unit is detachable, when the bridge unit is removed, it is possible to prevent the bridge unit from obstructing people, vehicles, etc. passing between the first passageway and the second passageway. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a top view of an article transport facility according to a first embodiment; [Figure 2] 2 is a cross-sectional view of the first passage of FIG. 1 taken along line II-II. [Figure 3] Control block diagram of the article conveying facility 10 of FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a first floor F1 of the article transport facility 10 of FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a second floor F2 of the article transport facility 10 of FIG. [Figure 6] 10 is a top view of an article transport facility according to a second embodiment. [Figure 7] 7 is a cross-sectional view of the second passage of FIG. 6 taken along line VII-VII. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

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

[0010] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of an article conveying facility 10 that conveys articles W using a plurality of transport vehicles 20. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line II-II of a first passage R1 of the article conveying facility 10, and a second passage R2 has a similar structure. Each of the plurality of transport vehicles 20 travels on a floor F installed on a platform 12 to convey the articles W. In this embodiment, the article conveying facility 10 is an article sorting facility in which each of the plurality of transport vehicles 20 automatically travels on the floor F to convey the articles W, thereby sorting the articles W. The platform 12 is installed on the floor or ground of a facility such as a building or a ship. Examples of the platform 12 include a structure made of pillars and beams, a structure with a top plate, a table, a box, etc.

[0011] The article transport facility 10 has a floor F on which the transport vehicle 20 travels. The floor F is positioned above the floor of the facility on a platform 12 at a position Z1 above the floor of the facility. Here, a specific direction along the floor F is defined as the Y direction, and a direction along the floor F that is perpendicular to the Y direction is defined as the X direction. One side of the Y direction is defined as the Y direction first side Y1, and the other side of the Y direction is defined as the Y direction second side Y2. One side of the X direction is defined as the X direction first side X1, and the other side of the X direction is defined as the X direction second side X2. The up-down direction is defined as the Z direction. In this embodiment, the floor F is a travel surface provided on the platform 12 indoors.

[0012] The article conveying equipment 10 is equipped with a supply unit 15 that supplies articles W to the transport vehicle 20. The supply unit 15 is arranged on the first side Y1 in the Y direction with respect to the connection area E2. In this embodiment, the article conveying equipment 10 is equipped with multiple supply units 15. In the supply unit 15, a work entity 16 transfers articles W to the transport vehicle 20. Here, the "work entity" refers to, for example, one or both of a worker and a work device. The work entity 16 transfers articles W to the transport vehicle 20 from a supply conveying device 17 that transports articles W from an automated warehouse not shown in the figure. Examples of the supply conveying device 17 include a belt conveyor, a crane, an arm-type robot, etc.

[0013] The floor F has a first passage R1. One end of the first passage R1 is referred to as a first base end R1a. The end of the first passage R1 opposite the first base end R1a is referred to as a first tip end R1c. The first passage R1 is a one-way passage along which the transport vehicle 20 travels from the first base end R1a to the first tip end R1c.

[0014] The floor F is equipped with a second passage R2. One end of the second passage R2 is referred to as a second base end R2a. The end of the second passage R2 opposite the second base end R2a is referred to as a second tip end R2c. The second passage R2 is arranged so as not to intersect with the first passage R1. The second passage R2 is a one-way passage along which the transport vehicle 20 travels from the second base end R2a to the second tip end R2c.

[0015] Examples of the first passage R1 and the second passage R2 include a straight passage, a curved passage, a passage in which the first passage R1 and the second passage R2 are parallel to each other, a passage in which the first passage R1 and the second passage R2 are inclined to each other, a passage with one lane each, a passage with multiple lanes each, etc. In this embodiment, the first passage R1 and the second passage R2 are straight passages parallel to each other.

[0016] The floor F includes a connection area E2. The connection area E2 connects the first base end R1a and the second base end R2a. The first passage R1 and the second passage R2 are disposed on the second side Y2 in the Y direction relative to the connection area E2. The connection area E2 connects the first base end R1a and the second base end R2a so that the transport vehicle 20 can travel therethrough.

[0017] The floor F includes a supply area E1 in which a supply unit 15 is provided. The connection area E2 is located on the second side Y2 in the Y direction relative to the supply area E1. Both the transport vehicle 20 heading from the supply unit 15 to the first passage R1 and the transport vehicle 20 heading from the supply unit 15 to the second passage R2 pass through the connection area E2.

[0018] The connection area E2 is an area that extends in the Y and X directions. In this embodiment, multiple supply areas E1 are arranged, each with a supply unit 15. The multiple supply areas E1 are arranged side by side in the X direction. The supply area E1 and connection area E2 set on floor F may each be an area into which floor F is actually divided, or may be a virtual area. In this embodiment, the boundary between the supply area E1 and the connection area E2 is a virtual boundary set on floor F.

[0019] The article conveying equipment 10 includes a receiving section 31 that receives articles W from the transport vehicle 20. In this embodiment, a plurality of receiving sections 31 are arranged along each of the first passage R1 and the second passage R2. Here, a pair of passage-like areas, the first passage R1 and the second passage R2, is defined as one receiving area E3. In this embodiment, the floor F includes a plurality of receiving areas E3. The plurality of receiving areas E3 are arranged side by side in the X direction. The receiving area E3 is connected to the supply area E1 by a connection area E2 so that the transport vehicle 20 can travel through it.

[0020] On each side of the first passage R1 in the X direction, a plurality of receiving sections 31 are arranged lined up along the Y direction. On each side of the second passage R2 in the X direction, a plurality of receiving sections 31 are arranged lined up along the Y direction. The transport vehicle 20 is equipped with a transfer section 21 that transfers the item W from the transport vehicle 20 to the receiving section 31. The transfer section 21 is configured so that the position of the placement surface 22 on which the item W is placed can be freely changed between a "horizontal position" and an "inclined position." The item W is placed on the placement surface 22 in the horizontal position and transported, and is transferred to the receiving section 31 when the placement surface 22 is in the inclined position. The transport vehicle 20 is equipped with a running section 25. The running section 25 is provided with a plurality of wheels 23 that roll on a running surface on the floor F.

[0021] Examples of the transport vehicle 20 include a storage battery, a fuel cell, an electric vehicle that runs on power supplied from the floor F by contact power supply or non-contact power supply, and a vehicle equipped with an internal combustion engine. A storage battery 27 (see FIG. 3) is mounted on the running section 25 of the transport vehicle 20. In this embodiment, the transport vehicle 20 is an electric unmanned transport vehicle.

[0022] 2, each of the multiple receiving sections 31 is provided with an X-direction guide device 35 that guides the article W in the X direction. The article W transferred to the receiving section 31 is guided by the X-direction guide device 35 and stored in a container 38 corresponding to each of the multiple receiving sections 31. Examples of the X-direction guide device 35 include a belt conveyor, a transport device such as a crane, a chute, a roller table, etc. The X-direction guide device 35 is provided in the receiving sections 31 on both sides in the X direction of the first passage R1, and in the receiving sections 31 on both sides in the X direction of the second passage R2.

[0023] 1 and 2, the article conveying equipment 10 is equipped with a Y-direction guide device 36 that guides articles W in the Y direction. The Y-direction guide device 36 is provided adjacent to the X-direction guide device 35. When the type and number of articles W specified in one piece of order information are placed in a container 38, the Y-direction guide device 36 transports the container 38 to, for example, a shipping location. Examples of the Y-direction guide device 36 include a belt conveyor, a transport device such as a crane, a chute, a roller table, etc.

[0024] In this embodiment, a work area 39 where the worker 16 performs work is arranged adjacent to multiple receiving sections 31. Examples of work that the worker 16 performs in the work area 39 include part of the work of sorting the items W, work of transferring the items W, work for maintaining or repairing the first aisle R1 or the second aisle R2, etc. In this embodiment, the worker 16 performs part of the work of sorting the items W, but the sorting work may be fully automated and the work area 39 may not be provided.

[0025] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of control of the article conveying equipment 10. In this embodiment, the article conveying equipment 10 includes a control system 40 that controls the transport vehicle 20. In the illustrated example, the control system 40 includes a control device 41 that controls the transfer unit 21 and the traveling unit 25 of the transport vehicle 20, the supply and conveyance device 17, the X-direction guide device 35, and the Y-direction guide device 36. The control device 41 includes an arithmetic processing device such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and a main storage device accessible by the arithmetic processing device, such as a RAM (Random Access Memory) or a ROM (Read Only Memory). Each function of the control device 41 (e.g., the function of controlling the travel of the transport vehicle 20) is realized by cooperation between hardware included in the control device 41 and a program executed on hardware such as the arithmetic processing device. Specifically, each function of the control device 41 is realized by the control device 41 executing a program stored in a storage device (such as a main storage device or a separately provided storage unit). In other words, a program (e.g., an item transport program) for causing a computer (the computer of the control system 40) to realize each function of the control device 41 is stored in a storage device accessible by the computer. This program is provided, for example, by a storage medium or via a communication network. The provided program is then stored in a storage device accessible by the computer. In this embodiment, the control device 41 (specifically, an arithmetic processing device provided in the control device 41) functions as the "computer." The control device 41 may not be a single piece of hardware, but may be configured by a collection of multiple pieces of hardware (multiple separate pieces of hardware) that can communicate with each other via wire or wirelessly. For example, the control device 41 may be configured to include a host control device located in a control facility (not shown) that controls multiple guided vehicles 20, and a control device installed in each guided vehicle 20.

[0026] In this embodiment, the floor F is divided into a plurality of virtual unit areas Au (see FIGS. 4 and 5) that form a grid when viewed in the Z direction. The travel route of the transport vehicle 20 is set so as to connect a plurality of arbitrary virtual unit areas Au. In this embodiment, a position information detection unit 29 (see FIG. 3) is provided in each of the plurality of transport vehicles 20. A position information holder is provided in each of the virtual unit areas Au. When the transport vehicle 20 travels along the travel route, the position information detection unit 29 of the transport vehicle 20 is configured to detect position information held by the position information holder arranged in each virtual unit area Au. Examples of the position information holder include a barcode (one-dimensional code), a two-dimensional code, and an IC tag. The position information detected by the position information detection unit 29 is transmitted from the transport vehicle 20 to a control device 41 provided in the control system 40.

[0027] In this embodiment, the control system 40 issues transport commands to each transport vehicle 20. The transport command specifies the "origin" and "destination" of the item W. In this embodiment, the origin is the supply unit 15. The destination is the receiving unit 31. The transport command specifies the travel route of the transport vehicle 20 from the origin to the destination. Upon receiving the transport command from the control system 40, the transport vehicle 20 receives the item W at the specified origin and transports the item W to the specified destination.

[0028] In the transport command of this embodiment, a "transport outbound route" is set for traveling from the supply section 15 to the end of the receiving area E3. In the transport command of this embodiment, a "transport return route" is set for traveling from the end of the receiving area E3 to the supply section 15. In this embodiment, the first tip R1c of the first passage R1 and the second tip R2c of the second passage R2 are the end of the receiving area E3. In this embodiment, the transport vehicle 20 traveling on the transport return route is an empty transport vehicle that does not support an item W.

[0029] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a first floor F1 of the article conveying equipment 10. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a second floor F2 of the article conveying equipment 10. In addition to the first floor F1 as a floor F, the article conveying equipment 10 includes a second floor F2 arranged on the upper side Z1 or lower side Z2 of the first floor F1. In this embodiment, the second floor F2 is arranged on the upper side Z1 of the first floor F1, and the first floor F1 and the second floor F2 are adjacent to each other. The second floor F2 may or may not be installed on a platform 12. In the illustrated example, a supply area E1, a connection area E2, and a receiving area E3 are provided on the first floor F1.

[0030] In this embodiment, a charging position 44 for charging the transport vehicle 20 by the charger 43 is set on floor F (second floor F2 in the illustrated example). This allows efficient use of the connection area E2 where the supply unit 15 and receiving unit 31 are not located. In the illustrated example, the charger 43 is arranged adjacent to the connection area E2. The charging position 44 is arranged so that multiple transport vehicles 20 can stop there. Note that the charging position 44 may also be arranged adjacent to the connection area E2.

[0031] In this embodiment, when the amount of stored power in the transport vehicle 20 is less than a specified amount (for example, less than 50% of the amount of stored power in a fully charged state), the transport vehicle 20 moves to and stops at a charging position 44. At the charging position 44, the storage battery 27 (see FIG. 3) provided in the transport vehicle 20 can be quickly charged. The charger 43 may be a non-contact power supply device or a contact power supply device. In this embodiment, a control device 41 provided in a control system 40 described later acquires the amount of stored power in the storage battery 27 of each transport vehicle 20, and controls the transport vehicle 20 with less than the specified amount of stored power to move to the charging position 44.

[0032] The article conveying equipment 10 includes a bridge unit 50 that connects the first passage R1 and the second passage R2. The bridge unit 50 is detachably provided on the floor F. In this embodiment, the bridge unit 50, when attached to the floor F, connects the first passage R1 and the second passage R2 so that the conveying vehicle 20 can pass through. The first passage R1 and the second passage R2 may be directly or indirectly connected by the bridge unit 50. The bridge unit 50 is attached to the floor F so as to be located on the second side X2 in the X direction of the first passage R1 and on the first side X1 in the X direction of the second passage R2.

[0033] The bridge unit 50 connects a first intermediate portion R1m between the first base end portion R1a and the first tip end portion R1c in the first passage R1, and a second intermediate portion R2m between the second base end portion R2a and the second tip end portion R2c in the second passage R2. The distance from the first base end portion R1a to the first intermediate portion R1m is longer than the distance from the first intermediate portion R1m to the first tip end portion R1c. The distance from the second base end portion R2a to the second intermediate portion R2m is longer than the distance from the second intermediate portion R2m to the second tip end R2c. Note that the bridge unit 50 may be configured to connect the first tip end portion R1c and the second tip end portion R2c.

[0034] The bridge unit 50 has a travel surface on which the transport vehicle 20 can travel. In this embodiment, the travel surface is formed on the upper surface of the bridge unit 50. The travel surface of the bridge unit 50 may be a one-lane passageway or a multi-lane passageway. The travel surface of the bridge unit 50 may be configured so that the transport vehicle 20 can travel on its own, or may be configured so that the transport vehicle 20 can travel by being pushed by hand.

[0035] The bridge unit 50 is configured so that the transport vehicle 20 travels in a straight line. In this embodiment, the bridge unit 50 is lightweight so that it can be carried by one person when removed from the floor F. For example, portions of the bridge unit 50 that do not come into contact with the wheels 23 of the transport vehicle 20 are hollowed out or thinned. The bridge unit 50 may be an extendable, foldable, or separable unit.

[0036] The floor F includes a first branching area E4a formed to branch off from the first passage R1. In this embodiment, the first branching area E4a is formed to branch off from the first passage R1 on the side of the first tip end R1c rather than the first base end R1a (first intermediate portion R1m in FIG. 4). Examples of the first branching area E4a include a one-lane passage, a multi-lane passage, and an area where multiple transport vehicles 20 can wait. The bridge unit 50 is detachable from the first branching area E4a.

[0037] The floor F is provided with a second branching area E4b formed to branch off from the second passage R2. In this embodiment, the second branching area E4b is formed to branch off from the second passage R2 on the side of the second tip end R2c (the second intermediate section R2m in FIG. 4) rather than the second base end R2a. Examples of the second branching area E4b include a one-lane passage, a multi-lane passage, and an area where multiple transport vehicles 20 can wait. The bridge unit 50 is detachable from the second branching area E4b.

[0038] The bridge unit 50 is provided to connect the first branching area E4a and the second branching area E4b. The first branching area E4a, the bridge unit 50, and the second branching area E4b may be configured so that the transport vehicle 20 can travel back and forth between them, or may be one-way. In this embodiment, both the transport vehicle 20 heading from the first passage R1 to the second passage R2 and the transport vehicle 20 heading from the second passage R2 to the first passage R1 can travel through the first branching area E4a, the bridge unit 50, and the second branching area E4b.

[0039] By providing the first branch area E4a on the floor F, it is possible to temporarily evacuate some of the transport vehicles 20 traveling on the first passage R1 to the first branch area E4a when the bridge unit 50 is removed. By providing the second branch area E4b on the floor F, it is possible to temporarily evacuate some of the transport vehicles 20 traveling on the second passage R2 to the second branch area E4b. Therefore, even if a passage obstruction for the transport vehicles 20 occurs on the first passage R1 or the second passage R2, it is easy to alleviate the passage obstruction for the transport vehicles 20.

[0040] The bridge unit 50 is disposed on the second side X2 in the X direction of the first branching area E4a. The first branching area E4a is provided so as to overlap with the Y-direction guide device 36 between the first passage R1 and the bridge unit 50 in a vertical view. In this embodiment, the first branching area E4a is disposed on the upper side Z1 of the Y-direction guide device 36. The first branching area E4a is provided so as to cover at least the end of the second side X2 in the X direction of the Y-direction guide device 36 between the first passage R1 and the bridge unit 50.

[0041] The bridge unit 50 is disposed on the first side X1 in the X direction of the second branching area E4b. The second branching area E4b is provided so as to overlap with the Y-direction guide device 36 between the second passage R2 and the bridge unit 50 in a vertical view. In this embodiment, the second branching area E4b is disposed on the upper side Z1 of the Y-direction guide device 36. The second branching area E4b is provided so as to cover at least the end of the first side X1 in the X direction of the Y-direction guide device 36 between the second passage R2 and the bridge unit 50.

[0042] A walkway (not shown) extending along the Y direction is arranged between the first passage R1 and the second passage R2 in the X direction. The walkway is designed so that the work subject 16 can pass between the first intermediate section R1m and the second intermediate section R2m when the bridge unit 50 is removed. In this embodiment, the walkway is designed so that the work subject 16 can pass between the first branch area E4a and the second branch area E4b in the X direction when the bridge unit 50 is removed. In this embodiment, a work area 39 (see FIG. 1) where the work subject 16 performs work is provided between the first passage R1 and the second passage R2 and the bridge unit 50 in an attached state.

[0043] The article conveying facility 10 includes a first lifting device 61 that raises and lowers the transport vehicle 20 between the first passage R1 and the second floor F2. The first lifting device 61 is provided on the first passage R1 closer to the first tip R1c than the branch point (first intermediate portion R1m in FIG. 4 ) toward the bridge unit 50. In the illustrated example, the first lifting device 61 is provided at the first tip R1c. Examples of the first lifting device 61 include a lifting device that circulates the transport vehicle 20 along a predetermined circular path, a lifting device that raises and lowers the transport vehicle 20 in the Z direction, a multicopter that can transport the transport vehicle 20, a crane, etc. The first lifting device 61 may be configured to transport the transport vehicle 20 manually or autonomously, or may be configured to be controlled by the control system 40.

[0044] The article conveying facility 10 includes a second lifting device 62 that raises and lowers the transport vehicle 20 between the second passage R2 and the second floor F2. The second lifting device 62 is provided on the second passage R2 closer to the second tip R2c than the branching point (the second intermediate portion R2m in FIG. 4 ) toward the bridge unit 50. In the illustrated example, the second lifting device 62 is provided at the second tip R2c. Examples of the second lifting device 62 include a lifting device that circulates the transport vehicle 20 along a predetermined circular path, a lifting device that raises and lowers the transport vehicle 20 in the Z direction, a multicopter that can transport the transport vehicle 20, a crane, etc. The second lifting device 62 may be configured to transport the transport vehicle 20 manually or autonomously, or may be configured to be controlled by the control system 40.

[0045] The article conveying equipment 10 includes a third lifting device 63 that is provided to connect the supply area E1 or the connection area E2 to the second floor F2 and raises and lowers the transport vehicle 20. The third lifting device 63 is provided to connect the supply area E1 or the connection area E2 to the second floor F2. The first lifting device 61, the second lifting device 62, and the third lifting device 63 are spaced apart from each other in the Y direction. Examples of the third lifting device 63 include a lifting device that circulates the transport vehicle 20 along a predetermined circular path, a lifting device that raises and lowers the transport vehicle 20 in the Z direction, a multicopter that can transport the transport vehicle 20, a crane, etc. The third lifting device 63 may be configured to transport the transport vehicle 20 manually or autonomously, or may be configured to be controlled by the control system 40.

[0046] A return passage 81 along which the transport vehicle 20 travels is provided on the second floor F2. The first lifting device 61 or the second lifting device 62 and the third lifting device 63 are connected to each other on the second floor F2 by the return passage 81 so that the transport vehicle 20 can travel therethrough. The first lifting device 61 or the second lifting device 62 may be directly or indirectly connected to the return passage 81. The third lifting device 63 may be directly or indirectly connected to the return passage 81. The return passage 81 is part of the return transport path described above, and is a passage along which the transport vehicle 20 travels after transporting the item W to the receiving section 31 in the receiving area E3. In this embodiment, the return passage 81 is set to be one-way.

[0047] A plurality of return passages 81 are provided on the second floor F2, each extending along the Y direction. A passage connection area E5 is provided on the second floor F2, connecting the plurality of return passages 81 so that the transport vehicle 20 can travel therethrough. The passage connection area E5 is disposed between adjacent return passages 81 in the X direction. A charging position 44 for charging the transport vehicle 20 is set in the passage connection area E5.

[0048] Second Embodiment The article conveying equipment 10 according to the second embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. This embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the floor F on which the multiple conveying vehicles 20 travel is a single story. The following description will focus on the differences from the first embodiment. Note that points that are not specifically described are the same as those in the first embodiment.

[0049] Fig. 6 is a diagram showing an example of an article conveying facility 10 according to this embodiment. Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the second passage R2 taken along line VII-VII, but the first passage R1 has a similar structure. In the first passage R1, the turning position is set closer to the first tip R1c than the first base end R1a. In the second passage R2, the turning position is set closer to the second tip R2c than the second base end R2a. In the illustrated example, the turning positions are set at the first tip R1c and the second tip R2c.

[0050] In this embodiment, the bridging unit 50 connects a portion of the first passage R1 closer to the first tip R1c than the first base end R1a and a portion of the second passage R2 closer to the second tip R2c than the second base end R2a. In the illustrated example, the bridging unit 50 connects the first tip R1c and the second tip R2c. Note that the bridging unit 50 may also be configured to connect the first Y-direction first side Y1 or the Y-direction second side Y2 of the first passage R1 relative to the turning position and the first Y-direction first side Y1 or the Y-direction second side Y2 of the second passage R2 relative to the turning position.

[0051] In this embodiment, the first branch area E4a is formed to branch off from the first passage R1 at the first tip R1c, and the second branch area E4b is formed to branch off from the second passage R2 at the second tip R2c.

[0052] In this embodiment, the outgoing route D1 in the receiving area E3 is set so that the transport vehicle 20 travels from the first base end R1a to the turning position. The returning route D2 in the receiving area E3 is set so that the transport vehicle 20, which has made a U-turn at the turning position, travels from the turning position to the first base end R1a.

[0053] In this embodiment, the outgoing path D1 and the returning path D2 are set side by side in the X direction in the receiving area E3. As shown in Figures 6 and 7, on the outgoing path D1, the transport vehicle 20 delivers the article W to a receiving section 31 arranged on the opposite side of the returning path D2 in the X direction in the receiving area E3, and on the returning path D2, the transport vehicle 20 delivers the article W to a receiving section 31 arranged on the opposite side of the outgoing path D1 in the X direction in the receiving area E3. In this embodiment, the outgoing path D1 and the returning path D2 are set to be one-way.

[0054] Other Embodiments Next, other embodiments of the article conveying facility 10 will be described.

[0055] (1) In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the article conveying equipment 10 has two or fewer floors F. However, the present invention is not limited to such an example, and the article conveying equipment 10 may have, for example, three or more floors F. Furthermore, for example, the multiple floors F do not have to be adjacent to each other. Furthermore, for example, the article conveying equipment 10 does not have to be an article sorting equipment. Furthermore, for example, a second floor F2, etc., instead of the first floor F1, may have a first passage R1, a second passage R2, and a connecting area E2, and the bridge unit 50 may be detachably attached to the second floor F2.

[0056] (2) In the above embodiment, a configuration has been described in which the bridge unit 50 is detachably attached to the first branch area E4a and the second branch area E4b so as to connect the first branch area E4a and the second branch area E4b. However, the present invention is not limited to such an example. For example, the bridge unit 50 may be detachably attached to a portion of the floor F other than the first branch area E4a and the second branch area E4b so as to connect the first branch area E4a and the second branch area E4b. Furthermore, for example, the first branch area E4a and the second branch area E4b may not be provided on the floor F.

[0057] (3) In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the article transport equipment 10 has a first floor F1 and a second floor F2 and is equipped with a first lifting device 61, a second lifting device 62, and a third lifting device 63. However, the present invention is not limited to such an example. For example, the article transport equipment 10 may not be equipped with any or all of the first lifting device 61, the second lifting device 62, and the third lifting device 63. Furthermore, for example, the article transport equipment 10 may be equipped with a ramp connecting the first floor F1 and the second floor F2. Furthermore, for example, the connection area E2 and the receiving area E3 may be provided on the first floor F1, and the supply area E1 may be provided on the second floor F2.

[0058] (4) In the above embodiment, the first passage R1, the second passage R2, and the return passage 81 are one-way passages. However, the present invention is not limited to such an example. For example, any or all of the first passage R1, the second passage R2, and the return passage 81 may be passages that allow passage in both directions.

[0059] (5) In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the article conveying equipment 10 includes a plurality of supply units 15 and a plurality of receiving units 31. However, the present invention is not limited to such an example, and the article conveying equipment 10 may include, for example, one supply unit 15 and one receiving unit 31. Furthermore, the article conveying equipment 10 may not include, for example, one supply unit 15 and one receiving unit 31.

[0060] (6) In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the article conveying equipment 10 includes the supply conveying device 17, the X-direction guide device 35, and the Y-direction guide device 36. However, the present invention is not limited to such an example, and for example, the article conveying equipment 10 may not include the supply conveying device 17, the X-direction guide device 35, and the Y-direction guide device 36, and an operator or a vehicle operated by the operator may convey the article W or the container 38.

[0061] (7) In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the item transport equipment 10 includes a supply area E1, a connection area E2, and a receiving area E3 having a first passage R1 and a second passage R2. However, without being limited to such an example, for example, the item transport equipment 10 may not include the supply area E1. Furthermore, for example, the item transport equipment 10 may include an area different from the supply area E1, the connection area E2, and the receiving area E3. Furthermore, for example, the receiving area E3 may include a passage different from the first passage R1 and the second passage R2.

[0062] (8) In the above embodiment, the connection area E2 connects the first base end R1a and the second base end R2a so that the transport vehicle 20 can travel. However, the present invention is not limited to such an example. For example, the connection area E2 may connect the first base end R1a and the second base end R2a so that the transport vehicle 20 cannot travel, and the transport vehicle 20 may be transferred between the connection area E2 and the first base end R1a or the second base end R2a by a transfer device.

[0063] (9) In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the control system 40 includes a host control device that controls multiple transport vehicles 20 and a control device mounted on each transport vehicle 20. However, the present invention is not limited to such an example, and the control system 40 may be, for example, a system in which the control devices mounted on each transport vehicle 20 communicate with the control devices of the other transport vehicles 20 and each autonomously makes decisions and operates. Also, for example, a position information holder may not be provided on the floor F, and position information of the transport vehicle 20 may be obtained by an image sensor or the like provided on the transport vehicle 20 or in the facility. Also, for example, the item transport equipment 10 may not be provided with the control system 40.

[0064] (10) The configurations disclosed in the above-described embodiments may be combined with configurations disclosed in other embodiments as long as no contradictions arise. Regarding other configurations, the embodiments disclosed in this specification are merely examples in all respects. Therefore, various modifications may be made as appropriate within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0065] [Summary of the above embodiment] The article transport equipment according to the present disclosure will be described below.

[0066] In one embodiment, the item transport equipment is an item transport equipment in which each of a plurality of transport vehicles travels on a floor installed on a platform to transport items, the floor having a first passage, a second passage arranged so as not to intersect with the first passage, and a connection area connecting a first base end which is one end of the first passage and a second base end which is one end of the second passage, and a bridge unit connecting the first passage and the second passage is provided so as to be freely attached and detached to the floor.

[0067] According to this configuration, a connecting passageway that connects the first passageway and the second passageway can be provided using the bridge unit. Therefore, if an obstacle that prevents the passage of the transport vehicle occurs in either the first passageway or the second passageway, the transport vehicle can be moved to the other of the first passageway and the second passageway via the connecting passageway. Therefore, it is possible to alleviate the impediment to the passage of the transport vehicle due to the obstacle. Furthermore, according to this configuration, since the bridge unit is detachable, it can be installed in a detached state so that the bridge unit does not obstruct people, vehicles, etc. passing between the first passageway and the second passageway.

[0068] In one embodiment, the floor further includes a first branching area formed to branch off from the first passageway and a second branching area formed to branch off from the second passageway, and the bridge unit is arranged to connect the first branching area and the second branching area.

[0069] This configuration makes it easy to reduce the weight of the bridge unit, which makes it easier to transport the bridge unit and to attach and detach it to and from the floor. It also makes it easier to position the bridge unit in a location that is less likely to interfere with surrounding equipment when attaching or detaching the bridge unit.

[0070] In one embodiment, in addition to the first floor as the floor, a second floor is provided that is located above or below the first floor, the end of the first passage opposite the first base end being a first tip end, and the end of the second passage opposite the second base end being a second tip end, and a first lifting device that raises and lowers the transport vehicle between the first passage and the second floor is provided closer to the first tip end than the branching point to the bridge unit side in the first passage, and a second lifting device that raises and lowers the transport vehicle between the second passage and the second floor is provided closer to the second tip end than the branching point to the bridge unit side in the second passage.

[0071] According to this configuration, if either the first lifting device or the second lifting device becomes impassable due to a malfunction or the like, the transport vehicle can be moved to the other side via a connecting passage formed using the bridge unit. Therefore, even if either the first lifting device or the second lifting device becomes impassable, the transport vehicle can be moved between the first floor and the second floor.

[0072] In one embodiment, the first passage is a one-way passage along which the transport vehicle travels from the first base end to the first tip end, and the second passage is a one-way passage along which the transport vehicle travels from the second base end to the second tip end.

[0073] When both the first and second passages are one-way passages as in this configuration, even if one of the first and second lifting devices becomes unable to pass due to a malfunction or the like, it is difficult for the transport vehicle to return to the base end of each passage. Therefore, by adopting the above configuration, it is possible to appropriately alleviate the impediment to passage of the transport vehicle.

[0074] In one embodiment, the transport vehicle further includes a supply unit that supplies the items to the transport vehicle and a plurality of receiving units that receive the items from the transport vehicle, wherein a specific direction among the directions along the floor is defined as the Y direction, a direction along the floor that is perpendicular to the Y direction is defined as the X direction, one side of the Y direction is defined as a first side in the Y direction, and the other side of the Y direction is defined as a second side in the Y direction, the supply unit is arranged on the first side in the Y direction with respect to the connection area, the first passage and the second passage are arranged on the second side in the Y direction with respect to the connection area, and the plurality of receiving units are arranged along each of the first passage and the second passage, and the connection area is passed by both the transport vehicle heading from the supply unit to the first passage and the transport vehicle heading from the supply unit to the second passage.

[0075] According to this configuration, the articles can be sorted by transporting the articles from the supply section to the receiving sections using multiple transport vehicles. That is, the article transport equipment can function as an article sorting equipment that sorts the articles. Furthermore, according to this configuration, even if an obstacle occurs in either the first or second passageway that prevents the transport vehicles from passing through, it is possible to prevent the transport vehicles from being unable to exit that passageway after handing over the articles to the receiving section. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the article sorting work from being unable to be performed.

[0076] It is sufficient for the article transport facility according to the present disclosure to achieve at least one of the above-described effects. [Explanation of symbols]

[0077] 10: Goods transport equipment 12: Stand 20: Transport vehicle 50: Bridge unit 61: First lifting device 62: Second lifting device E2: Connection area E4a: First branch area E4b: Second branch area F: Floor F1: 1st floor F2: 2nd Furuya R1: Pathway 1 R1a: 1st base end R1c: 1st tip part R2: Second pathway R2a: Second base end R2c: 2nd tip W : Item

Claims

1. An article transport facility in which each of a plurality of transport vehicles travels on a floor installed on a platform to transport articles, the floor includes a first passage, a second passage arranged so as not to intersect with the first passage, and a connection area connecting a first base end portion which is one end of the first passage and a second base end portion which is one end of the second passage, an article transport facility, wherein a bridge unit connecting the first passage and the second passage is detachably provided on the floor;

2. The floor further includes a first branching area formed to branch off from the first passageway and a second branching area formed to branch off from the second passageway, The article transport facility according to claim 1 , wherein the bridge unit is provided to connect the first branching area and the second branching area.

3. In addition to the first floor as the floor, a second floor is provided which is arranged above or below the first floor, an end of the first passage opposite to the first base end is defined as a first tip end, and an end of the second passage opposite to the second base end is defined as a second tip end, a first lifting device that lifts and lowers the transport vehicle between the first passage and the second floor, the first lifting device being provided closer to the first tip end than the branching portion to the bridge unit side in the first passage; 2. The article transport facility according to claim 1, wherein a second lifting device for raising and lowering the transport vehicle between the second passage and the second floor is provided closer to the second end than the branch point to the bridge unit side in the second passage.

4. the first passage is a one-way passage along which the transport vehicle travels from the first base end portion to the first tip end portion, The article transport facility according to claim 3 , wherein the second passage is a one-way passage along which the transport vehicle travels from the second base end portion to the second tip end portion.

5. a supply unit that supplies the article to the transport vehicle; a plurality of receiving units that receive the articles from the transport vehicle; Further provided with A specific direction among the directions along the floor is defined as a Y direction, a direction perpendicular to the Y direction among the directions along the floor is defined as an X direction, one side of the Y direction is defined as a Y direction first side, and the other side of the Y direction is defined as a Y direction second side, the supply unit is disposed on a first side in the Y direction with respect to the connection area, the first passage and the second passage are disposed on a second side in the Y direction with respect to the connection area; A plurality of the receiving portions are arranged along each of the first passage and the second passage; 5. The article transport facility according to claim 1, wherein the connection area is passed by both the transport vehicle heading from the supply unit to the first passage and the transport vehicle heading from the supply unit to the second passage.

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