Conveying equipment

Abstract

The present invention provides a transport system that can suppress the expansion of the installation area of ​​the transport equipment by providing a waiting area where transport vehicles can wait. [Solution] The travel path 2 includes a plurality of Y-direction paths 21 extending along the Y direction, and at least one X-direction path 22 extending along the X direction and connected to the plurality of Y-direction paths 21. The plurality of Y-direction paths 21 are arranged in the X direction with spacing in the X direction, and a storage section 5 for storing articles W is provided between two adjacent Y-direction paths 21 in the X direction. A designated area A is defined as an area in the Y direction where neither the storage section 5 nor the X-direction path 22 is located, and a transfer area 4 where articles W are transferred between the transport vehicle 1 and the transport device 3 is located in each of the plurality of Y-direction paths 21 within designated area A. A waiting area 6 where the transport vehicle 1 can wait is provided between two adjacent transfer areas 4 in the X direction within designated area A.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a conveying facility including a plurality of carrier vehicles each for conveying an article.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 below discloses a conveying facility (100) including a plurality of carrier vehicles (1) for conveying articles, a traveling route (R) on which the plurality of carrier vehicles (1) travel, a first conveying device (5) for conveying an article to be delivered to the carrier vehicle (1), and a second conveying device (6) for conveying an article received from the carrier vehicle (1). Note that the reference numerals shown in parentheses in the description of the background art are those of Patent Document 1.

[0003] In the conveying facility (100) of Patent Document 1, a standby area (W) where the carrier vehicle (1) can standby is provided as a part of the traveling route (R). Thus, by having the carrier vehicle (1) standby in the standby area (W) as needed, it is avoided that the carrier vehicle (1) obstructs the travel of another carrier vehicle (1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, in the conveying facility (100) of Patent Document 1, providing the standby area (W) has led to an increase in the installation area of the conveying facility (100).

[0006] Therefore, it is desired to realize a conveying facility capable of suppressing an increase in the installation area of the conveying facility due to providing a standby area where the carrier vehicle can standby.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] In light of the above, the characteristic configuration of the conveying equipment is: Multiple transport vehicles, each transporting goods, A travel path on which multiple transport vehicles travel, A conveying device that performs at least one of the following: conveying the articles to be handed over to the conveying vehicle, and conveying the articles received from the conveying vehicle. A transport system comprising a plurality of transfer areas where the transfer of the goods between the transport vehicle and the transport device takes place, Let the specific direction extending along the horizontal be the Y direction, and the direction along the horizontal and intersecting the Y direction be the X direction. The aforementioned travel path includes a plurality of Y-direction paths extending along the Y-direction, and at least one X-direction path extending along the X-direction and connected to the plurality of Y-direction paths, Multiple Y-direction paths are arranged to be spaced apart in the X-direction and aligned in the X-direction. Between two adjacent paths in the Y direction in the X direction, a storage section for accommodating the article is provided. The area in the Y direction where neither the accommodation section nor the X-direction path is located is designated as a specific area. The aforementioned handover area is located in each of the multiple Y-direction paths within the specified area. The key feature is that, within the specified area, a waiting area where the transport vehicle can wait is provided between two adjacent transfer areas in the X direction.

[0008] According to this characteristic configuration, the storage area is positioned between two adjacent Y-direction paths in the X-direction, thereby utilizing the space formed between two adjacent X-direction transfer areas within a specific area to create a waiting area where transport vehicles can wait. This makes it possible to suppress the increase in the installation area of ​​transport equipment that would otherwise be required by providing a waiting area. Furthermore, this feature configuration allows transport vehicles to wait in a designated waiting area as needed, thus preventing them from obstructing the movement of other transport vehicles. Furthermore, with this feature configuration, when specifying the order in which items to be shipped out, the waiting area can be used as a waiting place for the transport vehicle. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] Plan view of the conveying equipment according to the embodiment [Figure 2] Control block diagram of the conveying equipment according to the embodiment [Figure 3] A diagram showing an example of evacuation procedures. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] In the following description, the conveying equipment 100 according to this embodiment will be explained with reference to the drawings.

[0011] As shown in Figure 1, the transport equipment 100 comprises a plurality of transport vehicles 1, a travel path 2, a transport device 3, a plurality of transfer areas 4, a storage area 5, and a waiting area 6.

[0012] Each of the multiple transport vehicles 1 is configured to transport an item W. Each of the multiple transport vehicles 1 travels along a travel path 2. In this embodiment, the travel path 2 is made up of rails.

[0013] In the following description, a specific direction extending along the horizontal direction will be referred to as the "Y direction," and a direction that runs along the horizontal direction and intersects the Y direction will be referred to as the "X direction." In this embodiment, the X direction is perpendicular to the Y direction. These X and Y directions are indicated in the drawings by arrows labeled "X" and "Y," respectively. Hereinafter, "along a specific direction" in this application includes not only the state of being parallel to the specific direction, but also the state of intersecting the specific direction within a predetermined angle range (for example, 20° or less).

[0014] Also, one side in the Y direction is defined as "the first side Y1 in the Y direction", and the other side in the Y direction is defined as "the second side Y2 in the Y direction". And one side in the X direction is defined as "the first side X1 in the X direction", and the other side in the X direction is defined as "the second side X2 in the X direction".

[0015] The travel route 2 includes a plurality of Y-direction routes 21 and at least one X-direction route 22.

[0016] Each of the plurality of Y-direction routes 21 is formed to extend along the Y direction. The plurality of Y-direction routes 21 are arranged at intervals in the X direction and aligned in the X direction. In the illustrated example, three Y-direction routes 21 are arranged at equal intervals in the X direction.

[0017] At least one X-direction route 22 is formed to extend along the X direction. At least one X-direction route 22 is connected to the plurality of Y-direction routes 21. In this embodiment, the plurality of X-direction routes 22 are arranged at intervals in the Y direction and aligned in the Y direction. And each of the plurality of X-direction routes 22 is arranged to intersect all of the Y-direction routes 21. In the illustrated example, three X-direction routes 22 are arranged at equal intervals in the Y direction.

[0018] In the following description, among the three Y-direction routes 21, the Y-direction route 21 located on the first side X1 in the X direction is defined as "the first Y-direction route 21A", the Y-direction route 21 located in the center is defined as "the second Y-direction route 21B", and the Y-direction route 21 located on the second side X2 in the X direction is defined as "the third Y-direction route 21C". Also, among the three X-direction routes 22, the X-direction route 22 located on the second side Y2 in the Y direction is defined as "the first X-direction route 22A", the X-direction route 22 located in the center is defined as "the second X-direction route 22B", and the X-direction route 22 located on the first side Y1 in the Y direction is defined as "the third X-direction route 22C".

[0019] The conveying device 3 is configured to perform at least one of conveying the article W delivered to the transport vehicle 1 and conveying the article W received from the transport vehicle 1. In the present embodiment, for each of the plurality of Y-direction paths 21, an inbound conveyor 31 and an outbound conveyor 32 as a pair of conveying devices 3 are provided. The inbound conveyor 31 is a conveying device 3 that conveys the article W delivered to the transport vehicle 1. The outbound conveyor 32 is a conveying device 3 that conveys the article W received from the transport vehicle 1.

[0020] Each of the plurality of transfer areas 4 is an area where the article W is transferred between the transport vehicle 1 and the conveying device 3. That is, the transport vehicle 1 located in the transfer area 4 transfers the article W with the conveying device 3. In the present embodiment, the transport vehicle 1 located in the transfer area 4 receives the article W from the inbound conveyor 31 and delivers the article W to the outbound conveyor 32.

[0021] The storage unit 5 is configured to store the article W. The storage unit 5 is disposed between two Y-direction paths 21 adjacent to each other in the X direction. In the present embodiment, the storage unit 5 is configured to be able to store two articles W in the X direction. Further, the storage unit 5 is configured to be able to store a plurality (five in FIG. 1) of articles W in the Y direction. Note that the storage unit 5 may be configured to be able to store a plurality of articles W in the vertical direction. In this configuration, corresponding to the storage locations of the plurality of articles W arranged side by side in the vertical direction in the storage unit 5, a plurality of travel paths 2 are arranged side by side in the vertical direction. And for each of the plurality of travel paths 2 arranged side by side in the vertical direction, the transport vehicle 1 and the conveying device 3 are provided. Further, a lifting device capable of conveying the article W in the vertical direction is provided so as to transfer the article W between the plurality of conveying devices 3 arranged side by side in the vertical direction.

[0022] In the illustrated example, the storage section 5 is positioned between the first X-direction path 22A and the second X-direction path 22B in the Y-direction, on each of the X-sides of the first Y-direction path 21A, on each of the X-sides of the second Y-direction path 21B, and on each of the X-sides of the third Y-direction path 21C. Additionally, the storage section 5 is positioned between the second X-direction path 22B and the third X-direction path 22C in the Y-direction, on each of the X-sides of the first Y-direction path 21A, on each of the X-sides of the second Y-direction path 21B, and on each of the X-sides of the third Y-direction path 21C.

[0023] The handover area 4 is located at each of the multiple Y-direction routes 21 within the designated area A. In the illustrated example, the handover area 4 is located at the end of the second Y-direction side Y2 of the first Y-direction route 21A, the end of the second Y-direction side Y2 of the second Y-direction route 21B, and the end of the second Y-direction side Y2 of the third Y-direction route 21C. In other words, in this example, three handover areas 4 are provided. Here, designated area A is an area in the Y-direction where neither the storage unit 5 nor the X-direction route 22 is located. In the illustrated example, the area Y2 second to the first X-direction route 22A corresponds to designated area A. In this example, the storage unit 5 is not located between the handover area 4 and the waiting area 6 and the first X-direction route 22A in the Y-direction.

[0024] In this embodiment, the conveying device 3 is arranged adjacent to both sides in the X direction of each of the multiple transfer areas 4. In the illustrated example, for each of the multiple transfer areas 4, an inbound conveyor 31 is arranged on the first side X1 in the X direction, and an outbound conveyor 32 is arranged on the second side X2 in the X direction.

[0025] The waiting area 6 is an area where a transport vehicle 1 (for example, a transport vehicle 1 that has not been assigned a transport task) can wait. The waiting area 6 is located between two adjacent transfer areas 4 in the X direction within a specific area A. In this embodiment, the waiting area 6 is located between two adjacent transport devices 3 in the X direction without any transfer areas 4 in between. In the illustrated example, the waiting area 6 is located between the outgoing conveyor 32 on the first side X1 in the X direction and the central ingoing conveyor 31, and between the central outgoing conveyor 32 and the ingoing conveyor 31 on the second side X2 in the X direction. In other words, in this example, two waiting areas 6 are provided.

[0026] In this embodiment, at least one X-direction path 22 includes a specific X-direction path 22S, which is an X-direction path 22 located on the first Y-direction side Y1 with respect to the handover area 4 and the waiting area 6. To elaborate, if one X-direction path 22 is located on the first Y-direction side Y1 with respect to the handover area 4 and the waiting area 6, that X-direction path 22 corresponds to the specific X-direction path 22S. Furthermore, if two or more X-direction paths 22 are located on the first Y-direction side Y1 with respect to the handover area 4 and the waiting area 6, at least one of those X-direction paths 22 corresponds to the specific X-direction path 22S. In the illustrated example, a first X-direction path 22A, a second X-direction path 22B, and a third X-direction path 22C are located on the first Y-direction side Y1 with respect to the handover area 4 and the waiting area 6. Of these, the first X-direction path 22A, which is located furthest to the second Y-direction side Y2, corresponds to the specific X-direction path 22S.

[0027] In this embodiment, the travel path 2 further includes a waiting path 23. The waiting path 23 is formed to extend along the Y direction from a specific X-direction path 22S toward a second Y-direction side Y2. The waiting path 23 is located between two adjacent handover areas 4 in the X direction. A waiting area 6 is located within the waiting path 23 in the specific area A. In this embodiment, the entire waiting path 23 is located within the specific area A.

[0028] In the illustrated example, the waiting paths 23 are located between the outgoing conveyor 32 on the first side X1 in the X direction and the central ingoing conveyor 31, and between the central outgoing conveyor 32 and the ingoing conveyor 31 on the second side X2 in the X direction. In other words, in this example, two waiting paths 23 are provided. A waiting area 6 is located at the end of the second side Y2 in the Y direction of each of the two waiting paths 23.

[0029] As shown in Figure 2, in this embodiment, the transport equipment 100 further includes a control device 10 that controls a plurality of transport vehicles 1.

[0030] In this embodiment, each of the multiple transport vehicles 1 is equipped with a driving unit 11, a transfer unit 12, and a power storage device 13.

[0031] The running unit 11 includes a plurality of wheels and a running motor as a drive source for the plurality of wheels (not shown). The plurality of wheels include first wheels that roll on a first rail that constitutes a Y-direction path 21 and second wheels that roll on a second rail that constitutes an X-direction path 22. In this embodiment, when the transport vehicle 1 is traveling along the Y-direction path 21, the control device 10 controls the plurality of wheels so that the first wheels contact the first rail and the second wheels move away from the second rail. Furthermore, when the transport vehicle 1 is traveling along the X-direction path 22, the control device 10 controls the plurality of wheels so that the second wheels contact the second rail and the first wheels move away from the first rail.

[0032] The transfer unit 12 is configured to transfer items W to and from a transfer target location such as the transport device 3 or storage unit 5, which is adjacent to the first side X1 or the second side X2 in the X direction. In this embodiment, the transfer unit 12 is equipped with a fork that is configured to extend and retract from the first side X1 or the second side X2 in the X direction (not shown).

[0033] The energy storage device 13 is a device such as a rechargeable battery or capacitor. Each of the multiple transport vehicles 1 is configured to operate using the power stored in the energy storage device 13.

[0034] As shown in Figure 1, in this embodiment, the transport equipment 100 further includes a charging device 7. The charging device 7 is a device for charging the energy storage device 13. The charging device 7 is located in at least one waiting area 6. In this embodiment, the charging device 7 is located in all waiting areas 6. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the charging device 7 is also located in all handover areas 4. With this configuration, it is easy to install the required number of charging devices 7 even when there are many transport vehicles 1. For example, it becomes possible to operate more transport vehicles 1 than the number of Y-direction paths 21 while securing the required number of charging devices 7.

[0035] As shown in Figure 3, when the control device 10 causes the first transport vehicle 1A, one of the multiple transport vehicles 1, to overtake the second transport vehicle 1B, which is a different transport vehicle 1 from the first transport vehicle 1A, it executes a retreat process to move the second transport vehicle 1B to the waiting area 6. In the example shown in Figure 3, when the first transport vehicle 1A is traveling along the first X-direction path 22A, which is a specific X-direction path 22S, toward the second side X2 in the X direction, and the second transport vehicle 1B is located further to the second side X2 in the X direction than the first transport vehicle 1A, the retreat process causes the second transport vehicle 1B to move to the waiting area 6 between the second Y-direction path 21B and the third Y-direction path 21C.

[0036] The evacuation process is performed, for example, when the order in which the first transport vehicle 1A and the second transport vehicle 1B travel along the same route is to be changed.

[0037] [Other Embodiments] (1) In the above embodiment, the transport vehicle 1 was described as a tracked transport vehicle that travels along a travel path 2 made up of rails. However, the transport vehicle 1 is not limited to such a configuration, and may be a trackless transport vehicle that travels along a virtually formed travel path 2. In this case, the travel path 2 can be formed by a plurality of detectable objects (for example, a two-dimensional code, an RF (Radio Frequency) tag, a magnetic tape, etc.). In addition, there may be a configuration in which no such detectable objects are provided, and the travel path 2 is virtually formed by a route calculated based on the recognition results of the surrounding environment.

[0038] (2) In the above embodiment, a configuration in which the housing section 5 is arranged on both sides in the X direction of the first Y-direction path 21A, on both sides in the X direction of the second Y-direction path 21B, and on both sides in the X direction of the third Y-direction path 21C was described as an example. However, the configuration is not limited to such a configuration, and a configuration in which the housing section 5 is arranged on only one side in the X direction of at least one Y-direction path 21 is also possible.

[0039] (3) In the above embodiment, a configuration in which the storage section 5 can accommodate two articles W in the X direction was described as an example. However, the configuration is not limited to such a configuration, and the storage section 5 may be configured to accommodate one article W in the X direction.

[0040] (4) In the above embodiment, a configuration in which the area on the second side Y2 in the Y direction is greater than the first X direction path 22A corresponds to the specific area A was described as an example. However, the configuration is not limited to such a configuration, and for example, in a configuration in which the accommodation section 5 is not arranged between the first X direction path 22A and the second X direction path 22B, the area between the first X direction path 22A and the second X direction path 22B corresponds to the specific area A.

[0041] (5) In the above embodiment, a configuration in which a pair of conveying devices 3, namely an inbound conveyor 31 and an outbound conveyor 32, are arranged for each of the multiple transfer areas 4 was described as an example. However, the configuration is not limited to such one, and for example, a lifting device capable of transporting goods W in the vertical direction may be the conveying device 3.

[0042] (6) In the above embodiment, a configuration in which the standby path 23 extends along the Y direction from a specific X-direction path 22S toward the second Y-direction side Y2 was described as an example. However, the configuration is not limited to such a configuration, and the standby path 23 may be formed to extend along the Y direction from a specific X-direction path 22S toward the first Y-direction side Y1.

[0043] (7) In the above embodiment, a configuration in which the entire standby route 23 is located within the specified area A was described as an example. However, the configuration is not limited to such a configuration, and a part of the standby route 23 may be located outside the specified area A.

[0044] (8) In the above embodiment, the transfer area 4 was described as an example in which the transfer of goods W between the transport vehicle 1 and the transport device 3 takes place. However, the configuration is not limited to this, and the transfer area 4 may be used not only as an area in which goods W are transferred between the transport vehicle 1 and the transport device 3, but also as an area in which the transport vehicle 1 waits, similar to the waiting area 6. In this case, the second transport vehicle 1B may be moved to the transfer area 4 during the evacuation process.

[0045] (9) The configurations disclosed in each of the embodiments described above can be applied in combination with configurations disclosed in other embodiments, as long as no inconsistencies arise. With regard to other configurations, the embodiments disclosed herein are merely illustrative in all respects. Therefore, various modifications can be made as appropriate without departing from the spirit of this disclosure.

[0046] [Summary of this embodiment] The following section will provide an overview of the conveying equipment described above.

[0047] The conveying equipment is, Multiple transport vehicles, each transporting goods, A travel path on which multiple transport vehicles travel, A conveying device that performs at least one of the following: conveying the articles to be handed over to the conveying vehicle, and conveying the articles received from the conveying vehicle. A transport system comprising a plurality of transfer areas where the transfer of the goods between the transport vehicle and the transport device takes place, Let the specific direction extending along the horizontal be the Y direction, and the direction along the horizontal and intersecting the Y direction be the X direction. The aforementioned travel path includes a plurality of Y-direction paths extending along the Y-direction, and at least one X-direction path extending along the X-direction and connected to the plurality of Y-direction paths, Multiple Y-direction paths are arranged to be spaced apart in the X-direction and aligned in the X-direction. Between two adjacent paths in the Y direction in the X direction, a storage section for accommodating the article is provided. The area in the Y direction where neither the accommodation section nor the X-direction path is located is designated as a specific area. The aforementioned handover area is located in each of the multiple Y-direction paths within the specified area. Within the specified area, a waiting area is provided between two adjacent handover areas in the X direction, where the transport vehicle can wait.

[0048] In this configuration, the storage area is positioned between two adjacent Y-direction paths in the X-direction, thereby utilizing the space formed between two adjacent X-direction transfer areas within a specific area to create a waiting area where transport vehicles can wait. This suppresses the increase in the installation area of ​​transport equipment that would otherwise be required by providing a waiting area. Furthermore, with this configuration, by having the transport vehicle wait in a waiting area as needed, it is possible to avoid the transport vehicle obstructing the movement of other transport vehicles. Furthermore, with this configuration, when specifying the order in which items to be shipped out, the waiting area can be used as a waiting place for the transport vehicles.

[0049] Here, the conveying device is arranged adjacent to both sides in the X direction with respect to each of the plurality of transfer areas. Preferably, the waiting area is located between two adjacent conveying devices in the X direction, without the aforementioned transfer area in between.

[0050] In this configuration, a waiting area is provided by utilizing the space between two adjacent conveying devices in the X direction, where no transfer area is provided. This effectively suppresses the increase in the installation area of ​​the conveying equipment caused by the provision of the waiting area.

[0051] Furthermore, one side in the Y direction is designated as the first side in the Y direction, and the other side in the Y direction is designated as the second side in the Y direction. At least one of the X-direction paths includes a specific X-direction path which is the X-direction path located on the first Y-direction side with respect to the handover area and the waiting area, The aforementioned travel path further includes a waiting path that extends along the Y direction from the specific X-direction path toward the second Y-direction side between two adjacent handover areas in the X direction, The waiting area is preferably located along the waiting path within the specified area.

[0052] With this configuration, the transport vehicle can be appropriately moved to the waiting area via a waiting path that extends along the Y direction from a specific X-direction path toward a second Y-direction side.

[0053] Furthermore, each of the multiple transport vehicles is equipped with a power storage device and is configured to operate using the power stored in the power storage device. Preferably, at least one of the standby areas is provided with a charging device for charging the energy storage device.

[0054] This configuration allows the power storage device to be charged while the transport vehicle is waiting in the standby area. Therefore, it is possible to avoid situations where the transport vehicle runs out of power while transporting goods.

[0055] Furthermore, the transport equipment is further equipped with a control device that controls multiple transport vehicles. When the control device causes a first transport vehicle, which is one of the plurality of transport vehicles, to overtake a second transport vehicle, which is a different transport vehicle from the first transport vehicle, it is preferable to execute a retreat process that moves the second transport vehicle to the waiting area.

[0056] This configuration allows the first transport vehicle to overtake the second transport vehicle by utilizing the waiting area. Therefore, it is possible to efficiently transport goods using multiple transport vehicles while suppressing the expansion of the installation area of ​​the transport equipment. [Industrial applicability]

[0057] The technology described herein can be used in a transport system equipped with multiple transport vehicles for transporting goods. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0058] 100: Conveying equipment 1: Transport vehicle 1A: First transport vehicle 1B: Second transport vehicle 13: Energy storage device 2: Route 21: Y-direction path 22: X-direction path 22S: Specific X-direction path 23: Waiting route 3: Conveying device 4: Delivery Area 5: Containment area 6: Waiting area 7: Charging device 10: Control device W:Goods X :X direction Y: Y direction Y1: First side in the Y direction Y2: Second side in the Y direction

Claims

1. Multiple transport vehicles, each transporting goods, A travel path on which multiple transport vehicles travel, A transport device that transports the articles to be handed over to the transport vehicle, and transports the articles received from the transport vehicle, A transport system comprising a plurality of transfer areas where the transfer of the goods between the transport vehicle and the transport device takes place, Let the specific direction extending along the horizontal be the Y direction, and the direction along the horizontal and intersecting the Y direction be the X direction. The aforementioned travel path includes a plurality of Y-direction paths extending along the Y-direction, and at least one X-direction path extending along the X-direction and connected to the plurality of Y-direction paths, Multiple Y-direction paths are arranged in the X-direction with spacing between them, Between two adjacent paths in the Y direction in the X direction, a storage section for accommodating the article is provided. The area in the Y direction where neither the accommodation section nor the X-direction path is located is designated as a specific area. The aforementioned handover area is located in each of the multiple Y-direction paths within the specified area. A transport facility in which a waiting area where the transport vehicle can wait is provided between two adjacent transfer areas in the X direction within the specified area.

2. The conveying device is arranged adjacent to both sides in the X direction with respect to each of the plurality of transfer areas. The conveying equipment according to claim 1, wherein the waiting area is located between two adjacent conveying devices in the X direction without being separated by the aforementioned transfer area.

3. One side in the Y direction is designated as the first side in the Y direction, and the other side in the Y direction is designated as the second side in the Y direction. At least one of the X-direction paths includes a specific X-direction path which is the X-direction path located on the first Y-direction side with respect to the handover area and the waiting area, The aforementioned travel path further includes a waiting path that extends along the Y direction from the specific X-direction path toward the second Y-direction side between two adjacent handover areas in the X direction, The transport equipment according to claim 1, wherein the waiting area is located on the waiting route within the specified area.

4. Each of the multiple transport vehicles is equipped with a power storage device and is configured to operate using the power stored in the power storage device. The transport equipment according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein a charging device for charging the energy storage device is provided in at least one of the waiting areas.

5. The system further includes a control device for controlling multiple transport vehicles, The transport equipment according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the control device performs a retreat process to move the second transport vehicle to the waiting area when it causes the first transport vehicle, which is one of the plurality of transport vehicles, to overtake the second transport vehicle, which is a transport vehicle other than the first transport vehicle.

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