Goods handling equipment

Abstract

This invention provides a material handling system that facilitates access to transport vehicles stopped on the moving floor. [Solution] The second travel floor F2 is positioned above the first travel floor F1 and overlaps with the first travel floor F1 when viewed in the vertical direction. The first travel floor F1 includes an outer overhang 10 that extends outward from the outer edge 2E of the second travel floor F2 when viewed in the vertical direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an article conveying facility including a conveyance vehicle for conveying an article, and a first travel floor and a second travel floor on which the conveyance vehicle can travel.

Background Art

[0002] For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2022-050240 (Patent Document 1) discloses a facility for conveying luggage using an automated guided vehicle. Hereinafter, the reference numerals shown in parentheses in the description of the background art are those of Patent Document 1.

[0003] In the facility described in Patent Document 1, the entire conveyance path (30) is substantially smoothly and continuously connected so that the conveyance vehicle (10) can travel. The conveyance vehicle (10) travels on the conveyance path (30) set on the same travel floor to convey the article picked up in the conveyance area (A1) to the work area (A2).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] Incidentally, it is conceivable to have multiple levels of travel floors with the above-mentioned transport paths set up vertically within the same space inside a building. This would increase the number of items that can be handled by the entire facility and improve transport capacity. However, the following problems arise when multiple travel floors are provided in this way. The lower travel floor is relatively easy for workers to access, so even if a transport vehicle malfunctions on that lower travel floor, for example, workers can easily access the malfunctioning transport vehicle. On the other hand, the upper travel floor is problematic. The upper travel floor is located at a higher position than the lower travel floor, and it may be difficult for workers to access it. In such cases, workers would have difficulty accessing a transport vehicle that has malfunctioned on that upper travel floor.

[0006] In light of the above circumstances, there is a need for the realization of a material handling system that facilitates access to transport vehicles stopped on the moving floor. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A transport vehicle for carrying goods, An article transporting system comprising a first travel floor and a second travel floor on which the transport vehicle can travel, The second running floor is positioned above the first running floor and overlaps with the first running floor when viewed in the vertical direction. The transport vehicle is raised and lowered between the first travel floor and the second travel floor, and the system is equipped with a first lifter and a second lifter that are spaced apart from each other in the horizontal direction. A lifter-to-lifter path is provided in each of the first and second travel floors, connecting the first lifter and the second lifter. The first running floor includes an outer overhang that extends outward from the outer edge of the second running floor when viewed in the vertical direction. Multiple sets of the first lifter, the second lifter, and the path between the lifters are arranged in a row. In a vertical view, the outer overhangs are positioned between adjacent paths between the lifters.

[0008] According to this configuration, the first travel floor, which is located below the second travel floor, is relatively easy for workers to access. Therefore, even if a transport vehicle makes an abnormal stop on the first travel floor, workers can access the transport vehicle by entering the first travel floor. If a transport vehicle malfunctions and stops on the second travel floor, which is located above the first travel floor, an operator can relatively easily access the stopped transport vehicle on the second travel floor by standing on the outer overhang of the first travel floor and reaching out. Based on the above, this configuration makes it easier to access the transport vehicle when it is stopped on the travel floor. Furthermore, this configuration allows for easy access from the outer overhang to a transport vehicle that has stopped abnormally between adjacent lifter paths on the second travel floor. For example, even if a transport vehicle stops abnormally while changing its route from one lifter path to another, it can be easily accessed.

[0009] Other goods handling equipment is, A transport vehicle for carrying goods, An article transporting system comprising a first travel floor and a second travel floor on which the transport vehicle can travel, The second running floor is positioned above the first running floor and overlaps with the first running floor when viewed in the vertical direction. The first running floor includes an outer overhang that extends outward from the outer edge of the second running floor when viewed in the vertical direction. Let a specific direction along the horizontal plane be the first direction, and let the direction perpendicular to the first direction in the vertical view be the second direction. On the first travel floor, a plurality of first travel paths extending along the first direction are arranged adjacent to each other in the second direction. On the second travel floor, a plurality of second travel paths extending along the first direction are arranged adjacent to each other in the second direction. The number of the first route is greater than the number of the second route. In a vertical view, at least one of the first travel paths is arranged outside the second travel floor in the second direction.

[0010] Further features and advantages of the technology relating to this disclosure will become clearer from the following description of exemplary and non-limiting embodiments, with reference to the drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1] Plan views showing the first and second running floors, respectively. [Figure 2] Plans showing the first and second running floors respectively. [Figure 3] Plan view showing the main components of the goods handling equipment. [Figure 4] Side view showing the main components of the goods handling equipment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0012] The goods transport system comprises a transport vehicle for transporting goods, and a first and second travel floor on which the transport vehicle can travel. Embodiments of the goods transport system will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0013] In the following, a specific direction along the horizontal plane will be referred to as the "Y direction," and the direction perpendicular to the Y direction when viewed vertically will be referred to as the "X direction." Furthermore, one side in the X direction will be referred to as the "first X direction side X1," and the other side as the "second X direction side X2." The Y direction corresponds to the "first direction." The X direction corresponds to the "second direction."

[0014] As shown in FIG. 1, the article conveying facility 100 includes a floor surface 9, a first traveling floor F1 which is the traveling floor of the first layer, a second traveling floor F2 which is the traveling floor of the second layer, and first and second lifters L1 and L2 which are arranged horizontally spaced apart from each other and which raise and lower a carrier 1 (see FIG. 2) between the first traveling floor F1 and the second traveling floor F2.

[0015] In the present embodiment, the first layer and the second layer are vertically adjacent to each other. The first layer is arranged above the floor surface 9. The second layer is arranged above the first layer. That is, the first traveling floor F1 is arranged above the floor surface 9, and the second traveling floor F2 is arranged above the first traveling floor F1 (see also FIG. 4).

[0016] The article conveying facility 100 includes an article supply unit 2 that supplies an article G (see FIG. 2) to the carrier 1, and an article receiving unit 3 that receives the article G conveyed by the carrier 1. In the present embodiment, the article conveying facility 100 is provided with a work area WA where an operation of delivering the article G supplied from the article supply unit 2 to the carrier 1 is performed. The article supply unit 2 is arranged adjacent to the work area WA. Further, the article conveying facility 100 is provided with a sorting area SA where a sorting operation of the article G received by the article receiving unit 3 is performed. The article receiving unit 3 is arranged adjacent to the sorting area SA. In the present embodiment, only the first layer is provided with the work area WA and the sorting area SA.

[0017] Lifter-to-lifter paths Rb connecting the first lifter L1 and the second lifter L2 are provided on each of the first traveling floor F1 and the second traveling floor F2. The carrier 1 can move between the first lifter L1 and the second lifter L2 by traveling on the lifter-to-lifter path Rb.

[0018] In the present embodiment, the first lifter L1 is arranged at the end of the first side X1 in the X direction in the lifter-to-lifter path Rb. The second lifter L2 is arranged at the end of the second side X2 in the X direction in the lifter-to-lifter path Rb.

[0019] In this embodiment, the first lifter L1, the second lifter L2, the lifter-to-lifter path Rb of the first travel floor F1, and the lifter-to-lifter path Rb of the second travel floor F2 constitute a transport unit U. In other words, the first lifter L1 and the second lifter L2, and the inter-lifter path Rb connecting these lifters (L1, L2) on each travel floor F, constitute the transport unit U.

[0020] In this embodiment, multiple transport units U are arranged in a line in the Y direction. In the example shown in Figure 1, three transport units U are arranged in a line in the Y direction. However, the number of transport units U may be two or four or more.

[0021] Each of the first travel floor F1 and the second travel floor F2 is provided with a connecting area Ac that connects the inter-lifter paths Rb of multiple transport units U in the Y direction. In each of the first travel floor F1 and the second travel floor F2, the connecting area Ac connects each inter-lifter path Rb. The transport vehicle 1 can move back and forth along each inter-lifter path Rb via the connecting area Ac.

[0022] In this embodiment, the first travel floor F1 has multiple first travel paths R1 extending along the Y direction, arranged adjacent to each other in the X direction. In this example, the multiple first travel paths R1 are arranged in the connection area Ac on the first travel floor F1. In the illustrated example, six first travel paths R1 are arranged adjacent to each other in the X direction in the connection area Ac. The transport vehicle 1 can travel between each lifter path Rb on the first travel floor F1 by traveling along the first travel paths R1.

[0023] In this embodiment, the second travel floor F2 has multiple second travel paths R2 extending along the Y direction, arranged adjacent to each other in the X direction. In this example, multiple second travel paths R2 are arranged in the connection area Ac on the second travel floor F2. In the illustrated example, four second travel paths R2 are arranged adjacent to each other in the X direction in the connection area Ac. The transport vehicle 1 can travel between each lifter path Rb on the second travel floor F2 by traveling along the second travel paths R2.

[0024] In this embodiment, the goods transport equipment 100 includes a charging station 6 that supplies power to the transport vehicle 1. The charging station 6 is provided on at least the second travel floor F2. In this embodiment, the charging station 6 is also provided on the first travel floor F1. In the illustrated example, the charging station 6 is located in the connection area Ac on each driving floor F.

[0025] Next, the general configuration of the goods transport equipment 100 will be explained, mainly with reference to Figure 2. Figure 2 is a schematic plan view showing the first travel floor F1 and the second travel floor F2, respectively, and shows one transport unit U. Note that Figure 2 is a diagram intended to briefly explain the general configuration of the goods transport equipment 100. Therefore, in Figure 2, elements that are not necessary for explaining the general configuration of the goods transport equipment 100 have been omitted, or elements that are necessary for the explanation have been simplified.

[0026] As shown in Figure 2, the goods transport equipment 100 includes transport vehicles 1 that travel on the travel surfaces Ff formed on the first travel floor F1 and the second travel floor F2, respectively. Multiple transport vehicles 1 travel on the travel surfaces Ff on each travel floor F.

[0027] In this embodiment, the goods transport equipment 100 is equipped with a control device M that controls the transport of goods G throughout the entire equipment. The control device M is configured to control a plurality of transport vehicles 1. The control device M issues transport commands and standby commands to each transport vehicle 1. In the transport command, the source and destination of the goods G are specified. A transport vehicle 1 that receives a transport command receives the goods G at the specified source and transports the goods G to the specified destination. Furthermore, a standby command specifies a standby location. Upon receiving a standby command, transport vehicle 1 drives to the designated standby location and waits there until it receives further instructions.

[0028] The transport vehicle 1 is configured to operate unmanned. In this embodiment, the transport vehicle 1 is equipped with a battery (energy storage device) and is configured to operate using the power stored in the battery as a power source. As described above, the goods transport equipment 100 is provided with a charging station 6 (see Figure 1), and the transport vehicle 1 can be charged at the charging station 6 when the battery charge level becomes low.

[0029] Although detailed illustrations are omitted, in this embodiment, multiple location information holding units are provided at several locations on the travel floor F, each holding location information. Each location information holding unit contains address information indicating the location where the unit is located. The transport vehicle 1 is equipped with a detection unit (not shown) for detecting the location information holding units, and by detecting the location information holding units with this detection unit, it is possible to determine the vehicle's current position at the time of detection. The transport vehicle 1 travels toward the destination while sequentially reading the multiple location information holding units. For example, a one-dimensional code or a two-dimensional code holding identification information can be used as the location information holding unit. Alternatively, an RFID tag (Radio Frequency Identification Tag) holding identification information can be used as the location information holding unit.

[0030] As described above, the goods transport equipment 100 includes a goods supply unit 2 that supplies goods G to the transport vehicle 1, and a goods receiving unit 3 that receives the goods G transported by the transport vehicle 1. A work area WA is located adjacent to the goods supply unit 2. In the work area WA, the goods G supplied from the goods supply unit 2 are handed over to the transport vehicle 1. A sorting area SA is located adjacent to the goods receiving unit 3. In the sorting area SA, the goods G received by the goods receiving unit 3 are sorted.

[0031] In this embodiment, the item supply unit 2 and the item receiving unit 3 are located only on the first travel floor F1. In other words, the work area WA and the sorting area SA are located only on the first travel floor F1. The item receiving unit 3 is located on the first travel floor F1 adjacent to the lifter inter-path Rb. However, the configuration is not limited to the above, and the item supply unit 2 and the item receiving unit 3 may be located on the second travel floor F2.

[0032] The work area WA is positioned adjacent to each of the multiple lifter paths Rb on the first travel floor F1. In other words, there are the same number of work areas WA as there are multiple lifter paths Rb on the first travel floor F1 (three lifter paths Rb in the example shown in Figure 1).

[0033] The item G from the item supply unit 2 is supplied to the transport vehicle 1 either as the item G itself or in a container C. In this embodiment, the item supply unit 2 supplies the item G to the work area WA in a supply container Cp. In the work area WA, the item G contained in the supply container Cp is taken out and handed over to the transport vehicle 1 waiting in the lifter path Rb. That is, in this embodiment, the handover of the item G to the transport vehicle 1 may be performed with the item G contained in a container C other than the supply container Cp, or the item G may be handed over as is without being contained in a container C. Through this handover operation, the item G is supplied from the item supply unit 2 to the transport vehicle 1. In this embodiment, the above work in the work area WA is performed by a worker W. However, the above work may be performed by a robot instead of a worker W, or by both a worker W and a robot.

[0034] The transport vehicle 1 is configured to transport an item G or a container C containing the item G. The transport vehicle 1 transports the goods G supplied from the goods supply unit 2, or in this example, the goods G received in the work area WA, or the container C containing the goods G, to the goods receiving unit 3.

[0035] The item receiving section 3 is located away from the work area WA and is adjacent to the lifter-to-lift path Rb in the Y direction. In this example, the item receiving section 3 is provided on both sides of the lifter-to-lift path Rb in the Y direction.

[0036] In this embodiment, the article receiving section 3 includes a plurality of transport mechanisms 30 arranged in a line along the X direction. Each of the plurality of transport mechanisms 30 is configured to transport the article G received from the transport vehicle 1 or the container C containing the article G along the Y direction. The transport mechanisms 30 are configured, for example, using conveyors or chutes.

[0037] As described above, the sorting area SA is located adjacent to the item receiving section 3. Items G or containers C containing items G, which have been transported outward in the Y direction by the transport mechanism 30 in the item receiving section 3, are transported to the sorting area SA. In other words, the transport vehicle 1 is configured to transport items G or containers C containing items G, which have been received at the item supply section 2, to the sorting area SA. In this example, the transport vehicle 1 transports items G or containers C containing items G, which have been received at the item supply section 2, to the sorting area SA via the transport mechanism 30 of the item receiving section 3.

[0038] In the sorting area SA, sorting work is carried out on items G that have been transported by transport vehicle 1. Sorting is carried out based on predetermined order information. For example, order information includes various types of information such as customer information, shipping destination information, and item type information.

[0039] In this embodiment, when the transport vehicle 1 transports the goods G contained in container C to sorting area SA, an extraction operation is performed in sorting area SA to remove the goods G from container C. In other words, the sorting operation includes the retrieval operation of removing items G from container C transported by transport vehicle 1. In this embodiment, the sorting operation (including the retrieval operation) in the sorting area SA is performed by worker W. However, the sorting operation may be performed by a robot instead of worker W, or by both worker W and a robot.

[0040] The items G sorted in the sorting area SA are transported out of the sorting area SA by the transport conveyor 5 (see Figure 1) and then carried to a location where, for example, the next process takes place.

[0041] During the retrieval process in the sorting area SA, container C and goods G are separated, resulting in empty container C. In this embodiment, an empty container recovery conveyor 4 for collecting the empty container C generated by the retrieval process in the sorting area SA is provided on the travel floor F (first travel floor F1 in this example) where the goods receiving section 3 is located.

[0042] In this embodiment, the empty container collection conveyor 4 extends to a position adjacent to the work area WA. In this example, the empty container collection conveyor 4 extends into the interior of the work area WA. The empty containers C collected by the empty container collection conveyor 4 are transported to the work area WA and reused for work in the work area WA.

[0043] After the transport vehicle 1 delivers item G to the sorting area SA (item receiving section 3) on the first travel floor F1, it gets on the first lifter L1 and heads to the second travel floor F2. Then, the transport vehicle 1 travels on the second travel floor F2, gets on the second lifter L2, and returns to the first travel floor F1. Upon returning, the transport vehicle 1 receives item G in the work area WA (item supply section 2) in the same manner as above, and transports item G to the sorting area SA (item receiving section 3).

[0044] In this embodiment, the lifter-to-lifter path Rb of the first travel floor F1 and the lifter-to-lifter path Rb of the second travel floor F2 are parallel to each other, and the directions in which the transport vehicle 1 is allowed to travel are set to face opposite directions in the X direction.

[0045] In this embodiment, the transport vehicle 1 is configured to travel along the lifter-to-lift path Rb of the first travel floor F1 toward the first side X1 in the X direction. The transport vehicle 1 is also configured to travel along the lifter-to-lift path Rb of the second travel floor F2 toward the second side X2 in the X direction.

[0046] In this embodiment, the first lifter L1 is set up for raising the transport vehicle 1. That is, the first lifter L1 is a lifter for moving the transport vehicle 1 from the first travel floor F1 to the second travel floor F2.

[0047] In this embodiment, the second lifter L2 is set for lowering the transport vehicle 1. That is, the second lifter L2 is a lifter for moving the transport vehicle 1 from the second travel floor F2 to the first travel floor F1.

[0048] In this embodiment, the transport vehicle 1 exits the second lowering lifter L2 onto the first travel floor F1 and receives the item G in the work area WA. Then, while holding the item G, the transport vehicle 1 travels along the lifter path Rb on the first travel floor F1 toward the first side X1 in the X direction and delivers the item G in the sorting area SA. After that, the transport vehicle 1 enters the first upward lifter L1 from the first travel floor F1 and proceeds to the second travel floor F2. The transport vehicle 1 exits the first upward lifter L1 onto the second travel floor F2 and travels along the lifter path Rb on the second travel floor F2 toward the second side X2 in the X direction. Then, the transport vehicle 1 enters the second downward lifter L2 and proceeds to the first travel floor F1. In this way, the transport vehicle 1 circulates between the first travel floor F1 and the second travel floor F2.

[0049] If the transport vehicle 1 malfunctions and stops on the travel floor F, it is necessary to repair or retrieve the transport vehicle 1. Therefore, it is required that the worker W can access the transport vehicle 1 that has malfunctioned and stopped on the travel floor F. The goods transport equipment 100 according to this disclosure facilitates worker W's access to the transport vehicle 1 that has stopped on the travel floor F. This will be explained in detail below.

[0050] Figure 3 is a plan view showing the main parts of the goods transport equipment 100. In Figure 3, the first travel floor F1 and the second travel floor F2 are shown superimposed in a vertical view, and the second travel floor F2 is colored gray to make it easier to distinguish between the two floors. Note that elements unnecessary for the following explanation have been omitted from Figure 3.

[0051] The second travel floor F2 is located above the first travel floor F1 and is positioned to overlap with the first travel floor F1 in a vertical view. At least the entire connection area Ac on the second travel floor F2 overlaps with the connection area Ac on the first travel floor F1 in a vertical view. Furthermore, in this example, a portion Rbp of the lifter-to-lift path Rb on the second travel floor F2 that protrudes in the X direction from the connection area Ac overlaps with the connection area Ac on the first travel floor F1 in a vertical view.

[0052] The first travel floor F1 is provided with an access point En for worker W to enter the first travel floor F1. Worker W can enter the first travel floor F1 through access point En if maintenance becomes necessary on the first travel floor F1. If the transport vehicle 1 makes an abnormal stop on the first travel floor F1, worker W can access the abnormally stopped transport vehicle 1 by entering the first travel floor F1 through access point En. When worker W enters the first travel floor F1, the transport vehicle 1 is prohibited from traveling in the area where worker W is present. In the following, the abnormally stopped transport vehicle 1 may be referred to as "abnormally stopped vehicle 1t".

[0053] In this embodiment, an access point En is provided for each of the multiple transport units U. In this example, the article transport equipment 100 comprises three transport units U, and an access point En is provided adjacent to each of these transport units U.

[0054] The first travel floor F1 is equipped with an outer overhang 10 that extends outward from the outer edge 2E of the second travel floor F2 when viewed in the vertical direction. The outer overhang 10 has sufficient strength to support a worker W. In other words, the outer overhang 10 functions as a platform for the worker W. If the transport vehicle 1 makes an abnormal stop on the second travel floor F2, the worker W can access the abnormally stopped vehicle 1t by standing on the outer overhang 10 and reaching out towards the second travel floor F2.

[0055] As shown in Figure 4, the vertical distance between the first travel floor F1 and the second travel floor F2 (hereinafter referred to as "floor spacing D") is shorter than the height of the worker W. More specifically, floor spacing D is shorter than the average height of a worker W (for example, about 1.7 meters). The second travel floor F2 is positioned at approximately chest height for a worker W standing upright on the first travel floor F1. For example, floor spacing D is set to 1.2 to 1.5 meters. This allows a worker W standing on the outer overhang 10 to properly access the abnormally stopped vehicle 1t that is stopped on the second travel floor F2. In addition, a worker W standing on the first travel floor F1 can pass under the second travel floor F2 and access the abnormally stopped vehicle 1t that is stopped on the first travel floor F1 without difficulty.

[0056] As described above, in this embodiment, multiple transport units U are arranged in a line in the Y direction (see Figure 1, etc.). That is, multiple sets of a first lifter L1, a second lifter L2, and an inter-lifter path Rb are arranged in a line. As shown in Figure 3, in this embodiment, when viewed in the vertical direction, an outer overhang 10 is arranged between adjacent inter-lifter paths Rb.

[0057] As shown in Figure 3, in this embodiment, the outer edge 2E of the second traveling floor F2 comprises a plurality of linear sides 2s. The "outer edge 2E of the second traveling floor F2" is the edge that shows the outer shape of the second traveling floor F2 when viewed in the vertical direction. In this example, the plurality of sides 2s include a plurality of first sides 2sy that extend linearly along the Y direction and a plurality of second sides 2sx that extend linearly along the X direction. The outer edge 2E of the second traveling floor F2 is formed by combining the plurality of first sides 2sy and the plurality of second sides 2sx.

[0058] In this embodiment, the outer overhang 10 extends outward in a vertical view from at least two sides 2s of the outer edge 2E of the second travel floor F2. It is preferable that the at least two sides 2s include a pair of opposing sides that are parallel to each other. In this case, the worker W can access the portion of the second travel floor F2 sandwiched between the pair of sides from opposite sides. For example, in the example shown in Figure 3, the at least two sides 2s include a pair of opposing first sides 2sy, and the worker W can access the portion of the second travel floor F2 sandwiched between the pair of first sides 2sy from opposite sides in the X direction. Specifically, of the four second travel paths R2 located in the portion between the first sides 2sy of the second travel floor F2, worker W can access the two second travel paths R2 on the first side X1 in the X direction from the first side X1, and worker W can access the two second travel paths R2 on the second side X2 in the X direction from the second side X2.

[0059] In this example, the first travel floor F1 is provided with a plurality of outer overhangs 10. The plurality of outer overhangs 10 include a first outer overhang 11 and a second outer overhang 12. The first outer overhang 11 extends outward in a vertical view relative to the first side 2sy and the second side 2sx of the outer edge 2E of the second travel floor F2. The second outer overhang 12 extends outward in a vertical view relative to only the second side 2sx of the outer edge 2E of the second travel floor F2. In this example, the area on the first travel floor F1 where the charging station 6 is provided is the second outer overhang 12. Hereinafter, unless specifically distinguished, the first outer overhang 11 and the second outer overhang 12 will be collectively referred to as "outer overhang 10".

[0060] As described above, the first travel floor F1 has multiple first travel paths R1 extending along the Y direction, arranged adjacent to each other in the X direction. Similarly, the second travel floor F2 has multiple second travel paths R2 extending along the Y direction, arranged adjacent to each other in the X direction. In this embodiment, the number of first travel paths R1 is greater than the number of second travel paths R2. And, in a vertical view, at least one first travel path R1 is arranged on the X-outward side of the second travel floor F2. In this example, in a vertical view, at least one first travel path R1 is arranged on each of the two X-outward sides of the second travel floor F2. In the illustrated example, the number of first travel paths R1 is "6" and the number of second travel paths R2 is "4". And, one first travel path R1 is arranged on each of the two X-outward sides of the second travel floor F2.

[0061] Of the multiple first travel paths R1, a portion of the first travel path R1 that is positioned outward in the X direction relative to the second travel floor F2 when viewed in the vertical direction is designated as the outward overhang 10 (first outward overhang 11).

[0062] In this embodiment, the charging station 6 provided on the second travel floor F2 extends outward in the X direction from the second travel path R2, which is located on the outermost side in the X direction on the second travel floor F2. Therefore, in this embodiment, of the multiple first travel paths R1, the first travel path R1 located on the outermost side in the X direction partially overlaps with the charging station 6 on the second travel floor F2 in a vertical view, and the other part extends outward from the second travel floor F2 in a vertical view. The portion of the first travel path R1 that extends outward from the second travel floor F2 in a vertical view is designated as the outer overhang portion 10, and this overhang portion is designated as the first outer overhang portion 11.

[0063] In this embodiment, a fall prevention wall 7 is provided along the outer edge 2E of the connection area Ac on the second travel floor F2 to prevent the transport vehicle 1 from falling. In this example, the height of the fall prevention wall 7 is lower than the height of the transport vehicle 1 (see Figure 4). This makes it less likely for the fall prevention wall 7 to obstruct a worker W standing on the outer overhang 10 of the first travel floor F1 when accessing the abnormally stopped vehicle 1t that is stopped on the second travel floor F2.

[0064] The aforementioned fall prevention wall 7 prevents the transport vehicle 1 from falling from the outer edge 2E of the connection area Ac on the second travel floor F2. However, even if the transport vehicle 1 were to fall from the outer edge 2E of the connection area Ac on the second travel floor F2, it would fall onto the outer overhang 10 of the first travel floor F1. Therefore, the transport vehicle 1 would not fall onto the worker W working on the floor surface 9. Furthermore, since the worker W does not normally enter the first travel floor F1, even if the transport vehicle 1 were to fall onto the outer overhang 10 of the first travel floor F1, it would not significantly affect the safety of the worker W.

[0065] On the other hand, the first travel floor F1 has a portion that does not protrude outward from the second travel floor F2 when viewed in the vertical direction. In this embodiment, the lifter-to-lift path Rb of the first travel floor F1 and the lifter-to-lift path Rb of the second travel floor F2 overlap (completely overlap) when viewed in the vertical direction. In other words, the lifter-to-lift path Rb of the first travel floor F1 does not protrude outward from the lifter-to-lift path Rb of the second travel floor F2 when viewed in the vertical direction. Therefore, if the transport vehicle 1 were to fall from the lifter-to-lift path Rb of the second travel floor F2, the transport vehicle 1 would fall directly onto the floor surface 9.

[0066] Therefore, in this embodiment, a fall-preventing member 8 is provided along the edge of the lifter-to-lift path Rb on the second travel floor F2 to prevent the transport vehicle 1 from falling. Although detailed illustrations are omitted, the height of the fall-preventing member 8 is higher than the height of the fall-preventing wall 7 described above. This makes it easier to reduce the possibility of the transport vehicle 1 falling from the edge of the lifter-to-lift path Rb on the second travel floor F2. Furthermore, in this example, the height of the fall-preventing member 8 is higher than the height of the transport vehicle 1. This further reduces the possibility of the transport vehicle 1 falling. It is preferable that the fall-preventing member 8 is made of a net material with a mesh. With this, even if the fall-preventing member 8 is higher than the height of the transport vehicle 1, the worker W can easily see the transport vehicle 1 traveling along the lifter-to-lift path Rb inside the fall-preventing member 8 from the outside.

[0067] [Other Embodiments] Next, other embodiments will be described.

[0068] (1) In the above embodiment, an example was described in which the outer edge 2E of the second traveling floor F2 has multiple straight edges 2s. However, the example is not limited to this example, and the outer edge 2E of the second traveling floor F2 may have curved edges instead of, or in addition to, multiple straight edges 2s.

[0069] (2) In the above embodiment, an example was described in which one first travel path R1 is arranged on each of the two outer sides in the X direction relative to the second travel floor F2. However, the example is not limited to this example, and two or more first travel paths R1 may be arranged on each of the two outer sides in the X direction relative to the second travel floor F2. Alternatively, one or more first travel paths R1 may be arranged on only one of the two outer sides in the X direction relative to the second travel floor F2, that is, on only one side.

[0070] (3) In the above embodiment, an example was described in which the charging station 6 provided on the second travel floor F2 extends outward in the X direction from the second travel path R2, which is located on the outermost side in the X direction of the second travel floor F2. However, the example is not limited to this example, and the charging station 6 provided on the second travel floor F2 may be located within the second travel path R2.

[0071] (4) In the above embodiment, an example was described in which the lifter path Rb of the first travel floor F1 and the lifter path Rb of the second travel floor F2 overlap (completely overlap) when viewed in the vertical direction. However, the invention is not limited to such an example, and the lifter path Rb of the first travel floor F1 and the lifter path Rb of the second travel floor F2 may be offset when viewed in the vertical direction. For example, the lifter path Rb of the first travel floor F1 may have a portion that extends out from the lifter path Rb of the second travel floor F2. In this case, that portion also becomes the "outer overhang 10".

[0072] (5) In the above embodiment, an example was described in which a fall prevention wall 7 is provided along the outer edge 2E of the connection area Ac on the second travel floor F2 to prevent the transport vehicle 1 from falling. However, the invention is not limited to such an example, and a fall prevention wall 7 may not be provided.

[0073] (6) In the above embodiment, an example was described in which a fall-restricting member 8 is provided along the edge of the inter-lifter path Rb on the second travel floor F2 to restrict the fall of the transport vehicle 1. However, the invention is not limited to such an example, and the fall-restricting member 8 may not be provided.

[0074] (7) The configurations disclosed in the embodiments described above can be applied in combination with configurations disclosed in other embodiments, as long as they do not cause any inconsistencies. 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.

[0075] [Summary of the above embodiment] The following describes an overview of the above embodiment.

[0076] A transport vehicle for carrying goods, An article transporting system comprising a first travel floor and a second travel floor on which the transport vehicle can travel, The second running floor is positioned above the first running floor and overlaps with the first running floor when viewed in the vertical direction. The first running floor includes an outward overhang that extends outward from the outer edge of the second running floor when viewed in the vertical direction.

[0077] According to this configuration, the first travel floor, which is located below the second travel floor, is relatively easy for workers to access. Therefore, even if a transport vehicle makes an abnormal stop on the first travel floor, workers can access the transport vehicle by entering the first travel floor. If a transport vehicle malfunctions and stops on the second travel floor, which is located above the first travel floor, an operator can relatively easily access the stopped transport vehicle on the second travel floor by standing on the outer overhang of the first travel floor and reaching out. Based on the above, this configuration makes it easier to access the transport vehicle when it is stopped on the travel floor.

[0078] Let a specific direction along the horizontal plane be the first direction, and let the direction perpendicular to the first direction in the vertical view be the second direction. On the first travel floor, a plurality of first travel paths extending along the first direction are arranged adjacent to each other in the second direction. On the second travel floor, a plurality of second travel paths extending along the first direction are arranged adjacent to each other in the second direction. The number of the first route is greater than the number of the second route. In a vertical view, it is preferable that at least one of the first travel paths is arranged outside the second travel floor in the second direction.

[0079] In this configuration, among the multiple first travel paths, the first travel path located outside the second travel floor in a vertical view is utilized as an outward overhang. Therefore, a portion of the multiple first travel paths normally used by the transport vehicle can be utilized as an outward overhang to provide access to the transport vehicle on the second travel floor.

[0080] The transport vehicle is equipped with a charging station that supplies power to it. The charging station is provided at least on the second travel floor, Preferably, the charging station provided on the second travel floor extends outward in the second direction from the second travel path located on the outermost side of the second direction on the second travel floor.

[0081] With this configuration, access to the charging station becomes easier from the outer overhang of the first driving floor. Therefore, this configuration makes it easier to perform maintenance and other tasks on the charging station.

[0082] The transport vehicle is raised and lowered between the first travel floor and the second travel floor, and the system is equipped with a first lifter and a second lifter that are spaced apart from each other in the horizontal direction. A lifter-to-lifter path is provided in each of the first and second travel floors, connecting the first lifter and the second lifter. Multiple sets of the first lifter, the second lifter, and the path between the lifters are arranged in a row. In a vertical view, it is preferable that the outer protrusions are positioned between adjacent paths between the lifters.

[0083] This configuration allows for easy access from the outer overhang to a transport vehicle that has stopped abnormally between adjacent lifter paths on the second travel floor. For example, even if a transport vehicle stops abnormally while changing its route from one lifter path to another, it can be easily accessed. [Industrial applicability]

[0084] The technology relating to this disclosure can be used in an article transport system comprising an article transport vehicle, a first travel floor and a second travel floor on which the article transport vehicle can travel. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0085] 100: Goods handling equipment F: Running floor F1: First Running Floor 10:Outer overhang R1: First driving route F2: Second running floor R2: Second driving route 2E: Outer edge 2s: edge 1: Transport vehicle 6: Charging Station G:Goods W: Worker Y: First direction X:Second direction

Claims

1. A transport vehicle for carrying goods, An article transporting system comprising a first travel floor and a second travel floor on which the transport vehicle can travel, The second running floor is positioned above the first running floor and overlaps with the first running floor when viewed in the vertical direction. The transport vehicle is raised and lowered between the first travel floor and the second travel floor, and the system is equipped with a first lifter and a second lifter that are spaced apart from each other in the horizontal direction. A lifter-to-lifter path connecting the first lifter and the second lifter is provided on each of the first and second travel floors. The first running floor includes an outer overhang that extends outward from the outer edge of the second running floor when viewed in the vertical direction, Multiple sets of the first lifter, the second lifter, and the path between the lifters are arranged in a row. An article conveying system in which, when viewed from above, the outer overhangs are positioned between adjacent paths between the lifters.

2. A transport vehicle for carrying goods, An article transporting system comprising a first travel floor and a second travel floor on which the transport vehicle can travel, The second running floor is positioned above the first running floor and overlaps with the first running floor when viewed in the vertical direction. The first running floor includes an outer overhang that extends outward from the outer edge of the second running floor when viewed in the vertical direction, Let a specific direction along the horizontal plane be the first direction, and let the direction perpendicular to the first direction in the vertical view be the second direction. On the first travel floor, a plurality of first travel paths extending along the first direction are arranged adjacent to each other in the second direction. On the second travel floor, a plurality of second travel paths extending along the first direction are arranged adjacent to each other in the second direction. The number of the first route is greater than the number of the second route. An article transporting system in which, when viewed in the vertical direction, at least one of the first travel paths is arranged outward in the second direction relative to the second travel floor.

3. The transport vehicle is equipped with a charging station that supplies power to it. The charging station is provided at least on the second travel floor, The article transport equipment according to claim 2, wherein the charging station provided on the second travel floor extends outward in the second direction from the second travel path located on the outermost side in the second direction on the second travel floor.

4. The transport vehicle is raised and lowered between the first travel floor and the second travel floor, and the system is equipped with a first lifter and a second lifter that are spaced apart from each other in the horizontal direction. A lifter-to-lifter path connecting the first lifter and the second lifter is provided on each of the first and second travel floors. Multiple sets of the first lifter, the second lifter, and the path between the lifters are arranged in a row. The article conveying equipment according to claim 2 or 3, wherein, in a vertical view, the outer overhangs are positioned between adjacent paths between the lifters.

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