Goods transport equipment

Abstract

To reduce an arrangement error of a position information holding portion that serves as a reference for a traveling position of a transport vehicle.SOLUTION: In article conveying equipment according to the present invention, a bracket 3 is provided with a first reference portion 30m, and a beam 2 is provided with a second reference portion 20m. The beam 2 is arranged at a proper position of the beam with respect to the bracket 3 by arranging the second reference portion 20m in alignment with the first reference portion 30m. A floor plate 4 is provided with a third reference portion 4m. The floor plate 4 is arranged at a proper position of the floor plate with respect to the beam 2 by arranging the third reference portion 4m in alignment with the second reference portion 20m. A position information holding portion 6 is arranged at a predetermined reference position Ps on the floor plate 4 with the third reference portion 4m as a reference.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an article transport facility including a traveling floor, a support frame that supports the traveling floor, and a transport vehicle that travels on a traveling surface formed on the traveling floor. [Background technology]

[0002] For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2022-050240 (Patent Document 1) discloses an article transport facility equipped with a transport vehicle that travels while reading information from a position information storage unit provided on the travel surface. Below, the reference numerals in parentheses in the description of the background art refer to those in Patent Document 1.

[0003] In the facility disclosed in Patent Document 1, a magnetic sheet storing ID information of the unit area (A5) is provided in each unit area (A5) on the transport path 30. The transport vehicle (10) travels while recognizing its own position by reading the ID information on the magnetic sheet. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2022-050240 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] As described above, in the equipment disclosed in Patent Document 1, the position of the magnetic sheet storing the ID information, i.e., the position of the position information storage unit, serves as the reference for the travel position of the transport vehicle (10). Therefore, the position information storage unit must be placed in an appropriate position set with respect to the travel surface, and it is preferable that the position error be as small as possible. However, Patent Document 1 does not specifically disclose this point.

[0006] In view of the above situation, it is desirable to realize a technology that can reduce the placement error of the position information storage unit that serves as a reference for the traveling position of the transport vehicle. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] An article transport facility comprising: a traveling floor; a support frame supporting the traveling floor; and a transport vehicle that travels on a traveling surface formed on the traveling floor, the support frame includes a plurality of columns and a plurality of beams supported by the plurality of columns; The traveling floor is configured by combining a plurality of floor plates supported by the support frame, the running surface is formed by the upper surfaces of the plurality of floor plates arranged in a plane, a position information storage unit for storing position information of at least one location on the floorboard is disposed at the at least one location on the floorboard; the transport vehicle is configured to travel on the travel surface while reading the position information stored in the position information storage unit, Brackets for supporting the beams are fixed to the sides of the columns, The appropriate position of the beam relative to the bracket is defined as the beam appropriate position, and the appropriate position of the floor board relative to the beam is defined as the floor board appropriate position, The bracket is provided with a first reference portion that is a reference portion for supporting the beam at the beam proper position, The beam is provided with a second reference portion that is a reference portion arranged in alignment with the first reference portion, the beam is disposed at the beam proper position relative to the bracket by aligning the second reference portion with the first reference portion; The floor plate is provided with a third reference portion that is a reference portion arranged in alignment with the second reference portion, The floorboard is positioned in the appropriate position relative to the beam by aligning the third reference portion with the second reference portion, The position information storage unit is disposed at a predetermined reference position on the floorboard with the third reference portion as a reference.

[0008] According to this configuration, the travel surface on which the transport vehicle travels is formed by the upper surfaces of multiple floor plates, and these multiple floor plates are supported by beams. The beam is positioned at an appropriate position relative to the bracket by aligning the second reference portion with the first reference portion of the bracket. The floor plate is positioned at an appropriate position relative to the beam by aligning the third reference portion with the second reference portion of the beam. Furthermore, the position information storage unit is positioned at a predetermined reference position on the floor plate based on the third reference portion. This configuration makes it easier to position the position information storage unit at an appropriate position based on the entire travel surface. Therefore, according to this configuration, it is possible to reduce the positioning error of the position information storage unit, which serves as a reference for the travel position of the transport vehicle.

[0009] Further features and advantages of the techniques according to the present disclosure will become more apparent from the following description of exemplary and non-limiting embodiments, which proceeds with reference to the drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] Plan view showing the first and second floor running floors of the goods transport equipment [Figure 2] An explanatory diagram showing the traveling operation of a transport vehicle [Figure 3] A perspective view showing the connection between the pillar and the beam [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a plan view showing a state in which the first reference portion and the second reference portion are aligned; [Figure 5] 1 is a perspective view showing the periphery of a column through hole; [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a plan view showing a state in which the second reference portion and the third reference portion are aligned. [Figure 7] A cross-sectional view showing a state in which the position information storage unit is arranged on a floorboard. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the position information storage unit is placed on a floor board in another embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] Hereinafter, an embodiment of an article transport facility will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0012] [Outline of goods transport equipment] First, an overview of the article conveying facility will be described with reference to Fig. 1. As shown in Fig. 1, the article conveying facility 100 includes a traveling floor F, a support frame SF that supports the traveling floor F, and a transport vehicle V that travels on a traveling surface Ff formed on the traveling floor F. In this embodiment, the article conveying facility 100 includes multiple traveling floors F arranged in the vertical direction, a support frame SF that supports the multiple traveling floors F, and a transport vehicle V that travels on a traveling surface Ff formed on each of the multiple traveling floors F. On the traveling floor F on each level, multiple transport vehicles V travel on the traveling surface Ff.

[0013] In the example shown in Fig. 1, the article conveying facility 100 has two levels of traveling floors F. Fig. 1 shows a first level traveling floor F and a second level traveling floor F. However, the article conveying facility 100 is not limited to this configuration, and may have three or more levels of traveling floors F.

[0014] The transport vehicle V is configured to transport an article G. The transport vehicle V is configured to travel straight and also to change direction by turning on the spot around a vertical axis. By performing straight travel and turning, the transport vehicle V is able to travel freely on the travel surface Ff on both the first-floor travel floor F and the second-floor travel floor F.

[0015] The item conveying equipment 100 includes a pair of lifters L that raise and lower the transport vehicle V across multiple (in this example, two) running floors F, an item supply section Pg to which items G are supplied, a work area WA in which the items G supplied from the item supply section Pg are handed over to the transport vehicle V, a sorting area SA in which sorting work on the items G is performed, and an empty container recovery device B that recovers empty containers C generated by the sorting work in the sorting area SA.

[0016] In this embodiment, both the work area WA and the sorting area SA are provided at the same level as the first-floor travel floor F. On the second-floor travel floor F, neither the work area WA nor the sorting area SA is provided.

[0017] The work area WA is arranged adjacent to both the travel path R of the transport vehicle V on the first travel floor F and the item supply unit Pg. In this embodiment, the item supply unit Pg supplies the items G to the work area WA while they are stored in a supply container Cp. In the work area WA, the items G stored in the supply container Cp are removed and handed over to the transport vehicle V waiting on the travel path R. The delivery of the items G to the transport vehicle V may be performed while the items G are stored in a container C separate from the supply container Cp, or may be performed by handing over the items G as is without storing them in a container C. 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 the worker W, or may be performed by both the worker W and the robot.

[0018] The sorting area SA is located adjacent to the travel route R at a distance from the work area WA. The transport vehicle V transports the items G received in the work area WA to the sorting area SA. In the sorting area SA, sorting work is performed on the items G transported by the transport vehicle V. In this embodiment, the sorting area SA is equipped with multiple sorting conveyors Sc. The transport vehicle V delivers the items G to one of the multiple sorting conveyors Sc. In the sorting area SA, sorting work is performed on the items G delivered to the sorting conveyors Sc by the transport vehicle V. The sorting work is performed based on predetermined order information. For example, the order information includes various information such as customer information, shipping destination information, and item type information.

[0019] When the transport vehicle V transports items G contained in containers C to the sorting area SA, it hands over the items G together with the containers C to the sorting conveyor Sc. In this case, in the sorting area SA, a removal operation is performed to remove the items G from the containers C transported by the transport vehicle V. The empty containers C generated by this removal operation are collected by the empty container recovery device B. The empty containers C collected by the empty container recovery device B are transported along the recovery path Rb to the work area WA and used for work in the work area WA. In this embodiment, the sorting operation (including the above-mentioned removal operation) in the sorting area SA is performed by a worker W. However, the sorting operation may be performed by a robot instead of the worker W, or the sorting operation may be performed by both the worker W and the robot.

[0020] After transferring the item G to the sorting area SA, the transport vehicle V gets on the lifter L and heads to another floor's travel floor F (the second floor travel floor F in this example). The transport vehicle V then travels along the second floor travel floor F, gets on another lifter L, and returns to the travel floor F (the first floor travel floor F in this example) on which the above-mentioned work area WA and sorting area SA are located. The returning transport vehicle V receives the item G in the work area WA, and transports the item G to the sorting area SA, in the same manner as above.

[0021] [Running surface configuration] 2 shows a simplified portion of the travel surface Ff. A specific direction along the travel surface Ff is defined as a first direction X, and a direction along the travel surface Ff that is perpendicular to the first direction X is defined as a second direction Y.

[0022] 2, position information storage units 6 that store position information of a plurality of locations on the traveling surface Ff are disposed. The transport vehicle V is configured to travel on the traveling surface Ff while reading the position information stored in the position information storage units 6.

[0023] In this embodiment, unique identification information is set in the position information storage unit 6. In this example, the identification information includes address information (corresponding to the above-mentioned position information) indicating the location where the position information storage unit 6 is installed. The guided vehicle V is equipped with a detection unit (not shown) for detecting the position information storage unit 6. The guided vehicle V can then determine the location where the position information storage unit 6 is installed, i.e., the current location of the vehicle at the time of detection, by detecting the position information storage unit 6 using this detection unit. For example, a code such as a one-dimensional code or a two-dimensional code that holds identification information can be used as the position information storage unit 6. Alternatively, an RFID tag (Radio Frequency Identification Tag) that holds identification information can be used as the position information storage unit 6. In this example, the position information storage unit 6 is a plate-shaped member including a display unit 60 on which a code indicating the position information is displayed and a frame unit 61 that surrounds the periphery of the display unit 60 (see FIGS. 6 and 7).

[0024] In this embodiment, the running surface Ff is provided with a first running path R1, which is the running path R of the transport vehicle V along the first direction X, a second running path R2, which is the running path R of the transport vehicle V along the second direction Y, and a turning position located at the intersection of the first running path R1 and the second running path R2, which allows the transport vehicle V to turn.

[0025] In this embodiment, the plurality of first travel paths R1 and the plurality of second travel paths R2 are set to form a grid when viewed in the vertical direction. As described above, the transport vehicle V is configured to travel straight and also to change direction by turning on the spot around a vertical axis. By performing a combination of straight travel and turning, the transport vehicle V can travel along any of the travel paths R set on the travel surface Ff.

[0026] In this embodiment, a travel route R is set so as to connect a plurality of position information storage units 6. More specifically, a first travel route R1 is set so as to connect a plurality of position information storage units 6 arranged side by side in a first direction X. A second travel route R2 is set so as to connect a plurality of position information storage units 6 arranged side by side in a second direction Y. In other words, the position information storage units 6 are the reference for the travel position of the transport vehicle V.

[0027] In this embodiment, the turning position of the transport vehicle V for turning is set based on the position of the position information storage unit 6. In other words, the transport vehicle V is configured to turn at the position where the position information storage unit 6 is disposed. As will be described in detail later, a position information storage unit 6 that stores position information of at least one location on the floor board 4 is disposed (see FIG. 6). A reference position Ps is set in advance for one floor board 4, and the position information storage unit 6 is disposed at the reference position Ps. In other words, the transport vehicle V is configured to turn at the reference position Ps. Note that FIG. 6 shows an example in which a position information storage unit 6 is provided at one location for each of four areas obtained by dividing one floor board 4. In other words, FIG. 6 assumes a case in which four position information storage units 6 are provided for one floor board 4 that is formed into a square shape in a plan view. However, in the item conveying equipment 100, multiple types of floor boards 4 of different sizes may be used, and the number of position information holding units 6 provided on one floor board 4 may be set to one or two or more depending on the size, etc. of each of the multiple types of floor boards 4.

[0028] [Running floor configuration] Next, a detailed description will be given of the configuration of the traveling floor F. As described above, the multiple traveling floors F are supported by the support frame SF.

[0029] The support frame SF includes a plurality of columns 1 and a plurality of beams 2 supported by the columns 1. Figure 3 shows the connection structure between the columns 1 and the beams 2. As shown in Figure 3, the columns 1 extend in the vertical direction. The beams 2 are connected to the columns 1 and extend in the horizontal direction.

[0030] The pillar 1 is formed in the shape of a quadrangular pillar having four side surfaces 10. In this embodiment, the pillar 1 is formed to be hollow.

[0031] Brackets 3 for supporting the beams 2 are fixed to the side surfaces 10 of the pillars 1. A bracket 3 can be fixed to each of the four side surfaces 10 of the pillar 1. In this example, a bracket 3 for connecting the beams 2 to the pillars 1 is fixed to each of the four side surfaces 10. Therefore, a maximum of four beams 2 can be connected to one pillar 1. This means that when a pillar 1 is placed in an area other than the outer edge of the running surface Ff, a maximum of four beams 2 can be connected to the pillar 1, making it easier to appropriately support the running floor F using the beams 2. The number of beams 2 connected to the pillars 1 can be determined as desired.

[0032] The bracket 3 is configured to connect the end of the beam 2 in the extension direction to the side surface 10 of the column 1. In this example, the bracket 3 attached to the column 1 supports the beam 2, thereby connecting the beam 2 to the column 1.

[0033] In this embodiment, the bracket 3 comprises a support portion 30 that supports the beam 2 from below, a pair of side wall portions 31 that extend downward from each of both ends of the support portion 30 in the width direction (a direction perpendicular to both the up and down direction and the extension direction of the beam 2), an upper fixing portion 32 that is bent upward from the support portion 30 and extends along the side surface 10 of the column 1, and a side fixing portion 33 that is bent inward in the width direction from each of the pair of side wall portions 31 and extends along the side surface 10 of the column 1.

[0034] The upper fixing portion 32 and the side fixing portion 33 of the bracket 3 are fixed to the side surface 10 of the pillar 1. In this example, a through hole 10h is formed in the side surface 10 of the pillar 1. The upper fixing portion 32 and the side fixing portion 33 are fixed to the side surface 10 of the pillar 1 by a rivet 96 that passes through the through hole 10h.

[0035] The beam 2 includes a supported portion 20 that is placed from above on the supporting portion 30 of the bracket 3. In this embodiment, the beam 2 includes a pair of hanging portions 21 that hang downward from both ends of the supported portion 20 in the width direction (a direction perpendicular to both the up-down direction and the extending direction of the beam 2). The supported portion 20 is disposed above the supporting portion 30. Each of the pair of hanging portions 21 is disposed outward in the width direction from the side wall portion 31 of the pair that is disposed on the same side in the width direction. As a result, the beam 2 is disposed so as to cover the bracket 3 when viewed in the extending direction of the beam 2. In this state, the beam 2 is fixed to the bracket 3 by a fastening member (e.g., bolt 97). The beam 2 and the bracket 3 each have a bolt through hole (not shown) through which the same bolt 97 passes.

[0036] Here, the appropriate position of the beam 2 relative to the bracket 3 is defined as the beam appropriate position. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 , the bracket 3 is provided with a first reference portion 30m, which is a reference portion for supporting the beam 2 at the beam appropriate position. The beam 2 is provided with a second reference portion 20m, which is a reference portion arranged in alignment with the first reference portion 30m. The beam 2 is arranged in the beam appropriate position relative to the bracket 3 by aligning the second reference portion 20m with the first reference portion 30m. In other words, the first reference portion 30m and the second reference portion 20m are used for alignment when arranging the beam 2 in the beam appropriate position. In this embodiment, the beam 2 is arranged in the beam appropriate position in a state where the first reference portion 30m of the bracket 3 and the second reference portion 20m of the beam 2 overlap when viewed in the up-down direction (see FIG. 4 ).

[0037] In this specification, the "proper beam position" refers to the ideal position (here, a position with a certain range) of the beam 2 relative to the bracket 3 to which the beam 2 is directly connected. When the beam 2 is arranged at the proper beam position, the multiple bolt through holes formed in the beam 2 and the corresponding bolt through holes formed in the bracket 3 overlap when viewed from the penetration direction in which the same bolt 97 passes through.

[0038] In this embodiment, the first reference portion 30m is a reference mark provided on the upper surface of the support portion 30 of the bracket 3. The reference mark as the first reference portion 30m is configured by a letter, a figure, a symbol, a recess, a protrusion, or a combination thereof. In this example, the reference mark as the first reference portion 30m is a figure (for example, a circular figure) engraved on the support portion 30.

[0039] As shown in FIG. 4, in this embodiment, the second reference portion 20m is a through hole that penetrates the supported portion 20 of the beam 2 in the vertical direction. The second reference portion 20m is disposed at a position corresponding to the first reference portion 30m formed on the supporting portion 30. When viewed in the vertical direction, the second reference portion 20m is formed larger than the first reference portion 30m. That is, when the second reference portion 20m is aligned with the first reference portion 30m, the first reference portion 30m is disposed inside the second reference portion 20m when viewed in the vertical direction. The shape of the hole (the shape of the inner surface) of the second reference portion 20m when viewed in the vertical direction is preferably distinguishable from that of the first reference portion 30m. Furthermore, the shape of the hole of the second reference portion 20m is preferably a shape that circumscribes the first reference portion 30m when viewed in the vertical direction. In this example, the first reference portion 30m is formed as a circular figure, and the shape of the hole of the second reference portion 20m when viewed in the vertical direction is formed to be different from a circular shape. In the illustrated example, the hole of the second reference portion 20m is formed in a rectangular shape when viewed in the vertical direction. In this example, the second reference portion 20m is formed as a hole that is surrounded on its entire periphery, but the second reference portion 20m may also be formed as a hole that is partially open (for example, a hole that is open at the end of the supported portion 20 that is closer to the column 1). In this way, by forming the first reference portion 30m and the second reference portion 20m to have different appearances, it can be expected that the positioning of the second reference portion 20m with respect to the first reference portion 30m will be easier than when both are formed in the same appearance (for example, both are circular).

[0040] As shown in Fig. 5, the traveling floor F is configured by combining a plurality of floorboards 4 supported by a support frame SF. The traveling surface Ff is formed by the upper surfaces of the plurality of floorboards 4 arranged in a plane. A position information storage unit 6 that stores position information of at least one location on the floorboard 4 is disposed (see Fig. 6).

[0041] In this embodiment, the floor plate 4 is placed on the upper surface of the beam 2. The floor plate 4 is fixed to the beam 2 by a fastening member (a bolt 99 in this example). A bolt through hole 2h through which the bolt 99 passes is formed in the supported portion 20 of the beam 2 (see FIG. 3), and a bolt through hole (not shown) through which the bolt 99 passes is also formed in the floor plate 4. The same bolt 99 passes integrally through these corresponding bolt through holes, thereby fixing the floor plate 4 to the beam 2.

[0042] A plurality of floorboards 4 (four floorboards 4 in this example) are arranged around the column 1. The beams 2 supported on each of a pair of mutually perpendicular side surfaces 10 of the column 1 are designated as target beams 2T, and the floorboards 4 are supported by a pair of target beams 2T (see also FIG. 6). One floorboard 4 is supported from below by each of the pair of target beams 2T and fixed to each of the pair of target beams 2T using bolts 99. In this embodiment, one floorboard 4 is supported by four beams 2 (specifically, two pairs of target beams 2T). Any of the multiple beams 2 supported by the column 1 can serve as the target beam 2T and support the floorboards 4. In this figure, for ease of explanation, any pair of beams 2 out of the four beams 2 supported by the column 1 is shown as the target beam 2T.

[0043] In this embodiment, the floorboard 4 is formed in a rectangular shape in a plan view (see also FIG. 6). Of the four sides 4s of the floorboard 4, a pair of sides 4s that are perpendicular to each other are set as target sides 4sT, and each of the pair of target sides 4sT is supported by a different target beam 2T.

[0044] In this embodiment, the running floor F is provided with a pillar through hole 5 in which the pillar 1 is arranged. The pillar 1 is arranged to pass through the pillar through hole 5, and thereby penetrates the running floor F in the vertical direction.

[0045] When viewed in the vertical direction, a part of the bracket 3 and a part of the beam 2 are arranged inside the column through hole 5. In this embodiment, when viewed in the vertical direction, the first reference portion 30m of the bracket 3 and the second reference portion 20m of the beam 2 are arranged inside the column through hole 5. In other words, the first reference portion 30m and the second reference portion 20m are exposed from the floorboard 4 when viewed in the vertical direction. This makes the first reference portion 30m and the second reference portion 20m visible from above the floorboard 4.

[0046] As shown in Figure 6, the floorboard 4 is provided with a third reference portion 4m, which is a reference portion that is positioned in alignment with the second reference portion 20m. The appropriate position of the floorboard 4 relative to the beam 2 is defined as the appropriate floorboard position, and the floorboard 4 is positioned in the appropriate floorboard position relative to the beam 2 by aligning the third reference portion 4m with the second reference portion 20m. In other words, the second reference portion 20m and the third reference portion 4m are used for alignment when positioning the floorboard 4 in the appropriate floorboard position.

[0047] In this specification, the "appropriate floorboard position" refers to the ideal position (here, a position with a certain range) of the floorboard 4 relative to the beam 2 to which the floorboard 4 is directly connected. When the floorboard 4 is placed in the appropriate floorboard position, the multiple bolt through holes 2h (see Figure 3) formed in the beam 2 and the corresponding bolt through holes formed in the floorboard 4 overlap when viewed from the penetration direction in which the same bolt 99 passes through.

[0048] In this embodiment, a pair of third reference portions 4m are provided on the floorboard 4 corresponding to one column 1. The second reference portion 20m of one of the pair of target beams 2T corresponds to one of the pair of third reference portions 4m on the floorboard 4, and the second reference portion 20m of the other of the pair of target beams 2T corresponds to the other of the pair of third reference portions 4m on the floorboard 4. This makes it possible to align the second reference portion 20m of the beam 2 and the third reference portion 4m of the floorboard 4 at two locations for one floorboard 4. This improves the placement accuracy of the floorboard 4.

[0049] In this embodiment, a target corner region 40T, which is at least one of the four corner regions 40 of the floorboard 4, has a cutout edge 401 cut out toward the center of the floorboard 4 when viewed in the vertical direction. In the target corner region 40T, corner portions 402 are formed at the intersections of the cutout edge 401 and each of a pair of target sides 4sT. In this embodiment, each of the pair of corner portions 402 serves as a third reference portion 4m. By using a portion of the outer edge (corner portion 402) of the floorboard 4 as the third reference portion 4m, visibility is improved when aligning the third reference portion 4m of the floorboard 4 with the second reference portion 20m of the beam 2, making alignment easier. Furthermore, since there is no need to provide a separate mark or the like on the floorboard 4 to create the third reference portion 4m, the configuration of the floorboard 4 can be simplified. Although not shown, in this embodiment, each of the four corner regions 40 of the floorboard 4 is a target corner region 40T with a cutout edge 401. A pair of third reference portions 4m is provided on one floorboard 4 in correspondence with each of the four pillars 1 (that is, a total of four pairs of third reference portions 4m).

[0050] As described above, in the article conveying facility 100 according to the present disclosure, position information storage units 6 that store position information of a plurality of locations on the traveling surface Ff are disposed. The position information storage units 6 are disposed on each floor board 4 and serve as a reference for the traveling position of the traveling transport vehicle V that travels while reading the position information.

[0051] The position information storage unit 6 is disposed at a predetermined reference position Ps on the floorboard 4, with the third reference portion 4m as a reference. In other words, the relative positional relationship between the reference position Ps and the third reference portion 4m is set in advance. The reference position Ps is set based on the distance from the third reference portion 4m. In this embodiment, one floorboard 4 has a pair of third reference portions 4m (corner portions 402), and the reference position Ps is set based on the distance from each of the pair of third reference portions 4m.

[0052] As described above, the position information storage unit 6 is a plate-like member including a display unit 60 on which a code indicating position information is displayed, and a frame unit 61 surrounding the periphery of the display unit 60. As shown in FIG. 7 , in this embodiment, positioning units 41 for positioning the position information storage unit 6 are provided at a plurality of locations on the floor board 4 corresponding to the reference position Ps. The frame unit 61 is provided with positioned portions 61a that are positioned by the positioning units 41. The positioned portions 61a of the frame unit 61 are positioned by the positioning units 41 of the floor board 4, whereby the position of the position information storage unit 6 is determined at the reference position Ps.

[0053] In this embodiment, the position information holding unit 6 is fixed to the floorboard 4 by a fastening member (a rivet 98 in the illustrated example). The positioning portion 41 of the floorboard 4 and the positioned portion 61a of the frame portion 61 are each configured as a through-hole through which the rivet 98 passes. In other words, the rivet 98 is disposed to integrally pass through both through-holes, and as a result, the positioned portion 61a is necessarily positioned relative to the positioning portion 41.

[0054] As described above, in the article conveying equipment 100 according to the present disclosure, the second reference portion 20m of the beam 2 is aligned with the first reference portion 30m of the bracket 3, thereby positioning the beam 2 in an appropriate position relative to the bracket 3 (appropriate beam position). Then, the third reference portion 4m of the floor board 4 is aligned with this second reference portion 20m, thereby positioning the floor board 4 in an appropriate position relative to the beam 2 (appropriate floor board position). Furthermore, the reference position Ps at which the position information storage unit 6 is to be positioned is determined based on this third reference portion 4m. Therefore, by aligning the first reference portion 30m, the second reference portion 20m, and the third reference portion 4m with each other, it becomes easier to ultimately position the position information storage unit 6 in an appropriate position based on the entire traveling surface Ff.

[0055] Other Embodiments Next, other embodiments of the article transport facility will be described.

[0056] (1) In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the positioning portion 41 of the floorboard 4 and the positioned portion 61a of the frame portion 61 are each configured as a through hole through which the rivet 98 passes. However, without being limited to such an example, the positioning portion 41 of the floorboard 4 and the positioned portion 61a of the frame portion 61 may have complementary shapes so as to engage with each other. For example, as shown in FIG. 8, the positioning portion 41 of the floorboard 4 may be configured using a recess recessed downward from the top surface of the floorboard 4, and the positioned portion 61a of the frame portion 61 may be configured using a protrusion that engages with the recess.

[0057] (2) In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which a pair of third reference portions 4m is provided on the floorboard 4 corresponding to one pillar 1, and each of the pair of third reference portions 4m is aligned with the corresponding second reference portion 20m. However, without being limited to this example, one or three or more third reference portions 4m may be provided on the floorboard 4 corresponding to one pillar 1.

[0058] (3) In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which a pair of corners 402 are provided in the target corner region 40T of the floorboard 4, and each of the pair of corners 402 serves as the third reference portion 4m. However, the present invention is not limited to this example, and for example, a mark may be provided on the floorboard 4, and the mark may serve as the third reference portion 4m.

[0059] (4) In the above embodiment, the second reference portion 20m is a through-hole that penetrates the supported portion 20 of the beam 2 in the vertical direction. When the second reference portion 20m is aligned with the first reference portion 30m that is configured using a reference mark, the first reference portion 30m is disposed inside the second reference portion 20m in the vertical view. However, without being limited to this example, the second reference portion 20m may also be configured using a reference mark like the first reference portion 30m. In this case, for example, both the first reference portion 30m and the second reference portion 20m may be configured using a line (an example of a reference mark), and the first reference portion 30m and the second reference portion 20m may be aligned so that both lines are connected in the vertical view.

[0060] (5) The configurations disclosed in the above-described embodiments can be applied in combination 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 can be made as appropriate within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0061] [Summary of the above embodiment] The above-described article transport facility will now be described.

[0062] An article transport facility comprising: a traveling floor; a support frame supporting the traveling floor; and a transport vehicle that travels on a traveling surface formed on the traveling floor, the support frame includes a plurality of columns and a plurality of beams supported by the plurality of columns; The traveling floor is configured by combining a plurality of floor plates supported by the support frame, the running surface is formed by the upper surfaces of the plurality of floor plates arranged in a plane, a position information storage unit for storing position information of at least one location on the floorboard is disposed at the at least one location on the floorboard; the transport vehicle is configured to travel on the travel surface while reading the position information stored in the position information storage unit, Brackets for supporting the beams are fixed to the sides of the columns, The appropriate position of the beam relative to the bracket is defined as the beam appropriate position, and the appropriate position of the floor board relative to the beam is defined as the floor board appropriate position, The bracket is provided with a first reference portion that is a reference portion for supporting the beam at the beam proper position, The beam is provided with a second reference portion that is a reference portion arranged in alignment with the first reference portion, the beam is disposed at the beam proper position relative to the bracket by aligning the second reference portion with the first reference portion; The floor plate is provided with a third reference portion that is a reference portion arranged in alignment with the second reference portion, The floorboard is positioned in the appropriate position relative to the beam by aligning the third reference portion with the second reference portion, The position information storage unit is disposed at a predetermined reference position on the floorboard with the third reference portion as a reference.

[0063] According to this configuration, the travel surface on which the transport vehicle travels is formed by the upper surfaces of multiple floor plates, and these multiple floor plates are supported by beams. The beam is positioned at an appropriate position relative to the bracket by aligning the second reference portion with the first reference portion of the bracket. The floor plate is positioned at an appropriate position relative to the beam by aligning the third reference portion with the second reference portion of the beam. Furthermore, the position information storage unit is positioned at a predetermined reference position on the floor plate based on the third reference portion. This configuration makes it easier to position the position information storage unit at an appropriate position based on the entire travel surface. Therefore, according to this configuration, it is possible to reduce the positioning error of the position information storage unit, which serves as a reference for the travel position of the transport vehicle.

[0064] The pillar is formed in a quadrangular pillar shape having four side surfaces, The bracket can be fixed to each of the four side surfaces of the pillar, The beams supported on a pair of the side surfaces of the column that are perpendicular to each other are taken as target beams, The floor plate is supported by a pair of the target beams, A pair of the third reference portions is provided on the floor panel in correspondence with one of the columns, It is preferable that the second reference portion of one of the pair of target beams corresponds to one of the pair of third reference portions on the floor board, and that the second reference portion of the other of the pair of target beams corresponds to the other of the pair of third reference portions on the floor board.

[0065] According to this configuration, the second reference portion of the beam and the third reference portion of the floorboard can be aligned at two locations for one floorboard, which makes it easier to further reduce the placement error of the position information storage unit.

[0066] The floor plate is formed in a rectangular shape in a plan view, A pair of the four sides of the floorboard that are perpendicular to each other are set as target sides, The pair of target sides are supported by different target beams, A cutout edge that is cut out toward the center of the floorboard when viewed in the up-down direction is provided in at least one target corner area of ​​the floorboard, which is one of the four corner areas of the floorboard; In the target corner region, corner portions are formed at intersections between the pair of target sides and the cutout edges, Preferably, each of the pair of corner portions is the third reference portion.

[0067] According to this configuration, part of the outer edge of the floorboard serves as the third reference portion, which improves visibility when aligning the third reference portion of the floorboard with the second reference portion of the beam, making alignment easier. Also, since there is no need to provide a separate mark or the like on the floorboard to serve as the third reference portion, it is easy to simplify the configuration of the floorboard.

[0068] the beam includes a supported portion that is placed on the support portion of the bracket from above, the first reference portion is a reference mark provided on an upper surface of the support portion, the second reference portion is a through hole that passes through the supported portion in the up-down direction, It is preferable that the beam is disposed at the beam appropriate position in a state in which the first reference portion of the bracket and the second reference portion of the beam overlap each other when viewed in the up-down direction.

[0069] According to this configuration, when the supported portion of the beam is placed on the supporting portion of the bracket, the first reference portion, which is a reference mark, can be seen from above the beam through the second reference portion, which is a through hole. Therefore, the first reference portion and the second reference portion can be easily aligned.

[0070] the location information storage unit is a plate-like member including a display unit on which a code indicating the location information is displayed and a frame unit surrounding the display unit, positioning units for positioning the position information storage unit are provided at a plurality of locations on the floor board corresponding to the reference positions; Preferably, the frame portion is provided with a positioned portion that is positioned by the positioning portion.

[0071] According to this configuration, it is possible to easily attach the position information holding unit to the reference position on the floorboard. [Industrial Applicability]

[0072] The technology disclosed herein can be used in an article transport facility that includes a running floor, a support frame that supports the running floor, and a transport vehicle that runs on a running surface formed on the running floor. [Explanation of symbols]

[0073] 100: Goods transport equipment 1: Pillar 10: Side 2:Beam 2T: Target beam 20: Supported part 20m: 2nd standard section 3: Bracket 30: Support part 30m: 1st standard section 4: Floorboards 40: Corner area 40T: Target angle area 401: Notched edge 402: Corner 41: Positioning section 4m: 3rd reference section 4s :Side part 4sT: target edge 6: Location information holding section 60:Display section 61: Frame 61a: Positioned part Ps: Reference position F: Traveling floor Ff: Running surface SF: Support frame G:Goods V: Transport vehicle

Claims

1. An article transport facility comprising: a traveling floor; a support frame supporting the traveling floor; and a transport vehicle that travels on a traveling surface formed on the traveling floor, the support frame includes a plurality of columns and a plurality of beams supported by the plurality of columns; The traveling floor is configured by combining a plurality of floor plates supported by the support frame, the running surface is formed by the upper surfaces of the plurality of floor plates arranged in a plane, a position information storage unit for storing position information of at least one location on the floorboard is disposed at the at least one location on the floorboard; the transport vehicle is configured to travel on the travel surface while reading the position information stored in the position information storage unit, Brackets for supporting the beams are fixed to the sides of the columns, The appropriate position of the beam relative to the bracket is defined as the beam appropriate position, and the appropriate position of the floor board relative to the beam is defined as the floor board appropriate position, The bracket is provided with a first reference portion that is a reference portion for supporting the beam at the beam proper position, The beam is provided with a second reference portion that is a reference portion arranged in alignment with the first reference portion, the beam is disposed at the beam proper position relative to the bracket by aligning the second reference portion with the first reference portion; The floor plate is provided with a third reference portion that is a reference portion arranged in alignment with the second reference portion, The floor board is disposed in the appropriate position relative to the beam by aligning the third reference portion with the second reference portion, The item transport equipment, wherein the position information storage unit is positioned at a predetermined reference position on the floor board, the reference position being based on the third reference portion.

2. The pillar is formed in a quadrangular pillar shape having four side surfaces, The bracket can be fixed to each of the four side surfaces of the pillar, The beams supported on a pair of the side surfaces of the column that are perpendicular to each other are set as target beams, The floor plate is supported by a pair of the target beams, A pair of the third reference portions is provided on the floor panel in correspondence with one of the columns, 2. An article transport facility as described in claim 1, wherein the second reference portion of one of the pair of target beams corresponds to one of the pair of third reference portions on the floor panel, and the second reference portion of the other of the pair of target beams corresponds to the other of the pair of third reference portions on the floor panel.

3. The floor plate is formed in a rectangular shape in a plan view, A pair of the four sides of the floorboard that are perpendicular to each other are set as target sides, The pair of target sides are supported by different target beams, A cutout edge that is cut out toward the center of the floorboard when viewed in the up-down direction is provided in at least one target corner region of the floorboard, which is one of the four corner regions of the floorboard; In the target corner region, corner portions are formed at intersections between the pair of target sides and the cutout edges, The article transport facility according to claim 2 , wherein each of the pair of corner portions is the third reference portion.

4. the beam includes a supported portion that is placed on the support portion of the bracket from above, the first reference portion is a reference mark provided on an upper surface of the support portion, the second reference portion is a through hole that passes through the supported portion in the up-down direction, The article transport facility according to claim 1 , wherein the beam is positioned at the beam proper position in a state where the first reference portion of the bracket and the second reference portion of the beam overlap in a vertical view.

5. the location information storage unit is a plate-like member including a display unit on which a code indicating the location information is displayed and a frame unit surrounding the display unit, positioning units for positioning the position information storage unit are provided at a plurality of locations on the floor board corresponding to the reference positions; The article transport facility according to claim 1 , wherein the frame portion is provided with a positioned portion that is positioned by the positioning portion.

Images