Goods transport equipment

Abstract

To realize an article conveyance facility, upon executing a maintenance work to conveyance vehicles, which can easily take out each conveyance vehicle on each floor.SOLUTION: An article conveyance facility comprises: a lifting device L2 provided so as to connect plural floors F1, F2 installed at different heights in a vertical direction Z and lifting conveyance vehicles 20; and a movement passage 72 through which the conveyance vehicles 20 move for a maintenance work to the conveyance vehicles. A running passage 71 of the conveyance vehicles 20 connecting the lifting device L2 with each of the plural floors F1, F2 is arranged so as to extend from the lifting device L2 toward a first side Y1 in a Y direction, and the movement passage 72 is arranged so as to extend from the lifting device L2 toward a side Y2 other than the first side Y1 in the Y direction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] In recent years, an article conveying facility in which multiple conveying vehicles convey articles has become known in a logistics warehouse, etc. For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2020-100482 (Patent Document 1) describes an article conveying facility in which travel paths for article conveying vehicles (V) are set on a floor (70) and multiple conveying vehicles convey articles. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2020-100482 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in the article conveying facility of Patent Document 1, when a transport vehicle (V) is stopped and removed on its travel path between the receiving section (80) and the supply section (90) for maintenance work, the stopped transport vehicle (V) has the problem of interfering with the travel of other transport vehicles. Also, when the article conveying facility has multiple floors (70) installed at different heights in the vertical direction, for example, it is necessary to stop and remove the transport vehicle (V) on each floor (70), making it difficult to remove the transport vehicle (V).

[0005] Therefore, it is desirable to realize an article transport facility that allows transport vehicles on the floor to be easily removed when maintenance work is to be performed on the transport vehicles. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The item transport equipment disclosed herein is an item transport equipment that transports items W using a plurality of transport vehicles, and includes a plurality of floors that are installed at different vertical heights and on which the transport vehicles can each run, a lifting device that connects the plurality of floors and raises and lowers the transport vehicles, and a travel path along which the transport vehicles move for maintenance work on the transport vehicles, where a specific direction along the floors is defined as the Y direction, one side of the Y direction is defined as the Y direction first side, and the other side of the Y direction is defined as the Y direction second side, and the travel path for the transport vehicles that connects the lifting device to each of the plurality of floors is arranged to extend from the lifting device toward the Y direction first side, and the travel path is arranged to extend from the lifting device toward a side other than the Y direction first side.

[0007] According to this configuration, when performing maintenance work on a transport vehicle, the transport vehicle can be easily removed from the floor via the lifting device and the travel path. Therefore, maintenance work can be easily performed on a specific transport vehicle regardless of whether multiple transport vehicles are currently transporting items. Furthermore, according to this configuration, the travel path on which the transport vehicle travels for maintenance work is arranged to extend toward a different side from the travel path of the transport vehicle connecting the lifting device to each of the multiple floors. Therefore, even if a work area for performing maintenance work is located in an area that does not overlap with multiple floors in a plan view, the transport vehicle can be appropriately removed toward the work area. Furthermore, for example, a transport vehicle that has completed work at the work area can be returned to the floor from the travel path via the lifting device, or a new transport vehicle can be introduced onto the floor from the travel path via the lifting device. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a top view of an article transport facility according to an embodiment; [Figure 2] Front view of the passage area of ​​Figure 1 [Figure 3] Control block diagram of the goods transport equipment in Figure 1 [Figure 4]FIG. 2 shows the first floor of the article transport facility of FIG. 1. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 shows the second floor of the article transport facility of FIG. 1. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the lifting device of FIG. 1. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] An embodiment of an article conveying equipment 10 will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a top view of article conveying equipment 10 that conveys articles W using a plurality of transport vehicles 20. The article conveying equipment 10 of this embodiment is an article sorting equipment that sorts articles W by having each of the plurality of transport vehicles 20 travel on a floor E to transport the articles W. In this embodiment, the article conveying equipment 10 includes the transport vehicles 20, a floor E, a supply unit 15 that supplies articles W to the transport vehicles 20, and a plurality of receiving units 31. Each of the plurality of receiving units 31 is configured to receive articles W from the transport vehicles 20.

[0010] In this embodiment, a worker 16 transfers an item W to a transport vehicle 20 in the supply unit 15. Here, the "worker" refers to, for example, a worker and / or a work device. The worker 16 transfers the item W to the transport vehicle 20 from a supply conveyance device 17 that conveys the item W from an automated warehouse (not shown). Examples of the supply conveyance device 17 include a belt conveyor, a crane, and an arm-type robot.

[0011] Here, a specific direction along the floor E is defined as the Y direction, and a direction perpendicular to the Y direction along the floor E is defined as the X direction. One side of the Y direction is defined as the Y direction first side Y1, and the other side of the Y direction is defined as the Y direction second side Y2. One side of the X direction is defined as the X direction first side X1, and the other side of the X direction is defined as the X direction second side X2. The up-down direction is defined as the Z direction. Examples of the floor E include running surfaces and floors provided in facilities such as buildings and ships. In this embodiment, the floor E is a running surface provided on an indoor platform.

[0012] In this embodiment, a supply area E1 in which a supply unit 15 is provided and a passage area E3 extending along the Y direction are set on the floor E. The supply area E1 is arranged on the second side Y2 in the Y direction relative to the passage area E3. A plurality of passage areas E3 are arranged side by side in the X direction. In addition, a connection area E2 connecting the passage area E3 and the supply area E1 is set on the floor E. The supply area E1, connection area E2, and passage area E3 set on the floor E may each be an area into which the floor E is actually divided, or may be a virtual area. In this embodiment, the boundary between the supply area E1 and the connection area E2 is a virtual boundary set on the floor E. In addition, in this embodiment, both sides of the passage area E3 in the X direction form the outer edges of the floor E.

[0013] In this embodiment, the connection area E2 connects the supply area E1 and the passage area E3 so that the transport vehicle 20 can travel therethrough. Here, the end of the passage area E3 on the second side Y2 in the Y direction is defined as the first end 51. The connection area E2 connects the first end 51 of the passage area E3 and the supply area E1.

[0014] In this embodiment, a plurality of passage areas E3 are arranged side by side in the X direction on floor E, and first ends 51 of the plurality of passage areas E3 are connected to each other via connection areas E2. A plurality of receiving sections 31 are arranged along the passage areas E3. The article conveying equipment 10 also includes a plurality of supply sections 15. A plurality of supply areas E1, each equipped with a supply section 15, are also arranged side by side in the X direction on floor E.

[0015] FIG. 2 is a front view of the passage area E3. In this embodiment, a plurality of receiving sections 31 are arranged side by side in the Y direction on both sides of the passage area E3 in the X direction. In this embodiment, the transport vehicle 20 is also provided with a transfer unit 21 that transfers the article W from the transport vehicle 20 to the receiving section 31. The transfer unit 21 is configured so that the position of the placement surface 22 on which the article W is placed can be freely changed between a "horizontal position" and an "inclined position." The article W is placed on the placement surface 22 in the horizontal position and transported, and is transferred to the receiving section 31 when the placement surface 22 is in the inclined position. In this embodiment, the transport vehicle 20 is provided with a running unit 25. The running unit 25 is provided with a plurality of wheels 23 that roll on a running surface on the floor E. Examples of the transport vehicle 20 include an electric vehicle that runs on power supplied by a storage battery, a fuel cell, or the floor E via contact or non-contact power supply, and a vehicle equipped with an internal combustion engine. In this embodiment, a storage battery 27 (see FIG. 3) is mounted on the traveling section 25 of the transport vehicle 20. In this embodiment, the transport vehicle 20 is an electric unmanned transport vehicle.

[0016] In this embodiment, a receiving and conveying device 35 is provided for each of the multiple receiving sections 31. The items W transferred to the receiving section 31 are conveyed in the X direction by this receiving and conveying device 35 and stored in containers 38 corresponding to each of the multiple receiving sections 31. In this embodiment, a shipping device 36 is arranged adjacent to the multiple receiving and conveying devices 35. The containers 38 are arranged side by side on the shipping device 36, and when the type and number of items W specified in one piece of order information are stored in the container 38, the shipping device 36 transports the container 38 to the shipping location. Examples of the receiving and conveying device 35 include a belt conveyor, a crane, an arm-type robot, etc. Examples of the shipping device 36 include a belt conveyor, a stacker crane, an automatic guided vehicle, etc.

[0017] FIG. 3 is a control block diagram of the article conveying equipment 10 of this embodiment. In this embodiment, the article conveying equipment 10 includes a control system 45 that controls the transport vehicle 20. In the illustrated example, the control system 45 includes a control device 46 that controls the transfer unit 21 and the traveling unit 25 of the transport vehicle 20, the supply transport device 17, the receiving transport device 35, and the shipping device 36. The control device 46 includes an arithmetic processing device such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and a main storage device accessible by the arithmetic processing device, such as a RAM (Random Access Memory) or a ROM (Read Only Memory). Each function of the control device 46 (e.g., the function of controlling the travel of the transport vehicle 20) is realized by cooperation between hardware included in the control device 46 and a program executed on hardware such as the arithmetic processing device. Specifically, each function of the control device 46 is realized by the control device 46 executing a program stored in a storage device (such as a main storage device or a separately provided storage unit). In other words, a program (e.g., an item transport program) for causing a computer (the computer of the control system 45) to realize each function of the control device 46 is stored in a storage device accessible by the computer. This program is provided, for example, by a storage medium or via a communication network. The provided program is then stored in a storage device accessible by the computer. In this embodiment, the control device 46 (specifically, an arithmetic processing device provided in the control device 46) functions as the "computer." The control device 46 may not be a single piece of hardware, but may be configured by a collection of multiple pieces of hardware (multiple separate pieces of hardware) that can communicate with each other via wire or wirelessly. For example, the control device 46 may be configured to include a host control device located in a control facility (not shown) that controls multiple guided vehicles 20, and a control device mounted on each guided vehicle 20.

[0018] In this embodiment, the floor E is divided into a plurality of virtual unit areas Au that form a grid when viewed in the Z direction. The travel route of the guided vehicle 20 is set so as to connect a plurality of arbitrary virtual unit areas Au. In this embodiment, a position information detection unit 29 (see FIG. 3) is provided in each of the plurality of guided vehicles 20. Furthermore, a position information holder is provided in each of the virtual unit areas Au. When the guided vehicle 20 travels along the travel route, the position information detection unit 29 of the guided vehicle 20 is configured to detect position information held by the position information holder arranged in each virtual unit area Au. Examples of the position information holder include a barcode (one-dimensional code), a two-dimensional code, and an IC tag. The position information detected by the position information detection unit 29 is transmitted from the guided vehicle 20 to a control device 46 provided in the control system 45.

[0019] In this embodiment, the control system 45 issues transport commands to each transport vehicle 20. The transport command specifies the "origin" and "destination" of the item W. In this embodiment, the origin is the supply unit 15. The destination is the receiving unit 31. The transport command also specifies the travel route of the transport vehicle 20 from the origin to the destination. Upon receiving the transport command from the control system 45, the transport vehicle 20 receives the item W at the specified origin and transports the item W to the specified destination.

[0020] In the transport command of this embodiment, an "outbound route" is set for traveling from the supply unit 15 to the terminal end of the passage region E3. In addition, in the transport command of this embodiment, a "return route" is set for traveling from the terminal end of the passage region E3 to the supply unit 15. In this embodiment, the terminal end of the passage region E3 is the end of the passage region E3 on the first side Y1 in the Y direction.

[0021] In this embodiment, the control system 45 performs batch processing in each of the multiple receiving sections 31 to receive items W of the type and number specified in one piece of order information. Also, in this embodiment, one container 38 corresponds to one piece of order information. The control system 45 places the items W of the type and number specified in one piece of order information into a container 38 (see FIG. 2) arranged adjacent to the receiving section 31 through batch processing. When this batch processing is performed, in other words, when all of the items W of the type and number specified in one piece of order information have been placed in the container 38, the container 38 is transported to a shipping location. Thereafter, a next container 38 corresponding to the next order information is placed adjacent to the receiving section 31, and the control system 45 places the items W of the type and number specified in another piece of order information into the next container 38 through the next batch processing.

[0022] In this embodiment, the article conveying equipment 10 has multiple floors E, each of which can accommodate a transport vehicle 20, and which are located at different heights in the Z direction. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a first floor F1 of the article conveying equipment 10. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a second floor F2 of the article conveying equipment 10. In the example shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the floors E are shown as a first floor F1 and a second floor F2 adjacent to each other in the Z direction. In this embodiment, the second floor F2 is located above the first floor F1, but the second floor F2 may also be located below the first floor F1. In this embodiment, a supply area E1 and a passage area E3 are provided on the first floor F1. Also, in this embodiment, a connection area E2 is provided on the first floor F1.

[0023] In this embodiment, a charging position 42 for charging the transport vehicle 20 by the charger 41 is set in the connection area E2. This allows efficient use of the connection area E2 where the supply unit 15 and the receiving unit 31 are not located. In the illustrated example, the charger 41 is located adjacent to the connection area E2. Furthermore, the charging position 42 is located so that multiple transport vehicles 20 can stop there.

[0024] In this embodiment, when the amount of stored power in the transport vehicle 20 is less than a specified amount (for example, less than 50% of the amount of stored power in a fully charged state), the transport vehicle 20 moves to and stops at a charging position 42. At the charging position 42, the storage battery 27 (see FIG. 3) provided in the transport vehicle 20 can be quickly charged. The charger 41 may be configured as a non-contact power supply device or a contact power supply device. In this embodiment, a control device 46 provided in a control system 45 described later acquires the amount of stored power in the storage battery 27 of each transport vehicle 20, and controls the transport vehicle 20 with less than the specified amount of stored power to move to the charging position 42.

[0025] In this embodiment, the article transport facility 10 is provided to connect multiple floors E (first floor F1, second floor F2) and includes a first lifting device L1 that raises and lowers the transport vehicle 20. In the illustrated example, the first lifting device L1 is disposed on a first side Y1 in the Y direction of the multiple floors E. The first lifting device L1 is also connected to the aisle area E3 of the first floor F1 and the second floor F2. The first lifting device L1 and the aisle area E3 may be directly connected, or may be indirectly connected, for example, by a transfer device. The first lifting device L1 may autonomously transport the transport vehicle 20 or may be controlled by a control system 45. Examples of the first lifting device L1 include a lifting device that circulates the transport vehicle 20 along a predetermined circular path, a lifting device that raises and lowers the transport vehicle 20 in the Z direction, a crane, etc.

[0026] In this embodiment, the article transport facility 10 is provided to connect multiple floors E (first floor F1, second floor F2) and includes a second lifting device L2 that raises and lowers the transport vehicle 20. In the illustrated example, the second lifting device L2 is disposed on a second side Y2 in the Y direction of the multiple floors E. The second lifting device L2 is also connected to a supply area E1 of the first floor F1 and the second floor F2. The second lifting device L2 and the supply area E1 may be directly connected, or may be indirectly connected, for example, by a transfer device. The first lifting device L1 and the second lifting device L2 are disposed spaced apart from each other in the horizontal direction. The second lifting device L2 may transport the transport vehicle 20 autonomously or may be controlled by a control system 45. Examples of the second lifting device L2 include a lifting device that circulates the transport vehicle 20 along a predetermined circular path, a lifting device that raises and lowers the transport vehicle 20 in the Z direction, a crane, etc. The second lifting device L2 corresponds to "lifting device."

[0027] In this embodiment, a conveying passage 61 along which the transport vehicle 20 travels is provided on the first floor F1. The first lifting device L1 and the second lifting device L2 are connected to each other on the first floor F1 by the conveying passage 61 so that the transport vehicle 20 can travel along them. In the illustrated example, the conveying passage 61 and the second lifting device L2 are connected via a running path 71, which will be described later. The first lifting device L1 is connected to the conveying passage 61 and the second floor F2. The conveying passage 61 is part of the aforementioned outward path, and is a path along which the transport vehicle 20 travels to transport the items W supplied from the supply unit 15 to the receiving unit 31. In this embodiment, the first lifting device L1 is connected to the end of the conveying passage 61 and the second floor F2. In the illustrated example, the conveying passage 61 is set to be one-way between the supply area E1, the connection area E2, and the passage area E3.

[0028] In this embodiment, a return passage 63 along which the transport vehicle 20 travels is provided on the second floor F2. The first lifting device L1 and the second lifting device L2 are connected to each other on the second floor F2 by the return passage 63 so that the transport vehicle 20 can travel therethrough. In this embodiment, the return passage 63 and the first lifting device L1 are directly connected, but they may be indirectly connected. In this embodiment, the return passage 63 and the second lifting device L2 are connected via a running path 71, which will be described later. In the illustrated example, the second lifting device L2 is connected to the return passage 63 and the first floor F1. The return passage 63 is part of the return path described above, and is a passage along which the transport vehicle 20 travels after transferring the item W to the receiving section 31 in the passage area E3. In this embodiment, the return passage 63 is set to be one-way.

[0029] In this embodiment, the first lifting device L1 is connected to the start end of the return passage 63 and the end end of the passage area E3. The second lifting device L2 is connected to the end end of the return passage 63 and the supply area E1. In the illustrated example, a plurality of return passages 63 are provided on the second floor F2, each extending along the Y direction. In this embodiment, a passage connection area E4 is provided on the second floor F2, connecting the plurality of return passages 63 so that the transport vehicle 20 can travel therethrough. In the illustrated example, the passage connection area E4 is located between adjacent return passages 63 in the X direction. In addition, a charging position 42 for charging the transport vehicle 20 is set in the passage connection area E4.

[0030] 6 is a side view of the first lifting device L1 and the second lifting device L2. In this embodiment, the transport vehicle 20 is transported along a first lifting path 62 by the first lifting device L1. In the illustrated example, the first lifting path 62 is an upward path. In this embodiment, the transport vehicle 20 is transported along a second lifting path 64 by the second lifting device L2. In the illustrated example, the second lifting path 64 is a downward path.

[0031] In this embodiment, the travel route traveled by the transport vehicle 20 includes a circular route that travels around the supply unit 15 and the receiving unit 31. In the example shown in FIG. 6, the circular route is configured to include a transport passage 61, a first lifting path 62, a return passage 63, and a second lifting path 64. The transport vehicle 20 travels along the circular route in one direction (clockwise in FIG. 6). By traveling along the circular route, the transport vehicle 20 passes through the supply unit 15 and the receiving unit 31 multiple times.

[0032] In this embodiment, the travel path 71 of the transport vehicle 20 connecting the second lifting device L2 and the first floor F1 is arranged to extend from the second lifting device L2 toward the first side Y1 in the Y direction. Also, the travel path 71 of the transport vehicle 20 connecting the second lifting device L2 and the second floor F2 is arranged to extend from the second lifting device L2 toward the first side Y1 in the Y direction.

[0033] The article transport facility 10 includes a travel path 72 along which the transport vehicle 20 moves for maintenance work on the transport vehicle 20. In this embodiment, the travel path 72 is arranged to extend from the second lifting device L2 toward the second side Y2 in the Y direction. The travel path 72 connects a work area 75 for performing maintenance work to the second lifting device L2. The work area 75 is also arranged in a position along the Z direction that does not overlap with multiple floors E as viewed in the Z direction. The work area 75 is arranged on the side of the second lifting device L2 other than the first side Y1 in the Y direction. In the example shown in FIG. 6, the work area 75 is arranged on the second side Y2 in the Y direction of the second lifting device L2.

[0034] In this embodiment, a workbench 77 on which the transport vehicle 20 is placed is arranged in the work area 75. A storage shelf 78 (see FIG. 4) is also arranged in the work area 75. The storage shelf 78 stores, for example, tools, replacement parts, etc. The transport vehicle 20 to be maintained may also be stored in the storage shelf 78. The travel path 72 connects the second lifting device L2 and the storage shelf 78 so that the transport vehicle 20 can travel or be transported. The travel path 72 also connects the second lifting device L2 and the workbench 77 so that the transport vehicle 20 can travel or be transported. This reduces the burden on the worker 76 performing the maintenance work.

[0035] In this embodiment, the first lifting device L1 is provided with a plurality of lifting platforms 81 on which the transport vehicle 20 can be placed, and is configured to circulate the plurality of lifting platforms 81 along a circular path 88 that forms a loop as viewed in the X direction along the X direction. In the example shown in Fig. 6, the plurality of lifting platforms 81 provided in the first lifting device L1 circulate counterclockwise.

[0036] In this embodiment, the second lifting device L2 is provided with a plurality of lifting platforms 81 on which the transport vehicle 20 can be placed, and is configured to circulate the plurality of lifting platforms 81 along a circular path 88 that forms a loop as viewed in the X direction along the X direction. In the example shown in Fig. 6, the plurality of lifting platforms 81 provided on the second lifting device L2 circulate counterclockwise. Here, a region on a first side Y1 in the Y direction of a center position 88a in the Y direction of the circular path 88 of the second lifting device L2 is defined as a first region B1, and a region on a second side Y2 in the Y direction of the center position 88a in the Y direction of the circular path 88 of the second lifting device L2 is defined as a second region B2.

[0037] In this embodiment, the multiple travel paths 71 are configured to be connected to a lift platform 81 located in the first area B1. In the illustrated example, one of the multiple travel paths 71 is connected to the supply unit 15. In this embodiment, the multiple travel paths 71 are each connected to the lift platform 81 so that the transport vehicle 20 can travel on it.

[0038] In this embodiment, the runway 71 connected to the first floor F1 is connected to one of the platforms 81 located in the first area B1 that is at the same height as the runway 71. Also, the runway 71 connected to the second floor F2 is connected to one of the platforms 81 located in the first area B1 that is at the same height as the runway 71.

[0039] In this embodiment, the moving path 72 is configured to be connected to a lifting platform 81 located in the second area B2. In the illustrated example, the moving path 72 is connected to a lifting platform 81 located in the second area B2 that is at the same height as the moving path 72. The moving path 72 is also connected to the lifting platform 81 so that the transport vehicle 20 can travel on it.

[0040] In this embodiment, the travel path 72 is installed at a height equal to or lower than the runway 71 that connects to the lowest floor of the multiple floors E. In the illustrated example, the travel path 72 is installed at a height lower than the runway 71 that connects to the first floor F1. The travel path 72 is installed at a height lower than the floor level of the first floor F1 or at the same height as the floor level of the first floor F1. The travel path 72 is installed at a height lower than the height of the supply area E1 or at the same height as the supply area E1. If the travel path 71 or the travel path 72 is an inclined path, the height of the travel path 71 or the travel path 72 is, for example, the height of the end of the travel path 71 or the travel path 72 on the second lifting device L2 side.

[0041] In this embodiment, the moving path 72 is installed at the same height as the lifting platform 81 located in a section 88c along the Z direction in the second region B2. In the illustrated example, the moving path 72 is installed at the same height as the lifting platform 81 located at the bottom of the section 88c along the Z direction in the second region B2.

[0042] In this embodiment, the travel path 72 is provided with a first transport mechanism 89a and a second transport mechanism 89b that move the transport vehicle 20 without moving the transport vehicle itself. The first transport mechanism 89a and the second transport mechanism 89b move the transport vehicle 20 along the travel path 72. The travel path 72 may have an inclined surface that becomes higher as it approaches the second lifting device L2. The inclined surface is connected to the lifting platform 81 located in the second area B2. In this embodiment, the first transport mechanism 89a transports the transport vehicle 20 to the work location 75. The second transport mechanism 89b moves the transport vehicle 20 from the second lifting device L2 to the travel path 72. Examples of the first transport mechanism 89a include a conveyor, pusher, hook, etc. attached to the travel path 72. Examples of the second transport mechanism 89b include a conveyor, pusher, hook, etc. attached to the second lifting device L2. The first transport mechanism 89a and the second transport mechanism 89b correspond to the "transport mechanism." In this way, the transport vehicle 20 can be automatically removed from the second lifting device L2 even when the worker 76 performing the maintenance work is not present. Therefore, the time that the second lifting device L2 is stopped for maintenance of the transport vehicle 20 can be shortened.

[0043] According to the above-described article conveying equipment 10, the transport vehicle 20 to be maintained can be stopped at the second lifting device L2, which is provided to connect multiple floors E, and can be easily removed via the travel path 72. Therefore, the stopped transport vehicle 20 is less likely to interfere with the travel of other transport vehicles 20. Furthermore, there is no need to provide branch paths for removing the transport vehicle 20 on each of the multiple floors E. Furthermore, if the transport vehicle 20 to be maintained cannot move on its own, the worker 76 performing the maintenance work can simply insert the transport vehicle 20 to be maintained into the second lifting device L2 using, for example, their hands, a jig, another transport vehicle 20, or the like, and the transport vehicle 20 can be easily removed via the travel path 72. In other words, the worker 76 does not have to transport the transport vehicle 20 to be maintained that cannot move on its own in the Z direction.

[0044] Other Embodiments Next, other embodiments of the article transport facility will be described.

[0045] (1) In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the article transport equipment 10 includes a first lifting device L1 and a second lifting device L2. However, the present invention is not limited to such an example. For example, the article transport equipment 10 may not include the first lifting device L1, and the transport vehicle 20 may be transported via a lifting device, passage, etc. that connects the connection area E2 of the first floor F1 and the second floor F2. Furthermore, for example, the second lifting device L2 may connect the connection area E2 of the first floor F1 and the passage connection area E4 of the second floor F2.

[0046] (2) In the above embodiment, the travel path 71 of the transport vehicle 20 connecting the second lifting device L2 and each of the multiple floors E is arranged to extend from the second lifting device L2, and the moving path 72 is arranged to extend from the second lifting device L2. However, without being limited to such an example, for example, the travel path 71 of the transport vehicle 20 connecting the first lifting device L1 and each of the multiple floors E may be arranged to extend from the first lifting device L1 toward the first side in the Y direction, and the moving path 72 may be arranged to extend from the first lifting device L1 toward a side other than the first side in the Y direction. In this case, the first lifting device L1, not the second lifting device L2, corresponds to the "lifting device," and in the above embodiment, "Y2" refers to the first side in the Y direction, and "Y1" refers to the second side in the Y direction.

[0047] (3) In the above embodiment, the multiple floors E are described as a first floor F1 and a second floor F2 that are adjacent to each other in the Z direction. However, the present invention is not limited to such an example. For example, the first floor F1 and the second floor F2 do not have to be adjacent to each other in the Z direction. The floors E may also include three or more floors arranged in the Z direction. The second floor F2 may be provided with a supply area E1, a connection area E2, and a passage area E3, and a return passage 63 may be provided to the first floor F1.

[0048] (4) In the above embodiment, the moving path 72 and the lifting platform 81 are connected to each other so that the transport vehicle 20 can travel thereon. However, the present invention is not limited to such an example, and may be configured such that the transport vehicle 20 on the moving path 72 is transported by a conveyor, a pusher, or the like. Furthermore, the moving path 72 may be a platform onto which the transport vehicle 20 is transferred from the second lifting device L2.

[0049] (5) In the above embodiment, the configuration has been described as an example in which the runway 71 connects the second lifting device L2 and multiple floors E on the first side Y1 in the Y direction with respect to the runway 71. However, the present invention is not limited to such an example. For example, the runway 71 may extend from the second lifting device L2 toward the first side Y1 in the Y direction and curve toward the first side X1 in the X direction, where multiple floors E are located on the first side X1 in the X direction with respect to the runway 71 and the second lifting device L2.

[0050] (6) In the above embodiment, the moving path 72 is configured to extend from the second lifting device L2 toward the second side Y2 in the Y direction. However, the present invention is not limited to such an example. For example, the moving path 72 may be configured to extend from the second lifting device L2 toward a side other than the first side Y1 and the second side Y2 in the Y direction. Alternatively, for example, the moving path 72 may extend from the second lifting device L2 toward the first side X1 in the X direction and curve toward the second side Y2 in the Y direction. Alternatively, a work area 75 for performing maintenance work may be located on the first side Y1 in the Y direction of the second lifting device L2, and the moving path 72 may curve toward the first side Y1 in the Y direction.

[0051] (7) In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the first transport mechanism 89a and the second transport mechanism 89b are provided on the transfer path 72 to move the transfer vehicle 20 without the transfer vehicle 20 traveling on its own. However, the present invention is not limited to such an example. For example, the first transport mechanism 89a or the second transport mechanism 89b may not be provided on the transfer path 72. Furthermore, for example, the second transport mechanism 89b may not move the transfer vehicle 20 along the transfer path 72, but may only move the transfer vehicle 20 from the second lifting device L2 to the transfer path 72. Furthermore, for example, the second lifting device L2 may be provided with the second transport mechanism 89b that moves the transfer vehicle 20 from the second lifting device L2 to the transfer path 72.

[0052] (8) In the above embodiment, the moving path 72 is installed at a height equal to or lower than the runway 71 that connects to the lowest floor of the plurality of floors E. However, the present invention is not limited to such an example, and the moving path 72 may be installed at a height equal to the height of the runway 71 that connects to one of the plurality of floors E. For example, the moving path 72 may be installed at a height equal to the height of the floor surface of the first above-ground floor E of the plurality of floors E.

[0053] (9) In the above embodiment, the item conveying equipment 10 is an item sorting equipment, and a configuration in which multiple supply areas E1, connection areas E2, and multiple passage areas E3 are arranged on the floor E has been described as an example. However, without being limited to such an example, for example, there may be only one passage area E3. For example, there may be only one supply area E1. For example, there may be only one supply section 15. For example, there may be no connection area E2 on the floor E. For example, the item conveying equipment 10 is not an equipment that sorts items W, and may be a conveying equipment in which the supply area E1 and passage areas E3 are not arranged on the floor E.

[0054] (10) In the above embodiment, the supply area E1 and the connection area E2 are separated by a virtual boundary, and both sides of the passage area E3 in the X direction are the outer edges of the floor E. However, without being limited to such an example, the supply area E1, the connection area E2, and the passage area E3 may be separated by the actual outer edges of the floor E, and may be areas within which the transport vehicles 20 can move. Alternatively, the supply area E1, the connection area E2, and the passage area E3 may all be virtual areas set on a large floor E. Alternatively, an area on the floor E that is different from the supply area E1, the connection area E2, and the passage area E3, such as a buffer area where multiple transport vehicles 20 can line up, may be provided.

[0055] (11) In the above embodiment, a configuration has been described in which a charging position 42 for charging the transport vehicle 20 with a charger 41 is set in the connection area E2. However, the present invention is not limited to such an example, and the charging position 42 may be set in, for example, the supply area E1, the passage area E3, another area accessible to the connection area E2, or the like.

[0056] (12) In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the control system 45 includes a host control device that controls multiple transport vehicles 20 and a control device mounted on each transport vehicle 20. However, without being limited to such an example, the control system 45 may be, for example, a system in which the control device mounted on each transport vehicle 20 communicates with the control devices of other transport vehicles 20 and each makes autonomous decisions and operates. Also, for example, a position information holder may not be provided on floor E, and position information of the transport vehicle 20 may be obtained by an image sensor or the like provided on the transport vehicle 20 or in the facility. Also, the item transport equipment 10 may not be provided with the control system 45.

[0057] (13) In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the control system 45 controls the transfer unit 21 and the traveling unit 25 of the transport vehicle 20. However, the present invention is not limited to such an example, and the control device 46 may be a control device that controls only the traveling unit 25 of the transport vehicle 20. Also, for example, the transport vehicle 20 may not be equipped with the transfer unit 21, and the work entity 16 may transfer the item W on the transport vehicle 20. Also, the transport vehicle 20 may be equipped with a storage chamber in which the item W is stored. Also, the control system 45 may be equipped to control the work device that is the work entity 16.

[0058] (14) In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the article conveying equipment 10 includes a supply conveying device 17, a receiving conveying device 35, and a shipping device 36. However, the present invention is not limited to such an example, and for example, the article conveying equipment 10 may not include a supply conveying device 17, a receiving conveying device 35, and a shipping device 36, and an operator or a vehicle operated by the operator may transport the article W or the container 38.

[0059] (15) The configurations disclosed in the above-described embodiments may be combined with configurations disclosed in other embodiments as long as no contradictions arise. Regarding other configurations, the embodiments disclosed in this specification are merely examples in all respects. Therefore, various modifications may be made as appropriate within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0060] Summary of the above embodiment The above-described article transport facility will now be described.

[0061] The item transport equipment disclosed herein is an item transport equipment that transports items W using a plurality of transport vehicles, and includes a plurality of floors that are installed at different vertical heights and on which the transport vehicles can each run, a lifting device that connects the plurality of floors and raises and lowers the transport vehicles, and a travel path along which the transport vehicles move for maintenance work on the transport vehicles, where a specific direction along the floors is defined as the Y direction, one side of the Y direction is defined as the Y direction first side, and the other side of the Y direction is defined as the Y direction second side, and the travel path for the transport vehicles that connects the lifting device to each of the plurality of floors is arranged to extend from the lifting device toward the Y direction first side, and the travel path is arranged to extend from the lifting device toward a side other than the Y direction first side.

[0062] According to this configuration, when performing maintenance work on a transport vehicle, the transport vehicle can be easily removed from the floor via the lifting device and the travel path. Therefore, maintenance work can be easily performed on a specific transport vehicle regardless of whether multiple transport vehicles are currently transporting items. Furthermore, according to this configuration, the travel path on which the transport vehicle travels for maintenance work is arranged to extend toward a different side from the travel path of the transport vehicle connecting the lifting device to each of the multiple floors. Therefore, even if a work area for performing maintenance work is located in an area that does not overlap with multiple floors in a plan view, the transport vehicle can be appropriately removed toward the work area. Furthermore, for example, a transport vehicle that has completed work at the work area can be returned to the floor from the travel path via the lifting device, or a new transport vehicle can be introduced onto the floor from the travel path via the lifting device.

[0063] In one aspect, the direction along the floor that is perpendicular to the Y direction is defined as the X direction, and the lifting device is configured to include a plurality of lifting platforms on which the transport vehicle can be placed, and to circulate the plurality of lifting platforms along a circular path that forms a circle when viewed in the X direction along the X direction, with a first region being an area on the first side in the Y direction relative to a center position in the Y direction of the circular path, and a second region being an area on the second side in the Y direction relative to the center position in the Y direction of the circular path, and the plurality of running paths are preferably connected to the lifting platforms located in the first region, and the moving path is preferably connected to the lifting platforms located in the second region.

[0064] According to this configuration, even when a target guided vehicle that is the subject of maintenance work is moved to a travel path, the target guided vehicle can be moved from a travel path on one of the floors to one of the lifting platforms of the lifting device, and can reach the travel path simply by circulating the target guided vehicle along the circulation path without being directed to a travel path on another floor. Therefore, the target guided vehicle can be moved to the travel path without interfering with guided vehicles moving up and down between floors.

[0065] In one aspect, it is preferable that a transport mechanism that moves the transport vehicle without moving the transport vehicle itself is provided on the movement path.

[0066] According to this configuration, the transport vehicle can be moved along the travel path regardless of whether the transport vehicle is capable of moving on its own. Therefore, even for transport vehicles that have difficulty moving on their own, maintenance work can be performed appropriately.

[0067] In one aspect, the moving path is preferably installed at a height equal to or lower than a running path connected to the lowest floor of the plurality of floors.

[0068] With this configuration, the transport vehicle to be subjected to maintenance work can be removed from a relatively low position on the lifting device, making it easy to remove the transport vehicle from the lifting device and also to set up a work area for performing the maintenance work. [Explanation of symbols]

[0069] 10: Goods transport equipment 20: Transport vehicle 71: Road 72: Travel route 81: Lift platform 88:Circular route 88a: Center position 89a: First transport mechanism (transport mechanism) 89b: Second transport mechanism (transport mechanism) B1: 1st area B2 :Second area E: Floor L2: Second lifting device (lifting device) W:Goods

Claims

1. An article transport facility that transports articles using a plurality of transport vehicles, a plurality of floors, each of which is capable of carrying the transport vehicle, and which are installed at different heights in the vertical direction; an elevator device provided to connect the plurality of floors and configured to raise and lower the transport vehicle; a travel path along which the transport vehicle moves for maintenance work on the transport vehicle; Equipped with A specific direction among the directions along the floor is defined as a Y direction, one side of the Y direction is defined as a Y direction first side, and the other side of the Y direction is defined as a Y direction second side, a travel path of the transport vehicle connecting the lifting device and each of the plurality of floors is disposed so as to extend from the lifting device toward the first side in the Y direction, The article transport facility is arranged so that the movement path extends from the lifting device toward a side other than the first side in the Y direction.

2. The direction perpendicular to the Y direction among the directions along the floor is defined as the X direction, the lifting device is configured to include a plurality of lifting platforms on which the transport vehicle can be placed, and to circulate the plurality of lifting platforms along a circular path that forms a loop as viewed in the X direction along the X direction, a region on the first side in the Y direction from a center position in the Y direction of the circular path is defined as a first region, and a region on the second side in the Y direction from the center position in the Y direction of the circular path is defined as a second region, The plurality of travel paths are connected to the platform located in the first area, The article transport facility according to claim 1 , wherein the movement path is connected to the platform located in the second area.

3. 3. The article transport facility according to claim 1, wherein the transport path is provided with a transport mechanism that moves the transport vehicle without the transport vehicle itself traveling.

4. The article transport facility according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the moving path is installed at a height equal to or lower than the running path that connects to the lowest floor of the plurality of floors.

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