Industrial vehicles

Abstract

To provide an industrial vehicle that can effectively transport packages.SOLUTION: An industrial vehicle 1 configured to transport packages through a route set in advance between a receiving position and a loading position, includes: a battery 30 used to allow the industrial vehicle 1 to travel; a detection unit 10 configured to detect a weight of packages; and a determination unit 20 configured to determine whether the industrial vehicle 1 can travel through the route thereof. The determination unit 20 refers to data that indicates a relation between the weight of packages and a required capacity for transportation when the packages are transported between the receiving position and the loading position, and determines that the vehicle can travel through the route when a residual capacity of the battery 30 is larger than the required capacity for transportation.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to industrial vehicles.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes a navigation device mounted on an electric vehicle that travels using electric power stored in a power storage device. In this navigation device, based on the remaining battery power information of the vehicle and the mode electricity cost value, whether it is possible to travel to the destination is determined. The mode electricity cost value is a unique value indicating the necessary amount of electric power per unit travel distance of the vehicle.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] When applying the technology described in Patent Document 1 to an industrial vehicle that transports goods along a preset route between a loading position and a storage position, when determining whether it is possible to travel, the capacity required to transport the goods to the destination (hereinafter, "required capacity") is uniquely determined. Generally, when the total weight of the industrial vehicle including the weight of the goods to be transported changes, the required capacity changes. More specifically, the greater the total weight of the industrial vehicle, the greater the required capacity. Therefore, when uniquely determining the required capacity, it is conceivable to set the required capacity high corresponding to the heavier goods among the goods transported by the industrial vehicle.

[0005] However, if the required capacity is set too high, there is a risk that the vehicle may be deemed unable to move even if it actually has enough battery power to carry a load weighing less than the weight corresponding to that required capacity. Therefore, if the required capacity is uniquely defined, it may not be possible to properly determine whether or not the vehicle can move, and the transport of cargo may not be efficient.

[0006] This disclosure was made to solve the above-mentioned problems and aims to provide an industrial vehicle that can efficiently transport goods. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] An industrial vehicle relating to one aspect of this disclosure is an industrial vehicle that transports cargo along a predetermined route between a receiving position and a loading position, and comprises a battery used for the operation of the industrial vehicle, a detection unit for detecting the weight of the cargo, and a determination unit for determining whether or not the industrial vehicle can travel along the route. The determination unit refers to data showing the relationship between the weight of the cargo and the required transport capacity when transporting the cargo between the receiving position and the loading position, and determines that travel along the route is possible if the remaining capacity of the battery is greater than the required transport capacity.

[0008] This industrial vehicle references data showing the relationship between the weight of the cargo to be transported and the required transport capacity when transporting the cargo between the receiving and loading locations. The vehicle determines that it can travel along the aforementioned route if the remaining battery capacity is greater than the required transport capacity. Since the required transport capacity is estimated based on the weight of the cargo, the decision of whether or not to travel along the route is made appropriately. Therefore, this industrial vehicle can continue traveling along the route until the remaining battery capacity falls below the required transport capacity, enabling efficient cargo transport.

[0009] The determination unit estimates the required charging capacity to move to the battery charging location, and may instruct the vehicle to move to the charging location if the remaining battery capacity is less than or equal to the required transport capacity and greater than the required charging capacity. In this case, since the vehicle is instructed to move to the charging location if it is determined that it is not possible to travel along the above route, it is possible to quickly return the vehicle to transporting cargo even if the remaining battery capacity decreases.

[0010] The decision unit may determine whether or not to travel along the above route if the remaining battery capacity is below a predetermined threshold. In this case, the decision on whether or not to travel is omitted when the remaining battery capacity is sufficient, thus reducing the processing load on the decision unit.

[0011] The determination unit may generate notification information to inform others if it determines that travel along the above route is not possible. In this case, the fact that travel along the above route is not possible can be notified to the industrial vehicle monitor, etc. By taking action such as using another industrial vehicle that is able to travel in response to the notification, the continuity of cargo transport can be improved. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] According to this disclosure, it is possible to provide an industrial vehicle that can efficiently transport goods. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0013] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of industrial vehicle operation. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of an industrial vehicle. [Figure 3] Figure 3 shows an example of data illustrating the relationship between the weight of the cargo and the required transport capacity. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of an industrial vehicle. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a flowchart illustrating another example of the operation of an industrial vehicle. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0014] Hereinafter, with reference to the drawings, preferred embodiments of an industrial vehicle relating to one aspect of this disclosure will be described in detail.

[0015] Referring to Figure 1, an example of the operation of the industrial vehicle 1 will be described. Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the operation of the industrial vehicle 1 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The industrial vehicle 1 is configured as a forklift for transporting goods in, for example, a logistics warehouse. In one example, the industrial vehicle 1 receives goods at the receiving position P1, and drives to the loading position P2 while holding the goods. Then, it loads the goods at the loading position P2, drives back to the receiving position P1 without holding the goods, and receives the goods again. The industrial vehicle 1 repeats this operation. That is, the industrial vehicle 1 transports goods by going back and forth between the receiving position P1 and the loading position P2. Furthermore, the industrial vehicle 1 charges its battery 30 (see Figure 2) at the charging position P3. The battery 30 is located, for example, inside the body of the industrial vehicle 1, and the industrial vehicle 1 runs using the battery 30 as a power source.

[0016] In the example shown in Figure 1, routes L1 and L2 are set between the receiving position P1 and the loading position P2. Route L1 shows the path from the receiving position P1 to the loading position P2, and route L2 shows the path from the loading position P2 to the receiving position P1. Industrial vehicle 1 transports goods by traveling along routes L1 and L2. Industrial vehicle 1 travels along route L1 while holding goods and travels along route L2 when not holding goods. In this embodiment, routes L1 and L2 are pre-set as the same path between the receiving position P1 and the loading position P2. Routes L1 and L2 may be pre-set as different paths between the receiving position P1 and the loading position P2.

[0017] Furthermore, a route L3 is set between the loading position P1 and the charging position P3, and a route L4 is set between the storage position P2 and the charging position P3. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the route L3 is preset as a path for bidirectional movement between the loading position P1 and the charging position P3. Similarly, the route L4 is also preset as a path for bidirectional movement between the storage position P2 and the charging position P3. The industrial vehicle 1 travels along each of the routes L3 and L4 to move from the loading position P1 and the storage position P2 to the charging position P3.

[0018] The weight of the load carried by the industrial vehicle 1 varies for each load. Therefore, since the total weight of the industrial vehicle 1 including the load changes for each load being transported, the required capacity necessary to travel along each of the routes L1, L2, L3, and L4 also changes. In view of such changes in the weight of the load, the industrial vehicle 1 estimates the required capacity necessary to travel along each of the routes L1, L2, L3, and L4 according to the weight of the load, and compares the remaining capacity of the battery 30 with the estimated required capacity to determine whether it is possible to travel on each of the routes L1, L2, L3, and L4. Details of the functional configuration for realizing this function will be described below.

[0019] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the industrial vehicle 1. In order to realize the functions described above, the industrial vehicle 1 includes a detection unit 10, a determination unit 20, a storage unit 40, and a travel control unit 50.

[0020] The detection unit 10 is a part that detects the weight of the load carried by the industrial vehicle 1. When the detection unit 10 receives information indicating that the industrial vehicle 1 has received a load, it detects the weight of the load. In one example, the detection unit 10 uses a sensor installed in a part that holds the load provided in the industrial vehicle 1 to detect the weight of the load. The detection unit 10 outputs information indicating the detection result of the weight of the load to the determination unit 20.

[0021] The determination unit 20 is a part that determines whether the industrial vehicle 1 can travel. The determination unit 20 has a calculation unit 21, an estimation unit 22, a comparison unit 23, and a generation unit 24 as functional elements for determining whether the industrial vehicle 1 can travel. Hereinafter, the functional elements of the determination unit 20 will be described in detail.

[0022] The calculation unit 21 is a part that calculates the remaining capacity of the battery 30. When calculating the remaining capacity of the battery 30, the calculation unit 21 may calculate the remaining capacity using the current amount, or may calculate the remaining capacity by estimating the life of the battery 30. In the present embodiment, the calculation unit 21 calculates the remaining capacity X1 of the battery 30 at the loading position P1 and the remaining capacity X2 of the battery 30 at the unloading position P2. Since the remaining capacity X2 is calculated after transporting the load from the loading position P1 to the unloading position P2, the remaining capacity X2 is calculated as a value smaller than the remaining capacity X1. In one example, when repeatedly transporting the load, the calculation unit 21 calculates the remaining capacity of the battery 30 each time it moves to the loading position P1 or the unloading position P2. The calculation unit 21 outputs the calculated remaining capacity of the battery 30 to the comparison unit 23.

[0023] The estimation unit 22 is a part that estimates the necessary capacity required for traveling. In one example, the estimation unit 22 estimates the necessary capacity for transportation, which is the necessary capacity when transporting the load between the loading position P1 and the unloading position P2, and the necessary capacity for charging, which is the necessary capacity when moving between the loading position P1 or the unloading position P2 and the charging position P3. Hereinafter, first, the estimation of the necessary capacity for transportation will be described. When the estimation unit 22 receives information indicating the detection result of the weight of the load from the detection unit 10, it refers to the data D showing the relationship between the weight of the load and the necessary capacity for transportation when transporting the load between the loading position P1 and the unloading position P2, and estimates the necessary capacity for transportation.

[0024] In this embodiment, the estimation unit 22 estimates the required transport capacity Y1 for route L1 and the required transport capacity Y2 for route L2. As described above, the industrial vehicle 1 travels along route L1 with a load and along route L2 without a load. Therefore, the weight of the load transported by the industrial vehicle 1 is different for route L1 and route L2. For this reason, even though route L1 and route L2 are set as the same route, the required transport capacity Y1 and the required transport capacity Y2 are estimated to be different values. The estimation unit 22 outputs the estimated required transport capacities Y1 and Y2 to the comparison unit 23.

[0025] Figure 3 shows an example of data D, which illustrates the relationship between the weight of the cargo and the required transport capacity. In the example shown in Figure 3, the relationship between the weight of the cargo and the required transport capacity is linear, meaning that the required transport capacity increases as the weight of the cargo increases. In this embodiment, data D is stored in the storage unit 40. Data D is generated by measuring the required transport capacity along routes L1 and L2 while varying the weight of the cargo, and is pre-stored in the storage unit 40.

[0026] Next, the estimation of the required charging capacity will be explained. In this embodiment, the estimation unit 22 estimates the required charging capacity Z1 for route L3 and the required charging capacity Z2 for route L4. Each required charging capacity Z1 and Z2 is set as the required capacity when driving routes L3 and L4 without carrying any luggage. In this embodiment, each required charging capacity Z1 and Z2 is stored in advance in the storage unit 40, and the estimation unit 22 estimates each required charging capacity Z1 and Z2 by referring to the storage unit 40. The estimation unit 22 outputs the estimated required charging capacities Z1 and Z2 to the comparison unit 23.

[0027] The comparison unit 23 is the part that compares the remaining capacities X1 and X2 with various parameters. In this embodiment, the comparison unit 23 performs a comparison to determine whether or not to make a decision on whether or not to drive, and a comparison to determine whether or not to drive.

[0028] The following section will first explain the comparison of whether or not to determine whether or not to proceed with the vehicle. In determining whether or not to proceed with the vehicle, the comparison unit 23 compares the remaining capacities X1 and X2 with a predetermined threshold. If the remaining capacities X1 and X2 are greater than the predetermined threshold, the comparison unit 23 does not determine whether or not to proceed with the vehicle. In this embodiment, the predetermined threshold is set as the capacity at which it is determined that the vehicle can proceed on each route L1 and L2 without having to estimate the required transport capacity Y1 and Y2. For example, the predetermined threshold may be set as any percentage of the total capacity of the battery 30. In one example, the predetermined threshold may be set as 10% of the total capacity of the battery 30. Alternatively, the predetermined threshold may be set as a constant multiple of 2 or more of the maximum value of the required transport capacity.

[0029] If the remaining capacities X1 and X2 are greater than a predetermined threshold, the comparison unit 23 determines that it is possible to travel along the corresponding route without comparing the remaining capacities X1 and X2 with the respective required capacities. In this case, the comparison unit 23 outputs information to the travel control unit 50 indicating that it is possible to travel along the corresponding route. If the remaining capacities X1 and X2 are less than or equal to a predetermined threshold, the comparison unit 23 further compares the remaining capacities X1 and X2 with the respective required capacities, as described later, to determine whether it is possible to travel along the corresponding route.

[0030] Next, we will explain the comparisons used to determine whether or not it is possible to travel on each route L1 to L4.

[0031] In determining whether it is possible to travel along Route L1, the comparison unit 23 compares the remaining capacity X1 received from the calculation unit 21 with the required transport capacity Y1 received from the estimation unit 22. The comparison unit 23 compares the remaining capacity X1 with the required transport capacity Y1 and determines that travel along Route L1 is possible if the remaining capacity X1 is greater than the required transport capacity Y1. In this case, the comparison unit 23 outputs information to the travel control unit 50 indicating that travel along Route L1 is possible. The comparison unit 23 compares the remaining capacity X1 with the required transport capacity Y1 and determines that travel along Route L1 is impossible if the remaining capacity X1 is less than or equal to the required transport capacity Y1. In this case, the comparison unit 23 outputs information to the generation unit 24 indicating that travel along Route L1 is impossible.

[0032] In determining whether it is possible to travel along Route L2, the comparison unit 23 compares the remaining capacity X2 received from the calculation unit 21 with the required transport capacity Y2 received from the estimation unit 22. The comparison unit 23 compares the remaining capacity X2 with the required transport capacity Y2 and determines that travel along Route L2 is possible if the remaining capacity X2 is greater than the required transport capacity Y2. In this case, the comparison unit 23 outputs information to the travel control unit 50 indicating that travel along Route L2 is possible. The comparison unit 23 compares the remaining capacity X2 with the required transport capacity Y2 and determines that travel along Route L2 is impossible if the remaining capacity X2 is less than or equal to the required transport capacity Y2. In this case, the comparison unit 23 outputs information to the generation unit 24 indicating that travel along Route L2 is impossible.

[0033] In determining whether it is possible to travel on Route L3, the comparison unit 23 compares the remaining capacity X1 received from the calculation unit 21 with the required charging capacity Z1 received from the estimation unit 22. The comparison unit 23 compares the remaining capacity X1 with the required charging capacity Z1 and determines that it is possible to travel on Route L3 if the remaining capacity X1 is greater than the required charging capacity Z1. In this case, the comparison unit 23 outputs information to the travel control unit 50 indicating that it is possible to travel on Route L3. The comparison unit 23 compares the remaining capacity X1 with the required charging capacity Z1 and determines that it is impossible to travel on Route L3 if the remaining capacity X1 is less than or equal to the required charging capacity Z1. In this case, the comparison unit 23 outputs information to the generation unit 24 indicating that it is impossible to travel on Route L3.

[0034] In determining whether it is possible to travel on Route L4, the comparison unit 23 compares the remaining capacity X2 received from the calculation unit 21 with the required charging capacity Z2 received from the estimation unit 22. The comparison unit 23 compares the remaining capacity X2 with the required charging capacity Z2 and determines that it is possible to travel on Route L4 if the remaining capacity X2 is greater than the required charging capacity Z2. In this case, the comparison unit 23 outputs information to the travel control unit 50 indicating that it is possible to travel on Route L4. The comparison unit 23 compares the remaining capacity X2 with the required charging capacity Z2 and determines that it is impossible to travel on Route L4 if the remaining capacity X1 is less than or equal to the required charging capacity Z2. In this case, the comparison unit 23 outputs information to the generation unit 24 indicating that it is impossible to travel on Route L4.

[0035] The generation unit 24 is the part that generates notification information indicating that travel is not possible on each route L1 to L4. When the generation unit 24 receives information from the comparison unit 23 indicating that travel is not possible on each route L1 to L4, it generates notification information for the corresponding route. In this embodiment, the generation unit 24 generates notification information and notifies the manager of the industrial vehicle 1 of the generated notification information.

[0036] The travel control unit 50 is the part that controls the movement of the industrial vehicle 1. When the travel control unit 50 receives information from the comparison unit 23 indicating that it is possible to travel along any of the routes L1 to L4, it causes the industrial vehicle 1 to travel along the corresponding route. For example, if it receives information indicating that it is possible to travel along route L1, the travel control unit 50 causes the industrial vehicle 1 to travel along route L1 from the loading position P1 to the loading position P2. In one example, the travel control unit 50 controls the motors and wheels (not shown) of the industrial vehicle 1 to move it.

[0037] An example of the operation of industrial vehicle 1 will be described with reference to Figures 4 and 5. Figure 4 is a flowchart of an example of the operation of industrial vehicle 1. Figure 5 is a flowchart of another example of the operation of industrial vehicle 1.

[0038] First, referring to Figure 4, we will explain the operation of industrial vehicle 1 when it moves from the loading position P1 to the loading position P2.

[0039] In step S11, the detection unit 10 detects the weight of the cargo. In step S12, the calculation unit 21 calculates the remaining capacity X1. Here, the calculation unit 21 calculates the remaining capacity X1 as the remaining capacity of the battery 30 at the cargo receiving position P1. In step S13, the comparison unit 23 compares whether the remaining capacity X1 is greater than a predetermined threshold. Here, the comparison unit 23 compares the remaining capacity X1 with a predetermined threshold to determine whether or not it is possible to travel along route L1.

[0040] If the remaining capacity X1 is greater than a predetermined threshold (YES in step S13), the comparison unit 23 determines that the battery 30 has more than enough remaining capacity to travel along route L1 and does not determine whether or not to travel along route L1. In this case, the process proceeds to step S16. If the remaining capacity X1 is less than or equal to a predetermined threshold (NO in step S13), the comparison unit 23 determines that the battery 30 does not have more than enough remaining capacity to travel along route L1 and determines whether or not to travel along route L1. In this case, the process proceeds to step S14.

[0041] In step S14, the estimation unit 22 estimates the required transport capacity Y1. Here, the estimation unit 22 estimates the required transport capacity Y1 by referring to data D, which shows the relationship between the weight of the cargo and the required transport capacity when transporting the cargo between the receiving position P1 and the loading position P2. In step S15, the comparison unit 23 compares the remaining capacity X1 with the required transport capacity Y1. Here, the comparison unit 23 determines whether it is possible to travel along route L1 by comparing the remaining capacity X1 with the required transport capacity Y1.

[0042] If the remaining capacity X1 is greater than the required transport capacity Y1 (YES in step S15), the comparison unit 23 determines that travel along route L1 is possible. In this case, the process proceeds to step S16. If the remaining capacity X1 is less than or equal to the required transport capacity Y1 (NO in step S15), the comparison unit 23 determines that travel along route L1 is impossible. In this case, the process proceeds to step S17.

[0043] In step S16, the travel control unit 50 instructs the transport to the loading position P2. Here, the travel control unit 50 controls the motors and wheels of the industrial vehicle 1 to drive the industrial vehicle 1 along route L1 to the loading position P2.

[0044] In step S17, the estimation unit 22 estimates the required charging capacity Z1. Here, the estimation unit 22 estimates the required charging capacity Z1 by referring to the memory unit 40. In step S18, the comparison unit 23 compares the remaining capacity X1 with the required charging capacity Z1. Here, the comparison unit 23 determines whether it is possible to drive on route L3 by comparing the remaining capacity X1 with the required charging capacity Z1.

[0045] If the remaining capacity X1 is greater than the required charging capacity Z1 (YES in step S18), the comparison unit 23 determines that travel along route L3 is possible. Therefore, in this embodiment, if the remaining capacity X1 is less than or equal to the required transport capacity Y1 and greater than the required charging capacity Z1, the comparison unit 23 determines that travel along route L3 is possible. In this case, the process proceeds to step S19. If the remaining capacity X1 is less than or equal to the required charging capacity Z1 (NO in step S18), the comparison unit 23 determines that travel along route L3 is impossible. Therefore, in this embodiment, if the remaining capacity X1 is less than or equal to both the required transport capacity Y1 and the required charging capacity Z1, the comparison unit 23 determines that travel along route L3 is impossible. In this case, the process proceeds to step S20.

[0046] In step S19, the driving control unit 50 instructs the vehicle to move to the charging position P3. Here, the driving control unit 50 controls the motors and wheels of the industrial vehicle 1 to drive the industrial vehicle 1 along route L3 to the charging position P3.

[0047] In step S20, the generation unit 24 generates notification information. Here, the generation unit 24 generates notification information indicating that travel is not possible on routes L1 and L3, and notifies the manager of the industrial vehicle 1 of the generated notification information.

[0048] Next, referring to Figure 5, we will explain the operation of the industrial vehicle 1 when it moves from the loading position P2 to the receiving position P1.

[0049] In step S31, the calculation unit 21 calculates the remaining capacity X2. Here, the calculation unit 21 calculates the remaining capacity X2 as the remaining capacity of the battery 30 at the loading position P2. In step S13, the comparison unit 23 compares whether the remaining capacity X2 is greater than a predetermined threshold. Here, the comparison unit 23 compares the remaining capacity X2 with a predetermined threshold to determine whether or not it is possible to drive on route L2.

[0050] If the remaining capacity X2 is greater than a predetermined threshold (YES in step S32), the comparison unit 23 determines that the battery 30 has more than enough remaining capacity to travel along route L2 and does not determine whether or not to travel along route L2. In this case, the process proceeds to step S35. If the remaining capacity X2 is less than or equal to a predetermined threshold (NO in step S32), the comparison unit 23 determines that the battery 30 does not have enough remaining capacity to travel along route L2 and determines whether or not to travel along route L2. In this case, the process proceeds to step S33.

[0051] In step S33, the estimation unit 22 estimates the required transport capacity Y2. Here, the estimation unit 22 estimates the required transport capacity Y2 by referring to data D, which shows the relationship between the weight of the cargo and the required transport capacity when transporting the cargo between the receiving position P1 and the loading position P2. In this embodiment, since the industrial vehicle 1 is not carrying any cargo while traveling along route L2, the weight of the cargo is set to "0" and data D is referred to.

[0052] In step S34, the comparison unit 23 compares the remaining capacity X2 with the required transport capacity Y2. Here, the comparison unit 23 determines whether or not it is possible to travel along route L2 by comparing the remaining capacity X2 with the required transport capacity Y2.

[0053] If the remaining capacity X2 is greater than the required transport capacity Y2 (YES in step S34), the comparison unit 23 determines that travel along route L2 is possible. In this case, the process proceeds to step S35. If the remaining capacity X2 is less than or equal to the required transport capacity Y2 (NO in step S34), the comparison unit 23 determines that travel along route L2 is impossible. In this case, the process proceeds to step S36.

[0054] In step S35, the travel control unit 50 instructs the vehicle to move to the loading position P1. Here, the travel control unit 50 controls the motors and wheels of the industrial vehicle 1 to drive the industrial vehicle 1 along route L2 to the loading position P1.

[0055] In step S36, the estimation unit 22 estimates the required charging capacity Z2. Here, the required charging capacity Z2 is estimated by referring to the memory unit 40. In step S37, the comparison unit 23 compares the remaining capacity X2 with the required charging capacity Z2. Here, the comparison unit 23 determines whether it is possible to drive on route L4 by comparing the remaining capacity X2 with the required charging capacity Z2.

[0056] If the remaining capacity X2 is greater than the required charging capacity Z2 (YES in step S37), the comparison unit 23 determines that travel along route L4 is possible. Therefore, in this embodiment, if the remaining capacity X2 is less than or equal to the required transport capacity Y2 and greater than the required charging capacity Z2, the comparison unit 23 determines that travel along route L4 is possible. In this case, the process proceeds to step S38. If the remaining capacity X2 is less than or equal to the required charging capacity Z2 (NO in step S37), the comparison unit 23 determines that travel along route L4 is impossible. Therefore, in this embodiment, if the remaining capacity X2 is less than or equal to both the required transport capacity Y2 and the required charging capacity Z2, the comparison unit 23 determines that travel along route L4 is impossible. In this case, the process proceeds to step S39.

[0057] In step S38, the driving control unit 50 instructs the vehicle to move to the charging position P3. Here, the driving control unit 50 controls the motors and wheels of the industrial vehicle 1 to drive the industrial vehicle 1 along the route L4 to the charging position P3.

[0058] In step S39, the generation unit 24 generates notification information. Here, the generation unit 24 generates notification information indicating that it is not possible to travel on routes L2 and L4, and notifies the manager of the industrial vehicle 1 of the generated notification information.

[0059] As explained above, industrial vehicle 1 refers to data D, which shows the relationship between the weight of the cargo to be transported and the required transport capacity when transporting the cargo between the receiving position P1 and the loading position P2. Industrial vehicle 1 determines that it is possible to travel on route L1 if the remaining capacity X1 of battery 30 is greater than the required transport capacity Y1, and that it is possible to travel on route L2 if the remaining capacity X2 is greater than the required transport capacity Y2. In estimating each required transport capacity Y1 and Y2, the capacity corresponding to the weight of the cargo to be transported is estimated, so the determination of whether or not it is possible to travel on routes L1 and L2 is made appropriately. Therefore, industrial vehicle 1 can continue traveling on routes L1 and L2 until the remaining capacities X1 and X2 of battery 30 decrease to or less than the corresponding required transport capacities Y1 and Y2, and can transport cargo efficiently.

[0060] In industrial vehicle 1, the determination unit 20 calculates the required charging capacities Z1 and Z2 for moving the battery 30 to the charging position P3. The determination unit 20 then instructs the vehicle to move from the receiving position P1 to the charging position P3 if the remaining capacity X1 of the battery 30 is less than or equal to the required transport capacity Y1 and greater than the required charging capacity Z1, and instructs the vehicle to move from the loading position P2 to the charging position P3 if the remaining capacity X2 of the battery 30 is less than or equal to the required transport capacity Y2 and greater than the required charging capacity Z2. In this case, since industrial vehicle 1 is instructed to move to the charging position P3 if it is determined that it is impossible to travel along the above route, even if the remaining capacity of the battery 30 decreases, the vehicle can be quickly returned to transporting cargo.

[0061] In the industrial vehicle 1, the determination unit 20 determines whether or not it is possible to travel along routes L1 and L2 when the remaining capacity X1 and X2 of the battery 30 is below a predetermined threshold. In this case, the determination of whether or not it is possible to travel is omitted when the remaining capacity of the battery 30 is sufficient, thus reducing the processing load on the determination unit 20.

[0062] In industrial vehicle 1, the determination unit 20 generates notification information to inform the operator if it determines that travel along routes L1 to L4 is not possible. In this case, the fact that travel along routes L1 to L4 is not possible can be notified to the operator of industrial vehicle 1. By taking action such as using another industrial vehicle that is capable of travel in response to this notification, the continuity of cargo transport can be improved.

[0063] While embodiments of this disclosure have been described above, this disclosure is not necessarily limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications are possible without departing from its essence.

[0064] In the embodiment described above, as shown in Figure 1, the charging position P3 is located closer to the receiving position P1, but the arrangement of the charging position P3 is not limited to the arrangement described above. The charging position P3 may be located closer to the loading position P2, for example, or it may be located at an equidistant position from both the receiving position P1 and the loading position P2.

[0065] When determining whether travel is possible on routes L1 and L2, the relationship between the remaining capacity X1 and X2 and the required transport capacity Y1 and Y2 is not limited to the relationship in the embodiment described above. For example, the comparison unit 23 may determine that travel on route L1 is possible if the remaining capacity X1 is greater than or equal to the required transport capacity Y1, and that travel on route L1 is impossible if the remaining capacity X1 is less than the required transport capacity Y1. Similarly, the comparison unit 23 may determine that travel on route L2 is possible if the remaining capacity X2 is greater than or equal to the required transport capacity Y2, and that travel on route L2 is impossible if the remaining capacity X1 is less than the required transport capacity Y2. In this case, it is possible to prevent the industrial vehicle 1 from stopping during cargo transport when errors occur in the estimated required transport capacity, and cargo transport can be carried out more efficiently.

[0066] When determining whether or not it is possible to travel on routes L3 and L4, the relationship between the remaining capacities X1 and X2 and the required charging capacities Z1 and Z2 is not limited to the relationship in the embodiment described above. For example, the comparison unit 23 may determine that travel on route L3 is possible when the remaining capacity X1 is equal to or greater than the required charging capacity Z1, and determine that travel on route L3 is impossible when the remaining capacity X1 is less than the required charging capacity Z1. Similarly, the comparison unit 23 may determine that travel on route L4 is possible when the remaining capacity X2 is equal to or greater than the required charging capacity Z2, and determine that travel on route L4 is impossible when the remaining capacity X2 is less than the required charging capacity Z2. In this case, it is possible to prevent the industrial vehicle 1 from stopping while moving to the charging position P3 when there is an error in the estimated required charging capacity, and to move to the charging position P3 more efficiently.

[0067] The required charging capacities Z1 and Z2 may be set as the amounts required when traveling along routes L3 and L4 while carrying luggage. In this case, data showing the relationship between the weight of the luggage and the required charging capacity on route L3, and data showing the relationship between the weight of the luggage and the required charging capacity on route L4 are stored, for example, in the storage unit 40. The estimation unit 22 refers to each of these data to estimate the required charging capacity on route L3 and route L4. In one example, each of these data is generated by actually measuring the required charging capacity on routes L3 and L4 while changing the weight of the luggage, and is stored in the storage unit 40 in advance.

[0068] For example, the industrial vehicle 1 does not necessarily have to be equipped with a storage unit 40. In this case, the data D, which shows the relationship between the weight of the cargo and the required transport capacity when transporting the cargo between the receiving position P1 and the loading position P2, and the required charging capacities Z1 and Z2, may be stored on an external server different from the industrial vehicle 1. In this configuration, the estimation unit 22 can perform the estimation of the required transport capacity Y1 and Y2 and the required charging capacities Z1 and Z2 by receiving the data D and the required charging capacities Z1 and Z2 from the external server via a predetermined communication network.

[0069] While embodiments of this disclosure have been described above, this disclosure is not necessarily limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications are possible without departing from its essence.

[0070] The gist of this disclosure is as follows: [1] to [4]. [1] An industrial vehicle for transporting cargo along a predetermined route between a receiving position and a loading position, comprising: a battery used for the operation of the industrial vehicle; a detection unit for detecting the weight of the cargo; and a determination unit for determining whether the industrial vehicle can travel along the route, wherein the determination unit refers to data showing the relationship between the weight of the cargo and the required transport capacity when transporting the cargo between the receiving position and the loading position, and determines that travel along the route is possible if the remaining capacity of the battery is greater than the required transport capacity. [2] The industrial vehicle according to [1], wherein the determination unit estimates the required charge capacity for moving the battery to the charging position, and instructs the vehicle to move to the charging position if the remaining capacity of the battery is less than or equal to the required transport capacity and greater than the required charge capacity. [3] The industrial vehicle according to [1] or [2], wherein the determination unit determines whether or not the cargo can be transported when the remaining capacity of the battery is below a predetermined threshold. [4] The industrial vehicle according to any one of [1] to [3], wherein the determination unit determines that it is not possible to transport the cargo and generates notification information to that effect. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0071] 1...Industrial vehicle, 10...Detection unit, 20...Decision unit, 30...Battery, D...Data, L1,L2,L3,L4...Route, P1...Load receiving position, P2...Load placement position, P3...Charging position, X1,X2...Remaining capacity, Y1,Y2...Required transport capacity, Z1,Z2...Required charging capacity.

Claims

1. An industrial vehicle that transports goods along a predetermined route between a receiving location and a storage location, A battery used for driving the aforementioned industrial vehicle, A detection unit for detecting the weight of the aforementioned package, The system includes a determination unit that determines whether or not the industrial vehicle is permitted to travel along the aforementioned route, The unit that makes the determination said, By referring to data showing the relationship between the weight of the cargo and the required transport capacity when transporting the cargo between the receiving position and the storage position, it is determined that travel along the route is possible if the remaining capacity of the battery is greater than the required transport capacity. The system estimates the required charge capacity for moving the battery to the charging position, and if the remaining capacity of the battery is less than or equal to the required transport capacity and greater than the required charge capacity, it instructs the system to move to the charging position. The aforementioned required charging capacity is set as the amount required when the industrial vehicle travels the route while holding the cargo, in an industrial vehicle.

2. The industrial vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the determination unit determines whether or not it is possible to travel along the route when the remaining capacity of the battery is below a predetermined threshold.

3. The industrial vehicle according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the determination unit generates notification information to notify that it is not possible to travel along the route.

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