Goods handling equipment

Abstract

To realize an article transfer installation easy to efficiently carry out maintenance of a floor and carriers.SOLUTION: An article transfer installation includes a control system having first and second suspension modes, as suspension modes for a plurality of carriers not to carry articles. In the first suspension mode, passages 72 are set up allowing a plurality of carriers to line up in a plurality of rows and the carrier to pass between adjacent rows of carriers, so that every carrier arranged in a respective row is arranged adjacent to at least one passage 72. In the second suspension mode, a plurality of carriers is densely arranged without providing passages 72.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an article conveying facility in which a plurality of carrier vehicles convey articles.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, automation of article conveyance has advanced in article conveying facilities such as logistics warehouses. For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2000-128318 (Patent Document 1) describes an article conveying facility in which articles (W) are conveyed by a plurality of carrier vehicles (basket vehicles 2).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] By the way, in the article conveying facility shown in FIG. 1 of Patent Document 1, transfer of articles (W) is performed between a plurality of storage shelves (7) arranged adjacent to a track-shaped circulation conveyance path (F) and a plurality of carrier vehicles (2) passing through the track-shaped circulation conveyance path (F). Here, for example, when there are many types of articles or destinations for sorting, it may be considered to provide a plurality of circulation conveyance paths (F) in the article conveying facility. In this case, since the number of carrier vehicles (2) also increases as the number of circulation conveyance paths (F) increases, it is required to efficiently perform maintenance of the floor on which the carrier vehicles (2) travel and maintenance of the carrier vehicles (2). However, Patent Document 1 does not particularly disclose a method for efficiently performing maintenance of the carrier vehicles (2) and the floor.

[0005] Therefore, it is desired to realize an article conveying facility that can easily perform maintenance of the floor and the carrier vehicles efficiently.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The article transport equipment according to this disclosure is an article transport equipment in which each of a plurality of transport vehicles travels on a floor to transport articles, and comprises a control system for controlling the transport vehicles, the control system comprising a first rest mode and a second rest mode as rest modes in which the plurality of transport vehicles do not transport articles, wherein in the first rest mode, the plurality of transport vehicles are arranged in multiple rows, and passages that the transport vehicles can pass through are set between adjacent rows of transport vehicles, and all of the transport vehicles arranged in each row are arranged adjacent to at least one of the passages, and in the second rest mode, the plurality of transport vehicles are arranged densely without the provision of passages.

[0007] In this configuration, in the first idle mode, a passageway is set up between adjacent rows of transport vehicles, allowing, for example, transport vehicles to move through the passageway for charging, or for workers to move through the passageway for maintenance. Therefore, maintenance of the transport vehicles is easier. On the other hand, in the second idle mode, multiple transport vehicles are arranged in close proximity, so the area of ​​the floor where the idle transport vehicles are located can be kept small. Therefore, floor maintenance is easier. Thus, in this configuration, in idle mode when multiple transport vehicles are not transporting goods, the transport vehicles can be arranged and stopped in different configuration patterns depending on the type of maintenance work performed by workers, the need to charge the transport vehicles, etc. Therefore, the idle mode can be made more effective. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] Top view of the article conveying equipment according to the first embodiment [Figure 2] Front view of the passageway area in Figure 1 [Figure 3] Figure 1: Control block diagram of the goods handling equipment [Figure 4] Figure 1 shows the first rest mode on the first floor of the floor. [Figure 5] Figure 1 shows the first rest mode on the second floor of the floor. [Figure 6]Figure 1 shows the second rest mode on the first floor of the floor. [Figure 7] Figure 1 shows the second rest mode on the second floor of the floor. [Figure 8] A diagram showing the first rest mode in the second embodiment. [Figure 9] A diagram showing the second rest mode in the second embodiment. [Figure 10] Front view of the passage area in the second embodiment [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] [First Embodiment] In the following, the article conveying equipment according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0010] Figure 1 is a top view of an article transporting system 10 in which multiple transport vehicles 20 each travel on a floor E to transport articles W. The article transporting system 10 in this embodiment is an article sorting system that sorts articles W by having each of the multiple transport vehicles 20 transport articles W. In this embodiment, the article transporting system 10 comprises transport vehicles 20, a floor E, a supply unit 15 that supplies articles W to the transport vehicles 20, and multiple receiving units 31. Each of the multiple receiving units 31 is configured to receive articles W from the transport vehicles 20.

[0011] In this embodiment, the work unit 16 transfers the goods W to the transport vehicle 20 at the supply unit 15. Here, "work unit" refers to, for example, a worker and / or a work device. The work unit 16 transfers the goods W from the supply and transport device 17, which transports the goods W from an automated warehouse (not shown), to the transport vehicle 20. Examples of the supply and transport device 17 include a belt conveyor, a crane, an arm-type robot, etc.

[0012] Here, a specific direction along floor E is defined as the Y direction, and a direction perpendicular to the Y direction along floor E is defined as the X direction. Furthermore, one side of the Y direction is defined as the first Y direction side Y1, and the other side of the Y direction is defined as the second Y direction side Y2. Similarly, one side of the X direction is defined as the first X direction side X1, and the other side of the X direction is defined as the second X direction side X2. The vertical direction is defined as the Z direction. Examples of floor E include running surfaces and floors provided in facilities such as buildings and ships. In this embodiment, floor E is a running surface provided on a platform indoors.

[0013] In this embodiment, the floor E is configured with a supply area E1 where a supply unit 15 is provided, and a passage area E3 extending along the Y direction. The supply area E1 is located on the first side Y1 in the Y direction relative to the passage area E3. Multiple passage areas E3 are arranged in a line in the X direction. The floor E is also configured with a connection area E2 that connects the multiple passage areas E3 and the supply area E1. The supply area E1, connection area E2, and passage area E3 configured on the floor E may be areas that are actually partitioned on the floor E, or they may be virtual areas. In this embodiment, the boundary between the supply area E1 and the connection area E2 is a virtual boundary set on the floor E. Also in this embodiment, both sides of the passage area E3 in the X direction are the outer edges of the floor E.

[0014] In this embodiment, the connection area E2 is connected to the supply area E1 and the passage area E3 so that the transport vehicle 20 can travel on it. Here, the end of the passage area E3 on the first side Y1 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 to the supply area E1.

[0015] In this embodiment, multiple passage areas E3 are arranged in the X direction on floor E, and the first end 51 of each of the multiple passage areas E3 is connected to one another via a connecting area E2. In addition, multiple receiving sections 31 are arranged along each of the multiple passage areas E3. Furthermore, the article transport equipment 10 includes multiple supply sections 15. In addition, multiple supply areas E1, each having a supply section 15, are arranged in the X direction on floor E.

[0016] FIG. 2 is a front view of the passage area E3. In the present embodiment, a plurality of receiving portions 31 are arranged along the Y direction on each of both sides in the X direction in the passage area E3. Further, in the present embodiment, the transport vehicle 20 includes a transfer portion 21 that transfers the article W from the transport vehicle 20 to the receiving portion 31. The transfer portion 21 is configured to be able to change the posture of the placement surface 22 on which the article W is placed between a "horizontal posture" and an "inclined posture". The article W is placed and transported on the placement surface 22 in the horizontal posture, and is transferred to the receiving portion 31 when the placement surface 22 is set in the inclined posture. In the present embodiment, the transport vehicle 20 includes a traveling portion 25. A plurality of wheels 23 that roll on the traveling surface on the floor E are provided on the traveling portion 25. Examples of the transport vehicle 20 include an electric vehicle that travels by power supply such as a storage battery, a fuel cell, contact power supply from the floor E, non-contact power supply, etc., and a vehicle equipped with an internal combustion engine. In the present embodiment, a storage battery 27 (see FIG. 3) is mounted on the traveling portion 25 of the transport vehicle 20. Further, in the present embodiment, the transport vehicle 20 is an electric automated guided vehicle.

[0017] In the present embodiment, the transport vehicle 20 includes an operated portion 28 that is operated by an operator. Examples of the operated portion 28 included in the transport vehicle 20 include a switch, a connector, a touch screen, etc. Further, a cover that covers a switch, a connector, a touch screen, a storage portion for the article W, etc. may be provided on the transport vehicle 20, and the operated portion 28 may be operated by the operator for attachment / detachment or opening / closing of the cover. In the present embodiment, the operated portion 28 is operated by an operator who performs maintenance.

[0018] In this embodiment, a receiving and conveying device 35 is provided for each of the plurality of receiving parts 31. The article W transferred to the receiving part 31 is conveyed in a direction along the X direction by this receiving and conveying device 35 and is accommodated in a container 38 corresponding to each of the plurality of receiving parts 31. Further, in this embodiment, a shipping device 36 is arranged adjacent to the plurality of receiving and conveying devices 35. On the shipping device 36, the containers 38 are arranged side by side, and when the types and numbers of articles W specified in one order information are accommodated in the container 38, the container 38 is conveyed to the shipping location by the shipping device 36. 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.

[0019] Figure 3 is a control block diagram of the goods transport equipment 10 of this embodiment. In this embodiment, the goods transport 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 travel 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 unit such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and a main memory that the arithmetic processing unit can access, such as RAM (Random Access Memory) or ROM (Read Only Memory). Each function of the control device 46 (for example, the function of controlling the movement of the transport vehicle 20) is realized through the cooperation of the hardware provided by the control device 46 and a program executed on the hardware such as the arithmetic processing unit. Specifically, each function of the control device 46 is realized by the control device 46 executing a program stored in a memory device (main memory or a separately provided memory unit, etc.). In other words, a program (for example, an item transport program) for a computer (the computer of the control system 45) to implement each function of the control device 46 is stored in a storage device accessible to 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 to the computer. In this embodiment, the control device 46 (specifically, the arithmetic processing unit included in the control device 46) functions as a "computer". The control device 46 may not be a single piece of hardware, but rather a collection of multiple pieces of hardware (multiple separate pieces of hardware) that can communicate with each other by wired or wireless means. For example, the control device 46 may be configured to include a higher-level control device located in a control facility (not shown) that controls multiple transport vehicles 20, and control devices mounted on each transport vehicle 20.

[0020] In this embodiment, the floor E is divided into multiple virtual unit regions Au that form a grid when viewed in the Z direction. The travel path of the transport vehicle 20 is set to connect multiple arbitrary virtual unit regions Au. In this embodiment, each of the multiple transport vehicles 20 is provided with a location information detection unit 29 (see Figure 3). In addition, each of the virtual unit regions Au is provided with a location information holding unit. When the transport vehicle 20 travels along the travel path, the location information detection unit 29 of the transport vehicle 20 is configured to detect the location information held by the location information holders located in each of the virtual unit regions Au. Examples of location information holders include barcodes (1D codes), 2D codes, IC tags, etc. The location information detected by the location information detection unit 29 is transmitted from the transport vehicle 20 to the control device 46 of the control system 45.

[0021] In this embodiment, the control system 45 issues transport commands to each transport vehicle 20. The transport command specifies the "source" and "destination" of the item W. In this embodiment, the source is the supply unit 15, and the destination is the receiving unit 31. The transport command also specifies the travel route of the transport vehicle 20 from the source to the destination. Upon receiving the transport command from the control system 45, the transport vehicle 20 receives the item W at the specified source and transports the item W to the specified destination.

[0022] In this embodiment, the transport command sets up a forward route for travel from the supply unit 15 to the end of the passage area E3. In addition, the transport command sets up a return route for travel from the end of the passage area E3 to the supply unit 15. In this embodiment, the return route is the return passage 81 (see Figure 5), which will be described later. In this embodiment, the end of the passage area E3 is the end of the second side Y2 in the Y direction.

[0023] Figure 4 shows the first layer F1 of the goods transport equipment 10. In this embodiment, a charging position 42 for charging the transport vehicles 20 by a charger 41 is set in the connection area E2. This allows for efficient use of the connection area E2, where the supply unit 15 and receiving unit 31 are not located. In the illustrated example, the charger 41 is positioned adjacent to the connection area E2. The charging position 42 is also positioned so that multiple transport vehicles 20 can be parked there.

[0024] In this embodiment, the transport vehicle 20 moves to the charging position 42 and stops when its own charge level is below a specified charge level (for example, less than 50% of the charge level in a fully charged state). At the charging position 42, rapid charging is possible for the battery 27 (see Figure 3) equipped in the transport vehicle 20. The charger 41 may be a non-contact type power supply device or a contact type power supply device. In this embodiment, the control device 46 of the control system 45, which will be described later, acquires the charge level of the battery 27 of each transport vehicle 20 and controls the transport vehicle 20 with a charge level below a specified level to move to the charging position 42.

[0025] Figure 5 shows the second layer F2 of the goods transport equipment 10. In this embodiment, the floor E comprises a first layer F1 and a second layer F2 arranged at different positions in the Z direction (vertical direction). In this embodiment, the first layer F1 and the second layer F2 are adjacent to each other in the Z direction. In this embodiment, the second layer F2 is located above the first layer F1, but the second layer F2 may be located below the first layer F1. In this embodiment, the first layer F1 is provided with a supply area E1, a connection area E2, and a passage area E3.

[0026] In this embodiment, the article conveying equipment 10 includes a first lifter L1 that conveys the transport vehicle 20 in the Z direction. The first lifter L1 is connected to the passage area E3 of the first layer F1 and the second layer F2. In the illustrated example, the first lifter L1 is connected to the end of the passage area E3 and the second layer F2. In this embodiment, the article conveying equipment 10 includes a second lifter L2 that conveys the transport vehicle 20 in the Z direction. In the illustrated example, the second lifter L2 is connected to the supply area E1 of the first layer F1 and the second layer F2. The first lifter L1 and the second lifter L2 are arranged horizontally apart from each other.

[0027] In this embodiment, the first lifter L1 and the second lifter L2 are connected in the second layer F2 via a return passage 81 described later, allowing the transport vehicle 20 to travel on them. In the illustrated example, the second lifter L2 is connected to the return passage 81 and the first layer F1. The first lifter L1 and the second lifter L2 and the return passage 81 may be directly connected or indirectly connected. The first lifter L1 and the passage area E3 may be directly connected or indirectly connected. The second lifter L2 and the supply area E1 may be directly connected or indirectly connected. The first lifter L1 and the second lifter L2 may each transport the transport vehicle 20 autonomously or may be controlled by the control system 45. Examples of the first lifter L1 and the second lifter L2 include a device that raises and lowers the transport vehicle 20 by circulating a plurality of lifting platforms along a predetermined annular path, a multicopter capable of transporting the transport vehicle 20, an elevator, etc.

[0028] In this embodiment, a return passage 81 is provided on the second layer F2 through which the transport vehicle 20 travels. The first lifter L1 is connected to the starting end of the return passage 81 and the ending end of the passage area E3. The second lifter L2 is connected to the ending end of the return passage 81 and the supply area E1. In the illustrated example, multiple return passages 81 are provided on the second layer F2, each extending along the Y direction. The return passage 81 is also a passage through which the transport vehicle 20 travels after transporting goods W to the receiving section 31 in the passage area E3. In this embodiment, the return passage 81 is prohibited from being used as a resting place. In the illustrated example, the return passage 81 is set to be one-way.

[0029] In this embodiment, a passage connection area E4 is provided on the second layer F2, which connects multiple return passages 81 so that the transport vehicle 20 can travel through them. In the illustrated example, the passage connection area E4 is located between adjacent return passages 81 in the X direction. A charging position 42 for charging the transport vehicle 20 is also set in the passage connection area E4. A resting area 71, described later, is also set in the passage connection area E4. Furthermore, a driving-only area 72, described later, is also set in the passage connection area E4.

[0030] In this embodiment, the control system 45 performs batch processing in each of the multiple receiving units 31 to accept the type and number of items W specified in one order information. The control system 45 is also configured to perform a first batch processing in each of the multiple receiving units 31 to accept the type and number of items W specified in one order information, and then perform a second batch processing to accept the type and number of items W specified in another order information. In this embodiment, one container 38 corresponds to one order information. The control system 45 places the type and number of items W specified in one order information into the container 38 (see Figure 2), which is located adjacent to the receiving unit 31, through the first batch processing. Once the first batch processing is completed, in other words, once all the type and number of items W specified in one order information have been placed in the container 38, the container 38 is transported to the shipping location. Subsequently, the next container 38 corresponding to another order is placed adjacent to the receiving unit 31, and the control system 45 places the type and number of items W specified in the other order into the next container 38 through a second batch process.

[0031] In this embodiment, the control system 45 includes a first rest mode and a second rest mode as rest modes in which the multiple transport vehicles 20 do not transport the goods W. In the rest modes of this embodiment, the arrangement pattern of the multiple transport vehicles 20 differs between the first rest mode and the second rest mode. These rest modes may be modes in which all transport vehicles 20 provided by the goods transport equipment 10 do not transport the goods W. Alternatively, the rest mode may be a mode in which some of the transport vehicles 20 provided by the goods transport equipment 10 do not transport the goods W, while other transport vehicles 20 do transport the goods W.

[0032] Figures 4 and 5 show the arrangement pattern for the first rest mode, and Figures 6 and 7 show the arrangement pattern for the second rest mode. Here, the arrangement pattern refers to the arrangement shape of the resting areas 71 for multiple transport vehicles 20 when viewed in the Z direction. Floor E is set up with resting areas 71 that can be used as resting places for transport vehicles 20 in the first or second rest mode, and travel-only areas 72 that are prohibited from being used as resting places. In the illustrated example, the resting areas 71 are shown as areas with rectangles within the virtual unit area Au, and the travel-only areas 72 are shown as areas with arrows within the virtual unit area Au. In this embodiment, one transport vehicle 20 rests in one resting area 71. The travel-only areas 72 are set to be one-way. The travel-only areas 72 may be areas that can be changed by the control system 45 or by an operator, or they may be areas that cannot be changed. In the following explanation, we will assume that the transport vehicle 20 is stationary in all stationary areas 71, but of course, there may be stationary areas 71 in which the transport vehicle 20 is not stationary.

[0033] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, in the first rest mode of this embodiment, multiple transport vehicles 20 are arranged in multiple rows, and passages are set between adjacent rows of transport vehicles 20 that the transport vehicles 20 can pass through. Furthermore, all of the transport vehicles 20 in each row are arranged to be adjacent to at least one passage. In this embodiment, in the first rest mode, a rest area 71 is set up so that a travel path can be formed connecting the passage between adjacent rows of transport vehicles 20 and the charging position 42. Also, in the first rest mode, the transport vehicles 20 are arranged so that the operated part 28 is on the side closer to the passage. In the illustrated example, the passages that the transport vehicles 20 can pass through in the first rest mode are indicated by the travel-only area 72. Also, in the illustrated example, all of the rest area 71 are arranged to be adjacent to at least one travel-only area 72.

[0034] In this embodiment, the control system 45 stops at least a portion of the transport vehicles 20 in the connection area E2 during the first pause mode. Alternatively, the control system 45 may configure a portion of the connection area E2 as the layout area where the transport vehicles 20 and the passageway are positioned during the first pause mode, and the remaining portion of the connection area E2 as the transport area where the transport vehicles 20 transport goods W. In this case, workers can perform maintenance on multiple transport vehicles 20 while normal transport is carried out in the remaining portion of the connection area E2.

[0035] In this embodiment, the control system 45 automatically selects the first pause mode when the transport vehicle 20 has finished transporting the goods W. Examples of when the transport vehicle 20 has finished transporting the goods W include the termination of the transport vehicle 20 transporting the goods W due to a stop instruction for the periodic shutdown of the goods transport equipment 10, a stop instruction for transporting the goods due to a power outage or earthquake, a stop instruction from a maintenance worker for transporting goods where no maintenance target has been specified, etc.

[0036] In this embodiment, the control system 45 sets a dedicated travel area 72 so that in the first pause mode, the transport vehicle 20 that has been supplied with goods W from the supply unit 15 can transport the goods W to multiple receiving units 31. The control system 45 also sets a dedicated travel area 72 so that in the first pause mode, the transport vehicle 20 can return to the supply unit 15 after transporting the goods W to the receiving units 31 in the aisle area E3. In this way, the sorting of goods W is performed by each of the multiple transport vehicles 20 transporting goods W from the supply unit 15 to the receiving units 31, while the operator can perform maintenance on the multiple transport vehicles 20.

[0037] As shown in Figures 6 and 7, in the second rest mode of this embodiment, multiple transport vehicles 20 are arranged in close proximity without any passageways. In the illustrated example, a dedicated travel area 72 is not set, but a dedicated travel area 72 may be set in an area other than the rest area 71. In the second rest mode, of the arrangement area in which multiple rest areas 71 are densely arranged, all rest areas 71 except for those on the outer edge do not adjoin the dedicated travel area 72. Furthermore, in the second rest mode, the control system 45 is configured to change the arrangement area in which multiple transport vehicles 20 are densely arranged in response to instructions from the operator.

[0038] In the second pause mode, in this embodiment, the control system 45 designates a portion of the connection area E2 as a placement area where multiple transport vehicles 20 are densely arranged. Alternatively, the control system 45 may divide the connection area E2 into multiple sections (for example, into equal parts), and designate one of these sections as a placement area where multiple transport vehicles 20 are densely arranged. For example, if the control system 45 divides the connection area E2 into two equal parts and designates one of them as a placement area, the worker performs maintenance on the half of the connection area E2 that was not designated as a placement area. The worker can then perform maintenance on the remaining half of the connection area E2 by issuing an instruction to change the placement area.

[0039] As shown in Figure 6, in this embodiment, the control system 45 stops at least a portion of the transport vehicle 20 in the connection area E2 during the second pause mode. Also, as shown in Figure 5, in this embodiment, the control system 45 stops at least a portion of the transport vehicle 20 in the second layer F2 during the first pause mode. Also, as shown in Figure 7, the control system 45 stops at least a portion of the transport vehicle 20 in the second layer F2 during the second pause mode.

[0040] In this embodiment, the control system 45 selects a first pause mode when instructed by a worker to perform maintenance on the transport vehicle 20. The control system 45 also selects a second pause mode when instructed by a worker to perform maintenance on the floor E.

[0041] [Second Embodiment] The article transport equipment 10 according to the second embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. This embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the floor E on which the multiple transport vehicles 20 travel is a single level. The following description will focus on the differences from the first embodiment. Unless otherwise specified, the same principles apply as in the first embodiment.

[0042] Figures 8 and 9 are top views of the article conveying equipment 10 of this embodiment. Figure 10 is a front view of the passage area E3 of this embodiment. In this embodiment, the turning position 53 is set to the second side Y2 in the Y direction from the first end 51. In the illustrated example, the turning position 53 is set to the end of the passage area E3, which is the end of the second side Y2 in the Y direction.

[0043] In this embodiment, the forward journey in the transport command is set so that the transport vehicle 20 travels from the first end 51 to the turning position 53 in the passage area E3. The return journey in the transport command is set so that the transport vehicle 20, which has made a U-turn at the turning position 53 in the passage area E3, travels from the turning position 53 to the first end 51. These forward and return journeys are set side by side in the X direction in the passage area E3. As shown in Figures 8 and 10, in this embodiment, the transport vehicle 20 delivers the goods W to the receiving section 31 located on the opposite side of the return journey in the X direction in the passage area E3 during the forward journey, and delivers the goods W to the receiving section 31 located on the opposite side of the forward journey in the X direction in the passage area E3 during the return journey.

[0044] Figure 8 shows the arrangement pattern for the first pause mode. In the illustrated example, the control system 45 stops all transport vehicles 20 that do not transport goods W in the first pause mode in the connection area E2. Also in the illustrated example, the dedicated travel area 72 is set up so that the travel path for transport vehicles 20 that do not pause in the first pause mode, traveling back and forth between the supply unit 15 and the receiving unit 31, is circular. In this way, the goods W are sorted as each of the multiple transport vehicles 20 transports goods W from the supply unit 15 to the receiving unit 31, while the operator can perform maintenance on the multiple transport vehicles 20.

[0045] Figure 9 shows the arrangement pattern for the second rest mode. In the example shown in Figure 9, the control system 45 stops all transport vehicles 20 that are not transporting goods W in the connection area E2 during the second rest mode. In this embodiment, the control system 45 divides the connection area E2 into equal parts, and one of these parts is designated as an arrangement area where multiple transport vehicles 20 are densely arranged.

[0046] [Other Embodiments] Next, other embodiments of the article conveying equipment 10 will be described.

[0047] (1) In the above embodiment, the article conveying equipment 10 is an article sorting equipment, and a configuration in which a plurality of supply areas E1, a connection area E2, and a plurality of passage areas E3 are arranged on the floor E was described as an example. However, the invention is not limited to such an example, and for example, there may be only one passage area E3. Also, for example, there may be only one supply area E1. Also, for example, there may be only one supply unit 15. Also, for example, there may be no connection area E2 on the floor E. Also, for example, the article conveying equipment 10 may not be equipment that sorts articles W, and may be conveying equipment in which supply areas E1 and passage areas E3 are not arranged on the floor E.

[0048] (2) In the above embodiment, a configuration was described as in which 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, the embodiment is not limited to such an example, and for 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 be areas in 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. Furthermore, areas different from the supply area E1, the connection area E2, and the passage area E3 may be provided on the floor E, such as a buffer area where multiple transport vehicles 20 can be lined up.

[0049] (3) In the above embodiment, the control system 45 was described as having a configuration that includes a higher-level control device that controls a plurality of transport vehicles 20 and a control device mounted on each transport vehicle 20. However, the control system 45 is not limited to such an example, and may be a system in which, for example, the control devices mounted on each transport vehicle 20 communicate 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 the floor E, and the position information of the transport vehicles 20 may be acquired by image sensors or the like provided on the transport vehicles 20 or the facility.

[0050] (4) In the above embodiment, a configuration in which the control system 45 controls the transfer unit 21 and the travel unit 25 of the transport vehicle 20 was described as an example. However, the invention is not limited to such an example, and for example, the control device 46 may be a control device that controls only the travel unit 25 of the transport vehicle 20. Also, for example, the transport vehicle 20 may not have a transfer unit 21, and the work unit 16 may transfer the articles W on the transport vehicle 20. Also, the articles W may be stored in a storage compartment provided by the transport vehicle 20. Also, the control system 45 may be configured to control the work device which is the work unit 16. Also, the transport vehicle 20 may not have an operated unit 28.

[0051] (5) In the above embodiment, the article transport equipment 10 was described as having a configuration comprising a supply transport device 17, a receiving transport device 35, and a shipping device 36. However, the invention is not limited to such an example, and for example, the article transport equipment 10 may not have a supply transport device 17, a receiving transport device 35, and a shipping device 36, and a worker or a vehicle operated by a worker may transport the article W or container 38.

[0052] (6) In the above embodiments, a configuration in which at least some of the multiple transport vehicles 20 stop in the connection area E2 in each of the first and second rest modes was described as an example. However, the invention is not limited to such an example, and for example, in the first or second rest mode, all or some of the transport vehicles 20 may stop in the supply area E1, passage area E3, first lifter L1, second lifter L2, etc.

[0053] (7) In the above embodiment, a configuration in which a charging position 42 for charging the transport vehicle 20 by the charger 41 is set in the connection area E2 was described as an example. However, the example is not limited to such an example, and for example, the charging position 42 may be set in the supply area E1, the passage area E3, or another area that can be accessed from the connection area E2.

[0054] (8) In the above embodiment, a configuration was described as in which, in the second rest mode, the arrangement area in which the multiple transport vehicles 20 are densely arranged is changed in response to instructions from the worker. However, the configuration is not limited to such an example, and for example, the arrangement area may not be changed in the second rest mode.

[0055] (9) In the above embodiment, a configuration in which the first pause mode is automatically selected when the transport operation of the item W by the transport vehicle 20 is completed was described as an example. However, the configuration is not limited to such an example, and for example, a configuration in which the second pause mode is automatically selected when the transport operation of the item W by the transport vehicle 20 is completed may also be used. Alternatively, the first and second pause modes may not be automatically selected, but may be selected by the operator.

[0056] (10) The configurations disclosed in the embodiments described above can be applied in combination with configurations disclosed in other embodiments, as long as no inconsistencies arise. With regard to other configurations, the embodiments disclosed herein are merely illustrative in all respects. Therefore, various modifications can be made as appropriate without departing from the spirit of this disclosure.

[0057] [Summary of the above embodiments] The following describes the goods handling equipment mentioned above.

[0058] The article transport equipment according to this disclosure is an article transport equipment in which each of a plurality of transport vehicles travels on a floor to transport articles, and comprises a control system for controlling the transport vehicles, the control system comprising a first rest mode and a second rest mode as rest modes in which the plurality of transport vehicles do not transport articles, wherein in the first rest mode, the plurality of transport vehicles are arranged in multiple rows, and passages that the transport vehicles can pass through are set between adjacent rows of transport vehicles, and all of the transport vehicles arranged in each row are arranged adjacent to at least one of the passages, and in the second rest mode, the plurality of transport vehicles are arranged densely without the provision of passages.

[0059] In this configuration, in the first idle mode, a passageway is set up between adjacent rows of transport vehicles, allowing, for example, transport vehicles to move through the passageway for charging, or for workers to move through the passageway for maintenance. Therefore, maintenance of the transport vehicles is easier. On the other hand, in the second idle mode, multiple transport vehicles are arranged in close proximity, so the area of ​​the floor where the idle transport vehicles are located can be kept small. Therefore, floor maintenance is easier. Thus, in this configuration, in idle mode when multiple transport vehicles are not transporting goods, the transport vehicles can be arranged and stopped in different configuration patterns depending on the type of maintenance work performed by workers, the need to charge the transport vehicles, etc. Therefore, the idle mode can be made more effective.

[0060] In one embodiment, the control system preferably automatically selects the first pause mode when the transport vehicle has finished transporting the items, selects the second pause mode when there is an instruction from a worker for floor maintenance, and in the second pause mode, changes the arrangement area in which the multiple transport vehicles are densely arranged in response to the instruction from the worker.

[0061] With this configuration, the first rest mode is automatically selected after normal work is completed, making it easier to properly charge and maintain the transport vehicles during the rest mode. In addition, during floor maintenance, multiple transport vehicles can be placed in a designated area, and this area can be moved, making it easier for workers to properly perform floor maintenance.

[0062] In one embodiment, the transport vehicle is equipped with an operable part that is operated by an operator, and in the first pause mode, the transport vehicle is preferably positioned such that the operable part is on the side closer to the passageway.

[0063] With this configuration, in the first pause mode, operators can easily perform maintenance and other tasks on each transport vehicle.

[0064] In one embodiment, it is preferable that a specific direction along the floor is defined as the Y direction, a direction perpendicular to the Y direction along the floor is defined as the X direction, one side of the Y direction is defined as the first Y direction side, and the other side of the Y direction is defined as the second Y direction side, and that the floor is set up with a plurality of passage areas, each extending along the Y direction and aligned in the X direction, a supply area located on the first Y direction side of the plurality of passage areas and provided with a supply unit for supplying the articles to the transport vehicle, and a connecting area connecting the plurality of passage areas and the supply area to each other, and that a plurality of receiving units for receiving the articles from the transport vehicle are arranged along each of the plurality of passage areas, and that in each of the first and second rest modes, at least a portion of the plurality of transport vehicles are set up to stop in the connecting area.

[0065] In this configuration, since the connection area is connected to each of the multiple passage areas and the supply area, it is easier to ensure greater freedom of movement for the transport vehicles after these pause modes are released, compared to the case where all transport vehicles are stopped in passage areas other than the connection area during the first and second pause modes.

[0066] In one embodiment, it is preferable that a charging position for charging the transport vehicle by a charger is set in the connection area.

[0067] With this configuration, in the first rest mode, the transport vehicles can move through the aisle between adjacent rows of transport vehicles, allowing them to easily reach the charger. Therefore, the transport vehicles can be charged efficiently. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0068] 10: Goods handling equipment 15: Supply section 20: Transport vehicle 28: Operated part 31:Reception Department 41: Charger 42: Charging position 45: Control System 51: First end E: Floor E1: Supply Area E2: Connection Area E3: Passageway area W:Goods

Claims

1. A goods transport system in which multiple transport vehicles each travel across the floor to transport goods, The system includes a control system for controlling the transport vehicle, The control system is The system includes a first rest mode and a second rest mode as rest modes in which the multiple transport vehicles do not transport the articles. In the first pause mode, multiple transport vehicles are arranged in multiple rows, and passages are provided between adjacent rows of transport vehicles that the transport vehicles can pass through, and all of the transport vehicles in each row are arranged to be adjacent to at least one of the passages. In the second pause mode, the goods transport equipment is configured such that multiple transport vehicles are arranged in close proximity without the provision of passageways.

2. The control system is When the transport vehicle completes the transport of the items, the first pause mode is automatically selected. When instructed by a worker to perform maintenance on the aforementioned floor, the second pause mode is selected. The article transport equipment according to claim 1, wherein in the second pause mode, the arrangement area in which the multiple transport vehicles are densely arranged is changed in response to instructions from the operator.

3. The transport vehicle is equipped with an operable part that is operated by an operator, In the first pause mode, the transport vehicle is arranged such that the operated part is on the side closer to the passageway, as described in claim 1 or 2.

4. Let a specific direction along the floor be the Y direction, and a direction perpendicular to the Y direction along the floor be the X direction, and let one side of the Y direction be the first Y direction side, and let the other side of the Y direction be the second Y direction side. On the aforementioned floor, Multiple passage areas, each extending along the Y direction and arranged to align in the X direction, A supply area is provided which is located on the first side in the Y direction with respect to a plurality of the aforementioned passage areas, and which is equipped with a supply unit for supplying the articles to the transport vehicle, A connecting area that connects multiple passage areas and supply areas to each other, The settings are configured. Multiple receiving units for receiving the articles from the transport vehicle are arranged along each of the multiple passage areas. The article transport equipment according to claim 1 or 2, wherein in each of the first and second rest modes, at least a portion of the plurality of transport vehicles are configured to stop in the connection area.

5. The article transport equipment according to claim 4, wherein a charging position for charging the transport vehicle by a charger is set in the connection area.

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