Vehicle system

Abstract

This traveling vehicle system (1) comprises: a track (4) having, in a portion thereof, a non-autonomous traveling section in which a traveling vehicle (6) cannot autonomously travel; a traveling vehicle (6) which travels along the track (4); and a moving unit (60) which moves, in one direction, the traveling vehicle (6) in the non-autonomous traveling section. The moving unit (60) has a moving mechanism (63) which causes a movable block (61) to move in one direction. The traveling vehicle (6) has an engagement part (53) which can be engaged with the movable block (61); and a switching mechanism (53C) which switches the position of the engagement part (53) between a first position where the engagement part (53) is engaged by the movable block (61) and a second position where the engagement part is separated away from the movable block (61). The moving mechanism (63) causes the traveling vehicle (6) to move by moving, in one direction, the movable block (61) in a state in which the engagement part (53) is being engaged.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] One aspect of the present invention relates to a traveling vehicle system.

Background Art

[0002] An overhead traveling vehicle having a traveling section capable of traveling along a track is known. With such a traveling vehicle, it is necessary to periodically perform maintenance such as inspecting and cleaning the traveling section. When the maintenance location is the traveling section that travels inside the track, it is necessary to expose the maintenance location from the track. However, since a power supply line for supplying power to the traveling section and a magnetic plate are arranged on the track, if the track configuration is such that the maintenance location is exposed as described above, the traveling section cannot self-run.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a traveling vehicle system provided with a moving mechanism for moving a traveling vehicle along a track. According to this traveling vehicle system, in a track where the traveling vehicle cannot self-run, the traveling vehicle can be moved.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, in the above conventional traveling vehicle system, in order to accommodate various sizes of traveling vehicles, it includes a mechanism for sandwiching the traveling section from the front and rear, and a mechanism for moving the traveling section while sandwiching the traveling section, and the structure is complicated.

[0006] Therefore, one aspect of the present invention is to provide a vehicle system that can move a vehicle with a simple configuration on a work track where the vehicle is unable to move under its own power. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A vehicle system according to one aspect of the present invention comprises a driving track that forms a self-propelled section on which the vehicle can drive under its own power, a work track that forms a non-self-propelled section on which the vehicle cannot drive under its own power, a vehicle that travels along the driving track, and a moving unit that moves the vehicle in one direction in the non-self-propelled section. The moving unit has a moving mechanism that moves a moving block in one direction, and the vehicle has an engaging portion that can engage with the moving block, and a switching mechanism that switches the position of the engaging portion between a first position on which the engaging portion is engaged with the moving block and a second position on which it is separated from the moving block. The moving mechanism moves the vehicle by moving the moving block in one direction while the engaging portion is engaged.

[0008] In this vehicle system configuration, the moving block and the vehicle can be moved together simply by moving the moving block while the engaging part on the vehicle is engaged. The moving mechanism can be simplified because it only needs to move the moving block in one direction. Furthermore, since the configuration for engaging the engaging part with the moving mechanism is provided on the vehicle side, the configuration of the moving mechanism can be simplified. In other words, in this vehicle system configuration, the vehicle can be moved with a simple configuration on a work track where the vehicle cannot move under its own power.

[0009] In a vehicle system according to one aspect of the present invention, the moving mechanism may be a linear motion mechanism including a screw shaft and a drive unit. In this configuration, the moving block can be moved in one direction with a simple configuration.

[0010] In a vehicle system according to one aspect of the present invention, two or more engaging parts are arranged in one direction at intervals less than or equal to the maximum travel distance of the moving block in the linear motion mechanism. The moving mechanism may first engage one engaging part with the moving block to move the vehicle in one direction, and then engage another engaging part located downstream of the first engaging part in one direction with the moving block to move the vehicle in the same direction. In this configuration, the vehicle can be moved beyond the movable distance of the moving block. This makes it possible to reduce the size of the vehicle in the direction of movement in the moving mechanism.

[0011] In a vehicle system according to one aspect of the present invention, the travel track has a branching section and a plurality of guides that guide the vehicle in each direction branched off at the branching section, and the engaging portion may be a branching roller that selectively contacts each guide at the branching section to switch the direction of travel of the vehicle at the branching section. With this configuration, it is not necessary to newly provide a member to engage with the moving block, and existing members provided on the vehicle can be used as engaging portions, so it can be manufactured at low cost.

[0012] In a vehicle system according to one aspect of the present invention, the moving mechanism may be supported by a support member attached to a work track. This configuration significantly reduces the installation time compared to a configuration in which support members are individually suspended from the ceiling or the like.

[0013] In a vehicle system according to one aspect of the present invention, the work track is suspended from a frame installed on the ceiling of a building or on the ground, and the vehicle is... For driving It could also be an overhead vehicle that transports goods by traveling along a track. In this configuration, the vehicle can be moved out of reach of workers standing on the ground floor of the building. This is highly effective because it eliminates the need for workers to prepare ladders or other equipment when manually moving the vehicle.

[0014] In a vehicle system according to one aspect of the present invention, the vehicle has a linear motor that moves using the magnetic force generated between it and a magnetic plate provided on the running track, and a magnetic plate does not need to be provided on the work track. With this configuration, the vehicle can be moved in non-self-propelled sections where there is no magnetic plate. In addition, since the top surface where the magnetic plate is provided can be opened in the self-propelled section of the vehicle, maintenance of the upper part of the running section becomes easier.

[0015] In a vehicle system according to one aspect of the present invention, a power supply line for supplying power to the vehicle is provided on the driving track, but a power supply line may not be provided on the work track. With this configuration, the vehicle can be moved in non-self-propelled sections where there is no power supply line. [Effects of the Invention]

[0016] According to one aspect of the present invention, a vehicle can be moved with a simple configuration on a work track where the vehicle is unable to move under its own power. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0017] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a schematic plan view showing a vehicle system according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a schematic front view of the overhead vehicle shown in Figure 1, as seen from the direction of travel. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a perspective view showing the work track in Figure 1. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view showing the work track and the running section of the vehicle shown in Figure 3. [Figure 5] Figures 5(A) to 5(E) illustrate an example of the operation when a mobile unit moves a vehicle. [Figure 6] Figures 6(A) to 6(D) illustrate another example of how a mobile unit moves a vehicle. [Figure 7] Figures 7(A) to 7(C) illustrate another example of the operation of a mobile unit when moving a vehicle.

Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0018] Hereinafter, referring to the drawings, a preferred embodiment of one aspect of the present invention will be described in detail. In the description of the drawings, the same reference numerals are assigned to the same elements, and redundant descriptions are omitted. In FIGS. 2 to 4, for convenience of explanation, the directions of “up”, “down”, “left”, “right”, “front”, and “rear” are defined.

[0019] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the traveling vehicle system 1 is a system for transporting the article 10 between the placement parts 9, 9 by using the ceiling traveling vehicle 6 (hereinafter referred to as the traveling vehicle 6) that can move along the traveling track 4. The article 10 includes, for example, a FOUP (Front Opening Unified Pod) for storing a plurality of semiconductor wafers, a container for storing a glass substrate, a container such as a reticle pod, and general parts. The traveling vehicle system 1 includes a traveling track 4, a plurality of traveling vehicles 6, a plurality of placement parts 9, a working track 41, and a moving unit 60.

[0020] The traveling track 4 is laid, for example, near the ceiling which is the overhead space of the operator. The traveling track 4 is, for example, suspended from the ceiling. The traveling track 4 is a predetermined traveling path for the traveling vehicle 6 to travel. The traveling track 4 is supported by the columns 40A, 40A. The traveling track 4 of the traveling vehicle system 1 has a main line part 4A that circulates a predetermined area in one direction, and a retreat part 4B that guides the traveling vehicle 6 to the working track 41 provided with a working area 160 for maintaining the traveling vehicle 6. Note that also in the retreat part 4B, the traveling vehicle 6 moves in a predetermined one direction.

[0021] The running track 4 has a cylindrical rail body 40 consisting of a pair of lower surfaces 40B, 40B, a pair of side surfaces 40C, 40C, and a top surface 40D, a power supply line 40E, and a magnetic plate 40F. The rail body 40 houses (encloses) the running section 50 of the running vehicle 6. The lower surfaces 40B extend in the direction of travel of the running vehicle 6 and constitute the lower surface of the rail body 40. The lower surfaces 40B are plate-shaped members on which the running rollers 51 of the running vehicle 6 roll. The side surfaces 40C extend in the direction of travel of the running vehicle 6 and constitute the side surfaces of the rail body 40. The top surface 40D extends in the direction of travel of the running vehicle 6 and constitutes the upper surface of the rail body 40.

[0022] The power supply line 40E supplies power to the power supply core 57 of the vehicle 6 and also transmits and receives signals with the power supply core 57. The power supply line 40E is fixed to each of the pair of side sections 40C, 40C and extends along the direction of travel. The power supply line 40E supplies power to the power supply core 57 in a non-contact manner. The magnetic plate 40F generates a magnetic force for the LDM (Linear DC Motor) 59 of the vehicle 6 to move or stop. The magnetic plate 40F is fixed to the top surface section 40D and extends along the direction of travel.

[0023] The vehicle 6 travels on the travel track 4 and transports the goods 10. When the vehicle 6 travels on the travel track 4, it means that the travel rollers 51 of the vehicle 6 roll on the underside 40B of the travel track 4. The vehicle 6 is configured to be able to transfer the goods 10. The vehicle 6 is an overhead-traveling unmanned vehicle. The number of vehicles 6 provided in the vehicle system 1 is not particularly limited and can be multiple. The vehicle 6 has a main body 7, a travel unit 50, and a vehicle controller 35. The main body 7 has a main frame 22, a lateral feed unit 24, a θ drive 26, a lifting drive unit 28, a lifting platform 30, and a cover 33.

[0024] The main frame 22 is connected to the travel unit 50 and supports the lateral feed unit 24, the θ drive 26, the lifting drive unit 28, the lifting platform 30, and the cover 33. The lateral feed unit 24 moves the θ drive 26, the lifting drive unit 28, and the lifting platform 30 together in a direction perpendicular to the travel direction of the travel track 4. The θ drive 26 rotates at least one of the lifting drive unit 28 and the lifting platform 30 within a predetermined angular range in the horizontal plane. The lifting drive unit 28 raises and lowers the lifting platform 30 by winding or unwinding a suspension material such as a wire, rope, or belt. The lifting platform 30 is provided with a chuck, which allows for easy gripping or release of the article 10. The cover 33 is provided in pairs, for example, at the front and rear in the direction of travel of the travel vehicle 6. The cover 33 extends and retracts claws (not shown) to prevent the article 10 from falling during transport.

[0025] The running unit 50 moves the vehicle 6 along the running track 4. As shown in Figures 5(A) to 5(E), the running unit 50 has two main body parts 50A and 50B, which are connected to each other. As shown in Figure 4, each of the two main body parts 50A and 50B has a running roller 51, a side roller 52, a branch roller (engaging part) 53, an auxiliary roller 54, an inclined roller 55, a power supply core 57, and an LDM 59. In Figure 2, the branch roller 53, auxiliary roller 54, and inclined roller 55 are not shown.

[0026] The running roller 51 is a pair of rollers consisting of an outer ring 51A as a running wheel and an inner ring 51B as a running aid wheel. The running roller 51 is positioned at both the left and right ends of the front and rear of the running section 50. The running roller 51 rolls on a pair of lower surfaces 40B, 40B (or the lower support portion 43 in Figure 4, which will be described later) of the running track 4. The side rollers 52 are positioned to sandwich each of the outer rings 51A of the running roller 51 in the front-rear direction. The side rollers 52 are provided so as to be able to contact the side surface 40C (or the lateral support portion 45 in Figure 4, which will be described later) of the running track 4.

[0027] The branching rollers 53 are provided at branching points in the running track 4 to switch between the running vehicle 6 (running section 50) running in a straight line or on a branching line. More specifically, the branching rollers 53 switch the direction of travel of the running vehicle 6 by selectively contacting (contacting) a guide member provided at the branching point and being guided by it. Four branching rollers 53 are provided for one main body section 50A (50B) (see Figures 6(A) to 6(D)). Two or more branching rollers 53 are arranged in the direction of travel (one direction) of the running vehicle 6 at intervals less than or equal to the maximum travel distance D of the moving block 61 in the moving mechanism 63 (see Figure 3). In this embodiment, four are arranged on the left side of the running vehicle 6 along the direction of travel, and four are arranged on the right side of the running vehicle 6 along the direction of travel. The branching rollers 53 that can be engaged with the moving block 61 are the four branching rollers 53 arranged on the left side of the running vehicle 6.

[0028] The branching roller 53 is provided to be movable in the left-right direction by a switching mechanism 53C. The branching roller 53 can be switched between a first position (see Figure 6(B)) in which it is engaged with a moving block 61, which will be described in detail later, and a second position (see Figure 6(A)) away from the moving block 61. The main body 50A and the main body 50B are each provided with a switching mechanism 53C. Each of the switching mechanisms 53C has a support member 53A and a roller drive unit 53B. The support member 53A supports the four branching rollers 53 and is provided to be movable in the left-right direction (width direction). The roller drive unit 53B moves the support member 53A in the left-right direction. The switching mechanism 53C moves the four branching rollers 53 integrally in the left-right direction by moving the support member 53A in the left-right direction. The driving of the roller drive unit 53B is controlled by the vehicle controller 35, which receives a command from the area controller 90.

[0029] The auxiliary rollers 54 are groups of three rollers located at the front and rear of the running section 50. The auxiliary rollers 54 are provided to prevent the LDM 59 and power supply core 57 from coming into contact with the magnetic plate 40F located on the upper surface of the running track 4 when the running section 50 tilts forward or backward during travel due to acceleration or deceleration. The inclined rollers 55 are provided at the four corners of the LDM 59. The inclined rollers 55 are positioned at an angle from the front and rear directions. The inclined rollers 55 are provided to prevent the running section 50 from tilting due to centrifugal force when traveling through a curved section.

[0030] The power supply core 57 is positioned at the front and rear of the running unit 50, sandwiching the LDM 59 in the left-right direction. It provides contactless power supply and transmits and receives various signals with the power supply lines 40E located on the running track 4 and the work track 41. The power supply core 57 exchanges signals with the running vehicle controller 35. The LDM 59 is located at the front and rear of the running unit 50. The LDM 59 generates a magnetic force for running or stopping in relation to the magnetic plate 40F located on the upper surface of the running track 4 using an electromagnet.

[0031] As shown in Figure 1, the loading section 9 is positioned along the travel track 4 and is located at a position where the article 10 can be transferred between it and the vehicle 6. The loading section 9 includes a buffer and a transfer port. The buffer is a loading section where the article 10 is temporarily placed. The buffer is a loading section where the article 10 is temporarily placed when the article 10 being transported by the vehicle 6 cannot be transferred to the intended transfer port for reasons such as another article 10 being placed in the intended transfer port. The transfer port is a loading section for transferring the article 10 to semiconductor processing equipment (not shown), such as a cleaning device, film deposition device, lithography device, etching device, heat treatment device, or planarization device. The processing equipment is not particularly limited and may be various types of equipment.

[0032] For example, the loading section 9 is located to the side of the running track 4. In this case, the vehicle 6 moves the lifting drive unit 28 etc. laterally using the lateral movement unit 24, and by slightly raising and lowering the lifting platform 30, it transfers the goods 10 between the loading section 9 and the loading section 9. Although not shown in the figures, the loading section 9 may also be located directly below the running track 4. In this case, the vehicle 6 transfers the goods 10 between the loading section 9 and the loading section 9 by raising and lowering the lifting platform 30.

[0033] The vehicle controller 35 is an electronic control unit consisting of a CPU (Central Processing Unit), ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), etc. The vehicle controller 35 controls various operations of the vehicle 6. Specifically, the vehicle controller 35 controls the vehicle travel unit 50, the lateral feed unit 24, the θ drive 26, the lifting drive unit 28, the lifting platform 30, and the roller drive unit 53B. The vehicle controller 35 can be configured as software, for example, in which a program stored in ROM is loaded onto RAM and executed by the CPU. The vehicle controller 35 may also be configured as hardware, such as an electronic circuit. The vehicle controller 35 communicates with the area controller 90 using a power supply line 40E, such as a feeder line, provided on the vehicle travel track 4.

[0034] The area controller 90 is an electronic control unit consisting of a CPU, ROM, RAM, etc. The area controller 90 can be configured as software, for example, in which a program stored in ROM is loaded onto RAM and executed by the CPU. The area controller 90 may also be configured as hardware, such as an electronic circuit. The area controller 90 transmits a transport command to the vehicle 6 to transport the goods 10.

[0035] As shown in Figure 1, the work area 160 is located in a part of the retraction section 4B and is an area where maintenance is performed on the running rollers 51 and power supply core 57 of the running section 50 included in the running vehicle 6. The work area 160 is equipped with a work track 41 (see Figure 3) and a mobile unit 60 (see Figures 5 and 6).

[0036] The work track 41 extends in one direction (hereinafter referred to as the "extension direction") such that both ends are continuous with the running tracks 4, 4, and forms an open section 47 that exposes at least a part of the running section 50 (for example, the power supply core 57), as shown in Figures 3 and 4. In other words, the work track 41 does not have side sections 40C and top sections 40D like those provided on the running track 4, and does not have a magnetic plate 40F provided on the top section 40D. Therefore, the vehicle 6 cannot move under its own power on the work track 41. On the running track 4, the work track 41 forms a non-self-propelled section where the vehicle 6 cannot move under its own power. On the other hand, the running track 4 can be said to form a self-propelled section where the vehicle 6 can move under its own power.

[0037] The work track 41 includes frames 42 positioned at both ends of the work track 41, a pair of lower support parts 43, 43, a pair of lateral support parts 45, 45, and a power supply line 40E.

[0038] The frame 42 has a pair of columnar sections 42A, 42A and a horizontal section 42B. The pair of columnar sections 42A, 42A are columnar members that are arranged opposite each other in the left-right direction and extend in the vertical direction. The horizontal section 42B is fixed to the ceiling via brackets (not shown) and support columns (not shown). The horizontal section 42B is a columnar member that connects the pair of columnar sections 42A, 42A at the upper ends of the pair of columnar sections 42A, 42A.

[0039] The lower support portion 43 supports the running portion 50 from below. More specifically, the lower support portion 43 is a member that causes the inner ring 51B of the running roller 51 of the running vehicle 6 to roll and run. The lower support portion 43 is fixed to the lower end of the column portion 42A of the frame 42. In the vertical direction, the lower support portion 43 is formed such that the first portion 43B facing the inner ring 51B is located above the second portion 43A facing the outer ring 51A. The first portion 43B of the lower support portion 43 (i.e., the rolling surface of the inner ring 51B) is connected to the running track 4 in a plane that is flush with the upper surface of the lower surface portion 40B (see Figure 2) of the running track 4 at the portion where it is connected. The lateral support portion 45 is a member that the side roller 52 of the running vehicle 6 contacts.

[0040] The lateral support section 45 is stretched across a pair of frames 42, 42. The power supply line 40E is stretched across the pair of frames 42, 42 and is located in the lateral opening 47 of the work track 41. The power supply line 40E provided on the work track 41 is connected to the power supply line 40E provided on the running track 4. In other words, the vehicle 6 cannot move on the work track 41 under its own power, but it can receive power.

[0041] As shown in Figures 3 to 5, the mobile unit 60 moves the vehicle 6 along the direction of extension (one direction) of the work track 41, which is a non-self-propelled section. Two travel tracks 4, 4 are connected to both ends of the work track 41. The mobile unit 60 moves the vehicle 6, which cannot self-propel, between one travel track 4 and the other travel track 4. The mobile unit 60 comprises a mobile block 61 and a mobile mechanism 63.

[0042] The movable block 61 is a member into which the branching roller 53 can be engaged. More specifically, the movable block 61 has a recess 61 into which the branching roller 53 can enter (engage). A A recess 61 is formed. The moving unit 60 has a branch roller 53 in the recess 61 A By moving the movable block 61, which is engaged with the branch roller 53, the branch roller 53 and thus the running section 50 are moved integrally with the movable block 61.

[0043] The moving mechanism 63 is a mechanism for moving the moving block 61 in the direction of extension of the work track 41. The moving mechanism 63 is a linear motion mechanism (ball screw) having a screw shaft 63A, a nut 63B, a shaft drive unit 63C, and a slide rail 63D. The screw shaft 63A is a long member with a screw groove formed on its outer circumference and extending in one direction, one end of which is connected to the shaft drive unit 63C and the other end is supported by the bearing unit 63E. The screw shaft 63A is positioned so that its direction of extension is substantially parallel to the direction of extension of the work track 41.

[0044] The nut 63B is a component that is screwed into the thread groove of the screw shaft 63A. The nut 63B moves along the extending direction of the screw shaft 63A, i.e., the extending direction of the work track 41, as the screw shaft 63A rotates. The nut 63B is slidably supported on the slide rail 63D. The shaft drive unit 63C is a motor, and its rotating shaft is connected to the screw shaft 63A. The drive of the shaft drive unit 63C is controlled by the area controller 90. The slide rail 63D supports a portion of the nut 63B from below, so that it can slide along the extending direction of the work track 41.

[0045] The moving mechanism 63 is positioned on one of the pair of lower support sections 43, 43 and is supported from below by the left lower support section (support member) 43. In this embodiment, an example has been given in which the moving mechanism 63 is positioned on a part of the lower support section 43 that supports the vehicle 6 from below. However, for example, a dedicated support member for supporting the moving mechanism 63 may be attached to a pair of frames 42, 42, etc., and the moving mechanism 63 may be supported by the support member. The lower support section 43 on which the moving mechanism 63 is provided may also be equipped with a cleaning device for cleaning the vehicle 6 and maintenance equipment such as a camera for inspecting various parts of the vehicle 6.

[0046] Next, the operation of the mobile unit 60 when moving the vehicle 6 will be explained mainly using Figures 5 and 6. As shown in Figures 5(A) and 5(B), the vehicle 6 arrives at the work track 41 in response to a movement command from the area controller 90 to the work area 160 (work track 41). As mentioned above, the work track 41 does not have a magnetic plate 40F, but the vehicle 6 can travel as long as at least one part of the two main body parts 50A and 50B is positioned to overlap with the magnetic plate 40F of the travel track 4. As shown in Figure 6(A), the vehicle 6 stops with, for example, one of the main body parts 50A entering the work track 41.

[0047] The movable block 61 is waiting at a position to the side of the vehicle 6, which has stopped with one of its main body sections 50A entering the work track 41. More specifically, the movable block 61 is waiting to the side of the branching roller 53, which is at the front of the vehicle 6. In this state, as shown in Figure 6(B), the vehicle 6 drives the roller drive unit 53B of the switching mechanism 53C to move the support member 53A to the left. That is, the position of the branching roller 53 is switched from a second position away from the movable block 61 to a first position where it is engaged with the movable block 61. As a result, the branching roller 53 is engaged with the movable block 61.

[0048] The moving mechanism 63 moves the vehicle 6 as a whole by moving the moving block 61, which is engaged with the branching roller 53 on the vehicle 6, in the extending direction (one direction) of the work track 41. The moving mechanism 63 moves, for example, to a predetermined position on the work track 41. Maintenance equipment as described above is provided at the predetermined position, and predetermined maintenance is performed on the vehicle 6. After that, as shown in Figure 5(C), the moving mechanism 63 moves the moving block 61 to the end of the moving mechanism 63 in the extending direction.

[0049] In this state, as shown in Figure 6(C), the vehicle 6 drives the roller drive unit 53B of the switching mechanism 53C to move the support member 53A to the right. That is, the position of the branching roller 53 is switched from the first position to the second position. As a result, as shown in Figure 6(D), the branching roller 53 is separated from the moving block 61. Subsequently, as shown in Figure 5(D), the moving mechanism 63 moves the moving block 61 in the opposite direction to the direction of movement of the vehicle 6, stopping it to the side of the branching roller 53 located in the last row of the vehicle 6.

[0050] Next, as described above, the vehicle 6 drives the roller drive unit 53B of the switching mechanism 53C to move the support member 53A to the left, so that the branch roller 53 is engaged with the moving block 61. After that, the moving mechanism 63 moves the vehicle 6 until, for example, one of the main body parts 50A enters the running track 4, as shown in Figure 5(E). In this way, the moving mechanism 63 of this embodiment engages the branch roller (one engaging part) 53 located at the front of the vehicle 6 with the moving block 61 to move the vehicle 6 in the direction of extension of the work track 41, and then engages the branch roller 53 located at the rear of the vehicle 6 (another engaging part located downstream in one direction from the first engaging part) with the moving block 61 to move the vehicle 6 in one direction.

[0051] At the position of the vehicle 6 shown in Figure 5(E), the vehicle 6 drives the roller drive unit 53B of the switching mechanism 53C to move the support member 53A to the right. That is, the position of the branching roller 53 is switched from the first position to the second position. As a result, the branching roller 53 is separated from the moving block 61. As described above, in this state, the main body 50A of the two main body parts 50A and 50B has advanced to a position where it overlaps with the magnetic plate 40F of the travel track 4, so the vehicle 6 is in a state where it can move under its own power. The vehicle 6 leaves the work area 160 in response to a movement command from the area controller 90.

[0052] Next, the effects of the vehicle system 1 of the above embodiment will be described. In the vehicle system 1 of the above embodiment, the moving block 61 and the vehicle 6 can be moved together simply by moving the moving block 61, which is engaged with the branching roller 53 provided on the vehicle 6. The moving mechanism 63 only needs to move the moving block 61 in one direction, so its configuration can be simplified. In addition, the configuration for engaging the branching roller 53 with the moving block 61 is provided on the vehicle 6 side, so the configuration on the moving mechanism 63 side can be simplified.

[0053] In the above embodiment of the vehicle system 1, the moving mechanism 63 is a linear motion mechanism (ball screw) including a screw shaft 63A and a shaft drive unit 63C, so the moving block 61 can be moved in the extending direction of the work track 41 with a simple configuration.

[0054] In the vehicle system 1 of the above embodiment, two or more branching rollers 53 are arranged in the direction of travel of the vehicle 6 at intervals less than or equal to the maximum travel distance D of the moving block 61 in the linear motion mechanism. The moving mechanism 63 engages the frontmost branching roller 53 with the moving block 61 to move the vehicle 6 in the direction of extension of the work track 41, and then engages the rearmost branching roller 53 with the moving block 61 to move the vehicle 6 in the direction of extension of the work track 41. With this configuration, the vehicle 6 can be moved beyond the movable distance of the moving block 61. This makes it possible to reduce the size of the moving mechanism 63 in the direction of travel of the vehicle 6.

[0055] In the above embodiment of the vehicle system 1, the branch roller 53 provided on the vehicle 6 is engaged with the moving block 61 by switching its position in the left-right direction. With this configuration, it is possible to use existing components of the vehicle 6 without having to newly provide an engagement part to engage with the moving block 61, so it can be manufactured at low cost.

[0056] In the above embodiment of the vehicle system 1, the moving mechanism 63 is supported by a lower support part 43 attached to the work track 41. Compared to a configuration in which support members for the moving mechanism 63 are individually suspended from the ceiling or the like, the amount of work required for installation can be significantly reduced.

[0057] In the above embodiment of the vehicle system 1, the vehicle 6 is an overhead vehicle that travels along the travel track 4, and the work track 41 is suspended from a frame installed on the ceiling of the building or on the ground. In this configuration, the vehicle 6, which is out of reach of workers standing on the ground of the building, can be moved. This is highly effective because it eliminates the need for workers to prepare ladders or the like when manually moving the vehicle 6.

[0058] In the above embodiment of the vehicle system 1, the vehicle 6 can be moved even if a magnetic plate 40F is not provided on the work track 41. As a result, the work track 41 can open the top surface 40D on which the magnetic plate 40F is provided on the vehicle track 4, making it easier to perform maintenance on the upper part of the vehicle 50.

[0059] Although one embodiment has been described above, one aspect of the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment. Various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0060] In the above embodiment, an example of applying a branch roller 53 as an example of an engaging portion was given, but for example, a dedicated engaging member that can be engaged by a movable block 61 may be provided on the traveling vehicle 6. In this case, the engaging portion may be configured to be movable in the left-right direction or up-down direction by a drive unit, and the drive unit may be configured to be controllable by an area controller 90. Even in this case, the same effects as in the above embodiment can be obtained.

[0061] In the above embodiments and modifications, an example was given in which a power supply line 40E is provided along the extension direction of the work track 41. However, as shown in Figure 7(A), the work track (non-self-propelled section) 41 may be configured without a power supply line 40E. In this case, since the vehicle 6 is not supplied with power on the work track 41, the shaft drive unit 63C that moves the engaging part in the left-right direction cannot be driven. Therefore, as shown in Figure 7(A), in the modified configuration of the vehicle system 1, the moving mechanism 63 is made longer than the work track 41 in the direction of travel of the vehicle 6, and the moving block 61 that engages the front row branch roller 53 is configured to extend to the position of the vehicle track 4. In other words, in the modified configuration, as shown in Figure 7(C), the vehicle 6 is configured to be able to move beyond the range of the work track 41 in the direction of travel of the vehicle 6.

[0062] When the vehicle 6 is moved beyond the range of the work track 41, as shown in Figure 7(C), one of the two main body parts 50A and 50B of the vehicle 6, body part 50A, comes into contact with the power supply line 40E of the track 4, allowing it to receive power and enabling the position of the branch roller 53 to be switched left or right. Also, one of the two main body parts 50A and 50B of the vehicle 6, body part 50A, comes into contact with the magnetic plate 40F of the track 4, enabling the vehicle 6 to move under its own power. Even with this modified configuration, the vehicle 6 can be moved on the work track 41 where there is no power supply line 40E. Furthermore, on the work track 41, the side section 40C where the power supply line 40E is provided on the track 4 can be opened, making it easier to perform maintenance on the side section of the vehicle 50.

[0063] In the above embodiment, the working track 41 was described using an example where the sides of the vehicle 6 are completely open, but it may also have a wall portion (side portion) into which a hole is formed into which the movable block 61 can be inserted. Even in this case, the movable block 61 can be moved in the extending direction of the working track 41 while the branching roller 53 is engaged, so the vehicle can be moved.

[0064] In the above embodiments and modifications, an example was given in which the work area 160 (i.e., the work track 41) is located between the running tracks 4. However, the work area 160 may also be located at the end of the running tracks 4.

[0065] In the above embodiments and modifications, examples were described in which the invention is applied to a running track 4 for suspending and running a vehicle 6. However, one aspect of the present invention can also be applied to a vehicle system in which a vehicle runs on a track laid on the ground.

[0066] One aspect of the present invention can be described as follows: [1] A track that forms a self-propelled section on which vehicles can move under their own power, A work track that forms a non-self-propelled section where the aforementioned vehicle cannot move under its own power, A vehicle that travels along the aforementioned track, In the non-self-propelled section, a moving unit is provided to move the vehicle in one direction. The moving unit has a moving mechanism that moves the moving block in the one direction, The aforementioned vehicle is The movable block has an engaging portion that can engage with it, The system includes a switching mechanism that switches the position of the engaging portion between a first position in which the engaging portion is engaged by the moving block and a second position in which it is separated from the moving block. The aforementioned moving mechanism is a vehicle system that moves the vehicle by moving the moving block in the one direction while the engaging portion is engaged. [2] The vehicle system according to [1], wherein the moving mechanism is a linear motion mechanism including a screw shaft and a drive unit. [3] The engaging portions are arranged in pairs or more in one direction at intervals less than or equal to the maximum travel distance of the moving block in the linear motion mechanism. The vehicle system according to [2], wherein the moving mechanism moves the vehicle in one direction by engaging one of the engaging portions with the moving block, and then moves the vehicle in one direction by engaging another engaging portion located downstream of the first engaging portion with the moving block. [4] The aforementioned track is, The branching point, The branching section has a plurality of guides that guide the vehicle in each of the branching directions, The engaging portion is a branching roller that selectively contacts each of the guides in the branching portion to switch the direction of travel of the vehicle in the branching portion, as described in any one of [1] to [3]. [5] The vehicle system according to any one of [1] to [4], wherein the moving mechanism is supported by a support member attached to the work track. [6] The aforementioned work track is suspended from a frame installed on the ceiling of the building or on the ground. The aforementioned vehicle is the aforementioned For driving A vehicle system described in any one of [1] to [5], which is an overhead vehicle that transports goods by traveling along a track. [7] The aforementioned vehicle has a linear motor that moves using the magnetic force generated between it and a magnetic plate provided on the aforementioned track. A vehicle system according to any one of [1] to [6], wherein the work track is not provided with the magnetic plate. [8] The aforementioned track is equipped with power supply lines for supplying power to the aforementioned vehicle. A vehicle system according to any one of [1] to [7], wherein the aforementioned work track is not provided with the aforementioned power supply line. [Explanation of symbols]

[0067] 1...Travel vehicle system, 4...Travel track, 6...Overhead travel vehicle (travel vehicle), 35...Travel vehicle controller, 40E...Power supply line, 40F...Magnetic plate, 41...Work track, 42...Frame, 43...Lower support part, 45...Side support part, 50...Travel part, 50A, 50B...Main body part, 51...Travel roller, 53...Branch roller, 53A...Support member, 53B...Roller drive part, 53C...Switching mechanism, 57...Power supply core, 60...Movement unit, 61...Movement block, 63...Movement mechanism, 63A...Screw shaft, 63B...Nut, 63C...Shaft drive part, 63D...Slide rail, 90...Area controller, 160...Work area.

Claims

1. A track that forms a self-propelled section on which vehicles can move under their own power, A work track that forms a non-self-propelled section where the aforementioned vehicle cannot move under its own power, A vehicle that travels along the aforementioned track, In the non-self-propelled section, a moving unit is provided to move the vehicle in one direction. The moving unit has a moving mechanism that moves the moving block in the one direction, The aforementioned vehicle is The movable block has an engaging portion that can engage with it, The system includes a switching mechanism that switches the position of the engaging portion between a first position in which the engaging portion is engaged by the moving block and a second position in which it is separated from the moving block. The aforementioned moving mechanism is a vehicle system that moves the vehicle by moving the moving block in the one direction while the engaging portion is engaged.

2. The vehicle system according to claim 1, wherein the moving mechanism is a linear motion mechanism including a screw shaft and a drive unit.

3. The engaging portions are arranged in pairs or more in one direction at intervals less than or equal to the maximum travel distance of the moving block in the linear motion mechanism. The vehicle system according to claim 2, wherein the moving mechanism moves the vehicle in one direction by engaging one of the engaging portions with the moving block, and then moves the vehicle in one direction by engaging another engaging portion located downstream of the first engaging portion with the moving block.

4. The aforementioned track is, The branching point, The branching section has a plurality of guides that guide the vehicle in each of the branching directions, The vehicle system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the engaging portion is a branching roller that selectively contacts each of the guides in the branching portion to switch the direction of travel of the vehicle in the branching portion.

5. The vehicle system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the moving mechanism is supported by a support member attached to the work track.

6. The aforementioned work track is suspended from a frame installed on the ceiling of the building or on the ground. The vehicle system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the vehicle is an overhead vehicle that transports articles by traveling along the aforementioned track.

7. The aforementioned vehicle has a linear motor that moves using the magnetic force generated between it and a magnetic plate provided on the aforementioned track. The vehicle system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the magnetic plate is not provided on the work track.

8. The aforementioned track is equipped with power supply lines for supplying power to the aforementioned vehicle. The vehicle system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the power supply line is not provided on the work track.

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