Goods handling equipment

Abstract

To realize an article conveyance facility capable of appropriately charging a conveyance vehicle during standby on a travel floor, in a non-operative state.SOLUTION: A travel floor F comprises a specific area A where at least four travel routes R are arranged adjacent to each other and in parallel to each other. There are set standby allowable routes Rw usable as standby places where a plurality of conveyance vehicles 1 stand by, and travel exclusive routes Rr that are prohibited from being used as a standby place, in the specific area A. Two travel routes R in the specific area A are set to the travel exclusive route Rr, and travel routes R other than the travel exclusive routes Rr in the specific area A are set to the standby allowable routes Rw. Two travel exclusive routes Rr each are set so as to be connected to a charging station 6. The entire standby allowable routes Rw are set in such a manner that the travel exclusive routes Rr are adjacent to at least one side in a route width direction Dw.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an article conveying facility including a plurality of carrier vehicles for conveying articles, a traveling floor on which a traveling path of the carrier vehicle is formed, and a charging station for supplying power to the carrier vehicle on the traveling floor.

Background Art

[0002] As an example of such an article conveying facility, Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2022-050240 (Patent Document 1) discloses a luggage conveying system that conveys luggage using an automated guided vehicle. Hereinafter, the reference numerals shown in parentheses in the description of the background art are those of Patent Document 1.

[0003] In the facility described in Patent Document 1, the entire conveyance path (30) is substantially smoothly and continuously connected so that the carrier vehicle (10) can travel. The carrier vehicle (10) is equipped with a battery (15) and is configured to operate by receiving power from the battery (15).

[0004] The carrier vehicle (10) picks up a predetermined piece of luggage in the conveyance area (A1) according to a command from the control system and conveys the luggage to the work area (A2). When the conveyance of the luggage is completed, the carrier vehicle (10) moves to the standby zone (Z4) and waits there until the next command. If the charge state of the battery (15) of the waiting carrier vehicle (10) is lower than a predetermined value, the carrier vehicle (10) moves to the charging zone (Z3) to be charged.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] Incidentally, such goods transport equipment may be in a non-operational state, for example, at night, when goods are not being transported. In this non-operational state, all transport vehicles within the equipment are kept waiting in a predetermined waiting area until the equipment becomes operational again. Furthermore, it is preferable to complete the charging of transport vehicles that require charging during the time before the equipment becomes operational again. Patent Document 1 does not provide detailed descriptions of these points.

[0007] In light of the above circumstances, there is a need for the realization of a goods transport system that allows transport vehicles waiting on the transport floor to be properly charged when not in operation. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] Multiple transport vehicles for transporting goods, A travel floor in which the travel path of the transport vehicle is formed, A material handling system comprising a charging station that supplies power to the transport vehicle on the aforementioned travel floor, The aforementioned travel floor includes a specific area in which at least four of the aforementioned travel paths are arranged in parallel and adjacent to each other, Within the aforementioned specific area, there are designated waiting routes that can be used as waiting areas for multiple transport vehicles, and dedicated driving routes that are prohibited from being used as waiting areas. The two aforementioned travel paths within the specified area are designated as dedicated travel paths, and the other travel paths within the specified area are designated as waiting paths. Each of the two aforementioned dedicated driving paths is configured to connect to the charging station. The direction in which the travel path extends within the specified area is defined as the path extension direction, and the direction along the travel floor that is perpendicular to the path extension direction is defined as the path width direction. All of the aforementioned waiting routes are configured such that the aforementioned dedicated travel route is adjacent to at least one side in the direction of the route width. 、 A route swapping process is performed to swap the aforementioned waiting route and the aforementioned dedicated travel route. After the route replacement process is executed, the dedicated travel route is arranged so that it is adjacent to at least one side in the route width direction of each of the standby routes.

[0009] As another configuration, Multiple transport vehicles for transporting goods, A travel floor in which the travel path of the transport vehicle is formed, A charging station that supplies power to the transport vehicle on the aforementioned travel floor, An article supply unit that supplies the articles to the transport vehicle, An article transporting apparatus comprising an article receiving section for receiving the articles transported by the transport vehicle, The aforementioned travel floor includes a specific area in which at least four of the aforementioned travel paths are arranged in parallel and adjacent to each other, Within the aforementioned specific area, there are designated waiting routes that can be used as waiting areas for multiple transport vehicles, and dedicated driving routes that are prohibited from being used as waiting areas. The two aforementioned travel paths within the specified area are designated as dedicated travel paths, and the other travel paths within the specified area are designated as waiting paths. Each of the two aforementioned dedicated driving paths is configured to connect to the charging station. The direction in which the travel path extends within the specified area is defined as the path extension direction, and the direction along the travel floor that is perpendicular to the path extension direction is defined as the path width direction. All of the aforementioned waiting routes are configured such that the aforementioned dedicated travel route is adjacent to at least one side in the direction of the route width. Multiple charging stations are provided, The aforementioned travel path includes a circular travel path that circles the article supply unit and the article receiving unit. Multiple charging stations are arranged such that the number of charging stations per unit distance traveled by the transport vehicle along the circular route increases as it approaches the goods supply unit.

[0010] According to the above configuration, in the non-operating state of the equipment, a plurality of carrier vehicles can be made to wait on the standby possible path. The dedicated travel path is adjacent to the standby possible path and is set to connect to the charging station. Therefore, no matter which carrier vehicle is waiting at any location on the standby possible path, it can head towards the charging station through the dedicated travel path without being obstructed by other carrier vehicles waiting on the standby possible path. Accordingly, according to the above configuration, in the non-operating state of the equipment, the carrier vehicle waiting on the travel floor can appropriately perform charging. Furthermore, with the above configuration, the standby route and the dedicated travel route can be swapped by executing the route swapping process. This allows for flexible responses to fluctuating situations, such as changes in the number of transport vehicles or changes in the transport route. After the route swapping process is executed, the dedicated travel route is arranged so that it is adjacent to at least one side in the path width direction for each of the standby routes. Therefore, even after the route swapping process is executed, any transport vehicle waiting at any point on the standby route can proceed to the charging station via the dedicated travel route without being obstructed by other transport vehicles waiting on the standby route. Furthermore, with the above configuration, the transport vehicle can be easily charged before reaching the goods supply unit. Therefore, when the equipment transitions from a non-operating state to an operational state, the transport vehicle can easily perform the task of transporting goods supplied at the goods supply unit to the goods receiving unit while fully charged.

[0011] Further features and advantages of the technology according to the present disclosure will become clearer from the following description of exemplary and non-limiting embodiments described with reference to the drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0012] [Figure 1] Plan view showing the first travel floor and the second travel floor of the article conveying equipment [Figure 2]Schematic plan of the goods handling equipment [Figure 3] Schematic side view of the goods handling equipment [Figure 4] Plan view showing non-operational goods handling equipment. [Figure 5] Diagram explaining the route reassignment process. [Figure 6] In the second embodiment, a plan view showing the second travel floor of the article transport equipment in a non-operational state. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0013] The goods transport system comprises multiple transport vehicles for transporting goods, a travel floor with a travel path for the transport vehicles, and a charging station that supplies power to the transport vehicles on the travel floor. Embodiments of the goods transport system will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0014] [First Embodiment] As shown in Figure 1, the goods transport equipment 100 includes a first travel floor F1, which is a first-level travel floor F; a second travel floor F2, which is a second-level travel floor F; and a first lifter L1 and a second lifter L2, which are arranged horizontally apart from each other and raise and lower the transport vehicle 1 (see Figure 2) between the first travel floor F1 and the second travel floor F2.

[0015] In this embodiment, the first and second layers are adjacent to each other in the vertical direction. The second layer is located above the first layer. That is, the second travel floor F2 is located above the first travel floor F1.

[0016] A travel path R for the transport vehicle 1 is formed on the travel floor F. The travel floor F is divided into multiple virtual unit regions Au that form a grid when viewed from above. The travel path R is set to connect multiple arbitrary virtual unit regions Au. As will be described in detail later, each virtual unit region Au is provided with a position information holding unit. The transport vehicle 1 travels while reading the position information holding units located in each of the multiple virtual unit regions Au arranged along the travel path R.

[0017] The goods transport equipment 100 includes a goods supply unit 2 that supplies goods G (see Figure 2) to a transport vehicle 1, and a goods receiving unit 3 that receives the goods G transported by the transport vehicle 1. In this embodiment, the goods transport equipment 100 is provided with a work area WA where the goods G supplied from the goods supply unit 2 are handed over to the transport vehicle 1. The goods supply unit 2 is located adjacent to the work area WA. The goods transport equipment 100 is also provided with a sorting area SA where the goods G received by the goods receiving unit 3 are sorted. The goods receiving unit 3 is located adjacent to the sorting area SA.

[0018] In this embodiment, the article supply unit 2 and the article receiving unit 3 are provided only in the first layer. That is, the work area WA and the sorting area SA are provided only in the first layer.

[0019] In this embodiment, the travel path R includes an inter-lifter path R1 connecting the first lifter L1 and the second lifter L2 in the first travel floor F1 and the second travel floor F2, respectively. The inter-lifter path R1 is configured to connect a plurality of virtual unit regions Au located between the first lifter L1 and the second lifter L2.

[0020] In the following, the direction in which the inter-lifter path R1 extends will be referred to as "first direction X," and the direction perpendicular to the first direction X in a vertical view will be referred to as "second direction Y." Furthermore, one side in the first direction X will be referred to as "first direction first side X1," and the other side as "first direction second side X2."

[0021] In this embodiment, a first lifter L1 is positioned at the end of the first side X1 in the first direction of the lifter-to-lifter path R1. A second lifter L2 is positioned at the end of the second side X2 in the first direction of the lifter-to-lifter path R1.

[0022] In this embodiment, the first lifter L1, the second lifter L2, the lifter-to-lifter path R1 on the first travel floor F1, and the lifter-to-lifter path R1 on the second travel floor F2 constitute a transport unit U. That is, the first lifter L1 and the second lifter L2, and the lifter-to-lifter path R1 connecting these lifters (L1, L2) on each travel floor F, constitute a transport unit U.

[0023] In this embodiment, multiple transport units U are arranged in a line in the second direction Y. In the example shown in Figure 1, three transport units U are arranged in a line in the second direction Y. However, the number of transport units U may be two or four or more.

[0024] A connecting path R2 is provided on at least one of the first travel floor F1 and the second travel floor F2, connecting the inter-lifter paths R1 of multiple transport units U in a second direction Y. That is, in this embodiment, the travel path R includes a connecting path R2 that connects the multiple inter-lifter paths R1. In the illustrated example, the connecting path R2 is provided on both the first travel floor F1 and the second travel floor F2. On both the first travel floor F1 and the second travel floor F2, the connecting path R2 connects each inter-lifter path R1. The transport vehicle 1 can move back and forth between each inter-lifter path R1 via the connecting path R2.

[0025] The goods transport equipment 100 includes a charging station 6 that supplies power to the transport vehicle 1 on the travel floor F. In this embodiment, multiple charging stations 6 are provided. One charging station 6 is provided in one virtual unit area Au. In the illustrated example, multiple charging stations 6 are arranged along the connection path R2 on each travel floor F.

[0026] Next, the general configuration of the goods transport equipment 100 will be explained, mainly with reference to Figures 2 and 3. Figures 2 and 3 show one transport unit U. Figures 2 and 3 are diagrams intended to briefly explain the general configuration of the goods transport equipment 100. Therefore, in Figures 2 and 3, elements that are not necessary for explaining the general configuration of the goods transport equipment 100 have been omitted, or elements that are necessary for the explanation have been simplified.

[0027] As shown in Figure 2, the goods transport equipment 100 includes a first travel floor F1 on the first level, a second travel floor F2 on the second level, and a plurality of transport vehicles 1 that travel on the travel surfaces Ff formed on the first travel floor F1 and the second travel floor F2, respectively.

[0028] In this embodiment, the goods transport equipment 100 is equipped with a control device M that controls the transport of goods G throughout the entire equipment. The control device M is configured to control a plurality of transport vehicles 1. The control device M issues transport commands to each transport vehicle 1. The transport command specifies the source and destination of the goods G. The transport command also specifies the travel route R of the transport vehicle 1 from the source to the destination. As described above, the travel route R is set to connect a plurality of virtual unit areas Au (see Figure 1) that divide the travel floor F. In other words, in this example, the transport command specifies one or more virtual unit areas Au that exist from the source to the destination. Upon receiving a transport command from the control device M, the transport vehicle 1 receives the goods G at the specified source and transports the goods G to the specified destination.

[0029] The transport vehicle 1 is configured to operate unmanned. The transport vehicle 1 is equipped with a battery (an example of an energy storage device) and is configured to operate using the power stored in the battery as its power source. When the battery charge of the transport vehicle 1 becomes low, it can be charged at the charging station 6 (see Figure 1) described above.

[0030] Although detailed illustrations are omitted, in this embodiment, position information holding units that hold position information are provided at multiple locations on the travel floor F. The position information holding units are provided at locations corresponding to the virtual unit area Au (see Figure 1) mentioned above.

[0031] The location information storage unit contains address information indicating the location where the location information storage unit is installed. The transport vehicle 1 is equipped with a detection unit (not shown) for detecting the location information storage unit, and by detecting the location information storage unit with this detection unit, it is possible to determine the current position of the vehicle at the time of detection. The transport vehicle 1 travels toward the destination while sequentially reading multiple location information storage units. For example, a one-dimensional code or a two-dimensional code containing identification information can be used as the location information storage unit. Alternatively, an RFID tag (Radio Frequency Identification Tag) containing identification information can be used as the location information storage unit.

[0032] As described above, the goods transport equipment 100 includes a goods supply unit 2 that supplies goods G to the transport vehicle 1, and a goods receiving unit 3 that receives the goods G transported by the transport vehicle 1. A work area WA is located adjacent to the goods supply unit 2. In the work area WA, the goods G supplied from the goods supply unit 2 are handed over to the transport vehicle 1. A sorting area SA is located adjacent to the goods receiving unit 3. In the sorting area SA, the goods G received by the goods receiving unit 3 are sorted.

[0033] The work area WA is positioned adjacent to each of the multiple lifter paths R1 on the first travel floor F1. In other words, there are the same number of work areas WA as there are multiple lifter paths R1 on the first travel floor F1 (three lifter paths R1 in the example shown in Figure 1).

[0034] The item G from the item supply unit 2 is supplied to the transport vehicle 1 either as the item G itself or in a container C. In this embodiment, the item supply unit 2 supplies the item G to the work area WA in a supply container Cp. In the work area WA, the item G contained in the supply container Cp is taken out and handed over to the transport vehicle 1 waiting in the lifter path R1. That is, in this embodiment, the handover of the item G to the transport vehicle 1 may be performed with the item G contained in a container C other than the supply container Cp, or the item G may be handed over as is without being contained in a container C. Through this handover operation, the item G is supplied from the item supply unit 2 to the transport vehicle 1. In this embodiment, the above work in the work area WA is performed by a worker W. However, the above work may be performed by a robot instead of a worker W, or by both a worker W and a robot.

[0035] The transport vehicle 1 is configured to transport goods G or containers C containing goods G. The transport vehicle 1 transports goods G supplied from the goods supply unit 2, or in this example, goods G or containers C containing goods G received in the work area WA, to the goods receiving unit 3.

[0036] The item receiving section 3 is located away from the work area WA and is adjacent to the lifter-to-lift path R1 in the second direction Y. In this example, the item receiving section 3 is provided on both sides of the lifter-to-lift path R1 in the second direction Y.

[0037] In this embodiment, the article receiving section 3 includes a plurality of transport mechanisms 30 arranged in a line along a first direction X. Each of the plurality of transport mechanisms 30 is configured to transport the article G received from the transport vehicle 1 or the container C containing the article G along a second direction Y. The transport mechanisms 30 are configured, for example, using conveyors or chutes.

[0038] As described above, a sorting area SA is located adjacent to the item receiving section 3. Items G or containers C containing items G, which have been transported outward in the second direction Y by the transport mechanism 30 in the item receiving section 3, are transported to the sorting area SA. In other words, the transport vehicle 1 is configured to transport items G or containers C containing items G, which have been received at the item supply section 2, to the sorting area SA. In this example, the transport vehicle 1 transports items G or containers C containing items G, which have been received at the item supply section 2, to the sorting area SA via the transport mechanism 30 of the item receiving section 3.

[0039] In the sorting area SA, sorting of goods G transported by transport vehicle 1 takes place. The sorting work is carried out based on predetermined order information. This order information includes various types of information, such as customer information, shipping destination information, and item type information.

[0040] In this embodiment, when the transport vehicle 1 transports the goods G contained in container C to the sorting area SA, an extraction operation is performed in the sorting area SA to remove the goods G from container C. That is, the sorting operation includes the extraction operation to remove the goods G from container C transported by the transport vehicle 1. In this embodiment, the sorting operation in the sorting area SA (including the above extraction operation) is performed by worker W. However, the sorting operation may be performed by a robot instead of worker W, or by both worker W and a robot.

[0041] The items G sorted in the sorting area SA are transported out of the sorting area SA by the transport conveyor 5 (see Figure 1) and then carried to a location where, for example, the next process takes place.

[0042] During the retrieval process in the sorting area SA, container C and goods G are separated, resulting in empty container C. In this embodiment, an empty container recovery conveyor 4 for collecting the empty container C generated by the retrieval process in the sorting area SA is provided on the travel floor F (first travel floor F1 in this example) where the goods receiving section 3 is located.

[0043] In this embodiment, the empty container collection conveyor 4 extends to a position adjacent to the work area WA. In this example, the empty container collection conveyor 4 extends into the interior of the work area WA. The empty containers C collected by the empty container collection conveyor 4 are transported to the work area WA and reused for work in the work area WA.

[0044] After the transport vehicle 1 delivers item G to the sorting area SA (item receiving section 3) on the first travel floor F1, it gets on the first lifter L1 and heads to the second travel floor F2. Then, the transport vehicle 1 travels on the second travel floor F2, gets on the second lifter L2, and returns to the first travel floor F1. Upon returning, the transport vehicle 1 receives item G in the work area WA (item supply section 2) in the same manner as above, and transports item G to the sorting area SA (item receiving section 3).

[0045] Figure 3 shows how the transport vehicle 1 moves between each level of a single transport unit U. As shown in Figure 3, the lifter-to-lift path R1 of the first travel floor F1 and the lifter-to-lift path R1 of the second travel floor F2 are parallel to each other, and the directions in which the transport vehicle 1 is allowed to travel are set to face opposite directions in the first direction X.

[0046] In this embodiment, the transport vehicle 1 is configured to travel along the lifter-to-lift path R1 of the first travel floor F1 toward the first direction toward the first side X1. The transport vehicle 1 is also configured to travel along the lifter-to-lift path R1 of the second travel floor F2 toward the first direction toward the second side X2.

[0047] The first lifter L1 is configured to connect the end of the first side X1 in the first direction in the lifter path R1 of the first travel floor F1 and the end of the first side X1 in the first direction in the lifter path R1 of the second travel floor F2. The first lifter L1 is configured to raise and lower the transport vehicle 1 between the end of the first side X1 in the first direction in the lifter path R1 of the first travel floor F1 and the end of the first side X1 in the first direction in the lifter path R1 of the second travel floor F2.

[0048] The second lifter L2 is configured to connect the end of the second side X2 in the first direction of the lifter path R1 of the first travel floor F1 with the end of the second side X2 in the first direction of the lifter path R1 of the second travel floor F2. The second lifter L2 is configured to raise and lower the transport vehicle 1 between the end of the second side X2 in the first direction of the lifter path R1 of the first travel floor F1 and the end of the second side X2 in the first direction of the lifter path R1 of the second travel floor F2.

[0049] Each of the first lifter L1 and the second lifter L2 is equipped with a lifting platform La on which a transport vehicle 1 can be placed. Each of the first lifter L1 and the second lifter L2 raises and lowers the transport vehicle 1 over multiple levels while the transport vehicle 1 is placed on its lifting platform La. Each of the first lifter L1 and the second lifter L2 is configured to raise and lower the lifting platform La while maintaining the position of the lifting platform La in a position along the horizontal plane (for example, a position parallel to the horizontal plane).

[0050] In this embodiment, each of the first lifter L1 and the second lifter L2 is equipped with a plurality of lifting platforms La. Each of the first lifter L1 and the second lifter L2 is configured to circulate the plurality of lifting platforms La along a predetermined annular path.

[0051] In this embodiment, the first lifter L1 is set to raise the transport vehicle 1. That is, the first lifter L1 is configured to move the transport vehicle 1 from the first travel floor F1 to the second travel floor F2 by raising the transport vehicle 1 along the rising path Ru.

[0052] In this embodiment, the second lifter L2 is set for lowering the transport vehicle 1. That is, the second lifter L2 is configured to move the transport vehicle 1 from the second travel floor F2 to the first travel floor F1 by lowering the transport vehicle 1 along the descent path Rd.

[0053] As described above, in this embodiment, the first travel floor F1 is provided with a work area WA (item supply section 2) where the transport vehicle 1 receives the item G, and a sorting area SA (item receiving section 3) where the transport vehicle 1 hands over the item G. In this example, the transport vehicle 1 exits the first travel floor F1 from the exit of the second lifter L2 for lowering and receives the item G in the work area WA. Thereafter, the transport vehicle 1, while holding the item G, travels along the lifter path R1 on the first travel floor F1 toward the first direction and first side X1, and hands over the item G in the sorting area SA. After that, the transport vehicle 1 enters the first lifter L1 for raising from the first travel floor F1 and heads toward the second travel floor F2. The transport vehicle 1 exits the second travel floor F2 from the exit of the first lifter L1 for raising and travels along the lifter path R1 on the second travel floor F2 toward the first direction and second side X2. Then, the transport vehicle 1 enters the second lifter L2 for descent and heads towards the first travel floor F1. In this way, the transport vehicle 1 circulates between the first travel floor F1 and the second travel floor F2.

[0054] In this embodiment, the travel path R includes a circular travel path Rc that circles the article supply unit 2 and the article receiving unit 3. In the circular travel path Rc, the direction in which the transport vehicle 1 travels is restricted to one side. In the illustrated example, the transport vehicle 1 travels clockwise along the circular travel path Rc. In this embodiment, the circular travel path Rc is composed of a lifter-to-lift path R1 on the first travel floor F1, an upward path Ru on the first lifter L1, a lifter-to-lift path R1 on the second travel floor F2, and a downward path Rd on the second lifter L2. By traveling along the circular travel path Rc, the transport vehicle 1 passes through the article supply unit 2 and the article receiving unit 3 multiple times.

[0055] In this embodiment, multiple charging stations 6 are arranged such that the number of charging stations 6 per unit travel distance of the transport vehicle 1 along the circular travel path Rc increases as the vehicle approaches the goods supply unit 2. The length of the "unit travel distance" can be an equal division of the length of the circular travel path Rc, for example, it can be a length obtained by dividing the length of the circular travel path Rc in half (i.e., half the length of the circular travel path Rc). For the uppermost transport unit U in Figure 1, the two charging stations 6 provided on the first travel floor F1 and the four charging stations 6 provided on the second travel floor F2 are positioned along the circular travel path Rc. Therefore, if the length of the "unit travel distance" for this transport unit U is a length obtained by dividing the length of the circular travel path Rc in half, the number of charging stations 6 per unit travel distance of the transport vehicle 1 along the circular travel path Rc increases from "2" to "4" as the vehicle approaches the goods supply unit 2.

[0056] In this embodiment, on the first travel floor F1, the distance from the second lowering lift L2 to the charging station 6 is longer than the distance from the lowering second lift L2 to the item supply unit 2. That is, a transport vehicle 1 that arrives on the first travel floor F1 on the second lift L2 cannot proceed to the charging station 6 until it has passed the item supply unit 2. Therefore, a transport vehicle 1 that has been charged at the charging station 6 on the first travel floor F1 cannot reach the item supply unit 2 again until it has completed one lap of the circular travel path Rc. On the other hand, a transport vehicle 1 that has been charged on the second travel floor F2 does not need to complete one lap of the circular travel path Rc and can reach the item supply unit 2 earlier by riding the second lift L2 to the first travel floor F1.

[0057] Thus, in this embodiment, on the circular travel path Rc that allows movement of the transport vehicle 1 in only one direction, the charging station 6 provided on the second travel floor F2 is located closer to the item supply unit 2 than the charging station 6 provided on the first travel floor F1. Therefore, in order to arrange the charging stations 6 so that they increase in number as the transport vehicle approaches the item supply unit 2 on the circular travel path Rc, in this embodiment, the number of charging stations 6 provided on the second travel floor F2 is greater than the number of charging stations 6 provided on the first travel floor F1.

[0058] Incidentally, the goods transport equipment 100 transitions between an operational state in which goods G are transported and a non-operational state in which goods G are not transported. In the operational state of the goods transport equipment 100, as explained above, goods G are supplied from the goods supply unit 2 and transported by the transport vehicles 1. In the non-operational state of the goods transport equipment 100, the supply of goods G from the goods supply unit 2 is stopped, and each of the transport vehicles 1 waits at a predetermined location until the goods transport equipment 100 becomes operational again. In addition, transport vehicles 1 that require charging are charged at the charging station 6 during the period when the goods transport equipment 100 is in a non-operational state. For example, the goods transport equipment 100 is in a non-operational state during nighttime hours or when the equipment is shut down.

[0059] Figure 4 shows the non-operational goods transport equipment 100.

[0060] The travel floor F includes a specific area A in which at least four travel paths R are arranged in parallel and adjacent to each other. In this embodiment, a specific area A is set in the connecting path R2 on each travel floor F. In this example, most of the specific area A is set between each transport unit U in the second direction Y. Part of the specific area A overlaps with the transport unit U (specifically the path R1 between lifters). In the illustrated example, two specific areas A are set on each travel floor F.

[0061] In the following, the direction of extension of the travel path R in a specific area A is defined as the "path extension direction De," and the direction along the travel floor F that is perpendicular to the path extension direction De is defined as the "path width direction Dw." In this embodiment, the longitudinal direction of the specific area A is the path extension direction De, and the short direction of the specific area A is the path width direction Dw. In this example, the path extension direction De is equal to the second direction Y. The path width direction Dw is equal to the first direction X.

[0062] In a specific area A, there are waiting routes Rw that can be used as waiting areas for multiple transport vehicles 1, and driving-only routes Rr that are prohibited from being used as waiting areas. Multiple waiting routes Rw and multiple driving-only routes Rr are set in specific area A. In the illustrated example, specific area A has two waiting routes Rw that extend along the route extension direction De, and similarly, two driving-only routes Rr that extend along the route extension direction De.

[0063] When the goods transport equipment 100 is not in operation, multiple transport vehicles 1 can wait on each available standby route Rw. In the diagram, the areas indicated by hatching within specific area A are the available standby routes Rw.

[0064] A single standby route Rw is composed of multiple virtual unit areas Au arranged consecutively in a specific area A. One transport vehicle 1 is available to wait in each of the multiple virtual unit areas Au that make up the standby route Rw. In this example, one transport vehicle 1 is currently waiting in each virtual unit area Au that makes up the standby route Rw.

[0065] The dedicated driving path Rr is a virtual unit area Au in a specific area A other than the virtual unit area Au that constitutes the standby path Rw, and is composed of multiple consecutively arranged virtual unit areas Au. When the goods transport equipment 100 is not in operation, the transport vehicle 1 normally waits on the standby path Rw. However, the transport vehicle 1 can deviate from the standby path Rw and travel on the dedicated driving path Rr as needed. For example, as will be described later, the transport vehicle 1 travels on the dedicated driving path Rr when charging at the charging station 6.

[0066] In a specific area A, two travel paths R are set as dedicated travel paths Rr, and all other travel paths R in a specific area A are set as standby paths Rw. To elaborate, at least two travel paths R extending along the path extension direction De in a specific area A are set as dedicated travel paths Rr. In this embodiment, at least two widthwise dedicated travel paths Rrw, which connect the two dedicated travel paths Rr in the path width direction Dw, are set in a specific area A. Therefore, in this example, all other travel paths R in a specific area A (including widthwise dedicated travel paths Rrw) are set as standby paths Rw.

[0067] Each of the two dedicated driving paths Rr is configured to connect to a charging station 6. That is, the charging station 6 is located adjacent to one of the two dedicated driving paths Rr, or is connected to one of the two dedicated driving paths Rr via a driving path R outside of the specific area A. In this embodiment, on the first driving floor F1, each of the multiple charging stations 6 is connected to one of the two dedicated driving paths Rr via a driving path R outside of the specific area A. On the second driving floor F2, each of the multiple charging stations 6 is located adjacent to one of the two dedicated driving paths Rr.

[0068] All available waiting paths Rw are configured such that a dedicated travel path Rr is adjacent to at least one side in the path width direction Dw. This ensures that any transport vehicle 1 waiting at any point along the available waiting path Rw can proceed to the charging station 6 via the dedicated travel path Rr without being obstructed by other transport vehicles 1 waiting along the available waiting path Rw.

[0069] In this embodiment, in each of the two dedicated travel paths Rr, the direction in which the transport vehicle 1 travels is restricted to one side and is opposite to that of the other. Also, in this example, in the two dedicated travel paths Rrw in the width direction, the direction in which the transport vehicle 1 travels is restricted to one side and is opposite to that of the other. As a result, the transport vehicle 1 can travel in a circular motion in one direction around the waiting path Rw, which is enclosed by the two dedicated travel paths Rr and the two dedicated travel paths Rrw in the width direction.

[0070] In this embodiment, at least a portion of the dedicated travel path Rr and the dedicated travel path Rrw in the width direction is set to be located at the outer edge Fe of the travel floor F. In this example, in the second travel floor F2, at least a portion of the dedicated travel path Rr and the dedicated travel path Rrw in the width direction is set to be located at the outer edge Fe of the second travel floor F2. As a result, even if the transport vehicle 1 heading towards the charging station 6 makes an abnormal stop at the outer edge Fe of the second travel floor F2 while traveling along the dedicated travel path Rr or the dedicated travel path Rrw in the width direction, it is easy for the worker W to access the transport vehicle 1 from outside the second travel floor F2.

[0071] In this embodiment, a route swapping process is performed to swap the standby route Rw and the dedicated travel route Rr. In this example, the control device M (see Figure 2) performs the route swapping process. By performing the route swapping process, the control device M moves the multiple transport vehicles 1 that are waiting on the standby route Rw from the standby route Rw, forming a new standby route Rw and a dedicated travel route Rr.

[0072] Figure 5 shows the operation of each transport vehicle 1 when the route reconfiguration process is performed. Figure 5 also shows one specific area A. One of the multiple specific areas A set on the second travel floor F2 is shown in Figure 5. In this example, if multiple specific areas A are set on the travel floor F, the route reconfiguration process is performed for each of the multiple specific areas A.

[0073] As shown in Figure 5, in the route swapping process, if the transport vehicle 1 makes an abnormal stop on any of the dedicated travel routes Rr, the dedicated travel route Rr that includes the stopping location Ps of the transport vehicle 1 becomes a standby route Rw, and one of the standby routes Rw becomes a dedicated travel route Rr. After the route swapping process is executed, all standby routes Rw are arranged so that a dedicated travel route Rr is adjacent to at least one side in the route width direction Dw.

[0074] In the example shown in Figure 5(a), one of several transport vehicles 1 waiting on the standby route Rw leaves the standby route Rw and travels on the dedicated travel route Rr in order to charge at the charging station 6. Then, this transport vehicle 1 comes to an abnormal stop on the dedicated travel route Rr (hereinafter, the abnormally stopped transport vehicle will be referred to as "stopped transport vehicle 1s"). The stopping location Ps where stopped transport vehicle 1s came to an abnormal stop is on the dedicated travel route Rr, and other transport vehicles 1 are unable to travel on the dedicated travel route Rr and pass through the stopping location Ps. In this state, route switching processing is executed.

[0075] Figure 5(b) shows the process of route replacement in progress. As shown in Figure 5(b), in the route replacement process, the waiting route Rw and the travel-only route Rr are reset based on the stopping location Ps of the stopped transport vehicle 1s. Specifically, in the route replacement process, other transport vehicles 1 waiting on the waiting route Rw are moved to each of the multiple virtual unit areas Au that are arranged continuously along the route extension direction De with respect to the stopping location Ps. In the route replacement process according to this embodiment, all other transport vehicles 1 waiting on the waiting route Rw where the stopped transport vehicle 1s was originally waiting are moved to form a new waiting route Rw.

[0076] As shown in Figure 5(b), in the route replacement process according to this embodiment, a first process is executed to move the transport vehicles 1 other than the transport vehicle 1 (hereinafter referred to as "adjacent transport vehicle 1a") among the multiple transport vehicles 1 to be moved that are located adjacent to the stopping location Ps. In the first process, the transport vehicles 1 other than adjacent transport vehicle 1a among the multiple transport vehicles 1 to be moved are moved to the side of the stopping location Ps in the route width direction Dw. Since there is a stopped transport vehicle 1s at the stopping location Ps, adjacent transport vehicle 1a cannot perform the same operation as the other transport vehicles 1, i.e., it cannot move to the side of the stopping location Ps in the route width direction Dw. Also, immediately after the first process, the virtual unit area Au adjacent to the side of the stopping location Ps in the route width direction Dw relative to the location where the stopped transport vehicle 1s was originally waiting is an empty unit area Aue where no transport vehicles 1 are located.

[0077] As shown in Figure 5(c), in the route replacement process according to this embodiment, after the execution of the first process, a second process is executed to move the adjacent transport vehicle 1a. In the second process, the adjacent transport vehicle 1a is made to travel along the dedicated travel route Rr to move the adjacent transport vehicle 1a to the empty unit area Aue. In the example shown in Figure 5(c), the adjacent transport vehicle 1a travels along the dedicated travel route Rr and the width-direction dedicated travel route Rrw in a circular motion around the other waiting route Rw, heading towards the empty unit area Aue.

[0078] After the route reconfiguration process is performed, the situation will be as shown in Figure 5(c). That is, for each of the available standby routes Rw, a dedicated travel route Rr will be arranged adjacent to at least one side in the route width direction Dw. In the example shown in Figure 5(c), within a specific area A, two standby routes Rw and two dedicated travel routes Rr are arranged alternately along the route width direction Dw.

[0079] [Second Embodiment] Next, a second embodiment of the goods transport equipment 100 will be described with reference to Figure 6. Figure 6 shows only the second travel floor F2 as an example. However, the second embodiment is also applicable to the first travel floor F1. In the following description, the second travel floor F2 will be simply referred to as "travel floor F". The following description will mainly focus on the differences between the second embodiment and the first embodiment described above. Points that are not specifically described are the same as those in the first embodiment.

[0080] As shown in Figure 6, the travel floor F includes a specific area A in which three travel paths R are arranged in parallel and adjacent to each other. In this specific area A, the central travel path R is set as a standby path Rw, and the two travel paths R adjacent to the standby path Rw on either side are set as dedicated travel paths Rr. The single standby path Rw extends along the path extension direction De. On each side of this standby path Rw in the path width direction Dw, dedicated travel paths Rr extend along the path extension direction De. Two width-direction dedicated travel paths Rrw, connecting the two dedicated travel paths Rr in the path width direction Dw, are set in the specific area A.

[0081] Each of the two dedicated driving paths Rr is configured to connect to a charging station 6. In this embodiment, the charging station 6 is positioned adjacent to each of the two dedicated driving paths Rr in the path width direction Dw.

[0082] In each of the two dedicated travel paths Rr, the direction in which the transport vehicle 1 travels is restricted to one side and is opposite to that of the other. In this embodiment, in the two dedicated travel paths Rrw in the width direction, the direction in which the transport vehicle 1 travels is restricted to one side and is opposite to that of the other. As a result, the transport vehicle 1 can travel in a circular motion in one direction around a single waiting path Rw that is enclosed by the two dedicated travel paths Rr and the two dedicated travel paths Rrw in the width direction.

[0083] In this embodiment, a portion of the inter-lifter path R1 constitutes a width-direction travel-only path Rrw that connects two travel-only paths Rr in the path width direction Dw. In other words, a portion of the inter-lifter path R1 and the width-direction travel-only path Rrw overlap with each other. This makes it possible to reduce the size of the travel floor F. In this example, of the two width-direction travel-only paths Rrw in one specific area A, one width-direction travel-only path Rrw overlaps with a portion of the inter-lifter path R1.

[0084] In this embodiment, in the lifter-to-lifter path R1, the only direction in which the transport vehicle 1 travels is towards one side in the path width direction Dw (first direction X). Also, as described above, in the two width-direction-only travel paths Rrw, the only direction in which the transport vehicle 1 travels is towards one side in the path width direction Dw (first direction X). In this embodiment, of the two width-direction-only travel paths Rrw, the width-direction-only travel path Rrw that allows the same direction of travel as the transport vehicle 1 allowed in the lifter-to-lifter path R1 overlaps with a portion of the lifter-to-lifter path R1. This makes it possible to overlap a portion of the lifter-to-lifter path R1 with the width-direction-only travel path Rrw while respecting the constraints on the direction of travel of the transport vehicle 1 in each path.

[0085] [Other Embodiments] Next, other embodiments of the goods conveying equipment will be described.

[0086] (1) In the second embodiment described above, an example was described in which a part of the inter-lifter path R1 constitutes a width-direction travel-only path Rrw that connects two travel-only paths Rr in the path width direction Dw. Although not explained in detail, this configuration is the same in the first embodiment described above. Note that the inter-lifter path R1 and the width-direction travel-only path Rrw may be completely separate paths.

[0087] (2) In the above embodiment, an example was described in which the direction in which the transport vehicle 1 travels is restricted to one side and in opposite directions on each of the two dedicated travel paths Rr. However, the embodiment is not limited to such an example, and the direction in which the transport vehicle 1 travels on the two dedicated travel paths Rr may be the same. Furthermore, there may be no restriction on the direction in which the transport vehicle 1 travels on the two dedicated travel paths Rr.

[0088] (3) In the above embodiment, an example was described in which at least a portion of the travel-only path Rr and the width-direction travel-only path Rrw are located on the outer edge Fe of the travel floor F. However, the example is not limited to this example, and all of the travel-only path Rr and the width-direction travel-only path Rrw may be set so as not to be located on the outer edge Fe of the travel floor F.

[0089] (4) In the above embodiment, an example was described in which the route switching process is performed when the transport vehicle 1 makes an abnormal stop on any of the dedicated travel routes Rr. However, the example is not limited to this, and the route switching process may be performed when there are circumstances that hinder the transport vehicle 1 from traveling on any of the dedicated travel routes Rr, that is, when there are circumstances that impair the function of the dedicated travel route Rr. Examples of such circumstances include when there is an object obstructing the dedicated travel route Rr, or when a part of the dedicated travel route Rr is closed off for maintenance or the like.

[0090] (5) In the above embodiment, an example was described in which a route swapping process is performed to swap the standby route Rw and the dedicated travel route Rr. However, the goods transport equipment 100 is not limited to such an example and does not need to have a function to perform a route swapping process.

[0091] (6) In the above embodiment, an example was described in which multiple charging stations 6 are arranged such that the number of charging stations 6 per unit travel distance of the transport vehicle 1 along the circular travel path Rc increases as it approaches the goods supply unit 2. However, the arrangement of the multiple charging stations 6 can be arbitrarily set, and the examples are not limited to this example. For example, the same number of charging stations 6 may be arranged per unit travel distance of the transport vehicle 1 along the circular travel path Rc.

[0092] (7) In the above embodiment, an example was described in which the circular travel path Rc that circles the article supply unit 2 and the article receiving unit 3 includes the lifter-to-lift path R1 of the first travel floor F1, the upward path Ru of the first lifter L1, the lifter-to-lift path R1 of the second travel floor F2, and the downward path Rd of the second lifter L2. However, the circular travel path Rc may be formed along the same horizontal plane, for example. That is, the circular travel path Rc may be configured to form an annular shape when viewed in the vertical direction.

[0093] (8) 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.

[0094] [Summary of the above embodiment] The following describes the goods handling equipment mentioned above.

[0095] Multiple transport vehicles for transporting goods, A travel floor in which the travel path of the transport vehicle is formed, A material handling system comprising a charging station that supplies power to the transport vehicle on the aforementioned travel floor, The aforementioned travel floor includes a specific area in which at least four of the aforementioned travel paths are arranged in parallel and adjacent to each other, Within the aforementioned specific area, there are designated waiting routes that can be used as waiting areas for multiple transport vehicles, and dedicated driving routes that are prohibited from being used as waiting areas. The two aforementioned travel paths within the specified area are designated as dedicated travel paths, and the other travel paths within the specified area are designated as waiting paths. Each of the two aforementioned dedicated driving paths is configured to connect to the charging station. The direction in which the travel path extends within the specified area is defined as the path extension direction, and the direction along the travel floor that is perpendicular to the path extension direction is defined as the path width direction. All of the aforementioned waiting routes are configured such that the dedicated travel route is adjacent to at least one side of the route width direction.

[0096] With this configuration, multiple transport vehicles can be kept waiting on the standby route when the equipment is not in operation. The dedicated travel route is adjacent to the standby route and is configured to connect to the charging station. Therefore, any transport vehicle waiting at any point on the standby route can proceed to the charging station via the dedicated travel route without being obstructed by other transport vehicles waiting on the standby route. Consequently, with the above configuration, transport vehicles waiting on the travel floor can be properly charged when the equipment is not in operation.

[0097] A route swapping process is performed to swap the aforementioned waiting route and the aforementioned dedicated travel route. After the execution of the route replacement process, it is preferable that the dedicated travel route is arranged adjacent to at least one side in the route width direction of each of the standby routes.

[0098] This configuration allows for the swapping of waiting routes and dedicated travel routes by executing a route swapping process. This enables flexible responses to changing situations, such as changes in the number of transport vehicles or changes in transport routes. Furthermore, after the route swapping process is executed, dedicated travel routes are arranged so that they are adjacent to at least one side in the path width direction of each waiting route. Consequently, even after the route swapping process is executed, any transport vehicle waiting at any point on a waiting route can proceed to the charging station via the dedicated travel route without being obstructed by other transport vehicles waiting on the waiting route.

[0099] In the aforementioned route replacement process, if the transport vehicle makes an abnormal stop on any of the aforementioned dedicated travel routes, it is preferable to set the dedicated travel route including the location where the transport vehicle stopped as the standby route, and set any of the standby routes as the dedicated travel routes.

[0100] According to this configuration, even if a transport vehicle malfunctions and stops on a dedicated travel route, other transport vehicles can proceed to the charging station via the dedicated travel route without being obstructed by the malfunctioning transport vehicle, by readjusting the standby route and the dedicated travel route.

[0101] Preferably, in each of the two dedicated travel paths, the direction in which the transport vehicle travels is restricted to one side and is in opposite directions to the other.

[0102] This configuration allows the transport vehicles to travel in a circular path in one direction around the waiting route. Therefore, it is easier for transport vehicles waiting on the waiting route to travel to the charging station.

[0103] At least two widthwise-direction-only-travel paths are set up in the specific area, connecting the two aforementioned travel paths in the width direction of the paths. It is preferable that at least a portion of the dedicated travel path and the dedicated travel path in the width direction be positioned at the outer edge of the travel floor.

[0104] According to this configuration, for example, if a transport vehicle traveling on a dedicated travel path or a dedicated width-direction travel path comes to an abnormal stop at the outer edge of the travel floor, it becomes easier for an operator to access the abnormally stopped transport vehicle from outside the travel floor.

[0105] An article supply unit that supplies the articles to the transport vehicle, The vehicle comprises an article receiving section for receiving the articles transported by the transport vehicle, Multiple charging stations are provided, The aforementioned travel path includes a circular travel path that circles the article supply unit and the article receiving unit. It is preferable that a plurality of charging stations are arranged such that the number of charging stations located per unit distance traveled by the transport vehicle along the circular travel route increases as the vehicle approaches the goods supply unit.

[0106] With this configuration, the transport vehicle can be easily charged before reaching the goods supply unit. Therefore, when the equipment transitions from a non-operating state to an operational state, the transport vehicle can easily perform the task of transporting goods supplied at the goods supply unit to the goods receiving unit while fully charged.

[0107] Other configurations include: Multiple transport vehicles for transporting goods, A travel floor in which the travel path of the transport vehicle is formed, A material handling system comprising a charging station that supplies power to the transport vehicle on the aforementioned travel floor, The aforementioned travel floor includes a specific area in which three of the aforementioned travel paths are arranged in parallel and adjacent to each other. Within the aforementioned specific area, there are designated waiting routes that can be used as waiting areas for multiple transport vehicles, and dedicated driving routes that are prohibited from being used as waiting areas. In the aforementioned specific area, the central of the three aforementioned travel paths is set as the standby path, and the two travel paths adjacent to the standby path on either side are set as the dedicated travel paths. Each of the two aforementioned dedicated driving paths is configured to connect to the charging station. In each of the two aforementioned dedicated travel paths, the direction in which the transport vehicle travels is restricted to one side and is in opposite directions to the other.

[0108] With this configuration, multiple transport vehicles can be kept waiting on the standby route when the equipment is not in operation. The dedicated travel route is adjacent to the standby route and is configured to connect to the charging station. Therefore, any transport vehicle waiting at any point on the standby route can proceed to the charging station via the dedicated travel route without being obstructed by other transport vehicles waiting on the standby route. Consequently, with the above configuration, transport vehicles waiting on the travel floor can be properly charged when the equipment is not in operation.

[0109] The first running floor is the running floor of the first level, The second running floor is the running floor of the second level, The transport vehicle is raised and lowered between the first travel floor and the second travel floor, and the first lifter and the second lifter are arranged horizontally apart from each other, The aforementioned travel path includes a lifter-to-lifter path connecting the first lifter and the second lifter in each of the first and second travel floors, The direction in which the travel path extends within the specified area is defined as the path extension direction, and the direction along the travel floor that is perpendicular to the path extension direction is defined as the path width direction. It is preferable that a portion of the lifter-to-lift path constitutes a widthwise-direction-only-travel path that connects the two aforementioned travel-only paths in the path width direction.

[0110] With this configuration, a portion of the path between lifters constitutes a path exclusively for travel in the width direction, which makes it easier to reduce the size of the travel floor. [Industrial applicability]

[0111] The technology relating to this disclosure can be used in an article transport facility comprising: a plurality of transport vehicles for transporting articles; a travel floor on which the travel paths of the transport vehicles are formed; and a charging station on the travel floor for supplying power to the transport vehicles. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0112] 100: Goods handling equipment F: Running floor F1: First Running Floor F2: Second running floor Fe: Outer edge of the running floor L1: First Lifter L2: Second Lifter A: Specific area R: Driving route R1: Inter-lifter path Rc: Circuit driving route Rr: Dedicated route for driving Rrw: Dedicated route for travel in the width direction Rw: Standby route Ps: Stopping location 1: Transport vehicle 2: Goods supply department 3: Goods Receiving Department 6: Charging Station G:Goods De: Path extension direction Dw: Path width direction

Claims

1. Multiple transport vehicles for transporting goods, A travel floor in which the travel path of the transport vehicle is formed, A material handling system comprising a charging station that supplies power to the transport vehicle on the aforementioned travel floor, The aforementioned travel floor includes a specific area in which at least four of the aforementioned travel paths are arranged in parallel and adjacent to each other, Within the aforementioned specific area, there are designated waiting routes that can be used as waiting areas for multiple transport vehicles, and dedicated driving routes that are prohibited from being used as waiting areas. The two aforementioned travel paths within the specified area are designated as dedicated travel paths, and the other travel paths within the specified area are designated as waiting paths. Each of the two aforementioned dedicated driving paths is configured to connect to the charging station. The direction in which the travel path extends within the specified area is defined as the path extension direction, and the direction along the travel floor that is perpendicular to the path extension direction is defined as the path width direction. All of the aforementioned waiting routes are configured such that the aforementioned dedicated travel route is adjacent to at least one side in the direction of the route width. A route swapping process is performed to swap the aforementioned waiting route and the aforementioned dedicated travel route. After the execution of the route replacement process, the goods transport equipment is arranged such that the dedicated travel route is adjacent to at least one side in the route width direction of each of the standby routes.

2. Multiple transport vehicles for transporting goods, A travel floor in which the travel path of the transport vehicle is formed, A charging station that supplies power to the transport vehicle on the aforementioned travel floor, An article supply unit that supplies the articles to the transport vehicle, An article transporting apparatus comprising an article receiving section for receiving the articles transported by the transport vehicle, The aforementioned travel floor includes a specific area in which at least four of the aforementioned travel paths are arranged in parallel and adjacent to each other, Within the aforementioned specific area, there are designated waiting routes that can be used as waiting areas for multiple transport vehicles, and dedicated driving routes that are prohibited from being used as waiting areas. The two aforementioned travel paths within the specified area are designated as dedicated travel paths, and the other travel paths within the specified area are designated as waiting paths. Each of the two aforementioned dedicated driving paths is configured to connect to the charging station. The direction in which the travel path extends within the specified area is defined as the path extension direction, and the direction along the travel floor that is perpendicular to the path extension direction is defined as the path width direction. All of the aforementioned waiting routes are configured such that the aforementioned dedicated travel route is adjacent to at least one side in the direction of the route width. Multiple charging stations are provided, The aforementioned travel path includes a circular travel path that circles the article supply unit and the article receiving unit. A goods transport facility in which a plurality of charging stations are arranged such that the number of charging stations located per unit distance traveled by the transport vehicle along the circular travel path increases as the vehicle approaches the goods supply unit.

3. The article transport equipment according to claim 1, wherein in the route switching process, if the transport vehicle stops abnormally on any of the dedicated travel routes, the dedicated travel route including the location where the transport vehicle stopped becomes the standby route, and any of the standby routes becomes the dedicated travel route.

4. The article transport equipment according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein in each of the two dedicated travel paths, the direction in which the transport vehicle travels is restricted to one side and is in opposite directions to each other.

5. At least two widthwise-direction-only-travel paths are set up in the specific area, connecting the two aforementioned travel paths in the width direction of the paths. The article transport equipment according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein at least a portion of the dedicated travel path and the dedicated travel path in the width direction are set to be located at the outer edge of the travel floor.

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