Material handling equipment

Abstract

To provide an article conveyance device capable of preventing a power storage part from being damaged.SOLUTION: An article conveyance device (1) comprises a travel part for traveling along a travel route, a main body part (20) suspended from the travel part, and a power storage part (30) storing electric power. The main body part (20) has a first structure (40a) extended downward from the side of the travel part. The first structure (40a) houses the power storage part (30), and has a shock absorbing member (42) provided before the power storage part (30), i.e. on a side far from the center position of the main body part (20) in a front-rear direction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an article conveying device.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, in factories, warehouses, etc., automatic conveyance of articles using article conveying devices has been put into practical use. As such an article conveying device, for example, Patent Document 1 discloses a ceiling conveyance vehicle that travels along a track laid on a ceiling. In the ceiling conveyance vehicle of Patent Document 1, a cover that covers the conveyance device is provided in the front-rear direction of the conveyance device that conveys articles.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Here, some article conveying devices include a power storage unit that stores electric power. In the ceiling conveyance vehicle of Patent Document 1, for example, there is a problem that the power storage unit may be damaged when colliding with an obstacle or the like.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to provide an article conveying device capable of preventing damage to the power storage unit.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] To solve the above problems, the article transport device of this disclosure comprises a traveling section for traveling along a travel path, a main body suspended from the traveling section, and a power storage section for storing electricity. The main body has a structure that is positioned at least at the front or rear of the main body when the traveling direction of the traveling section is the front-rear direction, and extends downward from the side of the traveling section. The structure houses the power storage section and has an impact absorbing member provided at the front or rear, which is on the side of the main body that is farther from the center position in the front-rear direction relative to the power storage section. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to one aspect of this disclosure, it is possible to prevent damage to the power storage unit when the goods transport device collides with an obstacle or the like. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view showing the overall configuration of an article conveying device according to the present disclosure. [Figure 2] This is an exploded perspective view showing the configuration of the main body of the article conveying device according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] This is a perspective view showing the configuration of the power storage unit and frame of the article transport device according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] This is a perspective view showing the surrounding configuration of the shock-absorbing member of the article conveying device according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] This is a top view showing the arrangement of the first deformation part and the second deformation part in the first structure of the article conveying device according to the embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] [Embodiment] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 5. Figure 1 is a perspective view showing the overall configuration of the article conveying device 1. Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view showing the configuration of the main body 20 of the article conveying device 1. Note that the traveling section 10 is omitted in Figure 2. In the following description, the vertical, horizontal, and left-right directions of the article conveying device 1 are defined as indicated by the arrows in Figures 1 and 2.

[0010] [Configuration of the material handling device] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the item transport device 1 is an overhead transport vehicle that transports items such as FOUPs (Front Opening Unified Pods) containing semiconductor substrates along a travel path (not shown) laid on or near the ceiling. Note that the item transport device 1 is not limited to an overhead transport vehicle; for example, it may be a transport vehicle that transports items along a travel path laid on the floor.

[0011] The item transport device 1 comprises a traveling section 10, a main body 20, and a power storage section 30. The traveling section 10 has two pairs of traveling wheels 11, one on each side. The traveling section 10 moves forward along the travel path using the traveling wheels 11. The direction of travel of the traveling section 10 corresponds to the front-rear direction.

[0012] The running section 10 is positioned on the base frame 22. The base frame 22 is a plate-shaped metal member that forms the upper surface of the main body 20. Bumpers 12 are integrally formed on the front and rear ends of the base frame 22. The bumpers 12 include the outermost ends in the front-rear direction of the article transport device 1.

[0013] The main body 20 is suspended from the traveling section 10. The main body 20 has a holding section 21 for suspending and holding an object, and a lifting section (not shown) for raising and lowering the holding section 21. The holding section 21 holds the object by gripping claws or the like. The lifting section is configured, for example, with a winding belt, and the holding section 21 is raised and lowered vertically by winding and unwinding the winding belt. The article transport device 1 transports articles by traveling with the holding section 21 raised.

[0014] A first structure 40a is disposed at the front portion of the main body 20. Also, a second structure 40b is disposed at the rear portion of the main body 20. The first structure 40a and the second structure 40b extend downward from the side of the traveling unit 1. The first structure 40a and the second structure 40b are an example of a structure. Note that the main body 20 may have a structure only at either the front portion or the rear portion in the main body 20.

[0015] [Cover] The first structure 40a has a first cover 41a. The second structure 40b has a second cover 41b. The first cover 41a and the second cover 41b are an example of a cover.

[0016] The first cover 41a is made of, for example, synthetic resin and is configured to cover the front surface of the main body 20. The first cover 41a extends in the vertical direction and has a shape in which both left and right end portions are curved toward the center in the front-rear direction of the main body 20. The first cover 41a is fixed to a frame 60 (described later) of the first structure 40a by screws or the like.

[0017] The second cover 41b is made of, for example, synthetic resin and is configured to cover the rear surface of the main body 20. The second cover 41b extends in the vertical direction and has a shape in which both left and right end portions are curved toward the center in the front-rear direction of the main body 20. The second cover 41b is fixed to the frame 60 of the second structure 40b by screws or the like.

[0018] [Shock Absorbing Member] The shock absorbing member 42 is a member for absorbing an impact applied to the power storage unit 30 when the article conveying device 1 collides with an obstacle or the like during traveling. In the first structure 40a, the shock absorbing member 42 is disposed between the first cover 41a and the power storage unit 30. That is, the shock absorbing member 42 of the first structure 40a is disposed in front of the power storage unit 30, on the side far from the center position in the front-rear direction of the main body 20.

[0019] The shock-absorbing member 42 of the first structure 40a has a shape along the outer shape of the first cover 41a. That is, the shock-absorbing member 42 of the first structure 40a extends in the vertical direction and has a shape in which both left and right ends are curved backward.

[0020] The shock-absorbing member 42 of the first structure 40a is fixed to a frame 60 described later by screws or the like. That is, the shock-absorbing member 42 of the first structure 40a is disposed between the first cover 41a and the frame 60.

[0021] Also in the second structure 40b, although not shown, the shock-absorbing member 42 is disposed between the second cover 41b and the power storage unit 30. That is, the shock-absorbing member 42 of the second structure 40b is disposed behind the power storage unit 30 on the side far from the central position in the front-rear direction of the main body 20.

[0022] Also, the shock-absorbing member 42 of the second structure 40b has a shape along the outer shape of the second cover 41b, although not shown. That is, the shock-absorbing member 42 of the second structure 40b extends in the vertical direction and has a shape in which both left and right ends are curved forward.

[0023] The shock-absorbing member 42 of the second structure 40b is fixed to the frame 60 by screws or the like. That is, the shock-absorbing member 42 of the second structure 40b is disposed between the second cover 41b and the frame 60.

[0024] In addition, the first structure 40a is provided with electronic devices such as a camera 51, a collision detection sensor 52, and a collision detection sensor 53. The camera 51 is a device for imaging another article conveying device or an obstacle in front. The collision detection sensor 52 is a sensor for detecting an obstacle or the like. The collision detection sensor 53 is a sensor for detecting another article conveying device in front. Note that the camera 51 may not be provided.

[0025] [Power storage unit] As shown in Figure 2, the first structure 40a houses the power storage unit 30. Although not shown, the second structure 40b also has a power storage unit 30. The power storage unit 30 is made up of, for example, a battery and is a component for storing excess power in the item transport device 1.

[0026] Figure 3 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the energy storage unit 30 and the frame 60. As shown in Figure 3, the energy storage unit 30 has a rectangular parallelepiped shape. The frame 60 is provided around the energy storage unit 30. The frame 60 is made of, for example, a metal component. The frame 60 includes plate-shaped members that cover the front and rear surfaces of the energy storage unit 30, plate-shaped members that cover the left and right sides of the energy storage unit 30, and vertically extending support columns, etc.

[0027] Thus, the first structure 40a has a frame 60 configured to surround the energy storage unit 30 (see Figure 2). The second structure 40b also has a frame 60 configured to surround the energy storage unit 30, although it is not shown in the figure. These frames 60 have the function of reducing the impact applied to each energy storage unit 30 when the item transport device 1 collides with an obstacle or the like.

[0028] Furthermore, a fire extinguishing sheet may be attached to the entire outer surface of the energy storage unit 30. The fire extinguishing sheet is configured to generate an aerosol containing fire extinguishing components when the energy storage unit 30 reaches a predetermined temperature or higher. As a result, when the energy storage unit 30 becomes hot and ignites, the fire extinguishing sheet can quickly extinguish the fire in the energy storage unit 30.

[0029] [Reinforcement members] Figure 4 is a perspective view showing the surrounding structure of the impact absorbing member 42. As shown in Figure 4, the impact absorbing member 42 is composed of a first member 421 and a second member 422 which is thicker than the first member 421. The second member 422 has a first reinforcing member 422a, a second reinforcing member 422b, a third reinforcing member 422c, and a fourth reinforcing member 422d. In the example shown in Figure 4, the impact absorbing member 42 is provided on the first structure 40a.

[0030] The shock-absorbing member 42 is mainly composed of a first member 421. The first member 421 extends in the vertical direction and has a shape in which both the left and right ends are bent toward the center in the front-rear direction. The material of the first member 421 is a metal such as aluminum or stainless steel. The first member 421 has a rectangular opening 420, etc.

[0031] The second member 422 is an elongated, plate-shaped member that reinforces the first member 421, and consists of, for example, a bracket or a rib. The material of the second member 422 is a metal such as stainless steel. However, the material of the second member 422 may also be synthetic resin or the like.

[0032] The first reinforcing member 422a, the second reinforcing member 422b, and the third reinforcing member 422c are attached to the surface of the first member 421 on the side facing the energy storage unit 30 around the opening 420 by screws or the like. The fourth reinforcing member 422d is attached to the surface of the first member 421 on the side facing the energy storage unit 30 at the lower end by screws or the like.

[0033] Specifically, the first reinforcing member 422a extends horizontally above the opening 420. The first reinforcing member 422a abuts against the first member 421 and has multiple bent portions that conform to the outer shape of the first member 421.

[0034] The second reinforcing member 422b is positioned vertically alongside the first reinforcing member 422a and extends horizontally below the opening 420. The second reinforcing member 422b abuts against the first member 421 and has multiple bent portions that conform to the outer shape of the first member 421.

[0035] The third reinforcing member 422c extends vertically to the left of the opening 420 and abuts against the first member 421. The vertical length of the third reinforcing member 422c is shorter than the horizontal lengths of the first reinforcing member 422a and the second reinforcing member 422b. The first reinforcing member 422a, the second reinforcing member 422b, and the third reinforcing member 422c are included in the first deformed section A1, which will be described later.

[0036] The fourth reinforcing member 422d extends from the lower end of the first member 421 in the left-right direction. The left-right length of the fourth reinforcing member 422d is longer than the left-right lengths of the first reinforcing member 422a and the second reinforcing member 422b. The fourth reinforcing member 422d has a plurality of bent portions that are bent to conform to the outer shape of the first member 421. The fourth reinforcing member 422d is included in the second deformed portion A2, which will be described later.

[0037] [First deformation section and second deformation section] Figure 5 is a top view showing the arrangement of the first deformation portion A1 and the second deformation portion A2 in the first structure 40a. In Figure 5, the bumper 12 and the impact absorbing member 42 located below the bumper 12 are shown superimposed in the vertical direction, and the cross-sectional shape of the first member 421 as seen from above the impact absorbing member 42 is shown.

[0038] As shown in Figure 5, the impact absorbing member 42 has a first deformable portion A1 and a second deformable portion A2. The first deformable portion A1 is positioned to include a location further from the front-rear center of the main body portion 20 than the second deformable portion A2.

[0039] Specifically, in the first structure 40a, the first deformed portion A1 includes the front part of the first member 421 of the impact absorbing member 42, the first reinforcing member 422a, the second reinforcing member 422b, and the third reinforcing member 422c. The second deformed portion A2 includes the rear part of the first member 421 and the fourth reinforcing member 422d.

[0040] Furthermore, since the first reinforcing member 422a, the second reinforcing member 422b, and the third reinforcing member 422c are provided around the opening 420 of the first member 421, the area around the opening 420 is less susceptible to deformation due to impact.

[0041] In the second structure 40b, although not shown in the figures, the first deformed portion A1 includes the rear part of the first member 421 of the impact absorbing member 42, the first reinforcing member 422a, the second reinforcing member 422b, and the third reinforcing member 422c. The second deformed portion A2 includes the front part of the first member 421 and the fourth reinforcing member 422d.

[0042] The first deformable portion A1 of the impact-absorbing member 42 has a trapezoidal outer shape. The second deformable portion A2 has a larger trapezoidal outer shape than the first deformable portion A1. These first deformable portion A1 and second deformable portion A2 are arranged side by side in the front-to-back direction. A bumper 12 is positioned at the outermost end in the front-to-back direction of the article conveying device 1.

[0043] In the article transport device 1 with this configuration, when it collides with an obstacle in the front or rear direction of the article transport device 1 or with another article transport device, the bumper 12 deforms first. If the impact is not absorbed by the bumper 12, the first deformable portion A1 of the impact absorbing member 42 deforms along with the deformation of the first cover 41a. When the first deformable portion A1 deforms, the camera 51, collision detection sensor 52, and collision detection sensor 53 are damaged, but the power storage unit 30 is not damaged.

[0044] Then, after the first deformable part A1 deforms, the second deformable part A2 deforms. Since the second reinforcing member 422b is provided in the second deformable part A2, external impacts are more easily absorbed.

[0045] When the second deformation section A2 deforms, the power supply and drive unit (not shown) may be damaged, but the energy storage unit 30 will not be damaged. In this way, the first deformation section A1 and the second deformation section A2 absorb external shocks in stages, effectively reducing the impact on the energy storage unit 30 and preventing damage to the energy storage unit 30.

[0046] [Effects of the Embodiment] As described above, in the article transport device 1 of this embodiment, since an impact absorbing member 42 is provided in front of the energy storage unit 30 in the first structure 40a, the impact applied to the energy storage unit 30 when the article transport device 1 collides with an obstacle in front of it can be reduced. Furthermore, since an impact absorbing member 42 is also provided behind the energy storage unit 30 in the second structure 40b, the impact applied to the energy storage unit 30 when the article transport device 1 collides with an obstacle in the rear can be reduced. In this way, damage to the energy storage unit 30 and the articles can be prevented.

[0047] In particular, since shock-absorbing members 42 are positioned between the first cover 41a and the power storage unit 30, and between the second cover 41b and the power storage unit 30, even if the first cover 41a and the second cover 41b deform when the item transport device 1 collides with an obstacle, the shock-absorbing members 42 can reliably absorb the impact applied from the first cover 41a and the second cover 41b to the power storage unit 30.

[0048] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 3, since the energy storage unit 30 is surrounded by a metal frame 60, the impact applied to the energy storage unit 30 from the outside can be reliably reduced, and damage to the energy storage unit 30 can be prevented more reliably.

[0049] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 4, the shock-absorbing member 42 has a configuration in which a second member 422, which is thicker than the first member 421, is attached to the first member 421. Therefore, the strength of the shock-absorbing member 42 can be improved by the second member 422. This ensures that the impact applied to the power storage unit 30 when the item transport device 1 collides with an obstacle or the like is reliably reduced.

[0050] [Other Embodiments] In the article transport device 1 of the embodiment described above, the first structure 40a is arranged at the front of the main body 20 and the second structure 40b is arranged at the rear of the main body 20. However, the device is not limited to this configuration, and for example, a structure may be arranged only at either the front or the rear of the main body 20.

[0051] Furthermore, in the article transport device 1 of the embodiment described above, the energy storage unit 30 is housed in both the first structure 40a and the second structure 40b. However, the invention is not limited to this, and the energy storage unit 30 may be housed in only one of the first structure 40a or the second structure 40b. In this case, the shock-absorbing member 42 only needs to be provided in the structure that houses the energy storage unit 30.

[0052] Furthermore, in the article transport device 1 of the embodiment described above, the first cover 41a is placed on the first structure 40a and the second cover 41b is placed on the second structure 40b, but the invention is not limited to this. For example, a cover may be placed on only one of the first structure 40a or the second structure 40b, or there may be no cover at all.

[0053] Furthermore, in the embodiment described above, the second member 422 is positioned on the side of the first member 421 facing the energy storage unit 30, but it is not limited to this, and may be positioned on the side of the first member 421 opposite to the energy storage unit 30. Also, the second member 422 only needs to be positioned in a location on the first member 421 that is prone to damage, and the number and position of the second member 422 can be changed as appropriate.

[0054] Furthermore, in the embodiment described above, the second member 422 is attached to the first member 421 by screws or the like, but it is not limited to this, and may be attached to the first member 421 by double-sided tape or the like. Also, the second member 422 may be integrally formed with the first member 421.

[0055] Furthermore, in the first structure 40a and the second structure 40b, for example, heat sinks may be arranged on the top surface and both left and right sides of the energy storage unit 30 inside the frame 60 to dissipate heat generated in the energy storage unit 30. With this configuration, the heat generated in the energy storage unit 30 is effectively dissipated through the heat sinks, thereby preventing the energy storage unit 30 from becoming excessively hot.

[0056] Furthermore, in the first structure 40a and the second structure 40b, for example, fans for blowing air onto the energy storage unit 30 may be provided in the space above the energy storage unit 30. With this configuration, blowing air onto the energy storage unit 30 with the fans can prevent the energy storage unit 30 from becoming overheated.

[0057] 〔summary〕 An article transport device according to a first aspect of the present disclosure comprises a traveling section for traveling along a travel path, a main body suspended from the traveling section, and a power storage section for storing electricity. The main body has a structure that is positioned at least at the front or rear of the main body when the traveling direction of the traveling section is the front-rear direction, and extends downward from the side of the traveling section. The structure houses the power storage section and has an impact absorbing member provided at the front or rear of the main body, which is on the side furthest from the front-rear center of the main body relative to the power storage section.

[0058] According to the article transport device of the first embodiment described above, since an impact absorbing member is provided in front of or behind the power storage unit, the impact applied to the power storage unit can be reduced when the article transport device collides with an obstacle or the like. This makes it possible to prevent damage to the power storage unit.

[0059] In the article transport device according to a second aspect of the present disclosure, in the first aspect, the structure further includes a cover configured to cover either the front or rear surface of the main body. The shock-absorbing member is disposed between the cover and the power storage unit.

[0060] According to the article transport device of the second embodiment described above, since an impact-absorbing member is placed between the cover and the power storage unit, even if the cover deforms when the article transport device collides with an obstacle, the impact on the power storage unit can be absorbed by the impact-absorbing member. This effectively prevents damage to the power storage unit.

[0061] In the article transport device according to a third aspect of the present disclosure, in the second aspect, the structure further comprises a frame configured to surround the energy storage unit. The shock-absorbing member is disposed between the cover and the frame.

[0062] According to the article transport device of the third embodiment described above, since the power storage unit is enclosed by a frame, the impact applied to the power storage unit in the event of a collision between the article transport device and an obstacle can be reduced more reliably.

[0063] In the transport device according to the fourth aspect of this disclosure, in any of the first to third aspects, the shock-absorbing member comprises a first member and a second member having a different thickness from the first member.

[0064] According to the fourth embodiment of the conveying device described above, the shock-absorbing member includes a first member and a second member having a different thickness from the first member. The second member can improve the strength of the shock-absorbing member, and the impact applied to the power storage unit when the conveying device collides with an obstacle can be reduced more reliably.

[0065] In a conveying device according to a fifth aspect of this disclosure, in any of the first to fourth aspects, the impact absorbing member has a first deformable portion and a second deformable portion. The first deformable portion is arranged to include a position further from the front-rear center of the main body than the second deformable portion.

[0066] According to the fifth embodiment of the conveying device described above, the first deformation section and the second deformation section can gradually absorb the impact applied to the power storage section when the product conveying device collides with an obstacle, thereby effectively reducing the impact applied to the power storage section.

[0067] This disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the claims. Configurations obtained by appropriately combining the technical means disclosed in the embodiments are also included in the technical scope of this disclosure. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0068] 1. Article conveying device 10. Running section 12 Bumper 20 Main body 30 Energy storage unit 40a First Structure 40b Second structure 41a Cover 1 41b Second cover 42 Impact absorbing material 60 frames 421 First Member 422 Second Member 422a First reinforcing member 422b Second reinforcing member 422c Third reinforcing member 422d Fourth reinforcing member A1 First deformation section A2 Second deformation section

Claims

1. A running section for traveling along a route, The main body is suspended from the aforementioned running section, A power storage unit that stores electricity, Equipped with, The main body portion has a structure that is positioned at least at the front or rear of the main body portion when the running direction of the running unit is the front-rear direction, and extends downward from the base frame on which the running unit is positioned. The aforementioned structure is It houses the aforementioned energy storage unit, An impact-absorbing member is provided on the front or rear side of the main body, which is on the side furthest from the center position in the front-rear direction relative to the power storage unit, It has a cover configured to cover either the front or rear of the main body, The article conveying device is characterized in that the shock-absorbing member is disposed between the cover and the power storage unit and has a shape that conforms to the outer shape of the cover.

2. The aforementioned structure is It further has a frame configured to surround the aforementioned energy storage unit, The article conveying device according to claim 1, characterized in that the shock-absorbing member is disposed between the cover and the frame.

3. The article conveying device according to claim 1, characterized in that bumpers are formed on the front and rear of the base frame.

4. The aforementioned shock-absorbing member is First member and The article conveying device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that it comprises a first member and a second member of a different thickness.

5. The aforementioned shock-absorbing member has a first deformable portion and a second deformable portion. The article conveying device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the first deformation portion is arranged to include a position further from the front-to-back center of the main body than the second deformation portion.

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