Transport vehicles and transport equipment

Abstract

In transport vehicles equipped with transfer devices, there is a need for technology that can improve the degree of freedom in arranging the locations to be transferred. [Solution] A transport vehicle 1 for transporting articles comprises a vehicle body 17 and a transport device 6 mounted on the vehicle body 17 for holding and transferring articles. The transport device 6 comprises a mounting surface, a transport mechanism 7 for transporting articles placed on the mounting surface in the travel direction X and width direction Y, and a control unit 50 for controlling the transport mechanism 7. The control unit 50 includes an overlapping arrangement portion 51 located on the second side X2 in the travel direction relative to the mounting area 8, and overlapping with the mounting area 8 in view in the travel direction X. The first side Y1 in the width direction relative to the mounting area 8 is open so that there are no members that overlap with the mounting area 8 in view along the width direction Y. The first side X1 in the travel direction relative to the mounting area 8 is open so that there are no members that overlap with the mounting area 8 in view in the travel direction X.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a transport vehicle and transport equipment.

Background Art

[0002] For example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2022-102028 (Patent Document 1) discloses a technology related to a transport vehicle. Hereinafter, reference numerals shown in parentheses in the description of the background art are those of Patent Document 1.

[0003] The automated warehouse of Patent Document 1 includes a storage shelf (rack 1) that stores articles, a plurality of transport vehicles (3) that transport articles, and a warehousing lifting device (11). The storage shelf includes a plurality of shelf levels (21) arranged in the vertical direction. A travel path for the transport vehicle (3) is arranged along each shelf level (21). A plurality of articles are stored on the shelf level (21) along a travel direction (first direction) along the travel path. Further, a warehousing conveyor (23) is arranged at a position adjacent to the shelf level (21) in the travel direction. The transport vehicle (3) receives an article conveyed from the warehousing lifting device (11) to the warehousing conveyor (23), and conveys the article toward a predetermined opening (22) of the shelf level (21).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problem to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] The transport vehicle described in Patent Document 1 is equipped with a transfer device for holding and transferring articles. This transfer device is configured to transfer articles in the width direction (a direction perpendicular to the direction of travel). Therefore, in the above-mentioned automated warehouse, all transfer target locations to which articles are transferred from the transport vehicle must be positioned adjacent to the transport vehicle's travel path in the width direction, which limits the placement of transfer target locations.

[0006] Therefore, there is a need for technology that can improve the degree of freedom in arranging the locations to be transferred in a transport vehicle equipped with a transfer device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The transport vehicle relating to this disclosure is a transport vehicle that transports goods along a travel route, The car body and, The vehicle body is equipped with a transfer device that is mounted on the vehicle body and is used for holding and transferring the article, The direction along the aforementioned travel path is defined as the travel direction, one side of the travel direction is defined as the first travel direction side, the other side of the travel direction is defined as the second travel direction side, the direction perpendicular to the travel direction when viewed in the vertical direction is defined as the width direction, one side of the width direction is defined as the first width direction side, and the other side of the width direction is defined as the second width direction side. The transfer device comprises a mounting surface on which the article is placed, a transport mechanism for transporting the article placed on the mounting surface in the travel direction and the width direction, and a control unit for controlling the transport mechanism. The three-dimensional region in which the article placed on the mounting surface may exist is defined as the mounting region. The control unit includes an overlapping arrangement portion located on the second side in the travel direction with respect to the aforementioned arrangement area, and which overlaps with the aforementioned arrangement area when viewed in the travel direction along the travel direction. With respect to the aforementioned mounting area, the first side in the width direction is, in a view along the width direction, the aforementioned mounting area It is left open so that there are no overlapping components. With respect to the aforementioned mounting area, the first side in the travel direction is open so that there are no members that overlap with the aforementioned mounting area when viewed in the travel direction.

[0008] According to this configuration, the transfer device is equipped with a transport mechanism that transports articles placed on the placement surface in the travel direction and width direction, thereby enabling the transfer of articles between the placement area and an area first to the width side of the placement area, as well as between the placement area and an area first to the travel direction of the placement area. Therefore, it is easier to increase the degree of freedom in the direction of article transfer between the transport vehicle and the location to be transferred. Furthermore, with this configuration, the overlapping portion of the control unit is positioned on the second side in the travel direction relative to the mounting area. This makes it easier to keep the vertical dimensions of the transport vehicle in the area with the mounting surface smaller compared to a configuration in which the control unit is positioned below the mounting surface, while minimizing the obstruction of the transfer of goods by the control unit. Thus, this configuration allows for increased flexibility in the arrangement of the transfer target in a transport vehicle equipped with a transfer device.

[0009] Further features and advantages of the transport vehicles and transport equipment will become clear from the following description of exemplary and non-limiting embodiments, which will be illustrated with reference to the drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] Plan view of the conveying equipment [Figure 2] A schematic side view showing the travel route and transport route. [Figure 3] Side view of the conveying device [Figure 4] Side view of the transport vehicle [Figure 5] A schematic side view showing the lifting mechanism. [Figure 6] Plan view of the transport vehicle [Figure 7] A schematic front view showing the lifting and lowering of the first transport surface, the mounting area, and the overlapping arrangement of members. [Figure 8] A schematic side view showing the first and second stopping positions of the transport vehicle. [Figure 9] Control block diagram [Figure 10]Schematic plan view of a conveying mechanism in another embodiment Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments of a transport vehicle and transport equipment will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0012] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the transport equipment 10 includes a transport vehicle 1 and a transport device 4 that moves along a transport path 40 to transport articles W. In this example, the transport equipment 10 further includes storage shelves 21, a warehouse entry / exit unit 29, and a control system 100. The transport device 4 transports articles W between the transport vehicle 1 and the storage shelves 21. The transport vehicle 1 transports articles W along the travel path 2. Here, the transport vehicle 1 transports articles W between the warehouse entry / exit unit 29 and the transport device 4. In the following description, the direction along the travel path 2 is defined as the travel direction X, one side in the travel direction X is defined as a first travel side X1, and the other side in the travel direction X is defined as a second travel side X2. Furthermore, the direction orthogonal to the travel direction X when viewed in the vertical direction is defined as the width direction Y, one side in the width direction Y is defined as a first width side Y1, and the other side in the width direction Y is defined as a second width side Y2.

[0013] The transport path 40 extends along the travel direction X and is arranged on the first width side Y1 with respect to the travel path 2. Here, the transport path 40 and the travel path 2 are arranged adjacent to each other in the width direction Y. The storage shelves 21 are arranged so as to overlap the travel path 2 when viewed in the vertical direction. The storage shelves 21 include a plurality of storage units 22 each capable of storing an article W. The plurality of storage units 22 are arranged in the travel direction X and the vertical direction. In the example of Figure 1, each storage unit 22 is configured to store two articles W arranged side by side in the Y direction. As described above, the storage shelf 21 in Figure 1 has a so-called double-deep structure, but is not limited thereto. Each storage unit 22 may be configured to store three or more articles W arranged side by side in the Y direction. That is, the storage shelf 21 may have a so-called multi-deep structure. Furthermore, each storage unit 22 may be configured to be capable of storing one article W.

[0014] The article W is a container for accommodating contents. Specifically, the article W is a carton container, but may also be a container such as an orecon container. Examples of the contents accommodated in the article W include, but are not limited to, industrial supplies including mechanical parts, food products including drinking water, frozen foods and the like, and other daily necessities.

[0015] In this example, each of the plurality of accommodating portions 22 is open on the side facing the conveying device (first widthwise side Y1). Further, the conveying path 40 is arranged on the first widthwise side Y1 with respect to the plurality of accommodating portions 22 arranged along the traveling direction X. Accordingly, the conveying device 4 is capable of loading and unloading the article W into and from each of the plurality of accommodating portions 22. Note that the conveying facility 10 is not necessarily required to be configured to include the accommodating shelf 21.

[0016] As shown in FIG. 3, the conveying device 4 includes a traveling carriage 41 that travels along the conveying path 40 (FIG. 1), and a holding device 42 that is mounted on the traveling carriage 41 and holds and transfers the article W. The conveying device 4 further includes a lifting device 48 that lifts and lowers the holding device 42. The traveling carriage 41 moves while being guided by a track 49 laid on the floor surface along the conveying path 40. Thus, the traveling carriage 41 travels along the traveling direction X. The lifting device 48 includes masts 44 (a pair of masts 44) erected on the traveling carriage 41. The mast 44 guides the vertical movement of the holding device 42. The holding device 42 includes an advancing / retreating portion 43 that advances and retreats in the width direction Y when transferring the article W. The holding device 42 further includes a hook 66 provided on the advancing / retreating portion 43, and a support base 46 that supports the article W from below. The advancing / retreating portion 43 is supported by the support base 46. Further, the support base 46 is configured to move in the vertical direction while being guided by the mast 44.

[0017] In this example, the holding device 42 is equipped with a pair of extension / retraction sections 43. The pair of extension / retraction sections 43 are arranged on a support base 46, separated in the travel direction X. The item W is placed between the pair of extension / retraction sections 43 in the travel direction X. Each extension / retraction section 43 is equipped with a base 43a fixed on the support base 46 and an arm 43b that slides in the width direction Y relative to the base 43a. Here, the arm 43 is configured to slide at least in the second width direction Y2 (the side facing the storage shelf 21 and the travel path 2 of the transport vehicle 1) relative to the base 43a. When the arm 43 is positioned to protrude in the second width direction Y2 relative to the base 43a, it protrudes relative to the support base 46 toward the transfer target location (corresponding storage section 22 and the transfer area 3 described later).

[0018] As shown in Figure 3, hooks 66 are provided on each arm 43b of the pair of extension / retraction sections 43. Here, the hooks 66 are provided at both ends in the width direction Y of the pair of arms 43b, which are arranged separately in the travel direction X. The hooks 66 are configured to pivot around an axis along the width direction Y. As a result, the hooks 66 can change their posture between a locking posture in which they protrude inward in the travel direction X (towards the side where the article W is placed) relative to the extension / retraction section 43 and can lock onto the support base 46 or the article W at the transfer target location, and a retracted posture which is a posture along the vertical direction.

[0019] When transferring an item W from the holding device 42 to the transfer target location, the hooks 66 located at the ends of the pair of arms 43b on the first side Y1 in the width direction are set to a locked position, and the pair of arms 43b are extended outwards on the second side Y2 in the width direction. As a result, the item on the support base 46 is pushed by the pair of hooks 66 in the locked position and moves from the support base 46 to the transfer target location. When transferring an item W from the transfer target location to the holding device 42, the pair of arms 43b are extended outwards. The arms 43b are extended and positioned on both sides of the travel direction X of the item W to be transferred. Then, the hooks 66 at the ends of the second side Y2 in the width direction of the pair of arms 43b are locked, and the pair of arms 43b are retracted to the first side Y1 in the width direction (support base 46 side). As a result, the item W on the transfer target location is pulled in by the pair of hooks 66 and moved from the transfer target location onto the support base 46. When the holding device 42 receives the item W from the transport vehicle 1, which will be described later, the transfer device 6 provided by the transport vehicle 1 is used to receive the item W. In addition to the transfer device 6, the pair of extension / retraction parts 43 and the hooks 66 may also be used. One of the pair of extension / retraction parts 43 (the second side X2 in the travel direction in the illustrated example) may be configured to be able to move relative to the other extension / retraction part 43 in the travel direction X. This allows the distance between the pair of extension / retraction parts 43 in the travel direction X to be changed according to the size of the item W.

[0020] As shown in Figure 1, the travel path 2 of the transport vehicle 1 is arranged to overlap with multiple storage compartments 22 when viewed in the vertical direction. The travel path 2 is located below the multiple levels of storage compartments 22. The travel path 2 is also arranged along the floor surface. In the example of Figure 1, the travel path 2 is arranged to overlap with the entire area of ​​the multiple storage compartments 22 arranged in the travel direction X, but it is not limited to this. The travel path 2 may be arranged to overlap with a part of the multiple storage compartments 22. In addition, an entry / exit section 29 is connected to the end of the travel path 2 on the first side X1 in the travel direction.

[0021] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the loading / unloading section 29 is equipped with a conveyor belt 29a that transports goods W along the travel direction X. Here, the conveyor belt 29a can, for example, receive goods W from an automated guided vehicle (not shown) and hand them over to the transport vehicle 1, and also hand over goods W received from the transport vehicle 1 to the automated guided vehicle.

[0022] As shown in Figures 1, 2, and 8, a transfer area 3 is set on the travel path 2 where the transport vehicle 1 stops to transfer goods W to the transport device 4. In this example, multiple transfer areas 3 are set on the travel path 2. Also, on the transport path 40, a stopping position 5 is set where the traveling trolley 41 stops to transfer goods W between the transport device 4 and the transport vehicle 1, adjacent to the first side Y1 in the width direction with respect to the transfer area 3. In this example, multiple stopping positions 5 are set on the transport path 40. Each of the multiple transfer areas 3 is set to be adjacent to the second side Y2 in the width direction with respect to the corresponding stopping position 5. Each of the multiple stopping positions 5 is set to correspond to each of the multiple storage units 22 arranged in the travel direction X. Each stopping position 5 is positioned adjacent to the first side Y1 in the width direction with respect to the corresponding storage unit 22 and transfer area 3 when viewed in the vertical direction. Each transfer area 3 is set directly below the corresponding storage unit 22 (Figure 2). The transfer area 3 may be located at one point along the travel path 2. Furthermore, the transfer area 3 may be located at a position not corresponding to the storage section 22.

[0023] As shown in Figures 4 and 6, the transport vehicle 1 comprises a vehicle body 17 and a transfer device 6 mounted on the vehicle body 17 for holding and transferring items W. The vehicle body 17 supports wheels 15 (in this case, multiple wheels 15) that are guided by rails R (dotted line in Figure 6). The rails R are laid along a travel path 2. In this example, a pair of rails R are arranged separately in the width direction Y. In this example, some of the multiple wheels 15 are drive wheels. In the illustrated example, of the four wheels 15, the two rear wheels 15 are drive wheels. The two front wheels 15 are driven wheels that roll following the rear wheels. In this example, the transport vehicle 1 is a tracked cart that travels guided by rails R as described above, but it may also be a trackless cart capable of autonomous travel without being guided by rails R.

[0024] As shown in Figures 4, 6, and 9, the transfer device 6 comprises a mounting surface A on which the article W is placed, a conveying mechanism 7 that transports the article W placed on the mounting surface A in the travel direction X and the width direction Y, and a conveying machine The system includes a control unit 50 that controls the structure 7. In this embodiment, the transfer device 6 is configured to hold and transfer articles W. In this example, the transfer device 6 performs the transfer operation of articles W between the transport device 4 (more specifically, the holding device 42) and the loading / unloading section 29 (more specifically, the transport conveyor 29a).

[0025] As shown in Figures 4 and 7, the mounting area 8 (dashed line area) is a three-dimensional region on the mounting surface A where an article W may be located. The control unit 50 includes an overlapping mounting portion 51 positioned on the second side X2 in the travel direction relative to the mounting area 8, and overlapping with the mounting area 8 in a view along the travel direction X. In this embodiment, the article W is positioned in the transfer device 6 in a orientation along the vertical direction, the travel direction X, and the width direction Y. Therefore, the mounting area 8 is formed along the vertical direction, the travel direction X, and the width direction Y. Here, the range of the travel direction X and the width direction Y in the mounting area 8 corresponds to the entire area of ​​the mounting surface A. Furthermore, the range in the vertical direction of the mounting area 8 is defined as a three-dimensional space corresponding to the maximum height of the article W to be mounted. The control unit 50 includes a drive source (first motor 62, second motor 63, described later) that supplies driving force to drive the transport mechanism 7, and a control unit 64 that drives and controls the drive source.

[0026] In this example, the overlapping arrangement portion 51 includes the first motor 62 and the second motor 63. Furthermore, as shown in the example in Figure 7, the overlapping arrangement portion 51 may also include devices and components (e.g., a control board) that constitute the control unit 64, in addition to the motors. Such an overlapping arrangement portion 51 is mounted on the vehicle body 17. Specifically, the overlapping arrangement portion 51 is positioned on the second side X2 in the travel direction relative to the mounting area 8 (and in the illustrated example, the transport mechanism 7). The overlapping arrangement portion 51 is also positioned to overlap with the mounting area 8 in the travel direction X view. In this example, the vehicle body 17 has a storage section 54 in the area on the second side X2 in the travel direction relative to the mounting area 8 (and in the illustrated example, the transport mechanism 7). The storage section 54 overlaps with the mounting area 8 in the travel direction X view. The overlapping arrangement portion 51 is housed inside the storage section 54. Furthermore, the storage section 54 may house devices and components other than the control unit 50, such as motors for driving the wheels 15. Also, the parts of the control unit 50 other than the overlapping section 51 may be located, for example, below the mounting surface A. Moreover, the entire control unit 50 may be the overlapping section 51.

[0027] As shown in Figures 4 and 6, the first side Y1 in the width direction relative to the mounting area 8 is open so that there are no members overlapping with the mounting area 8 in a view along the width direction Y, and the first side X1 in the travel direction relative to the mounting area 8 is open so that there are no members overlapping with the mounting area 8 in a view in the travel direction X. In this example, the side of the transport path 40 relative to the mounting area 8 is open in a view along the width direction Y. Also, the side of the loading / unloading section 29 relative to the mounting area 8 is open in a view in the travel direction X. Therefore, when transferring articles W between the transport vehicle 1 and the transport device 4, and when transferring articles W between the transport vehicle 1 and the loading / unloading section 29, the articles W can be transported in the travel direction X or width direction Y without interfering with members placed on the transport vehicle 1.

[0028] As shown in Figures 4 to 6, the transfer device 6 includes a first transport mechanism 11 that transports an article W placed on the mounting surface A in the travel direction X, and a second transport mechanism 12 that transports an article W placed on the mounting surface A in the width direction Y. The first transport mechanism 11 transports the article W (mounted article W1) placed on the mounting surface A from the second travel direction X2 to the first travel direction X1. The second transport mechanism 12 transports the article W placed on the mounting surface A from the second width direction Y2 to the first width direction Y1. In this embodiment, the mounting surface A is formed by the first transport mechanism 11 and the second transport mechanism 12, respectively. Here, the mounting surface A formed by the first transport mechanism 11 is referred to as the first mounting surface A1, and the mounting surface A formed by the second transport mechanism 12 is referred to as the second mounting surface A2.

[0029] One of the first conveying mechanism 11 and the second conveying mechanism 12 includes a roller conveyor 70 in which a plurality of conveying rollers 9 are arranged with gaps (roller gap S) between them. The other of the first conveying mechanism 11 and the second conveying mechanism 12 includes an endless conveyor 80 with an endless member 81 positioned in the gap (roller gap S). The mounting surface A is formed by the plurality of conveying rollers 9 and the endless member 81, respectively.

[0030] In this embodiment, as shown in Figures 4 to 7, the first conveying mechanism 11 includes an endless conveyor 80. Specifically, the first conveying mechanism 11 includes a pair of endless conveyors 80 arranged along the travel direction X and separated in the width direction Y. The second conveying mechanism 12 includes a roller conveyor 70. Therefore, the first mounting surface A1 is formed by the pair of endless conveyors 80. The second mounting surface A2 is formed by a plurality of conveying rollers 9. The second conveying mechanism 12 will be described in detail below.

[0031] As shown in Figures 4, 6, and 7, the second conveying mechanism 12 is equipped with a roller conveyor 70. The multiple conveying rollers 9 of the roller conveyor 70 are arranged along the width direction Y with gaps (roller gap S) between them. The article W is placed on the conveying surface (second mounting surface A2) formed by these conveying rollers 9. The second mounting surface A2 is a virtual plane that includes the upper ends (contact portions with the article W) of the multiple conveying rollers 9. In this example, some of the multiple conveying rollers 9 are motor rollers. The conveying rollers 9 that are motor rollers and the other conveying rollers 9 are connected by a belt or the like. As a result, the other conveying rollers 9 rotate in conjunction with the rotation of the motor rollers. Therefore, it is easier to miniaturize the transfer device 6 compared to a configuration in which a separate motor is mounted to drive each of the multiple conveying rollers 9. The multiple conveying rollers 9 convey the article W along the width direction Y.

[0032] As shown in Figures 4 to 7, the first conveying mechanism 11 includes a pair of endless conveyors 80. Each of the pair of endless conveyors 80 is equipped with an endless member 81. The pair of endless members 81 are arranged separately in the width direction Y. These endless members 81 are arranged so as not to interfere with the conveying rollers 9. In the example of Figure 6, one of the pair of endless members 81 (the endless member 81 on the first side Y1 in the width direction) is positioned in the gap S between the rollers. The other of the pair of endless members 81 (the endless member 81 on the second side Y2 in the width direction) is positioned outside the width direction Y relative to the multiple conveying rollers 9 (outside the second side Y2 in the width direction). Note that each of the pair of endless members 81 may be positioned in different gaps S between the rollers. Here, the endless member 81 is a conveying belt for carrying and transporting articles W, but it may also be a chain-shaped member. The first mounting surface A1 is defined as a virtual plane that includes the surface (the surface facing upward) that supports the article W from below in the pair of endless members 81.

[0033] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the endless conveyor 80 is equipped with a pair of guide rollers 84 that transmit the driving force of the second motor 63 to the endless member 81. The pair of guide rollers 84 are arranged separately in the travel direction X. Each guide roller 84 is rotatably arranged around an axis along the width direction Y. As shown in Figure 6, each of the pair of endless conveyors 80 is equipped with a projection 82 that protrudes toward the first side X1 of the travel direction from the end of the roller conveyor 70 in the travel direction X1. In this example, the guide roller 84 on the first side X1 of the pair of guide rollers 84 is positioned outside the first side X1 of the travel direction relative to the roller conveyor 70. As a result, the endless conveyor 80 protrudes toward the first side X1 of the travel direction beyond the end of the roller conveyor 70 in the travel direction X1. In the example of Figure 6, both of the pair of guide rollers 84 are positioned outside the travel direction X relative to the roller conveyor 70.

[0034] In addition, instead of the endless conveyor 80 or roller conveyor 70, a transfer mechanism that uses a fork-type device to transfer the articles W, or a transfer mechanism that uses a pressing member to press and move the articles W may be provided. Furthermore, the transport mechanism 7 is designed to transport articles W placed on the mounting surface A. The system may also be configured to include a conveyor equipped with a turntable that can change the orientation.

[0035] In this embodiment, a high-friction member 60, which functions as an anti-slip surface for the article W, is placed on at least one of the first mounting surface A1 and the second mounting surface A2. Specifically, the high-friction member 60 is placed on the portion of the endless member 81 that forms the mounting surface A (first mounting surface A1). Examples of the high-friction member 60 include rubber sheets and urethane sheets. Here, the high-friction member 60 is provided on the portion of the endless member 81 that serves as the conveying surface for the article W. The article W is placed on the high-friction member 60 on the first mounting surface A1. In this example, the high-friction member 60 is not placed on the roller conveyor 70.

[0036] As shown in Figures 4 to 6, the transfer device 6 is equipped with a lifting mechanism 14 that moves the first transport mechanism 11 and the second transport mechanism 12 up and down relative to each other. In this example, the lifting mechanism 14 is configured to move a pair of endless conveyors 80 in the vertical direction. As a result, as shown in Figure 7, the lifting mechanism 14 can move the first mounting surface A1 formed by the endless member 81 to a position above the second mounting surface A2 formed by the roller conveyor 70, and to a position below the second mounting surface A2. Therefore, when transporting an article W along the travel direction X by the pair of endless conveyors 80, the first mounting surface A1 should be set to a first state T1 where it is above the second mounting surface A2, and when transporting an article W along the width direction Y by the roller conveyor 70, the first mounting surface A1 should be set to a second state T2 where it is below the second mounting surface A2. The lifting mechanism 14 may be configured to move multiple transport rollers 9 in the vertical direction relative to the endless conveyor 80.

[0037] Figure 5 shows an example of a lifting mechanism 14. In the illustrated example, the lifting mechanism 14 comprises a third motor 86 as a roller motor and a lifting member 88. In the examples of Figures 5 and 6, a support member 83 is provided to connect and support a pair of guide rollers 84 that are arranged separately in the width direction Y and have the same position in the travel direction X. The support members 83 are arranged in pairs, separated in the travel direction X, to correspond to each of the guide rollers 84 that are arranged separately in the travel direction X. The lifting member 88 is fixed to the roller portion Q (stator portion) of each third motor 86 and is positioned to cover the outer circumference of the roller portion Q. The lifting member 88 is also positioned to support the support member 83 from below. Here, in view in the width direction Y, the third motor 86 is positioned above the center of the lifting member 88.

[0038] The shaft P (rotor) of the third motor 86 (here, a roller motor) is fixed to the vehicle body 17. Therefore, the shaft P cannot rotate around its axis along the width direction Y. As a result, the roller portion Q rotates around the shaft P as its axis, along the width direction Y. Then, due to the rotation of the roller portion Q, the lifting member 88 also rotates around the shaft P as its axis, along the width direction Y. Here, the lifting member 88 is configured as an eccentric cam. A cam follower 85 is fixed to the support member 83. The rotation of the lifting member 88 causes the cam follower 85 to move vertically, which in turn causes the support member 83 to move up and down. This allows each guide roller 84 and the endless member 81 attached to the guide roller 84 to be raised and lowered. In the example of Figure 6, the rotational movements of the pair of third motors 86, which are arranged separately in the travel direction X, may be controlled to be synchronized with each other, or they may be controlled independently without synchronization. Furthermore, the lifting mechanism 14 can also be equipped with a linear motion guide mechanism, thereby enabling the endless member 81 to be raised and lowered together with the guide roller 84. Thus, the configuration of the lifting mechanism 14 can be changed as appropriate.

[0039] In this embodiment, at least a portion of the lifting mechanism 14 is positioned between the pair of protrusions 82 in the width direction Y. In this example, the third motor 86 is positioned between the pair of protrusions 82 in the width direction Y. In the example shown in Figure 6, a pair of third motors 86 are positioned on the outside of the travel direction X relative to the roller conveyor 70. Of the pair of third motors 86, the third motor 86 on the first travel direction side X1 is positioned between the pair of protrusions 82 in the width direction Y, and is positioned below the mounting surface A (first mounting surface A1, second mounting surface A2).

[0040] In this embodiment, with respect to an article placed on the mounting surface A as the mounted article W1 (Figure 8), the transport vehicle 1 further includes a first restricting mechanism 26 that restricts the movement of the mounted article W1 toward the second side X2 in the travel direction relative to the mounting area 8, and a second restricting mechanism 27 that restricts the movement of the mounted article W1 toward the second side Y2 in the width direction relative to the mounting area 8. In this example, the first restricting mechanism 26 further has the function of guiding the movement of the article W in the width direction Y within the transport mechanism 7. The second restricting mechanism 27 further has the function of guiding the movement of the article W in the travel direction X within the transport mechanism 7.

[0041] As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the first regulating mechanism 26 includes a first regulating member 75 positioned between the mounting area 8 and the overlapping arrangement portion 51 in the travel direction X and extending along the width direction Y. Also, as shown in Figure 6, the second regulating mechanism 27 includes a second regulating member 76 positioned on the second side Y2 in the width direction relative to the mounting area 8 and extending along the travel direction X. In this example, the upper ends of the first regulating member 75 and the second regulating member 76 are positioned above the mounting surface A (first mounting surface A1, second mounting surface A2). In the illustrated example, the first regulating member 75 and the second regulating member 76 are supported by members constituting the vehicle body 17. The first regulating member 75 is positioned so as to overlap with the end of the roller conveyor 70 on the second side X2 in the travel direction when viewed in the vertical direction. The first regulating member 75 may also be positioned on the second side X2 in the travel direction relative to the roller conveyor 70. Furthermore, the second restricting member 76 is positioned on the second side Y2 in the width direction relative to the roller conveyor 70. Here, as shown in Figure 6, the tip portion of the first restricting member 75 (the end on the first side Y1 in the width direction) is formed to incline toward the second side X2 in the travel direction (the side away from the mounting area 8) as it approaches the first side Y1 in the width direction, and is positioned to protrude toward the first side Y1 in the width direction relative to the roller conveyor 70. The tip portion of the second restricting member 76 (the end on the first side X1 in the travel direction) is formed to incline toward the second side Y2 in the width direction (the side away from the mounting area 8) as it approaches the first side X1 in the travel direction, and is positioned to protrude toward the first side X1 in the travel direction relative to the roller conveyor 70. In addition, the tip portion of the second restricting member 76 is positioned so that its position in the travel direction X overlaps with that of a pair of protrusions 82.

[0042] On the other hand, as shown in Figure 6, the first restricting member 75 is not positioned on the first side X1 in the travel direction relative to the loading area 8. Similarly, the second restricting member 76 is not positioned on the first side Y1 in the width direction relative to the loading area 8. Therefore, the first side X1 in the travel direction and the first side Y1 in the width direction relative to the loading area 8 are open. When an item W is transferred from the loading / unloading section 29 to the loading surface A along the travel direction X, it will hit the first restricting member 75, preventing it from moving beyond the loading area 8 to the storage section 54 side (overlapping arrangement section 51 side). Similarly, when an item W is transferred from the transport device 4 to the loading surface A along the width direction Y, it will hit the second restricting member 76, preventing it from moving beyond the loading area 8 to the outside of the width direction Y of the vehicle body 17. Note that the first restricting member 75 and the second restricting member 76 may be block-shaped members. Also, multiple block-shaped first restricting members 75 and second restricting members 76 may be arranged.

[0043] As shown in Figure 7, the control unit 50 controls the lifting mechanism 14 to change the state of the transfer device 6 between a first state T1, where the first mounting surface A1 of the first transport mechanism 11 is above the second mounting surface A2 of the second transport mechanism 12, and a second state T2, where the first mounting surface A1 is below the second mounting surface A2. The control unit 50 can switch between supporting the placed item W1 on the first mounting surface A1 or on the second mounting surface A2 based on the state change between the first state T1 and the second state T2. As described above, the first mounting surface A1 is formed by a pair of endless members 81. The second mounting surface A2 is formed by a plurality of transport rollers 9. Therefore, the control unit 50 is in the first state T1 when the article W is transported along the travel direction X by the pair of endless conveyors 80, and in the second state T2 when the article W is transported along the width direction Y by the roller conveyor 70. The control unit 50 (in this case, the control unit 64) is equipped with a processor such as a microcomputer, peripheral circuits such as memory, etc. Each function is realized through the cooperation of this hardware and a program executed on the processor such as a computer.

[0044] As shown in Figure 7, the state in which an article is placed on the mounting surface A and travels along the travel direction X is defined as the travel and transport state. In the travel and transport state, the control unit 50 controls the lifting mechanism 14 so that the article W is supported on the mounting surface A of the first mounting surface A1 and the second mounting surface A2 on the side where the high friction member 60 is located. In this embodiment, in the travel and transport state, the control unit 50 controls the lifting mechanism 14 so that the mounting surface A formed by the endless member 81 (here, the first mounting surface A1) is above the mounting surface A formed by the roller conveyor 70 (here, the second mounting surface A2).

[0045] More specifically, the control unit 50 controls the lifting mechanism 14 to support the article W (placed article W1) on the first placement surface A1 where the high-friction member 60 is located, in other words, on the placement surface A formed by the pair of endless members 81, when the vehicle is in a moving transport state. That is, the control unit 50 places the article W on the first placement surface A1 by setting it to the first state T1. Then, when the roller conveyor 70 transports the placed article W1 in the width direction Y, the control unit 50 switches from the first state T1 to the second state T2 to support the placed article W1 on the second placement surface A2.

[0046] The control system 100 includes a control device H that controls the transport vehicle 1 and the transport device 4. The control device H includes, for example, a processor such as a microcomputer, peripheral circuits such as memory, etc. The various functions are realized through the cooperation of this hardware and a program executed on the processor such as a computer.

[0047] In this example, when the control device H stores an item W in a predetermined storage section 22, it causes the item W, which has been handed over from the automated guided vehicle to the loading / unloading section 29, to be transported by the transport conveyor 29a from the first side X1 in the travel direction to the second side X2 in the travel direction. The control device H also moves the transport vehicle 1 to the end of the first side X1 in the travel direction of the travel path 2. Then the control device H causes the item W to be handed over from the transport conveyor 29a to the transport vehicle 1.

[0048] Here, the control unit 50 controls the lifting mechanism 14 to set the mounting surface A to the first state T1. As a result, the article W (mounted article W1) is transferred from the conveyor belt 29a to the first mounting surface A1 (here, the mounting surface A formed by a pair of endless members 81). In the following description, in the transfer area 3, the position where the transport vehicle 1 stops to transfer the article W from the transport vehicle 1 to the transport device 4 will be referred to as the first stopping position 3a, and the position where the transport vehicle 1 stops to receive the article from the transport device 4 will be referred to as the second stopping position 3b.

[0049] The control device H moves the transport vehicle 1 toward the transfer area 3 corresponding to a predetermined storage section 22. Then, as shown in Figure 8, the control device H stops the transport vehicle 1 at the first stopping position 3a in the transfer area 3 (Figure 8(a)). The control device H also moves the traveling trolley 41 of the transport device 4 to the stopping position 5 (stopping position 5 of the traveling trolley 41) corresponding to the transfer area 3. The control device H positions the holding device 42 of the transport device 4 at a position corresponding to the mounting surface A (in this case, the first mounting surface A1) of the transport vehicle 1.

[0050] Here, the control unit 50 switches the mounting surface A from the first state T1 to the second state T2. As a result, the mounted article W1 is supported on the second mounting surface A2 (in this case, mounting surface A formed by the multiple transport rollers 9). The control unit 50 also controls the roller conveyor 70 to transport the mounted article W1 from the second side Y2 in the width direction to the first side Y1 in the width direction (towards the transport device 4). As a result, the article W is transferred from the second mounting surface A2 to the support base 46 of the holding device 42. In this example, the extension / retraction section 43 of the holding device 42 does not perform an extension / retraction operation when transferring the article W from the second mounting surface A2 to the support base 46. After that, the article W held by the holding device 42 is stored in a predetermined storage section 22. The transfer operation of the holding device 42 to the storage section 22 (the transfer target location) is as described above.

[0051] When taking an item W from a designated storage unit 22 and taking it out of storage shelf 21, the devices should be operated in the reverse order of the above. Here, the transfer of item W from the transport device 4 to the transport vehicle 1 is carried out as follows.

[0052] The control device H moves the transport vehicle 1 toward a predetermined transfer area 3. The control device H then stops the transport vehicle 1 at the second stop position 3b in the transfer area 3. At this time, the item W on the support base 46 is transferred onto the first mounting surface A1 of the transport vehicle 1 by the retraction and extension movement of the extension / retraction section 43 and the change of posture movement of the hook 66, as described above. As shown in Figure 8, in this embodiment, the second stop position 3b is set to a position shifted by a specified amount toward the second side X2 in the travel direction from the first stop position 3a. In this example, the second stop position 3b is set to a position shifted by a specified amount toward the second side X2 in the travel direction from the first stop position 3a. The specified amount is the length of the extension / retraction section 43 (here, the arm 43b) in the travel direction X plus a margin. Therefore, when transferring an item W from the transport device 4 to the transport vehicle 1, the arm 43b of the protruding extension / retraction portion 43 (second side Y2 in the width direction) can be reliably avoided from interfering with the first regulating member 75 (Figure 8(b)).

[0053] [Other Embodiments] (1) In the above embodiment, the second side Y2 in the width direction relative to the mounting area 8 is not open in the width direction Y view because the second restricting member 76 is arranged therein, and the second side X2 in the travel direction relative to the mounting area 8 is not open in the travel direction X view because the storage unit 54 is arranged therein. However, the embodiment is not limited to this. For example, the second side Y2 in the width direction relative to the mounting area 8 may be configured to be open in the width direction Y view, and the second side X2 in the travel direction relative to the mounting area 8 may be configured to be open in the travel direction X view.

[0054] (2) In the above embodiment, the travel path 2 of the transport vehicle 1 was described as being arranged to overlap with the storage shelves 21 when viewed in the vertical direction, but the configuration is not limited to this. The travel path 2 of the transport vehicle 1 may be arranged so as not to overlap with the storage shelves 21 when viewed in the vertical direction. In this way, the position in which the travel path 2 is arranged can be changed as appropriate.

[0055] (3) In the above embodiment, a configuration in which the first conveying mechanism 11 is equipped with an endless conveyor 80 and the second conveying mechanism 12 is equipped with a roller conveyor 70 was described as an example, but the invention is not limited to this. As shown in Figure 10, the first conveying mechanism 11 is equipped with a roller conveyor 70 and the second conveying mechanism 12 is equipped with an endless conveyor 80. In this case, the first mounting surface A1 is formed by a plurality of conveying rollers 9, and the second mounting surface A2 is formed by an endless member 81.

[0056] (4) In the above embodiment, a configuration in which the high-friction member 60 is placed on at least one of the first mounting surface A1 and the second mounting surface A2 was described as an example, but the invention is not limited to this. A configuration in which the high-friction member 60 is not placed on either the first mounting surface A1 or the second mounting surface A2 is also possible.

[0057] (5) In the above embodiment, a configuration in which the high-friction member 60 is arranged on the portion of the endless member 81 that forms the mounting surface A was described as an example, but the invention is not limited to this. The high-friction member 60 can also be arranged on each of the multiple conveying rollers 9. In that case, it is preferable that the high-friction member 60 is arranged to wrap around the surface of the conveying roller 9 that becomes the conveying surface (mounting surface A). Alternatively, each of the endless member 81 and the conveying roller 9 may be made up of the high-friction member 60.

[0058] (6) In the above embodiment, a configuration in which at least a part of the lifting mechanism 14 is arranged between the pair of protrusions 82 in the width direction Y was described as an example, but the invention is not limited to this. At least a part of the lifting mechanism 14 does not necessarily have to be arranged between the pair of protrusions 82 in the width direction Y. Another component of a device may be arranged between the pair of protrusions 82 in the width direction Y.

[0059] (7) The configurations disclosed in each of 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.

[0060] [Summary of the above embodiments] The following is a summary of the transport vehicles and transport equipment described above.

[0061] The transport vehicle relating to this disclosure is a transport vehicle that transports goods along a travel route, The car body and, The vehicle body is equipped with a transfer device that is mounted on the vehicle body and is used for holding and transferring the article, The direction along the aforementioned travel path is defined as the travel direction, one side of the travel direction is defined as the first travel direction side, the other side of the travel direction is defined as the second travel direction side, the direction perpendicular to the travel direction when viewed in the vertical direction is defined as the width direction, one side of the width direction is defined as the first width direction side, and the other side of the width direction is defined as the second width direction side. The transfer device comprises a mounting surface on which the article is placed, a transport mechanism for transporting the article placed on the mounting surface in the travel direction and the width direction, and a control unit for controlling the transport mechanism. The three-dimensional region in which the article placed on the mounting surface may exist is defined as the mounting region. The control unit includes an overlapping arrangement portion located on the second side in the travel direction with respect to the aforementioned arrangement area, and which overlaps with the aforementioned arrangement area when viewed in the travel direction along the travel direction. With respect to the aforementioned mounting area, the first side in the width direction is open so that there are no members that overlap with the aforementioned mounting area when viewed in the width direction along the width direction. With respect to the aforementioned mounting area, the first side in the travel direction is open so that there are no members that overlap with the aforementioned mounting area when viewed in the travel direction.

[0062] According to this configuration, the transfer device is equipped with a transport mechanism that transports articles placed on the placement surface in the travel direction and width direction, thereby enabling the transfer of articles between the placement area and an area first to the width side of the placement area, as well as between the placement area and an area first to the travel direction of the placement area. Therefore, it is easier to increase the degree of freedom in the direction of article transfer between the transport vehicle and the location to be transferred. Furthermore, with this configuration, the overlapping portion of the control unit is positioned on the second side in the travel direction relative to the mounting area. This makes it easier to keep the height of the mounting surface lower compared to a configuration in which the control unit is positioned below the mounting surface, while minimizing the obstruction of the transfer of items by the control unit. Thus, according to this configuration, in a transport vehicle equipped with a transfer device, the arrangement of the location to be transferred is This allows for increased flexibility.

[0063] Here, the transfer device comprises a first transport mechanism for transporting the article placed on the aforementioned surface in the travel direction, and a second transport mechanism for transporting the article placed on the aforementioned surface in the width direction. One of the first and second conveying mechanisms includes a roller conveyor in which a plurality of conveying rollers are arranged with gaps between them. The other of the first conveying mechanism and the second conveying mechanism includes an endless conveyor equipped with an endless member placed in the gap, The mounting surface is formed by the plurality of transport rollers and the endless member, The transfer device includes a lifting mechanism that moves the first transport mechanism and the second transport mechanism up and down relative to each other. Preferably, the control unit is configured to control the lifting mechanism so that the transfer device changes its state between a first state in which the first mounting surface of the first transport mechanism is above the second mounting surface of the second transport mechanism, and a second state in which the first mounting surface is below the second mounting surface.

[0064] With this configuration, the endless members of the endless conveyor can be placed in the gaps between adjacent conveying rollers, thus suppressing the need to increase the size of the transfer device. Furthermore, with this configuration, the transfer device can be changed between a first state and a second state by controlling the lifting mechanism. Therefore, it is possible to appropriately switch between transporting items using the first transport mechanism and transporting items using the second transport mechanism with a relatively simple configuration.

[0065] Furthermore, a high-friction member that functions as an anti-slip element for the article is placed on at least one of the first mounting surface and the second mounting surface. The state in which the article is placed on the mounting surface and travels along the travel direction is defined as the travel and transport state. In the transport state, the control unit preferably controls the lifting mechanism to support the article on at least the first mounting surface and the second mounting surface on which the high-friction member is located.

[0066] In this configuration, during transport, the article is supported on the mounting surface in contact with the high-friction member. Therefore, the article is less likely to shift from its proper position on the mounting surface while the transport vehicle is in motion.

[0067] Furthermore, a high-friction member that functions as an anti-slip element for the article is arranged in the portion of the endless member that forms the aforementioned surface. The state in which the article is placed on the mounting surface and travels along the travel direction is defined as the travel and transport state. The control unit preferably controls the lifting mechanism such that, in the transport state, the surface formed by the endless member is above the surface formed by the roller conveyor.

[0068] In this configuration, when the conveying system is moving, the mounting surface formed by the endless member is positioned above the mounting surface formed by the roller conveyor, so that the articles placed on the mounting surface can be supported by the endless member. Furthermore, since a high-friction member is positioned in the portion of the endless member that forms the mounting surface, when the conveying system is moving along the direction of travel, the articles are less likely to shift from their proper position on the mounting surface formed by the endless member.

[0069] Furthermore, the first conveying mechanism comprises a pair of endless conveyors arranged along the travel direction and separated in the width direction, The second transport mechanism includes the roller conveyor, Each of the pair of endless conveyors is provided with a projection that protrudes toward the first direction in the direction of travel relative to the end of the roller conveyor on the first direction in the direction of travel, Preferably, at least a portion of the lifting mechanism is positioned between the pair of protrusions in the width direction.

[0070] According to this configuration, a pair of endless conveyors can be used to appropriately transfer items between a placement area and a transfer target location located a first step in the travel direction from the placement area. In this case, since the pair of endless conveyors are positioned to protrude a first step in the travel direction from the roller conveyor, it is not necessary to bring the roller conveyor closer to the transfer target location than necessary when transferring items between the placement area and the transfer target location located a first step in the travel direction from the placement area. Therefore, the transfer operation of items can be easily performed. Furthermore, by placing part of the lifting mechanism in the dead space created between the widthwise sections of the pair of protrusions, it is easier to miniaturize the transfer device.

[0071] Furthermore, the article placed on the aforementioned surface is referred to as the placed article. The system further comprises a first restricting mechanism that restricts the movement of the placed article toward the second side in the travel direction relative to the previously described placement area, and a second restricting mechanism that restricts the movement of the placed article toward the second side in the width direction relative to the previously described placement area. The first regulating mechanism comprises a first regulating member that is positioned between the aforementioned placement area and the overlapping placement portion in the direction of travel and extends along the width direction, The second regulating mechanism preferably includes a second regulating member that is positioned on the second side in the width direction with respect to the previously described installation area and extends along the travel direction.

[0072] According to this configuration, when an item is moved in the direction of travel by the transport mechanism and received from the transfer target location, the item can be stopped at the appropriate position in the loading area by bringing it into contact with the first restricting member. Furthermore, when an item is moved in the width direction by the transport mechanism and received from the transfer target location, the item can be stopped at the appropriate position in the loading area by bringing it into contact with the second restricting member. Therefore, there is no need to control the stopping timing of the transport mechanism with high precision, and the control system of the transport mechanism can be easily simplified.

[0073] Furthermore, the configuration comprises the first regulating mechanism and the second regulating mechanism, wherein the first regulating mechanism is positioned between the aforementioned placement area and the overlapping arrangement portion in the travel direction and includes a first regulating member that extends along the width direction, A transport system comprising the transport vehicle and a transport device that moves along a transport route to transport the articles, The transport path extends along the travel direction and is positioned on the first side in the width direction relative to the travel path. The transport device comprises a traveling trolley that travels along the transport path, and a holding device mounted on the traveling trolley that holds and transfers the articles. The holding device includes a retractable section that extends and retracts in the width direction when transferring the article, A transfer area is set along the aforementioned travel path where the transport vehicle stops and the goods are exchanged with the transport device. A stopping position is set on the transport path, adjacent to the first side in the width direction with respect to the transfer area, where the traveling trolley stops in order to transfer the article between the transport device and the transport vehicle. In the transfer area, the position where the transport vehicle stops to transfer the article from the transport vehicle to the transport device is defined as the first stopping position, and the transport vehicle receives the article from the transport device. The position at which the transport vehicle stops in order to pick up the item is designated as the second stopping position. Preferably, the second stopping position is located at a position shifted to the second side in the direction of travel compared to the first stopping position.

[0074] According to this configuration, a transfer area is set up on the travel path where the transport vehicle and the transport device exchange goods, thus enabling the proper exchange of goods between the transport vehicle and the transport device. Furthermore, with this configuration, since the second stopping position is shifted to the second side in the travel direction compared to the first stopping position, it is easier to avoid interference between the retractable part, which moves in and out in the width direction, and the first restricting member of the transport vehicle when the transport vehicle receives an item from the transport device stopped at the stopping position.

[0075] The transport vehicle and transport equipment relating to this disclosure only need to achieve at least one of the effects described above. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0076] 1: Transport vehicle 2: Route 3: Transfer area 4: Conveying device 5: Stop position 5a: 1st stop position 5b: 2nd stop position 6:Transfer device 7: Conveying mechanism 8: Mounting area 9: Conveyor roller 10: Conveying equipment 11: First conveying mechanism 12: Second conveying mechanism 14: Lifting mechanism 17: Vehicle body 40: Transport route 41: Running bogie 42: Holding device 43:Departure 50: Control Unit 51: Duplicate placement part 60: High friction component 70: Roller conveyor 80: Endless conveyor 81:Endless member 82: Protrusion A: Mounting surface A1: First mounting surface A2: Second mounting surface S: Gap T1: First state T2: Second state X: Traveling direction X1: First side in the direction of travel X2: Second side in the direction of travel Y: width direction Y1: First side in the width direction Y2: Second side in the width direction

Claims

1. A transport vehicle that transports goods along a route, The car body and, The vehicle body is equipped with a transfer device that is mounted on the vehicle body and is used for holding and transferring the article, The direction along the aforementioned travel path is defined as the travel direction, one side of the travel direction is defined as the first travel direction side, the other side of the travel direction is defined as the second travel direction side, the direction perpendicular to the travel direction when viewed in the vertical direction is defined as the width direction, one side of the width direction is defined as the first width direction side, and the other side of the width direction is defined as the second width direction side. The transfer device comprises a mounting surface on which the article is placed, a transport mechanism for transporting the article placed on the mounting surface in the travel direction and the width direction, and a control unit for controlling the transport mechanism. The three-dimensional region in which the article placed on the mounting surface may exist is defined as the mounting region. The control unit includes an overlapping arrangement portion located on the second side in the travel direction with respect to the aforementioned arrangement region, and which overlaps with the aforementioned arrangement region when viewed in the travel direction along the travel direction. With respect to the aforementioned mounting area, the first side in the width direction is open so that there are no members that overlap with the aforementioned mounting area when viewed in the width direction along the width direction. A transport vehicle in which the first side in the travel direction is open with respect to the aforementioned mounting area such that no member overlaps with the aforementioned mounting area when viewed in the travel direction.

2. The transfer device comprises a first transport mechanism for transporting the article placed on the aforementioned surface in the travel direction, and a second transport mechanism for transporting the article placed on the aforementioned surface in the width direction. One of the first and second conveying mechanisms includes a roller conveyor in which a plurality of conveying rollers are arranged with gaps between them. The other of the first conveying mechanism and the second conveying mechanism includes an endless conveyor equipped with an endless member placed in the gap, The mounting surface is formed by the plurality of transport rollers and the endless member, The transfer device includes a lifting mechanism that moves the first transport mechanism and the second transport mechanism up and down relative to each other. The transport vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the control unit is configured to control the lifting mechanism to change the state of the transfer device between a first state in which the first mounting surface, which is the mounting surface of the first transport mechanism, is above the second mounting surface, which is the mounting surface of the second transport mechanism, and a second state in which the first mounting surface is below the second mounting surface.

3. A high-friction member that functions as an anti-slip element for the article is placed on at least one of the first mounting surface and the second mounting surface. The state in which the article is placed on the mounting surface and travels along the travel direction is defined as the travel and transport state. The transport vehicle according to claim 2, wherein the control unit controls the lifting mechanism to support the article on at least the first mounting surface and the second mounting surface on which the high-friction member is located, in the transport state.

4. A high-friction member that functions as an anti-slip element for the article is arranged in the portion of the endless member that forms the aforementioned surface. The state in which the article is placed on the mounting surface and travels along the travel direction is defined as the travel and transport state. The control unit, in the transport state, ensures that the surface formed by the endless member is above the surface formed by the roller conveyor. The transport vehicle according to claim 2, wherein the lifting mechanism is controlled.

5. The first conveying mechanism comprises a pair of endless conveyors arranged along the travel direction and separated in the width direction, The second transport mechanism includes the roller conveyor, Each of the pair of endless conveyors is provided with a projection that protrudes toward the first direction in the direction of travel relative to the first end of the roller conveyor in the direction of travel, The transport vehicle according to claim 2, wherein at least a portion of the lifting mechanism is arranged between the pair of protrusions in the width direction.

6. The article placed on the mounting surface is referred to as the mounted article. The system further comprises a first restricting mechanism that restricts the movement of the placed article toward the second side in the travel direction relative to the previously described placement area, and a second restricting mechanism that restricts the movement of the placed article toward the second side in the width direction relative to the previously described placement area. The first regulating mechanism comprises a first regulating member that is positioned between the aforementioned placement area and the overlapping placement portion in the direction of travel and extends along the width direction, The transport vehicle according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the second regulating mechanism comprises a second regulating member that is positioned on the second side in the width direction with respect to the previously described installation area and extends along the direction of travel.

7. A transport system comprising a transport vehicle according to claim 6 and a transport device that moves along a transport route to transport the article, The transport path extends along the travel direction and is positioned on the first side in the width direction relative to the travel path. The transport device comprises a traveling trolley that travels along the transport path, and a holding device mounted on the traveling trolley that holds and transfers the articles. The holding device includes a retractable section that extends and retracts in the width direction when transferring the article, A transfer area is set along the aforementioned travel path where the transport vehicle stops and the goods are exchanged with the transport device. A stopping position is set on the transport path, adjacent to the first side in the width direction with respect to the transfer area, where the traveling trolley stops in order to transfer the article between the transport device and the transport vehicle. In the transfer area, the position where the transport vehicle stops to transfer the article from the transport vehicle to the transport device is defined as the first stopping position, and the position where the transport vehicle stops to receive the article from the transport device is defined as the second stopping position. The conveying equipment is configured such that the second stopping position is shifted to the second side in the travel direction compared to the first stopping position.

Images