Cleaning system

Abstract

The cleaning system comprises a driving rail that forms the transport path of a goods transport vehicle and a cleaning vehicle capable of traveling on the driving rail. The driving rail includes a right rail and a left rail. The cleaning vehicle is equipped with a right suction port, a left suction port, a negative pressure generating unit shared between the right suction port and the left suction port to generate negative pressure, a right flow path (PR1), a left flow path (PL1), and a communication state changing device (2). The communication state changing device (2) is configured to be switchable between a two-sided communication state in which both the right flow path (PR1) and the left flow path (PL1) are connected, a right communication state in which the right flow path (PR1) is connected and the left flow path (PL1) is blocked, and a left communication state in which the left flow path (PL1) is connected and the right flow path (PR1) is blocked.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a cleaning system comprising a driving rail constituting a transport path of a goods transport vehicle and a cleaning vehicle capable of traveling on the driving rail. Background Technology

[0002] For example, Japanese Patent Publication No. 2000-271552 (Patent Document 1) discloses a technology for cleaning the transport path of a goods transport vehicle. In the following description of the background technology, the symbols indicated in parentheses are those of Patent Document 1.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a travel path (1) arranged on the ceiling and a transport cart (2) traveling along the travel path (1). The transport cart (2) receives non-contact power from a power supply line (5) installed along the travel path (1), travels along the travel path (1), and transports a cassette containing a semiconductor wafer, etc., to a destination.

[0004] However, in the technology disclosed in Patent Document 1, two suction nozzles (28, 29) are connected to a common vacuum cleaner (10), and suction of dust is performed simultaneously from the two suction nozzles (28, 29). As a result, the suction force generated by the vacuum cleaner (10) is distributed to the two suction nozzles (28, 29), and the suction force of the suction nozzles is reduced. Although there is an advantage that multiple locations can be cleaned simultaneously by multiple suction nozzles (28, 29), there is a disadvantage that, as the suction force is reduced, cleaning may not be sufficiently performed, for example, in locations where dust has accumulated in large quantities.

[0005] Considering the above situation, a cleaning system capable of efficiently cleaning the return path of a goods transport vehicle is desired.

[0006] The technology for solving the above problem is as follows.

[0007] A driving rail constituting the return path of a goods return vehicle, and

[0008] A cleaning system equipped with a cleaning vehicle capable of traveling on the above-mentioned driving rail, and

[0009] The above-mentioned driving rail includes a right rail on which the right wheel of the above-mentioned goods conveyor moves, and a left rail on which the left wheel of the above-mentioned goods conveyor moves.

[0010] The above cleaning vehicle is,

[0011] A right suction port positioned to face the drive surface of the above right rail, and

[0012] A left suction port positioned to face the drive surface of the above-mentioned left rail, and

[0013] A negative pressure generating unit shared with the above right suction port and the above left suction port to generate negative pressure, and

[0014] A right flow path connecting the above right suction port and the above negative pressure generating part, and

[0015] A left flow path connecting the above-mentioned left suction port and the above-mentioned negative pressure generating part, and

[0016] A communication state changing device for changing the communication state of each of the above right channel and the above left channel, and

[0017] The above communication state changing device is,

[0018] A state of two-sided communication in which both sides of the above right Euro and the above left Euro are connected, and

[0019] A right connection state in which the above right flow path is connected and the above left flow path is blocked, and

[0020] It is configured to be switchable to a left connection state in which the above-mentioned left flow path is connected and the above-mentioned right flow path is blocked.

[0021] According to the present configuration, by setting the flow path to a bilateral connection state, suction is performed by both the right and left suction ports, allowing both the right and left rails to be cleaned simultaneously. Additionally, by setting the flow path to a right connection state, suction can be performed from the right suction port without suctioning from the left suction port. Consequently, the right rail can be cleaned with the suction power of the right suction port higher than that of the bilateral connection state. Similarly, by setting the flow path to a left connection state, suction can be performed from the left suction port without suctioning from the right suction port. Consequently, the left rail can be cleaned with the suction power of the left suction port higher than that of the bilateral connection state. Thus, according to the present configuration, the rail to be cleaned can be selected as needed, and the cleaning capacity for each rail can be varied, making it easier to improve the cleaning efficiency of the conveying path.

[0022] Further features and advantages of the technology related to the present disclosure will become more apparent from the following description of exemplary and non-limiting embodiments with reference to the drawings. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0023] FIG. 1 is a plan view of a goods return facility equipped with a cleaning system. FIG. 2 is a drawing illustrating the two-wheel drive of a goods transport vehicle. FIG. 3 is a drawing illustrating the single-wheel drive of a goods transport vehicle. Figure 4 is a drawing illustrating the main structure of a cleaning vehicle. Fig. 5 is a drawing illustrating the connection status of each Euro. FIG. 6 is a drawing illustrating the structure of a cleaning vehicle according to other embodiments. FIG. 7 is a drawing illustrating a cleaning system according to other embodiments. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0024] The cleaning system is a system that constitutes part or all of a material conveying facility and cleans the conveying path of a material conveyor vehicle. Below, an embodiment of the cleaning system is described by providing examples of cases where the cleaning system is applied to a material conveying facility.

[0025] First, a product return facility to which the cleaning system according to the present embodiment is applied will be described.

[0026] As illustrated in FIG. 1, the item conveying facility comprises an item conveying vehicle (Vt) for conveying items, a driving rail (8) (see FIG. 2) installed near the ceiling of the facility and forming a conveying path (9) of the item conveying vehicle (Vt), and a moving loading target location (99) where moving loading of items is performed between the item conveying vehicle (Vt). That is, in this example, the item conveying facility is configured as a ceiling conveying facility for conveying items near the ceiling.

[0027] As illustrated in FIG. 2, the conveying path (9) is constructed using a pair of running rails (8). A power supply unit (7) is provided in the conveying path (9). The goods conveying vehicle (Vt) is configured to secure at least a portion of the power source by receiving non-contact power from the power supply unit (7).

[0028] As illustrated in FIG. 1, the return path (9) includes a straight path (90) and a curved path (91). The curved path (91) is provided at least in a branching section where the path branches and in a merging section where multiple paths merge.

[0029] At the mobile loading location (99), a processing device (98) for processing an item and a support (97) for supporting an item are provided, which are positioned adjacent to the processing device (98). In this embodiment, the item transport vehicle (Vt) transports the item to the support (97) before processing by the processing device (98), and transports the item after processing by the processing device (98) from the support (97) to a designated transport location. For example, the item is a container that holds a processing target object to be processed by the processing device (98), and the aforementioned "processing of the item" means processing the processing target object held in the item. The item may be a wafer storage container (so-called FOUP: Front Opening Unified Pod) that holds a wafer, or a reticle storage container (so-called reticle pod) that holds a reticle. If the item is a FOUP, the processing target object is a wafer. If the item is a reticle pod, the object to be processed becomes the reticle.

[0030] As shown in FIG. 2, the driving rail (8) includes a right rail (8R) on which the right wheel (WR) of the goods transport vehicle (Vt) drives, and a left rail (8L) on which the left wheel (WL) of the goods transport vehicle (Vt) drives.

[0031] In this embodiment, the power supply unit (7) includes a right power supply unit (7R) arranged along the right rail (8R) and a left power supply unit (7L) arranged along the left rail (8L). Each of the right power supply unit (7R) and the left power supply unit (7L) includes a power line. Both the right power supply unit (7R) and the left power supply unit (7L) provide non-contact power supply to the goods transport vehicle (Vt), and the goods transport vehicle (Vt) is configured to travel along the transport path (9) using the power obtained thereby.

[0032] In this embodiment, a plurality of location information holding units (6) are provided along the return path (9). Each location information holding unit (6) holds location information where it is located. In other words, each location information holding unit (6) holds address information at each point on the return path (9).

[0033] The goods transport vehicle (Vt) is equipped with a location information acquisition unit (5t) that acquires information about its current location. In this embodiment, the goods transport vehicle (Vt) is able to determine its current location by acquiring location information held in the location information holding unit (6) through the location information acquisition unit (5t). For example, the location information holding unit (6) is configured using a one-dimensional code, a two-dimensional code, or an IC tag. The location information acquisition unit (5t) is configured using means such as a reader capable of acquiring information from such information storage media.

[0034] As shown in FIG. 2, in the straight road (90), there are both a right rail (8R) and a left rail (8L). The goods conveyor vehicle (Vt) performs two-wheel driving in the straight road (90), with the right wheel (WR) contacting the right rail (8R) and the left wheel (WL) contacting the left rail (8L).

[0035] As illustrated in FIG. 3, in a curved road (91), only one of the right rail (8R) and the left rail (8L) may exist. For example, in a curved road (91) provided in a branching section or merging section described above, only one of the right rail (8R) and the left rail (8L) may exist. However, there may also be a curved road (91) in which both the right rail (8R) and the left rail (8L) exist, as in a straight road (90).

[0036] The curved path (91) includes a right curved path (92) that curves to the right relative to the direction of travel of the goods conveyor vehicle (Vt), and a left curved path (93) that curves to the left relative to the direction of travel. FIG. 3 illustrates the right curved path (92). In the right curved path (92), only the right rail (8R) exists among the right rail (8R) and the left rail (8L). Although not illustrated, the left curved path (93) has a symmetrical structure to the right curved path (92). In the left curved path (93), only the left rail (8L) exists among the right rail (8R) and the left rail (8L).

[0037] In this embodiment, the goods transport vehicle (Vt) performs a single-wheel drive on a curved path (91) in which only the right wheel (WR) contacts the right rail (8R) or only the left wheel (WL) contacts the left rail (8L). As shown in FIG. 3, the goods transport vehicle (Vt) performs a single-wheel drive on a right curved path (92) in which only the right wheel (WR) contacts the right rail (8R). Although not shown, the goods transport vehicle (Vt) performs a single-wheel drive on a left curved path (93) in which only the left wheel (WL) contacts the left rail (8L).

[0038] When the goods transport vehicle (Vt) performs single-wheel travel on the right curve (92), it is supported by a two-point support consisting mainly of a right wheel (WR) that contacts the right rail (8R) and a guide wheel (WG) that contacts the guide rail (94) from the right. When the goods transport vehicle (Vt) performs single-wheel travel on the left curve (93), it is supported by a two-point support consisting mainly of a right wheel (WR) that contacts the left rail (8L) and a guide wheel (WG) that contacts the guide rail (94) from the left.

[0039] The guide wheel (WG) is used to allow the goods conveyor vehicle (Vt) to proceed in any direction through the branching section. The guide wheel (WG) moves left and right to change its position. When the goods conveyor vehicle (Vt) proceeds to the right through the branching section, the guide wheel (WG) moves to the right to contact the guide rail (94) from the right and is guided by the guide rail (94). When the goods conveyor vehicle (Vt) proceeds to the left through the branching section, the guide wheel (WG) moves to the left to contact the guide rail (94) from the left and is guided by the guide rail (94).

[0040] In the curved road (91) where the goods transport vehicle (Vt) travels on one wheel, only one of the right wheel (WR) and left wheel (WL) comes into contact with the driving rail (8). Therefore, the load of contact with the driving rail (8) is concentrated on only one wheel, making the driving wheel prone to wear. Consequently, in the curved road (91), dust generated from the driving wheel is more likely to accumulate compared to the straight road (90).

[0041] The cleaning system according to the present embodiment is provided as part of such a material conveying facility. The cleaning system is a system for cleaning the conveying path (9) of a material conveying vehicle (Vt), and is equipped with a driving rail (8) that constitutes the conveying path (9) of the material conveying vehicle (Vt), a cleaning vehicle (Vc) capable of traveling on the driving rail (8), and a power supply unit (7) provided along the conveying path (9) and supplying power to the material conveying vehicle (Vt) on the conveying path (9).

[0042] As illustrated in FIG. 4, a cleaning vehicle (Vc) is configured to clean a running rail (8). The cleaning vehicle (Vc) cleans the running rail (8) while traveling along the running rail (8). The structure for the cleaning vehicle (Vc) to travel along the running rail (8) may be the same as the structure for the goods conveyor vehicle (Vt) to travel along the running rail (8). Accordingly, the cleaning vehicle (Vc) is equipped with at least a right wheel (not shown) that drives the right rail (8R) and a left wheel (not shown) that drives the left rail (8L).

[0043] A cleaning vehicle (Vc) comprises a first right suction port (HR1) (corresponding to "right suction port") positioned to face the driving surface (8f) of the right rail (8R), a first left suction port (HL1) (corresponding to "left suction port") positioned to face the driving surface (8f) of the left rail (8L), a negative pressure generating unit (1) shared between the first right suction port (HR1) and the first left suction port (HL1) to generate negative pressure, a first right flow path (PR1) (corresponding to "right flow path") connecting the first right suction port (HR1) and the negative pressure generating unit (1), a first left flow path (PL1) (corresponding to "left flow path") connecting the first left suction port (HL1) and the negative pressure generating unit (1), and a communication state changing unit that changes the communication state of each of the first right flow path (PR1) and the first left flow path (PL1). It is equipped with a device (2).

[0044] In this embodiment, the cleaning vehicle (Vc) is provided with a second right suction port (HR2) positioned opposite to the right power supply unit (7R), a second left suction port (HL2) positioned opposite to the left power supply unit (7L), a second right flow path (PR2) connecting the second right suction port (HR2) and the negative pressure generating unit (1), and a second left flow path (PL2) connecting the second left suction port (HL2) and the negative pressure generating unit (1).

[0045] The negative pressure generating unit (1) is housed in the main body of the cleaning vehicle (Vc), which is positioned below the driving rail (8). The negative pressure generating unit (1) includes, for example, a fan. The negative pressure generating unit (1) generates negative pressure by driving the fan and applies suction force to each suction port.

[0046] The cleaning vehicle (Vc) is equipped with a main flow path (PM) extending upward from the negative pressure generating unit (1). The first right flow path (PR1) and the first left flow path (PL1) are branched left and right from the main flow path (PM). The second right flow path (PR2) and the second left flow path (PL2) are branched left and right from the main flow path (PM).

[0047] The first right-side path (PR1) extends from the main path (PM) toward the right rail (8R), and the first right-side suction port (HR1) is provided at its tip.

[0048] The first left-side path (PL1) extends from the main path (PM) toward the left rail (8L), and a first left-side suction port (HL1) is provided at its tip.

[0049] The second right Euro (PR2) extends from the main Euro (PM) toward the right feed section (7R), and a second right suction port (HR2) is provided at its tip.

[0050] The second left Euro (PL2) extends from the main Euro (PM) toward the left feed section (7L), and a second left suction port (HL2) is provided at its tip.

[0051] Although the city is omitted, it is suitable for each suction port to be equipped with a brush for scraping off accumulated dust at the cleaning target area.

[0052] In this embodiment, the communication state changing device (2) is equipped with a valve (20) that opens and closes each flow path (first right flow path (PR1), first left flow path (PL1), second right flow path (PR2), second left flow path (PL2)) other than the main flow path (PM), and a driving source (21) that drives the valve (20).

[0053] In this embodiment, the valve (20) is configured using a cylindrical member arranged along the inner surface of the main flow path (PM). The valve (20) is configured to be driven by a driving source (21) and rotate around the axis of the cylindrical member. The driving source (21) includes a motor for rotating the valve (20).

[0054] In this embodiment, the valve (20) is provided with a plurality of openings (20a) (see FIG. 5). An opening (20a) is provided at a height corresponding to the respective end portions (end portions opposite to the suction port, which is the tip portion) of the first right flow path (PR1), the first left flow path (PL1), the second right flow path (PR2), and the second left flow path (PL2). At each height, a plurality of openings (20a) are intermittently provided along the circumferential direction of the cylindrical valve (20) (see FIG. 5).

[0055] Each flow path communicates with the main flow path (PM) when it overlaps with the opening (20a) of the valve (20) as the valve (20) rotates. On the other hand, when each flow path does not overlap with the opening (20a) of the valve (20), the valve (20) becomes a wall and is blocked from the main flow path (PM).

[0056] The communication state changing device (2) is configured to switch between a single-path communication state in which only one of the first right path (PR1), the first left path (PL1), the second right path (PR2), and the second left path (PL2) is connected, and a multiple-path communication state in which two or more paths are connected.

[0057] In this embodiment, the negative pressure generating unit (1) is configured to generate a constant negative pressure during its operation. In other words, the negative pressure generating unit (1) does not adjust the negative pressure during its operation. In this embodiment, the negative pressure at each suction port is adjusted by the communication state changing device (2) switching the communication state of the flow path. That is, when the communication state changing device (2) realizes a single-path communication state, there is only one flow path communicating with the negative pressure generating unit (1), so the constant negative pressure generated by the negative pressure generating unit (1) is concentrated only in that one flow path, and the suction force in that flow path is increased. On the other hand, when the communication state changing device (2) realizes multiple communication states, there are multiple flow paths communicating with the negative pressure generating unit (1), so the constant negative pressure generated by the negative pressure generating unit (1) is distributed among those multiple flow paths, and the suction force in each flow path is lowered.

[0058] In this way, in the present embodiment, the adjustment of the suction force is realized by the operation of the communication state changing device (2). In this example, the suction force of each suction port can be adjusted simply by rotating the cylindrical valve (20). Therefore, complex control can be eliminated.

[0059] In the present embodiment, the cleaning system is equipped with a control system (4) that controls each part of the cleaning vehicle (Vc). The control system (4) is configured to execute tasks using hardware including an input device, an output device, a memory device, and a CPU, or software such as a program. The control system (4) may be mounted on the cleaning vehicle (Vc), or it may be provided separately from the cleaning vehicle (Vc) to remotely control the cleaning vehicle (Vc). Alternatively, the control system (4) may be configured by such a combination.

[0060] In this embodiment, the control system (4) is configured to control the communication state changing device (2) to switch the communication state of each flow path.

[0061] In this embodiment, the cleaning vehicle (Vc) is equipped with a path detection device (3) that detects whether the return path (9) is a straight path (90) or a curved path (91). Then, the control system (4) controls the communication state change device (2) based on the detection result by the path detection device (3).

[0062] In this embodiment, the path detection device (3) detects the type of the return path (9) as follows. That is, as described above, the basic structure for the cleaning vehicle (Vc) to travel along the return path (9) is configured such that, just like the goods transport vehicle (Vt), the cleaning vehicle (Vc) acquires location information (its current location) from the location information holding unit (6). In this example, the cleaning vehicle (Vc) acquires location information from the location information holding unit (6) by the location information acquisition unit (5c), just like the goods transport vehicle (Vt). Furthermore, the path detection device (3) is configured to detect that the cleaning vehicle (Vc) enters the curved road (91) when the location information of the location information holding unit (6), which is provided immediately before the curved road (91), is acquired. In this example, the location information acquisition unit (5c) serves as the path detection device (3).

[0063] In this embodiment, the path detection device (3) can detect that a curved road (91) exists in front of the cleaning vehicle (Vc) before the cleaning vehicle (Vc) enters the curved road (91). Based on this detection result, the control system (4) controls the communication state change device (2) in advance so that the communication state of each path becomes suitable for cleaning the curved road (91). As described above, dust tends to accumulate more easily on the curved road (91) than on the straight road (90). Furthermore, in the curved road (91) where only one of the right rail (8R) and the left rail (8L) exists, cleaning the rail that does not exist is unnecessary, so it is better to concentrate the suction force on the existing rail. Accordingly, when the path detection device (3) detects the curved road (91), the control system (4) blocks the unnecessary path and communicates only the necessary path with the negative pressure generating unit (1).

[0064] As illustrated in FIG. 5, the communication state changing device (2) is configured to switch the communication state of each flow path between a two-sided communication state and a one-sided communication state. The one-sided communication state includes a right-sided communication state and a left-sided communication state.

[0065] The state of two-way communication is a state in which both sides of the first right channel (PR1) and the first left channel (PL1) are connected (see FIG. 5(a)). Although a detailed illustration is omitted, in this example, the state in which both sides of the second right channel (PR2) and the second left channel (PL2) are connected is also included in the state of two-way communication. Furthermore, the state of two-way communication corresponds to the state of multiple channels among the single channel communication state and multiple channel communication state described above.

[0066] The right connection state is a state in which the first right channel (PR1) is connected and the first left channel (PL1) is blocked (see FIG. 5(b)). Although a detailed illustration is omitted, in this example, the state in which the second right channel (PR2) is connected and the second left channel (PL2) is blocked is also included in the right connection state. Furthermore, the state in which only the first right channel (PR1) is connected and the state in which only the second right channel (PR2) is connected correspond to the single-channel connection state among the single-channel connection state and the multiple-channel connection state described above.

[0067] The left connection state is a state in which the first left channel (PL1) is connected and the first right channel (PR1) is blocked (see Fig. 5(c)). Although a detailed illustration is omitted, in this example, the state in which the second left channel (PL2) is connected and the second right channel (PR2) is blocked is also included in the left connection state. Furthermore, the state in which only the first left channel (PL1) is connected and the state in which only the second left channel (PL2) is connected correspond to the single-channel connection state among the single-channel connection state and multiple-channel connection state described above.

[0068] In this embodiment, the control system (4) controls the communication state changing device (2) to automatically switch between the two-sided communication state, the right-sided communication state, and the left-sided communication state based on at least one of the current position of the cleaning vehicle (Vc) and the state of the driving rail (8). In this example, as described above, the control system (4) detects whether the path ahead of the cleaning vehicle (Vc) is a straight path (90) or a curved path (91) based on the current position of the cleaning vehicle (Vc) obtained from the position information holding unit (6), and controls the communication state of each path.

[0069] The control system (4) controls the communication state change device (2) to switch the communication state of each flow path to a two-way communication state (see FIG. 5 (a)) in the section where the goods transport vehicle (Vt) travels on both wheels (e.g., straight road (90)), and switches the communication state of each flow path to a right communication state (see FIG. 5 (b)) or a left communication state (see FIG. 5 (c)) in the section where the goods transport vehicle (Vt) travels on one wheel (e.g., curved road (91)).

[0070] As illustrated in FIG. 5, in this embodiment, the control system (4) is configured to control the communication state changing device (2) to change the phase of the cylindrical valve (20), thereby switching between a two-sided communication state and a one-sided communication state (right-sided communication state or left-sided communication state).

[0071] In this embodiment, a plurality of openings (20a) formed in a cylindrical valve (20) are arranged only at three locations: at the 0° position, the 90° position, and the 180° position. In other words, no opening (20a) is formed at the 270° position. By doing so, the openings (20a) overlap with both the first right flow path (PR1) and the first left flow path (PL1) facing each other at 180°, thereby realizing a two-sided communication state in which both the first right flow path (PR1) and the first left flow path (PL1) communicate with the negative pressure generating unit (1). Additionally, by changing the phase, a one-sided communication state (right communication state or left communication state) can be realized in which only one of the first right flow path (PR1) and the first left flow path (PL1) overlaps with the opening (20a) and communicates with the negative pressure generating unit (1). In addition, although detailed cities are omitted, various connection conditions for the second right Euro (PR2) and the second left Euro (PL2) can also be realized in the same way as above.

[0072] According to the cleaning system described above, since the suction force at each suction port can be adjusted by opening and closing each path connected to the negative pressure generating unit (1), the transport path (9) of the goods transport vehicle (Vt) can be cleaned efficiently.

[0073] [Other embodiments]

[0074] Next, other embodiments are described.

[0075] (1) In the above-described embodiment, as a method for determining the type of return path (9), the path detection device (3) is configured to detect when the location information of the location information holding unit (6) provided immediately before the curve (91) is acquired, thereby detecting that the cleaning vehicle (Vc) is entering the curve (91). However, it is not limited to such an example. For example, the type of return path (9) may be determined by the configuration shown in FIG. 6. In the example shown in FIG. 6, the path detection device (3) includes a right rail detection unit (3R) that detects the right rail (8R) while being positioned at a location corresponding to the right rail (8R), and a left rail detection unit (3L) that detects the left rail (8L) while being positioned at a location corresponding to the left rail (8L). For example, the right rail detection unit (3R) and the left rail detection unit (3L) are configured using laser sensors and detect an object (rail) based on the blocking of the optical axis. And, as shown in FIG. 6, the path detection device (3) detects that the return path (9) is a right curved path (92) when the right rail detection unit (3R) detects the right rail (8R) and the left rail detection unit (3L) does not detect the left rail (8L). Although detailed illustration is omitted, the path detection device (3) detects that the return path (9) is a left curved path (93) when the left rail detection unit (3L) detects the left rail (8L) and the right rail detection unit (3R) does not detect the right rail (8R).

[0076] (2) In the above-described embodiment, the control system (4) controls the communication state change device (2) to automatically switch between the two-sided communication state, the right communication state, and the left communication state based on at least one of the current position of the cleaning vehicle (Vc) and the state of the driving rail (8).

[0077] Regarding the "state of the driving rail (8)," for example, based on the following "state of the driving rail (8)," the control system (4) may switch between a two-sided communication state, a right-sided communication state, and a left-sided communication state. As shown in FIG. 7, the control system (4) is configured to determine whether an indicator (hereinafter referred to as the "contamination indicator") indicating the degree of contamination of the cleaning target section (Ac) is greater than or equal to a preset value, by designating the section of the driving rail (8) that is to be cleaned by the cleaning vehicle (Vc) as the cleaning target section (Ac). If the contamination indicator is less than the set value, the control system (4) performs cleaning in a two-sided communication state for the cleaning target section (Ac). If the contamination indicator is less than the set value, the contamination state of the driving rail (8) is relatively low. With the above configuration, the suction force generated by the negative pressure generating unit (1) is distributed to each flow path, but both the right rail (8R) and the left rail (8L) can be cleaned in a balanced manner. Meanwhile, when the contamination index is greater than or equal to the set value, the control system (4) performs multiple cleaning operations on the cleaning target section (Ac), including at least one of cleaning in the right-side connection state and cleaning in the left-side connection state. When the contamination index is greater than or equal to the set value, the contamination state of the running rail (8) is relatively high. By the above configuration, the suction force generated by the negative pressure generating unit (1) can be concentrated for cleaning the location that requires cleaning. In addition, by performing multiple cleaning operations, it becomes easier to control the contamination of the running rail (8) in a concentrated manner. Furthermore, the "contamination index" can be calculated by estimating the amount of dust accumulated on the running rail (8). For example, the amount of dust accumulated on the running rail (8) may be estimated by capturing the running rail (8) using a camera sensor mounted on a goods transport vehicle (Vt) or a cleaning vehicle (Vc) and analyzing the captured image. Alternatively, it may be estimated based on the cleaning frequency.That is, it can be estimated that the longer the period elapsed since the cleaning performed immediately prior to this, the greater the amount of dust accumulated on the running rail (8), and the shorter the period, the less the amount of dust accumulated. Furthermore, the amount of dust accumulated on the running rail (8) may be estimated based on the number of goods transport vehicles (Vt) that have passed through the cleaning target section (Ac) within a predetermined period. It can be estimated that the greater the number of vehicles, the greater the amount of accumulation, and the less the number of vehicles, the less the amount of accumulation.

[0078] (3) In the above-described embodiment, an example was described in which the control system (4) controls the communication state changing device (2) to switch the communication state of each flow path. However, it is not limited to such an example. The communication state of each flow path may be switched by manually operating the communication state changing device (2).

[0079] (4) In the above-described embodiment, an example was described in which a plurality of openings (20a) formed in a cylindrical valve (20) are arranged only at three locations: at 0°, at 90°, and at 180°. However, it is not limited to such an example. The number of openings (20a) provided in the valve (20) and the arrangement positions can be arbitrarily determined. By adjusting the number or arrangement of the openings (20a), a single-channel connection state and a multiple-channel connection state can be appropriately realized.

[0080] (5) In the above-described embodiment, the valve (20) is configured using a cylindrical member arranged along the inner surface of the main flow path (PM) and is described as rotating around an axis. However, it is not limited to such an example. The valve (20) may be configured using, for example, a gate valve. The valve (20) may be configured to realize a single-circuit state and a multiple-circuit state by using a gate valve provided in each of the four flow paths, or it may be configured to realize a single-circuit state and a multiple-circuit state by using a cylindrical rotary valve and a gate valve in combination.

[0081] (6) In the above-described embodiment, the communication state for each of the second right flow path (PR2) and the second left flow path (PL2) required to clean the power supply unit (7) has been described. However, it is not limited to such examples. For example, a goods transport vehicle (Vt) equipped with a battery as a power source may travel in an area where the power supply unit (7) is not provided. In such an area, there is no need to provide the power supply unit (7), and cleaning by the second right flow path (PR2) and the second left flow path (PL2) is unnecessary. Therefore, the communication state changing device (2) may allow both the second right flow path (PR2) and the second left flow path (PL2) to be in a non-communication state when the cleaning vehicle (Vc) travels in an area where the power supply unit (7) is not provided.

[0082] (7) In addition, the configuration disclosed in the above-described embodiment may be applied in combination with the configuration disclosed in other embodiments, provided that no contradiction arises. Regarding other configurations, the embodiments disclosed in this specification are merely examples in all respects. Accordingly, various modifications can be made appropriately within the scope of not departing from the spirit of this disclosure.

[0083] [Summary of the present embodiment]

[0084] The following describes the organization of the present embodiment.

[0085] A driving rail constituting the return path of a goods return vehicle, and

[0086] A cleaning system equipped with a cleaning vehicle capable of traveling on the above-mentioned driving rail, and

[0087] The above-mentioned driving rail includes a right rail through which the right wheel of the above-mentioned goods conveyor operates, and a left rail through which the left wheel of the above-mentioned goods conveyor operates.

[0088] The above cleaning vehicle is,

[0089] A right suction port positioned to face the drive surface of the above right rail, and

[0090] A left suction port positioned to face the drive surface of the above-mentioned left rail, and

[0091] A negative pressure generating unit shared with the above right suction port and the above left suction port to generate negative pressure, and

[0092] A right flow path connecting the above right suction port and the above negative pressure generating part, and

[0093] A left flow path connecting the above-mentioned left suction port and the above-mentioned negative pressure generating part, and

[0094] A communication state changing device for changing the communication state of each of the above right channel and the above left channel, and

[0095] The above communication state changing device is,

[0096] A state of two-sided communication in which both sides of the above right Euro and the above left Euro are connected, and

[0097] A right connection state in which the above right flow path is connected and the above left flow path is blocked, and

[0098] It is configured to be switchable to a left connection state in which the above-mentioned left flow path is connected and the above-mentioned right flow path is blocked.

[0099] According to the present configuration, by setting the flow path to a bilateral connection state, suction is performed by both the right and left suction ports, allowing both the right and left rails to be cleaned simultaneously. Additionally, by setting the flow path to a right connection state, suction can be performed from the right suction port without suctioning from the left suction port. Consequently, the right rail can be cleaned with the suction power of the right suction port higher than that of the bilateral connection state. Similarly, by setting the flow path to a left connection state, suction can be performed from the left suction port without suctioning from the right suction port. Consequently, the left rail can be cleaned with the suction power of the left suction port higher than that of the bilateral connection state. Thus, according to the present configuration, the rail to be cleaned can be selected as needed, and the cleaning capacity for each rail can be varied, making it easier to improve the cleaning efficiency of the conveying path.

[0100] The above-mentioned cleaning vehicle is equipped with a control system that controls each part of the cleaning vehicle, and

[0101] The above control system is suitable for controlling the communication state changing device to automatically switch between the two-sided communication state, the right communication state, and the left communication state based on at least one of the current position of the cleaning vehicle and the state of the driving rail.

[0102] According to the present configuration, the need for cleaning of the right rail and the left rail can be determined, and the cleaning based on the determination can be performed automatically by the control system.

[0103] The above return path includes straight paths and curved paths, and

[0104] The above-mentioned goods return vehicle is,

[0105] In the above straight road, a two-wheel drive is performed in which the right wheel contacts the right rail and the left wheel contacts the left rail at the same time.

[0106] In the above curved road, single-wheel driving is performed such that only the right wheel contacts the right rail, or only the left wheel contacts the left rail.

[0107] The above control system controls the communication state changing device,

[0108] In the section where the above-mentioned goods transport vehicle performs the above-mentioned two-wheel driving, the above-mentioned communication state is switched to the above-mentioned two-sided communication state, and

[0109] In the section where the above-mentioned goods transport vehicle performs the above-mentioned single-wheel driving, it is suitable to switch the above-mentioned communication state to the above-mentioned right communication state or the above-mentioned left communication state.

[0110] Dust generated by wheel wear is prone to accumulate in the conveying path. Consequently, in sections where the goods conveyor operates on both wheels, dust is prone to accumulate on both the right and left rails, while in sections where the goods conveyor operates on one wheel, dust is prone to accumulate on either the right or left rail. According to the present configuration, the necessity for cleaning the right and left rails can be determined based on whether the section is operated on both wheels or on one wheel, and the connection state of the flow path can be appropriately switched.

[0111] The above cleaning vehicle is equipped with a path detection device that detects whether the above return path is a straight path or a curved path, and

[0112] The above control system is suitable for controlling the communication state change device based on the detection result by the path detection device.

[0113] According to the present configuration, based on the detection result by the path detection device, it is possible to realize a communication state of the flow path suitable for cleaning each of the straight path and the curved path.

[0114] A plurality of location information holding units are provided along the above return path, and

[0115] The above location information holding unit holds location information where the said location information holding unit is located, and

[0116] The above cleaning vehicle is configured to acquire the above location information from the above location information holding unit, and

[0117] The above path detection device is suitable for detecting that the cleaning vehicle enters the curved road when the position information of the position information holding unit provided immediately before the curved road is acquired.

[0118] According to the present configuration, a flow path suitable for cleaning a curved road can be realized from before the cleaning vehicle enters the curved road, or at the timing of its entry.

[0119] The above curved road includes a right curved road that curves to the right relative to the direction of travel of the above-mentioned goods conveyor vehicle, and a left curved road that curves to the left relative to the said direction of travel.

[0120] In the above curved track, among the above right rail and the above left rail, only the above right rail exists, and

[0121] In the above left curved path, among the above right rail and the above left rail, only the above left rail exists, and

[0122] The above path detection device includes a right rail detection unit positioned at a location corresponding to the right rail and detecting the right rail, and a left rail detection unit positioned at a location corresponding to the left rail and detecting the left rail.

[0123] The above path detection device is,

[0124] When the right rail detection unit detects the right rail and the left rail detection unit does not detect the left rail, it is detected that the return path is the right curved path, and

[0125] When the above-mentioned left rail detection unit detects the above-mentioned left rail and the above-mentioned right rail detection unit does not detect the above-mentioned right rail, it is suitable to detect that the above-mentioned return path is the above-mentioned left-curved path.

[0126] According to the present configuration, the path detection device can appropriately detect whether the return path is a right curve or a left curve. Furthermore, based on the detection result by the path detection device, a connection state of the flow path suitable for cleaning each of the right curve and the left curve can be realized.

[0127] The above control system is configured to determine whether an indicator representing the degree of contamination of the cleaning target section is greater than or equal to a preset value, by setting the section of the running rail that is to be cleaned by the cleaning vehicle as the cleaning target section.

[0128] The above control system is,

[0129] If the above indicator is less than the above setting value, cleaning is performed on the above cleaning target section in the above two-sided communication state, and

[0130] If the above indicator is greater than or equal to the above setting value, it is suitable to perform multiple cleanings on the above cleaning target section, including at least one of cleaning in the right communication state and cleaning in the left communication state.

[0131] According to this configuration, since the connection state of the Euro can be appropriately switched according to the degree of contamination of the section to be cleaned to perform cleaning an appropriate number of times, more efficient operation can be realized.

[0132] It is provided along the above-mentioned return path and is equipped with a power supply unit that supplies power to the above-mentioned goods transport vehicle on the above-mentioned return path,

[0133] The above power supply unit includes a right power supply unit arranged along the right rail and a left power supply unit arranged along the left rail.

[0134] The above cleaning vehicle is,

[0135] A second right suction port positioned opposite the above-mentioned right power supply section, and

[0136] A second left suction port positioned opposite the above-mentioned left power supply section, and

[0137] A second right flow path connecting the second right suction port and the negative pressure generating part, and

[0138] It is provided with a second left flow path connecting the second left suction port and the negative pressure generating part, and

[0139] The above communication state changing device is,

[0140] It is suitable to be configured to switch between a disconnected state in which only one of the above right channel, above left channel, above second right channel, and above second left channel is connected, and a multiple channel connected state in which two or more channels are connected.

[0141] According to the present configuration, in addition to the right rail and the left rail, the right power supply section and the left power supply section can be designated as candidates for cleaning locations. Furthermore, by switching between a single-channel connection state and a multi-channel connection state, one or more of the four candidates mentioned above can be designated as cleaning locations.

[0142] [Industrial Applicability]

[0143] The technology according to the present disclosure can be used in a cleaning system equipped with a driving rail constituting a transport path of a goods transport vehicle and a cleaning vehicle capable of traveling on said driving rail. Explanation of the symbols

[0144] 1: Negative pressure generating part 2: Communication status changing device 3: Path detection device 3L: Left rail detector 3R: Right rail detection unit 4: Control System 6: Location Information Retaining Unit 7: Emergency Department 7L: Left power supply 7R: Right feed point 8: Running rail 8L: Left rail 8R: Right rail 8f: Jeondong-myeon 9: Return path 90: Straight road 91: Curved road 92: Ugok Line 93: Left curve Ac: Section to be cleaned HL2: Second left suction port HR2: Second right suction port PL2: Second left Euro PR2: Second right Euro Vc: Street sweeper Vt: Goods return vehicle WL: Left wheel WR: Right Wing

Claims

Claim 1 A cleaning system comprising a driving rail constituting a transport path of a goods transport vehicle and a cleaning vehicle capable of traveling on the driving rail, wherein the driving rail includes a right rail on which the right wheel of the goods transport vehicle operates and a left rail on which the left wheel of the goods transport vehicle operates. The cleaning vehicle comprises a right suction port positioned opposite the driving surface of the right rail and a left suction port positioned opposite the driving surface of the left rail, a negative pressure generating unit shared with the right suction port and the left suction port to generate negative pressure, a right flow path connecting the right suction port and the negative pressure generating unit, a left flow path connecting the left suction port and the negative pressure generating unit, and a communication state changing device for changing the communication state of each of the right flow path and the left flow path. The communication state changing device comprises a two-sided communication state in which both sides of the right flow path and the left flow path are connected, a right communication state in which the right flow path is connected and the left flow path is blocked, and a left communication state in which the left flow path is connected and the right flow path is blocked. A cleaning system configured to be switchable. Claim 2 A cleaning system according to claim 1, comprising a control system for controlling each part of the cleaning vehicle, wherein the control system controls the communication state changing device to automatically switch between the two-sided communication state, the right-sided communication state, and the left-sided communication state based on at least one of the current position of the cleaning vehicle and the state of the driving rail. Claim 3 A cleaning system according to paragraph 2, wherein the conveying path includes a straight path and a curved path, and the goods conveying vehicle performs two-wheel driving in the straight path, where the right wheel contacts the right rail and the left wheel contacts the left rail, and performs one-wheel driving in the curved path, where only the right wheel contacts the right rail or only the left wheel contacts the left rail, and the control system controls the communication state changing device to switch the communication state to the two-sided communication state in the section where the goods conveying vehicle performs two-wheel driving, and switches the communication state to the right communication state or the left communication state in the section where the goods conveying vehicle performs one-wheel driving. Claim 4 In paragraph 3, the cleaning vehicle is equipped with a path detection device that detects whether the conveying path is a straight path or a curved path, and the control system controls the communication state changing device based on the detection result by the path detection device, a cleaning system. Claim 5 A cleaning system according to claim 4, wherein a plurality of location information holding units are provided along the above return path, and the location information holding units hold location information where said location information holding units are located, and the cleaning vehicle is configured to acquire said location information from said location information holding units, and the path detection device detects that the cleaning vehicle is entering said curved road when said location information from said location information holding units provided immediately before said curved road is acquired. Claim 6 In claim 4, the curved path comprises a right curved path that curves to the right relative to the direction of travel of the goods conveyor vehicle and a left curved path that curves to the left relative to the direction of travel, wherein in the right curved path, only the right rail exists among the right rail and the left rail, and in the left curved path, only the left rail exists among the right rail and the left rail, and the path detection device comprises a right rail detection unit that detects the right rail while being positioned at a position corresponding to the right rail, and a left rail detection unit that detects the left rail while being positioned at a position corresponding to the left rail, and the path detection device detects that the conveying path is the right curved path when the right rail detection unit detects the right rail and the left rail detection unit does not detect the left rail, and detects that the conveying path is the left curved path when the left rail detection unit detects the left rail and the right rail detection unit does not detect the right rail. Claim 7 In paragraph 2, the control system is configured to determine whether an indicator indicating the degree of contamination of the cleaning target section is greater than or equal to a preset value, wherein if the indicator is less than the preset value, the control system performs cleaning in the two-sided communication state for the cleaning target section, and if the indicator is greater than or equal to the preset value, the control system performs multiple cleanings including at least one of cleaning in the right communication state and cleaning in the left communication state for the cleaning target section. Claim 8 A cleaning system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein a power supply unit is provided along the conveying path and supplies power to the item conveying vehicle on the conveying path, and the power supply unit includes a right power supply unit arranged along the right rail and a left power supply unit arranged along the left rail, and the cleaning vehicle has a second right suction port arranged opposite to the right power supply unit, a second left suction port arranged opposite to the left power supply unit, a second right flow path connecting the second right suction port and the negative pressure generating unit, and a second left flow path connecting the second left suction port and the negative pressure generating unit, and the communication state changing device is configured to switch between a single-path communication state in which only one of the right flow path, the left flow path, the second right flow path, and the second left flow path is connected, and a multiple-path communication state in which two or more flow paths are connected.

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