Article transport vehicle

Abstract

The goods transport vehicle (1) is equipped with a fall control device (2), and the vehicle body (5) is equipped with a first cover part (51), a second cover part (52), and a cover connecting part (53). The fall control device (2) is equipped with a pair of fall control members (20) and a driving mechanism (30). Each of the pair of fall control members (20) is equipped with a supporting part, a pair of vertical extension parts (22), and a lower connecting part. The driving mechanism (30) drives the pair of fall control members (20) to move them to a control position P1 and a release position P0. At the control position, the pair of vertical extension parts (22) are arranged to overlap with the received goods (Ws) when viewed from the second direction, and the lower connecting part is arranged to overlap with the received goods (Ws) when viewed from the vertical direction. At the release position P0, the lower connecting part is arranged so as not to overlap with the received goods (Ws) when viewed from the vertical direction. It is deployed.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a goods transport vehicle for transporting goods. Background Technology

[0002] For example, Japanese Patent Publication No. 2015-131702 (Patent Document 1) discloses a product transport vehicle equipped with a pair of drop control members. In the following description of the background technology, the symbols in parentheses are those of Patent Document 1.

[0003] The item transport vehicle {ceiling transport vehicle (1)} of Patent Document 1 is equipped with a driving unit {driving moving unit (12)} that travels along a driving rail (2), a holding unit {support mechanism (19)} that suspends and holds an item {transport item (6)}, a lifting unit {lifting operating mechanism (20)} that supports the holding unit so that it can move up and down, a cover unit (21) that covers the top and side of an item located at a transport position, and a pair of fall control members {a pair of fall prevention bodies (27)} installed spaced apart in the driving direction of the driving unit. The pair of fall control members are positioned below the item at the transport position and are configured to approach and space each other along a horizontal plane. During the operation of the item transport vehicle, the pair of fall control members are positioned at a location that overlaps with the item at the transport position when viewed from the vertical direction. Therefore, even if the holding of an item by the holding member is unintentionally released, the item can be supported by a pair of fall-controlling members, thus avoiding the situation where the item falls below the pair of fall-controlling members. The problem to be solved

[0004] In the goods transport vehicle of Patent Document 1, a pair of drop control members are installed in a cantilevered state on the support portion (21a) of the cover portion (21). Therefore, if the holding of the goods by the holding portion is unintentionally released, a bending moment acts on the pair of drop control members and the support portion supporting the drop control members in the cover portion (21). Accordingly, when transporting heavy goods is assumed, it was necessary to ensure sufficient strength of the drop control members and the support portion so as to maintain the bending moment generated by supporting the goods. Consequently, there was a problem that this led to the enlargement of the drop control members and the support portion, and furthermore, to the enlargement of the goods transport vehicle and the increase in costs.

[0005] Therefore, the realization of a goods transport vehicle equipped with a drop control device having a structure that makes it easy to secure strength regardless of the weight of the goods is expected. means of solving the problem

[0006] The goods transport vehicle related to the present disclosure is a goods transport vehicle that transports goods,

[0007] A vehicle having a driving unit equipped with wheels, a vehicle body connected to the driving unit and forming a receiving space for receiving an item, a holding unit that maintains the item in a suspended state, a lifting unit that raises and lowers the holding unit relative to the vehicle body to move the item held in the holding unit up and down between a receiving position within the receiving space and a lowering position below the receiving space, and a drop control device that controls the fall of the item, which is the item at the receiving position.

[0008] A specific direction in the horizontal direction is designated as the first direction, and a direction perpendicular to the first direction when viewed from the vertical direction is designated as the second direction, one side of the first direction is designated as the first direction first side, and the other side of the first direction is designated as the first direction second side.

[0009] The vehicle body comprises a first cover portion covering the first side of the first direction with respect to the receiving space, a second cover portion covering the second side of the first direction with respect to the receiving space, and a cover connecting portion connecting the first cover portion and the second cover portion on the upper side with respect to the receiving space.

[0010] The above-described fall control device comprises a pair of fall control members and a driving mechanism for driving the pair of fall control members, and

[0011] Each of the pair of the above-mentioned drop control members comprises a supported portion supported by the cover connection portion, a pair of vertical extension portions arranged on both sides of the second direction with respect to the receiving article and extending downward from the supported portion, and a lower connection portion connecting the pair of vertical extension portions at a lower side than the receiving article.

[0012] The above driving mechanism drives a pair of the above-mentioned drop regulating members to move them to a regulated position and a release position, and

[0013] At the above-mentioned regulated position, each pair of the above-mentioned vertical extensions of the pair of the above-mentioned drop regulating members overlaps with the receiving article when viewed from the second direction following the second direction, and each of the above-mentioned lower connection portions of the pair of the above-mentioned drop regulating members is arranged to overlap with the receiving article when viewed from the vertical direction, and

[0014] In the above release position, the lower connecting portions of each of the pair of the above drop regulating members are positioned on the outer side of the above first direction with respect to the receiving article so as not to overlap with the receiving article when viewed from the up and down direction.

[0015] According to the present configuration, the supported portion of each of a pair of fall control members is supported by the upper cover connection portion relative to the receiving space in the vehicle body. Then, the lower connection portion, located below the received item, is supported in a suspended state by a pair of vertical extension portions extending downward from the supported portion. Therefore, when the pair of fall control members are in a controlled position, even if the holding of the item by the holding portion is unintentionally released, the item can still be supported by the lower connection portions of each of the pair of fall control members. Consequently, it is possible to avoid the item falling from the pair of fall control members.

[0016] Furthermore, in a state where the article is supported by the lower connecting part in this manner, the load of the article acts as a vertical tensile load on the drop control member, which follows an up-and-down direction from the supported part to the lower connecting part. In other words, it is possible to avoid large bending moments acting on the drop control member and the supporting part that supports it. Therefore, even if the weight of the article is large, it is easy to secure the strength required to support the article without significantly increasing the stiffness of the drop control member and the supporting part. Additionally, this makes it easy to achieve miniaturization or weight reduction of the drop control member and the supporting part.

[0017] In addition, according to the present configuration, when a pair of fall-regulating members are in a regulated position, each vertical extension is positioned to overlap with the received item when viewed from the second direction. Therefore, it is possible to regulate the falling of the item or a part thereof in the second direction.

[0018] In this way, according to the present configuration, it is possible to realize a goods transport vehicle equipped with a drop control device of a structure that facilitates securing strength regardless of the weight of the goods.

[0019] Further features and advantages of the goods transport vehicle become clear from the following description of exemplary and non-limiting embodiments explained with reference to the drawings. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0020] [Fig. 1] Side view of the goods return facility [Fig. 2] Side view of a goods transport vehicle [Fig. 3] Plan view schematically showing the driving mechanism of the fall control device [Fig. 4] Side view schematically showing the driving mechanism of the fall control device {Sectional view IV-IV in Fig. 3} [Fig. 5] Front view schematically showing the driving mechanism of the fall control device (cross-sectional view of VV in Fig. 4) [Fig. 6] A schematic bottom view showing the lower connection portion of the main body and a pair of fall control members. [Fig. 7] Control block diagram [Fig. 8] Side view of a goods transport vehicle in another embodiment [Fig. 9] Side view of a goods transport vehicle in another embodiment [Fig. 10] Side view of a goods transport vehicle in another embodiment [Fig. 11] Plan view schematically showing the driving mechanism of a fall control device in another embodiment Specific details for implementing the invention

[0021] Below, an embodiment in which a goods transport vehicle (1) is applied to a goods transport facility (100) is described based on the drawings. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the goods transport facility (100) is equipped with a goods transport vehicle (1) that travels along a travel path (3) and a processing device (10) that performs processing on a received item (W).

[0022] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the item transport vehicle (1) transports an item (W). In this embodiment, the item transport vehicle (1) travels along a travel path (3) to transport the item (W). In this example, the travel path (3) is arranged along the ceiling, and a rail (R) is installed along the travel path (3). That is, the item transport vehicle (1) is guided by the rail (R) and travels along the travel path (3) to transport the item (W).

[0023] Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the rail (R) is fixed to the ceiling while suspended and supported from the ceiling. In this example, a pair of rails (R) are installed along the travel path (3). Thus, in this example, the goods transport vehicle (1) is a ceiling transport vehicle that travels guided by a pair of rails (R) suspended and supported from the ceiling. Also, the goods transport vehicle (1) is not limited to a ceiling transport vehicle.

[0024] In this example, a plurality of processing devices (10) are installed in the item transport facility (100) (in the example of FIG. 1, only one of them is shown). Then, an item transport vehicle (1) transports an item (W) between the plurality of processing devices (10). Each of the plurality of processing devices (10) is equipped with a port (10a). An item (W) to be processed by the processing device (10) is transferred in and out of the port (10a). The item transport vehicle (1) stops at a location corresponding to the port (10a) on the driving path (3) and performs the transfer of the item (W) between the port (10a) and the vehicle. In this example, a container (FOUP: Front Opening Unified Pod) that holds a semiconductor substrate is used as the item (W) to be transported. Then, in the processing device (10), processing is performed on the semiconductor substrate contained in the item (W). And, in addition to FOUP, the item (W) may be, for example, a reticle storage container that holds a reticle (so-called reticle pod), etc.

[0025] Hereinafter, the configuration of the goods transport vehicle (1) will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 1 to 7. In the description, a specific direction among the horizontal directions is designated as the first direction X, and a direction perpendicular to the first direction X when viewed from the vertical direction is designated as the second direction Y. One side of the first direction X is designated as the first direction first side X1, and the other side of the first direction X is designated as the first direction second side X2. In this example, the second direction Y is a horizontal direction perpendicular to the first direction X.

[0026] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the item transport vehicle (1) comprises a driving unit (4) having wheels (4a), a vehicle body (5) connected to the driving unit (4) and forming a receiving space (S) for receiving an item (W), a holding unit (6) for holding the item (W) in a suspended state, a lifting unit (7) for raising and lowering the holding unit (6) relative to the vehicle body (5) to move the item (W) held in the holding unit (6) up and down to a receiving position T1 within the receiving space (S) and a lowering position T2 below the receiving space (S), and a drop control device (2) for controlling the fall of the received item (Ws), which is the item (W) at the receiving position T1. In this embodiment, the item transport vehicle (1) further comprises a slide unit (8) for sliding the item (W) held in the holding unit (6) in a horizontal direction and a control device (H).

[0027] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the driving unit (4) is equipped with a wheel (4a) that moves along a rail (R) and a driving motor (M1) that drives the wheel (4a). In the illustrated example, the driving unit (4) is equipped with a plurality of wheels (4a). The driving motor (M1) drives at least one of the plurality of wheels (4a) to provide a driving force for the goods transport vehicle (1) to be guided along a pair of rails (R) and move. In this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the first direction X is a direction that follows the driving direction of the driving unit (4). That is, the direction that follows the driving path (3) is the first direction X, and the goods transport vehicle (1) travels along the first direction X.

[0028] The holding part (6) is equipped with a pair of gripping claws (6a) and a holding motor (M2) (see FIG. 7) that moves the pair of gripping claws (6a) closer together and further apart. The holding part (6) is configured to switch between a gripping state in which the pair of gripping claws (6a) grip an article (W) and a gripping release state in which the gripping state is released by driving the holding motor (M2) to move the pair of gripping claws (6a) closer together or further apart. In this example, as shown in FIG. 2, the article (W) is equipped with an article body part (Wb) and a holding part (Wa) installed above the article body part (Wb). And, the holding part (6) is configured to hold the item (W) in a suspended state by holding the part to be held (Wa) in the item (W), more specifically, by holding the part to be held (Wa) by a pair of gripping claws (6a).

[0029] The slide section (8) is equipped with a slide body (8a) that moves along the second direction Y relative to the driving section (4), and a slide motor (M4) (see FIG. 7) that moves the slide body (8a) along the second direction Y. The slide section (8) is configured to move the lifting section (7), the holding section (6), and the article (W) held in the holding section (6) along the second direction Y by driving the slide motor (M4). For example, if the port (10a) in the processing device (10) is positioned at a location offset in the second direction Y relative to the driving path (3), the article (W) held in the holding section (6) can be positioned at an overlapping location when viewed from the upper and lower directions relative to the port (10a) by moving the article (W) held in the holding section (6) along the second direction Y. By this, the transfer of goods (W) to the port (10a) by the lifting unit (7) can be properly performed.

[0030] The lifting unit (7) raises the item (W) held by the holding unit (6) from the lowering position T2 to the receiving position T1 when the item transport vehicle (1) moves along the driving path (3). Additionally, the lifting unit (7) lowers the item (W) held by the holding unit (6) from the receiving position T1 to the lowering position T2 when transporting and loading the item (W) between the item transport vehicle (1) and the port (10a). In this example, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the lifting unit (7) is equipped with a pulley (7a) supported by a slide body (8a), a belt (7b) wound around the pulley (7a) with the holding unit (6) connected to the front end, and a lifting motor (M3) (see FIG. 7) that rotates the pulley (7a) to drive the belt (7b). The lifting unit (7) raises the holding unit (6) and the item (W) held in the holding unit (6) relative to the vehicle body (5) by rotating the pulley (7a) in the forward direction by driving the lifting motor (M3) and winding the belt (7b). Additionally, the lifting unit (7) lowers the holding unit (6) and the item (W) held in the holding unit (6) relative to the vehicle body (5) by rotating the pulley (7a) in the reverse direction by driving the lifting motor (M3) and winding the belt (7b). By raising the item (W) in this manner, the item transport vehicle (1) performs the transfer and loading of the item (W) between the port (10a).

[0031] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, in this embodiment, the vehicle body (5) is positioned below the driving unit (4). In this example, the vehicle body (5) is suspended and supported by the driving unit (4). Specifically, the driving unit (4) is positioned above the rail (R), and the vehicle body (5) is positioned below the rail (R). In addition, in this embodiment, the vehicle body (5) has a shape in which at least one side of the second direction Y is open with respect to the receiving space (S). In this example, the vehicle body (5) has a shape in which both sides and the lower side of the second direction Y are open with respect to the receiving space (S). The specific configuration of the vehicle body (5) will be described below.

[0032] As shown in FIGS. 1 through 3 and FIG. 6, the vehicle body (5) is provided with a first cover portion (51) covering a first direction, first side X1 with respect to a receiving space (S), a second cover portion (52) covering a first direction, second side X2 with respect to a receiving space (S), and a cover connecting portion (53) connecting the first cover portion (51) and the second cover portion (52) on the upper side with respect to the receiving space (S). The receiving space (S) is formed to be surrounded by the first cover portion (51), the second cover portion (52), and the cover connecting portion (53). In this embodiment, each of the first cover portion (51) and the second cover portion (52) is arranged to face the surface facing the first direction X in an article (W) {i.e., an article (Ws)} that is held in the receiving space (S) by the holding portion (6). With respect to the receiving space (S), the sides and lower sides in the second direction Y are not provided with such cover portions and are open. Therefore, the receiving item (Ws) can slide to the outer sides in the second direction Y with respect to the receiving space (S) by means of the slide portion (8). Likewise, the receiving item (Ws) can be raised and lowered between the receiving position T1 and the lowering position T2 by means of the lifting portion (7). In addition, in this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the cover connecting portion (53) is connected to the driving portion (4). In this example, the item transport vehicle (1) further comprises a connector (4d), and the cover connecting portion (53) is connected to the driving portion (4) through the connector (4d) (see FIGS. 2 and 3). Additionally, as shown in FIG. 2, a lifting section (7), a sliding section (8), and a holding section (6) are arranged on the lower side of the cover connecting section (53), and these are also supported by the driving section (4) through the connecting body (4d). Accordingly, the receiving space (S) for accommodating the article (W) is formed on the lower side of the area where the lifting section (7), the sliding section (8), and the holding section (6) are arranged.

[0033] The fall control device (2) is a device for preventing the goods (W) from falling off the goods transport vehicle (1) even if the holding of the received goods (Ws) by the holding part (6) is unintentionally released while the goods transport vehicle (1) is in operation, for example. Below, the specific configuration of the fall control device (2) will be described.

[0034] As shown in FIGS. 1 through 5, the fall control device (2) is equipped with a pair of fall control members (20) and a driving mechanism (30) that drives the pair of fall control members (20). In this embodiment, the pair of fall control members (20) are installed in the cover connection part (53). Additionally, the pair of fall control members (20) are arranged in a first direction X. Furthermore, when the holding of the received article (Ws) by the holding part (6) is released, the pair of fall control members (20) supports the article (W), thereby preventing the article (W) from falling below the receiving space (S).

[0035] As shown in FIGS. 2 through 6, each of the pair of fall-regulating members (20) has a supported member (21) supported by a cover connecting member (53), a pair of vertical extension members (22) that are divided and arranged on both sides of the second direction Y with respect to the receiving article (Ws) and extend downward from the supported member (21), and a lower connecting member (24) that connects the pair of vertical extension members (22) at a lower side than the receiving article (Ws). In this embodiment, each of the pair of fall-regulating members (20) is arranged to surround both sides of the second direction Y and the lower side in the receiving space (S) by means of the supported member (21), the pair of vertical extension members (22), and the lower connecting member (24). In this example, the supporting portion (21), a pair of vertical extension portions (22), and a lower connecting portion (24) are positioned outside the receiving space (S). In this example, each of the pair of fall-controlling members (20) has the same structure as the others. Therefore, below, the configuration of one of the pair of fall-controlling members (20) will be described, and the description of the other will be omitted. Also, the pair of fall-controlling members (20) may each have a separate structure.

[0036] In this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 3 through 5, the supported portion (21) is supported by the cover connecting portion (53) through the driving mechanism (30). Additionally, the supported portion (21) supports a pair of vertical extension portions (22) from above. In this example, the drop control member (20) is provided with a pair of supported portions (21) corresponding to each of the pair of vertical extension portions (22). The pair of supported portions (21) are arranged in a second direction Y (more specifically, both sides of the second direction Y with respect to the receiving article (Ws)). A corresponding vertical extension portion (22) is connected to each of the pair of supported portions (21). In the example of FIGS. 4 and 5, the pair of supported portions (21) are connected to the guide portion (32) of the driving mechanism (30) described later. Also, the connection part between the guide part (32) and the supported part (21) is the supporting part (41) described later. Details regarding the configuration of such a driving mechanism (30) will be explained later.

[0037] In this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 4, and 5, each of the pair of vertical extensions (22) is arranged to follow the vertical direction. Additionally, the pair of vertical extensions (22) are arranged to overlap each other when viewed from the second direction Y. The term "overlapping" includes not only areas that completely overlap, but also areas that partially overlap. In this example, as described above, each of the pair of supported parts (21) supports the corresponding pair of vertical extensions (22) from the upper side. Specifically, the upper end of the vertical extension (22) is connected to the corresponding supported part (21). The vertical extension (22) is formed to extend downward from the supported part (21). Additionally, the lower end of the vertical extension (22) is positioned below the bottom surface of the receiving article (Ws). In the examples of FIGS. 2, 4, and 5, the vertical extension (22) is a plate-shaped member arranged to follow the vertical direction. In addition, at the regulated position P1 described later, each of the pair of vertical extensions (22) is arranged to face the surface facing the second direction Y in the main body (Wb) of the receiving article (Ws). Furthermore, the lower end of each of the pair of vertical extensions (22) is positioned below the bottom surface of the receiving article (Ws) and also below the lower end of the first cover part (51) and the second cover part (52) (in other words, below the receiving space (S)). Additionally, the lower end of each of the pair of vertical extensions (22) may be positioned within the receiving space (S) as long as it is below the bottom surface of the receiving article (Ws). In this case, the lower end of each of the pair of vertical extensions (22) is positioned lower than the bottom surface of the receiving item (Ws) and also higher than the lower end of the first cover part (51) and the second cover part (52). In this example, the pair of vertical extensions (22) have the same structure, but they may have different structures.Even in that case, it is preferable that the lower ends of each of the pair of vertical extensions (22) have the same vertical position.

[0038] In addition, in this example, each of the pair of vertical extensions (22) is positioned in a vertical orientation, but, for example, they may be positioned in an inclined orientation relative to the vertical direction.

[0039] In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, the lower connecting portion (24) connects the lower ends of a pair of vertical extension portions (22). That is, the lower connecting portion (24) is supported from above by a pair of vertical extension portions (22). In other words, the lower connecting portion (24) is supported from above by a pair of supported portions (21) through a pair of vertical extension portions (22). In addition, the lower connecting portion (24) is positioned below the bottom surface of the receiving article (Ws) and is also positioned to follow the second direction Y. In the illustrated example, the lower connecting portion (24) is a plate-shaped member that follows a horizontal plane. And, at the regulated position P1 described later, each lower connecting portion (24) of a pair of drop regulated members (20) is positioned to face the surface facing downward from the article body portion (Wb) of the receiving article (Ws). In addition, in this example, the lower connecting part (24), the vertical extension part (22), and the supporting part (21) are formed integrally, but each may be composed of separate parts.

[0040] As shown in FIG. 2, the driving mechanism (30) drives a pair of drop-regulating members (20) to move to a regulated position P1 and a release position P0. Here, the regulated position P1 is the position of a pair of drop-regulating members (20) that can avoid the item (W) being released from being held by the holding member (6) falling below the receiving space (S). In other words, the regulated position P1 is the position of a pair of drop-regulating members (20) that can support the item (W) being released from being held by the holding member (6) from below. Additionally, the release position P0 is the position of a pair of drop-regulating members (20) when the item transport vehicle (1) transports and loads the item (W) between the port (10a). At release position P0, a pair of drop-control members (20) are positioned so as not to interfere with the lifting part (7), holding part (6), and slide part (8) performing a transfer loading operation with respect to the port (10a), or with the item (W) held in the holding part (6). In this embodiment, the driving mechanism (30) moves the pair of drop-control members (20) from the control position P1 to the release position P0 when the item transport vehicle (1) transfers the item (W) between the port (10a). Then, the driving mechanism (30) moves the pair of drop-control members (20) from the release position P0 to the control position P1 when the item transport vehicle (1) holds the item (W) and travels along the driving path (3). In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, the driving mechanism (30) moves each of the supported parts (21) of the pair of drop-control members (20) to the first direction X. Accordingly, each of the pair of drop-regulating members (20) is placed in either the regulating position P1 or the release position P0.

[0041] In this example, the driving mechanism (30) moves each of the supported members (21), which are divided and arranged in the first direction X, in the first direction X, thereby bringing them closer together and separating them. In addition, in this example, when the supported members (21) {here, a pair of supported members (21)} move in the first direction X, a pair of upper and lower extension members (22) and a lower connecting member (24) also move in the first direction X as a whole with the supported members (21). That is, the driving mechanism (30) moves the entire fall regulating member (20) in the first direction X, thereby bringing the pair of fall regulating members (20) closer together and separating them. Below, the regulating position P1 and the release position P0 will be described in detail.

[0042] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 6, at the regulated position P1, each pair of vertical extensions (22) of a pair of fall regulating members (20) overlap with the receiving article (Ws) when viewed from the second direction Y along the second direction Y, and each lower connection (24) of a pair of fall regulating members (20) overlaps with the receiving article (Ws) when viewed from the vertical direction. In this embodiment, at the regulated position P1, a pair of fall regulating members (20) are positioned at a location inward by a specified distance from both ends of the first direction X in the article body part (Wb) of the receiving article (Ws). That is, each pair of vertical extensions (22) and lower connection (24) of a pair of fall regulating members (20) are positioned inward by a specified distance from both ends of the first direction X in the article body part (Wb) of the receiving article (Ws). The regulated distance is set so that a pair of drop-regulating members (20) are placed at a position (regulated position P1) where the item (W) can be properly supported. In this example, at the regulated position P1, a pair of vertical extension members (22) are placed so that when viewed from the second direction Y, a portion (in the illustrated example, an area lower than the center of the vertical extension members (22)) overlaps with the item (Ws), and a lower connecting member (24) is placed so that when viewed from the vertical direction, a portion (specifically, an area other than both ends of the lower connecting member (24) in the second direction Y) overlaps with the item (Ws).

[0043] In addition, in this example, as described above, at the regulated position P1, a pair of vertical extensions (22) are positioned to face the surface facing the second direction Y in the main body (Wb) of the receiving article (Ws) (see FIG. 2). Also, at the regulated position P1, a lower connecting part (24) is positioned to face the bottom surface of the main body (Wb) of the receiving article (Ws) (see FIG. 6). Since the regulated position P1 is set so that a pair of fall regulated members (20) are positioned as described above, even if the holding of the receiving article (Ws) by the holding part (6) is unintentionally released, the released article (W) falls onto each of the lower connecting parts (24) of the pair of fall regulated members (20) and is properly supported by the lower connecting parts (24). Therefore, it is possible to avoid the article (W) falling below the receiving space (S). In addition, for example, even if the item (W) that has been released from holding moves to one side of the second direction Y due to centrifugal force generated when the item transport vehicle (1) travels along a curved path in the driving path (3), it comes into contact with the upper and lower extension portions (22) of each of the pair of fall control members (20) on one side of the second direction Y, so that the item can avoid falling to a lower side of the receiving space (S) from one side of the second direction Y.

[0044] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 6, at release position P0, each lower connecting portion (24) of a pair of fall regulating members (20) is positioned outside the first direction X with respect to the receiving item (Ws) so as not to overlap with the receiving item (Ws) when viewed from the up and down direction. In this embodiment, at release position P0, each pair of up and down extension portions (22) of a pair of fall regulating members (20) are positioned outside the first direction X with respect to the receiving item (Ws) so as not to overlap with the receiving item (Ws) when viewed from the second direction Y. In this example, at release position P0, a pair of fall regulating members (20) are positioned outside by a specified distance from both sides of the main body portion (Wb) of the receiving item (Ws) in the first direction X. Therefore, at release position P0, a pair of vertical extensions (22) are arranged so that they do not overlap with the receiving item (Ws) when viewed from the second direction Y, but overlap with the receiving space (S). Also, at release position P0, each lower connecting part (24) of a pair of fall regulating members (20) is arranged so that they do not overlap with the receiving item (Ws) when viewed from the vertical direction, but overlap with the receiving space (S). Therefore, when the item (W) held by the holding member (6) moves up and down, for example, between receiving position T1 and lowering position T2, it does not interfere with each lower connecting part (24) of a pair of fall regulating members (20). Likewise, when the item (W) held by the holding member (6) slides in the second direction Y, it does not interfere with each pair of vertical extensions (22) of a pair of fall regulating members (20).

[0045] As described above, in this example, a pair of fall-regulating members (20) move from a regulating position P1 to opposite sides of the first direction X in order to move to a release position P0. That is, the release position P0 corresponding to each of the pair of fall-regulating members (20) is set on both outer sides of the first direction X with respect to the receiving article (Ws). However, the release position P0 corresponding to each of the pair of fall-regulating members (20) may be set on one side of the first direction X with respect to the receiving article (Ws). In this case, the pair of fall-regulating members (20) reach the release position P0 by moving from a regulating position P1 to the same side of the first direction X.

[0046] As shown in FIGS. 2 through 5, in this embodiment, the driving mechanism (30) is provided with a guide part (32) that guides each of the supported parts (21) of a pair of drop-regulating members (20) to move in a first direction X, and a driving part (35) that moves the pair of supported parts (21) to opposite sides of the first direction X. In this example, the guide part (32) and the driving part (35) are installed on the cover connecting part (53) (in the example of FIG. 3, the upper surface of the cover connecting part (53)).

[0047] In this example, as shown in FIGS. 2 through 5, the guide member (32) is equipped with a linear guide mechanism (31). The linear guide mechanism (31) is arranged along a first direction X, and each supported member (21) of a pair of fall-regulating members (20) is connected to the linear guide mechanism (31). In this way, each of the pair of fall-regulating members (20) is guided by the linear guide mechanism (31) and moves along the first direction X.

[0048] In the example of FIG. 3, a pair of linear guide mechanisms (31) are arranged separately in the second direction Y. Each of the pair of linear guide mechanisms (31) is equipped with a guide body (31a) and a plurality (here, two) of movable bodies (31b). The guide body (31a) is arranged so that the movable bodies (31b) move along the first direction X. And, each pair of supported parts (21) of a pair of fall control members (20) are fixed to the movable bodies (31b). In the examples of FIG. 4 and FIG. 5, the supported parts (21) are supported by the movable bodies (31b) by being fixed to the movable bodies (31b) from above. That is, the movable bodies (31b) of the linear guide mechanisms (31) function as supporting parts (41) that support the supported parts (21). Also, the linear guide mechanism (31) is a linear guide here, but various known linear guide mechanisms such as ball splines and linear bushes can be used.

[0049] In addition, in this example, as shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, the driving unit (35) is equipped with a plurality of pulleys (35b) supported by a cover connection unit (53), a driving belt (35a) wound around the plurality of pulleys (35b) and connected to a linear guide mechanism (31), and a drop control driving motor (M6) that drives the driving belt (35a) by rotating the pulleys (35b). In the example of FIG. 4, the driving belt (35a) is wound around a plurality (here, two) of pulleys (35b) arranged in a first direction X. Then, one end of a pair of drop control members (20) is connected to the horizontal portion of the lower driving belt (35a), and the other end of a pair of drop control members (20) is connected to the horizontal portion of the upper driving belt (35a). Specifically, the drop control member (20) is connected to the drive belt (35a) through the belt support member (23) installed on the upper part of the vertical extension member (22). Then, as a plurality of pulleys (35b) rotate in the same direction, a pair of drop control members (20) move to approach or separate from each other. In the example of FIG. 3, a pair of such drive belts (35a) are installed to correspond to a pair of linear guide mechanisms (31). The drive belt (35a) and the plurality of pulleys (35b) are connected to a single drop control drive motor (M6) through a transmission mechanism (35c). The transmission mechanism (35c) transmits the driving force of the drop control drive motor (M6) to the plurality of pulleys (35b). Then, the drive belt (35a) rotates together with the rotation of the plurality of pulleys (35b), thereby causing a pair of drop control members (20) to move to approach and separate from each other.

[0050] In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7, the control device (H) controls the driving unit (4), the holding unit (6), the lifting unit (7), the sliding unit (8), and the fall control device (2). The control device (H) is equipped with a processor such as a microcomputer and also has peripheral circuits such as memory, and each function of the control device (H) is realized through cooperation between these hardware and a program executed on the hardware such as the processor. The control device (H) is connected to communicate with a higher-level controller (not shown) that controls the entire item conveying facility (100). The control device (H) is configured to acquire a command from the higher-level controller (not shown) in the command acquisition unit (11) and to control the driving unit (4), the holding unit (6), the lifting unit (7), the sliding unit (8), and the fall control device (2) according to the content of the acquired command.

[0051] In this example, the control device (H) performs a return control that returns an item (W) between a plurality of processing devices (10) and a transfer loading control that transfers and loads an item (W) between ports (10a).

[0052] In the return control, the control device (H) controls the driving unit (4) {driving motor (M1)} to direct the item return vehicle (1) toward the processing device (10) of the transfer loading location by means of a return command from the upper controller.

[0053] At that time, the control device (H) controls the fall control device (2) {fall control drive motor (M6)} so that a pair of fall control members (20) remain in a state where they are in a control position P1. Then, the control device (H) stops the goods transport vehicle (1) at a stopping position corresponding to a port (10a) in the processing device (10) of the transport vehicle. Therefore, even if the holding of the goods (W) by the holding member (6) is unintentionally released while the goods transport vehicle (1) is in operation, the goods (W) are supported by the lower connecting part (24) of each of the pair of fall control members (20), so that the goods (W) can avoid falling below the receiving space (S), that is, falling from the goods transport vehicle (1). In addition, for example, even if an item (W) that has been released from holding moves toward either side of the second direction Y due to traveling along a curved path in the driving path (3) or receiving an impact from the outside, movement toward the outside of the second direction Y of the receiving space (S) is restricted by the upper and lower extensions (22) of each of the pair of fall-regulating members (20), so that the item (W) can avoid falling from either side of the second direction Y relative to the receiving space (S).

[0054] Here, as shown in FIGS. 3, 4, and 5, each of the pair of drop-control members (20) is supported from the upper side by a support member (41) {here, a plurality of movable bodies (31b)} in an up-and-down position. Then, the article (W) that has been released from holding is supported from the lower side by a lower connecting part (24), which is the lower part of each of the pair of drop-control members (20). Therefore, compared to the case where, for example, the pair of drop-control members (20) are supported in a cantilevered state by the first cover part (51) and the second cover part (52), a large bending moment can be avoided on the support member (41) supporting the drop-control member (20). Thus, even if the weight of the article (W) to be transported is large, it is easy to secure the strength required to support the article (W) without significantly increasing the rigidity of the drop-control member (20) or the member supporting it. Therefore, regardless of the weight of the item (W), it is easy to properly support the item (W) that has been released by the pair of drop control members (20). In addition, it is easy to avoid the drop control members (20) or the support member (41) becoming too large in order to secure the strength required to support the item (W).

[0055] The control device (H) performs transfer loading control for the goods transport vehicle (1) that is stopped at the port (10a) of the transfer target. When transferring goods (W) between the goods transport vehicle (1) and the port (10a), the control device (H) controls the drop control device (2) to move a pair of drop control members (20) from a controlled position P1 to a released position P0. By doing so, when transferring goods (W) between the goods transport vehicle (1) and the port (10a), it is possible to avoid the goods (W) held in the holding unit (6) interfering with the pair of drop control members (20). The control device (H) controls the lifting unit (7) {lifting motor (M3)} to lift the goods (W) between a receiving position T1 and a lowering position T2 while the pair of drop control members (20) are in the released position P0. Here, if the port (10a) is in a position offset from the rail (R) following the travel path (3), the control device (H) controls the slide part (8) {slide motor (M4)} to slide the article (W) in the second direction Y. In this way, the control device (H) can transfer and load the article (W) between the port (10a) without interfering with the pair of drop-regulating members (20) by moving the pair of drop-regulating members (20) from the regulated position P1 to the released position P0 in the transfer and loading control.

[0056] [Other embodiments]

[0057] Next, other embodiments of the goods transport vehicle will be described.

[0058] (1) In the above-described embodiment, the fall control device (2) is described as having a configuration having a pair of fall control members (20), but it is not limited to this. For example, the fall control device (2) may be configured to have three or more fall control members (20).

[0059] (2) In the above-described embodiment, the goods transport vehicle (1) is configured such that when transporting goods (W), a pair of drop-controlling members (20) are moved from a release position P0 to a control position P1, and even if the holding of the received goods (Ws) by the holding member (6) is released, the goods (W) can be supported by the lower connecting part (24) of each of the pair of drop-controlling members (20). However, the configuration is not limited to this configuration, and for example, the goods transport vehicle (1) may be configured to have a vibration prevention mechanism (60) in addition to the pair of drop-controlling members (20). By doing so, vibrations generated during the operation of the goods transport vehicle (1) are absorbed by the vibration prevention mechanism (60), and the vibration transmitted to the received goods (Ws) is reduced. Therefore, damage to the received goods (Ws) due to vibration can be avoided. An example of this is shown in FIG. 8. In the example of FIG. 8, a first cover part (51) and a second cover part (52) each have a oscillation prevention mechanism (60) installed, which includes an oscillation prevention body (60a) and an oscillation prevention body support part (60b) that supports the oscillation prevention body (60a). In the illustrated example, the oscillation prevention body (60a) is a roller that rotates around an axis following the up-and-down direction, and an oscillation prevention body support part (60b) that rotatably supports the roller is mounted on the first cover part (51) and the second cover part (52) so as to be movable in a first direction X. And, when the goods transport vehicle (1) is in motion, the respective anti-vibration support portions (60b) of the first cover portion (51) and the second cover portion (52) protrude inward in the first direction X of the receiving space (S) and come into contact with the side (face facing the first direction X) of the main body portion (Wb) of the received goods (Ws). It is preferable that the driving source for driving the anti-vibration mechanism (60) and the driving source of the driving mechanism (30) for driving a pair of fall-regulating members (20) {in the above-described embodiment, the fall-regulating driving motor (M6)} are configured to be a common driving source.Additionally, the vibration prevention body (60a) may be configured to have an elastic member. By doing so, vibrations transmitted to the receiving article (Ws) can be absorbed more effectively.

[0060] (3) In the above-described embodiment, each supporting part (21) of a pair of fall-regulating members (20) is moved in the first direction X by the driving mechanism (30), and each pair of vertical extension parts (22) of each of the pair of fall-regulating members (20) is moved in the first direction X. In the release position P0, each pair of vertical extension parts (22) of each of the pair of fall-regulating members (20) is positioned outside the first direction X with respect to the receiving item (Ws) so as not to overlap with the receiving item (Ws) when viewed from the second direction Y. However, this configuration is not limited thereto. For example, each supporting part (21) of a pair of fall-regulating members (20) does not need to be moved in the first direction X. Also, in the release position P0, the vertical extension parts (22) of a pair of fall-regulating members (20) may overlap with the receiving item (Ws) when viewed from the second direction Y. An example of this is illustrated in FIG. 10. In FIG. 10, the driving mechanism (30) is equipped with a pair of rotating bodies (36) that rotate around an axis (r1) following the second direction Y. The pair of rotating bodies (36) are arranged in a first direction X. Each of the pair of rotating bodies (36) supports a pair of supported parts (21) of each of the pair of fall-regulating members (20). That is, the rotating body (36) is a supporting part (41) that supports the supported part (21). Then, by driving the fall-regulating driving motor (M6), each of the pair of rotating bodies (36) rotates in opposite directions around the axis (r1) through the electric driving mechanism (37) (simplified in FIG. 10). Accordingly, each of the pair of drop-regulating members (20) rotates around the axis (r1) and moves to release position P0 and regulating position P1.In the illustrated example, at release position P0, each pair of vertical extensions (22) of a pair of drop-regulating members (20) do not overlap with any of the receiving item (Ws), holding member (6), lifting member (7), and slide member (8) when viewed from the second direction Y; however, at release position P0, each pair of vertical extensions (22) of a pair of drop-regulating members (20) may be configured to overlap with the receiving item (Ws) when viewed from the second direction Y. For example, this configuration may be used when the item transport vehicle (1) is not equipped with a slide member (8).

[0061] (4) In the above-described embodiment, the driving mechanism (30) is described as having a configuration that includes a plurality of pulleys (35b) supported by a cover connection part (53) as a driving part (35), a driving belt (35a) wound around the plurality of pulleys (35b) and connected to a linear guide mechanism (31), and a drop control driving motor (M6) that drives the driving belt (35a) by rotating the pulleys (35b), but is not limited thereto. For example, the driving mechanism (30) may be configured to have a configuration that includes a ball screw (36a), a nut part (36b) screw-coupled to the ball screw (36a), and a linkage shaft (36c) connecting the nut part (36b) and a pair of linear guide mechanisms (31) support parts (41) {here, moving body (31b)} as a driving part (35). An example of this is shown in FIG. 11. In the example of FIG. 11, the ball screw (36a) is connected to a drop control drive motor (M6) and is also positioned along the first direction X. The ball screw (36a) is driven by the drop control drive motor (M6) to rotate around the axis. In the illustrated example, the ball screw (36a) has a male screw formed such that the direction of the spiral is reversed on one side and the other side relative to the center of the first direction X (travel direction). Additionally, the nut portion (36b) is screw-coupled to the parts of the ball screw (36a) where the direction of the male screw is different. That is, the nut portion (36b) is divided into a pair along the first direction X. Additionally, the linkage shaft (36c) is also divided into a pair along the first direction X.

[0062] And, each linkage shaft (36c) is connected to a nut part (36b) and a moving body (31b) of a pair of linear guide mechanisms (31) facing the second direction Y. Accordingly, when the ball screw (36a) rotates in the first direction, the pair of nut parts (36b) approach each other, and when the ball screw (36a) rotates in the second direction opposite to the first direction, the pair of nut parts (36b) move apart from each other. In conjunction with the approach and separation movements of the pair of nut parts (36b), the pair of fall regulating members (20) approach and move apart from each other. Furthermore, the driving mechanism (30) is equipped with a rack and pinion mechanism as a driving part (35), and the pair of fall regulating members (20) can be moved in the first direction X using the rack and pinion mechanism.

[0063] (5) In the above-described embodiment, the driving mechanism (30) is described as an example of a configuration in which a pair of fall-regulating members (20) are moved to a single regulated position P1 and a release position P0. However, it is not limited to such a configuration. For example, the regulated position P1 may be set to multiple positions in the first direction X. In this case, the driving mechanism (30) can move a pair of fall-regulating members (20) to multiple regulated positions P1 and release positions P0. An example of this is shown in FIG. 9. In the example of FIG. 9, multiple (here, two) regulated positions P1 are set according to the size of the contained item (Ws). More specifically, multiple regulated positions P1 are set according to the width of the first direction X of the contained item (Ws). In the illustrated example, when the size of the receiving item (Ws) is large, the control device (H) moves a pair of drop-regulating members (20) to a large item regulation position (P11) which is close to the release position P0. Additionally, when the size of the receiving item (Ws) is small, the control device (H) moves a pair of drop-regulating members (20) to a small item regulation position (P12) set inward of the first direction X from the large item regulation position (P11). In the illustrated example, two regulation positions P1 are set, but two or more regulation positions P1 may be set.

[0064] (6) In the above-described embodiment, the vehicle body (5) is positioned lower than the driving section (4) as an example. However, it is not limited to such a configuration, and for example, the vehicle body (5) may be positioned higher than the driving section (4).

[0065] (7) In the above-described embodiment, the first direction X is a direction that follows the driving direction of the driving unit (4). However, it is not limited to such a configuration. For example, the first direction X may be a direction that is orthogonal to the driving direction of the driving unit (4) when viewed from the up and down direction. In this case, the second direction Y is a direction that follows the driving direction of the driving unit, and it is preferable for the goods transport vehicle (1) to drive along the second direction Y. In addition, for example, both the first direction X and the second direction Y may be inclined with respect to the driving direction of the driving unit (4).

[0066] [Overview of the above embodiments]

[0067] Below, an overview of the goods transport vehicle described above will be explained.

[0068] The goods transport vehicle related to the present disclosure is a goods transport vehicle that transports goods,

[0069] A vehicle having a driving unit equipped with wheels, a vehicle body connected to the driving unit and forming a receiving space for receiving an item, a holding unit that maintains the item in a suspended state, a lifting unit that raises and lowers the holding unit relative to the vehicle body to move the item held in the holding unit up and down between a receiving position within the receiving space and a lowering position below the receiving space, and a drop control device that controls the fall of the item, which is the item at the receiving position.

[0070] A specific direction in the horizontal direction is designated as the first direction, and a direction perpendicular to the first direction when viewed from the vertical direction is designated as the second direction, one side of the first direction is designated as the first direction first side, and the other side of the first direction is designated as the first direction second side.

[0071] The vehicle body comprises a first cover portion covering the first side of the first direction with respect to the receiving space, a second cover portion covering the second side of the first direction with respect to the receiving space, and a cover connecting portion connecting the first cover portion and the second cover portion on the upper side with respect to the receiving space.

[0072] The above-described fall control device comprises a pair of fall control members and a driving mechanism for driving the pair of fall control members, and

[0073] Each of the pair of the above-mentioned drop control members comprises a supported portion supported by the cover connection portion, a pair of vertical extension portions arranged on both sides of the second direction with respect to the receiving article and extending downward from the supported portion, and a lower connection portion connecting the pair of vertical extension portions at a lower side than the receiving article.

[0074] The above driving mechanism drives a pair of the above-mentioned drop regulating members to move them to a regulated position and a release position, and

[0075] At the above-mentioned regulated position, each pair of the above-mentioned vertical extensions of the pair of the above-mentioned drop regulating members overlaps with the receiving article when viewed from the second direction following the second direction, and each of the above-mentioned lower connection portions of the pair of the above-mentioned drop regulating members is arranged to overlap with the receiving article when viewed from the vertical direction, and

[0076] In the above release position, the lower connecting portions of each of the pair of the above drop regulating members are positioned on the outer side of the above first direction with respect to the receiving article so as not to overlap with the receiving article when viewed from the up and down direction.

[0077] According to the present configuration, the supported portion of each of the pair of fall control members is supported by the upper cover connection portion relative to the receiving space in the vehicle body. Then, the lower connection portion, located below the received item, is supported in a suspended state by a pair of vertical extension portions extending downward from the supported portion. Therefore, when the pair of fall control members are in a controlled position, the item can be supported by the lower connection portions of each of the pair of fall control members even if the holding of the item by the holding portion is unintentionally released. Consequently, the item can be prevented from falling off the pair of fall control members.

[0078] Furthermore, in a state where the article is supported by the lower connection in this manner, the load of the article acts as a vertical tensile load on the drop control member, which follows an up-and-down direction from the supported part to the lower connection. In other words, it is possible to avoid large bending moments acting on the drop control member and the support member that supports it. Therefore, even if the weight of the article is large, it is easy to secure the strength required to support the article without significantly increasing the rigidity of the drop control member and the support member. Additionally, this makes it easy to achieve miniaturization or weight reduction of the drop control member and the support member.

[0079] In addition, according to the present configuration, when a pair of fall-regulating members are in a regulated position, each vertical extension is positioned to overlap with the received item when viewed from the second direction. Therefore, it is possible to regulate the item or a part thereof from falling in the second direction.

[0080] In this way, according to the present configuration, it is possible to realize a goods transport vehicle equipped with a drop control device of a structure that facilitates securing strength regardless of the weight of the goods.

[0081] Here, the vehicle body has a shape in which at least one of the second directions is open with respect to the receiving space, and

[0082] The above driving mechanism moves each of the supported portions of the pair of the above-mentioned drop-regulating members in the first direction, and

[0083] In the above release position, it is preferable that each pair of the above-definite extensions of the pair of the above-definite extensions of the pair of the above-definite extensions are positioned on the outer side of the above-definite extension with respect to the above-definite extension with respect to the above-definite extension when viewed from the above-definite extension in the second direction so as not to overlap with the above-definite extension.

[0084] According to the present configuration, when a pair of fall-controlling members are in a controlled position, the falling of an article or a part thereof in a second direction can be controlled by the vertical extensions of each pair of the fall-controlling members, and when a pair of fall-controlling members are in a released position, it becomes possible to move the article from the receiving position to the second direction. Accordingly, for example, it becomes possible to extract the article in the second direction or to slide it in the second direction to transfer and load it.

[0085] In addition, the driving mechanism preferably comprises a guide portion that guides each of the pair of the drop-regulating members to move in the first direction, and a driving portion that moves the pair of the members to opposite sides of the first direction.

[0086] According to the present configuration, a pair of fall regulating members can be driven on opposite sides of the first direction to appropriately move to a regulated position and a release position.

[0087] In addition, since a pair of fall-regulating members are distributed on both outer sides of the first direction relative to the contained item at the release position, it is easier to secure a retraction space for the pair of fall-regulating members at the release position compared to a configuration where a pair of fall-regulating members are collectively distributed on either side of the first direction relative to the contained item.

[0088] In addition, it is desirable that the above regulatory position can be set at multiple positions in the first direction.

[0089] According to the present configuration, multiple regulating positions can be set according to the size of the received item. Therefore, in cases where there are multiple types of items of different sizes, even if the holding of the item by the holding part is unintentionally released, the item can be properly supported to prevent it from falling.

[0090] In addition, the vehicle body is positioned below the driving section, and

[0091] It is preferable that the above cover connection part be connected to the above driving part.

[0092] According to the present configuration, the respective supported portions of a pair of fall prevention members are supported by a cover connection portion, which is the part connected to the driving portion of the vehicle body. Therefore, it is easy to secure the strength of the support portions supporting the pair of fall prevention members on the vehicle body side.

[0093] In addition, the first direction is preferably a direction that follows the driving direction of the driving part.

[0094] According to the present configuration, even if a load caused by acceleration or deceleration of the driving part is applied to the received item, the item or a part thereof falling off in the driving direction (first direction) can be controlled by the first cover part and the second cover part.

[0095] The goods transport vehicle related to the present disclosure only needs to be able to achieve at least one of the aforementioned effects. Explanation of the symbols

[0096] 1: Goods return vehicle 2: Fall control device 4: Driving section 4a: Wheel 5: Body 6: Maintenance Department 7: Lifting section 20: Absence of fall regulations 21: Pijijibu 22: Vertical extension 24: Lower connection part 30: Driving mechanism 32: Information Department 35: Drive unit 41: Support 51: 1st cover section 52: Second cover section 53: Cover connection part P0: Release location P1: Regulatory location S: Accommodation space W: Items Ws: Accepted items X First Direction X1: First direction, first side X2: First direction, second side Y: Second direction

Claims

Claim 1 A goods transport vehicle for transporting goods, comprising: a driving unit equipped with wheels; a vehicle body connected to the driving unit and forming a receiving space for receiving said goods; a holding unit that maintains said goods in a suspended state; a lifting unit that raises and lowers said holding unit relative to the vehicle body to move said goods held in said holding unit up and down between a receiving position within said receiving space and a lowering position below said receiving space; and a fall control device that controls the fall of said received goods, which are said to be the goods at said receiving position.The vehicle body is provided with a specific direction in the horizontal direction as the first direction, a direction perpendicular to the first direction when viewed from the vertical direction as the second direction, one side of the first direction as the first direction first side, and the other side of the first direction as the first direction second side. The vehicle body is provided with a first cover portion covering the first direction first side with respect to the receiving space, a second cover portion covering the first direction second side with respect to the receiving space, and a cover connecting portion connecting the first cover portion and the second cover portion at the upper side with respect to the receiving space. The drop control device is provided with a pair of drop control members and a driving mechanism for driving the pair of drop control members. Each of the pair of drop control members comprises a supported portion supported by the cover connecting portion, a pair of vertical extension portions arranged on both sides of the second direction with respect to the receiving article and extending downward from the supported portion, and one at the lower side of the receiving article. A goods transport vehicle having a lower connecting portion connecting a pair of the above-described upper and lower extension portions, wherein the driving mechanism drives a pair of the above-described drop regulating members to move them to a regulated position and a release position, wherein at the regulated position, each pair of the above-described upper and lower extension portions of the pair of the above-described drop regulating members overlap with the received goods when viewed from a second direction following the second direction, and each lower connecting portion of the pair of the above-described drop regulating members overlaps with the received goods when viewed from an upper and lower direction, and at the release position, each lower connecting portion of the pair of the above-described drop regulating members is positioned outside the first direction relative to the received goods so as not to overlap with the received goods when viewed from an upper and lower direction. Claim 2 A vehicle conveyor according to claim 1, wherein the vehicle body has a shape in which at least one side of the second direction is open with respect to the receiving space, and the driving mechanism moves the supported portion of each of the pair of the drop-controlling members in the first direction, and at the release position, the upper and lower extension portions of each of the pair of the drop-controlling members are positioned outside the first direction with respect to the receiving item so as not to overlap with the receiving item when viewed from the second direction. Claim 3 In paragraph 2, the above driving mechanism comprises a guide portion that guides each of the pair of the drop-regulating members to move in the first direction, and a driving portion that moves the pair of the members to opposite sides of the first direction, a material conveyor. Claim 4 A goods conveyor vehicle, wherein, in any one of paragraphs 1 to 3, the regulated position is set at a plurality of positions in the first direction. Claim 5 A goods transport vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the vehicle body is positioned below the driving unit and the cover connecting unit is connected to the driving unit. Claim 6 A goods conveyor vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first direction is a direction following the driving direction of the driving unit.

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