JP3966033B2 - Logistics equipment - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a physical distribution facility provided with a plurality of moving bodies that move on a travel route and convey articles.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, two moving bodies that move on the travel route, for example, move on the same traveling rail of an automatic warehouse, and are used for loading / unloading (conveying / transferring) articles between the loading / unloading port and the storage shelf of the automatic warehouse. When the two stacker cranes are provided, usually, the range of the storage shelf of the automatic warehouse where goods are loaded and unloaded by each stacker crane is set so as not to interfere or contact each other.
[0003]
In addition, when one stacker crane is separated from the loading / unloading work of articles by performing maintenance, etc., the loading / unloading of articles is also performed in the range of the storage rack of the automatic warehouse that one stacker crane is in charge of using the other stacker crane. Is required to do. At this time, it is set that the other stacker crane is disconnected by the operation of the changeover switch etc., and when the other stacker crane confirms this setting, the other stacker crane takes charge. It moves to the range of the storage rack of the automated warehouse, and goods are loaded and unloaded.
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in the above-described conventional configuration, if it is not recognized that one stacker crane is securely disconnected, or if the other stacker crane moves to the range of one stacker crane due to a setting error such as a changeover switch, mutual interference occurs.・ There was a risk of contact.
[0005]
Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a logistics facility capable of reliably detecting a separated moving body in a logistics facility including a plurality of moving bodies moving on a travel route and preventing interference between the moving bodies. It is a thing.
[0006]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the invention according to claim 1 of the present invention is a physical distribution facility including a plurality of moving bodies that move along a travel route and convey articles,
Connected to the travel route is provided with a standby position of the mobile body, and the standby position is provided with connection means for connecting the standby position and the mobile body moved to the standby position. The moving body that has moved to the standby position is detected by connecting the mobile body that has moved to the standby position.
[0007]
According to the above configuration, when the moving body moves to the standby position, it is connected to the standby position by the connecting means. Then, the moving body that has moved to the standby position is detected.
The invention according to claim 2 is the invention according to claim 1, wherein the connection means is a socket dedicated to each moving body, and the connection is detected by inserting a dedicated plug provided in each moving body. It is characterized by that.
[0008]
According to the above configuration, when the mobile body moves to the standby position, the plug of the mobile body is inserted into the socket dedicated to the mobile body provided at the standby position. Then, the mobile body that has moved to the standby position is detected, and the mobile body that has moved to the standby position is specified by the connected dedicated socket.
[0009]
The invention according to claim 3 is the invention according to claim 1, wherein the standby position is installed on an extension of the travel route or on a retraction route of a moving body of the travel route or a part of the travel route. The maintenance means is a maintenance carriage, and the connection means is a dedicated socket for each moving body. Each socket is arranged on the maintenance carriage, and a connection is detected by inserting a dedicated plug provided on each moving body. It is characterized by that.
[0010]
According to the above configuration, when the moving body moves to the maintenance carriage, a plug dedicated to the moving body is inserted into the socket dedicated to the moving body provided in the maintenance carriage, and the moving body is connected to the maintenance carriage. Then, the moving body that has moved to the maintenance carriage is detected, and the moving body that has moved to the maintenance carriage is specified by the connected socket.
[0011]
Further, the invention according to claim 4 is the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the information of the moving body that has moved to the standby position is other information that has not moved to the standby position. It is transmitted to a moving body.
[0012]
According to the above configuration, the information on the moving body that has moved to the standby position is transmitted to the other moving bodies that have not moved to the standby position, and other information on the moving range of the moving body that has moved to the standby position. Mobile objects are allowed to enter.
[0013]
Further, the invention according to claim 5 is the invention according to claim 4, wherein another moving body that has not moved to the standby position confirms information of the moving body that has moved to the standby position. The mobile object that has moved to the standby position enters the moving range and can convey the article.
[0014]
According to the above configuration, entry of another moving body into the moving range of the moving body moving to the standby position is permitted, and the article can be conveyed.
The invention according to claim 6 is the invention according to claim 5, wherein the article transfer status information at the transfer position of each article is transmitted to all the moving bodies. is there.
[0015]
According to the above-described configuration, the article transfer status information at the transfer position of each article is transmitted to each moving body, and it is possible to immediately take charge of the article handled by the moving body that has moved to the standby position.
[0016]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a plan view of an article storage facility as an example of a distribution facility according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a partial side view of the article storage facility, and FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a main part of the article storage facility. .
[0017]
As shown in FIG. 1 to FIG. 3, in the article storage facility FS, two storage shelf groups A <b> 1 and A <b> 2 composed of two storage shelves A that are installed so as to face each other in an article insertion / removal direction, Two stacker cranes (an example of a moving body) C1 and C2 that automatically travel in a work path B formed between the storage shelves A of these storage shelf groups A1 and A2 are provided. The article storage unit D is arranged in multiple stages on the top and bottom and on the left and right.
[0018]
In the work path B, travel rails (tracks; examples of the same travel path) 1 on which the two stacker cranes C1 and C2 travel along the longitudinal direction of the storage shelf A are installed. Thus, at one end of the storage shelf group A1, a pair of first warehousing conveyor K1 and first delivery conveyor K2 are arranged continuously from the storage shelf A and across the traveling rail 1, and the other end of the storage shelf group A1. Is provided with a second warehousing conveyor K3 in which the warehousing direction of the article F is a direction perpendicular to the traveling rail 1. A pair of third warehousing conveyors K4 and a second warehousing conveyor K5 are arranged at one end of the storage shelf group A2 on both ends of the work path B, with the traveling rail 1 sandwiched between the storage racks A, and stored. At the other end of the shelf group A2, a third unloading conveyor K6 having the unloading direction of the article F perpendicular to the traveling rail 1 is disposed, and further outward of the third unloading conveyor K4 and the second unloading conveyor K5. Is provided with a maintenance carriage (an example of a standby position of the moving body) G. Each of the conveyors K1 to K6 forms an article conveyance position.
[0019]
A first loading / unloading area W1 in which loading / unloading is normally performed by the first stacker crane C1 is formed by the first storage shelf group A1, the first loading conveyor K1, the first loading conveyor K2, and the second loading conveyor K3. In addition, the second storage area where the second storage rack group A2, the third storage conveyor K4, the second storage conveyor K5, and the third storage conveyor K6 normally perform the storage by the second stacker crane C2. W2 is formed.
[0020]
Further, at one end of the storage shelf group A1 at both ends of the work path B, a controller (an example of a control means) E1A for inputting a loading / unloading command to the first stacker crane C1 and a setting device E2A for the controller E1A are provided. Further, outside the maintenance carriage G, a controller (an example of control means) E1B for inputting a loading / unloading command to the second stacker crane C2 and a setting device E2B for the controller E1B are provided.
[0021]
As shown in FIG. 1, a wall J is provided in the central portion of the traveling rail 1 between the second warehousing conveyor K <b> 3 and the third unloading conveyor K <b> 6, and the wall J has a first stacker along the traveling rail 1. A door H through which the crane C1 can pass is arranged. The door H is normally closed.
[0022]
Each of the stacker cranes C1 and C2 is provided on a traveling vehicle body 2 that travels along the traveling rail 1, and a pair of front and rear masts (traveling) that guides and supports the lifting base 3 so that the lifting base 3 can be moved up and down. A column body 4, which is suspended from the vehicle body, is provided, and the lifting platform 3 is provided with a fork device (load delivery means) 5 for transferring articles.
[0023]
Further, guide rails 6 are laid along the traveling rails 1 on the ceiling, and the upper ends of the pair of elevating masts 4 are connected to the upper ends, and the guide rails 6 are sandwiched from the left and right to be stacked. An upper frame 7 that restricts the upper position of the stacker crane C as the crane C travels is provided.
[0024]
A crane control device CC is provided on each traveling vehicle body 2 at the outward position of the lifting mast 4 (on both ends of the work path B), and the controller E1A or E1B is provided on the crane control device CC. A first optical transceiver 11 is provided for transmitting and receiving data. Further, in the vicinity of the controllers E1A and E1B, a second optical transceiver 12 (FIG. 5) is provided to face the first optical transceiver 11, respectively. These second optical transceivers 12 are respectively connected to the controllers E1A and E1B. It is connected to the. The crane control device CC of each of the stacker cranes C1 and C2 receives a transport command (work data of loading / unloading) from the controllers E1A and E1B via the optical transceivers 12 and 11, respectively, and moves up and down in which the lifting platform 3 is designated. By moving the traveling vehicle body 2 to a designated traveling position and moving the fork device 5 to transfer the article F, the article F is transported and the articles between the cargo storage portions D and the like are moved. F is being transferred.
[0025]
In addition, a stop that detects the vicinity of the door H in the vicinity of the door H (on the first stacker crane C1 side) along the traveling rail 1 in order to prevent the first stacker crane C1 from contacting the door H. The detection target body 14 is provided, and the stop detection sensor 15 including a limit switch for detecting the stop detection target body 14 and stopping the travel is provided on the traveling vehicle body 2 of the first stacker crane C1. . Further, a buffer stop device 16 is arranged on the door H side with respect to the detection object 14 for stop, and the first stacker crane C1 can be stopped in front of the door H.
[0026]
In addition, a stop for detecting the vicinity of the door H in the vicinity of the door H (second stacker crane C2 side) along the traveling rail 1 in order to prevent the second stacker crane C2 from contacting the door H. A detection object 17 is provided, and a stop detection sensor 18 including a limit switch for detecting the stop detection object 17 and stopping traveling is provided on the traveling vehicle body 2 of the second stacker crane C2. . Further, a buffer stop device 19 is arranged on the door H side from the stop detection object 17 so that the second stacker crane C2 can be stopped in front of the door H.
[0027]
In addition, warehousing detection sensors L1, L3, and L4 for detecting the presence or absence of the article F are arranged on the most downstream side of the warehousing conveyors K1, K3, and K4 (on the side where the article F is in contact with the stacker crane C). , K5, K6 are provided at the most upstream side (the side where the article F is in contact with the stacker crane C). These detection sensors L1 to L6 are formed by photoelectric sensors, for example.
[0028]
The maintenance carriage G includes a traveling rail 21 and a guide rail (not shown) that are continuous to the traveling rail 1 and the guide rail 6, and further includes two stacker cranes and a direction perpendicular to the traveling direction of the stacker crane C. It is configured to be able to move to. Further, as shown in FIG. 4, the maintenance cart G is provided with safety sockets (an example of connecting means) 23 and 24 dedicated to each of the stacker cranes C1 and C2, and each stacker crane C1 and C2 has a safety plug 25. When the safety plug 25 is inserted into the safety sockets 23 and 24, the contacts in the safety sockets 23 and 24 are turned on to detect the connection. Hereinafter, the first stacker crane C1 is referred to as Unit 1 and the second stacker crane C2 is referred to as Unit 2.
[0029]
FIG. 5 shows a control configuration diagram of the article storage facility FS.
The controllers E1A and E1B of each unit are connected to the crane control device CC of each unit via the host computer X and the optical transceivers 12 and 11, and are also connected to the setting devices E2A and E2B.
[0030]
Furthermore, the controllers E1A and E1B of each unit are connected to the respective conveyors (controllers) K1 to K6 via the relay boxes R1 and R2, respectively, and the article transfer status between the controllers E1A and E1B and the conveyors K1 to K6 of each unit Information (a warehousing OK signal and a warehousing OK signal described later) and the like can be transferred (transmitted).
[0031]
That is, from the controllers E1A and E1B of each unit, there is a signal (hereinafter referred to as a warehousing permission signal) for inquiring whether the warehousing can be performed with respect to the controllers of the warehousing conveyors K1, K3, and K4 via the relay boxes R1 and R2. The controller of each warehousing conveyor K1, K3, K4 confirms the operation signal of the warehousing detection sensors L1, L3, L4 in response to the warehousing permission signal, and detects the article F. A signal (hereinafter referred to as a warehousing OK signal) is output to the controllers E1A and E1B via the relay boxes R1 and R2 informing that the warehousing is possible.
[0032]
In addition, the controllers E1A and E1B of each unit output a signal (hereinafter referred to as a delivery permission signal) for inquiring whether the delivery can be performed to the controllers of the delivery conveyors K2, K5, and K6 via the relay boxes R1 and R2. The controller of each delivery conveyor K2, K5, K6 confirms the operation signal of the delivery detection sensors L2, L5, L6 in response to the delivery permission signal, respectively, and when the article F is not detected, the controller of each unit A signal (hereinafter referred to as a delivery OK signal) is output to E1A and E1B via the relay boxes R1 and R2 informing that the vehicle is ready for delivery.
[0033]
Further, a stop detection sensor 15 is connected to the first controller E1A via the relay box R1, and a stop detection sensor 18 is connected to the second controller E1B via the relay box R2.
[0034]
The safety sockets (contacts) 23 and 24 dedicated to the first and second units are connected to the controllers E1A and E1B of the respective units via relay boxes R1 and R2, respectively. When the ON signal of the contact of the safety socket 24 of the No. 2 unit cannot be confirmed, the controller E1A of the No. 1 unit is provided with an entry prohibition interlock so that it cannot enter the second entry / exit area W2. When the ON signal of the contact of the safety socket 24 of the first unit cannot be confirmed, the controller E1B of the second unit is provided with an entry prohibition interlock so that the first entry / exit area W1 cannot be entered. Interference and contact between Unit 2 and Unit 2 are prevented.
[0035]
The operation of the above configuration will be described.
"Normal operation"
During normal operation, the loading / unloading work is performed in the first loading / unloading area W1 and the second loading / unloading area W2.
[0036]
For example, in Unit 1, based on the loading / unloading command set from the host computer X or the setting device E2A, the loading / unloading command is transmitted from the controller E1A to the crane control device CC, and the crane control device CC responds to the received loading / unloading command. Based on this, the traveling control of the traveling vehicle body 2, the lifting control of the lifting platform 2, and the control of the fork device 5 are performed, and the first storage shelf group A <b> 1 and the first storage conveyor K <b> 1 or the first shipping conveyor K <b> 2 or second. The goods F are transferred to and from the warehousing conveyor K3, and the goods F are loaded and unloaded. At this time, as described above, at the time of warehousing, the controller E1A outputs a warehousing permission signal to the first warehousing conveyor K1 or the second warehousing conveyor K3, and receives a warehousing OK signal from the first warehousing conveyor K1 or the second warehousing conveyor K3. When an exit command is transmitted to the crane control device CC, an exit permission signal is output from the controller E1A to the first exit conveyor K2 and an exit OK signal is input from the first exit conveyor K2. A shipping instruction is transmitted to the device CC. Since the controller E1A does not input the ON signal of the contact of the safety socket 24 of the second machine, the interlock prohibiting entry into the second entry / exit area W2 is operating, and the host computer X or the setting device E2A Even if a loading / unloading command in the second loading / unloading area W2 is input, the loading / unloading command is not executed, and mutual interference and contact between the first machine and the second machine are prevented.
"Maintenance operation"
Each of the stacker cranes C1 and C2 is moved to the maintenance carriage G when performing maintenance. The movement to the maintenance carriage G is executed by a manual travel operation signal (forward or reverse signal) input to the crane control device CC from a manual setting device connected to the crane control device CC.
[0037]
[When performing maintenance on Unit 2 (see Fig. 6)]
First, the operator manually moves the second machine to the maintenance cart G, and after the movement is finished, inserts the safety plug 25 of the second machine into the safety socket 24 dedicated to the second machine of the maintenance cart G. Thereby, the fact that the second machine has moved to the maintenance cart G is input to the first controller E1A.
[0038]
Subsequently, the operator opens the door H, removes the detected bodies 14 and 17 and the buffer stop devices 16 and 19 in the first loading / unloading area W1 and the second loading / unloading area W2, and the first machine is in the second loading / unloading area W2. At the position where the movement of the first car from the loading / unloading position to the maintenance truck G side can be performed, and the object to be detected 14 and The buffer stop device 16 is installed again.
[0039]
In this state, the loading / unloading work in the first loading / unloading area W1 and the second loading / unloading area W2 is executed only by the first machine based on the loading / unloading instruction set from the host computer X or the setting device E2A. At this time, since the ON signal of the contact of the safety socket 24 of the No. 2 unit is input to the controller E1A of the No. 1 unit, the interlock prohibiting entry into the second entry / exit area W2 is released, and the second entry / exit area The entry / exit operation in W2 is permitted, and the entry / exit operation is performed by moving into the second entry / exit area W2.
[0040]
When the maintenance of the second unit is completed, the detected body 14 and the buffer stop device 16 are removed, the safety plug 25 of the second unit is pulled out from the safety socket 24, and the second unit is returned from the maintenance carriage G onto the traveling rail 1 by manual operation. . And the to-be-detected bodies 14 and 17 and the buffer stop apparatus 16 and 19 are installed in the original position (FIG. 1). Since the safety plug 25 of Unit 2 is pulled out from the safety socket 24 of Unit 2 and the contact signal of the safety socket 24 of Unit 2 is turned off, the interlock for prohibiting entry into the second entry / exit area W2 is activated again. Thus, the first car cannot enter the second loading / unloading area W2, and interference and contact with the second car are prevented.
[0041]
[When performing maintenance on Unit 1 (see Fig. 7)]
First, the operator manually moves the second machine to the maintenance carriage G, and after the movement, moves the maintenance carriage G so that the second stacker crane can be moved onto the carriage. Subsequently, the operator opens the door H and removes the detected bodies 14 and 17 and the buffer stop devices 16 and 19 in the first loading / unloading area W1 and the second loading / unloading area W2.
[0042]
Next, the operator manually moves the first car to the maintenance cart G, and after the movement is finished, inserts the safety plug 25 of the first car into the safety socket 23 dedicated to the first car of the maintenance cart G. Thereby, the fact that the first machine has moved to the maintenance cart G is input to the second controller E1A.
[0043]
Subsequently, the operator moves the maintenance carriage G so that the second machine can be returned to the running rail 1 and moves the second machine onto the running rail 1 by manual operation. And the second machine can execute the loading / unloading with the loading conveyor K1 and the loading conveyor K2 at the end (controller E1A side) of the first loading / unloading area W1, and the movement of the second machine from the loading / unloading position to the controller E1A side. The detected object 17 and the buffer stop device 19 are installed again at the prohibited position.
[0044]
In this state, the loading / unloading work in the first loading / unloading area W1 and the second loading / unloading area W2 is executed only by the second machine based on the loading / unloading command set from the host computer X or the setting device E2B. At this time, since the ON signal of the contact of the safety socket 23 of the first unit is inputted to the controller E1B of the second unit, the interlock prohibiting entry into the first loading / unloading area W1 is released, and the first loading / unloading area The entry / exit operation in W1 is permitted, and the entry / exit operation is performed by moving into the first entry / exit area W1.
[0045]
When the maintenance of the first unit is completed, the detected body 17 and the buffer stop device 19 are removed, and the safety plug 25 of the first unit is pulled out from the safety socket 23 of the first unit, and then the second unit is manually operated to the maintenance cart G. After the movement is completed, the maintenance carriage G is moved so that the first car can be moved onto the traveling rail 1.
[0046]
Next, the first machine is returned from the maintenance carriage G onto the traveling rail 1 by manual operation and travels to the first loading / unloading area W1. Then, the maintenance carriage G is moved so that the second machine can be moved onto the traveling rail 1, and the second machine is returned from the maintenance carriage G onto the traveling rail 1 by manual operation. Thereafter, the detected bodies 14 and 17 and the buffer stop devices 16 and 19 are installed at their original positions (FIG. 1). Since the safety plug 25 of Unit 1 is pulled out from the safety socket 23 of Unit 1 and the contact signal is turned off, the interlock prohibiting entry into the first entry / exit area W1 is activated again, and Unit 2 is the first It becomes impossible to enter the entry / exit area W1, and interference and contact with the first unit are prevented.
[0047]
As described above, when the stacker cranes C1 and C2 are moved onto the maintenance carriage G, that is, separated from the loading / unloading work, the stacker cranes C1 and C2 are connected to the dedicated safety socket 23 or 24 for each unit by the dedicated safety plug 25. Can detect that the stacker cranes C1 and C2 have moved onto the maintenance carriage G, and can reliably detect whether the stacker cranes C1 and C2 moved onto the maintenance carriage G are No. 1 or No. 2, The stacker cranes C1 and C2 that have moved onto the maintenance carriage G can be identified. In addition, by using a dedicated safety socket 23 or 24 and a dedicated safety plug 25 for each unit, a setting error for setting a separated unit (operator) as compared with the case of operating a conventional changeover switch or the like. Occurrence of errors) can be suppressed.
[0048]
In addition, the contact signal of the safety socket 23 of the first unit is input to the controller E1B of the second unit, and the contact signal of the safety socket 24 of the second unit is input to the controller E1A of the first unit, so that no maintenance is being performed. The information of the unit that is performing maintenance can be transmitted to the unit, and the unit that is performing maintenance can surely confirm the unit that is performing maintenance, so the entry / exit area W1 of the unit that is performing maintenance by itself Alternatively, the interlock prohibiting entry into W2 can be released, and the goods F can be moved into and out of the loading / unloading area W1 or W2 of the unit performing maintenance, and the maintenance of the unit performing maintenance can be performed. Can take in and out work. In addition, the controller E1A is interlocked with the entry / exit area W2 of the other entry / exit area W2 by the contact signal of the safety socket 24 of the second unit, and the other entry / exit area of the controller E2B by the contact signal of the safety socket 23 of the first unit By interlocking prohibiting entry into W1 and restricting entry into the entry / exit areas W1 and W2, mutual interference and contact between Unit 1 and Unit 2 can be reliably prevented.
[0049]
Also, each controller E1A, E2B can input / output contact signals with all of the conveyors K1 to K6, and therefore immediately execute the loading / unloading work in the loading / unloading area of the unit that is performing maintenance. (The conveyance of the article F can be performed immediately).
[0050]
In the above embodiment, the maintenance carriage G is arranged on the extension of the traveling rail 1 forming the traveling route. However, a part of the traveling rail 1 or a part of the traveling rail (part of the traveling route), or The maintenance carriage G can also be arranged by providing a retraction rail (a retraction path of a moving body on the travel path) on the travel rail 1.
[0051]
In the above embodiment, the two stacker cranes C are shown as a plurality of moving bodies that move along the travel route and convey articles. However, an automated guided vehicle that moves while being guided by the travel rail, Various moving bodies such as an unrailed self-propelled transport carriage that moves while being guided by the guide band while detecting (an example of a travel route) may be used. In addition, the moving body does not always need to travel along the travel route, and may be any mobile body that travels the travel route once every several times (in this case, the travel route is a travel route along which a plurality of mobile objects travel). is there).
[0052]
An example when it is set as the unmanned conveyance trolley guided and guided by the said traveling rail is shown in FIG. 8 and FIG.
In FIG. 8, 31 is a pair of traveling rails (an example of the same traveling route) installed on the floor 32, and 33 is a four-wheel transporter that is guided by the traveling rails 31 and transports the article F. It is a cart (an example of a moving body). The total number of transport carts 33 is eight.
[0053]
A transport path (travel path) 34 formed in a loop shape (annular) by the travel rail 31 and a retract path (retreat path of a moving body of the travel path) in which an inlet and an outlet are separately connected to the transport path 34; An example of a standby position) 35 is configured, and a plurality of stations (an example of an article conveyance position) 36 are arranged along the conveyance path 34. The station 36 is composed of a carry-in conveyor device that carries the article F and transfers it to the transfer carriage, a carry-out conveyor apparatus that transfers the article F from the transfer carriage 33, and a loading and unloading conveyor apparatus in an automatic warehouse.
[0054]
Further, a switching mechanism 37 for the traveling rail 31 is disposed at the entrance 35A and the exit 35B of the retreat path 35, that is, at the branching position and the merging position of the traveling rail 31. By switching the switching mechanism 37, the transport carriage 33 is transported. It is possible to move from the path 34 to the retreat path 35 and to move from the retreat path 35 to the transport path 34.
[0055]
Each station 36 is provided with an article detection sensor 38 including a photoelectric sensor for detecting the presence or absence of the article F at the end on the traveling rail 31 side. The retreat path 35 is provided with a dedicated safety socket 41 for each transport carriage 33 (in the figure, a total of eight safety sockets 41 for each of the eight transport carriages 33; an example of connection means). The safety plugs 42 are respectively provided in the 33, and the safety plugs 42 are inserted into the safety sockets 41 dedicated to the respective transport carts 33, so that the transport carts 33 retracted in the retreat path 35 can be specified. ing. In FIG. 1 and No. 5 and No. 8 is retracted to the retreat path 35, and the safety plugs 42 of these transport carts 33 are No.8. 1 and No. 5 and No. Eight dedicated safety sockets 41 are connected.
[0056]
Further, as shown in FIG. 9, the article detection signal of the article detection sensor 38 of each station 36 and the contact signal of the safety socket 41 dedicated to each conveyance carriage 33 are inputted, and the article F conveyance command ( A ground controller 45 that controls the transportation of the article F by the eight transport carts 33 is provided in accordance with a command for designating a transport source station and a transport destination station. The ground controller 45 sends a transport command to the controller 49 of each transport cart 33 via a ground modem 46, a feeder line (antenna) 47 laid along the traveling rail 31, and a wireless modem 48 provided in each transport cart 33. Is transmitted.
[0057]
According to the above configuration, the ground controller 45 receives the conveyance command from the host computer 44 and the detection signal of the article detection sensor 38 of each station 36 {the warehousing / unloading situation information detected by the article detection sensor 38 (article transfer situation information). )}, An empty transport cart (a transport cart that does not carry the article F) 33 closest to the transport source station 36 is selected, and the feeder line 47 and the like for the controller 49 of the selected transport cart 33 are selected. The conveyance of the article F is executed by transmitting the conveyance command via the. At this time, the ground controller 45 confirms the transport carriage 33 moving to the retreat path 35 by the contact signal of the safety socket 41 dedicated to each transport carriage 33, and transports the transport carriage 33 in the retreat path 35 according to the transport load. The product F is put into the path 31 and efficiently conveyed.
[0058]
Thus, when the transport carriage 33 moves to the retreat path 35, it can be detected that the transport carriage 33 has moved to the retreat path 35 by being connected to the safety socket 41 dedicated to the transport carriage 33 by the safety plug 42, The transport cart 33 that has moved to the retreat path 35, that is, the mobile body that has been separated from the transport path 34 can be reliably identified.
[0059]
Moreover, in the said embodiment, although the conveyance position (conveyor K1-K6, station 36) of articles | goods is formed with the conveyor, it is not restricted to a conveyor, A fixed load receiving stand, a self-propelled carriage, a handcart, and a lifter are attached. You may form by a receiving stand etc. Further, the conveyors K1 to K6 and the station 36 are used exclusively for entry and exit, respectively, but can also be used for entry and exit.
[0060]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, when the mobile body moves to the standby position, the mobile body that has moved to the standby position can be reliably detected by being connected to the standby position by the connecting means.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a plan view of an article storage facility according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a side view of the article storage facility.
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a main part of the article storage facility.
FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of a connection in a maintenance cart of the article storage facility.
FIG. 5 is a control configuration diagram of the article storage facility.
FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram during maintenance of a stacker crane of the article storage facility.
FIG. 7 is an explanatory view during maintenance of a stacker crane of the article storage facility.
FIG. 8 is a configuration diagram of an article conveyance facility according to another embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 9 is a control configuration diagram of the article transport facility.
[Explanation of symbols]
FS goods storage facility
C1, C2 stacker crane
CC crane control device
D Goods storage
E1A, E1B controller
G Maintenance cart
K1-K6 conveyor
L1, L3, L4 Storage sensor
L2, L5, L6 Delivery sensor
W1, W2 loading / unloading area
1 Traveling rail
2 traveling body
11, 12 Optical transceiver
14, 17 Object to be detected
15, 18 Stop detection sensor
16, 19 Buffer stop device
23, 24, 41 Safety socket
25, 42 Safety plug
31 Running rail
32 floors
33 Transport cart
34 Transport route
35 Retreat route
36 stations
37 switching mechanism
45 Ground controller

Claims (6)

A logistics facility comprising a plurality of moving bodies that move along a travel route and convey articles,
Connect to the travel route to provide a standby position for the moving body,
In the standby position, a connection means for connecting the standby position and the moving body moved to the standby position is provided,
A physical distribution facility characterized in that a moving body moving to the standby position is detected by connecting the standby position and the moving body moved to the standby position by the connecting means. The physical distribution equipment according to claim 1, wherein the connection means is a socket dedicated to each moving body, and the connection is detected by inserting a dedicated plug provided in each moving body. The standby position is a maintenance cart installed on an extension of the travel route or on a retreat route of a moving body on the travel route or a part of the travel route,
The connection means is a socket dedicated to each moving body, each socket is disposed on the maintenance carriage, and the connection is detected by inserting a dedicated plug provided on each moving body. Item 2. Logistics facility according to item 1. The physical distribution facility according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein information on the moving body that has moved to the standby position is transmitted to another mobile body that has not moved to the standby position. When the other moving body that has not moved to the standby position confirms the information of the moving body that has moved to the standby position, it enters the movement range of the mobile body that has moved to the standby position, and transports articles. The logistics facility according to claim 4, wherein 6. The physical distribution equipment according to claim 5, wherein the article transfer status information at the conveyance position of each article is transmitted to all the moving bodies.

Images