JP6652107B2 - Work platform trolley - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an aerial work platform that can be used in an area where an overhead carrier travels and that can change the height of a work platform.

  For example, Patent Literature 1 below discloses an obstacle detection device [1] of a ceiling transport vehicle [10] used for a transport facility. In the equipment disclosed in Patent Document 1, a conveyed object is conveyed by a ceiling conveyance vehicle [10] traveling along a rail [40] laid near a ceiling [54]. In such equipment, maintenance is performed periodically or when a trouble occurs. For example, when work at a high place is necessary, such as when performing maintenance on the rail [40] or the like, a high place work cart on which an operator can rest may be used.

  The obstacle detection device [1] of Patent Document 1 uses a distance measurement beam scan detection device [2] provided on the equipment side for a dangerous area set with the height near the lower end portion of the ceiling transport vehicle [10] as a boundary. ]. Then, when the intrusion of the worker [57] into the danger area is detected, the worker [57] is alerted by turning on a warning light or sounding an alarm. As described above, in Patent Literature 1, there is a possibility that the worker [57] performing maintenance at a high place at a distance above the floor [56] and the traveling overhead transport vehicle [10]. In such a case, the worker [57] is alerted.

JP 2006-323435 A

  By the way, the apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 1 uses a ranging beam scan detection apparatus [2] that uses the entire area in which the overhead transport vehicle [10] travels as a detection area. Is likely to be a factor. Further, the detection area of the ranging beam scan detection device [2] needs to be wide, and it is necessary to prevent an obstacle that is not a detection target from being present in the wide detection area.

  Therefore, there is a demand for an aerial work platform that can be realized with a relatively simple configuration and that can construct a warning system with less restrictions on facilities and buildings.

The platform work platform according to the present disclosure is:
An aerial work platform that is used in an area where an overhead carrier travels and that can change the height of a work platform,
A height detection device for detecting the height of the worktable,
A receiving device that receives a signal emitted by the overhead transport vehicle,
An alerting device that alerts an operator on the workbench,
And a control unit,
The control unit may be configured such that the height of the worktable detected by the height detection device is equal to or greater than a predetermined set height, and the worktable of the overhead carrier based on a signal received by the reception device. When the relative position with respect to is within a predetermined setting range, the alerting device alerts the user.

  According to this configuration, since the configuration necessary for alerting the possibility of contact with the overhead transport vehicle is provided on the side of the work platform for aerial work, when such a configuration is provided on the transport facility side In comparison, it is easier to simplify the device configuration. In other words, there is no need to provide a large-scale detection device such as a distance-measuring beam scan detection device that covers the entire transport equipment. The system can be simply constructed. Further, according to this configuration, it is possible to avoid contact between the worker and the overhead transport vehicle without using the entire area where the overhead transport vehicle travels as a detection area as in the related art. Therefore, it is possible to appropriately construct a warning system in a state where there are few restrictions on the transport equipment and the building.

  Further features and advantages of the technology according to the present disclosure will become more apparent from the following description of exemplary and non-limiting embodiments described with reference to the drawings.

Plan view of goods transport equipment Diagram showing overhead transport vehicle as viewed in the traveling direction Figure showing a work platform for aerial work viewed from the rail width direction Figure showing a platform aerial work platform in plan view Block diagram showing the control configuration of the aerial work platform Time chart showing increase / decrease in signal strength Flow chart showing control procedure The figure which shows the platform for high-place work in planar view in 2nd embodiment. FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a control configuration of the aerial work cart according to the second embodiment. Flowchart showing a control procedure in the second embodiment

1. First Embodiment A first embodiment of an aerial work platform 100 will be described with reference to the drawings. Hereinafter, a case where the aerial work cart 100 is used for the article transport facility F including the ceiling transport vehicle 9 will be described as an example.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the article transport facility F includes a ceiling transport vehicle 9 traveling along a rail 99 laid along a ceiling 94, and a transported object (not shown) transported by the ceiling transport vehicle 9. ), A plurality of mounting tables 98 for mounting the transferred object when processing of the transferred object by the processing device 97 is started or when the processing is completed, It has.

  The rail 99 is provided so as to pass through all of the plurality of processing devices 97, and more specifically, is provided so as to overlap with all of the plurality of mounting tables 98 in plan view. The rail 99 is configured to include a plurality of in-process paths via a plurality of sets (six sets in the illustrated example) of the processing devices 97 and an inter-process path for connecting the plurality of in-process paths. In this embodiment, a pair of left and right rails 99 are provided and suspended from the ceiling 94.

  The overhead transport vehicle 9 has a holding portion (not shown) that can move up and down and hold the transported object, and the loading portion is loaded on the mounting table 98 disposed below by the holding portion. Perform unloading. For example, when the article transport facility F is a semiconductor manufacturing facility (when the processing apparatus 97 is a semiconductor processing apparatus), the transported object is a container (Front Opening Unified Pod; FOUP) for accommodating a semiconductor substrate. May be.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the overhead carrier 9 includes a traveling body 93 and a carrier main body 91. The traveling body 93 has a vehicle body 93A and a plurality of wheels 93B rotatably supported by the vehicle body 93A. The vehicle body 93A is provided as a front-rear pair. A pair of left and right wheels 93B is provided on each of the pair of front and rear body bodies 93A, and rolls on the upper surface of the rail 99. At least one of the plurality of wheels 93B is a drive wheel that is rotationally driven by a drive motor (not shown), and applies a propulsive force to the overhead conveyance vehicle 9.

  In addition, the ceiling transport vehicle 9 has a transmission device 93F that sends a signal to various devices (for example, a control device that controls the facilities) provided outside the ceiling transport vehicle 9. As a result, the overhead transport vehicle 9 can exchange information with various devices. For example, the overhead transport vehicle 9 receives a transport command from a control device that controls the equipment, and transmits the progress status and the like to the control device when transporting the transported object to various places.

  The trolley 100 for working at heights according to the present embodiment is used when work is performed at heights in the article transport facility F as described above. For example, in the article transport facility F, maintenance and the like of the rail 99 may be performed at a position above the floor surface 96 (see FIG. 3). The rail 99 is a traveling path on which the overhead transport vehicle 9 travels, and the high work cart 100 is used in an area where such an overhead transport vehicle 9 travels.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the aerial work platform 100 includes a work platform 1 on which the worker M works, and a fence 11 for preventing the worker M on the work platform 1 from falling. are doing. The worker M can perform work such as maintenance on the work table 1.

  In addition, the aerial work cart 100 has a cart body 13 that can travel on the floor surface 96 by the wheels 14. This facilitates movement to a different maintenance location. The work table 1 is connected to a bogie main body 13 via a support portion 12 that is vertically expandable and contractable by the operation of the lifting device 2. In the example illustrated in FIG. 3, the support unit 12 has a pantograph structure in which a plurality of arms operate in a linked manner, and expands and contracts in a vertical direction with expansion and contraction of a cylinder driven by the lifting device 2 (in detail, , Expands upwards and collapses downwards). As described above, the aerial work platform 100 is configured so that the height of the work platform 1 can be changed. However, the configuration for changing the height of the work table 1 is not limited to the configuration described above. For example, the aerial work platform 100 drives the pulley by the lifting device 2 using a mast along the up-down direction, a belt wound around the pulley, and the like, thereby increasing the height of the workbench 1 along the mast. It may be configured to change.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the work platform for aerial work 100 includes a workbench height detection device 3 for detecting the height of the workbench 1, a receiving device 4 for receiving a signal emitted from the overhead carrier 9, and a workbench. 1 includes an alerting device 5 that alerts the upper worker M, and a control unit 7. In the present embodiment, the workbench height detection device 3 corresponds to a “height detection device”.

  The workbench height detection device 3 detects a workbench height H1 that is the height from the floor surface 96 to the workbench 1. In the present embodiment, the worktable height H1 is set to a height from the floor surface 96 to the upper surface of the worktable 1. For example, the workbench height detection device 3 is configured as a laser distance sensor that detects the distance to an object using reflection of laser light. In the example shown in FIG. 3, the workbench height detection device 3 is attached downward, and is configured to be able to detect the reflected light from the bogie main body 13. Then, the height from the floor surface 96 to the work table 1 is calculated based on the known height from the floor surface 96 to the upper surface of the bogie body 13 and the detected value. However, the workbench height detecting device 3 may be configured to directly detect the reflected light from the floor surface 96. Note that the workbench height detection device 3 is not limited to such a configuration, and may be configured by, for example, a detection device that can detect the amount of expansion and contraction of the cylinder of the support unit 12 or the elevating device 2. In this case, it is preferable that the work table height H1 is calculated according to the amount of expansion and contraction of the support portion 12 or the cylinder. When a belt or the like wound on a pulley is used as the elevating device 2 as described above, the workbench height detecting device 3 can detect the workbench height H1 based on the rotation amount of the pulley. It may be constituted by a rotary encoder or the like.

  The receiving device 4 receives a signal transmitted from the transmitting device 93F mounted on the overhead transport vehicle 9. In the present embodiment, the receiving device 4 and the transmitting device 93F are configured as wireless devices, and the receiving device 4 receives a signal transmitted from the transmitting device 93F over time.

  The alerting device 5 alerts the worker M on the workbench 1. In the present embodiment, the alerting device 5 is configured as a lighting device, specifically, a rotating light, and is disposed at a height (in the illustrated example, the height of the fence 11) that is easy to enter the line of sight of the worker M. ing. This makes it easier for the worker M to notice the operation of the alerting device 5. However, the alerting device 5 may be any device that alerts the worker M, and is not limited to the above configuration. For example, the alerting device 5 may be configured as a sound generating device such as a buzzer or a speaker that generates an alarm sound, or may be configured as a lighting device and a sound generating device.

  As shown in FIG. 3 and the like, in the present embodiment, the aerial work platform 100 is a rail that detects an upper rail height RH that is the height of the rail 99 on which the overhead carrier 9 travels above the work platform 1. It further includes a height detecting device 6A. In the present embodiment, the rail height detection device 6A is an imaging device, and includes a stereo camera capable of detecting a distance from an object. In this embodiment, the “upper rail height RH” refers to the height from the floor surface 96 to the rail 99 around the aerial work platform 100. Note that the rail height detection device 6A may include a monocular camera instead of a stereo camera, and may further include an ultrasonic sensor instead of a camera.

  The rail height detection device 6A detects a distance from the rail height detection device 6A to the rail 99. The rail height detection device 6A detects the distance to the target based on, for example, an image of the target captured by a stereo camera. When the rail height detection device 6A is located directly below the rail 99 (object), the distance to the rail 99 is the height from the rail height detection device 6A to the rail 99. As shown in FIG. 4, when the rail height detecting device 6A is not located immediately below the rail 99 but is shifted from the rail 99 in a plan view, the rail height detecting device 6A , And the inclination angle of a line connecting the rail height detecting device 6A and the rail 99 (object) with respect to a reference plane (for example, a horizontal plane or a vertical plane) is detected. Then, the height (vertical distance) from the rail height detection device 6A to the rail 99 is calculated based on the distance and the inclination angle. When the rail height detecting device 6A includes a monocular camera, the distance from the rail 99 may be detected based on the length of the interval between the pair of rails 99 in the captured image. When the rail height detecting device 6A includes an ultrasonic sensor, the distance to the rail 99 may be detected based on the reflected wave from the rail 99.

  In the present embodiment, the rail height detection device 6A is based on the height from the rail height detection device 6A to the rail 99 and the known height from the worktable 1 to the rail height detection device 6A. The platform height H2, which is the height from the work table 1 to the rail 99, is calculated. In this example, the platform height H2 is set to a height from the upper surface of the work table 1 to the lower surface of the rail 99.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the workbench height detection device 3 can detect the workbench height H1, which is the height from the floor surface 96 to the upper surface of the workbench 1, and the rail height detection device. With 6A, the platform height H2, which is the height from the upper surface of the work table 1 to the lower surface of the rail 99, can be detected. The height of the rail 99, that is, the height from the floor surface 96 to the lower surface of the rail 99, is a value obtained by adding the work table height H1 to the work table height H2. Therefore, according to the above configuration, even when the height of the rail 99 varies depending on the location in the area where the overhead carrier 9 travels, the upper rail which is the rail height around the aerial work platform 100 The height RH can be detected.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the workbench height detecting device 3, the receiving device 4, the alerting device 5, and the control unit 7 are configured as an alerting unit U integrated with each other. In the example shown in FIG. 3 and the like, the alerting unit U is configured by integrating a rail height detecting device 6A in addition to the above devices. The alerting unit U is detachably attached to the work table 1. For example, as shown in FIG. 3 and the like, the alerting unit U may be configured to be detachable from the fence 11 of the work table 1. Thereby, attachment to and detachment from the work table 1 becomes easy. In addition, the mounting to the fence 11 makes it easy to dispose the workbench height detecting device 3 at a position protruding from the workbench 1 in a plan view. Can also be easily arranged downward.

  In the present embodiment, the high work cart 100 alerts the worker M when the first condition C1 and the second condition C2 are satisfied.

  The first condition C1 is a condition that “the workbench height H1 is equal to or higher than a predetermined set height SH” (see FIG. 3). In the present embodiment, the “predetermined set height SH” refers to the length of a portion of the ceiling transport vehicle 9 protruding below the rail 99 from the upper rail height RH (in the example shown in FIG. (The height from the lower surface of the body case 92 to the lower surface of the main body case 92), and a second set height SH2 (for example, 2 meters) slightly higher than the height of the worker M. It is the height that I subtracted. The set height SH is set upward from the floor surface 96.

  The second condition C2 is a condition that “the relative position of the ceiling carrier 9 with respect to the work table 1 based on the signal received by the receiving device 4 is within a predetermined set range SE” (see FIG. 4). In the present embodiment, the “predetermined setting range SE” is set as a distance range, and is therefore set to a circular range centered on the receiving device 4 in plan view (in FIG. Arcs that form part of them). Here, as shown in FIG. 6, the intensity of the signal received by the receiving device 4 is converted as a radio wave intensity E. In FIG. 6, the vertical axis is the radio wave intensity E and the horizontal axis is the time T. As the distance between the overhead transport vehicle 9 (transmitting device 93F) and the receiving device 4 decreases, the radio field intensity E increases, and conversely, as the distance between the overhead transport vehicle 9 (transmitting device 93F) and the receiving device 4 increases, the radio field intensity increases. E becomes weak. In the present embodiment, the radio wave intensity E corresponding to the distance from the receiving device 4 to the end of the setting range SE (the radial distance SR of the setting range SE) is set as the threshold W. That is, when the radio wave intensity E is equal to or more than the threshold value W, it can be determined that the overhead conveyance vehicle 9 is located within the set range SE.

  The control unit 7 includes a processor such as a microcomputer and peripheral circuits such as a memory. Each function of the control unit 7 is realized by cooperation of the hardware and a program executed on a processor such as a computer. In the present embodiment, the control unit 7 has a configuration for determining whether the first condition C1 and the second condition C2 are satisfied. In the example illustrated in FIG. 5, the control unit 7 includes a first condition determination unit 7A that determines whether the first condition C1 is satisfied and a second condition determination unit 7B that determines whether the second condition C2 is satisfied. And

  In addition, the control unit 7 detects the work table height determination unit 72 that determines the work table height H1 based on the detection value detected from the work table height detection device 3 and the rail height detection device 6A. A rail height determination unit 73 that determines the upper rail height RH based on the detected value.

  The first condition determination unit 7A subtracts the first set height SH1 and the second set height SH2 stored in the storage unit 71 in advance from the upper rail height RH obtained from the rail height determination unit 73. The height is set as the set height SH. Thus, the control unit 7 is configured to vary the set height SH according to the upper rail height RH. The set height SH set in this way is temporarily or permanently stored in the storage unit 71. Then, the first condition determination unit 7A compares the work table height H1 acquired from the work table height determination unit 72 with the set height SH to determine whether the first condition C1 is satisfied. More specifically, the first condition determination unit 7A determines whether the workbench height H1 is equal to or greater than a predetermined set height SH.

  The control unit 7 also includes a radio field intensity determination unit 74 that determines the radio field intensity E based on the signal received from the reception device 4 and the workbench 1 (details) based on the radio field intensity E acquired from the radio field intensity determination unit 74. Further includes a relative distance determination unit 75 that determines a relative distance D1 (see FIG. 4) between the receiving device 4) and the overhead transport vehicle 9 (specifically, the transmitting device 93F).

  The second condition determining unit 7B compares the radius distance of the setting range SE stored in the storage unit 71 in advance with the relative distance D1 acquired from the relative distance determining unit 75, and determines that the relative distance D1 is the setting range SE. It is determined whether or not the radius distance is shorter than the above, that is, whether or not the second condition C2 is satisfied. More specifically, the second condition determination unit 7B determines whether or not the relative position of the overhead carrier 9 with respect to the worktable 1 based on the signal received by the receiving device 4 is within a predetermined set range SE. I do.

  Then, when it is determined that the first condition C1 and the second condition C2 are satisfied, the control unit 7 activates the alert device 5 to alert the worker M. As described above, the control unit 7 determines that the workbench height H1 that is the height of the workbench 1 detected by the workbench height detection device 3 is equal to or greater than the predetermined set height SH (the first condition C1). If the relative position of the ceiling transport vehicle 9 with respect to the work table 1 based on the signal received by the receiving device 4 is within a predetermined setting range SE (second condition C2), the alert device 5 issues an alert. Do.

  Next, a procedure in which the control unit 7 of the aerial work platform 100 alerts the worker M will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  First, the control unit 7 determines whether or not the first condition C1 is satisfied by comparing the workbench height H1 based on the detection value of the workbench height detection device 3 with the set height SH ( # 11). When it is determined that the workbench height H1 is equal to or greater than the set height SH (# 11: Yes), the control unit 7 determines whether or not the second condition C2 is satisfied by the detection of the receiving device 4. This is performed by comparing the relative distance D1 based on the value with the set range SE (specifically, the radial distance SR of the set range SE) (# 12). When it is determined that the relative distance D1 is within the set range SE, that is, the relative distance D1 is equal to or smaller than the radius distance SR of the set range SE (# 12: Yes), the control unit 7 pays attention to the alerting device 5. The alerting control for alerting is executed (# 13). As a result, the rotating light of the alert device 5 is turned on, and the worker M is alerted.

2. Second Embodiment Next, a second embodiment of the aerial work platform 100 will be described with reference to FIGS. In the following, the present embodiment will be described focusing on points different from the above-described first embodiment, and points that are not particularly described are the same as in the above-described first embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the aerial work platform 100 detects a rail distance RD, which is a distance between the work platform 1 and the rail 99 on which the overhead carrier 9 travels when viewed vertically (in plan view). The apparatus further includes a device 6B. In the present embodiment, the rail distance detection device 6B is an imaging device, and includes a stereo camera capable of detecting a distance to an object. In the present embodiment, the rail detection device 6 has both functions of the rail height detection device 6A and the rail distance detection device 6B.

  The rail distance detection device 6B detects the distance from the rail distance detection device 6B to the rail 99. The rail distance detection device 6B detects the distance to the rail 99 based on, for example, an image of the rail 99 captured by a stereo camera. Then, the rail distance detection device 6B calculates a distance from the rail distance detection device 6B to the rail 99, and an inclination angle of a line connecting the rail distance detection device 6B and the rail 99 with respect to a reference plane (for example, a horizontal plane or a vertical plane). To detect. Then, based on the distance and the inclination angle, a rail distance RD that is a distance (a distance in the horizontal direction) between the rail distance detection device 6B and the rail 99 when viewed in the up-down direction is calculated.

  As shown in FIG. 8, in the present embodiment, a set distance SD is set, which is a distance where the traveling locus MP of the overhead carrier 9 traveling on the rail 99 and the work table 1 do not overlap when viewed in the up-down direction. Here, the “travel locus MP” is a locus of the overhead transport vehicle 9 (specifically, the main body case 92) traveling along the rail 99. The “set distance SD” is set to the distance between the end of the rail 99 and the end of the travel trajectory MP on the same side of the rail 99 in the width direction. The “set distance SD” is set outside each of the pair of rails 99 in the lateral width direction.

  By the way, even when the overhead transport vehicle 9 is approaching the work table 1 (the operator M), if it is determined that the possibility of contact with the overhead transport vehicle 9 is low, the worker M It is preferable not to issue the alert in order to reduce the frequency of unnecessary alerts. In addition, reducing the frequency at which unnecessary alerts are performed also leads to suppressing a decrease in the tension of the worker M due to frequent alerts.

  In the present embodiment, even when the first condition C1 and the second condition C2 are satisfied, the aerial work platform 100 does not alert the worker M when the exclusion condition CE is satisfied. It is configured as follows.

  The exclusion condition CE alerts the worker M even when the rail detection device 6 detects the rail 99 as an object, when the possibility of contact with the overhead transport vehicle 9 is low (or not). This is a condition not to perform. In the present embodiment, the exclusion condition CE is based on the condition that the rail distance RD is larger than a set distance SD that is a distance where the traveling locus MP of the ceiling transport vehicle 9 does not overlap the work table 1 when viewed in the vertical direction. (See FIG. 8). However, in order to avoid contact with the ceiling transport vehicle 9 more safely, the exclusion condition CE may be that “the rail distance RD is larger than the sum of the set distance SD and the safety distance”. Note that the safe distance may be set according to the maximum distance or the like that the worker can protrude from the workbench 1.

  In the present embodiment, the control unit 7 has a configuration capable of determining whether or not the exclusion condition CE is satisfied. In the example illustrated in FIG. 9, in addition to the configuration of the above-described first embodiment, the control unit 7 is detected by the exclusion condition determination unit 7C that determines whether the exclusion condition CE is satisfied and the rail distance detection device 6B. A rail distance determination unit 76 that determines the rail distance RD based on the detected value.

  The exclusion condition determination unit 7C compares the rail distance RD acquired from the rail distance determination unit 76 with the set distance SD stored in the storage unit 71 in advance to determine whether or not the exclusion condition CE is satisfied. . More specifically, the exclusion condition determination unit 7C determines whether the rail distance RD is larger than the set distance SD.

  Then, even if it is determined that the first condition C1 and the second condition C2 are satisfied, the control unit 7 does not alert the worker M when determining that the exclusion condition CE is satisfied. I do. As described above, the control unit 7 determines that the rail distance RD is a distance (the set distance SD) in which the traveling trajectory MP of the overhead transport vehicle 9 traveling on the rail 99 and the work table 1 do not overlap when viewed in the vertical direction. Then, the alerting device 5 does not alert.

  Next, a control procedure in the present embodiment will be described with reference to a flowchart of FIG.

  First, the control unit 7 determines whether or not the first condition C1 is satisfied by comparing the workbench height H1 based on the detection value of the workbench height detection device 3 with the set height SH ( # 21). If it is determined that the workbench height H1 is equal to or greater than the set height SH (# 21: Yes), the control unit 7 determines whether the second condition C2 is satisfied by the receiving device 4 This is performed by comparing the relative distance D1 based on the value with the set range SE (specifically, the radial distance SR of the set range SE) (# 22). When it is determined that the relative distance D1 is within the set range SE, that is, the relative distance D1 is equal to or smaller than the radius distance SR of the set range SE (# 22: Yes), the control unit 7 determines whether the exclusion condition CE is satisfied. The determination as to whether or not it is made is made by comparing the rail distance RD based on the detection value of the rail distance detection device 6B with the set distance SD (# 23). When it is determined that the rail distance RD is larger than the set distance SD (# 23: Yes), it is possible to determine that the possibility of contact with the overhead transport vehicle 9 is low (or not), and thus the worker M is alerted. Is not done. On the other hand, when it is determined in step 23 that the rail distance RD is equal to or less than the set distance SD (# 23: No), the control unit 7 executes the alert control to alert the worker M (# 24). ).

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, even when the worktable height H1 is equal to or greater than the set height SH and the relative position of the ceiling carrier 9 with respect to the worktable 1 is within the set range SE, When the traveling trajectory MP of the overhead transport vehicle 9 does not overlap with the work table 1 in the directional view, when the possibility of contact between the worker M and the overhead transport vehicle 9 is low, the worker M is not alerted. As a result, the frequency at which unnecessary alerts are issued can be reduced.

3. Other Embodiments Next, other embodiments of the aerial work platform 100 will be described.

(1) In the above second embodiment, an example in which the control unit 7 determines whether the first condition C1 and the second condition C2 are satisfied before determining whether the exclusion condition CE is satisfied. explained. However, these determinations can be made by appropriately changing the order. For example, the determination as to whether or not the exclusion condition CE is satisfied may be performed first. In this case, since it is possible to determine that the possibility of contact with the overhead transport vehicle 9 is low (or not), it is determined that it is not necessary to alert the worker M. Therefore, the determination as to whether the first condition C1 and the second condition C2 are satisfied can be omitted.

(2) In the above-described second embodiment, an example has been described in which the control unit 7 does not perform the alert by the alert device 5 when the exclusion condition CE is satisfied. However, instead of or in addition to such a configuration, the control unit 7 detects the strength of the signal received by the receiving device 4 over time, and the signal strength tends to decrease. In some cases, the alert by the alert device 5 may not be performed. In the time chart shown in FIG. 6, the radio wave intensity E as the signal intensity at the time T1 is the strongest, indicating that the overhead carrier 9 is closest to the work table 1 (the worker M). . After the time T1, the radio wave intensity E tends to decrease. In such a state, it can be determined that the overhead carrier 9 is moving away from the workbench 1 (the worker M). Therefore, in a state where the radio wave intensity E tends to decrease after the time T1, the possibility of contact with the overhead transport vehicle 9 is low (or not), and the necessity of alerting the worker M is also low. Therefore, in such a case, the control unit 7 does not alert the worker M. According to this configuration, it is possible to reduce the frequency at which unnecessary alerts are issued by not issuing alerts when the radio wave intensity E is on a downward trend.

(3) In each of the above embodiments, an example has been described in which the height from the floor surface 96 to the rail 99 is actually measured to detect the upper rail height RH. However, the upper rail height RH may be detected without actually measuring the height from the floor surface 96 to the rail 99. For example, in each area having a different rail height, a barcode storing rail height information in that area is attached to the lower surface of the rail 99 or the like. Then, the upper rail height RH (rail height around the aerial work vehicle 100) may be detected by reading a bar code by the rail detection device 6. The barcode may include a two-dimensional barcode, and a wireless IC tag or the like may be used instead of the barcode. Further, the aerial work platform 100 is configured to have a GPS (Global Positioning System) function capable of grasping the position of the vehicle, and rail height information is stored for each area having a different rail height. Alternatively, the upper rail height RH may be detected based on the current vehicle position and the rail height information for each area.

(4) In each of the above embodiments, an example has been described in which the control unit 7 changes the set height SH in accordance with the upper rail height RH. However, for example, when the height of the rail 99 in the travel area is constant, the set height SH may be set to be constant in the travel area. Further, even when the height of the rail 99 in the travel area differs depending on the location as in each of the above embodiments, the set height SH may be set to be constant in the travel area. In this case, the set height SH may be set based on the height of the lowest part of the rail 99 in the traveling area.

(5) In the above embodiments, the workbench height detecting device 3, the receiving device 4, the alerting device 5, and the control unit 7 are configured as an alerting unit U integrated with each other, The example in which such a warning unit U is configured to be detachable from the work table 1 has been described. However, each of these devices may be configured to be individually attached to the work table 1. Furthermore, the alerting unit U or each device constituting the unit may be fixedly arranged on the worktable 1 so as not to be detachable.

(6) The configuration disclosed in each of the above-described embodiments can be applied in combination with the configuration disclosed in another embodiment as long as no contradiction occurs. Regarding other configurations, the embodiments disclosed in this specification are merely examples in all respects. Therefore, various modifications can be appropriately made without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure.

4. The outline of the above-described embodiment will be described below.

An aerial work platform that is used in an area where an overhead carrier travels and that can change the height of a work platform,
A height detection device for detecting the height of the worktable,
A receiving device that receives a signal emitted by the overhead transport vehicle,
An alerting device that alerts an operator on the workbench,
And a control unit,
The control unit may be configured such that the height of the worktable detected by the height detection device is equal to or greater than a predetermined set height, and the worktable of the overhead carrier based on a signal received by the reception device. When the relative position with respect to is within a predetermined setting range, the alerting device alerts the user.

  According to this configuration, since the configuration necessary for alerting the possibility of contact with the overhead transport vehicle is provided on the side of the work platform for aerial work, when such a configuration is provided on the transport facility side In comparison, it is easier to simplify the device configuration. In other words, there is no need to provide a large-scale detection device such as a distance-measuring beam scan detection device that covers the entire transport equipment. The system can be simply constructed. Further, according to this configuration, it is possible to avoid contact between the worker and the overhead transport vehicle without using the entire area where the overhead transport vehicle travels as a detection area as in the related art. Therefore, it is possible to appropriately construct a warning system in a state where there are few restrictions on the transport equipment and the building.

  Here, it is preferable that the height detecting device detects a workbench height that is a height from a floor surface to the workbench.

  According to this configuration, the position of the workbench in the vertical direction can be grasped with high certainty, and it is possible to accurately determine whether or not the height of the workbench is equal to or higher than a predetermined set height.

The apparatus further includes a rail height detection device that detects an upper rail height that is a height of a rail on which the overhead transport vehicle travels above the work table,
It is preferable that the control unit changes the set height in accordance with the height of the upper rail.

  According to this configuration, even when the rail height differs depending on the location, it is possible to appropriately alert the user according to the rail height at each location. As a result, the frequency at which unnecessary alerts are issued can be reduced.

Further, the apparatus further includes a rail distance detection device that detects a rail distance that is a distance between the work table and a rail on which the overhead transport vehicle travels when viewed in a vertical direction,
The control unit, when the rail distance is a distance that does not overlap the traveling locus of the overhead transport vehicle traveling on the rail in the vertical direction and the worktable, performs the alert by the alert device. It is preferable not to have.

  According to this configuration, even when the height of the worktable is equal to or higher than the set height and the relative position of the ceiling transfer vehicle with respect to the worktable is within the set range, the traveling locus of the ceiling transfer vehicle in the up-down direction When the possibility of contact between the worker and the overhead transport vehicle is low because the work does not overlap with the work table, the worker is not alerted. As a result, the frequency at which unnecessary alerts are issued can be reduced.

  Further, the control unit detects the strength of the signal received by the receiving device over time, and when the strength of the signal tends to decrease, does not perform the alert by the alert device. This is preferable.

  If the intensity of the signal received by the receiving device is gradually decreasing over time, it can be determined that the overhead transport vehicle is away from the aerial work platform, in which case, It can be determined that the possibility of contact between the worker and the overhead carrier is low. According to this configuration, the frequency at which unnecessary alerts are performed can be reduced by not issuing alerts in such a case.

Further, the height detection device, the receiving device, the alert device, and the control unit is configured as an alert unit integrated with each other,
It is preferable that the alerting unit is detachably attached to the worktable.

  According to this configuration, since the alerting unit can be attached to and detached from the work table, the alerting unit is attached to only necessary ones of the plurality of work platforms, and the alerting system is appropriately configured. It becomes possible. Further, in order to configure the alerting system, the alerting system can be configured using a general-purpose aerial work truck instead of a dedicated aerial work platform. That is, it is possible to easily improve the existing equipment and the work platform aerial platform with a caution system. Therefore, the alerting system can be more simply constructed, and the alerting system can be constructed with less restrictions on the transport equipment and the building.

  The technology according to the present disclosure can be used in an aerial work platform that is used in an area where a ceiling transport vehicle travels and that can change the height of a work platform.

100: Work platform for height work 1: Work platform 3: Work platform height detection device (height detection device)
4: Receiving device 5: Warning device 6: Rail detecting device 6A: Rail height detecting device 6B: Rail distance detecting device 7: Control unit 9: Ceiling transport vehicle 96: Floor surface 99: Rail D1: Relative distance SH: Setting Height RH: Upper rail height M: Worker MP: Traveling trajectory SD: Set distance RD: Rail distance SE: Set range U: Warning unit

Claims (6)

An aerial work platform that is used in an area where an overhead carrier travels and that can change the height of a work platform,
A height detection device for detecting the height of the worktable,
A receiving device that receives a signal emitted by the overhead transport vehicle,
An alerting device that alerts an operator on the workbench,
And a control unit,
The control unit may be configured such that the height of the worktable detected by the height detection device is equal to or greater than a predetermined set height, and the worktable of the overhead carrier based on a signal received by the reception device. An aerial work platform that alerts the user with the alerting device when the relative position with respect to is within a predetermined setting range.   The high work cart according to claim 1, wherein the height detection device detects a work table height that is a height from a floor surface to the work table. A rail height detecting device that detects an upper rail height that is a height of a rail on which the overhead transport vehicle travels above the work table,
The high work platform cart according to claim 1, wherein the control unit changes the set height according to the height of the upper rail. A rail distance detection device that detects a rail distance that is a distance between the work table and a rail on which the overhead transport vehicle travels when viewed in a vertical direction,
The control unit, when the rail distance is a distance that does not overlap the traveling locus of the overhead transport vehicle traveling on the rail in the vertical direction and the worktable, performs the alert by the alert device. The high work platform trolley according to any one of claims 1 to 3.   The said control part detects the intensity | strength of the signal received by the said receiving device over time, and when the intensity | strength of the said signal has a tendency to fall, it does not alert by the alerting device. 4. The trolley for aerial work according to any one of 4. The height detection device, the receiving device, the alert device, and the control unit, is configured as an alert unit integrated with each other,
The high work cart according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the alert unit is detachably attached to the work bench.

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