Overhead transport system

Abstract

An overhead conveying system includes: an overhead conveyor vehicle having a traveling part that travels along an overhead track, a gripping part that holds an item, and a lateral moving part that moves the gripping part laterally; and a support member that supports the lateral moving part when the gripping part is moved laterally by the lateral moving part, the lateral moving part including: a sliding part that can slide laterally relative to the conveyor vehicle body; a protrusion that is provided in a manner that protrudes upward from the sliding part; and a contact part provided on the protrusion that, when the gripping part is moved laterally by the lateral moving part, contacts the support member while moving laterally.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an overhead handling system. Prior Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an article handling system (overhead handling system) comprising a handling device, a handling target portion that serves as a source or destination for the articles handled by the handling device, and a supporting member. The handling device of this article handling system comprises: a traveling portion that travels along a travel path; a first supporting portion (gripping portion) that supports the articles; and a second driving portion (lateral moving portion) that moves a second supporting portion that vertically supports the first supporting portion in the width direction of the path. The second supporting portion is provided with a supported portion (contact portion) supported by the supporting member. The supported portion is separated from the transport vehicle body (the portion connecting the traveling portion and the second supporting portion) in the length direction of the path (travel direction) and downward direction via a connecting member. [Prior Art Literature] [Patent Document]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent No. 6477439 Summary of the Invention

[0004] [Problems to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In this type of overhead transport system, when the lateral moving section moves the gripping section, the contact section is supported by a supporting member, thereby suppressing tilting of the lateral moving section. However, because the contact section is spaced apart from the transport vehicle body in the travel direction and below, the lateral moving section tends to be large in both the height and travel directions, potentially causing interference with other components (such as cable chains (registered trademark)). Therefore, a more compact lateral moving section is desired.

[0006] The present invention is developed in view of the above circumstances, and its purpose is to provide an overhead transport system that can suppress the tilt of the transverse moving part and achieve the compactness of the transverse moving part. [Technical means to solve the problem]

[0007] (1) An overhead transport system according to one aspect of the present invention comprises: an overhead transport vehicle having a traveling portion that travels along an overhead track, a gripping portion that grips an article, and a transverse moving portion that moves the gripping portion laterally; and a supporting member that supports the transverse moving portion when the gripping portion is moved laterally by the transverse moving portion, the transverse moving portion comprising a sliding portion that is slidable laterally relative to a transport vehicle body; A protrusion is provided in a manner of protruding upward from the sliding portion; and a contact portion is provided on the protrusion and moves laterally while contacting the supporting member when the gripping portion is moved laterally by the lateral moving portion.

[0008] According to this overhead transport system, when the gripping portion is moved laterally by the transverse moving portion, the supporting member supports the transverse moving portion, thereby suppressing tilting of the transverse moving portion. Furthermore, since the contact portion can be positioned above the sliding portion, the height and travel dimensions of the transverse moving portion can be reduced. Therefore, according to one aspect of the present invention, tilting of the transverse moving portion can be suppressed and the transverse moving portion can be made more compact.

[0009] (2) The overhead transport system described in (1) above may also be such that the supporting member is directly or indirectly connected to the ceiling. In this case, the connection of the supporting member can be achieved by utilizing the ceiling.

[0010] (3) In the overhead transport system described in (1) or (2), the gripping portion may be used to raise and lower the transverse moving portion. In this case, the gripping portion may be used to raise and lower the article to transfer the article.

[0011] (4) In the overhead transport system described in any one of (1) to (3), the contact portion may include a roller rotatably supported on the protruding portion about an axis along the travel direction of the overhead transport vehicle, and the supporting member may support the roller from below. In this case, when the gripping portion is moved laterally by the lateral moving portion, the roller can be used to support the lateral moving portion via the supporting member.

[0012] (5) The overhead transport system described in (4) above may include a pair of rollers, the pair of rollers being arranged in a manner interposing the protruding portion in the direction of travel of the overhead transport vehicle. In this case, since the pair of rollers are in contact with the support member, the lateral moving portion can be stabilized and supported by the support member.

[0013] (6) The overhead transport system described in (5) above may also include a supporting member having: a pair of supporting portions each supporting a pair of rollers; and a connecting portion connecting the pair of supporting portions to each other. In this case, the supporting member may be specifically configured.

[0014] (7) The overhead transport system described in (6) above may also be a pair of support parts each having a plate shape that is longer in the transverse direction, and a tapered surface is provided on the upper surface of the end portion of at least one of the pair of support parts, which is inclined so as to descend as it moves from the center of the support part toward the end portion, and at least one of the pair of rollers is mounted on the tapered surface when the gripping part is moved transversely by the transverse moving part. In this case, when the roller contacts the upper surface of the support part when the gripping part is moved transversely by the transverse moving part, the roller can easily contact the upper surface of the support part because the roller is mounted on the tapered surface.

[0015] (8) In the overhead transport system described in any one of (1) to (7), the lateral moving portion may include an auxiliary contact portion, the auxiliary contact portion being arranged laterally apart from the contact portion, so that when the gripping portion is moved laterally by the lateral moving portion, the auxiliary contact portion moves laterally while contacting the support member before the contact portion. In this case, when the gripping portion is moved laterally by the lateral moving portion, the auxiliary contact portion can guide the movement of the lateral moving portion so that the contact portion is directed toward the support member. As a result, the contact portion can be easily brought into contact with the support member.

[0016] (9) In the overhead transport system described in any one of (1) to (8), the protruding portion and the contact portion may be located in the center of the transverse moving portion in the direction of travel of the overhead transport vehicle. In this case, the transverse moving portion can be supported more stably by the supporting member.

[0017] (10) The overhead transport system as described in any one of (1) to (9) above may also be an overhead transport vehicle further comprising a rotating portion, the rotating portion being provided between the transverse moving portion and the gripping portion, so as to rotate the gripping portion about a rotation axis extending in a vertical direction, wherein the contact portion comprises: a first contact portion located laterally closer to one side than the rotation axis; and a second contact portion located laterally closer to the other side than the rotation axis. Thus, even in the case where the rotating portion is provided, the transverse moving portion can be more stably supported by the supporting member by virtue of the first contact portion being laterally closer to one side than the rotation axis and the second contact portion being laterally closer to the other side than the rotation axis.

[0018] (11) The overhead transport system described in any one of (1) to (10) above may also include a transverse moving portion comprising: another sliding portion, the other sliding portion being located above the sliding portion and capable of sliding laterally relative to the transport vehicle body; the other sliding portion comprising: a pair of rails extending laterally and arranged across the contact portion in the travel direction to guide the sliding of the sliding portion; and a connecting member connecting the pair of rails to each other, the connecting member being curved and extending in the travel direction so as to pass above and surround the contact portion when viewed from the transverse direction. In this manner, even when the transverse moving portion includes the other sliding portion and the connecting member, the connecting member will not interfere with the contact portion, thereby achieving compactness of the transverse moving portion.

[0019] (12) The overhead transport system described in any one of (1) to (11) above may also include a supporting member comprising: a first supporting member located on one lateral side of the overhead transport vehicle; and a second supporting member located on the other lateral side of the overhead transport vehicle, wherein the lateral moving portion moves the gripping portion toward one lateral side and the other lateral side, and the contact portion moves toward the lateral side while contacting the first supporting member when the gripping portion is moved toward one lateral side by the lateral moving portion, and moves toward the lateral side while contacting the second supporting member when the gripping portion is moved toward the other lateral side by the lateral moving portion. In this manner, even when the gripping portion is moved toward one lateral side and the other lateral side to move an article, the tilt of the lateral moving portion can be suppressed and the lateral moving portion can be made compact.

[0020] (13) The overhead transport system described in any one of (1) to (12) above may further include a storage shelf having a loading portion for loading articles, and the supporting member may constitute the storage shelf. In this case, in the overhead transport system in which articles are stored on the storage shelf, tilting of the transverse moving portion can be suppressed and the transverse moving portion can be made compact. [Effects of the Invention]

[0021] According to one aspect of the present invention, an overhead transport system can be provided that can suppress the tilt of the transverse moving portion and achieve compactness of the transverse moving portion. Simple diagram description

[0022] FIG1 is a front view showing an overhead transport vehicle system according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] is a three-dimensional diagram showing the overhead handling system. [Figure 3] is a three-dimensional diagram showing the contact components. [Fig. 4(a)] is a perspective view showing the first supporting member. [Fig. 4(b)] is another perspective view showing the first supporting member. [Figure 5] is a side view of the overhead transport truck. FIG6(a) is a front view illustrating the process of sliding the upper and / or lower slides toward the side of the first storage shelf. FIG6(b) is a front view subsequent to FIG6(a). FIG6(c) is a front view subsequent to FIG6(b). FIG7(a) is a front view illustrating the process of sliding the upper and / or lower slides toward the second storage shelf in the horizontal direction. FIG7(b) is a front view subsequent to FIG7(a). FIG7(c) is a front view subsequent to FIG7(b). Implementation Method

[0023] Hereinafter, the embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or equivalent elements are given the same reference numerals and repeated descriptions are omitted.

[0024] As shown in Figure 1, an overhead transport system 1 uses an overhead transport vehicle 3 that can move along an overhead track 2 to transport articles M. The overhead transport system 1 includes the overhead track 2, the overhead transport vehicle 3, a first storage shelf 50, and a second storage shelf 60. The overhead track 2 is installed above the operator's headspace, i.e., near the ceiling R, in a factory or other facility. The overhead track 2 is vertically supported by, for example, support columns 4. The overhead transport system 1 uses the overhead transport vehicle 3 to transfer articles M between, for example, the first storage shelf 50 and the second storage shelf 60. Articles M may be, for example, FOUPs (Front Opening Unified Pods) storing semiconductor wafers or grating cassettes storing gratings.

[0025] The overhead transport vehicle 3 is an unmanned overhead transport vehicle and includes a frame unit 5, a travel unit 6, a transverse movement unit 7, a rotation unit 8, a lifting drive unit 9, a grip unit 10, and a transport vehicle controller 11.

[0026] The frame unit 5 includes a center frame (truck body) 13, a front frame 14, and a rear frame 15 (see Figure 2). The front frame 14 extends downward from one end of the center frame 13 in the X-direction, the direction in which the overhead crane 3 travels. The rear frame 15 extends downward from the other end of the center frame 13 in the X-direction.

[0027] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the transverse moving section 7 is positioned below the center frame 13. The transverse moving section 7 moves the rotating section 8, the lifting drive unit 9, and the gripping section 10 in the Y direction, which intersects the X direction. The transverse moving section 7 includes an upper sliding section (other sliding section) 16 and a lower sliding section (sliding section) 17 positioned below the upper sliding section 16. The upper sliding section 16 can slide in both directions of the Y direction relative to the center frame 13. The lower sliding section 17 can slide in both directions of the Y direction relative to the upper sliding section 16. This allows the transverse moving section 7 to move the gripping section 10 in both the positive and negative directions of the Y direction.

[0028] The rotating portion 8 is provided between the lower sliding portion 17 of the transverse moving portion 7 and the gripping portion 10. The rotating portion 8 rotates the lifting drive unit 9 and the gripping portion 10 around a rotation axis AX1 (refer to FIG2 ) along the Z direction (vertical direction) perpendicular to the X direction and the Y direction. The lifting drive unit 9 is arranged on the lower side of the rotating portion 8. The lifting drive unit 9 lifts and lowers the gripping portion 10 by repeatedly sending out and winding up a plurality of belts B connected to the gripping portion 10. The gripping portion 10 is arranged on the lower side of the lifting drive unit 9. The gripping portion 10 is configured to be able to be lifted and lowered by the lifting drive unit 9. The gripping portion 10 has a pair of clamps G that can be opened and closed along the XY plane. The gripping portion 10 holds the flange (not shown) of the article M by the pair of clamps G.

[0029] The transporter controller 11 is mounted on the center frame 13. It is an electronic control unit comprised of a CPU (Central Processing Unit), ROM (Read Only Memory), and RAM (Random Access Memory). It controls various components of the overhead transport vehicle 3. The transporter controller 11 may be comprised of multiple electronic control units. Alternatively, the transporter controller 11 may be mounted on the front frame 14 or elsewhere.

[0030] The first storage rack 50 is a side track buffer (STB) located on one side of the elevated track 2 in the Y direction. The first storage rack 50 is vertically supported by a plurality of rack supports 51. The first storage rack 50 includes a loading portion 52 for placing items M and a first support member 54 vertically supported by a plurality of supports 53. The first support member 54 is directly connected to the ceiling R via the plurality of supports 53.

[0031] The second storage shelf 60 is a side track buffer (STB) located on the other side of the elevated track 2 in the Y direction. The second storage shelf 60 is vertically supported by a plurality of shelf supports 61. The second storage shelf 60 includes a loading portion 62 for loading items M. The second storage shelf 60 includes a second support member 64 vertically supported by a plurality of supports 63. The second support member 64 is directly connected to the ceiling R via the plurality of supports 63.

[0032] In the overhead transport system 1 configured as described above, the overhead transport vehicle 3 operates, for example, as follows. When transferring an article M from the overhead transport vehicle 3 to the first storage shelf 50, the overhead transport vehicle 3 stops to the side of the first storage shelf 50. At the stop position, the lateral movement unit 7 moves the gripping unit 10 toward the first storage shelf 50, positioning the gripping unit 10 directly above the loading portion 52 of the first storage shelf 50. Furthermore, the lifting drive unit 9 lowers the gripping unit 10, placing the article M on the loading portion 52. When transferring the article M to the second storage shelf 60, the overhead transport vehicle 3 operates in the same manner as described above.

[0033] 2 and 5, the structure of the upper sliding portion 16 and the lower sliding portion 17 of the transverse moving portion 7 will be described.

[0034] The upper slide 16 includes a pair of upper rails 21 and 22 extending in the Y direction and aligned in the X direction; an upper connecting member (connecting member) 23 connecting the upper rails 21 and 22; an upper guide block 46; and an upper guide block 48. The upper rails 21 and 22 guide the sliding movement of the lower slide 17. The upper rail 21 is located closer to the front frame 14 in the X direction than the upper rail 22 (see Figure 1). The upper connecting member 23 is located between the lower rails 24 and 25 and the center frame 13. The upper connecting member 23 is a plate member that is elongated in the X direction.

[0035] The lower sliding portion 17 includes a pair of lower rails 24 and 25 extending in the Y direction and aligned in the X direction; a lower connecting member 26 connecting the lower rails 24 and 25; a lower guide block 47; and a lower guide block 49. The lower rail 24 is slidable relative to the upper rail 21, and the lower rail 25 is slidable relative to the upper rail 22. The lower rail 24 is located closer to the front frame 14 (see Figure 1) than the lower rail 25 in the X direction. The lower connecting member 26 is located between the lower rails 24 and 25 and the rotating portion 8. The lower connecting member 26 is a plate member that is elongated in the X direction. For example, the lower connecting member 26 has a hexagonal shape when viewed from above.

[0036] The upper rails 21 and 22 are arranged in the X direction to sandwich first rollers 31 and 32 and second rollers 33 and 34 described later. The lower rails 24 and 25 are arranged in the X direction to sandwich first rollers 31 and 32 and second rollers 33 and 34.

[0037] The upper guide block 46, the lower guide block 47, the upper guide block 48, and the lower guide block 49 are disposed below the center frame 13 and above the lower connecting member 26. The upper guide block 46, the lower guide block 47, the upper guide block 48, and the lower guide block 49 are, for example, linear motion guides (LM guides).

[0038] The upper guide block 46 is provided between the center frame 13 and the upper rail 21 and between the front frame 14 and the driven belt 43 described later. The upper guide block 46 is slidable along the Y direction with respect to the center frame 13 and the upper rail 21, respectively.

[0039] An upwardly opening upper groove 46a is formed on the upper portion of the upper guide block 46. The guide protrusion 13a, provided downwardly protruding from the lower portion of the center frame 13, slidably engages with the upper groove 46a in the Y direction. The upper groove 46a and the guide protrusion 13a extend along the Y direction. A downwardly opening lower groove 46b is formed on the lower portion of the upper guide block 46. The guide protrusion 21a, provided upwardly protruding from the upper portion of the upper rail 21, slidably engages with the lower groove 46b in the Y direction. The lower groove 46b and the guide protrusion 21a extend along the Y direction.

[0040] The lower guide block 47 is provided between the upper rail 21 and the lower rail 24 and between the front frame 14 and the driven belt 43. The lower guide block 47 is slidable along the Y direction with respect to the upper rail 21 and the lower rail 24, respectively.

[0041] An upwardly opening upper groove 47a is formed on the upper portion of the lower guide block 47. The guide protrusion 21b, provided downwardly protruding from the lower portion of the upper rail 21, slidably engages with the upper groove 47a along the Y direction. The upper groove 47a and the guide protrusion 21b extend along the Y direction. A downwardly opening lower groove 47b is formed on the lower portion of the lower guide block 47. The guide protrusion 24a, provided upwardly protruding from the upper portion of the lower rail 24, slidably engages with the lower groove 47b along the Y direction. The lower groove 47b and the guide protrusion 24a extend along the Y direction.

[0042] The upper guide block 48 is provided between the center frame 13 and the upper rail 22 and between the rear frame 15 and the drive belt 41 described later. The upper guide block 48 is slidable along the Y direction with respect to the center frame 13 and the upper rail 22, respectively.

[0043] An upwardly opening upper groove 48a is formed on the upper portion of the upper guide block 48. The guide protrusion 13b, which protrudes downward from the lower portion of the center frame 13, slidably engages with the upper groove 48a in the Y direction. The upper groove 48a and the guide protrusion 13b extend along the Y direction. A downwardly opening lower groove 48b is formed on the lower portion of the upper guide block 48. The guide protrusion 22a, which protrudes upward from the upper portion of the upper rail 22, slidably engages with the lower groove 48b in the Y direction. The lower groove 48b and the guide protrusion 22a extend along the Y direction.

[0044] The lower guide block 49 is provided between the upper rail 22 and the lower rail 25 and between the rear frame 15 and the drive belt 41. The lower guide block 49 is slidable along the Y direction with respect to the upper rail 22 and the lower rail 25, respectively.

[0045] An upwardly opening upper groove 49a is formed on the upper portion of the lower guide block 49. The guide protrusion 22b, provided downwardly protruding from the lower portion of the upper rail 22, slidably engages with the upper groove 49a along the Y direction. The upper groove 49a and the guide protrusion 22b extend along the Y direction. A downwardly opening lower groove 49b is formed on the lower portion of the lower guide block 49. The guide protrusion 25a, provided upwardly protruding from the upper portion of the lower rail 25, slidably engages with the lower groove 49b along the Y direction. The lower groove 49b and the guide protrusion 25a extend along the Y direction.

[0046] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the transverse moving portion 7 includes a contact member 27 disposed on the lower connecting member 26. The contact member 27 includes a rod-shaped member 28, a first protrusion (protrusion) 29, a second protrusion (protrusion) 30, a pair of first rollers (first contact portions) 31 and 32, a pair of second rollers (second contact portions) 33 and 34, a first guide roller (auxiliary contact portion) 35, and a second guide roller (auxiliary contact portion) 36. The rod-shaped member 28 extends along the Y direction. It is disposed above the lower connecting member 26 and between the lower rails 24 and 25 in the X direction. The rod-shaped member 28 includes ends 28a and 28b in the Y direction. End 28a is located closer to the first storage shelf 50 (see Figure 1) in the Y direction than end 28b. The end portion 28b is located closer to the second storage shelf 60 (see FIG. 1 ) than the end portion 28a in the Y direction.

[0047] The first protrusion 29 and the second protrusion 30 are provided on the rod-shaped member 28 so as to protrude upward from the lower sliding portion 17. The first protrusion 29 and the second protrusion 30 are located in the center of the transverse moving portion 7 in the X direction. The first protrusion 29 is located closer to the end 28a side of the rotation axis AX1 in the Y direction, and the second protrusion 30 is located closer to the end 28b side of the rotation axis AX1 in the Y direction.

[0048] The first rollers 31 and 32 are rotatably supported on the first protrusion 29 with their axes along the X direction serving as rotation axes AX2. The first rollers 31 and 32 are arranged in the X direction, sandwiching the rod-shaped member 28 and the first protrusion 29. The first roller 31 is located closer to the lower rail 24 than the first protrusion 29 in the X direction, while the first roller 32 is located closer to the lower rail 25 than the first protrusion 29 in the X direction. When the grip 10 is moved in the Y direction by the lateral movement portion 7, the first rollers 31 and 32 roll (move) in the Y direction while contacting a pair of support portions 55 and 56 (see FIG. 4 ), described later. The first rollers 31 and 32 may be in direct contact with the support portions 55 and 56, respectively, or may be in indirect contact with the support portions 55 and 56, respectively, via other members such as protective films.

[0049] The second rollers 33 and 34 are rotatably supported on the second protrusion 30 with their axes along the X direction serving as rotation axes AX3. The second rollers 33 and 34 are arranged in the X direction, sandwiching the rod-shaped member 28 and the second protrusion 30. The second roller 33 is located closer to the lower rail 24 than the second protrusion 30 in the X direction, while the second roller 34 is located closer to the lower rail 25 than the second protrusion 30 in the X direction. When the grip 10 is moved in the Y direction by the lateral movement unit 7, the second rollers 33 and 34 roll in the Y direction while contacting a pair of support portions 55 and 56 (see FIG. 4 ), described later. The second rollers 33 and 34 may be in direct contact with the support portions 55 and 56, respectively, or may be in indirect contact with the support portions 55 and 56, respectively, via other members such as protective films.

[0050] The first rollers 31 and 32 are located closer to one side (end 28a side) than the rotation axis AX1 in the Y direction, and the second rollers 33 and 34 are located closer to the other side (end 28b side) than the rotation axis AX1 in the Y direction. The first rollers 31 and 32 and the second rollers 33 and 34 are located near the center of the rod-shaped member 28 in the Y direction. The first rollers 31 and 32 and the second rollers 33 and 34 are located in the center of the transverse moving portion 7 in the X direction.

[0051] The first guide roller 35 is rotatably supported on the end portion 28a of the rod-shaped member 28 about its rotation axis AX4 along the X direction. The first guide roller 35 projects in the X direction relative to the rod-shaped member 28 toward the lower rail 24. The first guide roller 35 is spaced apart from the first roller 31 in the Y direction. When the gripping portion 10 is moved in the positive Y direction by the lateral movement portion 7, the first guide roller 35 rolls in the Y direction while contacting the support portion 55 (see Figure 4) before the first roller 31. The first guide roller 35 may directly contact the support portion 55 or indirectly contact the support portion 55 via another member such as a protective film.

[0052] The second guide roller 36 is rotatably supported on the end portion 28b of the rod-shaped member 28 about its rotation axis AX5 along the X direction. The second guide roller 36 projects from the rod-shaped member 28 toward the lower rail 24 in the X direction. The second guide roller 36 is spaced apart from the second roller 33 in the Y direction. When the gripping portion 10 is moved in the negative Y direction by the lateral movement portion 7, the second guide roller 36 rolls in the Y direction while contacting the support portion 65 (see FIG. 7 ) before the second roller 33. The second guide roller 36 may directly contact the support portion 65 or indirectly contact the support portion 65 via another member such as a protective film.

[0053] The outer diameters of the first rollers 31, 32 and the second rollers 33, 34 are larger than those of the first guide rollers 35 and the second guide rollers 36. The lower ends of the first rollers 31, 32 and the second rollers 33, 34 are coplanar with the lower ends of the first guide rollers 35 and the second guide rollers 36. The outer diameters of the shaft members of the first rollers 31, 32 and the second rollers 33, 34 are larger than those of the first guide rollers 35 and the second guide rollers 36. The first rollers 31 and 32 share a common shaft member, allowing them to rotate as a unit. Similarly, the second rollers 33 and 34 share a common shaft member, allowing them to rotate as a unit.

[0054] The structures of the first supporting member 54 and the second supporting member 64 will be described with reference to Figures 4(a), 4(b), and 7(a). The first supporting member 54 supports the transverse moving portion 7 when the gripping portion 10 is moved in the Y direction by the transverse moving portion 7. As shown in Figures 4(a) and 4(b), the first supporting member 54 includes a pair of supporting portions 55 and 56 and a connecting portion 57. The supporting portion 55 is located on one side in the X direction, and the supporting portion 56 is located on the other side in the X direction.

[0055] The support portion 55 is the portion that contacts the first roller 31 and the second roller 33 (see Figure 3) and is also the portion that supports the first roller 31 and the second roller 33. The support portion 55 is a plate-shaped portion that is elongated in the Y direction. The support portion 55 includes ends 55a and 55b in the Y direction. End 55a is located closer to the negative Y direction than end 55b. The upper surface of end 55a of the support portion 55 is provided with a tapered surface 55c that slopes downward as it moves from the center of the support portion 55 toward end 55a. The upper surface of end 55b of the support portion 55 is provided with a tapered surface 55d that slopes downward as it moves from the center of the support portion 55 toward end 55b.

[0056] The support portion 56 is the portion that contacts the first roller 32 and the second roller 34 (see Figure 3) and also supports them. The support portion 56 is a plate-shaped portion that is elongated in the Y direction. The support portion 56 includes ends 56a and 56b in the Y direction. End 56a is located closer to the negative Y direction than end 56b. The upper surface of end 56a of the support portion 56 is provided with a tapered surface 56c that slopes downward as it moves from the center of the support portion 56 toward end 56a. The upper surface of end 56b of the support portion 56 is provided with a tapered surface 56d that slopes downward as it moves from the center of the support portion 56 toward end 56b.

[0057] The connecting portion 57 includes side panels 58a, 58b, and a top panel 59. Side panel 58a is located on one side in the X-direction, while side panel 58b is located on the other side in the X-direction. Side panel 58a has a U-shaped cross-section that opens toward side panel 58b in the X-direction, while side panel 58b has a U-shaped cross-section that opens toward side panel 58a in the X-direction. The lower end 58c of side panel 58a and the lower end 58d of side panel 58b in the Z-direction extend so as to collide with each other in the X-direction. Support portion 55 is provided on end 58c, and support portion 56 is provided on end 58d. The upper end 58e of side panel 58a and the upper end 58f of side panel 58b in the Z-direction extend so as to collide with each other in the X-direction. Top panel 59 is a plate-shaped plate that is elongated in the Y-direction. Top panel 59 connects end 58e and end 58f. Thereby, the support parts 55 and 56 are connected to each other via the connecting part 57.

[0058] As shown in Figure 7(a), the second support member 64 includes a support portion 65. The support portion 65 is the portion that contacts the first roller 31 and the second roller 33 (see Figure 3) and is used to support the first roller 31 and the second roller 33. The support portion 65 is a plate-shaped portion that is elongated in the Y direction. The support portion 65 includes ends 65a and 65b in the Y direction. End 65a is located closer to the positive direction of the Y direction than end 65b. The upper surface of end 65a of the support portion 65 is provided with a tapered surface 65c that slopes downward as it moves from the center of the support portion 65 toward end 65a. The upper surface of end 65b of the support portion 65 is provided with a tapered surface 65d that slopes downward as it moves from the center of the support portion 65 toward end 65b. Similar to the first support member 54, the second support member 64 includes a supporting portion (not shown) that pairs with the support portion 65.

[0059] The arrangement of the components inside the frame unit 5 will be described with reference to FIG5 . FIG5 schematically illustrates the first support member 54. The transverse moving unit 7 includes a drive unit 40, a drive belt 41, a bracket 42, a driven belt 43, and a bracket 44. The drive unit 40, drive belt 41, bracket 42, driven belt 43, and bracket 44 are arranged below the center frame 13 and above the lower connecting member 26.

[0060] The drive unit 40 moves the upper slider 16 and the lower slider 17 in the Y direction. The drive unit 40 is located between the contact member 27 and the rear frame 15 in the X direction. The drive belt 41 is driven by the drive force of the drive unit 40 to move in both directions in the Y direction. The drive belt 41 is located between the drive unit 40 and the upper rail 22 in the X direction. The drive belt 41 and the upper rail 22 are connected to each other via a bracket 42. The center frame 13 and the upper rail 22 are connected to each other via the drive belt 41. The upper rail 22 slides relative to the center frame 13 due to the drive force of the drive unit 40.

[0061] The driven belt 43 moves the upper rail 21 and lower rail 24 in the Y direction. The driven belt 43 follows the movement of the upper rail 22 and lower rail 25, conveying them to both sides in the Y direction. The driven belt 43 is located between the contact member 27 and the front frame 14 in the X direction. The driven belt 43 and the lower rail 24 are connected to each other via a bracket 44. The center frame 13, upper rail 21, and lower rail 24 are connected to each other via the driven belt 43. The upper rail 21 slides relative to the center frame 13 as the upper rail 22 slides. The lower rail 24 slides relative to the upper rail 21 via the driven belt 43. The lower rail 25 slides relative to the upper rail 22 as the lower rail 24 slides.

[0062] The transverse moving unit 7 includes a cable protection member 45. The cable protection member 45 protects the wiring used to operate the transverse moving unit 7. The cable protection member 45 is, for example, a cable drag chain (registered trademark). The cable protection member 45 is positioned below the center frame 13, between the front frame 14 and the upper and lower rails 21 and 24. The cable protection member 45 is also positioned below the center frame 13, between the rear frame 15 and the upper and lower rails 22 and 25.

[0063] The contact member 27 is located between the center frame 13 and the lower connecting member 26, and between the drive unit 40 and the driven belt 43. The contact member 27 is housed within the transverse moving unit 7 when the upper and lower sliding units 16 and 17 are not sliding. Therefore, the Z-direction height of the transverse moving unit 7 remains unchanged regardless of the presence of the contact member 27. When the upper and lower sliding units 16 and 17 slide, the contact member 27 does not interfere with the cable protection member 45 and other components.

[0064] The shape of the upper connecting member 23 will be described with reference to Figures 2 and 5. When viewed from the Y direction, the upper connecting member 23 passes above the first rollers 31, 32 and the second rollers 33, 34 (see Figure 3) and extends in the X direction while curving to surround the first rollers 31, 32, and the second rollers 33, 34. Specifically, the upper connecting member 23 includes a first portion 23a, a second portion 23b connected to the first portion 23a, a third portion 23c connected to the second portion 23b, and a fourth portion 23d connected to the third portion 23c. The first portion 23a extends in the X direction between the drive unit 40 and the lower connecting member 26. The second portion 23b extends in the Z direction between the first roller 32 and the drive unit 40. The third portion 23c extends in the X direction between the center frame 13 and the first rollers 31, 32. The fourth portion 23d extends along the Z direction between the first roller 31 and the driven belt 43. As described above, since the upper connecting member 23 includes a portion extending in the X direction or the Z direction, the upper connecting member 23 can connect the upper rails 21 and 22 to each other without interfering with the contact member 27.

[0065] Next, the operation of the contact member 27 when the upper sliding portion 16 and / or the lower sliding portion 17 slide toward the first storage shelf 50 in the Y direction will be described. When the upper sliding portion 16 and / or the lower sliding portion 17 slide in the positive direction of the Y direction, as shown in Figure 6(a), the first guide roller 35 first rides on the tapered surface 55c. Next, when the upper sliding portion 16 and / or the lower sliding portion 17 slides, the first roller 31, the second roller 33, and the first guide roller 35, having ridden on the tapered surface 55c, roll on the support portion 55 in the positive direction of the Y direction, as shown in Figure 6(b). Simultaneously, the first roller 32 and the second roller 34, having ridden on the tapered surface 56c, roll on the support portion 56 (see Figures 3 and 4) in the positive direction of the Y direction. Next, if the upper sliding portion 16 and / or the lower sliding portion 17 slide, and then the sliding of the upper sliding portion 16 and the lower sliding portion 17 ends, as shown in Figure 6(c), the first roller 31 and the second roller 33 are in contact with the support portion 55, and the first roller 32 and the second roller 34 are in contact with the support portion 56. On the other hand, the first guide roller 35 and the second guide roller 36 are not in contact with the tapered surface 55d and the tapered surface 55c, respectively, but are located above.

[0066] Next, the operation of the contact member 27 when the upper sliding portion 16 and / or the lower sliding portion 17 slide toward the second storage shelf 60 in the Y direction will be described. When the upper sliding portion 16 and / or the lower sliding portion 17 slide in the negative Y direction, as shown in Figure 7(a), the second guide roller 36 first rides on the tapered surface 65c. Next, when the upper sliding portion 16 and / or the lower sliding portion 17 slides, the first roller 31, the second roller 33, and the second guide roller 36, which have already ridden on the tapered surface 65c, roll on the support portion 65 in the negative Y direction, as shown in Figure 7(b). Simultaneously, the first roller 32 and the second roller 34, which have already ridden on the tapered surface, roll on the support portion in the negative Y direction. Next, if the upper sliding portion 16 and / or the lower sliding portion 17 slide, and then the sliding of the upper sliding portion 16 and the lower sliding portion 17 ends, as shown in Figure 7(c), the first roller 31 and the second roller 33 are in contact with the support portion 65, and the first roller 32 and the second roller 34 are in contact with the support portion. On the other hand, the first guide roller 35 and the second guide roller 36 are not in contact with the tapered surface 65c and the tapered surface 65d, respectively, but are located above.

[0067] As described above, in the overhead transport system 1, when the gripping portion 10 is moved in the Y direction by the lateral moving portion 7, the first supporting member 54 supports the lateral moving portion 7, thereby suppressing tilting of the lateral moving portion 7. Furthermore, since the first rollers 31, 32 and the second rollers 33, 34 can be provided on the lower sliding portion 17, the dimensions of the lateral moving portion 7 in the Z and X directions can be reduced. Therefore, according to the overhead transport system 1, tilting of the lateral moving portion 7 can be suppressed and the lateral moving portion 7 can be made more compact. Furthermore, according to the overhead transport system 1, the flexibility of component placement in the overhead transport vehicle 3 can be ensured. The first supporting member 54 also supports the lateral moving portion 7 of the overhead transport vehicle 3 and ensures the flexibility of component placement in the overhead transport vehicle 3.

[0068] In the overhead transport system 1 , the first support member 54 is directly connected to the ceiling R. In this case, the first support member 54 can be connected using the ceiling R. Furthermore, by directly connecting the first support member 54 to the ceiling R, the safety of the first support member 54 can be improved.

[0069] In the overhead transport system 1 , the gripping unit 10 is raised and lowered relative to the transverse moving unit 7 by the lifting drive unit 9 . In this case, the gripping unit 10 can be used to lift and lower objects M for transfer. Furthermore, by raising and lowering the gripping unit 10 relative to the transverse moving unit 7 , objects M can be moved over a wide range.

[0070] In the overhead transport system 1, the first rollers 31 and 32 are rotatably supported on the first protrusion 29 about the rotation axis AX2, and the second rollers 33 and 34 are rotatably supported on the second protrusion 30 about the rotation axis AX3. The first support member 54 supports the first rollers 31 and 32 and the second rollers 33 and 34 from below. In this case, when the gripping portion 10 is moved in the Y direction by the transverse moving portion 7, the first rollers 31 and 32 and the second rollers 33 and 34 are supported via the first support member 54 by the transverse moving portion 7. Furthermore, when the gripping portion 10 is moved in the Y direction by the transverse moving portion 7, the first rollers 31 and 32 and the second rollers 33 and 34 move smoothly on the first support member 54. This ensures smooth sliding of the gripping portion 10 by the transverse moving portion 7.

[0071] In the overhead transport system 1, the first rollers 31 and 32 are arranged so as to sandwich the first protrusion 29 in the X direction, and the second rollers 33 and 34 are arranged so as to sandwich the second protrusion 30 in the X direction. In this case, since the first rollers 31 and 32 and the second rollers 33 and 34 are in contact with the first support member 54, the first support member 54 can stably support the transverse moving unit 7.

[0072] In the overhead transport system 1, the first support member 54 includes support portions 55 and 56 that support the first rollers 31 and 32, respectively, and a connecting portion 57 that connects the support portions 55 and 56. In this case, the first support member 54 can be specifically configured. Furthermore, since the support portions 55 and 56 are connected by the connecting portion 57, the rigidity of the first support member 54 can be increased.

[0073] In the overhead transport system 1, the supports 55 and 56 each have a plate-like shape elongated in the Y direction. The upper surface of the end 55a of the support 55 is provided with a tapered surface 55c that slopes downward as it moves from the center of the support 55 toward the end 55a. The upper surface of the end 56a of the support 56 is provided with a tapered surface 56c that slopes downward as it moves from the center of the support 56 toward the end 56a. The first roller 31 rides on the tapered surface 55c when the grip 10 is moved in the Y direction by the lateral movement unit 7. The first roller 32 rides on the tapered surface 56c when the grip 10 is moved in the Y direction by the lateral movement unit 7. In this case, when the gripping portion 10 is moved in the Y direction by the lateral moving portion 7, when the first rollers 31, 32 come into contact with the support portions 55, 56, the first rollers 31, 32 climb onto the tapered surfaces 55c, 56c, so that the first rollers 31, 32 can easily come into contact with the upper surfaces of the support portions 55, 56.

[0074] In the overhead transport system 1 , the transverse moving section 7 includes first guide rollers 35 , which are arranged further apart in the Y direction than the first rollers 31 . When the gripping section 10 is moved in the Y direction by the transverse moving section 7 , the first guide rollers 35 contact the first support member 54 before the first rollers 31 , rolling in the Y direction. In this case, when the gripping section 10 is moved in the Y direction by the transverse moving section 7 , the first guide rollers 35 guide the movement of the transverse moving section 7 so that the first rollers 31 are directed toward the first support member 54 . As a result, the first rollers 31 , 32 , and the second rollers 33 , 34 can be easily brought into contact with the first support member 54 .

[0075] In the overhead transport system 1, the first protrusion 29, the second protrusion 30, the first rollers 31, 32, and the second rollers 33, 34 are located in the center of the transverse moving section 7 in the X direction. In this case, the first support member 54 can more stably support the transverse moving section 7.

[0076] In the overhead transport system 1, the overhead transport vehicle 3 includes a rotating unit 8 disposed between the transverse moving unit 7 and the gripping unit 10, which rotates the gripping unit 10 about a rotation axis AX1 extending along the Z direction. The first rollers 31 and 32 are located closer to one side (end 28a) of the rotation axis AX1 in the Y direction, while the second rollers 33 and 34 are located closer to the other side (end 28b) of the rotation axis AX1 in the Y direction. This allows the first support member 54 to more stably support the transverse moving unit 7, even when the rotating unit 8 is provided, by positioning the first rollers 31 and 32 closer to one side of the rotation axis AX1 in the Y direction and the second rollers 33 and 34 closer to the other side of the rotation axis AX1 in the Y direction. Furthermore, by rotating the rotating unit 8, the orientation of the gripping unit 10 can be adjusted. Consequently, the gripping unit 10 can be adjusted in accordance with the orientation of the article M, allowing the gripping unit 10 to hold the article M.

[0077] In the overhead transport system 1, the transverse moving portion 7 includes an upper sliding portion 16, which is located above the lower sliding portion 17 and can slide in the Y direction relative to the center frame 13, and the lower sliding portion 17 can slide in the Y direction relative to the upper sliding portion 16. The upper sliding portion 16 includes: upper rails 21 and 22, which extend in the Y direction and are arranged in the X direction in a manner that is separated by first rollers 31 and 32 and second rollers 33 and 34 to guide the sliding of the lower sliding portion 17; an upper connecting member 23, which connects the upper rails 21 and 22 to each other. When viewed from the Y direction, the upper connecting member 23 passes above the first rollers 31 and 32 and the second rollers 33 and 34 and extends in the X direction while being curved in a manner that surrounds the first rollers 31 and 32 and the second rollers 33 and 34. Thus, even when the lateral moving portion 7 includes the upper sliding portion 16 and the upper connecting member 23 , the upper connecting member 23 does not interfere with the first rollers 31 , 32 and the second rollers 33 , 34 , thereby achieving a compact lateral moving portion 7 .

[0078] The overhead transport system 1 includes a first support member 54 located on one side of the overhead transport vehicle 3 in the Y direction, and a second support member 64 located on the other side of the overhead transport vehicle 3 in the Y direction. The transverse moving unit 7 moves the gripping unit 10 in the positive and negative Y directions. When the transverse moving unit 7 moves the gripping unit 10 in the positive Y direction, the first rollers 31, 32 and the second rollers 33, 34 move in the Y direction while in contact with the first support member 54. When the transverse moving unit 7 moves the gripping unit 10 in the negative Y direction, the first rollers 31, 32 and the second rollers 33, 34 move in the Y direction while in contact with the second support member 64. This prevents tilting of the transverse moving unit 7 and makes the transverse moving unit 7 more compact, even when moving the gripping unit 10 in the positive and negative Y directions to move an article M. Furthermore, by moving the gripping unit 10 in the positive and negative Y directions, the article M can be moved over a wide range.

[0079] The overhead transport system 1 includes a first storage shelf 50 having a loading portion 52 for loading articles M, and a second storage shelf 60 having a loading portion 62. The first support member 54 constitutes the first storage shelf 50, and the second support member 64 constitutes the second storage shelf 60. In this case, in the overhead transport system 1 in which articles M are stored on the first storage shelf 50 and the second storage shelf 60, tilting of the transverse moving portion 7 can be suppressed, and the transverse moving portion 7 can be made compact.

[0080] In the overhead transport system 1, when the gripping portion 10 is moved in the Y direction by the transverse moving portion 7, the transverse moving portion 7 is supported by the first rollers 31, 32 and the second rollers 33, 34, which have larger outer diameters than the first and second guide rollers 35, 36 and whose shaft members have larger outer diameters than the shaft members of the first and second guide rollers 35, 36. Therefore, when the gripping portion 10 is moved in the Y direction by the transverse moving portion 7, the transverse moving portion 7 can be supported more stably than when supported by the first and second guide rollers 35, 36.

[0081] In the overhead transport system 1, when the upper and lower slides 16 and 17 complete their sliding movement toward the first storage shelf 50 in the Y direction, the first and second guide rollers 35 and 36 are positioned above the tapered surfaces 55d and 55c, respectively. Meanwhile, because the first and second rollers 31 and 33 are positioned near the center of the rod-shaped member 28, their contact with the support 55 is maintained. Similarly, the first and second rollers 32 and 34 maintain contact with the support 56. Similarly, when the upper and lower slides 16 and 17 complete their sliding movement toward the second storage shelf 60 in the Y direction, the first and second rollers 31 and 33 maintain contact with the support 65, and the first and second rollers 32 and 34 maintain contact with the support.

[0082] In the overhead transport system 1, even when the sliding distance (stroke) of the upper and lower slides 16 and 17 is long (e.g., a sliding distance of 860 mm), the moment of the transverse moving section 7 can be absorbed by the first support member 54. This structure can reduce the load on the traveling section 6.

[0083] The above describes the embodiment of the present invention, but the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment. Various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the technical concept of one aspect of the present invention.

[0084] In the above-mentioned embodiment, the connecting portion 57 includes the side plates 58 a and 58 b and the top plate 59 . However, the side plates 58 a and 58 b and the top plate 59 may be integrated into the connecting portion 57 .

[0085] In the above embodiment, the contact member 27 includes the first rollers 31 and 32 and the second rollers 33 and 34. However, the contact member 27 does not need to include rollers. The contact member 27 only needs to be movable on the first support member 54 or the second support member 64. The contact member 27 may include a rotatable ball or a plate-like member.

[0086] In the aforementioned embodiment, the contact member 27 includes two first rollers 31 and 32 and two second rollers 33 and 34. However, the number of first and second rollers is not limited to this. For example, the contact member 27 may include one first roller and no second rollers. In this case, the one first roller may be provided in the center of the rod-shaped member 28.

[0087] In the above embodiment, the contact member 27 includes the first rollers 31 and 32 and the second rollers 33 and 34. However, rotatable rollers may be provided on the first support member 54 or the second support member 64, and the contact member 27 may move on these rollers. In this case, the contact member 27 may include rollers, which can make the transverse moving portion 7 more compact.

[0088] In the aforementioned embodiment, the first supporting member 54 is directly connected to the ceiling R via the plurality of supports 53. However, the first supporting member 54 may be indirectly connected to the ceiling R via the plurality of shelf supports 51 or the mounting portion 52, or may be indirectly connected to the ceiling R via the elevated track 2. The second supporting member 64 may be indirectly connected to the ceiling R via the plurality of shelf supports 61 or the mounting portion 62, or may be indirectly connected to the ceiling R via the elevated track 2.

[0089] In the above embodiment, the first support member 54 and the second support member 64 may also include a cutout portion. In this case, the first support member 54 and the second support member 64 can be made lighter. The first support member 54 and the second support member 64 are directly connected to the ceiling R.

[0090] In the aforementioned embodiment, the first rollers 31 and 32 share a common shaft member, rotating as a single unit. However, the shaft member may not be shared. In this case, the first rollers 31 and 32 may rotate independently. Similarly, the second rollers 33 and 34 may rotate independently. In the aforementioned embodiment, the lower connecting member 26 has a hexagonal shape when viewed from above. The shape of the lower connecting member 26 is not particularly limited and may also have a rectangular shape when viewed from above. Furthermore, the lower connecting member 26 may be recessed downward.

[0091] 1: Overhead handling system 2: Elevated track 3: Overhead transport vehicle 6: Walking part 7: Horizontal moving part 8: Rotating part 10: Grip 16: Upper sliding part (other sliding parts) 17: Lower sliding part (sliding part) 21,22: Upper track (track) 24,25: lower track 23: Upper connecting member (connecting member) 55a,55b,56a,56b,65a,65b: End 29: 1st protrusion (protrusion) 30: Second protrusion (protrusion) 31,32: 1st roller (1st contact part) 33,34: Second roller (second contact part) 35: 1st guide roller (auxiliary contact part) 36: Second guide roller (auxiliary contact portion) 52, 62: loading part 54: 1st supporting member 55,56,65: Supporting part 55c, 55d, 56c, 56d, 65c, 65d: conical surface 57: Connection 64: Second supporting member AX1, AX2, AX3, AX4, AX5: Rotation axes M:Item R: Roof

Claims

1. An overhead transport system comprising: an overhead transport vehicle having a traveling part that travels along an overhead track, a gripping part that grips an item, and a lateral moving part that moves the gripping part laterally; and a support member that supports the lateral moving part when the gripping part is moved laterally by the lateral moving part, the lateral moving part comprising: a sliding part that can slide laterally relative to the transport vehicle body; a protrusion that is provided so as to protrude upward from the sliding part; and a contact part provided on the protrusion that, when the gripping part is moved laterally by the lateral moving part, contacts the support member while moving laterally.

2. The overhead transport system as described in claim 1, wherein, The aforementioned support components are directly or indirectly connected to the ceiling.

3. The overhead transport system as described in claim 1, wherein, The aforementioned gripping part moves up and down relative to the aforementioned lateral moving part.

4. The overhead conveying system as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The aforementioned contact portion includes a roller that is rotatably supported on the aforementioned protrusion with the axis of rotation along the travel direction of the aforementioned overhead transport vehicle as the axis of rotation, and the aforementioned support member supports the aforementioned roller from below.

5. The overhead transport system as described in claim 4, wherein, The aforementioned rollers are provided in pairs, and the pair of aforementioned rollers are arranged in the aforementioned traveling direction of the aforementioned overhead transport vehicle in a manner separated by the aforementioned protrusion.

6. The overhead conveying system as described in claim 5, wherein, The aforementioned support member has: a pair of support portions that respectively support one of the aforementioned rollers; and a connecting portion that connects the pair of aforementioned support portions to each other.

7. The overhead conveying system as described in claim 6, wherein, Each of the aforementioned support portions is a plate shape that is longer in the aforementioned lateral direction. A tapered surface is provided on the upper surface of the end of at least one of the aforementioned support portions. The tapered surface is inclined in a manner that descends as it moves from the center of the aforementioned support portion toward the end side. At least one of the aforementioned rollers steps onto the tapered surface when the aforementioned grip portion is moved in the aforementioned lateral direction by the aforementioned lateral moving portion.

8. The overhead conveying system as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The aforementioned lateral movement portion includes an auxiliary contact portion, which is configured to be further laterally separated from the aforementioned contact portion. When the aforementioned grip portion is moved laterally by the aforementioned lateral movement portion, it contacts the aforementioned support member while moving laterally, rather than the aforementioned contact portion.

9. The overhead conveying system as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The aforementioned protrusion and the aforementioned contact portion are located in the central part of the aforementioned lateral moving portion in the traveling direction of the aforementioned overhead transport vehicle.

10. The overhead conveying system as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The aforementioned overhead transport vehicle also has a rotating part, which is disposed between the aforementioned lateral moving part and the aforementioned gripping part, so that the aforementioned gripping part rotates about a rotation axis in the vertical direction. The aforementioned contact part includes: a first contact part located in the aforementioned lateral direction closer to one side than the aforementioned rotation axis; and a second contact part located in the aforementioned lateral direction closer to the other side than the aforementioned rotation axis.

11. The overhead conveying system as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The aforementioned lateral movement portion includes: other sliding portions located above the aforementioned sliding portion, which can slide laterally relative to the aforementioned transport vehicle body; the aforementioned sliding portion can slide laterally relative to the aforementioned other sliding portions; the aforementioned other sliding portions include: a pair of tracks extending laterally and arranged in the travel direction with respect to the aforementioned contact portion, for guiding the sliding of the aforementioned sliding portion; and a connecting member connecting the pair of aforementioned tracks to each other; when viewed from the aforementioned lateral direction, the aforementioned connecting member bends and extends in the travel direction by passing above and surrounding the aforementioned contact portion.

12. The overhead transport system as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The aforementioned support member includes: a first support member located on one side of the aforementioned transverse direction of the aforementioned overhead transport vehicle; and a second support member located on the other side of the aforementioned transverse direction of the aforementioned overhead transport vehicle. The aforementioned lateral movement portion causes the aforementioned grip portion to move toward one side and the other side of the aforementioned transverse direction. The aforementioned contact portion moves in the aforementioned transverse direction while contacting the aforementioned first support member when the aforementioned grip portion moves toward one side of the aforementioned transverse direction by the aforementioned lateral movement portion, and moves in the aforementioned transverse direction while contacting the aforementioned second support member when the aforementioned grip portion moves toward the other side of the aforementioned transverse direction by the aforementioned lateral movement portion.

13. The overhead conveying system as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The aforementioned elevated transport system also includes a storage rack, which has a placement section for holding the aforementioned items, and the aforementioned support components constitute the aforementioned storage rack.

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