Article handling device

Abstract

This invention provides an article handling device capable of handling both a first object article and a second object article. It also suppresses a decrease in handling efficiency when the number of first object articles handled exceeds the number of second object articles handled, and also prevents the lifting unit from becoming too large. An upper protruding retraction drive unit (31A) is positioned above an upper support unit (31S), and a lower protruding retraction drive unit (32A) is positioned below a lower support unit (32S). An intermediate support unit (33S) supporting the second object article (42) is disposed between the upper support unit (31S) and the lower support unit (32S) in the vertical direction (V). The intermediate support unit (33S) is either integrally protruding and retracting with the upper support unit (31S) or integrally protruding and retracting with the lower support unit (32S).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a goods handling device for transporting goods. Background Technology

[0002] For example, Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-052659 (Patent Document 1) discloses an article transporting device for transporting articles along a transport path in the vertical direction. In the following background art description, the reference numerals in parentheses are those of Patent Document 1.

[0003] The article handling device (2) disclosed in Patent Document 1 is as described in that document. Figure 4 As shown, the system includes a lifting unit (21) that moves up and down along a guide rail (14) arranged in the vertical direction, and a pair of transfer units (31A, 31B) arranged separately in the vertical direction. The pair of transfer units (31A, 31B) are configured to transfer an article (A) between multiple transfer target parts (R) arranged horizontally away from the guide rail (14). Furthermore, the pair of transfer units (31A, 31B) are each configured to have a support part (35) capable of supporting the article (A), and the support part (35) protrudes and retracts towards the transfer target part (R), thereby transferring the article (A) between the transfer target part (R).

[0004] In the technology disclosed in Patent Document 1, the article handling device (2) is configured to simultaneously handle two articles (A), but these two articles (A) have the same shape. However, depending on the purpose of the article handling device, there may be cases where a first object article and a second object article with different shapes are to be handled. In such cases, for example, the handling of these two articles can be performed by using one of the pair of transfer sections (31A, 31B) of the article handling device (2) for handling the first object article and the other for handling the second object article. However, it is also conceivable that the frequency of handling the first object article and the second object article is uneven. For example, if the number of first object articles handled is greater than the number of second object articles handled, it may be impossible to handle two first object articles simultaneously, and the transfer section for handling the first object article may be used to handle articles while the transfer section for handling the second object article is empty, thus reducing the handling efficiency of the article handling device. Furthermore, for example, if the number of first object items being transported is greater than the number of second object items being transported, a structure with two transfer units for transporting the first object items and one transfer unit for transporting the second object items is also considered. However, in this case, having a total of three transfer units results in a larger lifting unit that moves along the guide rail. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In view of the above actual situation, it is desirable to realize the following item handling device: capable of handling both a first object item and a second object item, and suppressing the decrease in handling efficiency of the item handling device when the number of first object items handled is greater than the number of second object items handled, and also suppressing the large size of the lifting unit.

[0006] An article handling device is disclosed, comprising a guide rail, a lifting unit, and a transfer device for handling articles. The guide rail is arranged along a vertical transport path, the lifting unit moves up and down along the guide rail, and the transfer device is supported on the lifting unit. The transfer device transfers the articles between itself and a transfer object portion disposed horizontally away from the guide rail. The articles to be handled include a first object article and a second object article with a different shape. The transfer device includes an upper transfer portion supported on the lifting unit and a lower transfer portion disposed below the upper transfer portion and supported on the same lifting unit as the upper transfer portion. The upper transfer portion includes an upper support portion and an upper protrusion retraction drive portion. The upper support portion supports the first object article, and the upper protrusion retraction drive portion... The drive unit causes the aforementioned upper support portion to protrude and retract between a reference position and a protruding position that protrudes towards the aforementioned transfer object portion compared to the aforementioned reference position. The aforementioned lower transfer portion includes a lower support portion and a lower protrusion retraction drive unit. The aforementioned lower support portion supports the aforementioned first object article. The aforementioned lower protrusion retraction drive unit causes the aforementioned lower support portion to protrude and retract between a reference position and a protruding position that protrudes towards the aforementioned transfer object portion compared to the aforementioned reference position. The aforementioned upper protrusion retraction drive unit is disposed above the aforementioned upper support portion, and the aforementioned lower protrusion retraction drive unit is disposed below the aforementioned lower support portion. An intermediate support portion supporting the aforementioned second object article is disposed between the aforementioned upper support portion and the aforementioned lower support portion in the vertical direction. The aforementioned intermediate support portion is connected in a manner that protrudes and retracts integrally with the aforementioned upper support portion, or is connected in a manner that protrudes and retracts integrally with the aforementioned lower support portion.

[0007] According to this solution, in addition to the upper and lower support portions supporting the first object item, an intermediate support portion supporting the second object item is also provided, thus enabling the transport of both the first and second object items. Furthermore, since both the upper and lower transfer portions have support portions supporting the first object item, and the intermediate support portion supporting the second object item is provided, the number of support portions supporting the first object item is not reduced, allowing the simultaneous transport of two first object items. Therefore, even when the number of first object items transported is greater than the number of second object items transported, the transport efficiency of the item transport device can be prevented from decreasing. Moreover, the intermediate support portion is connected in a manner that protrudes and retracts integrally with the upper or lower support portions, eliminating the need for a dedicated transfer portion or a protruding and retracting drive portion for the intermediate support portion. Therefore, the large size of the lifting unit can be prevented.

[0008] Furthermore, according to this solution, the upper protrusion retraction drive unit for retracting the upper support portion is positioned above the upper support portion, and the lower protrusion retraction drive unit for retracting the lower support portion is positioned below the lower support portion. Therefore, the protrusion retraction drive unit can be omitted from the vertical direction between the upper and lower support portions, and the resulting space allows for the placement of an intermediate support portion for supporting the second object article within the vertical direction between the upper and lower support portions. Thus, the large size of the lifting unit due to the intermediate support portion can be minimized. As described above, according to this solution, an article handling device can be realized that is capable of handling both the first and second object articles, and can suppress the decrease in handling efficiency of the article handling device when the number of first object articles handled is greater than the number of second object articles handled, while also suppressing the large size of the lifting unit.

[0009] Further technical features and advantages of this application will become clearer from the following illustrative and non-limiting description of embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0010] Figure 1 This is a schematic three-dimensional diagram of a material handling equipment with material handling devices.

[0011] Figure 2 This is a horizontal sectional view of the goods handling device.

[0012] Figure 3 This is a side view showing the state in which the upper transfer section supports the first object.

[0013] Figure 4 This is a side view showing the state in which the upper transfer section supports the second object.

[0014] Figure 5This is a top view showing the situation where the first object item is transferred relative to the first mounting section.

[0015] Figure 6 This is a side view showing the state in which the first object is supported by the upper or lower support.

[0016] Figure 7 This is a side view showing the state in which the second object is supported by the intermediate support.

[0017] Figure 8 This is a top view showing the second object being supported by the intermediate support.

[0018] Figure 9 This is a three-dimensional view of the intermediate support section. Detailed Implementation

[0019] A material handling device is a device for moving materials, such as material handling equipment used for moving and storing raw materials, intermediate products, or finished products. Below, we will illustrate a material handling device installed in a cleanroom where raw materials are processed in a clean environment, and describe its implementation.

[0020] like Figure 1 As shown, the goods handling equipment F includes an inter-floor transport device 1 for transporting goods 4 between multiple floors, an overhead transport device 6 for transporting goods 4 near the ceiling on each floor, a ground transport device 7 for transporting goods 4 on the floor of each floor, and a loading / unloading device 8 installed on each floor for loading goods 4 into or out of the inter-floor transport device 1. In this embodiment, the inter-floor transport device 1 is equivalent to a "goods handling device".

[0021] The article 4, which is the object to be transported, includes a first object article 41 and a second object article 42, which has a different shape from the first object article 41. The transport frequency of the first object article 41, based on the interlayer transport device 1 (and other transport devices 6-8), is higher than that of the second object article 42. In this embodiment, the first object article 41 is a front-opening unified pod (FOUP) that houses a semiconductor substrate. The second object article 42 is an intermediate mask pad that houses an intermediate mask (photomask). Hereinafter, without specifically distinguishing between the first object article 41 and the second object article 42, they will be collectively referred to as "article 4".

[0022] Inter-floor transport device 1 is installed inside a cylindrical partition body 9 that extends through multiple floors in a vertical direction V. Ceiling transport device 6 and floor transport device 7 are installed outside the partition body 9. In this embodiment, as... Figure 2 As shown, the loading and unloading device 8 includes a first loading and unloading device 81 for transporting a first object item 41 and a second loading and unloading device 82 for transporting a second object item 42. The first loading and unloading device 81 and the second loading and unloading device 82 are respectively provided throughout the interior and exterior of the partition body 9 while extending horizontally through it. The first loading and unloading device 81 performs the transfer of the first object item 41 with the ceiling transport device 6, the ground transport device 7, or the operator at a first outer junction 811 located on the exterior side of the partition body 9, and performs the transfer of the first object item 41 with the inter-floor transport device 1 at a first inner junction 812 located on the interior side of the partition body 9. Furthermore, the second loading / unloading device 82, at its second outer junction 821 located on the outer side of the partition body 9, transfers the second object item 42 with the ceiling transport device 6, the ground transport device 7, or an operator, etc., and at its second inner junction 822 located on the inner side of the partition body 9, transfers the second object item 42 with the inter-floor transport device 1. The first loading / unloading device 81 and the second loading / unloading device 82 are, for example, constructed using a conveyor system such as a belt conveyor or a roller conveyor. In this example, the first loading / unloading device 81 is configured to have a pair of transport belts 810a (see reference...). Figure 2 The belt conveyor. Although the figure is omitted, the second loading and unloading device 82 can also have the same structure. Hereinafter, without specifically distinguishing between the first loading and unloading device 81 and the second loading and unloading device 82, they will be collectively referred to as "loading and unloading device 8".

[0023] like Figures 2-4 As shown, multiple holding portions 90 for holding articles 4 are provided inside the partition body 9. These multiple holding portions 90 are arranged separately along the vertical direction V. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the multiple holding portions 90 are arranged separately relative to the interlayer transport device 1 in multiple directions about an axis along the vertical direction V (see reference). Figure 2 ).

[0024] The holding part 90 is configured to hold the first object article 41 in the article 4, and functions as a so-called buffer for temporarily placing the first object article 41 during transportation. In this embodiment, the holding part 90 includes a support member 91 that supports the first object article 41 from below, and is configured to support the first object article 41 from below by means of the support member 91.

[0025] Furthermore, the support member 91, when viewed from above, is U-shaped and arranged horizontally. Additionally, the support member 91 is configured such that each end portion and opening of the U-shaped support member 91 faces the interlayer transport device 1. The interlayer transport device 1 is configured to transfer the first object article 41 between itself and the holding portion 90 of this structure.

[0026] like Figure 1 As shown, when the first object item 41 (in this example, a front-opening wafer transfer box) is placed at the first outer junction 811 of the first inbound / outbound device 81 using the overhead conveying device 6, the ground conveying device 7, or an operator, the first object item 41 is moved by the first inbound / outbound device 81 to the first inner junction 812 inside the partition body 9. Thereafter, the first object item 41 is moved by the interlayer conveying device 1 from the first inner junction 812 to the first inner junction 812 of the first inbound / outbound device 81 located on other layers. The first object item 41, moved to the first inner junction 812, is then moved by the first inbound / outbound device 81 to the first outer junction 811, and then by the overhead conveying device 6, the ground conveying device 7, or an operator, to the location where the next process will be performed. Furthermore, during such transport, if the first object item 41 is temporarily placed in the holding section 90, the inter-floor transport device 1 transports the first object item 41 to the empty holding section 90. Afterward, the inter-floor transport device 1 transports the first object item 41, temporarily placed in the holding section 90, to the first inner transfer section 812 of the first loading / unloading device 81 located on a certain floor.

[0027] Furthermore, when the second object article 42 (in this example, an intermediate mask pad) is placed at the second outer junction 821 of the second inbound / outbound device 82 using the overhead conveying device 6, the ground conveying device 7, or an operator, the second object article 42 is transported by the second inbound / outbound device 82 to the second inner junction 822 inside the partition body 9. Thereafter, the second object article 42 is transported from the second inner junction 822 to the second inner junction 822 of the second inbound / outbound device 82 located on other floors using the inter-layer conveying device 1. The second object article 42, transported to the second inner junction 822, is then transported by the second inbound / outbound device 82 to the second outer junction 821, and then, using the overhead conveying device 6, the ground conveying device 7, or an operator, to the location where the next process will be performed.

[0028] Next, the structure of the inter-floor transport device 1 (item transport device) will be described in detail.

[0029] like Figures 2-4As shown, the interlayer transport device 1 includes a guide rail 10 arranged along a transport path R in the vertical direction V, a lifting unit 20 that moves up and down along the guide rail 10, and a transfer device 30. The transfer device 30 is supported by the lifting unit 20 and transfers an item 4 between itself and a transfer object part T that is arranged horizontally away from the guide rail 10.

[0030] In this embodiment, the holding part 90, the first inner junction 812 of the first loading / unloading device 81, and the second inner junction 822 of the second loading / unloading device 82 constitute the transfer object part T. Furthermore, the transfer object part T includes a first placement part T1 for holding the first object article 41 and a second placement part T2 for holding the second object article 42. In this embodiment, the first placement part T1 for holding the first object article 41 is provided in the holding part 90 and the first inner junction 812, and the second placement part T2 for holding the second object article 42 is provided in the second inner junction 822. Figure 3 As shown, in this embodiment, the first loading / unloading device 81 includes a pair of transport sections 810, one upper and one lower, for transporting the first object article 41. Therefore, a pair of first placement sections T1, one upper and one lower, are provided on the transfer object section T corresponding to the first inner junction section 812. Furthermore, these pair of first placement sections T1 are arranged to overlap when viewed from above and to separate in the vertical direction V. The transfer device 30, using the upper transfer section 31 and the lower transfer section 32 (described later), can transfer objects simultaneously or at different times relative to the pair of first placement sections T1, with the sections overlapping each other. Additionally, Figure 2 and Figure 3 The text indicates that the transfer device 30 is transferring the first object article 41 between itself and the first inner junction 812, which is the transfer object part T.

[0031] The guide rails 10 are arranged in multiple layers along the vertical direction V. The lifting unit 20 of the supporting transfer device 30 can move up and down along such guide rails 10. Thus, the interlayer transport device 1 can transport items 4 across multiple layers.

[0032] In this embodiment, the lifting unit 20 includes a main body 20a supported on the guide rail 10. The main body 20a is connected to a belt 20b wound around a pair of pulleys (not shown) respectively provided at the upper and lower ends of the guide rail 10. The lifting unit 20 drives the belt 20b by driving one of the pulleys via a lifting motor (not shown), thereby enabling the main body 20a to move up and down along the guide rail 10.

[0033] In this embodiment, the lifting unit 20 includes a connecting portion L that supports the transfer device 30. In this example, the connecting portion L connects the main body 20a and the transfer device 30. In the illustrated example, the connecting portion L includes an upper connecting portion 21L and a lower connecting portion 22L disposed below the upper connecting portion 21L.

[0034] The transfer device 30 includes an upper transfer portion 31 supported on the lifting unit 20, and a lower transfer portion 32 disposed below the upper transfer portion 31 and supported on the same lifting unit 20 as the upper transfer portion 31. In this embodiment, the upper transfer portion 31 is connected to the main body portion 20a via an upper connecting portion 21L, thereby being supported on the lifting unit 20. Furthermore, the lower transfer portion 32 is connected to the main body portion 20a via a lower connecting portion 22L, thereby being supported on the lifting unit 20.

[0035] The upper transfer section 31 includes an upper support section 31S that supports the first object article 41, and an upper protrusion retraction drive section 31A that causes the upper support section 31S to protrude and retract between a reference position P1 and a protrusion position P2 that protrudes towards the object section T compared to the reference position P1. In this embodiment, the upper transfer section 31 also includes an upper rotation drive section 31B that causes the upper support section 31S to rotate about an axis along the vertical direction V. Furthermore, in this example, the upper transfer section 31 also includes an upper transfer drive section 31Sm that drives the upper support section 31S along the vertical direction V when transferring the first object article 41.

[0036] In this embodiment, the upper support portion 31S is supported by the upper protruding retraction drive portion 31A, more specifically, it is supported from above by the upper protruding retraction drive portion 31A. In this example, the upper support portion 31S is supported by the upper protruding retraction drive portion 31A via the upper transfer drive portion 31Sm. Furthermore, the upper support portion 31S is composed of a plate-shaped member that protrudes horizontally from the upper transfer drive portion 31Sm and supports the first object article 41 from below. Moreover, the upper support portion 31S is driven by the upper transfer drive portion 31Sm to move in the vertical direction V, thereby receiving the first object article 41 placed on the first placement portion T1 (transfer object portion T), or transferring the first object article 41 supported by itself to the first placement portion T1 (transfer object portion T). Specifically, as Figure 5As shown, in the first mounting portion T1, a cutout T1a is formed that allows the upper support portion 31S to pass through in the vertical direction V. The upper support portion 31S passes through this cutout T1a in the vertical direction V, thereby facilitating the transfer of the first object article 41 between itself and the first mounting portion T1. Furthermore, the cutout T1a of the first mounting portion T1 also allows the lower support portion 32S (described later) to pass through in the vertical direction V. Similarly, the lower support portion 32S passes through this cutout T1a in the vertical direction V, facilitating the transfer of the first object article 41 between itself and the first mounting portion T1. Additionally, Figure 5 The example shows the first placement part T1 of the first inner side junction 812, but in the first placement part T1 (transfer object part T) provided in the holding part 90, the upper support part 31S and the lower support part 32S also transfer the first object article 41 between themselves and the holding part 90 by passing through the opening of the U-shaped support member 91 in the vertical direction V.

[0037] In this embodiment, the upper transfer drive unit 31Sm includes various mechanisms and drive sources such as a motor for driving the upper support unit 31S in the vertical direction V. In the illustrated example, these are housed in the housing component.

[0038] In this embodiment, the upper transfer portion 31 includes an upper restraint 31R, which prevents the first object article 41 from detaching from the upper support portion 31S when the first object article 41 is supported by the upper support portion 31S. The upper restraint 31R is positioned above the first object article 41 while the upper support portion 31S supports it. In this example, the upper restraint 31R protrudes horizontally from the upper part of the upper transfer drive portion 31Sm, and more specifically, in the same direction as the upper support portion 31S. When the upper support portion 31S is driven to move up and down by the upper transfer drive portion 31Sm, the upper restraint 31R also moves up and down. That is, the vertical positional relationship V between the upper support portion 31S and the upper restraint 31R is fixed, and the distance between the upper support portion 31S and the upper restraint 31R in the vertical direction V remains constant. The vertical distance between the upper support 31S and the upper limit body 31R is set to be longer than the vertical dimension of the first object 41.

[0039] In this embodiment, the upper protruding retraction drive unit 31A is supported by the upper rotary drive unit 31B, or more specifically, is supported from above by the upper rotary drive unit 31B.

[0040] In this embodiment, the upper protrusion retraction drive unit 31A is constructed using a horizontal multi-joint arm (so-called SCARA; Selective Compliance Assembly Robot Arm). Specifically, the upper protrusion retraction drive unit 31A includes an upper linkage mechanism 31Aa with multiple connecting rods and an upper protrusion retraction motor (not shown) that drives the upper linkage mechanism 31Aa. Furthermore, the upper linkage mechanism 31Aa is configured such that each connecting rod rotates about a vertical axis, thereby extending and retracting in the horizontal direction. The upper linkage mechanism 31Aa is connected to the upper rotation drive unit 31B at its base end and to the upper support unit 31S at its end end. Thus, the upper linkage mechanism 31Aa is configured to extend and retract by being driven by the upper protrusion retraction motor, causing the upper support unit 31S to protrude and retract in the horizontal direction between the reference position P1 and the protruding position P2.

[0041] In this embodiment, the upper rotary drive unit 31B is supported on the lifting unit 2 via the upper connecting part 21L. In the illustrated example, the upper rotary drive unit 31B is housed inside the upper shell part 31C provided in the upper connecting part 21L.

[0042] In this embodiment, the upper rotary drive unit 31B includes an upper rotary table 31Ba and an upper rotary motor (not shown) that drives the upper rotary table 31Ba. The upper rotary table 31Ba is configured to rotate under the drive of the upper rotary motor. By rotating under the drive of the upper rotary motor, the upper protrusion-retraction drive unit 31A and the upper support portion 31S supported thereon rotate about an axis along the vertical direction V. This allows the protrusion-retraction direction of the upper support portion 31S, which is driven to retract by the upper protrusion-retraction drive unit 31A, to be changed. Furthermore, this enables the transfer of the first object article 41 between multiple transfer object portions T, which are separately arranged relative to the upper transfer unit 31 (transfer device 30) in multiple directions about an axis along the vertical direction V.

[0043] The lower transfer section 32 includes a lower support section 32S that supports the first object article 41, and a lower protrusion retraction drive section 32A that causes the lower support section 32S to protrude and retract between a reference position P1 and a protrusion position P2 that protrudes towards the object section T compared to the reference position P1. In this embodiment, the lower transfer section 32 also includes a lower rotation drive section 32B that causes the lower support section 32S to rotate about an axis in the vertical direction V. Furthermore, in this example, the lower transfer section 32 also includes a lower transfer drive section 32Sm that drives the lower support section 32S in the vertical direction V when transferring the first object article 41.

[0044] In this embodiment, the lower support portion 32S is supported by the lower protruding retraction drive portion 32A; more specifically, it is supported from below by the lower protruding retraction drive portion 32A. In this example, the lower support portion 32S is supported by the lower protruding retraction drive portion 32A via the lower transfer drive portion 32Sm. Furthermore, the lower support portion 32S is composed of a plate-shaped member that protrudes horizontally from the lower transfer drive portion 32Sm and supports the first object article 41 from below. The lower support portion 32S moves in the vertical direction V by being driven by the lower transfer drive portion 32Sm, receiving the first object article 41 placed on the first placement portion T1 (transfer object portion T), or transferring the first object article 41 supported by itself to the first placement portion T1 (transfer object portion T). Additionally, as described above, the lower support portion 32S also transfers the first object article 41 between itself and the holding portion 90.

[0045] In this embodiment, the lower transfer drive unit 32Sm includes various mechanisms and a drive source such as a motor for driving the lower support unit 32S in the vertical direction V. In the illustrated example, these are housed in the housing component.

[0046] In this embodiment, the lower transfer portion 32 includes a lower restraint body 32R, which prevents the first object article 41 from falling off the lower support portion 32S when the lower support portion 32S supports the first object article 41. The lower restraint body 32R is positioned above the first object article 41 when the lower support portion 32S supports it. In this example, the lower restraint body 32R is formed to protrude horizontally from the upper part of the lower transfer drive portion 32Sm, and more specifically, in the same direction as the lower support portion 32S. When the lower support portion 32S is driven to move up and down by the lower transfer drive portion 32Sm, the lower restraint body 32R also moves up and down. That is, the vertical positional relationship between the lower support portion 32Sb and the lower restraint body 32R is fixed, and the distance between the lower support portion 32S and the lower restraint body 32R in the vertical direction V is always constant. The vertical distance between the lower support portion 32S and the lower limit body 32R is set to be longer than the vertical distance V of the first object 41.

[0047] In this embodiment, the lower protruding retraction drive 32A is supported by the lower rotary drive 32B, or more specifically, is supported from below by the lower rotary drive 32B.

[0048] In this embodiment, the lower protrusion retraction drive unit 32A is constructed using a horizontal multi-joint arm. Specifically, the lower protrusion retraction drive unit 32A includes a lower linkage mechanism 32Aa with multiple connecting rods and a lower protrusion retraction motor (not shown) that drives the lower linkage mechanism 32Aa. Furthermore, the lower linkage mechanism 32Aa is configured such that, driven by the lower protrusion retraction motor, each connecting rod rotates about a vertical axis, thereby extending and retracting in the horizontal direction. The lower linkage mechanism 32Aa is connected to the lower rotation drive unit 32B at its base end and to the lower support portion 32S at its end end. Thus, the lower linkage mechanism 32Aa is configured to extend and retract under the drive of the lower protrusion retraction motor, thereby causing the lower support portion 32S to protrude and retract in the horizontal direction between the reference position P1 and the protruding position P2.

[0049] In this embodiment, the lower rotary drive unit 32B is supported on the lifting unit 20 via the lower connecting portion 22L. In the illustrated example, the lower rotary drive unit 32B is housed inside the lower housing portion 32C provided in the lower connecting portion 22L.

[0050] In this embodiment, the lower rotary drive unit 32B includes a lower rotary table 32Ba and a lower rotary motor (not shown) that drives the lower rotary table 32Ba. The lower rotary table 32Ba is configured to rotate under the drive of the lower rotary motor. This rotation of the lower rotary table 32Ba causes the lower protrusion retraction drive unit 32A and the lower support portion 32S supporting it to rotate about an axis in the vertical direction V. This allows the direction of protrusion and retraction of the lower support portion 32S, which is driven to retract by the lower protrusion retraction drive unit 32A, to be changed. Furthermore, the first object article 41 can be transferred between the lower transfer portion 32 (transfer device 30) and multiple transfer object portions T that are separately arranged in multiple directions about an axis in the vertical direction V.

[0051] Thus, the upper support portion 31S and the lower support portion 32S are configured to be supported by the same lifting unit 20 and to be driven by separate drive portions to protrude and retract in the horizontal direction. In this embodiment, the vertical distance V between the upper support portion 31S and the lower support portion 32S is equal to the vertical distance V between the upper and lower first mounting portions T1 provided on the first inner junction portion 812 (transfer object portion T). That is, the vertical distance V between the upper support portion 31S and the lower support portion 32S is equal to the vertical distance V between the pair of first mounting portions T1. Therefore, the transfer device 30 can simultaneously transfer the first object article 41 relative to the pair of first mounting portions T1 using the separately driven upper support portion 31S and lower support portion 32S. Furthermore, although detailed illustrations are omitted, in this example, the vertical distance V between the upper support portion 31S and the lower support portion 32S is equal to the vertical distance V between the pair of holding portions 90 arranged along the vertical direction V. Therefore, the transfer device 30 can transfer the first object article 41 simultaneously or at different times with overlapping periods relative to the pair of holding portions 90 arranged along the vertical direction V.

[0052] As described above, in this interlayer transport device 1, the upper protruding retraction drive unit 31A is positioned above the upper support unit 31S, and the lower protruding retraction drive unit 32A is positioned below the lower support unit 32S. Furthermore, as... Figure 4 As shown, an intermediate support 33S for supporting the second object article 42 is disposed between the upper support 31S and the lower support 32S in the vertical direction V. That is, in the space between the upper support 31S and the lower support 32S in the vertical direction V, the upper protruding retraction drive 31A and the lower protruding retraction drive 32A are not disposed, and the intermediate support 33S for supporting the second object article 42 is disposed in the space created therefrom. Therefore, the large size of the lifting unit 20 caused by the provision of the intermediate support 33S can be minimized, and the intermediate support 33S can be used to transport the second object article 42 and to move it relative to the second mounting part T2 (see reference) provided in the second inner junction part 822. Figure 2 The second object 42 is transferred. In this embodiment, the intermediate support 33S is connected to the upper support 31S in a manner that allows it to protrude and retract integrally. That is, the intermediate support 33S is configured such that it protrudes and retracts horizontally together with the upper support 31S by means of an upper protrusion and retraction drive 31A for driving the upper support 31S to protrude and retract. As a result, there is no need for a dedicated transfer part or protrusion and retraction drive for the intermediate support 33S, and the enlargement of the lifting unit 20 can be suppressed.

[0053] like Figure 3 and Figure 4As shown, the intermediate support portion 33S is positioned below the upper support portion 31S and above the portion that protrudes and retracts integrally with the lower support portion 32S of the lower transfer portion 32. In the illustrated example, the lower restraint 32R is the upper end portion of the portion that protrudes and retracts integrally with the lower support portion 32S of the lower transfer portion 32, and the intermediate support portion 33S is positioned above this lower restraint 32R. That is, in this example, the intermediate support portion 33S is positioned between the upper support portion 31S and the lower restraint 32R in the vertical direction V.

[0054] Here, as described above, a cutout T1a is formed in the first mounting portion T1 (transfer object portion T) of the first inner junction portion 812 (see reference). Figure 5 The upper support portion 31S passes through the cutout T1a in the vertical direction V, and transfers the first object article 41 between itself and the first mounting portion T1. In either the case where the upper support portion 31S receives the first object article 41 from the first mounting portion T1, or in the case where it hands over the first object article 41 to the first mounting portion T1, the upper support portion 31S is temporarily positioned below the first mounting portion T1 while passing through the cutout T1a in the vertical direction V. As described above, an intermediate support portion 33S is provided below the upper support portion 31S, so the intermediate support portion 33S, located below the first mounting portion T1, needs to avoid interfering with other components or devices. In this embodiment, a space S is provided below the first mounting portion T1, allowing both the upper support portion 31S and the intermediate support portion 33S to be inserted. Therefore, even if an intermediate support portion 33S is provided below the upper support portion 31S, the intermediate support portion 33S can be positioned below the first mounting portion T1 so that it does not interfere with other components or devices as the upper support portion 31S passes through the cutout portion T1a in the vertical direction V.

[0055] In this embodiment, the first loading / unloading device 81 includes a pair of transport sections 810, each composed of a belt conveyor. The direction orthogonal when viewed from above relative to the extending direction of the transport section 810 is defined as the width direction, and a pair of transport belts 810a are arranged separately along the width direction (see reference). Figure 5 The pair of conveyor belts 810a is the first mounting section T1 for placing the first object article 41, and the portion between the two conveyor belts 810a in the width direction is the cut section T1a. Figure 3 and Figure 4As shown, a pair of transport belts 810a are supported on a transport housing 810b formed in a shell shape. The transport housing 810b houses a transport drive unit 810m that drives the transport unit 810 and a transport control device 810c that controls the transport drive unit 810m. In this embodiment, a space S is formed between the transport belt 810a (which serves as the first mounting part T1) and the transport drive unit 810m in the transport housing 810b in the vertical direction V. Therefore, the vertical distance V between the upper surface of the transport belt 810a (which serves as the first mounting part T1) and the upper surface of the transport drive unit 810m is set to be greater than the vertical distance V between the upper surface of the transport belt 810a and the lower surface of the intermediate support unit 33S when the upper support unit 31S is in the lowered position during the transfer operation. Therefore, when the upper support portion 31S is moved so that the cut portion T1a passes through in the vertical direction V, and the first object article 41 is transferred relative to the first mounting portion T1, the intermediate support portion 33S, which moves together with the upper support portion 31S, can be positioned below the first mounting portion T1 without interfering with the transport drive portion 810m. In other words, the intermediate support portion 33S can perform the transfer operation without obstructing the transfer of the first object article 41.

[0056] Next, the support structure of article 4 for each support part (31S, 32S, 33S) will be described. Furthermore, in the following, "protrusion retraction direction X" refers to the direction in which each support part (31S, 32S, 33S) protrudes and retracts. Additionally, "width direction Y" refers to the direction orthogonal when viewed from above relative to the protrusion retraction direction X.

[0057] First, the support structure of the first object article 41 in the upper support portion 31S and the lower support portion 32S will be described. In this embodiment, the upper support portion 31S and the lower support portion 32S have the same structure, and both use the first object article 41 (in this example, a front-opening wafer transfer box) as the support object. Figure 6 As shown, the upper support portion 31S and the lower support portion 32S are each composed of plate-shaped members along the horizontal direction, configured to support the first object article 41 from below. Figure 5As shown, the width Y dimension of each of the upper support portion 31S and the lower support portion 32S is smaller than the width Y dimension of the first object article 41. Therefore, the first object article 41 extends to both sides in the width Y direction while supported by the upper support portion 31S or the lower support portion 32S. On the other hand, the pair of transport belts 810a that form the first mounting portion T1 at the first inner junction 812 are configured such that the distance between them in the width Y direction is larger than the width Y dimension of each of the upper support portion 31S and the lower support portion 32S, but smaller than the width Y dimension of the first object article 41. Thus, the pair of transport belts 810a that form the first mounting portion T1 are configured such that cutouts T1a are formed between them in the width Y direction, allowing the upper support portion 31S and the lower support portion 32S to pass through in the vertical direction V, thereby supporting the first object article 41 from below.

[0058] like Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, in this embodiment, the upper support portion 31S and the lower support portion 32S respectively have engaging protrusions 31Sa and 32Sa that protrude upward from their upper surfaces. Figure 5 In the example shown, three engaging protrusions 31Sa and 32Sa are formed on the upper surfaces of the upper support portion 31S and the lower support portion 32S, respectively. The three engaging protrusions 31Sa and 32Sa are arranged such that, when viewed from above, the lines connecting them form a triangle, and each protrusion is positioned at a vertex of this triangle. The upper support portion 31S and the lower support portion 32S are respectively configured to support the first object article 41 by means of the engaging protrusions 31Sa and 32Sa. Furthermore, in this example, while supporting the first object article 41, the engaging protrusions 31Sa and 32Sa have the function of positioning the first object article 41 in the horizontal direction.

[0059] The first object article 41, which is supported by the upper support portion 31S and the lower support portion 32S, is supported by the first supported portion 411 provided at the bottom, and is thus supported in a state that is above the upper support portion 31S or the lower support portion 32S. More specifically, the first object article 41 is supported in a state that is above the upper surface of the plate-shaped member constituting most of the upper support portion 31S or the upper surface of the plate-shaped member constituting most of the lower support portion 32S. In this embodiment, the first object article 41 includes a first main body portion 410 and a engaged recess 411a that is recessed upward from the bottom surface of the first main body portion 410 and can engage with the engaged protrusions 31Sa and 32Sa. As described above, in this example, the first object article 41 is configured as a front-opening wafer transfer box, and a semiconductor substrate is accommodated by means of the first main body portion 410. Furthermore, the first object article 41 has a gripping portion 412 that is positioned above the first main body portion 410 and is formed in the shape of a flange along the aforementioned protruding retraction direction. For example, the first object article 41 is handled by the overhead conveying device 6 (see reference 6) within the article conveying equipment F. Figure 1 During transport, the object is carried by the canopy transport device 6 in a state of holding the held part 412. In this embodiment, three engaging recesses 411a are formed on the bottom surface of the first main body part 410. Furthermore, the three engaging recesses 411a engage with the three engaging protrusions 31Sa and 32Sa of the upper support part 31S or the lower support part 32S, so that the first object 41 is supported on the upper support part 31S or the lower support part 32S. That is, in this embodiment, the engaging recesses 411a are the first supported part 411 supported on the upper support part 31S or the lower support part 32S.

[0060] Next, refer to Figures 7-9 The support structure of the second object article 42 of the intermediate support portion 33S will be described. The intermediate support portion 33S serves as the support object for the second object article 42 (in this example, the intermediate mask pad). The intermediate support portion 33S is configured as the upper part that supports the second object article 42.

[0061] In this embodiment, the intermediate support portion 33S includes a pair of extension portions 33a extending in a protrusion retraction direction X along the intermediate support portion 33S, and a connecting base portion 33b connecting the pair of extension portions 33a at the base end side in the protrusion retraction direction X. Figure 9As shown, an opening 33c is formed in the intermediate support portion 33S, opening towards the end side in the protruding retraction direction X and in the vertical direction V. A pair of extension portions 33a are arranged on both sides of the opening 33c in the width direction Y. In this embodiment, on the inner side (opening portion 33c side) of each pair of extension portions 33a in the width direction Y, a support surface 33d is provided to support the second supported portion 421 on which the second object article 42 is placed from below, and an inclined surface 33e connecting the support surface 33d and the extension portion 33a and inclined upwards towards the outer side in the width direction Y. Figure 8 As shown, in this example, the inclined surface 33e is formed to surround the second supported portion 421 (flange 421a) of the second object article 42, which is supported on the support surface 33d. That is, the inclined surface 33e is provided on both outer sides of the second supported portion 421 in the width direction Y, and also on both outer sides of the protruding retraction direction X of the two side edges of the second supported portion 421 in the width direction Y. Thus, the inclined surface 33e functions as a guide portion that guides the second supported portion 421 of the second object article 42 towards the support surface 33d. In addition, the inclined surface 33e functions as a positioning portion that positions the second supported portion 421 in the horizontal direction when the second supported portion 421 is supported on the support surface 33d.

[0062] like Figures 7-9 As shown, in this embodiment, a drop restraint body 34 is provided in the intermediate support portion 33S to restrict the fall of the second object article 42. The drop restraint body 34 is configured to overlap the intermediate support portion 33S from above. The drop restraint body 34 has a pair of restraint portions 34a disposed at an upwardly offset position relative to each of a pair of support surfaces 33d. The pair of restraint portions 34a are configured to overlap when viewed from above with respect to the support surfaces 33d of their respective corresponding extension portions 33a. Thus, when the second supported portion 421 of the second object article 42 is supported on the support surface 33d, the pair of restraint portions 34a are respectively disposed at a position that overlaps with a portion of the second supported portion 421, specifically with the two side edges of the second supported portion 421 in the width direction Y when viewed from above. Therefore, if the second supported part 421, supported by the support surface 33d, moves up and down due to vibration or the like, the limiting part 34a contacts the second supported part 421 from above, thereby preventing the second supported part 421 from falling off the support surface 33d. In this way, by providing the drop limiting body 34, the second object 42 can be prevented from falling off the intermediate support part 33S.

[0063] In addition, such as Figure 7As shown, a pair of limiting portions 34a are positioned upwards relative to the pair of extension portions 33a. When transferring the second object 42, by moving the second supported portion 421 (flange portion 421a) horizontally between the pair of extension portions 33a and the pair of limiting portions 34a in the vertical direction V, the second supported portion 421 and the limiting portions 34a can be prevented from contacting each other during transfer. That is, the falling limiting body 34 can be prevented from hindering the transfer operation.

[0064] like Figure 7 As shown, the second object article 42, which is supported by the intermediate support portion 33S, is supported by the second supported portion 421 provided on the upper part and is supported in a state where it is located at a position lower than the intermediate support portion 33S. In this embodiment, the second object article 42 includes a second main body portion 420, a flange portion 421a, and a columnar connecting column portion 422. The flange portion 421a is disposed above the second main body portion 420 and is formed to be engaged by a pair of extensions 33a of the intermediate support portion 33S along the protruding retraction direction X. The columnar connecting column portion 422 connects the second main body portion 420 and the flange portion 421a. As described above, in this example, the second object article 42 is configured as an intermediate mask pad, and the intermediate mask is accommodated in the second main body portion 420. The connecting column portion 422 is formed such that its area in top view is smaller than that of the flange portion 421a, and in top view, the entire connecting column portion 422 is positioned further inward than the outer edge of the flange portion 421a. Furthermore, the dimension in the width direction Y of the connecting column portion 422 is smaller than the dimension in the width direction Y of the opening 33c of the intermediate support portion 33S. Therefore, when transferring the second object article 42, a pair of support surfaces 33d positioned on both outer sides of the opening 33c in the width direction Y can move past the outer side of the connecting column portion 422 in the width direction Y, and the two side edges of the support surfaces 33d and the flange portion 421a in the width direction Y can face each other in the vertical direction V.

[0065] In this embodiment, the flange portion 421a is supported from below by the support surface 33d, thereby supporting the second object article 42 on the intermediate support portion 33S. The flange portion 421a is connected to the upper end of the connecting post portion 422 and is formed to protrude horizontally from the connecting post portion 422. The dimension of the flange portion 421a in the width direction Y is larger than the distance between the pair of support surfaces 33d in the width direction Y, and smaller than the distance between the pair of inclined surfaces 33e in the width direction Y. Therefore, the flange portion 421a can be supported from below by means of the pair of support surfaces 33d of the intermediate support portion 33S. Even in the initial stage of supporting the flange portion 421a by means of the support surface 33d, if the position of the flange portion 421a above the support surface 33d is deviated from the support surface 33d in the horizontal direction, as the support surface 33d and the flange portion 421a approach each other, the flange portion 421a contacts the inclined surface 33e and is guided towards the support surface 33d by the inclined surface 33e. Thus, the flange portion 421a is supported from below by the supported surface 33d, and the second object article 42 is supported by the intermediate support portion 33S. That is, in this embodiment, the flange portion 421a is the second supported portion 421.

[0066] As described above, the interlayer transport device 1 (article transport device) according to this application, in addition to the upper support portion 31S and the lower support portion 32S supporting the first object article 41, also includes an intermediate support portion 33S supporting the second object article 42, thus enabling the transport of both the first object article 41 and the second object article 42. As described above, in this embodiment, the intermediate support portion 33S is provided on the upper transfer portion 31, which includes the upper support portion 31S. Therefore, the first object article 41 and the second object article 42 can be transferred and supported respectively by means of the upper transfer portion 31. However, in this embodiment, when the upper support portion 31S supports the first object article 41, the second object article 42 is supported without the intermediate support portion 33S. Furthermore, conversely, when the intermediate support portion 33S supports the second object article 42, the first object article 41 is supported without the upper support portion 31S. Therefore, the first object item 41 and the second object item 42 can be transported appropriately at different times. Furthermore, the lower support portion 32S is not subject to the limitations described above. That is, regardless of whether the upper support portion 31S supports the first object item 41 or not, and regardless of whether the middle support portion 33S supports the second object item 42, the lower support portion 32S can support the first object item 41 or not.

[0067] [Other Implementation Methods]

[0068] Next, other embodiments of the item handling device will be described.

[0069] (1) In the above embodiment, an example of the intermediate support portion 33S being connected in a manner that is integrally protruding and retracting with the upper support portion 31S has been described. However, this is not limited to such an example; the intermediate support portion 33S may also be connected in a manner that is integrally protruding and retracting with the lower support portion 32S. In this case, the intermediate support portion 33S is also disposed between the upper support portion 31S and the lower support portion 32S in the vertical direction V. Furthermore, the intermediate support portion 33S is disposed below the entire portion of the upper transfer portion 31 that is integrally protruding and retracting with the upper support portion 31S. In this case, for example, the intermediate support portion 33S may also be disposed above the lower restraint body 32R at an adjacent position. Moreover, the intermediate support portion 33S may, for example, be configured as an upper part and a lower restraint body 32R mounted on the lower transfer drive portion 32Sm.

[0070] (2) In the above embodiment, an example was described in which the second object article 42 is supported by the second supported portion 421 provided on the upper part and is supported in a state where it is located below the intermediate support portion 33S. However, it is not limited to such an example, and it is also possible to configure the second object article 42 as being supported by the intermediate support portion 33S in a state where it is located above the intermediate support portion 33S. In this case, for example, in the same way as the relationship between the upper support portion 31S or the lower support portion 32S and the first object article 41, the supported portion provided at the bottom of the second object article 42 is supported from below by the intermediate support portion 33S, thereby being supported in a state where the second object article 42 is located above the intermediate support portion 33S.

[0071] (3) In the above embodiments, an example has been described in which the engaging recess 411a of the first object article 41 is a first supported portion 411 supported on the upper support portion 31S or the lower support portion 32S, and the flange portion 421a of the second object article 42 is a second supported portion 421 supported on the intermediate support portion 33S. However, it is not limited to this example. It is also possible that the portion other than the engaging recess 411a of the first object article 41 is designated as the first supported portion 411, and the portion other than the flange portion 421a of the second object article 42 is designated as the second supported portion 421.

[0072] (4) In the above embodiment, an example in which a pair of first mounting portions T1 are provided on the transfer object portion T corresponding to the first inner junction portion 812 is described. However, one or more first mounting portions T1 may also be provided on the transfer object portion T.

[0073] (5) In the above embodiments, an example has been described in which the first object article 41 is configured as a front-opening wafer transfer box and the second object article 42 is configured as an intermediate mask pad. However, it is not limited to this example, and the first object article 41 and the second object article 42 may also be raw materials, intermediate products or finished products processed in the article handling equipment F. However, in such cases, the first object article 41 and the second object article 42 are articles with different shapes.

[0074] (6) In the above embodiment, an example in which the drop restraint 34 is provided in the intermediate support portion 33S has been described. However, it is not limited to this example, and the drop restraint 34 may not be provided in the intermediate support portion 33S.

[0075] (7) Furthermore, the structures disclosed in the above embodiments can be combined with structures disclosed in other embodiments, provided that no contradictions arise. Regarding other structures, the embodiments disclosed in this specification are merely illustrative in all respects. Therefore, various modifications can be appropriately made without departing from the spirit of this application.

[0076] [Summary of the above embodiments]

[0077] The above-described article handling device will now be described.

[0078] An article handling device is disclosed, comprising a guide rail, a lifting unit, and a transfer device for handling articles. The guide rail is arranged along a vertical transport path, the lifting unit moves up and down along the guide rail, and the transfer device is supported on the lifting unit. The device transfers articles between itself and a transfer object portion disposed horizontally away from the guide rail. The articles to be handled include a first object article and a second object article with a different shape. The transfer device includes an upper transfer portion supported on the lifting unit and a lower transfer portion disposed below the upper transfer portion and supported on the same lifting unit as the upper transfer portion. The upper transfer portion includes an upper support portion and an upper protrusion retraction drive portion. The upper support portion supports the first object article, and the upper protrusion retraction drive portion... The upper support portion protrudes and retracts between a reference position and a protruding position that protrudes towards the object to be transferred compared to the reference position. The lower transfer portion includes a lower support portion and a lower protrusion retraction drive portion. The lower support portion supports the first object article. The lower protrusion retraction drive portion protrudes and retracts between a reference position and a protruding position that protrudes towards the object to be transferred compared to the reference position. The upper protrusion retraction drive portion is positioned above the upper support portion, and the lower protrusion retraction drive portion is positioned below the lower support portion. An intermediate support portion supporting the second object article is disposed between the upper support portion and the lower support portion in the vertical direction. The intermediate support portion is connected in a manner that protrudes and retracts integrally with the upper support portion, or in a manner that protrudes and retracts integrally with the lower support portion.

[0079] According to this solution, in addition to the upper and lower support portions supporting the first object item, an intermediate support portion supporting the second object item is also provided, thus enabling the transport of both the first and second object items. Furthermore, since both the upper and lower transfer portions have support portions supporting the first object item, and the intermediate support portion supporting the second object item is provided, the number of support portions supporting the first object item is not reduced, allowing the simultaneous transport of two first object items. Therefore, even when the number of first object items transported is greater than the number of second object items transported, the transport efficiency of the item transport device can be prevented from decreasing. Moreover, the intermediate support portion is connected in a manner that protrudes and retracts integrally with the upper or lower support portions, eliminating the need for a dedicated transfer portion or a protruding and retracting drive portion for the intermediate support portion. Therefore, the large size of the lifting unit can be prevented.

[0080] Furthermore, according to this solution, the upper protrusion retraction drive unit for retracting the upper support portion is positioned above the upper support portion, and the lower protrusion retraction drive unit for retracting the lower support portion is positioned below the lower support portion. Therefore, the protrusion retraction drive unit can be omitted from the vertical direction between the upper and lower support portions, and the resulting space allows for the placement of an intermediate support portion for supporting the second object article within the vertical direction between the upper and lower support portions. Thus, the large size of the lifting unit due to the intermediate support portion can be minimized. As described above, according to this solution, an article handling device can be realized that is capable of handling both the first and second object articles, and can suppress the decrease in handling efficiency of the article handling device when the number of first object articles handled is greater than the number of second object articles handled, while also suppressing the large size of the lifting unit.

[0081] Here, preferably, the aforementioned intermediate support portion is connected in a manner that protrudes and retracts integrally with the aforementioned upper support portion, and is disposed above the portion of the aforementioned lower transfer portion that protrudes and retracts integrally with the aforementioned lower support portion, both below the aforementioned upper support portion and above the portion of the aforementioned lower transfer portion that protrudes and retracts integrally with the aforementioned lower support portion.

[0082] According to this solution, the intermediate support section can be protruded and retracted by means of the upper protrusion retraction drive. Therefore, a dedicated transfer section or protrusion retraction drive for the intermediate support section is unnecessary, thus preventing the lifting unit from becoming too large. Furthermore, the intermediate support section is positioned below the upper support section and above the portion of the lower transfer section that protrudes and retracts integrally with the lower support section. Therefore, the intermediate support section can be positioned within the vertical space between the upper and lower support sections, and this intermediate support section does not obstruct the protrusion and retraction of the lower support section performed by the lower protrusion retraction drive.

[0083] Furthermore, in the structure in which the aforementioned intermediate support portion is connected in such a way as to protrude and retract integrally with the aforementioned upper support portion, it is preferable that a first placement portion for placing the aforementioned first object article is provided in the aforementioned transfer object portion, a cutout portion is formed in the aforementioned first placement portion that allows the aforementioned upper support portion to pass through in the vertical direction, and a space is provided below the aforementioned first placement portion that allows both the aforementioned upper support portion and the aforementioned intermediate support portion to be inserted.

[0084] According to this solution, when the upper support portion can be moved in the vertical direction through the cutout to transfer the first object article relative to the first mounting portion, the intermediate support portion, which moves together with the upper support portion, can be positioned below the first mounting portion without obstructing the transfer operation.

[0085] Furthermore, it is preferable that the first object article is supported by the first supported portion provided at the bottom and is supported as a whole in a position above the aforementioned upper or lower supported portion, and the second object article is supported by the second supported portion provided at the top and is supported in a position having a portion below the aforementioned intermediate supported portion.

[0086] According to this solution, the second object supported on the intermediate support is supported in a state where it has a portion located below the intermediate support. Therefore, compared to a structure where the second object supported on the intermediate support is supported in a state located above the intermediate support, the upper support and the intermediate support, which is located below the upper support, can be arranged close together in the vertical direction. Thus, the increase in the size of the lifting unit caused by the provision of the intermediate support can be further suppressed.

[0087] Furthermore, in the structure in which the aforementioned first object article and the aforementioned second object article are supported in the state described above, it is preferable that the aforementioned upper support portion and the aforementioned lower support portion each have an engaging protrusion protruding upward from their upper surface, the aforementioned intermediate support portion has a pair of extensions extending in the protrusion-retraction direction of the aforementioned intermediate support portion, the aforementioned first object article has a first main body portion and an engaging recess recessing upward from the bottom surface of the aforementioned first main body portion and capable of engaging with the aforementioned engaging protrusion, the aforementioned second object article has a second main body portion and a flange portion, the aforementioned flange portion being configured to be positioned above the aforementioned second main body portion and along the aforementioned protrusion-retraction direction, and being engaged by the pair of aforementioned extensions, the aforementioned engaging recess being the aforementioned first supported portion, and the aforementioned flange portion being the aforementioned second supported portion.

[0088] According to this solution, a first object article having a locking recess recessed upward from the bottom surface of the first main body can be properly supported by an upper support and a lower support, respectively, and a second object article having a flange portion formed in the protruding retraction direction and positioned above the second main body can be properly supported by an intermediate support.

[0089] Furthermore, preferably, a pair of first mounting portions for mounting the first object article are provided in the aforementioned transfer object portion, and the pair of aforementioned first mounting portions are configured to overlap when viewed from above and to be separated in the vertical direction, and the vertical separation distance between the aforementioned upper support portion and the aforementioned lower support portion is equal to the vertical separation distance between the pair of aforementioned first mounting portions.

[0090] According to this solution, the first object can be simultaneously transferred relative to each of a pair of mounting sections using both the upper and lower support sections. This improves handling efficiency.

[0091] Industrial availability

[0092] The technology of this application can be used in a material handling device for transporting goods.

[0093] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0094] 1: Inter-floor transport equipment (goods transport equipment)

[0095] 4: Items

[0096] 10: Guide Track

[0097] 20: Lifting Unit

[0098] 30: Transfer device

[0099] 31: Upper transfer section

[0100] 31A: Upper protruding retraction drive unit

[0101] 31S: Upper support section

[0102] 31Sa: Engaging protrusion

[0103] 32: Lower transfer section

[0104] 32A: Lower protruding retraction drive section

[0105] 32S: Lower support section

[0106] 32Sa: Engaging protrusion

[0107] 32Sb: Lower support portion

[0108] 33S: Intermediate support section

[0109] 33a: Extension

[0110] 41: Item No. 1

[0111] 42: Item #2

[0112] 410: First Main Body

[0113] 411: The first supported part

[0114] 411a: Engaged recess

[0115] 420: Second Main Body

[0116] 421: The second supported part

[0117] 421a: Flange portion

[0118] P1: Reference position

[0119] P2: Prominent Position

[0120] R: Transportation path

[0121] S: Space

[0122] T: Transfer Object Section

[0123] T1: First mounting section

[0124] T1a: Incision site

[0125] V: Up and down direction

[0126] X: Highlights the direction of retreat.

Claims

1. An article handling device, wherein the article handling device moves articles and includes a guide rail, a lifting unit, and a transfer device. The aforementioned guide rails are set along the vertical transport path. The aforementioned lifting unit moves up and down along the aforementioned guide rail. The aforementioned transfer device is supported by the aforementioned lifting unit and transfers the aforementioned article between itself and the transfer object portion, which is positioned horizontally away from the ground relative to the aforementioned guide rail, characterized in that... The aforementioned items that are to be transported include a first object item and a second object item that has a different shape from the first object item. The aforementioned transfer device includes an upper transfer portion supported on the aforementioned lifting unit, and a lower transfer portion disposed on the lower side of the aforementioned upper transfer portion and supported on the aforementioned lifting unit, which is identical to the aforementioned upper transfer portion. The aforementioned upper transfer section includes an upper support section and an upper protrusion retraction drive section. The aforementioned upper support section supports the aforementioned first object article, and the aforementioned upper protrusion retraction drive section causes the aforementioned upper support section to protrude and retract between a reference position and a protruding position that protrudes towards the aforementioned transfer object section compared to the aforementioned reference position. The aforementioned lower transfer section includes a lower support section and a lower protrusion retraction drive section. The aforementioned lower support section supports the aforementioned first object article, and the aforementioned lower protrusion retraction drive section causes the aforementioned lower support section to protrude and retract between a reference position and a protruding position that protrudes towards the aforementioned transfer object section compared to the aforementioned reference position. The aforementioned upper protruding retraction drive portion is positioned above the aforementioned upper support portion, and the aforementioned lower protruding retraction drive portion is positioned below the aforementioned lower support portion. An intermediate support portion for supporting the second object is disposed between the aforementioned upper support portion and the aforementioned lower support portion in the vertical direction. The aforementioned intermediate support portion is connected in a manner that protrudes and retracts integrally with the aforementioned upper support portion, or in a manner that protrudes and retracts integrally with the aforementioned lower support portion.

2. The article handling device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The aforementioned intermediate support portion is connected to the aforementioned upper support portion in a manner that protrudes and retracts integrally, and is positioned above the portion of the aforementioned lower transfer portion that protrudes and retracts integrally with the aforementioned lower support portion, which is located below the aforementioned upper support portion.

3. The article handling device as described in claim 2, characterized in that, In the aforementioned transfer object section, a first mounting section for mounting the aforementioned first object article is provided. In the aforementioned first mounting portion, a cutout is formed that allows the aforementioned upper support portion to pass through in the vertical direction. Below the aforementioned first mounting portion, there is a space that allows both the aforementioned upper support portion and the aforementioned intermediate support portion to be inserted.

4. The article handling device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The aforementioned first object is supported by the first support portion provided at the bottom, and is thus supported in a position above the aforementioned upper support portion or the aforementioned lower support portion. The aforementioned second object is supported by the second supported portion provided on the upper part and is supported in a state having a portion located below the aforementioned intermediate support portion.

5. The article handling device as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The aforementioned upper support portion and the aforementioned lower support portion each have an engaging protrusion protruding upward from their upper surface. The aforementioned intermediate support portion includes a pair of extension portions extending in the protrusion retraction direction of the aforementioned intermediate support portion. The aforementioned first object article has a first main body portion and a locking recess portion that is recessed upward from the bottom surface of the aforementioned first main body portion and can be locked by the aforementioned locking protrusion. The aforementioned second object article has a second main body and a flange portion. The flange portion is configured to be positioned above the aforementioned second main body and along the aforementioned protruding retraction direction, and is engaged by a pair of the aforementioned extension portions. The aforementioned engaged recess is the aforementioned first supported portion. The aforementioned flange portion is the aforementioned second supported portion.

6. The article handling device as described in any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The aforementioned transfer object portion is provided with a pair of first mounting portions for mounting the aforementioned first object article. The pair of the aforementioned first mounting portions are configured to overlap when viewed from above and to separate in the vertical direction. The vertical distance between the aforementioned upper support portion and the aforementioned lower support portion is equal to the vertical distance between the pair of aforementioned first mounting portions.

Images