Airborne vault system

Abstract

An aerial storage system has an aerial transport vehicle and a storage rack. The aerial transport vehicle has a traveling portion that travels on a track configured in a lattice shape, and a main body portion that is suspended from the traveling portion and holds an article on a lower side of the track. The storage rack has a suspension member that is a plurality of suspension members extending in a vertical direction, a track support portion provided at a middle portion, and a unit support portion provided at a lower end portion, and a rack unit and a scaffold unit supported to the unit support portion of the suspension member. A corner portion of the rack unit and a corner portion of the scaffold unit are supported to the unit support portion.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to an over-the-air storage system. Background Technology

[0002] As a technology related to aerial storage systems, a rail-guided trolley system, such as that described in Patent Document 1, is known. In the rail-guided trolley system described in Patent Document 1, the tracks are arranged in a grid pattern, and an aerial transport vehicle (rail-guided trolley) holds and transports items along the tracks below them. In the rail-guided trolley system described in Patent Document 1, a storage rack (the frame of the storage device) is arranged below the tracks, and items are stored on the storage rack. The storage rack is suspended from the air by a boom.

[0003] Existing technical documents

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: International Publication No. 2018 / 037762 Summary of the Invention

[0006] In the aforementioned conventional aerial storage systems, the upper end of the boom supports the rails, and the lower end of the boom supports the shelves, but the planar layout of the shelves is not specifically mentioned.

[0007] This disclosure describes an aerial storage system that allows for easy layout design and construction of storage racks.

[0008] One aspect of the aerial storage system disclosed herein includes: an aerial transport vehicle having a traveling section that travels on at least a portion of a grid-like track, and a main body suspended from the traveling section and holding items below the track; and a storage rack disposed below the track for storing items. In the aerial storage system, the storage rack includes: a suspension member consisting of multiple suspension members extending in a vertical direction, with a track support portion provided in the middle and a unit support portion provided at the lower end; and frame units and scaffold units supported on the unit support portions of the suspension members, with the corner portions of the frame units and scaffold units supported on the unit support portions.

[0009] According to this aerial storage system, a support frame unit and a scaffolding unit are located at the lower end of the suspension components supporting the track. Goods are placed and stored on the support frame unit. Furthermore, workers can walk on the scaffolding unit and perform maintenance work. The corners of the support frame unit are supported by the unit support of the suspension components, and the corners of the scaffolding unit are supported by the unit support of the suspension components. Therefore, by arranging the corners of the support frame unit or the scaffolding unit at the lower end of the suspension components, the layout design of the storage rack can be easily carried out. In addition, the construction of the storage rack can also be easily carried out.

[0010] Alternatively, the scaffolding units and racking units can be quadrilateral in shape when viewed from above. Based on the quadrilateral shape of the scaffolding units and racking units, the layout design of the storage rack can be made easier.

[0011] Alternatively, the suspension components may include an upper suspension component whose lower end protrudes from the track support, and a lower suspension component whose upper end is connected to the upper suspension component. The lower suspension component can be installed when frame units and / or scaffolding units are provided, and omitted when not. That is, the lower suspension component can be selectively configured, thus facilitating construction.

[0012] Alternatively, scaffolding units can be positioned between one scaffolding unit and another. In this case, the ease of operation is improved.

[0013] Alternatively, the track may include: a plurality of first tracks extending along a first direction; a plurality of second tracks extending along a second direction intersecting the first direction; and a plurality of intersection tracks arranged such that the connecting portion linking the traveling section and the main body can pass through gaps relative to the ends of the first tracks and the ends of the second tracks, respectively. Cells forming a grid are created by dividing the space between a pair of first tracks arranged in the second direction and a pair of second tracks arranged in the first direction. The scaffolding unit and the support unit, when viewed from above, each have a shape and size corresponding to an integer number of these cells. In this case, the cells divided by the tracks become the reference for the scaffolding unit and the support unit. Therefore, the layout design of the storage rack can be made easier, and the construction of the storage rack can also be made easier.

[0014] Invention Effects

[0015] According to this disclosure, the layout design of storage racks can be easily carried out. Furthermore, the construction of storage racks can also be easily carried out. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 This is a side view showing the implementation of an air-to-air storage system.

[0017] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of the aerial transport vehicle used in the implementation method.

[0018] Figure 3 This is a perspective view of an airborne storage system illustrating an implementation method.

[0019] Figure 4 This is a three-dimensional view showing the storage rack located below the track.

[0020] Figure 5 This is the front view of the storage rack, and it is Figure 6 VV line view.

[0021] Figure 6 It means Figure 5 A top view of the storage rack.

[0022] Figure 7 middle, Figure 7 (a) and Figure 7 (b) is a top view showing the two types of frame units. Figure 7 (c) and Figure 7 (d) is a top view representing two types of scaffolding units.

[0023] Figure 8 This is the front view of the storage rack, and it is Figure 6 View along line VIII-VIII.

[0024] Figure 9 This is a side view showing the structure near the track support in the suspension components.

[0025] Figure 10 It is a perspective view showing the structure of the unit support in the suspension components.

[0026] Figure 11 This is a perspective view showing an example of the support structure in the unit support section.

[0027] Figure 12 middle, Figure 12 (a) and Figure 12 (b) is a top view showing an example of the support structure in the unit support section.

[0028] Figure 13 It is a three-dimensional diagram showing the installation structure of a scaffolding unit. Detailed Implementation

[0029] The following is a reference to the appendix. Figure 1 The implementation method will be described below. In the accompanying drawings, the scale has been appropriately changed for ease of explanation. A direction along the horizontal plane is labeled as the X direction, a horizontal direction orthogonal to the X direction is designated as the Y direction, and a vertical direction is designated as the Z direction. The terms "up" and "down" correspond to the up and down directions in the vertical direction.

[0030] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3As shown, the aerial storage system SYS is a system used to transport and store items M in a cleanroom, such as a semiconductor manufacturing plant, using an aerial transport vehicle 100. The aerial storage system SYS includes an aerial transport vehicle 100 for transporting items M between multiple processing units 6, a track R, a storage rack 4, and a system controller 5. Item M may be, for example, a FOUP containing semiconductor wafers, or a Pod containing marking pieces. For item M, for example, the side opposite to the cover Mb side is the front.

[0031] The aerial transport vehicle 100 moves along track R of the aerial storage system SYS to transport item M. The aerial transport vehicle 100 travels near the ceiling of the construction room, thus it is referred to as a crane (aerial transport vehicle). Multiple aerial transport vehicles 100 can be used. By utilizing multiple aerial transport vehicles 100 to transport item M, high-density transport can be achieved, improving the efficiency of item M transport.

[0032] Track R is laid on or near the ceiling of a structured room such as a cleanroom. Track R is a grid-like track having multiple first tracks R1, multiple second tracks R2, and multiple intersection tracks R3. At least a portion of track R is configured in a grid pattern. The first tracks R1 are the portions forming the lattice-like structure, arranged along the X direction (first direction). The second tracks R2 are the portions forming the lattice-like structure, arranged along the Y direction (second direction). The intersection tracks R3 are the portions forming the intersections of the grid-like structure, arranged such that they are spaced apart by a gap D from the ends of the first tracks R1 and the ends of the second tracks R2, respectively.

[0033] In track R, track 1 R1 and track 2 R2 are arranged orthogonally, thus creating a state where multiple cells C (partitions) are adjacent when viewed from above. Cells C constitute a grid-like structure of track R. Cell C is a region divided by a pair of track 1 R1 arranged in the Y direction and a pair of track 2 R2 arranged in the X direction. Furthermore, in Figure 3 A portion of track R is shown, and track R is formed continuously with the same structure in both the X and Y directions from the structure shown. Track 1 R1, track 2 R2, and the intersection track R3 are suspended and supported on the ceiling 200 by suspension member 70. Details of suspension member 70 will be discussed later (see [reference]). Figure 3 and Figure 5 ).

[0034] The first track R1, the second track R2, and the intersection track R3 each have running surfaces R1a, R2a, and R3a for the travel wheels 21 of the aerial transport vehicle 100 (described later) to travel on. The gap D is the portion through which the connecting part 30 (described later), which is part of the aerial transport vehicle 100, passes when the aerial transport vehicle 100 travels on the first track R1 and crosses the second track R2, or when the aerial transport vehicle 100 travels on the second track R2 and crosses the first track R1. The gap D is set to a width that allows the connecting part 30 to pass through. The first track R1, the second track R2, and the intersection track R3 are arranged along the same horizontal plane.

[0035] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the aerial transport vehicle 100 is a transport vehicle capable of traveling along track R, and includes a main body 10, a traveling section 20, a connecting section 30, and a vehicle controller 50. The main body 10 is disposed below track R. The main body 10 is formed, for example, rectangular in shape when viewed from above. The main body 10 is sized to fit within a single cell C of track R when viewed from above. Therefore, it can pass over other aerial transport vehicles 100 traveling on adjacent first track R1 or second track R2. The main body 10 hangs from the traveling section 20 and holds an item M under track R. The main body 10 includes an upper unit 17 and a transfer device 18.

[0036] The upper unit 17 is suspended and supported on the running unit 20 by means of the connecting part 30. The upper unit 17 is rectangular in shape when viewed from above, and has four corners on the upper surface 17a. The running wheels 21, the connecting part 30 and the direction conversion mechanism 34 are respectively provided at the four corners of the main body 10.

[0037] The transfer device 18 is a device capable of transferring items M relative to the storage rack 4 and the loading section 62. The transfer device 18 is located below the upper unit 17. The transfer device 18 includes: an item holding section 13 for holding the item M; a lifting drive section 14 for raising and lowering the item holding section 13 in the vertical direction; a sliding drive section 11 for sliding the lifting drive section 14; a rotating section 12 for holding the sliding drive section 11; a first rotation drive section 15 for rotating the sliding drive section 11 horizontally relative to the main body section 10 about a first vertical axis AX1 (rotation drive); and a second rotation drive section 16 for rotating the lifting drive section 14 horizontally relative to the sliding drive section 11 about a second vertical axis AX2.

[0038] The lifting drive unit 14 and the sliding drive unit 11 constitute a linear drive unit that drives the article holding part 13 to move in a straight line. The first rotary drive unit 15 and the second rotary drive unit 16 constitute a rotary drive unit that drives the article holding part 13 to rotate horizontally. Horizontal rotation means rotation about an axis in the vertical direction.

[0039] The sliding drive unit 11 has a plurality of movable plates arranged overlappingly in, for example, the Z direction. These movable plates are movable in the Y direction. A second rotary drive unit 16 is mounted on the lowest movable plate. The sliding drive unit 11 can slide in such a way that the movable plates are moved using a drive device (not shown), and the lifting drive unit 14 and the item holding unit 13 mounted on the lowest movable plate protrude in one direction relative to the travel direction, that is, in a straight line direction. A rotating unit 12 is mounted between the sliding drive unit 11 and the upper unit 17, connected to the first rotary drive unit 15, to hold the sliding drive unit 11 in place.

[0040] The item holding part 13 suspends and holds the item M by gripping the flange part Ma of the item M. The item holding part 13 is, for example, a chuck with a claw part 13a that can move in the horizontal direction. The item M is held by moving the claw part 13a under the flange part Ma of the item M and raising the item holding part 13. The item holding part 13 is connected to a suspension member 13b such as a wire or belt.

[0041] The lifting drive unit 14 is mounted on the second rotary drive unit 16. The lifting drive unit 14, for example, is a winch that lowers the item holding part 13 by unwinding the suspension member 13b and raises the item holding part 13 by winding the suspension member 13b. The lifting drive unit 14 is controlled by the trolley controller 50 to lower or raise the item holding part 13 at a predetermined speed. The lifting drive unit 14, controlled by the trolley controller 50, maintains the item holding part 13 at a target height.

[0042] The first rotary drive unit 15 uses an electric motor or the like to rotate the rotating part 12 around the first vertical axis AX1. The first rotary drive unit 15, together with the rotation of the rotating part 12, can rotate the sliding drive unit 11 around the first vertical axis AX1. When the sliding drive unit 11 is rotated around the first vertical axis AX1 using the first rotary drive unit 15, the second rotary drive unit 16, the lifting drive unit 14, and the item holding part 13, all mounted below the sliding drive unit 11, rotate integrally around the first vertical axis AX1. The second rotary drive unit 16 uses an electric motor or the like to rotate the lifting drive unit 14 around the second vertical axis AX2.

[0043] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3As shown, the traveling unit 20 travels on track R. The traveling unit 20 has traveling wheels 21 and auxiliary wheels 22. The traveling wheels 21 are respectively disposed at the four corners of the upper surface 17a of the upper unit 17 (main body 10). The traveling wheels 21 are respectively mounted on axles (not shown) provided in the connecting part 30. The axles are arranged parallel or substantially parallel along the XY plane. The traveling wheels 21 are driven to rotate by the driving force of the traveling drive unit 33 (described later). The traveling wheels 21 roll on track R. The traveling wheels 21 roll on the traveling surfaces R1a of the first track R1, R2a of the second track R2, and R3a of the intersection track R3 in track R, causing the aerial transport vehicle 100 to travel. Furthermore, it is not limited to the case where all four traveling wheels 21 are driven to rotate by the driving force of the traveling drive unit 33; a structure in which only a portion of the four traveling wheels 21 are driven to rotate is also possible.

[0044] The traveling wheel 21 is configured to rotate about the rotation axis AX3. The traveling wheel 21 rotates horizontally using the direction-changing mechanism 34 (described later), thus changing the travel direction of the aerial transport vehicle 100. One auxiliary wheel 22 is positioned before and after the traveling wheel 21 in the direction of travel. Each auxiliary wheel 22 can rotate in the same manner as the traveling wheel 21. The lower end of each auxiliary wheel 22 is positioned higher than the lower end of the traveling wheel 21. Therefore, when the traveling wheel 21 travels on the travel surfaces R1a, R2a, and R3a, the auxiliary wheel 22 does not contact the travel surfaces R1a, R2a, and R3a. Furthermore, when the traveling wheel 21 passes through the gap D (refer to...) Figure 3 At the moment of impact, the auxiliary wheel 22 contacts the travel surfaces R1a, R2a, and R3a to prevent the travel wheel 21 from falling into them. Furthermore, it is not limited to having two auxiliary wheels 22 on one travel wheel 21. For example, one auxiliary wheel 22 may be provided on one travel wheel 21, or no auxiliary wheel 22 may be provided.

[0045] like Figure 1 As shown, in the traveling section 20, a cover W may also be provided to surround the transfer device 18 and the article M held in the transfer device 18. The cover W has a shape that opens at the lower end and is formed by cutting off the portion (sliding movement portion) protruding from the movable plate of the sliding drive section 11. The upper end of the cover W is mounted on the rotating section 12, and the cover W rotates about the first vertical axis AX1 as the rotating section 12 rotates.

[0046] A connecting portion 30 connects the upper unit 17 of the main body 10 and the traveling unit 20. The connecting portion 30 is provided at each of the four corners of the upper surface 17a of the upper unit 17 (main body 10). Through this connecting portion 30, the main body 10 is suspended and positioned below the track R. The connecting portion 30 has a support member 31 and a connecting member 32. The support member 31 supports the rotation axis of the traveling wheel 21 and the rotation axis of the auxiliary wheel 22 in a rotatable manner. The support member 31 maintains the relative position of the traveling wheel 21 and the auxiliary wheel 22. The support member 31 is formed, for example, in the shape of a plate, with a thickness sufficient to allow passage of gap D.

[0047] The connecting member 32 extends downward from the support member 31 and connects to the upper surface 17a of the upper unit 17, holding the upper unit 17 in place. The connecting member 32 internally includes a transmission mechanism that transmits the driving force of the driving drive unit 33 (described later) to the driving wheel 21. This transmission mechanism can be a chain or belt structure, or a gear train structure. The connecting member 32 is configured to rotate about the rotation axis AX3. By rotating the connecting member 32 about the rotation axis AX3, the driving wheel 21 can rotate horizontally.

[0048] A driving unit 33 and a direction-changing mechanism 34 are provided at the connecting part 30. The driving unit 33 is mounted on the connecting part 32. The driving unit 33 is the drive source for driving the traveling wheels 21, and uses, for example, an electric motor. Each of the four traveling wheels 21 is driven by the driving unit 33 and becomes a driving wheel. The four traveling wheels 21 are controlled by the trolley controller 50 to achieve the same or approximately the same rotational speed. Furthermore, if any of the four traveling wheels 21 is not used as a driving wheel, the driving unit 33 is not mounted on its connecting part 32.

[0049] The direction-changing mechanism 34 rotates the connecting member 32 of the connecting part 30 relative to the main body 10 about the rotation axis AX3, thereby causing the traveling wheel 21 to rotate horizontally. By rotating the traveling wheel 21 horizontally, it is possible to switch from a first state where the traveling direction of the aerial transport vehicle 100 is set to the X direction to a second state where the traveling direction is set to the Y direction, or from a second state where the traveling direction is set to the Y direction to a first state where the traveling direction is set to the X direction.

[0050] The direction-changing mechanism 34 includes a drive source 35, a pinion 36, and a rack 37. The drive source 35 is mounted in the drive unit 33 on a side separate from the rotation axis AX3. The drive source 35 uses, for example, an electric motor. The pinion 36 is mounted on the lower surface of the drive source 35 and is driven to rotate by the driving force generated by the drive source 35. The pinion 36 is circular when viewed from above and has multiple teeth in the circumferential direction on its outer periphery. The rack 37 is fixed to the upper surface 17a of the upper unit 17. The rack 37 is located at the four corners of the upper surface 17a of the upper unit 17 and is arranged in an arc shape centered on the rotation axis AX3 of the drive wheel 21. The rack 37 has multiple teeth in the circumferential direction on its outer periphery that mesh with the teeth of the pinion 36. The pinion 36 and the rack 37 are configured in a meshing state. As the pinion 36 rotates, it moves in a circumferential direction centered on the rotation axis AX3, along the outer periphery of the rack 37. As the pinion 36 moves, the connecting component 32 rotates, and the driving unit 33 and the direction conversion mechanism 34 rotate together with the pinion 36 in a circumferential direction centered on the rotation axis AX3.

[0051] By rotating the direction-changing mechanism 34, the four corner wheels 21 and auxiliary wheels 22 located on the upper surface 17a rotate horizontally around the rotation axis AX3. The direction-changing mechanism 34 is driven by the trolley controller 50. The trolley controller 50 can control the rotation of the four wheels 21 at the same time or at different times. By rotating the wheels 21 and auxiliary wheels 22, the wheels 21 change from being in contact with one of the first track R1 and the second track R2 to being in contact with the other. Therefore, it is possible to switch between a first state where the travel direction of the aerial transport vehicle 100 is set to the X direction and a second state where the travel direction is set to the Y direction.

[0052] The trolley controller 50 is a computer composed of a CPU (Central Processing Unit), ROM (Read Only Memory), and RAM (Random Access Memory). The trolley controller 50 can be configured as software that loads a program stored in, for example, ROM onto RAM and is executed by the CPU. The trolley controller 50 can also be configured as hardware composed of electronic circuits. The trolley controller 50 can be a single device or multiple devices. When multiple devices are used, they are connected via a communication network such as the Internet or an intranet, thereby logically constructing a single trolley controller 50. The trolley controller 50 is located in the main body 10, but it can also be located outside the main body 10.

[0053] The trolley controller 50 comprehensively controls the actions of all parts of the overhead transport trolley 100. The trolley controller 50 controls the actions of the overhead transport trolley 100 based on transport commands. The trolley controller 50 controls the movement of the overhead transport trolley 100 by controlling the driving unit 33, the direction conversion mechanism 34, etc. The trolley controller 50 controls the transfer actions of the overhead transport trolley 100 based on transport commands. The trolley controller 50 controls the transfer actions of the overhead transport trolley 100 by controlling the transfer device 18, etc. The trolley controller 50 periodically generates and updates status information. The trolley controller 50 sends status information to the system controller 5. Status information includes, for example, information about the current position of the overhead transport trolley 100, information indicating the current status of the overhead transport trolley 100 such as normal or abnormal, and information related to the execution status (in execution, execution completed, execution failed) of various commands such as transport commands executed by the overhead transport trolley 100.

[0054] System controller 5 is a computer composed of a CPU, ROM, and RAM. System controller 5 can be configured as software that loads programs stored in, for example, ROM into RAM and executes them via the CPU. System controller 5 can also be configured as hardware composed of electronic circuits. System controller 5 can be composed of a single device or multiple devices. In the case of multiple devices, they are connected via a communication network such as the Internet or intranet to logically construct a system controller 5.

[0055] System controller 5 generates transport instructions. System controller 5 selects one of multiple aerial transport vehicles 100 capable of transporting item M and assigns a transport instruction to the selected aerial transport vehicle 100. The transport instructions include a travel instruction to the transport source, a loading instruction for item M placed at the transport source, a travel instruction to the transport destination, and an unloading instruction for the held item M at the transport destination. The travel path followed when traveling on track R to the loading unit 62 at the transport source can be obtained using various known methods. Similarly, the travel path followed when traveling on track R to the loading unit 62 at the transport destination can also be obtained using various known methods.

[0056] Next, refer to Figures 4-8 The storage rack 4 of this embodiment will be described in detail. For example... Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, storage rack 4 is positioned below track R. Figure 4In this configuration, to facilitate understanding of the various structures on the storage rack 4, a portion of the track R is cut off. The storage rack 4 receives and stores items M from the overhead conveyor 100. The storage rack 4 is an overhead buffer (OHB). The storage rack 4 is positioned and located within a range that overlaps with at least one cell C when viewed from above. The storage rack 4 is suspended from the ceiling 200 by multiple suspension members 70. The suspension members 70 extend vertically at the corners (grid points) of cell C when viewed from above, i.e., at the locations where the intersection track R3 is located. The overhead conveyor 100 can pass between the suspension members 70. The storage rack 4 can be configured using this structure by arranging the suspension members 70 in a manner that does not obstruct the movement of the overhead conveyor 100.

[0057] like Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the storage rack 4 is positioned, for example, above the processing device 6. The storage rack 4 can also be positioned so that it overlaps with the main body 61 of the processing device 6 when viewed from above, thus effectively utilizing the space above the main body 61. The storage rack 4 is positioned so as not to overlap with the loading section 62, so that items M (see reference 62) can be transferred relative to the loading section 62 of the processing device 6. Figure 6 ).like Figure 5 As shown, the storage rack 4 is positioned between the ceiling 200 and the device body 61. The storage rack 4 is positioned above the device body 61 at a distance from it. The height of the lower end of the storage rack 4 is not particularly limited and can be set appropriately.

[0058] like Figures 4-6 As shown, the storage rack 4 has rack units 80 capable of holding (storing) items M and scaffolding units 90 that workers X can walk on during maintenance. Maintenance in the aerial storage system SYS includes, for example, maintenance of the aerial transport vehicle 100, maintenance of the track R, and maintenance of rack units 80 (storage rack 4). Scaffolding units 90 are also referred to as catwalks. Each rack unit 80 includes one or more unit bodies 81. Each scaffolding unit 90 includes one or more unit bodies 91. Unit bodies 81 and unit bodies 91 are, for example, set at approximately the same height. Figure 5 and Figure 8 As shown, a track support portion 70A for supporting the track R is provided at the middle of the suspension component 70 in the vertical direction. A unit support portion 70B for the support frame unit 80 and the scaffolding unit 90 is provided at the lower end of the suspension component 70. The track support portion 70A and the unit support portion 70B are spaced apart in the vertical direction. The track R is also spaced apart from the frame unit 80 and the scaffolding unit 90 in the vertical direction. The space S1 between the track R and the frame unit 80 allows the passage of the main body 10 of the aerial transport vehicle 100 and can store items M. The space S2 between the track R and the scaffolding unit 90 allows the worker X to ride and pass through.

[0059] The storage rack 4 is equipped with steps (not shown) that connect to the scaffolding unit 90, allowing worker X to access the scaffolding unit 90. Furthermore, worker X, having climbed onto the scaffolding unit 90, can access the shelf unit 80 and the items M on it. Additionally, Figure 4 , Figure 5 , Figure 6 and Figure 8 In the diagram, other parts of the storage rack 4 are shown, therefore, the configurations of the rack unit 80 and scaffolding unit 90 shown in these diagrams appear different.

[0060] like Figure 4 As shown, a hanging rod 70C and a diagonal member 78 can also be provided at the corners of the storage rack 4 to prevent it from swinging. Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, a safety guardrail 45 for preventing falls is provided at the end of the scaffolding unit 90. In the aerial storage system SYS, various safety measures are implemented so that operator X can perform work even while the aerial transport vehicle 100 is in operation. For example, while operator X is working on the scaffolding unit 90, the system controller 5 can prevent the aerial transport vehicle 100 from traveling on the scaffolding unit 90. In this case, a stop or similar device can also be provided to physically prevent the aerial transport vehicle 100 from entering the working area on the scaffolding unit 90.

[0061] like Figure 4 and Figure 6 As shown, in the storage rack 4, multiple unit bodies 81 and multiple unit bodies 91 are arranged in one or more columns. In the storage rack 4 of this embodiment, the rack unit 80 and the scaffolding unit 90, when viewed from above, have shapes and sizes corresponding to an integer number of arranged cells C.

[0062] like Figure 6 As shown, scaffolding unit 90 is positioned between frame unit 80 and another frame unit 80. That is, frame units 80 are arranged in one or more rows on both sides of scaffolding units 90 arranged in one or more rows. According to this structure, the convenience of operation for worker X is improved.

[0063] For example, Figure 7 The first frame unit 80A shown in (a) is rectangular in shape when viewed from above, and has a shape and size corresponding to the two adjacent cells C. Figure 7As shown in (b), the second unit 80B is rectangular in shape when viewed from above, having a shape and size corresponding to a single cell C. Alternatively, the second unit 80B can also be square in shape when viewed from above. Six items M can be placed on the first unit body 81A of the first unit 80A. Two items M can be placed on the second unit body 81B of the second unit 80B.

[0064] Positioning pins 46 are provided in both the first main body 81A and the second main body 81B. The positioning pins 46 are positioned on the sub-frame member 86 (see reference) in an upward-protruding manner. Figure 10 When item M is placed in the designated position on shelf unit 80, positioning pin 46 engages with a groove on the bottom surface of item M to position item M. For example, shelf 4 can hold item M with its cover Mb facing outwards towards space S1. For example, shelf 4 can also hold item M with the rounded corner side facing inwards towards space S1, opposite to the cover Mb side. Items placed on shelf unit 80 are contained within space S1 and do not protrude from the outer edge of the first unit body 81A or the second unit body 81B.

[0065] As described above, frame unit 80 includes a first unit body 81A of size 1×2 and a second unit body 81B of size 1×1, with each cell C as a unit. However, frame unit 80 may also include unit bodies of other sizes. Frame unit 80 may also include unit bodies with shapes and sizes corresponding to m×n cells C (m and n are integers greater than or equal to 1).

[0066] in addition, Figure 7 The first scaffolding unit 90A shown in (c) is rectangular in shape when viewed from above, and has a shape and size corresponding to the two adjacent cell C. Figure 7 The second scaffolding unit 90B shown in (d) is rectangular in shape when viewed from above, having a shape and size corresponding to a single cell C. Alternatively, the second scaffolding unit 90B can also be square in shape when viewed from above. The first unit body 91A of the first scaffolding unit 90A is covered, for example, with four footboards 92. The second unit body 91B of the second scaffolding unit 90B is covered, for example, with two footboards 92. The footboards 92 are, for example, components with multiple holes such as gratings or perforated metal plates.

[0067] like Figure 6 and Figure 7As shown, in the storage rack 4, all or part of the corner 83 of the rack unit 80 is supported by the unit support 70B, and all or part of the corner 93 of the scaffolding unit 90 is supported by the unit support 70B. Thus, by arranging the rack units 80 and scaffolding units 90 modularly in units of cell C, and suspending their corners 83 and 93 using the unit support 70B, complex configurations are eliminated, and the arrangement of each unit is simplified. This structure is advantageous from a layout design perspective.

[0068] Next, refer to Figures 9-13 The structure of the suspension component 70 will be described in detail. First, refer to... Figure 9 The track support portion 70A will be described. Located in the middle of the suspension member 70, the track support portion 70A has a first portion H1 for suspending the first track R1, a second portion H2 for suspending the second track R2, and a third portion H3 for suspending the intersection track R3. The third portion H3 is positioned between a pair of first portions H1 and second portions H2 spaced apart along the X direction, and between another pair of first portions H1 and second portions H2 spaced apart along the Y direction.

[0069] The suspension component 70 includes: an upper suspension component 71 with its lower end 71b protruding from the track support portion 70A; and a lower suspension component 72 with its upper end connected to the upper suspension component 71. The upper end 71a of the upper suspension component 71 uses, for example, a mounting fitting 73 (see reference). Figure 8 The upper suspension member 71 is fixed to the ceiling 200. The track support 70A is fixed to the upper suspension member 71. The lower end 71b of the upper suspension member 71 is connected to the upper end 74a of the rod-shaped part 74 by means of a cylindrical connecting member 75. The connecting member 75 and the rod-shaped part 74 constitute part of the lower suspension member 72. The lower suspension member 72 can be arbitrarily installed relative to the upper suspension member 71. That is, the lower suspension member 72 can be freely installed and removed from the upper suspension member 71. If there is no corner 83 of the frame unit 80 or corner 93 of the scaffolding unit 90 to be supported, the lower suspension member 72 is not provided below the upper suspension member 71 in the vertical direction.

[0070] Next, refer to Figures 10-13 The unit support 70B will be described. When scaffold units 80 are arranged adjacent to each other, the unit support 70B supports (holds) a plurality of corner portions 83 that are aggregated near the grid point of cell C. When scaffold units 80 and scaffold units 90 are arranged adjacent to each other, the unit support 70B supports (holds) a plurality of corner portions 83 and 93 that are aggregated near the grid point of cell C. When scaffold units 90 are arranged adjacent to each other, the unit support 70B supports (holds) a plurality of corner portions 93 that are aggregated near the grid point of cell C.

[0071] like Figure 10 As shown, the frame unit 80 and the scaffolding unit 90 each form a rigid body with multiple frame members. For example, the unit body 81 of the frame unit 80 includes a first main frame member 84 extending in the Y direction and a second main frame member 85 extending in the X direction. Both the first main frame member 84 and the second main frame member 85 are hollow steel with a quadrilateral cross-section, and are joined at the corners 83 using bolts or welding. Inside the frame-like skeleton assembled from the first main frame member 84 and the second main frame member 85, for example, multiple secondary frame members 86 extending in the Y direction are mounted on a support frame member 87 extending in the X direction. The aforementioned positioning pins 46 protrude from these secondary frame members 86.

[0072] like Figure 11 As shown, a pair of plate-shaped clamping members 76 spaced apart in the Z-direction are provided at the lower end 74b of the rod-shaped portion 74. A large-diameter portion 77, specifying the Z-direction spacing of the clamping members 76, is provided at the lower end 74b of the rod-shaped portion 74. With the second main frame member 85 (or a part of the frame such as the first main frame member 84) clamped between the clamping members 76, the second main frame member 85 is fixed relative to the unit support portion 70B using bolts 79 and nuts. The lower end 74b of the rod-shaped portion 74, the clamping members 76, the large-diameter portion 77, and the bolts 79 constitute the unit support portion 70B. Thus, the unit support portion 70B is fixed to the lower end of the lower suspension member 72.

[0073] On the other hand, such as Figure 13 As shown, the unit body 91 of the scaffolding unit 90 is joined to the first main frame member 84 of the frame unit 80 to form a rigid body. The unit body 91 has a main frame member 94. The main frame member 94 is a hollow steel material with a quadrilateral cross-section. Although not shown in the figure, the unit body 91, like the unit body 81 of the frame unit 80, can also have multiple main frame members and sub-frame members extending in the X and Y directions. Considering the riding and safety of the worker X, the frame strength of the scaffolding unit 90 is higher than that of the frame unit 80. The main frame member 94 is arranged along the first main frame member 84 and joined to the first main frame member 84. An L-shaped locking part 92a formed at the end of the footboard 92 is placed on the main frame member 94. The locking part 92a can be fixed to the main frame member 94 by screws 96 or the like. Moreover, as Figure 4 As shown, a footboard 97 that the operator X can step on can also be provided on the step section of the footboard 92.

[0074] like Figure 10 and Figure 13As shown, a toe board 88 formed of L-shaped steel is erected on the first main frame member 84. The toe board 88 extends near the boundary between the first main frame member 84 and the main frame member 94 to prevent the worker X, who is riding on the footboard 92, from falling (and crossing over to the scaffold unit 80). Furthermore, the toe board 88 prevents items M placed on the scaffold unit 80 from falling (and crossing over to the scaffold unit 90). Figure 10 As shown, toe boards 88 formed of L-shaped steel sections are also erected on the second main frame member 85. These toe boards 88, for example, surround the area of ​​the frame unit 80.

[0075] Furthermore, the specific structure of the unit support 70B is not limited to the structure described above. For example, as... Figure 12 As shown in (a), it can also be constructed in which a pair of separate first main frame members 84, 84 are clamped at both ends of a rectangular plate-shaped clamping member 76. Additionally, as... Figure 12 As shown in (b), it is also possible to have one or more separate first main frame members 84, 84 clamped at one or more corners of the large square plate-shaped clamping member 76A.

[0076] In the aerial storage system SYS of this embodiment, a support frame unit 80 and a scaffolding unit 90 are located at the lower end of the suspension component 70 supporting the track R. Items M are placed and stored on the support frame unit 80. Furthermore, the worker X can walk on the scaffolding unit 90 and perform maintenance work. The corner 83 of the support frame unit 80 is supported by a unit support portion 70B, and the corner 93 of the scaffolding unit 90 is also supported by a unit support portion 70B. Therefore, by arranging the corner 83 of the support frame unit 80 or the corner 93 of the scaffolding unit 90 at the lower end of the suspension component 70, the layout design of the storage rack 4 can be easily carried out. Furthermore, the construction of the storage rack 4 can also be easily carried out.

[0077] The layout design of the storage rack 4 can be made easier by using the quadrilateral frame unit 80 and scaffolding unit 90.

[0078] The suspension component 70 includes an upper suspension component 71 with its lower end protruding from the track support portion 70A, and a lower suspension component 72 with its upper end connected to the upper suspension component 71. The lower suspension component 72 can be installed when a scaffolding unit 80 and / or a scaffolding unit 90 are provided; otherwise, it can be omitted. That is, the lower suspension component 72 can be selectively configured, thus facilitating construction.

[0079] The cell C divided by the track R serves as the reference for the frame unit 80 and the scaffolding unit 90. Therefore, the layout design of the storage rack 4 can be made easier, and the construction of the storage rack 4 can also be made easier.

[0080] The embodiments of this disclosure have been described above, but the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. For example, the unit body 81 and the unit body 91 may also be provided at different heights. When the scaffolding unit 80 has multiple unit bodies 81, some unit bodies 81 and other unit bodies 81 may also be provided at different heights. When the scaffolding unit 90 has multiple unit bodies 91, some unit bodies 91 and other unit bodies 91 may also be provided at different heights. In these cases, the unit support portion 70B may also be provided in two or more for a single suspension member 70.

[0081] The storage rack 4 can also hold the item M with the cover Mb facing inwards towards the space S1. That is, the storage rack 4 can also hold the item M with the side with rounded corners (front side) facing outwards towards the space S1, opposite to the cover Mb side.

[0082] The arrangement of scaffolding units 80 and scaffolding units 90 can also be freely changed. Scaffolding units 80 can also be placed at the joints of scaffolding units 90 arranged in a row. Scaffolding units 80 or scaffolding units 90 can also be arranged in an L-shape. For example... Figure 4 As shown, multiple scaffolding units 90 can also be configured using enclosing frame units 80.

[0083] The suspension component 70 is not limited to a structure including an upper suspension component 71 and a lower suspension component 72; the suspension component 70 may also be composed of a rod-shaped component.

[0084] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0085] 4: Storage rack, 6: Processing device, 10: Main body, 13: Item holding part, 14: Lifting drive part, 18: Transfer device, 20: Traveling part, 62: Loading part, 70: Suspension component, 70A: Track support part, 70B: Unit support part, 71: Upper suspension component, 72: Lower suspension component, 80: Frame unit, 83: Corner, 90: Scaffolding unit, 93: Corner, 100: Aerial transport vehicle, C: Cell, D: Gap, M: Item, Mb: Cover part, R: Track, R1: First track, R2: Second track, R3: Intersection track, SYS: Aerial storage system.

Claims

1. An airborne safekeeping system, comprising: An aerial transport vehicle comprising a traveling section that travels on at least a portion of tracks configured in a grid pattern, and a main body that suspends from the traveling section and holds items below the tracks; and A storage rack, positioned below the track, is used to store the items. In the aforementioned airborne storage system, The storage rack has: A suspension component comprising multiple suspension components extending vertically, with a track support portion supporting the track in the middle and a unit support portion at the lower end; and The frame unit and scaffolding unit are supported on the unit support portion of the suspension component. The scaffolding unit is disposed between the frame unit and another frame unit. The corners of the frame unit and the corners of the scaffolding unit are supported by the unit support portion. The frame unit and the scaffolding unit are arranged adjacent to each other. The unit support portion supports the corners of the frame unit and the corners of the scaffolding unit together.

2. The airborne storage system according to claim 1, wherein, The frame unit and the scaffolding unit are quadrilateral in shape when viewed from above.

3. The airborne storage system according to claim 1, wherein, The suspension components include an upper suspension component whose lower end protrudes from the track support portion, and a lower suspension component whose upper end is connected to the upper suspension component.

4. The airborne storage system according to claim 2, wherein, The suspension components include an upper suspension component whose lower end protrudes from the track support portion, and a lower suspension component whose upper end is connected to the upper suspension component.

5. The airborne safekeeping system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The orbit includes: Multiple first orbits, which extend along a first direction; A plurality of second tracks, which extend along a second direction intersecting the first direction; and Multiple intersecting tracks are arranged such that they are spaced apart from the ends of the first track and the second track by gaps that allow the connecting portion that connects the traveling unit and the main body to pass through. Cells constituting the lattice-like grid are divided by a pair of the first tracks arranged in the second direction and a pair of the second tracks arranged in the first direction. The frame unit and the scaffolding unit, when viewed from above, have shapes and sizes corresponding to an integer number of the cells arranged in order.

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