Trolley lifting device

Abstract

The present application relates to a trolley lifting device. It is provided with a first lifting rail (21A) and a second lifting rail (21B); a first lifting drive (25A) for lifting the first lifting rail (21A); a second lifting drive (25B) for lifting the second lifting rail (21B); a first main body (24A) for supporting the first lifting rail (21A) along a first surface (FA) to be movable along a lifting direction; a second main body (24B) for supporting the second lifting rail (21B) along a second surface (FB) opposite to the first surface (FA) to be movable along the lifting direction; and a pair of supporting frames (40, 40) for supporting a maintenance pedal (50) arranged on the first main body (24A) and the second main body (24B). The pair of supporting frames (40, 40) are arranged to sandwich a lifting space (S1, S2) in the extending direction of the first lifting rail (21A) and the second lifting rail (21B).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] One aspect of the present invention relates to a trolley lifting device. Background Technology

[0002] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a traveling device (trolley lifting device) that relays the movement of a transport vehicle between a first track and a second track laid at different heights. Regular maintenance is performed on such a traveling device. Since the traveling device is located at a high altitude, the operator prepares an aerial work platform and climbs onto its lift to perform maintenance.

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-214438

[0004] However, the operation of using aerial work platforms involves moving the lift while maintaining each maintenance location, resulting in poor workability. Furthermore, when using aerial work platforms, sufficient space must be ensured around the lifting device for the lift to enter and exit, thus increasing the overall size of the transport trolley system, including the lifting device. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Therefore, one aspect of the present invention is to provide a trolley lifting device that can improve operability and reduce the overall size of the conveying trolley system.

[0006] A trolley lifting device according to one aspect of the present invention includes: a first lifting rail and a second lifting rail, configured to be able to lift and lower corresponding to each of two parallel laying rails laid in the same plane while suspended from the ceiling; a first lifting drive unit for lifting and lowering the first lifting rail; a second lifting drive unit for lifting and lowering the second lifting rail; a first main body having a first surface orthogonal to the arrangement direction of the two laying rails, supporting the first lifting rail along the first surface so as to be movable in the lifting direction; a second main body having a second surface facing the first surface in the arrangement direction, supporting the second lifting rail along the second surface so as to be movable in the lifting direction; and a pair of support frames mounted on the first main body and the second main body, and for mounting a maintenance pedal having a seating surface for an operator to sit on, the pair of support frames being configured to sandwich the lifting space of the first lifting rail and the second lifting rail in the extending direction of the first lifting rail and the second lifting rail.

[0007] In this trolley lifting device, a support frame is provided for a maintenance pedal that allows the operator to ride on it during maintenance. Furthermore, this support frame is configured to encompass the lifting space, so it does not obstruct the movement of the first and second lifting rails. Therefore, maintenance work can be performed simply by placing the maintenance pedal on the support frame. Additionally, the operator can perform maintenance work even without riding on the aerial work platform's lift, simply by riding on the maintenance pedal. This improves workability. Moreover, in this trolley lifting device, it is not necessary to ensure sufficient space around the trolley lifting device for the aerial work platform's lift to enter and exit. This allows for a miniaturization of the overall size of the transport trolley system including the trolley lifting device.

[0008] In one aspect of the trolley lifting device of the present invention, a maintenance pedal may also be provided, which is configured to move between a retracted state in which the mounting surface is positioned in an upright posture orthogonal to the arrangement direction and the moving state in which the mounting surface is placed on the support frame in a manner orthogonal to the lifting direction and the device moves in and out of the lifting space. With this configuration, during maintenance, for example, the hassle of retrieving and setting up the maintenance pedal from a storage location can be eliminated. This further improves workability.

[0009] In one aspect of the trolley lifting device of the present invention, the maintenance pedal may also be configured such that its upper end is supported by a support frame in the retracted state, and in the upright position it can slide relative to the support frame in the lifting direction, and is configured such that when its lower end slides to the support frame, it can rotate in an advancing / leaving state. In this structure, after the operator lifts the maintenance pedal upward, the operator can easily switch from the retracted state to the advancing / leaving state by simply tilting it toward the support frame.

[0010] In one aspect of the trolley lifting device of the present invention, the maintenance pedal, in its forward / backward state, may include: a first maintenance pedal configured to move in and out of the lifting space of the first lifting rail; and a second maintenance pedal configured to move in and out of the lifting space of the second lifting rail. In the retracted state, the first and second maintenance pedals are disposed at the central portion between the first and second main bodies. This structure reduces the size of the maintenance pedal that the operator needs to lift, thus facilitating operation. Furthermore, in the retracted state, the maintenance pedal, positioned upright between the first and second main bodies, acts as a wall dividing the lifting spaces of the first and second lifting rails. Therefore, even if one of the lifting spaces of the first and second lifting rails is in operation while the other is temporarily activated, operator safety can be ensured.

[0011] The trolley lifting device of one aspect of the present invention may further include: a control unit that controls the first lifting drive unit and the second lifting drive unit; a limiter that is installed on the support frame to maintain the maintenance pedal in a retracted state; and a detection unit that detects whether the limiter is installed on the support frame. When the detection unit detects that the limiter is not installed, the control unit restricts the operation of the first lifting drive unit and the second lifting drive unit. In this structure, when the limiter is removed by the operator, the lifting of the first lifting drive unit and the second lifting drive unit is prohibited, thus ensuring the safety of the operator.

[0012] In one aspect of the trolley lifting device of the present invention, a locking part may be provided in the support frame to lock the mounting surface of the maintenance pedal in the advancing or de-emerging state. In this structure, even if any force is applied from below the maintenance pedal, the maintenance pedal is prevented from floating off the support frame, thus ensuring the safety of the operator.

[0013] According to one aspect of the invention, operability can be improved and the overall size of the conveyor trolley system can be reduced. Attached Figure Description

[0014] Figure 1 This is a top view showing a portion of a transport trolley system equipped with a trolley lifting device according to one embodiment.

[0015] Figure 2 This is a front view of the first lifting section of the trolley lifting device.

[0016] Figure 3 This is a front view of the second lifting section of the trolley lifting device.

[0017] Figure 4 This is a 3D view of the trolley lifting device with the maintenance pedal in the retracted position.

[0018] Figure 5 This is a 3D view of the trolley lifting device with the maintenance pedal in the in / out position.

[0019] Figure 6 This is a block diagram representing the functional structure of the trolley lifting device.

[0020] Figure 7 This is a three-dimensional view showing the maintenance pedal in a retracted state.

[0021] Figure 8(A) is a perspective view of the maintenance pedal in the retracted position. Figure 8(B) is an enlarged perspective view of the lower end of the side portion of the maintenance pedal shown in Figure 8(A).

[0022] Figure 9(A) is a perspective view of the maintenance pedal in the retracted position after it has been lifted and rotated. Figure 9(B) is an enlarged perspective view of the lower end of the side portion of the maintenance pedal shown in Figure 9(A).

[0023] Figure 10(A) is a perspective view showing a maintenance pedal in the in / out position. Figure 10(B) is an enlarged perspective view showing the side view of the support frame.

[0024] Figure 11 This is a 3D view showing the maintenance pedal in its in / out position. Detailed Implementation

[0025] Hereinafter, a preferred embodiment of one aspect of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, in the description of the drawings, the same reference numerals are used to denote the same components, and repeated descriptions are omitted.

[0026] Using a trolley lifting device 20 according to one embodiment, Figure 1 The conveyor trolley system 1 shown is a system that uses a conveyor trolley 10 that moves along a travel track 5 suspended from the ceiling to transport items 90. Item 90 (see reference) Figure 2 Examples include containers such as FOUP (Front Opening Unified Pod) for storing multiple semiconductor wafers and marking sheet containers for storing glass substrates, as well as general components. The transport trolley system 1 has multiple internal 3A travel tracks (laying tracks) 5A configured as processing devices for the supply item 90, and interconnecting tracks 5B that connect the multiple internal 3A. The travel tracks 5A constituting the internal 3A in this embodiment are laid at a higher position than the travel tracks 5B constituting the interconnecting tracks 3B. The trolley lifting device 20 of this embodiment is provided at the end of the travel tracks 5A constituting the internal 3A, and is connected via a first lifting track 21A and a second lifting track 21B (see reference). Figures 2-4 This relays the movement of the transport trolley 10 between travel track 5A and travel track 5B.

[0027] For ease of explanation, except Figure 6 The attached diagram shows mutually orthogonal X, Y, and Z directions. For example... Figure 1 As shown, the X direction is the extension direction of the travel track 5A, travel track 5B, first lifting track 21A and second lifting track 21B, the Y direction is the arrangement direction of the travel track 5A (the width direction of the conveyor trolley 10), and the Z direction is the lifting direction of the first lifting track 21A and second lifting track 21B. The Z direction is also the vertical direction.

[0028] The conveying trolley 10, which is raised and lowered by such a trolley lifting device 20, will be described. For example... Figure 2 As shown, the conveyor trolley 10 has a travel drive unit 13, a horizontal drive unit 14, a rotary drive unit 15, a lifting drive unit 17, a lifting device 18, and a holding device 19.

[0029] The travel drive unit 13 moves the conveyor trolley 10 along the travel track 5. The travel drive unit 13 is disposed in the space formed by the travel track 5. The travel drive unit 13 drives rollers (not shown) that travel on the travel track 5. The horizontal drive unit 14 is connected to the lower part of the travel drive unit 13 via shaft 13A. The horizontal drive unit 14 moves the rotary drive unit 15, the lifting drive unit 17, and the lifting device 18 in the horizontal plane in a direction orthogonal to the extension direction (X direction) of the travel track 5 (Y direction). The rotary drive unit 15 rotates the lifting drive unit 17 and the lifting device 18 in the horizontal plane. The lifting drive unit 17 raises and lowers the lifting device 18 by winding and unwinding four belts. The lifting device 18 is configured to be raised and lowered by the lifting drive unit 17, functioning as a lifting platform for the conveyor trolley 10. The holding device 19 holds the article 90.

[0030] Next, the trolley lifting device 20 of the conveying trolley 10 will be described. The trolley lifting device 20 is disposed at the ends of two parallel running tracks 5A, 5A that are laid in the same plane and suspended from the ceiling. The conveying trolley is lifted and lowered by raising and lowering the first lifting track 21A and the second lifting track 21B in the vertical direction.

[0031] like Figures 2-4 As shown, the trolley lifting device 20 includes a first lifting device 20A; a second lifting device 20B; a pair of support frames 40, 40; two maintenance pedals 50, 50 (first maintenance pedal 50A and second maintenance pedal 50B); and a limiter 60 (see reference). Figure 7 ) and controller (control unit) 80.

[0032] like Figure 2 As shown, the first lifting device 20A has a first lifting track 21A, a first lifting part 22A, a first main body part 24A, a first lifting drive part 25A, and a first limiter unit 27A.

[0033] The first lifting track 21A is a track corresponding to each of the two travel tracks 5A, 5A. The first lifting track 21A moves vertically between the end of the travel track 5A and the end of the travel track 5B, which is spaced apart from the travel track 5A in both the vertical and horizontal directions. The first lifting track 21A is configured to move between the position where the first lifting track 21A connects to the travel track 5A (i.e., the position where the conveyor trolley 10 can move back and forth between the travel track 5A and the first lifting track 21A) and the position where the first lifting track 21A connects to the travel track 5B (i.e., the position where the conveyor trolley 10 can move back and forth between the travel track 5B and the first lifting track 21A). The first lifting track 21A is fixed to the first lifting unit 22A.

[0034] The first lifting unit 22A is mounted on the first main body 24A, which extends vertically, via a linear guide 23A. The first lifting unit 22A is configured to move vertically relative to the first main body 24A. The first main body 24A supports the first lifting unit 22A and the first lifting drive unit 25A. The first main body 24A has a first surface FA orthogonal to the arrangement direction (Y direction) of the two travel tracks 5A, 5A, and the first lifting track 21A is supported along the first surface FA so that it can move in the lifting direction. In addition, the first main body 24A stores the controller 80, which will be described in detail later, and is equipped with an emergency stop button 85, etc.

[0035] The first lifting drive unit 25A is supported by the first main body 24A. The first lifting drive unit 25A causes the first lifting rail 21A to rise and fall vertically by moving the first lifting unit 22A along the first main body 24A (hereafter referred to as "the first lifting drive unit 25A causes the first lifting rail 21A to rise and fall"). An example of the first lifting drive unit 25A is a servo motor. The driving force of the first lifting drive unit 25A is transmitted to the first lifting unit 22A via a timing belt 26A. An encoder is provided in the first lifting drive unit 25A. The encoder can detect, for example, the rotation amount, rotation speed, and rotation direction of the servo motor. The first lifting drive unit 25A is controlled by a controller 80.

[0036] The first limiter unit 27A is disposed at the end of the travel track 5A, the end of the travel track 5B, and both ends of the first lifting track 21A. The first limiter unit 27A comprises a limiter, a limiter drive unit, and a frame. The first limiter unit 27A restricts the movement of the conveyor trolley 10 when the end of the travel track 5A and one end of the first lifting track 21A are not connected (when the conveyor trolley 10 can move), and when the end of the travel track 5B and the other end of the first lifting track 21A are not connected. This prevents the conveyor trolley 10 from falling off the ends of the travel track 5A, the travel track 5B, and both ends of the first lifting track 21A.

[0037] like Figure 3 As shown, the second lifting device 20B includes a second lifting rail 21B, a second lifting section 22B, a second main body section 24B, a second lifting drive section 25B, and a second limiter unit 27B. The second lifting rail 21B is another rail provided corresponding to each of the two travel rails 5A, 5A. Furthermore, a controller 80 and an emergency stop button 85 (see reference) are provided on the first main body section 24A of the first lifting device 20A. Figure 4 Except for the absence of a second main body 24B, the structure of the second lifting device 20B is identical to that of the first lifting device 20A. That is, the functional structures of the second lifting rail 21B, the second lifting section 22B, the linear guide 23B, the second main body 24B, the second surface FB, the second lifting drive section 25B, the timing belt 26B, and the second limiter unit 27B are all identical to those of the first lifting rail 21A, the first lifting section 22A, the linear guide 23A, the first main body 24A, the first surface FA, the first lifting drive section 25A, the timing belt 26A, and the first limiter unit 27A. Therefore, a detailed description of the structure of the second lifting device 20B is omitted.

[0038] like Figure 1 As shown, the first lifting device 20A is a conveying trolley 10 that travels in one direction (D1 direction) on the travel track 5B to the first lifting track 21A, such as... Figure 4 As shown, an upward-moving dedicated lifting device moves upward to the connection position with the travel track 5A. On the other hand, the second lifting device 20B is as follows... Figure 1 As shown, the conveyor trolley 10 travels along the travel track 5A in one direction (D2 direction) to the second lifting track 21B, as... Figure 4 As shown, a dedicated lifting device for downward movement moves downward to the connection position with the travel track 5B.

[0039] like Figure 4 as well as Figure 5As shown, a pair of support frames 40, 40 are mounted on the first main body 24A and the second main body 24B. The pair of support frames 40, 40 are mounted on the first main body 24A and the second main body 24B via extensions 28A and 28B respectively. A maintenance pedal 50 with a seating surface 54 for a worker to sit on is mounted on the pair of support frames 40, 40.

[0040] A pair of support frames 40, 40 are configured to sandwich the lifting space S1 of the first lifting rail 21A and the lifting space S2 of the second lifting rail 21B along the extension direction (X direction) of the first lifting rail 21A and the second lifting rail 21B. In other words, the pair of support frames 40, 40 do not obstruct the lifting of the conveyor trolley 10 via the first lifting rail 21A or the second lifting rail 21B.

[0041] like Figures 4-7 As shown, the support frame 40 includes a flat plate portion 41, a mounting portion 43, a locking portion 45, a storage portion 47, a limiter 60, and switches (detection portions) 70, 70. The flat plate portion 41 is a flat plate-shaped component with a mounting surface 41a that allows an operator to sit on it. The mounting portion 43 is the portion that mounts the maintenance pedal 50, and multiple portions (e.g., four) are formed on the side portion 41b of the flat plate portion 41. The mounting portion 43 has a mounting surface 43a that supports the maintenance pedal 50 (see Figure 10(B)). The maintenance pedal 50 is mounted on the mounting portion 43, thereby being supported on the support frame 40.

[0042] The locking part 45 is configured to be able to move in and out in the X direction (see reference) when the maintenance pedal 50 is mounted on the support frame 40, in contact with the seating surface 54 of the maintenance pedal 50. Figure 11 That is, the locking part 45 locks the maintenance pedal 50 from above. The locking part 45 prevents the maintenance pedal 50 from floating up from below in the lifting direction of the first lifting rail 21A and the second lifting rail 21B.

[0043] The storage section 47 stores two maintenance pedals 50, 50 (first maintenance pedal 50A and second maintenance pedal 50B) in the retracted state. The retracted state of the maintenance pedals 50 will be described in detail later. The storage section 47 has a side portion 47a, a bottom portion 47b, a guide portion 47c, and a partition portion 47d. The side portion 47a is formed opposite to the side end portion 52 of the maintenance pedal 50 in the retracted state. The bottom portion 47b is formed opposite to the lower end portion 53 of the maintenance pedal 50 in the retracted state. The bottom portion 47b supports the lower end portion 53 of the maintenance pedal 50 in the retracted state. The guide portion 47c is formed opposite to the bottom surface 55 of the maintenance pedal 50 in the retracted state. The guide portion 47c guides the bottom surface 55 of the maintenance pedal 50, which can move from the extended state to the retracted state, and the bottom surface 55 of the maintenance pedal 50, which can move from the retracted state to the extended state. The partition 47d is mounted on a pair of support frames 40, 40. In the retracted state, the partition 47d is positioned between two maintenance pedals 50, 50 (first maintenance pedal 50A and second maintenance pedal 50B).

[0044] like Figure 7 As shown in Figure 8(A), the limiter 60 is designed to be removable relative to the support frame 40. The limiter 60 is mounted on the support frame 40 to hold the maintenance pedal 50 in the retracted state. The limiter 60 has a flat plate portion 61, a limiting portion 63, and a protrusion 65. The flat plate portion 61 is rectangular in a top view. When mounted on the support frame 40, the flat plate portion 61 covers the flat plate portion 41 of the support frame 40 and a portion of the upper end 51 of the maintenance pedal 50 in the retracted state. The limiter 60 is fixed to the support frame 40 by screws 67 inserted into screw holes provided in the flat plate portion 61. The protrusion 65 is formed inside the flat plate portion 61 and, in the above-described mounted state, contacts the switches 70, 70 in the ON state.

[0045] Switches 70 and 70 detect whether limit switch 60 is mounted on support frame 40. Switches 70 and 70 are, for example, contact switches, configured as described above to allow contact via protrusion 65 of limit switch 60. The detection result of switches 70 and 70 on limit switch 60 is obtained by controller 80.

[0046] The maintenance pedal 50 is configured to be able to retract from the lifting spaces S1 and S2 by setting the seating surface 54 to an upright position orthogonal to the Y direction (arrangement direction) (see reference). Figure 4 ), and the entry and exit states of the lifting spaces S1 and S2 by placing the riding surface 54 orthogonal to the Z direction (lifting direction) on the support frame 40 (refer to Figure 5The maintenance pedal 50 moves between the first and second main body portions 24A and 24B. In the forward / backward state, the maintenance pedal 50 has a first maintenance pedal 50A configured to move through a lifting space S1 for the first lifting rail 21A and a second maintenance pedal 50B configured to move through a lifting space S2 for the second lifting rail 21B. In the retracted state, the first maintenance pedal 50A and the second maintenance pedal 50B are positioned at the center between the first main body portion 24A and the second main body portion 24B. Hereinafter, the first maintenance pedal 50A and the second maintenance pedal 50B will be collectively referred to as the maintenance pedal 50.

[0047] like Figure 5 , Figure 7 As shown in Figure 8(A), the maintenance pedal 50 has an upper end portion 51 (which becomes the upper part in the retracted state), side end portions 52 and 53 (which become the side part), and a lower end portion 53 (which becomes the lower part); a seating surface 54 (which serves as the part for the operator to sit on in the advancing / leaning state) and a bottom surface 55 (the side opposite to the seating surface 54); and a handle 59. A reinforcing portion 55A is provided on the bottom surface 55 at the portion that contacts the maintenance pedal 50 when it is mounted on the support frame 40. The reinforcing portion 55A is a flat plate extending along the side end portion 52. The handle 59 is provided at the upper end portion 51 and is configured to rotate relative to the mounting portion at the upper end portion 51. Therefore, the operator can easily hold the maintenance pedal 50 regardless of its rotational state.

[0048] As shown in Figures 8(B) and 9(B), grooves 52a are formed at the side ends 52, 52. The grooves 52a are configured to engage with pins 49A, 49B provided on the side portion 41b of the support frame 40 via a plate 49. In this configuration, the upper end 51 of the maintenance pedal 50 is supported by pins 49A, 49B provided on the support frame 40 in the retracted state, and is configured to slide relative to the support frame 40 in the Z direction in an upright position. The maintenance pedal 50 is configured to be in an in / out state when the lower end 53 is slid to the position of the support frame 40 (see Figure 8(B)). Figure 4 It rotates in the manner of ).

[0049] Figure 2 as well as Figure 6 The controller 80 shown controls various parts of the trolley lifting device 20. In this embodiment, the controller 80 is installed in the first main body 24A of the trolley lifting device 20. The controller 80 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), RAM (Random Access Memory), and ROM (Read Only Memory). Various controls are executed in the controller 80 through the cooperation of hardware such as the CPU, RAM, and ROM, and software such as programs.

[0050] When the controller 80 detects that the limiter 60 is not installed via switches 70, 70, it restricts the operation of the first lifting drive unit 25A and the second lifting drive unit 25B. More specifically, when the limiter 60 is removed from the support frame 40 and the protrusion 65 of the limiter 60 is not in contact with switches 70, 70, the first lifting drive unit 25A and the second lifting drive unit 25B are prohibited from operating.

[0051] The sequence by which an operator moves the maintenance pedal 50 from the retracted state to the extended state within the aforementioned support frame 40 and maintenance pedal 50 will be described. The operator, for example, uses a ladder or a passageway to access the trolley lifting device 20 and rides on the support frame 40 of the trolley lifting device 20. The operator removes the limiter 60 fixed to the support frame 40 by screws 67. This allows the maintenance pedal 50 to move upwards.

[0052] The operator, while already seated on the support frame 40, holds... Figure 7 As shown in FIG8(A), the handle 59 of the maintenance pedal 50 in the retracted state is lifted upwards. As shown in FIG8(B), the operator slides the maintenance pedal 50 upwards until the lower end of the groove 52a engages with the pin 49A. Next, as shown in FIG9(A), the operator rotates the maintenance pedal 50, which is supported by the mounting surface 43a of the mounting portion 43 shown in FIG10(B). Thus, as shown in FIG10(A), the maintenance pedal 50 can be set to the forward / retracted state.

[0053] Next, the sequence by which the operator moves the maintenance pedal 50 from the forward / outward state to the retracted state will be described. With the operator seated on the support frame 40 or on a different maintenance pedal 50 than the one being used, the operator holds the handle 59 of the maintenance pedal 50 shown in FIG. 10(A), and rotates the maintenance pedal 50 as shown in FIG. 9(A). As shown in FIG. 8(A), the operator moves the maintenance pedal 50 to the upright state and moves it downward along the storage section 47, as... Figure 7 As shown, it is housed in the storage section 47. In the storage section 47, a cushioning material (not shown) is provided at the contact point with the maintenance pedal 50. This mitigates the impact when the maintenance pedal 50 collides with the storage section 47 while the maintenance pedal 50 is movable, preventing damage to the maintenance pedal 50. The operator can retreat from the trolley lifting device 20, for example, using a ladder or a passageway that provides access to the trolley lifting device 20.

[0054] Next, the function and effect of the trolley lifting device 20 will be explained. For example... Figure 4As shown, the trolley lifting device 20 of the above embodiment is provided with a pair of support frames 40, 40 for mounting a maintenance pedal 50 for operators to ride on during maintenance. Furthermore, the pair of support frames 40, 40 are configured to sandwich the lifting spaces S1, S2, so they do not obstruct the lifting of the first lifting rail 21A and the second lifting rail 21B. Therefore, maintenance work can be performed simply by placing the maintenance pedal 50 on the support frame 40. In addition, even if the operator is riding on the aerial work platform's lift, they can perform maintenance work simply by riding on the maintenance pedal 50. This improves workability. Moreover, in this structure of the trolley lifting device 20, it is not necessary to ensure sufficient space for the aerial work platform's lift to enter and exit. Therefore, the overall size of the transport trolley system including the trolley lifting device 20 can be miniaturized.

[0055] The maintenance pedal 50 in the above embodiment is configured to move between a retracted state, in which the mounting surface 54 is positioned upright orthogonal to the Y direction (arrangement direction) and retracted from the lifting spaces S1 and S2, and an entry / exit state, in which the mounting surface 54 is placed on the support frame 40 in an orthogonal manner to the lifting direction and enters / exits the lifting spaces S1 and S2. This eliminates the need to retrieve and install the maintenance pedal 50 from a storage location during maintenance, thus further improving workability.

[0056] The maintenance pedal 50 in the above embodiment is configured to be in Figure 7 In the retreated state shown, its upper end 51 is supported by the support frame 40 and can slide vertically relative to the support frame 40 in an upright position. It is also configured to rotate so that when its lower end 53 slides onto the support frame 40, it becomes... Figure 11 The maintenance pedal 50 is in the forward / backward position as shown. In this structure, after the operator lifts the maintenance pedal 50 upward, the operator can easily switch from the retreat position to the forward / backward position by tilting it down towards the support frame 40.

[0057] like Figure 7 As shown, in the retracted state, the first maintenance pedal 50A and the second maintenance pedal 50B of the above embodiment are disposed in the central part between the first main body 24A and the second main body 24B. By setting the first maintenance pedal 50A and the second maintenance pedal 50B in the lifting space S1 of the first lifting rail 21A and the lifting space S2 of the second lifting rail 21B, the size of one maintenance pedal 50 can be reduced, thus making the operation easier for the operator.

[0058] In addition, such as Figure 4 as well as Figure 7As shown, in the retracted state, the maintenance pedal 50, which is arranged in an upright position between the first main body 24A and the second main body 24B, serves as a wall dividing the lifting space S1 of the first lifting rail 21A and the lifting space S2 of the second lifting rail 21B. Therefore, even if one of the lifting spaces S1 of the first lifting rail 21A and S2 of the second lifting rail 21B is in operation, and the other of the first lifting rail 21A and the second lifting rail 21B is also temporarily activated, the safety of the operator can be ensured.

[0059] like Figure 4 , Figure 6 as well as Figure 11 As shown, the trolley lifting device 20 of the above embodiment includes a limiter 60 installed on the support frame 40 to maintain the maintenance pedal 50 in a retracted state; and switches 70 and 70 to detect whether the limiter 60 is installed on the support frame 40. When the switches 70 and 70 detect that the limiter 60 is not installed, the controller 80 restricts the operation of the first lifting drive unit 25A and the second lifting drive unit 25B. In this structure, when the operator removes the limiter 60, that is, when there is a high probability that the operator will perform maintenance work in the trolley lifting device 20, the operation of the first lifting drive unit 25A raising and lowering the first lifting rail 21A and the operation of the second lifting drive unit 25B raising and lowering the second lifting rail 21B are prohibited, thus ensuring the safety of the operator.

[0060] In the trolley lifting device 20 of the above embodiment, as shown in FIG10, a locking part 45 is provided on the side of the mounting surface 54 of the maintenance pedal 50. Therefore, even if a force is applied from below the maintenance pedal 50, the possibility of the maintenance pedal 50 floating off the support frame 40 is prevented, thus ensuring the safety of the operator.

[0061] While one embodiment has been described above, this invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0062] In the trolley lifting device 20 of the above embodiment, although an example is given of conveyor trolleys 10, 10 traveling on two travel tracks 5A, 5A and 5B, 5B arranged in the same plane and traveling in opposite directions, and the first lifting part 22A is used as a lifting device for upward movement, while the second lifting part 22B is used as a lifting device for downward movement, the embodiment is not limited to this. For example, conveyor trolleys 10, 10 traveling on two travel tracks 5A, 5A and 5B, 5B arranged in the same plane may also travel in the same direction, and the first lifting part 22A and the second lifting part 22B may also be used for either upward movement or downward movement.

[0063] In the above-described embodiments and variations of the trolley lifting device 20, although an example of the controller 80 being installed in the first main body 24A is given, the controller 80 may also be installed at a location far from the trolley lifting device 20, and the two may be connected in a wired or wireless manner to communicate with each other.

[0064] In the above-described embodiments and variations of the trolley lifting device 20, an example is given of the first maintenance pedal 50A and the second maintenance pedal 50B being arranged in an upright position between the first main body 24A and the second main body 24B in a retracted state, but the invention is not limited thereto. For example, the first maintenance pedal 50A may be retracted along the first main body 24A, and the second maintenance pedal 50B may be retracted along the second main body 24B.

[0065] In the above-described embodiments and variations of the trolley lifting device 20, although an example of providing two maintenance pedals, a first maintenance pedal 50A and a second maintenance pedal 50B, is given, it is also possible to provide a structure with only one maintenance pedal 50.

[0066] In the above-described embodiments and variations of the trolley lifting device 20, an example is given that a maintenance pedal 50 is included that can move between a retracted state and an in / out state. However, a maintenance pedal 50 can also be placed and stored in a storage location or the like during maintenance. Even in this case, the workability of the maintenance operation can be improved compared to the case where the operation is performed by riding on the lift of an aerial work platform.

[0067] In the above embodiments, although an example of using a ladder or the like to ride on the support frame 40 during maintenance is given, ladders or ramps that allow access to the support frame 40 of the trolley lifting device 20 may also be provided.

[0068] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0069] 1…Conveying trolley system, 5A…Travel track (laying track), 10…Conveying trolley, 20…Trolley lifting device, 20A…First lifting device, 20B…Second lifting device, 21A…First lifting track, 21B…Second lifting track, 22A…First lifting section, 22B…Second lifting section, 24A…First main body section, 24B…Second main body section, 25A…First lifting drive section, 25B…Second lifting drive section, 40…Support frame, 41…Plate section, 45…Clamping section, 50…Maintenance pedal, 50A…First maintenance pedal, 50B…Second maintenance pedal, 54…Riding surface, 60…Limiter, 70…Switch (detection section), 80…Controller (control section), 85…Emergency stop button, 90…Item, S1, S2…Lifting space, FA…First side, FB…Second side.

Claims

1. A trolley lifting device, comprising: The first and second lifting rails are configured to be able to be raised and lowered respectively in relation to two parallel laying rails laid in the same plane while suspended from the ceiling. A first lifting drive unit, which causes the first lifting track to rise and fall; The second lifting drive unit causes the aforementioned second lifting track to rise and fall; The first main body has a first surface orthogonal to the arrangement direction of the two laying tracks, and the first lifting track is supported along the first surface so that it can move along the lifting direction. The second main body has a second surface facing the first surface in the above-mentioned arrangement direction, and the second lifting track is supported along the second surface so that it can move along the lifting direction. as well as A pair of support frames are mounted on the first main body and the second main body, and a maintenance pedal with a seating surface for the operator is mounted on. A pair of the aforementioned support frames are configured to sandwich a lifting space that allows the first and second lifting tracks to move up and down in the extending directions of the first and second lifting tracks. The trolley lifting device further includes: a maintenance pedal that is movable between a retraction state in which the trolley surface is positioned in an upright posture orthogonal to the arrangement direction and the lifting space, and an entry / exit state in which the trolley surface is placed on the support frame in a manner orthogonal to the lifting direction and the lifting space is entered / exited. The maintenance pedal is configured such that its upper end is supported by the support frame in the retracted state, and can slide relative to the support frame in the lifting direction in the upright position. It is also configured such that when its lower end slides to the support frame, it can rotate in the manner of entering or exiting the position.

2. The trolley lifting device according to claim 1, wherein, The aforementioned maintenance pedal, in the aforementioned forward / backward states, has the following characteristics: The first maintenance pedal is configured to enter and exit the lifting space of the first lifting track mentioned above; as well as The second maintenance pedal is configured to access the lifting space of the aforementioned second lifting track. In the retracted state, the first maintenance pedal and the second maintenance pedal are positioned at the center between the first main body and the second main body.

3. The trolley lifting device according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising: A control unit that controls the first lifting drive unit and the second lifting drive unit; A limit switch, which is mounted on the support frame to maintain the maintenance pedal in the retracted state; and The testing department checks whether the aforementioned limiter is installed on the aforementioned support frame. When the detection unit detects that the limiter is not installed, the control unit restricts the operation of the first lifting drive unit and the second lifting drive unit.

4. The trolley lifting device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The support frame is provided with a locking part that locks the riding surface of the maintenance pedal when it is in the aforementioned in-and-out state.

5. The trolley lifting device according to claim 3, wherein, The support frame is provided with a locking part that locks the riding surface of the maintenance pedal when it is in the aforementioned in-and-out state.

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