Production system

Abstract

To provide a production system capable of improving the efficiency in conveyance between a production facility and a warehouse while reducing a site area required for the warehouse, and capable of flexibly coping with a layout change.SOLUTION: A production system 1 comprises: a production zone 3 in which a production facility 30 is disposed; a warehouse 5 which is disposed only above the production zone 3 and is formed by accumulating a plurality of unit storage areas H for storing production-related objects including both a feed material used for production by being supplied to the production facility 30 and a product produced from the feed material by the production facility 30 in a state of a three-dimensional grid shape; a traveling path 6 formed so as to include the upper portion of the warehouse 5 and terminate at the upper portion of the production zone 3; a carrying device 7 for carrying the production-related objects, which is disposed so as to store / take out the production-related objects in / from any unit storage area H and travel on the traveling path 6; and a lifting part 8 for vertically carrying the production-related objects between the traveling path 6 and the production facility 30.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a production system in which a warehouse for storing production-related items is provided above a production facility. [Background technology]

[0002] In a production system that produces products, it is necessary to store the raw materials used for production and the produced products. In such cases, it may be possible to install an automated warehouse system such as those described in Patent Documents 1 to 3 described below, next to the production area where the production equipment is installed, to store items related to production, such as raw materials, work in progress, and finished products.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an automated warehouse system configuration that includes a three-dimensional grid and a plurality of container handling vehicles. In this configuration, the three-dimensional grid includes storage columns in which containers can be stored on top of each other in a vertical stack. Each container handling vehicle retrieves a container from a storage column and stores the container therein. The container handling vehicles operate on rails at the top of the three-dimensional grid and transport the containers horizontally across the grid. Patent Document 2 discloses a configuration of an automated warehouse system including a stacker crane, a rack, and a shuttle that is placed on the rack by the stacker crane and transports and transfers cargo within the rack. In this configuration, the rack has multiple storage shelves arranged vertically. Each storage shelf can accommodate multiple cargoes arranged in a depth direction that intersects with the extension direction of the aisle of the stacker crane. Patent document 3 also discloses the configuration of an automated warehouse system that includes a track system in which a plurality of grid openings are formed adjacent to each other in a first direction in a horizontal plane and in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, a stack of storage containers arranged vertically below the grid openings, a storage container lifting device that lifts the storage containers stacked in the stack, and a vehicle that moves along the track system.

[0004] In this way, when installing an automated warehouse system next to a production area, or combining an automated warehouse system with an automated guided vehicle (AGV) or an overhead guided vehicle (OHT), a corresponding amount of land area is required. Changing the layout entails major changes to the fixed facilities. Furthermore, if the warehouse section is located to the side of the production area, depending on the location of the production equipment, the distance to the warehouse section may become long, which may reduce transport efficiency. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Special Publication No. 2021-500283 [Patent Document 2] Patent Publication No. 2022-35540 [Patent Document 3] Special Publication No. 2021-504265 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] The problem that the present invention aims to solve is to provide a production system that can flexibly accommodate layout changes, thereby increasing the efficiency of transportation between the production equipment and the warehouse while reducing the land area required for the warehouse. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The inventors have come up with the present invention by focusing on the fact that a production system having a conveying device, which stores production-related items in a production area where production equipment is installed and a warehouse section (main) above the production area, transports the production-related items within the warehouse section using a conveying device and transports them up and down to the production area using a lifting section, can increase the storage efficiency and transport efficiency of the production-related items and also reduce the land area required for the warehouse and production area. In order to solve the above problems, the present invention employs the following means. In other words, the production system of the present invention is characterized by comprising a production area in which production equipment is provided, a warehouse section provided above the production area in which production-related items including supplies or products are accumulated in a three-dimensional grid pattern, a running path provided above the production area so as to include above the warehouse section, a conveying device for transporting the production-related items, which is provided so as to enable the production-related items to be stored in and removed from the warehouse area and to travel on the running path, and a lifting section for transporting the production-related items up and down between the running path and the production equipment. With this configuration, the warehouse section can store a large number of production-related items efficiently because the production-related items are accumulated in a three-dimensional grid. Since this type of warehouse section is provided above the production area, the site area required for providing the warehouse section is reduced compared to when the warehouse section is provided to the side of the production area. Furthermore, when transporting production-related items between the warehouse and the production area, the transport of the production-related items is performed by the transport device traveling on the travel path and the lifting unit transporting the production-related items up and down between the travel path and the production equipment. In this case, since the warehouse is provided above the production area, the distance between the production equipment and the warehouse is generally shorter and there is less variation in the distance compared to when the warehouse is provided to the side of the production area. As a result, the transport time of the production-related items by the transport device between the production equipment and the warehouse is generally shorter and there is less variation in the transport time. Therefore, the overall transport efficiency of the production-related items can be improved. Furthermore, for example, when changing the layout of the production equipment in the production area, the production system can accommodate this by expanding or changing the location of the warehouse section and the travel path and changing the location of the lifting section in accordance with the change in the production equipment. Here, since the warehouse section and the travel path are provided above the production equipment, construction is easy because they can be carried out without being affected by the production equipment. In addition, the location of the lifting section can be easily changed. Therefore, it is possible to flexibly accommodate layout changes in the production equipment. As a result, it is possible to provide a production system that can flexibly accommodate layout changes, while reducing the land area required for the warehouse, and increasing the efficiency of transportation between the production equipment and the warehouse.

[0008] In one aspect of the present invention, the warehouse section has a plurality of unit storage areas in which the production-related items are stored, the plurality of unit storage areas being arranged in a three-dimensional grid, the plurality of unit storage areas including a first unit storage area and a second unit storage area being arranged spaced apart from each other, and equipment is installed in the space. According to this configuration, the warehouse section is provided with a plurality of unit storage areas in which production-related items are stored, and the plurality of unit storage areas are arranged in a three-dimensional grid. In this configuration, equipment is installed in the space between the first unit storage area and the second unit storage area, making it possible to effectively utilize the space in the building in which the production system is installed.

[0009] In one aspect of the present invention, the production system of the present invention further comprises an auxiliary warehouse section provided to the side of the production area in which the production-related items are stored, and an input / output conveyor for loading and unloading the production-related items into and from the auxiliary warehouse section, one end of the input / output conveyor being provided facing the auxiliary warehouse section and the other end facing the running path, and the conveying device transfers the production-related items to and from the other end of the input / output conveyor, thereby loading and unloading the production-related items into and from the auxiliary warehouse section. According to this configuration, by providing an auxiliary warehouse section to the side of the production section, it is possible to increase the storage capacity of production-related items in the production system. Since an in-and-out conveyor is provided between the auxiliary warehouse section and the travel path, the transport device can automatically in-and-out the production-related items from the auxiliary warehouse section by delivering and receiving the production-related items to and from the other end of the in-and-out conveyor. Effect of the Invention

[0010] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a production system that can flexibly accommodate layout changes, thereby increasing the efficiency of transportation between the production equipment and the warehouse while reducing the land area required for the warehouse. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] 1 is a plan view showing a configuration of a production system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line II in FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line II-II of FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the production system of FIG. 1. [Diagram 5] FIG. 13 is a plan view showing a configuration of a production system according to a modified example of the embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line III-III in FIG. 5. [Figure 7] 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV of FIG. 5. [Figure 8] 13 is a perspective view showing a transport device that delivers transport containers between a travel path and an inlet / outlet conveyor in a production system according to a modified example of the above embodiment. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0012] The present invention is directed to a production facility and is a production system equipped with a warehouse section of an automated warehouse system above a production section in which production equipment is installed (embodiment, Figs. 1 to 4). In a modified example, an auxiliary warehouse section equipped with an incoming and outgoing conveyor is located close to the warehouse section (main warehouse) of the automated warehouse system (Figs. 5 to 8). At the connecting section between the warehouse section and the auxiliary warehouse section, a lifting mechanism hoists and moves production-related items on the transport device, and transfers transport containers between the transport device and the incoming and outgoing conveyor (Fig. 8). DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, an embodiment of a production system according to the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Fig. 1 is a plan view showing the configuration of a production system according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line II in Fig. 1. Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line II-II in Fig. 1. Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the production system shown in Fig. 1. As shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the production system 1 is provided in a building 2. The building 2 is, for example, a single-story building, and includes a floor 21, a roof 22 (see Fig. 2) disposed above the floor 21, and an exterior wall 25 (see Fig. 1) disposed on the outer periphery of the floor 21. As shown in Fig. 2, a ceiling 23 is provided above the floor 21 and below the roof 22. Here, the specific structure and configuration of the building 2 are not limited in any way. The building 2 need not be a single-story building, but may be configured to have multiple floors of two or more stories. In this case, an upper floor 24 (floor slab) may be provided instead of the roof 22. As shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, the production system 1 mainly includes a production section 3, a warehouse section 5, a travel path 6, a conveying device 7, and a lifting section 8.

[0013] The production area 3 is disposed on the floor 21. The production area 3 is equipped with a plurality of pieces of production equipment 30. The production area 3 is a production room in which the plurality of pieces of production equipment 30 are disposed. The production area 3 is formed between the floor 21 and the ceiling 23. In the plurality of production facilities 30, for example, one product is manufactured as a whole. In this embodiment, for example, a first process production facility 30A, a second process production facility 30B, and a third process production facility 30C are provided as the plurality of production facilities 30. In this embodiment, the first process production facility 30A, the second process production facility 30B, and the third process production facility 30C are sequentially arranged along the first direction D1. For example, a product is produced by passing through the first process production facility 30A, the second process production facility 30B, and the third process production facility 30C in this order. In FIG. 1, the first process production facility 30A, the second process production facility 30B, and the third process production facility 30C are sequentially arranged along the first direction D1, but the arrangement (disposition) of the plurality of production facilities 30 is not limited to this and can be changed as appropriate. The number of production equipment 30 (number of processes) through which a product is manufactured is not limited to three as shown here, and may be two, four or more. Furthermore, a series of production equipment 30 for manufacturing a product (production equipment 30A for a first process, production equipment 30B for a second process, and production equipment 30C for a third process) may be provided in the production section 3. In this embodiment, the multiple production equipment 30 are arranged in multiple rows spaced apart from each other in a second direction D2 perpendicular to the first direction D1 in a horizontal plane.

[0014] Each of the multiple production facilities 30 (production facility 30A for the first process, production facility 30B for the second process, and production facility 30C for the third process) is supplied with supplies that serve as the basis for producing the product and are used in production. Each of the multiple production facilities 30 performs predetermined processing, assembly, etc. based on the supplied supplies, and produces the product at that production facility 30. In the multiple production facilities 30, the raw materials for the product are used, and each of the multiple production facilities 30 sequentially undergoes predetermined processing, assembly, etc. processes to manufacture, for example, one product as a whole. The supplies at each of the multiple production facilities 30 include raw materials for the products, intermediate products produced at the upstream production facilities 30, etc. The products at each of the multiple production facilities 30 include intermediate products, finished products, etc. Such items that are input into and output from production facility 30 during the production process at each production facility 30, including supplies supplied to production facility 30 and products produced by production facility 30, such as raw materials for products, intermediate products, and finished products, are collectively referred to as production-related items.

[0015] The warehouse section 5 is provided within the building 2 only above the production area 3. The warehouse section 5 is disposed above the ceiling 23, in a so-called attic space. As shown in Figs. 2 and 3, the storage section 5 is provided by being fastened to the framework of the building 2. In this embodiment, the storage section 5 is provided on a hanging shelf 28 supported by a part of the framework of the building 2. The hanging shelf 28 is suspended from a roof beam 26 that supports the roof 22 from below. The hanging shelf 28 includes a plurality of bundle members 28a extending downward from the roof beam 26, and a shelf member 28b supported by the plurality of bundle members 28a and provided along a horizontal plane. In this embodiment, the storage section 5 is placed on the shelf member 28b of the hanging shelf 28. The warehouse section 5 stores production-related items, including supplies to the production facility 30 and products produced by the production facility 30. In this embodiment, the production-related items are stored in a box-shaped transport container 100. The transport container 100 is generally in the shape of a hollow cubic or rectangular box, and has an opening, for example, at the top, for inserting and removing the production-related items.

[0016] The warehouse section 5 is equipped with racks 50 . The rack 50 comprises a plurality of first upper frames 51 which are arranged to form the uppermost part of the rack 50 and extend in a first direction D1 in a horizontal plane, a plurality of second upper frames 52 which are arranged to form the uppermost part of the rack 50 and extend in a second direction D2 perpendicular to the first direction D1 in the horizontal plane, a plurality of pillars 53 which extend in the vertical direction Dv, and an internal frame 54. The first upper frames 51 are arranged in parallel to each other at equal intervals in the second direction D2 on the top of the rack 50. The second upper frames 52 are arranged in parallel to each other at equal intervals in the first direction D1 on the top of the rack 50. The first upper frames 51 and the second upper frames 52 are formed in a lattice shape when viewed from above. Each of the pillars 53 is arranged so as to extend downward from the intersection of the first upper frame 51 and the second upper frame 52 at a position overlapping the intersection of the first upper frame 51 and the second upper frame 52 when viewed from above. As shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, the pillars 53 adjacent to each other in the first direction D1 and the second direction D2 are connected to each other by a plurality of internal frames 54 arranged at intervals in the vertical direction Dv. 1, between the first upper frames 51 adjacent to each other in the second direction D2 and between the second upper frames 52 adjacent to each other in the first direction D1, rectangular openings 55 opening upward are formed. A plurality of openings 55 are formed along the first direction D1 and the second direction D2. A rectangular columnar storage space 56 extending in the vertical direction Dv is formed below each opening 55. In each storage space 56, a plurality of transport containers 100 are stored stacked in the vertical direction Dv. In this way, a substantially cubic frame is constructed by the frames 51, 52, 54 and the support columns 53, thereby forming a unit storage area H, which is an area in which one transport container 100 is stored. A plurality of unit storage areas H are provided so as to be connected to each other in the first direction D1, the second direction D2, and the vertical direction Dv. As a result, the warehouse section 5 is formed by accumulating a plurality of unit storage areas H in a three-dimensional grid shape.

[0017] As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 4, in this embodiment, the rack 50 has a first rack portion 50A extending in a first direction D1 in a horizontal plane and a second rack portion 50B extending in a second direction D2 in a horizontal plane. The first rack portion 50A is provided in a plurality of spaces in the second direction D2. A space K is provided between the two first rack portions 50A. The second rack portion 50B is provided so as to connect the first rack portions 50A adjacent to each other in the second direction D2. The second rack portion 50B is provided in a plurality of spaces in the first direction D1. A space K is provided between the two second rack portions 50B. The rack 50 is formed in a lattice shape as a whole when viewed from above by such a plurality of first rack portions 50A and a plurality of second rack portions 50B. The arrangement (shape) of the rack 50 when viewed from above is merely an example and can be changed as appropriate. 3, in a portion where a plurality of second rack units 50B are arranged at intervals in the first direction D1, one unit storage area H1 provided in one second rack unit 50B and a second unit storage area H2 provided in the other second rack unit 50B are configured to be spaced apart from each other with a space K in the first direction D1. In this embodiment, facility equipment 9 is installed in this space K. Examples of the facility equipment 9 include piping, ducts, and air conditioning equipment.

[0018] 2, the lifting unit 8 transports production-related objects vertically between a travel path 6 (described later) and the production equipment 30. The lifting unit 8 transports production-related objects vertically between a position P1 above the production equipment 30 and each piece of the production equipment 30. The lifting section 8 is disposed, for example, adjacent to each of a supply section for supplies to the production facility 30 and an unloading section for products from the production facility 30. When the production facility 30 has a plurality of supply sections, a lifting section 8 may be provided corresponding to each of the supply sections. Also, when the production facility 30 has a plurality of unloading sections, a lifting section 8 may be provided corresponding to each of the unloading sections. When the supply section of the supply material and the discharge section of the product for the production facility 30 are common or close to each other, the lifting section 8 is disposed adjacent to the common supply section and discharge section. In this case, one lifting section 8 may be provided corresponding to the common supply section and discharge section, or different lifting sections 8 may be provided for supplying the supply material to the supply section and for discharging the product from the discharge section. The lifting section 8 extends in the vertical direction Dv. The lifting section 8 includes, for example, a lifting platform (not shown) that can rise and fall in the vertical direction Dv. The upper end of the lifting section 8 has an upper opening 81 that opens upward at a position facing the travel path 6 described later. The upper opening 81 is formed, for example, adjacent to the rack 50 that constitutes the warehouse section 5 or within the rack 50. The lower end of the lifting section 8 is provided with an inlet / outlet port 82 for supplying supplies to the production facility 30 and carrying out products. The inlet / outlet port 82 may include a conveyor or an unmanned transport vehicle that transports production-related items between the supply section and the carrying out section of the production facility 30. In addition, the removal of supplies and the input of products at the inlet / outlet port 82 may be performed manually by an operator or automatically using a robot or the like. In this way, the lifting section 8 is disposed adjacent to the supply section and the unloading section of the production facility 30. Therefore, strictly speaking, the lifting section 8 transports production-related objects up and down between the position P1 above each of the supply section and the unloading section of the production facility 30, in particular, and each of the supply sections and the unloading sections of the production facility 30.

[0019] The running path 6 is provided in a closed manner above the production area 3 so as to include above the storage section 5. The running path 6 is provided only in the closed area above the production area 3. The running path 6 is not provided so as to extend to an area other than the area above the production area 3. As a result, the conveying device 7, which will be described later and which runs on the running path 6, runs only within the limited, closed area above the production area 3. The running path 6 extends along a horizontal plane including the upper surfaces of the racks 50 of the storage unit 5. The running path 6 is provided so as to include the area above the storage unit 5. 2 and 3, the travel path 6 includes rails 61 on which, for example, a transport device 7 described below can run. The rails 61 are laid on the first upper frame 51 and the second upper frame 52 so as to extend along the first upper frame 51 and the second upper frame 52. The rails 61 may also serve as, for example, the first upper frame 51 and the second upper frame 52. The running paths 6 are provided in a lattice pattern on all of the first upper frames 51 and the second upper frames 52. In this manner, in this embodiment, the running paths 6 are configured to run only on the top of the warehouse section 5 throughout the entire area of ​​the warehouse section 5.

[0020] The conveying device 7 is provided so as to be able to run on the running path 6. The conveying device 7 is configured to be able to run on the running path 6 based on a preset program. For example, the conveying device 7 searches for a running path by control software provided inside, while taking into account the running conditions of other conveying devices 7, and determines the optimal route in real time to reach the destination, and travels on the running path 6 according to the searched running path. The conveying device 7 has wheels provided in pairs so as to be spaced apart in a direction perpendicular to the traveling direction, and travels on the running path 6 by positioning the wheels on the rail 61. The conveying device 7 has a direction changing function. As described above, in this embodiment, the running path 6 is provided in a lattice shape on the first upper frame 51 and the second upper frame 52, and the traveling direction can be changed to any direction at the intersection of the first upper frame 51 and the second upper frame 52. In this way, the conveying device 7 has branching and junction sections where the first upper frame 51 and the second upper frame 52 intersect, and is able to run by appropriately selecting the route to take at these branching and junction sections. The conveying device 7 is controlled by the control software, for example, as described above, and moves on the traveling path 6 to convey production-related objects within the production system 1. A plurality of conveying devices 7 are provided on the traveling path 6. The plurality of conveying devices 7 are controlled so as not to cross each other on the traveling path 6 by selecting a traveling route from the rails 61 that constitute the traveling path 6 based on a command from the controller. Each transport device 7 is equipped with a rechargeable storage battery and is configured to be able to run using the storage battery as a power source.

[0021] Each conveying device 7 conveys production-related items contained in a conveying container 100. Each conveying device 7 is equipped with a lifter 71 that suspends the conveying container 100 in which the production-related items are contained. The lifter 71 has a cable, belt, etc. (not shown) that expands and contracts downward, and is configured to be able to hold the conveying container 100 at its lower end. While holding the conveying container 100 at the lower end of the cable, belt, etc., the lifter 71 raises and lowers the conveying container 100 in the vertical direction Dv by expanding and contracting the cable, belt, etc. Each conveying device 7 is configured to be able to store and retrieve production-related items in and from unit storage area H at any location in the warehouse section 5. Each conveying device 7 travels along any location on the travel path 6 in the warehouse section 5, stops at any location, and stores and retrieves production-related items in and from storage space 56 below opening 55 by operating lifter 71 with lifter 71 positioned above opening 55 provided at that location. Each transport device 7 is configured to be able to store and retrieve production-related items in and from the upper opening 81 of the lifting section 8. Each transport device 7 stores and retrieves production-related items in and from a lifting platform (not shown) below the upper opening 81 by operating the lifter 71 while the lifter 71 is positioned above the upper opening 81 of the lifting section 8. The travel path 6 is provided so that congestion can be avoided even when such conveying devices 7 are concentrated above the production section 3. More specifically, the travel path 6 is controlled so that congestion can be avoided by overtaking, detouring, or going around at least in places on the conveying route where the conveying devices 7 are likely to be particularly concentrated and congested, by providing double tracks or two-way traffic, etc. This configuration increases the freedom of route selection when the conveying devices 7 travel, improving conveying efficiency.

[0022] In such a production system 1, a product is manufactured by passing through a plurality of production facilities 30 in sequence. More specifically, first, a supply (raw material) is supplied to the production facility 30A of the first process, and the supply is processed, assembled, etc. in the production facility 30A to produce a product, and the product is transported from the production facility 30A. Next, the product in the production facility 30A of the first process is supplied as a supply to the production facility 30B of the second process, and the production facility 30B processes the supply, assembled, etc. to produce a product, and the product is transported from the production facility 30B. Furthermore, the product in the production facility 30B of the second process is supplied as a supply to the production facility 30C of the third process, and the production facility 30C processes the supply, assembled, etc. to produce a product, and the product is transported from the production facility 30C.

[0023] When supplying production-related items (supplies, in this case raw materials) to the production equipment 30A in the first process, first, prior to production in the production equipment 30A, the conveying device 7 moves on the running path 6 to above the storage space 56 of the warehouse section 5 where the production-related items are stored in advance, and removes the production-related items. The conveying device 7 travels on the running path 6 and conveys the production-related items. The conveying device 7 moves on the running path 6 to an upper opening 81 of the lifting section 8 that supplies the production-related items to the production equipment 30A. The conveying device 7 places the production-related items on the lifting platform of the lifting section 8. The lifting section 8 lowers the lifting platform, and conveys the production-related items to the supply section of the production equipment 30A.

[0024] When a product (intermediate product) is produced in the production facility 30A, it is transported to the warehouse section 5 as a production-related item. Specifically, when a production-related object produced in the production facility 30A is placed on the lifting platform of the lifting unit 8, the lifting unit 8 raises the lifting platform. The conveying device 7 holds the raised production-related object, travels on the travel path 6, and stores the production-related object transported to a predetermined unit storage area H in the warehouse section 5. Thereafter, when it is time to supply the production-related items to the production equipment 30B, the conveying device 7 moves onto the running path 6 of the warehouse section 5 to above the unit storage area H in which the production-related items are stored, and removes the production-related items. The conveying device 7 moves onto the running path 6 to an upper opening 81 of the lifting section 8 which supplies the production-related items to the production equipment 30B. The conveying device 7 places the production-related items on the lifting platform of the lifting section 8. The lifting section 8 lowers the lifting platform, and conveys the production-related items to the supply section of the production equipment 30B. When a product (intermediate product) is produced in the production facility 30B, it is transported to the warehouse section 5 as a production-related item in the same manner as above. Then, when it is time to supply the production-related item to the production facility 30C, it is transported to the supply section of the production facility 30C in the same manner as above.

[0025] When the product (final product) is produced in the production facility 30C, it is transported to the warehouse unit 5 as a production-related item in the same manner as described above. The production-related items (final products) stored in the warehouse unit 5 are released from the production system 1 at an appropriate time.

[0026] The production system 1 as described above comprises a production area 3 in which production equipment 30 is provided, a warehouse section 5 provided above the production area 3 in which production-related items including supplies or products are accumulated in a three-dimensional grid pattern, a running path 6 provided above the production area 3 so as to include above the warehouse section 5, a conveying device 7 for transporting the production-related items and provided so as to enable the storage and retrieval of the production-related items in the warehouse section 5 and for travel on the running path 6, and a lifting section 8 for transporting the production-related items up and down between the running path 6 and the production equipment 30. According to this configuration, the warehouse section 5 can efficiently store a large number of production-related items because the production-related items are accumulated in a three-dimensional grid. Since the warehouse section 5 is provided above the production area 3, the site area required for providing the warehouse section 5 is reduced compared to when the warehouse section 5 is provided to the side of the production area 3. Furthermore, when transporting production-related items between the warehouse section 5 and the production section 3, the transport of the production-related items is performed by the transport device 7 traveling on the running path 6 and the lifting section 8 transporting the production-related items up and down between the running path 6 and the production equipment 30. At this time, since the warehouse section 5 is provided above the production section 3, the distance between the production equipment 30 and the warehouse section 5 is generally shorter and the variation in the distance is smaller than when the warehouse section 5 is provided to the side of the production section 3. Therefore, the transport time of the production-related items by the transport device 7 between the production equipment 30 and the warehouse section 5 is generally shorter and the variation in the transport time is smaller. Therefore, the overall transport efficiency of the production-related items can be improved. Furthermore, for example, when changing the layout of the production equipment 30 in the production area 3, the production system 1 can accommodate this by expanding or changing the positions of the storage unit 5 and the running path 6 in accordance with the change in the production equipment 30, and by changing the arrangement of the lifting unit 8. Here, since the storage unit 5 and the running path 6 are provided above the production equipment 30, construction can be carried out without being affected by the production equipment 30, and this provides good workability. In addition, the arrangement of the lifting unit 8 can also be easily changed. Therefore, it is possible to flexibly accommodate layout changes in the production equipment 30. As a result, it is possible to provide a production system 1 that can flexibly accommodate layout changes, while reducing the land area required for the warehouse section 5 and increasing the transportation efficiency between the production equipment 30 and the warehouse section 5.

[0027] The warehouse section 5 also has a plurality of unit storage areas H in which production-related items are stored, the plurality of unit storage areas H being stacked in a three-dimensional grid pattern, the plurality of unit storage areas H including one unit storage area H1 and a second unit storage area H2 spaced apart from each other by a space K, and equipment 9 being installed in the space K. According to this configuration, the warehouse section 5 is provided with a plurality of unit storage areas H in which production-related items are stored, and the plurality of unit storage areas H are arranged in a three-dimensional grid. In this configuration, the equipment 9 is installed in the space K between the first unit storage area H1 and the second unit storage area H2, so that the space in the building in which the production system 1 is installed can be effectively utilized.

[0028] Generally, an overhead traveling automated guided vehicle system (OHT) is used as an automated transport system. In an OHT, transportation is performed by a transport device traveling on a power supply rail with a branching and merging mechanism installed on the ceiling. In such an OHT, the transport device often requires a constant power supply from an external power supply, so the rails on which the transport device runs are dedicated ones equipped with a power supply function. In addition, it is necessary to set up multiple rails in combination with branching and merging points. For these reasons, an OHT requires large-scale equipment. Furthermore, the transport device may become congested near the branching points and junctions as described above, which may reduce transport efficiency. In contrast, in this embodiment, each transport device 7 is equipped with a rechargeable battery, so that the travel path 6 does not need to be provided with a power supply function or a power supply device for power supply. In addition, the travel path 6 is provided in a lattice pattern on the first upper frame 51 and the second upper frame 52, and the traveling direction can be changed to any direction at the intersection of the first upper frame 51 and the second upper frame 52. For this reason, the travel path 6 is configured with many branching points and merging points, and there are many options for routes that the conveying device 7 can travel, making it difficult for congestion to occur. Therefore, it is possible to suppress a decrease in conveying efficiency.

[0029] (Modification of the embodiment) A plan view showing the configuration of a production system according to a modified example of the embodiment of the present invention is shown in Fig. 5. Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line III-III in Fig. 5. Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV in Fig. 5. 5 to 7, a production system 1B in this embodiment is provided in a building 2B. The production system 1B includes an auxiliary warehouse unit 200 and an incoming / outgoing conveyor 210 in addition to the components of the production system 1 shown in the above embodiment. The auxiliary storage section 200 is provided near the production section 3 in a plan view. In this embodiment, the auxiliary storage section 200 is provided adjacent to the production section 3 on its side in the first direction D1. The auxiliary storage section 200 is disposed at a distance from the travel path 6 in the first direction D1. The auxiliary storage section 200 is provided on the floor 21. In the production system 1B of this modified example as well, when production is carried out by the production equipment 30, the warehouse unit 5 is basically used to store production-related items. When the amount of production-related items to be stored in the warehouse unit 5 increases and there arise production-related items that cannot be stored in the warehouse unit 5 alone, the auxiliary warehouse unit 200 can be used for the purpose of storing such production-related items. Alternatively, the auxiliary warehouse unit 200 can also be used as a warehouse for temporary storage when production-related items are transferred between the production system 1B and another facility located outside the production system 1B. Production-related items are stored in transport containers 100.

[0030] The auxiliary warehouse section 200 is configured by, for example, an automated warehouse unit capable of storing production-related items. The auxiliary warehouse section 200 may be, for example, an automated warehouse for bucket storage. As shown in FIG. 6, the automated warehouse unit constituting the auxiliary warehouse section 200 has a storage section 201 capable of storing a plurality of transport containers 100. A plurality of storage sections 201 are provided at intervals in the second direction D2. Each storage section 201 has a plurality of rows of storage spaces 202 in the first direction D1. Each storage space 202 extends in the vertical direction Dv. Each storage space 202 is configured to be able to store the transport containers 100 in a plurality of tiers in the vertical direction Dv. The auxiliary warehouse section 200 is equipped with an appropriate mechanism, such as, for example, a stacker crane, for automatically transporting the transport containers 100 between each storage space 202 and the inlet / outlet conveyor 210 described next. The height of the auxiliary warehouse 200 in the vertical direction Dv is set higher than the travel path 6. The specific configuration of the auxiliary warehouse section 200 is not limited to that described above. For example, the auxiliary warehouse section 200 may be a shuttle-type automated warehouse unit or may have a configuration similar to that of the warehouse section 5.

[0031] In this modified example, the runway 6D of the conveying device 7 includes, in addition to the runway 6 in the above embodiment, a connecting section 62 in which a part of the rail 61 protrudes in the first direction D1 from the warehouse section 5 toward the auxiliary warehouse section 200. In this case as well, the runway 6D is configured to be closed above the production section 3 so as to include above the warehouse section 5, and the conveying device 7 travels only within the limited, closed area above the production section 3. The incoming / outgoing conveyor 210 carries out incoming and outgoing production-related items to / from the auxiliary warehouse section 200. The incoming / outgoing conveyor 210 extends from each storage section 201 in the first direction D1 toward the connecting section 62. One end 210a of the incoming / outgoing conveyor 210 faces the auxiliary warehouse section 200, and the other end 210b faces the travel path 6D, particularly the connecting section 62. FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing a transport device that delivers transport containers between a travel path and an inlet / outlet conveyor in a production system according to a modified example of the above embodiment. 6 and 8, the other end 210b of the incoming / outgoing conveyor 210 is disposed adjacent to the tip 6s of the connecting section 62. In this embodiment, the incoming / outgoing conveyor 210 is provided at a position lower than the connecting section 62 by a predetermined dimension. The transport device 7 delivers and receives the transport container 100 containing production-related items to and from the other end 210b of the incoming / outgoing conveyor 210. The lifter 71 of the transport device 7 is configured to be able to support the transport container 100 from above by an appropriate chuck mechanism, vacuum mechanism, magnetic mechanism, or the like. The lifter 71 is configured to be able to move up and down by extending and contracting a lifting mechanism 72 such as a rod, cylinder, or cable in the up-down direction Dv. The lifter 71 is operated while the lifter 71 is positioned above the other end 210b of the incoming / outgoing conveyor 210 at the tip 6s of the connecting section 62, thereby delivering and receiving the transport container 100 containing production-related items to and from the other end 210b of the incoming / outgoing conveyor 210. The inlet / outlet conveyor 210 conveys the transport container 100 received from the transport device 7 from the other end 210b toward the one end 210a. The transport container 100 conveyed to the one end 210a is stored in the auxiliary warehouse 200 and stored at a predetermined position. Furthermore, in the incoming / outgoing conveyor 210, the transport container 100 to be unloaded from the auxiliary warehouse 200 is placed on one end 210a. The incoming / outgoing conveyor 210 transports the loaded transport container 100 from the one end 210a to the other end 210b. The transport container 100 transported to the other end 210b is received by the lifter 71 of the transport device 7 and is removed from the incoming / outgoing conveyor 210.

[0032] As described above, the production system 1B in this modified example further comprises an auxiliary warehouse section 200, which is provided to the side of the production area 3, in which production-related items are stored, and an input / output conveyor 210 for loading and unloading the production-related items into and from the auxiliary warehouse section 200. The input / output conveyor 210 is provided with one end 210a facing the auxiliary warehouse section 200 and the other end 210b facing the running path 6D, and the conveying device 7 receives and delivers the production-related items from the other end 210b of the input / output conveyor 210, thereby loading and unloading the production-related items into and from the auxiliary warehouse section 200. According to this configuration, by providing the auxiliary warehouse section 200 on the side of the production section 3, it is possible to increase the storage amount of production-related items in the production system 1. Since the inlet / outlet conveyor 210 is provided between the auxiliary warehouse section 200 and the travel path 6D, the transport device 7 can automatically carry out inlet / outlet of the production-related items to / from the auxiliary warehouse section 200 by delivering the production-related items to / from the other end 210b of the inlet / outlet conveyor 210.

[0033] (Other Modifications of the Embodiment) In the above embodiment and modified example, the lifting unit 8 is configured to include a lifting platform that can be raised and lowered. However, the transport device 7 may be configured to include a function that enables the lifting unit 8 to transport the transport container 100. In the above embodiment and modified examples, the storage section 5 and the running paths 6, 6D are arranged on a hanging shelf 28 supported by part of the framework of the building 2 in the attic space above the ceiling 23, but they may be arranged on a steel frame installed in the production area. Also, an equipment and machinery space (ISS: Interstitial Space System) may be provided above the production area, and the storage section 5 and the running paths 6, 6D may be installed within the ISS. In the above embodiment, the running path 6 is configured to run only above the storage section 5, but is not limited to this. For example, in addition to the configuration of the above embodiment, the running path may be provided above the space K so as to connect between the two second rack sections 50B that are spaced apart from each other with the space K therebetween. Alternatively, in addition to the configuration of the above embodiment, the running path may be provided above the space K so as to connect between the two first rack sections 50A that are spaced apart from each other with the space K therebetween. Even in such a case, it is clear that the running path is configured to be closed and provided above the production section 3. In addition, in the above embodiment and modified examples, the warehouse section 5 is arranged in a part of the attic space above the ceiling 23, but the warehouse section 5 may also be provided in the attic space over the entire area above the production section 3. In addition, in the above embodiment and modified example, the equipment 9 is arranged between the storage sections 5 arranged at intervals in the horizontal direction, but the configuration may also be such that the equipment 9 is not arranged. In addition, the configurations described in the above embodiments can be selected or changed as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0034] 1, 1B Production System 200 Auxiliary Warehouse 3 Production area 210 Incoming and outgoing conveyor 5 Warehouse 210a One end 6, 6D Running path 210b other end 7 Transport device H Unit storage area 8 Lifting section H1 One unit storage area 9 Equipment H2 Second unit storage area 30, 30A~30C Production equipment K space

Claims

1. a production area in which production equipment is provided; a warehouse section provided above the production section, in which production-related items including supplies or products are stored in a three-dimensional grid; A travel path provided above the production section so as to include above the storage section; a conveying device for conveying the production-related items, the conveying device being provided so as to enable the production-related items to be stored in and removed from the warehouse section and to travel on the travel path; a lifting unit that transports the production-related objects up and down between the travel path and the production equipment; A production system comprising:

2. The warehouse section has a plurality of unit storage areas in which the production-related items are stored, and the plurality of unit storage areas are accumulated in a three-dimensional grid shape; The plurality of unit storage areas include a first unit storage area and a second unit storage area that are spaced apart from each other, and equipment is installed in the space.

2. The production system according to claim 1 .

3. an auxiliary warehouse section provided at the side of the production section and in which the production-related items are stored; a conveyor for receiving and retrieving the production-related items from the auxiliary warehouse; Further comprising: The inlet / outlet conveyor is provided with one end facing the auxiliary warehouse section and the other end facing the travel path, The transport device delivers the production-related items to and from the auxiliary warehouse section by transferring the production-related items to and from the other end of the inlet / outlet conveyor.

3. The production system according to claim 1 or 2.

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