Conveying device between floors

Abstract

To arrange more delivering / receiving conveyance devices thereabout.SOLUTION: A conveyance device (10) between floors comprises: a lifting part (2) comprising a transfer mechanism (5) that moves vertically between the floors while holding a container (60) so as to transfer the container (60); and an intermediate conveyor (3) for conveying the container (60) between the transfer mechanism (5) and a delivering / receiving conveyor (30) for delivering / receiving the container (60) to / from a ceiling-conveying device (20) for conveying the container (60).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an inter-floor conveyor that conveys a conveyed object between floors and transfers the object to and from a transfer conveyor on each floor.

Background Art

[0002] An inter-floor conveyor conveys an article between floors and transfers the article to and from a transfer conveyor on each floor. The transfer conveyor delivers the article to a conveyor such as a ceiling conveyor that conveys the article on each floor. For example, Patent Document 1 describes that in a cylindrical partition body provided so as to penetrate the floor of each floor, a transfer device that moves up and down by a lifting unit directly transfers an article to and from an incoming / outgoing conveyor (transfer conveyor) installed on each floor.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the above-described inter-floor conveyor, the end of the transfer conveyor that directly transfers an article to and from the transfer device is arranged at a position close to the transfer device. For this reason, the number of such ends arranged around the transfer device, that is, the number of transfer conveyors, is limited and small.

[0005] An aspect of the present invention aims to provide an inter-floor conveyor that can arrange more transfer conveyors around it.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] To solve the above problems, an inter-floor conveyor according to an aspect of the present invention includes a lifting unit that holds a conveyed object and moves up and down between a plurality of floors, and has a transfer mechanism for transferring the conveyed object, An intermediate transfer unit that transfers the conveyed object between a transfer and reception transfer device that transfers the conveyed object to and from an in-facility transfer device that transfers the conveyed object and the transfer mechanism.

Advantages of the Invention

[0007] According to one aspect of the present invention, more transfer and reception transfer devices can be arranged around.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] 〔Configuration of Inter-floor Transfer Device〕 A transfer system 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail.

[0010] FIG. 1 is a front view showing the configuration of the transfer system 100. FIG. 2 is a plan view showing the arrangement configuration of the inter-floor transfer device 10, the transfer and reception conveyor 30, and the intermediate conveyor 3 in the transfer system 100. FIG. 3 is a front view showing the configuration of the ceiling transfer device 20 in the transfer system 100.

[0011] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the conveying system 100 includes an inter - floor conveyor 10, a ceiling conveyor 20 (in - floor conveyor), a transfer conveyor 30 (transfer and receiving conveyor), a blower 40, and a storage shelf 50.

[0012] The inter - floor conveyor 10 is a device that conveys a container 60 (conveyed object) between floors. Details of the inter - floor conveyor 10 will be described later.

[0013] Here, the container 60 will be described. As shown in FIG. 3, the container 60 has a storage portion 60a, a flange portion 60b, and a convex portion 60c. When the conveying system 100 is provided in semiconductor manufacturing equipment, the storage portion 60a stores semiconductor wafers and the like. The flange portion 60b is provided at the central portion on the top plate of the container 60. The convex portion 60c is formed to project upward over the entire width direction (the direction orthogonal to the left - right direction and the up - down direction in FIG. 3) of the container 60 at the rear end portion on the top plate of the container 60.

[0014] The ceiling conveyor 20 is a carrier that travels along a track 70 suspended from the ceiling S of each floor (inside the floor). In FIG. 1, an example of the ceiling conveyor 20 traveling at the ceiling S1 of the first floor and the ceiling S2 of the second floor is shown. As shown in FIG. 3, the ceiling conveyor 20 has a traveling portion 21 and a main body portion 22.

[0015] The traveling portion 21 travels by rolling a plurality of wheels 21b driven by a drive motor 21a on the track 70.

[0016] The main body 22 includes a frame 22a, a lifting drive unit 22b, a plurality of lifting belts 22c, and a gripping unit 22d. The frame 22a protects the container 60, and its lower and side portions are open for the transfer of the container 60. The lifting drive unit 22b winds up or winds down the lifting belt 22c by the rotational driving force of a motor. The lifting drive unit 22b raises the gripping unit 22d by winding up the lifting belt 22c and lowers the gripping unit 22d by winding down the lifting belt 22c. The gripping unit 22d opens and closes the chuck between a gripping position for gripping the flange portion 60b of the container 60 and a release position for releasing the gripping of the flange portion 60b.

[0017] The transfer conveyor 30 is a conveyor for transferring containers between the transfer mechanism 5 or the intermediate conveyor 3 described later and the ceiling conveyor 20. The transfer conveyor 30 transfers the container 60 directly or via the intermediate conveyor 3 to the transfer mechanism 5 and also transfers the container 60 to the ceiling conveyor 20. Details of the transfer conveyor 30 will be described together with the details of the inter - floor conveyor 10.

[0018] The blower 40 is a device that blows air inside a structure 1 provided in the inter - floor conveyor 10, which will be described later. The blower 40 blows out purified air to keep the air inside the structure 1 clean. For this reason, a fan filter unit is preferably used as the blower 40. Note that the arrangement of the blower 40 will be described together with the details of the inter - floor conveyor 10.

[0019] The storage shelf 50 is a shelf for temporarily storing the container 60. The arrangement of the storage shelf 50 will be described together with the details of the inter - floor conveyor 10. Also, details of the storage shelf 50 will be described later.

[0020] 〔Configuration of the Inter - floor Conveyor〕 FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the arrangement configuration of the transfer mechanism 5, the transfer conveyor 30, and the intermediate conveyor 3.

[0021] The inter - floor conveyor 10 includes a structure 1, a lifting unit 2, and an intermediate conveyor 3 (intermediate transfer section).

[0022] The structure 1 forms an outer shell surrounding the lifting part 2 and a part of the intermediate conveyor 3, and is provided so as to penetrate each floor. The structure 1 has a lower part 11 and an upper part 12 on each floor. The lower part 11 is arranged in the lower layer part of each floor which is a predetermined range in the vertical direction, specifically, in the range of the height at which people come and go. The upper part 12 is arranged in the upper layer part of each floor which is a predetermined range in the vertical direction, specifically, in the range higher than the height at which people come and go. As will be described later, only the lower part 11 (11F) arranged on the floor surface F of the first floor has a different structure from the lower part 11 arranged on the second floor and above.

[0023] Regarding the floor surfaces on the second floor and above, in FIG. 1, they are provided above the ceiling S below the floor, but are omitted for the sake of convenience.

[0024] As shown in FIG. 2, the inner region IR1 surrounded by the lower part 11F is square. The inner region IR2 surrounded by the upper part 12 forms the same square as the inner region IR1 as a whole, and lacks a part of the corner regions among the four corner regions of the square. In the example shown in FIG. 2, if the side on which the elevator mechanism 4 described later in the structure 1 is arranged is regarded as the rear, the inner region IR2 lacks the two corner regions on the front side of the square. The inner region IR3 surrounded by the lower part 11 arranged on the second floor and above forms a square that fits within the inner region IR2.

[0025] The lower part 11 has a frame 11a forming an outer skeleton and a wall body 11b fitted into the frame 11a. The lower part 11 blocks the inside from the outside by the wall body 11b over the entire outer periphery. A storage shelf 50 is arranged inside the lower part 11F.

[0026] The upper part 12 has a transfer part 121 and a non-transfer part 122. The non-transfer part 122 is provided above the transfer part 121.

[0027] The transfer section 121 is the part where the container 60 is transferred between the transfer mechanism 5 and the transfer conveyor 30. The transfer section 121 has a frame 121a that forms an outer skeleton. The container 60 is transferred through the open part of the frame 121a. Also, although not shown in the figure, a wall body is fitted into the above-described rear part of the frame 121a where the container 60 is not transferred.

[0028] The non-transfer section 122 has a frame 122a that forms an outer skeleton and a wall body 122b fitted into the frame 122a. The non-transfer section 122 blocks the inside from the outside with the wall body 122b over the entire outer periphery. On the wall surface of the wall body 122b provided in such a certain range in the vertical direction, the above-described blower 40 is arranged.

[0029] Although not shown in the figure, the periphery of the lower step part 11 of the upper floor is covered with the wall body 122b on the upper end surface of the non-transfer section 122 of each floor. Also, although not shown in the figure, the periphery of the lower step part 11 of the same floor is covered with a wall body on the lower end surface of the transfer section 121 on the second floor and above.

[0030] A plurality of transfer conveyors 30 are arranged around the transfer section 121. In the example shown in FIG. 2, transfer conveyors 30A to 30E are arranged as the transfer conveyors 30.

[0031] The transfer conveyor 30A is arranged in front of the transfer mechanism 5. The transfer conveyor 30B is arranged on one side of the transfer mechanism 5, and the transfer conveyor 30C is arranged on the other side of the transfer mechanism 5. The transfer conveyor 30D is arranged in parallel with the transfer conveyor 30A on the side of the transfer conveyor 30A on the side of the transfer conveyor 30B. The transfer conveyor 30E is arranged in parallel with the transfer conveyor 30 on the side of the transfer conveyor 30C on the side of the transfer conveyor 30A.

[0032] The transfer conveyors 30A to 30C are arranged with their respective ends close to the transfer mechanism 5, and directly transfer the container 60 with the transfer mechanism 5. The transfer conveyors 30D and 30E are arranged with their respective ends away from the transfer mechanism 5, and transfer the container 60 via the intermediate conveyor 3 with the transfer mechanism 5.

[0033] The transfer conveyor 30 is constituted by, for example, a two-belt conveyor, and has a conveyance base 301 and a pair of conveyance belts 302. The conveyance base 301 is a plate-like base formed long in the conveyance direction. The conveyance belt 302 is a relatively narrow endless belt arranged on the left and right in the conveyance direction, and is driven by a motor via a drive roller.

[0034] The intermediate conveyor 3 conveys the container 60 between the transfer mechanism 5 and the transfer conveyors 30D and 30E. The intermediate conveyor 3 transfers the container 60 to the transfer mechanism 5 inside the structure 1, and transfers the container 60 to the transfer conveyor 30 outside the structure 1. The intermediate conveyor 3 is arranged across the inside and outside of the structure 1.

[0035] In the example shown in FIG. 2, the conveyance path of the intermediate conveyor 3 is on a straight line connecting the transfer mechanism 5 and the transfer conveyor 30D. Another conveyance path of the intermediate conveyor 3 is on a straight line connecting the transfer mechanism 5 and the transfer conveyor 30E. At least a part of the conveyance path of the intermediate conveyor 3 is arranged in a missing region L (the region shown in gray in FIG. 2) forming a triangle corresponding to the above-mentioned missing corner region.

[0036] As shown in FIG. 4, the intermediate conveyor 3 has a first conveyance unit 31 and a second conveyance unit 32 (swivel unit). The first conveyance unit 31 and the second conveyance unit 32 are also constituted by a two-belt conveyor like the transfer conveyor 30. The first conveyance unit 31 is arranged at a position close to the transfer mechanism 5, and conveys the container 60 between the transfer mechanism 5 and the second conveyance unit 32. The second conveyance unit 32 is arranged at a position close to the transfer conveyor 30, and transfers the container 60 to the transfer conveyor 30 by conveying the container 60 between the first conveyance unit 31 and the transfer conveyor 30.

[0037] The first transfer unit 31 includes a bottom plate portion 31a, a pair of side portions 31b, a pair of transfer belts 31c, and two sets of drive rollers 31d. The side portions 31b are plate-like portions provided so as to rise from both side edges of the bottom plate portion 31a formed in a square shape. Transfer belts 31c are provided on the opposing surfaces of the pair of side portions 31b. The transfer belt 31c is a relatively narrow endless belt and is driven by a drive motor via two drive rollers 31d in a set.

[0038] The second transfer unit 32 includes a bottom plate portion 32a, a pair of side portions 32b, a pair of transfer belts 32c, and two sets of drive rollers 32d. The side portions 32b are plate-like portions provided so as to rise from both side edges of the bottom plate portion 32a formed in a square shape. Transfer belts 32c are provided on the opposing surfaces of the pair of side portions 32b. The transfer belt 32c is a relatively narrow endless belt and is driven by a drive motor via two drive rollers 32d in a set.

[0039] The transfer mechanism 5 can hold two containers 60 simultaneously as described later. In contrast, the intermediate conveyor 3 is configured to be able to transfer two containers 60 simultaneously with the transfer mechanism 5. Specifically, the first transfer unit 31 and the second transfer unit 32 can each place one container 60.

[0040] As shown in FIG. 2, when the first transfer unit 31 and the second transfer unit 32 transfer the container 60 to and from the transfer mechanism 5 and when transferring the container 60 to each other, their respective transfer directions match the transfer path. Also, when the second transfer unit 32 transfers the container 60 to and from the transfer mechanism 5, it turns in the direction of the arrow within the horizontal plane so that the transfer direction matches that of the transfer conveyors 30D and 30E.

[0041] Note that the arrangement example of the intermediate conveyor 3 and the transfer conveyors 30 is not limited to the example shown in FIG. 2.

[0042] 〔Configuration of the Lifting Section〕 FIG. 5 is a side view showing the configuration of the lifting section 2 of the inter-floor transfer device 10. FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the transfer mechanism 5.

[0043] The lifting section 2 has a lifting mechanism 4 and a transfer mechanism 5.

[0044] As shown in FIG. 5, the lifting mechanism 4 has a guide rail 4a, a lifting platform 4b, a first lifting belt 4c, and a second lifting belt 4d in order to move the transfer mechanism 5 in the vertical direction.

[0045] The guide rail 4a is arranged to penetrate each floor within the range where the transfer mechanism 5 moves up and down, and is formed in a cylindrical shape. Inside the guide rail 4a, a balance weight (not shown) is arranged so as to be movable in the vertical direction. The lifting platform 4b has wheels that roll so as to sandwich the wall surface of the guide rail 4a between the inside and the outside of the guide rail 4a.

[0046] One end of the first lifting belt 4c is connected to the upper end of the lifting platform 4b, and the other end of the first lifting belt 4c is connected to the upper end of the balance weight. One end of the second lifting belt 4d is connected to the lower end of the lifting platform 4b, and the other end of the second lifting belt 4d is connected to the lower end of the balance weight. A series of mechanisms connected by the lifting platform 4b, the first lifting belt 4c, the second lifting belt 4d, and the balance weight raise and lower the lifting platform 4b by the first lifting belt 4c being sent in the vertical direction by a rotary drive device (not shown) provided at the upper end of the guide rail 4a.

[0047] The transfer mechanism 5 holds the container 60 and moves up and down between multiple floors by the lifting mechanism 4 in the vertical direction, and transfers the container 60. As shown in FIG. 6, the transfer mechanism 5 has a lifting plate 51, a holding plate 52, a movement support portion 53, a bending link 54, a support base 55, and a lifting support body 56.

[0048] The lifting plate 51 is a plate member having a length capable of placing two containers 60 thereon. Although not shown in the figure, a plurality of protrusions that fit into recesses provided on the bottom surface of the container 60 are provided on the upper surface of the lifting plate 51 for positioning the container 60. The lifting plate 51 is driven to move up and down by the moving support portion 53.

[0049] The holding plate 52 is a member that presses and holds the upper end surface of the container 60 placed on the lifting plate 51, and is arranged parallel to the lifting plate 51 above the lifting plate 51. The holding plate 52 has a top plate portion 521, a pair of side plate portions 522, and a support plate portion 523. The top plate portion 521 is a portion that contacts the upper end surface of the container 60 and has a length capable of pressing two containers 60.

[0050] Two first openings 521a and two second openings 521b are provided on the top plate portion 521 at intervals in the longitudinal direction of the top plate portion 521. The first opening 521a has substantially the same shape and size as the flange portion 60b of the container 60, and the flange portion 60b fits therein. The second opening 521b has substantially the same shape and size as the convex portion 60c of the container 60, and the convex portion 60c fits therein.

[0051] The support plate portion 523 is provided on the rear end side of the top plate portion 521 opposite to the front end side where the holding plate 52 receives the container 60. The support plate portion 523 is formed so as to hang down from the rear end edge of the top plate portion 521. The support plate portion 523 is fixed to the upper portion of a lifting support plate 53a of the moving support portion 53 described later.

[0052] The side plate portions 522 are formed so as to hang down from both side ends of the top plate portion 521. The side plate portions 522 are provided to prevent the container 60 from protruding due to the turning of the lifting plate 51 and the holding plate 52.

[0053] The moving support portion 53 moves by a telescopic link 54. The moving support portion 53 supports the lifting plate 51 so as to be movable up and down and fixes the top plate portion 521. The moving support portion 53 has a lifting support plate 53a and a moving support plate 53b.

[0054] The lifting support plate 53a is formed to extend in the vertical direction and incorporates a lifting drive mechanism (not shown). The lifting support plate 53a lowers the lifting plate 51 to the lowest position within the movable range when transferring the container 60 with the intermediate conveyor 3 by means of the lifting drive mechanism. Also, the lifting support plate 53a raises the lifting plate 51 to the uppermost position within the movable range when the transfer mechanism 5 is lifted or lowered by means of the lifting drive mechanism. The moving support plate 53b is formed to extend in a direction perpendicular to the lifting support plate 53a from the lower end of the lifting support plate 53a. The moving support plate 53b is driven by the bending link 54.

[0055] The bending link 54 moves the moving support portion 53 between the lifting position and the transfer position by the bending movement of the two arms 54a, 54b. The lifting position is the position when the transfer mechanism 5 is lifted or lowered. The transfer position is the position where the container 60 is transferred between the ends of the transfer conveyors 30A to 30C and the first conveying portion 31 of the intermediate conveyor 3.

[0056] The support base 55 is a base that supports the bending link 54. The support base 55 incorporates a drive mechanism for driving the bending link 54.

[0057] The lifting support body 56 supports the support base 55 and is fixed to the lifting platform 4b of the lifting mechanism 4. Thereby, the lifting support body 56 raises and lowers the transfer mechanism 5 along the guide rail 4a.

[0058] 〔Configuration of the storage shelf〕 FIG. 7 is a plan view showing the configuration of the storage shelf 50 provided at the lowermost part of the inter-floor transfer device 10.

[0059] As shown in FIG. 7, the storage shelf 50 has two columns 501, four fixing portions 502, an intermediate support plate 503, and two support portions 504.

[0060] The support column 501 is provided so as to rise from the floor surface F near the frame 11a disposed at the corner of the lower part 11F. The support column 501 is disposed so as to be close to the wall body 11b disposed on one side in the horizontal direction of the frame 11a and the wall body 11b disposed on the other side in the horizontal direction of the frame 11a, respectively.

[0061] The fixing part 502 fixes the support column 501 to the wall body 11b so as to connect the upper end and the lower end of the support column 501 and the wall body 11b.

[0062] The intermediate support plate 503 is provided so as to connect the intermediate parts of the two support columns 501. As also shown in FIG. 1, the intermediate support plate 503 has a recess in the upper part of the intermediate part so that the lifting plate 51 of the transfer mechanism 5 can pass through.

[0063] The support part 504 is a plate-like part provided so as to extend parallel to each other in a direction perpendicular to the surface of the intermediate support plate 503 from both ends at the upper end edge of the intermediate support plate 503. The support part 504 has a length capable of supporting one container 60.

[0064] The storage shelf 50 configured as described above supports and stores only one container 60 held by the transfer mechanism 5 at the holding position on the back side. Further, FIG. 6 shows a configuration in which the storage shelf 50 is provided near one of the four corners of the lower part 11F, but the storage shelf 50 can be provided at two corners in the movable range of the transfer mechanism 5.

[0065] 〔Operation of the Inter-floor Conveyor〕 For example, as shown in FIG. 4, the telescopic link 54 of the transfer mechanism 5 rotates the lifting plate 51 and the holding plate 52 so as to direct the container 60 in the direction of the arrow. Further, the telescopic link 54 moves the lifting plate 51 and the holding plate 52 straight in the direction of the arrow until the two containers 60 reach the intermediate conveyor 3 while rotating. The transfer mechanism 5 lowers the lifting plate 51 at the position where the two containers 60 reach the intermediate conveyor 3. As a result, the container 60 held on the back side of the lifting plate 51 and the holding plate 52 is placed on the conveyor belt 31c of the first transfer unit 31, and the container 60 held on the front side of the lifting plate 51 and the holding plate 52 is placed on the conveyor belt 32c of the second transfer unit 32.

[0066] The second transfer unit 32 rotates in the direction of the arrow from the orientation shown in FIG. 4 to align its transport direction with the transport direction of the transfer conveyor 30E. Then, the second transfer unit 32 drives the conveyor belt 32c to transport the container 60 placed on the conveyor belt 32c to the transfer conveyor 30E. In this way, the container 60 is transferred from the second transfer unit 32 to the transfer conveyor 30.

[0067] When the transfer of the container 60 from the second transfer unit 32 to the transfer conveyor 30 is completed, the second transfer unit 32 rotates to the position shown in FIG. 4. In this state, the first transfer unit 31 drives the conveyor belt 31c to transport the container 60 placed on the conveyor belt 31c to the second transfer unit 32. The second transfer unit 32 transports and transfers the container 60 conveyed from the first transfer unit 31 to the transfer conveyor 30 as described above.

[0068] When transporting the two containers 60 conveyed by the transfer conveyor 30E to the transfer mechanism 5, the second transfer unit 32 receives the container 60 from the transfer conveyor 30 with the transport directions aligned. Then, the second transfer unit 32 rotates to the position shown in FIG. 4 and transports the container 60 to the first transfer unit 31. Subsequently, when the second transfer unit 32 rotates in the direction of the arrow and reaches the orientation where the transport direction coincides with that of the transfer conveyor 30, it receives the container 60 from the transfer conveyor 30. Then, the second transfer unit 32 rotates back to the position shown in FIG. 4.

[0069] From this state, the bending link 54 advances the lifting plate 51 and the holding plate 52 to the intermediate conveyor 3. When the lifting plate 51 and the holding plate 52 hold the two containers 60 placed on the first conveying unit 31 and the second conveying unit 32, the bending link 54 moves the lifting plate 51 and the holding plate 52 to the above-described lifting position. The lifting mechanism 4 raises and lowers the transfer mechanism 5 in this state.

[0070] The transfer mechanism 5 and the intermediate conveyor 3 operate in the same manner as described above also when conveying the container 60 between the transfer mechanism 5 and the transfer conveyor 30D.

[0071] When the transfer mechanism 5 delivers the container 60 to the transfer conveyor 30A, the bending link 54 turns the lifting plate 51 and the holding plate 52 so that the container 60 faces the conveying direction of the transfer conveyor 30A. From this state, the bending link 54 moves the lifting plate 51 and the holding plate 52 straight in the conveying direction of the transfer conveyor 30A until the two containers 60 reach the transfer conveyor 30A. The transfer mechanism 5 lowers the lifting plate 51 at the position where the two containers 60 reach the transfer conveyor 30A. Thereby, the two containers 60 held by the lifting plate 51 and the holding plate 52 are placed on the transfer conveyor 30A.

[0072] When the transfer mechanism 5 receives the two containers 60 conveyed by the transfer conveyor 30A, the bending link 54 moves the lifting plate 51 and the holding plate 52 to a position where the two containers 60 can be held. When the lifting plate 51 and the holding plate 52 hold the two containers 60 placed on the first conveying unit 31 and the second conveying unit 32, the bending link 54 moves the lifting plate 51 and the holding plate 52 to the lifting position. The lifting mechanism 4 raises and lowers the transfer mechanism 5 in this state.

[0073] The transfer mechanism 5 and the intermediate conveyor 3 operate in the same manner as described above also when conveying the container 60 between the transfer mechanism 5 and the transfer conveyors 30B and 30C.

[0074] 〔Effects of the Embodiment〕 The inter-floor transfer device 10 according to this embodiment includes the intermediate conveyor 3, and conveys the container 60 between the intermediate conveyor 3 and the transfer conveyors 30D and 30E. Thereby, the distance between the transfer mechanism 5 and the transfer conveyors 30D and 30E can be widened so as to secure the transfer path of the intermediate conveyor 3. Therefore, in the configuration shown in FIG. 2, a transfer conveyor 30 having the same direction as the transfer conveyor 30E can be arranged between the transfer conveyors 30B and 30D, and a transfer conveyor 30 having the same direction as the transfer conveyor 30A can be arranged between the transfer conveyors 30A and 30E. Therefore, more transfer conveyors 30 can be arranged around the transfer mechanism 5.

[0075] The first transfer part 31 of the intermediate conveyor 3 is arranged inside the transfer part 121 of the structure 1, and transfers the container 60 to and from the transfer mechanism 5 inside the transfer part 121. The second transfer part 32 of the intermediate conveyor 3 is arranged outside the transfer part 121 of the structure 1, specifically in the missing area L, and transfers the container 60 to and from the transfer conveyor 30 outside the transfer part 121.

[0076] In the conventional inter-floor transfer device, the transfer conveyor 30 and the container 60 are transferred inside the structure. For this reason, it is necessary to secure a wide area on each floor of the structure. On the other hand, in the above configuration, since the second transfer part 32 transfers the container 60 to and from the transfer conveyor 30 outside the transfer part 121, the area on each floor of the structure 1 (transfer part 121) can be reduced. Thereby, the materials of the frame 121a and the wall body 122b constituting the structure 1, particularly the transfer part 121 and the non-transfer part 122, can be reduced, and the labor for installing the structure 1 can also be reduced.

[0077] In addition, the structure of the structure 1 becomes slightly complicated in order to form the transfer part 121 so as to form the missing area L. However, since only the portion facing the missing area L becomes complicated, the complication of the structure 1 can be minimized.

[0078] Note that the transfer unit 121 is arranged at a position higher than the height at which people come and go on each floor. Therefore, even if the second transfer unit 32 is arranged outside the structure 1 and rotates, there is no inconvenience of contacting people.

[0079] The second transfer unit 32 rotates in the horizontal plane. Thereby, it is possible to transfer the transfer conveyors 30D and 30E arranged in different directions and the container 60. Further, the second transfer unit 32 can rotate at a position close to the structure 1 by rotating in the horizontal plane including the missing area L. Thereby, it becomes possible to shorten the transfer path of the intermediate conveyor 3, and it is possible to avoid increasing the size of the intermediate conveyor 3.

[0080] The structure 1 has a lower part 11 in which the inner regions IR1 and IR3 are square. Thereby, outside the location where the transfer conveyor 30 transfers the container 60, there is no need to lack the corner region. Therefore, it is not necessary to use a special structural member for configuring the structure 1 so as to lack the corner region. Therefore, the structure 1 can be constructed using standard members as the structural members.

[0081] Further, the blower 40 is arranged on the wall 122b in the non-transfer part 122 of the structure 1. On such a wall surface where a large area can be secured, a blower 40 with a large air volume can be attached on each floor. Thereby, a sufficient air volume can be secured inside the structure 1.

[0082] By the way, conventionally, the container 60 has been temporarily stored using the surplus space inside the structure 1. On the other hand, as described above, since the area of the transfer unit 121 becomes small, it becomes impossible to secure the above surplus space inside the transfer unit 121. However, by arranging the storage shelf 50 inside the lower part 11F, a temporary storage space for the container 60 can be secured.

[0083] 〔Summary〕 As described above, the inter-floor transfer device according to Aspect 1 of the present invention has a lifting unit that holds a conveyed object and moves it vertically between multiple floors, and has a transfer mechanism for transferring the conveyed object, a transfer device that transfers the conveyed object to and from the in-floor transfer device that conveys the conveyed object, and an intermediate transfer unit that transfers the conveyed object between the transfer device and the transfer mechanism.

[0084] In the above configuration, the intermediate transfer unit transfers the conveyed object between the transfer mechanism and the transfer device. Thereby, the distance between the transfer mechanism and the transfer device can be widened so as to secure the transfer path of the intermediate transfer unit. Therefore, more transfer devices can be arranged around the transfer mechanism.

[0085] The inter-floor transfer device according to Aspect 2 of the present invention further includes a structure that surrounds the lifting unit and a part of the intermediate transfer unit in the above Aspect 1. The intermediate transfer unit is arranged across the inside and outside of the structure, and transfers the conveyed object to the transfer mechanism inside the structure and transfers the conveyed object to the transfer device outside the structure.

[0086] In the above configuration, the intermediate transfer unit transfers the conveyed object to and from the transfer device outside the structure. Thereby, compared with the configuration in which the transfer device and the conveyed object are transferred inside the structure, the area on each floor of the structure can be reduced. Therefore, it becomes possible to miniaturize the structure.

[0087] The inter-floor transfer device according to Aspect 3 of the present invention, in the above Aspect 2, within a predetermined range in the vertical direction, the inner region in the horizontal plane surrounded by the structure forms a square as a whole, and a part of the four corner regions of the square is missing, and at least a part of the transfer path of the intermediate transfer unit is arranged in the missing region corresponding to the missing corner region.

[0088] In the above configuration, the structure of the structure becomes slightly more complicated in order to form a structure with a missing corner region. However, the complication of the structure can be minimized, and the intermediate transfer unit can transfer the conveyed object to and from the transfer device outside the structure.

[0089] In the case of Embodiment 4 of the present invention, in the above Embodiment 3, the intermediate transfer unit has a turning unit in the missing area that turns in a horizontal plane and transfers the conveyed object to and from the transfer device.

[0090] With the above configuration, by turning the turning unit of the intermediate transfer unit, it is possible to transfer the conveyed object to and from the transfer devices arranged in different directions. Further, the turning unit can turn at a position close to the structure by turning in a horizontal plane including an angular region. As a result, it becomes possible to shorten the transfer path of the intermediate transfer unit and avoid an increase in the size of the intermediate transfer unit.

[0091] In the case of Embodiment 5 of the present invention, in the above Embodiment 3 or 4, in at least a part of the vertical range different from the predetermined range, the inner region forms a square.

[0092] According to the above configuration, outside the location where the transfer device transfers the conveyed object, there is no need to lack an angular region. As a result, the structure can be constructed using standard members as structural members without using special structural members for constructing the structure so as to lack an angular region.

[0093] In the case of Embodiment 6 of the present invention, in the above Embodiment 5, the apparatus further includes a blower that blows air to the inside of the structure, and the blower is arranged on a wall surface provided in a certain vertical range where the inner region forms a square.

[0094] According to the above configuration, the blower can be attached to the wall surface of the structure that can secure a large area. As a result, it is possible to secure a sufficient air volume inside the structure.

[0095] 〔Supplementary Notes〕 The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible within the scope shown in the claims. Also, embodiments obtained by appropriately combining the technical means disclosed in each of the embodiments are included in the technical scope of the present invention.

Explanation of Signs

[0096] 1 Structure 2 Lifting / Lowering Part 3 Intermediate Conveyor (Intermediate Conveying Part) 10 Inter-Floor Conveying Device 20 Ceiling Conveying Device (In-Floor Conveying Device) 30 Transfer Conveyor (Transfer Conveying Device) 32 Second Conveying Part (Swinging Part) 60 Container (Conveyed Object) IR1~IR3 Inner Region L Missing Region

Claims

1. A lifting unit that holds an object to be transported and moves vertically between a plurality of floors and has a transfer mechanism that transfers the object to be transported; An inter-floor conveying device comprising: a transfer conveying device that delivers the transported object to an intra-floor conveying device that conveys the transported object; and an intermediate conveying section that conveys the transported object between the transfer mechanism.

2. a structure surrounding the lifting section and a part of the intermediate transport section; The interfloor conveying device according to claim 1, wherein the intermediate conveying section is arranged both inside and outside the structure, and transfers the transported items to the transfer mechanism inside the structure, and transfers the transported items to the delivery conveying device outside the structure.

3. Within a predetermined range in the up-down direction, an inner region within a horizontal plane surrounded by the structure forms a rectangle as a whole, and some of the four corner regions of the rectangle are missing, The inter-floor conveying device according to claim 2 , wherein at least a portion of the conveying path of the intermediate conveying section is disposed in a missing area corresponding to the missing corner area.

4. 4. The interfloor conveying device according to claim 3, wherein the intermediate conveying section has a turning section in the missing area which turns in a horizontal plane and delivers the conveyed object to the delivery conveying device.

5. 5. The inter-floor conveying apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the inner area is rectangular in at least a part of the vertical range different from the predetermined range.

6. Further comprising a blower for blowing air into the inside of the structure, 6. The inter-floor conveying device according to claim 5, wherein the air blowers are arranged on wall surfaces that are provided within a certain range in the vertical direction of the rectangular inner area.

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