Production system

Abstract

To improve space efficiency in a production section and production efficiency of production equipment.SOLUTION: A production system 1 includes: a production section 3 in which production equipment 30 is provided; a main storage part 4 provided adjacently to the production section 3, in which a storage container 100 containing production-related items is stored; a travel path 6 formed to connect an upper portion of the main storage part 4 and an upper portion of the production section 3; a sub-storage part 5 provided below the travel path 6 inside the production section 3 and storing the storage container 100; and a conveying device 7 capable of traveling on the travel path 6 and storing and taking out the storage container 100 in / from the main storage part 4 and the sub-storage part 5, the conveying device 7 having a vertical lift unit 71 that conveys the storage container 100 vertically to the main storage part 4 and the sub-storage part 5 for storing and taking out the storage container 100.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a production system having a ceiling conveyance function.

Background Art

[0002] In a production system for producing products, it is necessary to store raw materials used for production and the produced products. Further, when the production system has a plurality of production facilities corresponding to a plurality of processes, the final product is produced by sequentially supplying the products of the production facilities in the previous process to the production facilities in the subsequent process. In such a production system having a plurality of production facilities, there are often differences in processing capabilities between the production facilities of the plurality of processes. In this case, it is necessary to temporarily store the products produced in the previous process as work-in-progress between the production facility in the previous process and the production facility in the subsequent process until the production in the subsequent process starts. In such a case, for example, an automated warehouse system as described in Patent Documents 1 to 3 described below may be installed adjacent to the production section where the production facilities are provided to store materials related to production such as raw materials, work-in-progress, and products.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a configuration of an automated warehouse system including a three-dimensional grid and a plurality of container handling vehicles. In this configuration, the three-dimensional grid includes a plurality of 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 vehicle operates on a rail at the uppermost level of the three-dimensional grid and horizontally transports the container across the grid. In addition, Patent Document 2 discloses a configuration of an automated warehouse system including a stacker crane, a rack, and a shuttle that is arranged on the rack by the stacker crane and conveys and transfers goods within the rack. In this configuration, the rack has a plurality of stacked shelves arranged in the vertical direction. Each shelf can accommodate a plurality of goods arranged side by side in the depth direction intersecting the extending direction of the passage of the stacker crane. In addition, Patent Document 3 discloses a configuration of an automated warehouse system including a track system in which a plurality of grid openings are formed adjacent to each other in a first direction and a second direction orthogonal to the first direction in a horizontal plane, a plurality of stacks of storage containers arranged vertically below the grid openings, a storage container lifting device for lifting the storage containers stacked in the stacks, and a vehicle moving along the track system.

[0004] Thus, when an automated warehouse system is provided adjacent to a production area, or when an automated warehouse system is combined with an automated guided vehicle (AGV) or an overhead hoist transport (OHT) system, the space efficiency of the warehouse or production area deteriorates due to ensuring the flow lines of people and goods and restrictions in equipment configuration. In addition, when automatically transporting goods related to production between a production area and a warehouse using an automated guided vehicle system, a transfer time with the automated warehouse system occurs in addition to the transport time of the automated guided vehicle system. When manually transporting, extra lead times such as walking time for handing over and cargo handling occur in addition to the transport time. In addition, the distance between production equipment located on the warehouse side within the production area and production equipment located on the side opposite to the warehouse does not remain constant. For this reason, some production equipment requires a particularly long transport time, and there is a possibility that the production efficiency becomes lower than that of other production equipment due to factors such as a delay in the supply of raw materials. Then, in a situation where, for example, products produced by the production equipment are used by other production equipment, the production efficiency of the other production equipment also decreases. In this way, the production efficiency of the entire production system may decrease particularly due to a decrease in the production efficiency of some production equipment. Furthermore, in the vicinity of the warehouse in the production section, the conveyance routes of items related to all production facilities included in the production section converge. For this reason, the conveyance of items near the warehouse becomes congested and stagnant, and the production efficiency of the production system may decrease.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Patent Document 3

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a production system capable of enhancing the space efficiency in the production section and the production efficiency of the production facilities.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] The inventors of the present invention focused on the fact that, as a production system having a ceiling conveyance function, by providing a main storage section at a position adjacent to the production section and providing a sub-storage section (a suspended sub-storage section, a floor-mounted sub-storage section, a pedestal-mounted sub-storage section) below the traveling path along which the conveyance device moves, it is possible to realize a production system capable of shortening the conveyance time between production processes when taking out and storing production-related items associated with the production process, and thus arrived at the present invention. In order to solve the above problems, the present invention employs the following means. That is, the production system of the present invention is a production system having a ceiling conveyance function, and includes a supply material supplied to production equipment and used in production, and a product produced by the production equipment based on the supply material. Production-related items are stored in storage containers, and include a production section where the production equipment is provided, a main storage section provided adjacent to the production section and where the storage containers are stored, a travel path formed to connect above the main storage section and above the production section, a sub-storage section provided inside the production section and below the travel path for storing the storage containers, and a conveyance device capable of traveling on the travel path and storing and retrieving the storage containers with respect to the main storage section and the sub-storage section. The conveyance device is characterized by having a vertical lift section that vertically conveys the storage containers with respect to the main storage section and the sub-storage section for storage and retrieval. According to the above configuration, production-related items including a supply material supplied to production equipment and used in production and a product produced by the production equipment based on the supply material are stored in storage containers and stored in the main storage section and the sub-storage section. The main storage section is provided adjacent to (laterally, or an adjacent room adjacent to the production section) the production section where the production equipment is provided. On the other hand, the sub-storage section is provided inside the production section where the production equipment is provided. In this way, since the sub-storage section is provided closer to the production equipment than the main storage section, the sub-storage section can be appropriately used for purposes such as storing a supply material, which is transported from the main storage section, for example, and used in production by the production equipment until it is used by the production equipment, and storing a product produced by the production equipment until it is transported to the main storage section. The conveyance of the storage container between the main storage unit and the sub-storage unit is performed by the conveyance device traveling on a travel path formed to connect the upper part of the main storage unit and the upper part of the production section. The conveyance device vertically conveys the storage container by means of a vertical lift unit, and stores and retrieves the storage container with respect to the main storage unit and the sub-storage unit located below the travel path. As described above, the travel path on which the conveyance device travels is formed above both the main storage unit and the production section where there is a low possibility that production equipment is provided or that workers operating the production equipment are located for work, so that the space of the production section can be effectively utilized. Therefore, the space efficiency in the production section can be increased. Also, as described above, since the sub-storage unit is provided closer to the production equipment than the main storage unit, it can be operated, for example, by pre-conveying supplies that are urgently used from the main storage unit to the sub-storage unit, etc., so that the supply of supplies to some production equipment is delayed and the production efficiency decreases, and as a result, the situation where the production efficiency of the entire production system decreases can be suppressed. In addition, since production-related items can be stored in the sub-storage unit instead of the main storage unit, the concentration of conveyance flow lines in the vicinity of the main storage unit is suppressed. Therefore, congestion and stagnation of the conveyance device can be suppressed. The above effects can be remarkably achieved especially when, for example, the product of the production equipment corresponding to the previous process is supplied as a supply to another production equipment corresponding to the subsequent process, if it is operated so that the product of the production equipment corresponding to the previous process is temporarily placed in the sub-storage unit. That is, when operating in this way, there is no need to convey the product to the main storage unit and then convey it again from the main storage unit to the production section, so that the overall conveyance distance is shortened and the concentration of conveyance flow lines in the vicinity of the main storage unit can be efficiently avoided. In this way, the conveyance efficiency of production-related items can be improved and the production efficiency of production equipment can be increased. As a result, it becomes possible to provide a production system that can increase the space efficiency in the production section and the production efficiency of production equipment.

[0008] In one aspect of the present invention, the sub-storage unit includes any one of a suspended sub-storage unit provided on a suspension gantry suspended from above, a floor-standing sub-storage unit on which the storage container is placed on the floor, and a floor-standing gantry-type sub-storage unit installed on a gantry on which the storage container is placed on the floor, or any combination thereof. According to such a configuration, since the suspended sub-storage unit is provided on a suspension gantry suspended from above, it is possible to effectively utilize the empty space above the production area where there is a low possibility that production equipment is provided or where workers operating the production equipment are located. Further, since the suspension gantry that supports the suspended sub-storage unit is configured to be suspended from above, it is not necessary to support the suspended sub-storage unit and the suspension gantry from below. That is, it is possible to install the sub-storage unit without providing a member for supporting the suspended sub-storage unit below the production area where workers, production equipment, etc. are intensively provided. Thereby, the space efficiency of the production area can be further improved. Also, in the floor-standing sub-storage unit, since the storage container is placed on the floor, there is no particular need to provide equipment for placing the storage container. Similarly, in the floor-standing gantry-type sub-storage unit, since the storage container is installed on a gantry placed on the floor, there is no particular need to provide equipment for placing the storage container other than this gantry. Therefore, the sub-storage unit can be easily realized in the empty space within the production area.

[0009] In one aspect of the present invention, a ceiling material is arranged above the traveling path, and equipment is installed between the ceiling material and the building body. According to such a configuration, by installing equipment between the ceiling material arranged above the traveling path and the building body, it is possible to suppress the scattering of dust, etc. generated by the so-called ceiling space above the ceiling material into the production area. Also, by installing equipment in the ceiling space, the space of the production area can be effectively utilized.

Effects of the Invention

[0010] According to the present invention, it is possible to realize a production system capable of enhancing space efficiency in a production area and production efficiency of production equipment.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0011]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0012] The present invention is a production system having a ceiling conveying function (robot storage system). The production system includes a main storage unit provided adjacent to the production area and a sub-storage unit (suspended sub-storage unit, floor-mounted sub-storage unit, pedestal-mounted sub-storage unit) provided below a traveling path along which a conveying device moves. Hereinafter, embodiments for implementing the production system according to the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. FIG. 1 shows a schematic longitudinal sectional view showing the configuration of a production system according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a plan view of the production system of FIG. 1. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the production system 1 is provided inside the building 2. The building 2 is, for example, a single-story building, and includes a floor 21, a roof (roof slab) 22 disposed above the floor 21, and an outer wall 25 (see FIG. 2) provided at the outer peripheral portion of the floor 21. Here, the specific structure and configuration of the building 2 are not limited in any way. The building 2 may not be a single-story building, but may have a configuration with multiple floors of two or more stories. In this case, instead of the roof 22, an upper floor 24 (floor slab) may be provided. The production system 1 mainly includes a production section 3, a main storage section 4, a sub-storage section 5, a traveling path 6, and a conveying device 7. For the sake of simplicity of the drawing, the conveying device 7 provided on the traveling path 6 is not drawn in FIG. 2.

[0013] The production section 3 is disposed on the floor 21. The production section 3 includes a plurality of production facilities 30. The production section 3 is a production room in which a plurality of production facilities 30 are arranged. The production section 3 is formed between the floor 21 and the traveling path 6 provided above the floor 21, which will be described later. In the plurality of production facilities 30, products are manufactured. In the present embodiment, as the plurality of production facilities 30, for example, a production facility 30A for the first process, a production facility 30B for the second process, and a production facility 30C for the third process are provided. In the present embodiment, the production facility 30A for the first process, the production facility 30B for the second process, and the production facility 30C for the third process are sequentially arranged along the first direction D1. The product is produced, for example, by sequentially passing through the production facility 30A for the first process, the production facility 30B for the second process, and the production facility 30C for the third process in this order. In FIG. 1, the production facility 30A for the first process, the production facility 30B for the second process, and the production facility 30C for the third process are sequentially arranged along the first direction D1. However, the arrangement (disposition) of the plurality of production facilities 30 is not limited to this, and can be changed as appropriate. Note that the number of production facilities 30 (number of processes) through which the product passes in the manufacturing process is not limited to the three shown here, and may be two, or four or more. Also, within the production section 3, a plurality of sets of a series of production facilities 30 for manufacturing the product (production facility 30A for the first process, production facility 30B for the second process, production facility 30C for the third process) may be provided. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, the plurality of production facilities 30 are arranged in a plurality of rows at intervals in the second direction D2 orthogonal to the first direction D1 in the horizontal plane.

[0014] To each of the plurality of production facilities 30 (production facility 30A for the first process, production facility 30B for the second process, production facility 30C for the third process), a supply that serves as the basis for producing the product and is used in production is supplied. Each of the plurality of production facilities 30 performs predetermined processing, assembly, etc. based on the supplied supply, and produces the product in that production facility 30. The plurality of production facilities 30 as a whole manufacture the product by sequentially undergoing processes such as predetermined processing and assembly in each of the plurality of production facilities 30 based on the raw material of the product. Examples of the supply to each of the plurality of production facilities 30 include the raw material of the product and the intermediate product produced by the production facility 30 in the previous process. Examples of the product in each of the plurality of production facilities 30 include the intermediate product and the product as the finished product. In the production process of each production facility 30, including the supply supplied to the production facility 30 and the product produced by the production facility 30, the raw material of the product, the intermediate product, the product as the finished product, etc., are put into the production facility 30 and discharged from the production facility 30, and are generally referred to as production-related substances.

[0015] The main storage unit 4 is the main storage unit of the production system 1 that stores production-related substances. For example, the raw material for producing the product, which is supplied to the production facility 30 in the production system 1, is carried into the main storage unit 4 from the outside and stored via a truck berth (not shown) provided adjacent to the main storage unit 4. Also, the product as the finished product produced by the production facility 30 in the production system 1 is shipped out to the outside via a truck berth or the like.

[0016] When viewed in plan, the main storage unit 4 is provided on the side of the production section 3 (including the adjacent room adjacent to the production section). In particular, in the present embodiment, the main storage unit 4 is provided adjacent to the production section 3. The main storage unit 4 is provided adjacent to one side of the production section 3 in the first direction D1. In the present embodiment, the main storage unit 4 is provided over the entire second direction D2 of the building 2. The main storage unit 4 is arranged on the floor 21. That is, the main storage unit 4 is arranged on the same floor as a plurality of production facilities 30 in the building 2. Production-related items are stored in the main storage unit 4. In the present embodiment, the production-related items are stored in a box-shaped storage container 100. The storage container 100 is generally a hollow box-shaped cube or rectangular parallelepiped, and has, for example, an opening for taking in and out production-related items upward. The inside of the storage container 100 is a storage area where production-related items are stored and kept. A plurality of storage containers 100 can be stacked vertically.

[0017] The main storage unit 4 stores a plurality of storage containers 100 by placing them on the floor. The main storage unit 4 can store a plurality of storage containers 100 side by side at a plurality of positions spaced apart in each of the first direction D1 and the second direction D2. The storage containers 100 can be stacked vertically in the vertical direction Dv at each position in the first direction D1 and the second direction D2 within the main storage unit 4. In the present embodiment, in the main storage unit 4, the storage container 100 (when a plurality are stacked vertically, the lowermost storage container 100) is placed directly on the floor 21 (this is referred to as floor placement in this specification). Note that in the main storage unit 4, the storage container 100 may be installed on an appropriate pedestal (not shown) placed on the floor 21.

[0018] As shown in FIG. 1, the sub-storage unit 5 is provided inside the production section 3. More specifically, the sub-storage unit 5 is provided inside the space where a plurality of production facilities 30 are provided. The sub-storage unit 5 is provided in the building 2 at a horizontal distance (for example, the first direction D1) from the main storage unit 4. The sub-storage unit 5 is provided below the travel path 6 which will be described later. The sub-storage unit 5 stores the storage containers 100 as a secondary storage unit of the main storage unit 4. The sub-storage unit 5 stores the storage containers 100 temporarily or for a certain period. Since the sub-storage unit 5 is provided inside the production section 3, it is positioned closer to the production facilities 30 than the main storage unit 4 provided adjacent to the side of the production section 3. The sub-storage unit 5 temporarily or for a certain period stores, for example, the supplies transported from the main storage unit 4 and used in production by the production facilities 30 until they are used by the production facilities 30. The sub-storage unit 5 temporarily or for a certain period stores, for example, the products produced by the production facilities 30 until they are transported to the main storage unit 4. The sub-storage unit 5 can also be used to complement the main storage unit 4, for example, when the number of storage containers 100 accommodated in the main storage unit 4 approaches the upper limit and it becomes difficult to store more storage containers 100 in the main storage unit 4. In this case, for example, production-related items may be directly carried into the sub-storage unit 5 from the outside via a truck berth (not shown). In the present embodiment, the sub-storage unit 5 includes a suspended sub-storage unit 5A, a floor-standing sub-storage unit 5B, and a floor-standing rack-type sub-storage unit 5C.

[0019] The hanging-type sub-storage unit 5A is provided above the production section 3 and below the traveling path 6 which will be described later. On the conveying path using the conveying device 7 which will be described later, the hanging-type sub-storage unit 5A is provided at a position closer to the production facility 30 than the main storage unit 4. In the present embodiment, a plurality of hanging-type sub-storage units 5A are provided at intervals in the first direction D1. The hanging-type sub-storage unit 5A is provided at positions spaced apart in the first direction D1, for example, above the production facility 30A of the first process and above the production facility 30C of the third process. Only one hanging-type sub-storage unit 5A may be provided at, for example, only one location. Alternatively, the hanging-type sub-storage unit 5A may be provided at three locations by also being provided above the production facility 30B of the second process. The hanging-type sub-storage unit 5A may be provided at four or more locations. In the present embodiment, each hanging-type sub-storage unit 5A is formed so as to extend in the second direction D2.

[0020] The hanging-type sub-storage unit 5A is formed to be smaller than the main storage unit 4. The hanging-type sub-storage unit 5A is suspended and supported by the framework of the building 2. In the present embodiment, the hanging-type sub-storage unit 5A is provided on a hanging gantry 29 which is supported via a hanging shelf 28 by the framework of the building 2 located above a plurality of production facilities 30. The hanging shelf 28 is suspended from above by the framework of the building 2. In the present embodiment, the framework of the building 2 is a beam 26 that supports the roof 22 (or the upper floor 24) from below. The beam 26 is located above a plurality of production facilities 30. The hanging shelf 28 includes a plurality of bundled members 28a extending downward from the beam 26 and a shelf member 28b supported by the plurality of bundled members 28a and provided along a horizontal plane. The hanging gantry 29 is provided below the hanging shelf 28. The hanging gantry 29 is suspended from the shelf member 28b of the hanging shelf 28. The hanging gantry 29 includes a plurality of bundled members 29a extending downward from the shelf member 28b and a horizontal member 29b supported by the plurality of bundled members 29a and provided along a horizontal plane. Note that a configuration may be adopted in which the hanging shelf 28 is not provided and the hanging gantry 29 is directly suspended from the beam 26 constituting the framework.

[0021] In this embodiment, the suspended sub-storage unit 5A is provided below the suspension gantry 29. The suspended sub-storage unit 5A is provided on the suspension gantry 29 suspended from above, and thus is provided suspended within the production section 3. The suspended sub-storage unit 5A includes a storage rack 50 capable of storing a plurality of storage containers 100. The storage rack 50 is provided so as to constitute the uppermost part of the storage rack 50, and includes a plurality of first upper frames 51 extending in a first direction D1 in a horizontal plane, a plurality of second upper frames 52 provided so as to constitute the uppermost part of the storage rack 50 and extending in a second direction D2 in the horizontal plane, a plurality of columns 53 extending in a vertical direction Dv, and a lower frame 54.

[0022] As shown in FIG. 2, the plurality of first upper frames 51 are arranged parallel to each other at equal intervals in the second direction D2 at the uppermost part of the storage rack 50. The plurality of second upper frames 52 are arranged parallel to each other at equal intervals in the first direction D1 at the uppermost part of the storage rack 50. The plurality of first upper frames 51 and the plurality of second upper frames 52 are formed in a grid pattern when viewed from above. Each of the plurality of columns 53 is arranged so as to extend downward from the intersection portion and overlap with the intersection portion of the first upper frame 51 and each second upper frame 52, which is located at the outer contour portion of the storage rack 50 when viewed from above. Each of the plurality of columns 53 may also be arranged so as to extend downward from the intersection portion at the intersection portion of each first upper frame 51 and each second upper frame 52, which is located inside the outer contour portion when viewed from above. The lower end portion of each of the plurality of columns 53 is connected to a lower frame 54 arranged at a downward interval with respect to the first upper frame 51 and the second upper frame 52. The lower frame 54 is provided along a horizontal plane. A bottom plate (not shown) is provided on the lower frame 54, and the upper surface thereof is configured to be able to place a plurality of storage containers 100.

[0023] As shown in FIG. 2, 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 that open upward are formed. A plurality of openings 55 are formed along the first direction D1 and the second direction D2, respectively. When viewed from above, the storage container 100 is stored on the lower frame 54 (bottom plate) located below each opening 55. As shown in FIG. 1, the storage rack 50 can store a plurality of storage containers 100 stacked in the vertical direction Dv on the lower frame 54 located below each opening 55 by ensuring a sufficient length in the vertical direction Dv of the plurality of columns 53.

[0024] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the floor-mounted sub-storage unit 5B is provided on the floor 21 within the production section 3. The floor-mounted sub-storage unit 5B is provided in the space adjacent to the production equipment 30 in the second direction D2. The floor-mounted sub-storage unit 5B is provided so that a plurality of storage containers 100 can be arranged side by side in the first direction D1 when viewed from above. In the floor-mounted sub-storage unit 5B, the storage container 100 is placed on the floor. The floor-mounted sub-storage unit 5B can store a plurality of storage containers 100 stacked in the vertical direction Dv on the floor 21.

[0025] The floor-mounted rack-type sub-storage unit 5C is provided on the floor 21 within the production section 3. The floor-mounted sub-storage unit 5B is provided in the space adjacent to the production equipment 30 in the second direction D2. The floor-mounted rack-type sub-storage unit 5C includes a rack 56 placed on the floor 21. The rack 56 has, for example, a plurality of columns or side walls 56a installed on the floor 21, a lower frame 56b connected to the lower ends of the plurality of columns or side walls 56a, an upper frame 56c connected to the upper ends of the plurality of columns or side walls 56a, and a top plate (not shown) provided on the upper frame 56c. Note that the specific configuration of the rack 56 is not limited in any way. In the floor-mounted shelf-type sub-storage unit 5C, a plurality of storage containers 100 are installed on a pedestal 56 (top plate) placed on the floor 21. In the present embodiment, the pedestal 56 is provided so that a plurality of storage containers 100 can be arranged side by side in the first direction D1. On the pedestal 56, a plurality of storage containers 100 can be stacked and stored in the vertical direction Dv.

[0026] The traveling path 6 is formed so as to connect above the main storage unit 4 and above the production section 3. The traveling path 6 is provided below the hanging shelf 28. In the present embodiment, the traveling path 6 is provided on the horizontal member 29b of the hanging pedestal 29. In the present embodiment, the traveling path 6 includes a first traveling path 6A, a second traveling path 6B, a third traveling path 6C, and a fourth traveling path 6D. Each of the first traveling path 6A, the second traveling path 6B, the third traveling path 6C, and the fourth traveling path 6D extends along a horizontal plane.

[0027] The first traveling path 6A is provided above the main storage unit 4. In other words, the main storage unit 4 is provided below the first traveling path 6A. As shown in FIG. 2, the first traveling path 6A is provided so as to cover the entire main storage unit 4 when viewed from above. The first traveling path 6A has a plurality of first rails 61 extending in the first direction D1 and a plurality of second rails 62 extending in the second direction D2, which are assembled in a grid pattern in plan view. The plurality of first rails 61 are provided at a predetermined interval in the second direction D2. The plurality of second rails 62 are provided at a predetermined interval in the first direction D1. In the first traveling path 6A, a plurality of rectangular openings 63 are formed in plan view by being surrounded by two adjacent first rails 61 in the second direction D2 and two adjacent second rails 62 in the first direction D1. The openings 63 are located vertically above a plurality of storage containers 100 arranged side by side in the first direction D1 and the second direction D2 on the floor 21 in the main storage unit 4.

[0028] The second traveling path 6B is provided above the suspended sub-storage section 5A. In other words, the suspended sub-storage section 5A is provided below the second traveling path 6B. The second traveling path 6B is provided so as to cover each of the plurality of suspended sub-storage sections 5A when viewed from above. The second traveling path 6B has a plurality of first rails 61 extending in the first direction D1 and a plurality of second rails 62 extending in the second direction D2, which are arranged in a grid pattern in plan view. The first rail 61 is provided at a position overlapping the first upper frame 51 when viewed from above. The plurality of first rails 61 are provided at a predetermined interval in the second direction D2. The second rail 62 is provided at a position overlapping the second upper frame 52 when viewed from above. The plurality of second rails 62 are provided at a predetermined interval in the first direction D1. In the second traveling path 6B, a plurality of rectangular openings 63 are formed in plan view by being surrounded by two adjacent first rails 61 in the second direction D2 and two adjacent second rails 62 in the first direction D1. Each opening 63 is provided so as to overlap the opening 55 at the same position as the opening 55 of the storage rack 50 of the suspended sub-storage section 5A when viewed in plan view. Each opening 63 is formed so as to communicate vertically with the opening 55 of the suspended sub-storage section 5A. Each opening 63 is located vertically above a plurality of storage containers 100 arranged side by side in the first direction D1 and the second direction D2 on the lower frame 54. In the case where the rails 61, 62 of the traveling path 6 and the first upper frame 51 and the second upper frame 52 can be provided at substantially the same height, the rails 61, 62 of the traveling path 6 and the first upper frame 51 and the second upper frame 52 of the suspended sub-storage section 5A may be configured to be integrated as the same member.

[0029] The third traveling path 6C is provided above the floor-mounted sub-storage section 5B and the floor-mounted pedestal sub-storage section 5C. In other words, the floor-mounted sub-storage section 5B and the floor-mounted pedestal sub-storage section 5C are provided below the third traveling path 6C. The third traveling path 6C connects the first traveling path 6A provided above the main storage section 4 and the second traveling path 6B provided above the suspended sub-storage section 5A in the first direction D1. A plurality of third running paths 6C are provided at intervals in the second direction D2. In the present embodiment, five third running paths 6C are provided at intervals in the second direction D2. Among the five third running paths 6C, two third running paths 6C are provided at positions corresponding to both ends of the main storage unit 4 and the suspended sub-storage unit 5A in the second direction D2. Among the five third running paths 6C, three third running paths 6C are provided so as to overlap the floor-mounted sub-storage unit 5B and the floor-mounted pedestal sub-storage unit 5C when viewed from above. One end of each third running path 6C is connected to the first running path 6A and extends in a direction away from the first running path 6A along the first direction D1. The third running path 6C intersects a plurality of second running paths 6B at an intermediate portion in its extending direction. The third running path 6C includes a pair of two first rails 61. An opening 64 formed between the pair of two first rails 61 is located directly above a plurality of storage containers 100 installed on the floor 21 and on the pedestal 56 in each of the floor-mounted sub-storage unit 5B and the floor-mounted pedestal sub-storage unit 5C.

[0030] The fourth running path 6D connects a plurality of third running paths 6C in the second direction D2. A plurality of fourth running paths 6D are provided at intervals in the first direction D1. Each fourth running path 6D extends in the second direction D2. In the present embodiment, two fourth running paths 6D are provided. One of the two fourth running paths 6D is provided so as to connect the other ends on the side opposite to the main storage unit 4 side among the plurality of third running paths 6C. The other fourth running path 6D is arranged at an intermediate portion between two adjacent second running paths 6B in the first direction D1 and is provided so as to intersect an intermediate portion of the plurality of third running paths 6C. The fourth running path 6D includes a pair of two second rails 62. An opening 65 is formed between the pair of two second rails 62. With such a structure, the running path 6 is provided so that the conveying device 7 described below can travel freely at any position including above the main storage unit 4 and above the sub-storage unit 5.

[0031] Note that the forms of the sub-storage unit 5 and the running path 6 are not limited to the above-described configuration. For example, as will be described later as a modification example, the configuration of the suspended sub-storage unit 5A may be formed to extend in the first direction D1. Alternatively, the suspended sub-storage unit 5A may be formed to extend in both the first direction D1 and the second direction. Also in this case, the second traveling path 6B is provided above the suspended sub-storage unit 5A. Then, the third traveling path 6C and the fourth traveling path 6D may be appropriately provided so as to connect the second traveling path 6B and the first traveling path 6A provided above the main storage unit 4 vertically and horizontally in the first direction D1 and the second direction D2, thereby constructing the traveling path 6.

[0032] In addition, in the above description, the floor-mounted sub-storage unit 5B and the floor-mounted pedestal-type sub-storage unit 5C are described as being provided in the adjacent space in the second direction D2 of the production equipment 30 and the third traveling path 6C being located above them, but it goes without saying that this is not the only case. For example, the floor-mounted sub-storage unit 5B and the floor-mounted pedestal-type sub-storage unit 5C may be provided in a space other than the above and the third traveling path 6C may be provided above them. Alternatively, the floor-mounted sub-storage unit 5B and the floor-mounted pedestal-type sub-storage unit 5C may be provided below the fourth traveling path 6D. From the viewpoint of efficiently using the space of the production section 3, when constructing the traveling path 6 as described above, the third traveling path 6C and the fourth traveling path 6D are provided so as to pass through many places on the floor 21 of the production section 3 where the production equipment 30 is not provided and where workers do not frequently enter, and the floor-mounted sub-storage unit 5B and the floor-mounted pedestal-type sub-storage unit 5C are appropriately provided below them.

[0033] FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a conveying device in the above production system. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the transport device 7 is provided to be capable of traveling on the traveling path 6. The transport device 7 is configured to be self-propelled on the traveling path 6 based on a preset program. For example, the transport device 7 determines an optimal path in real time while considering the traveling status of other transport devices 7 by the control software provided inside, and searches for a traveling path so as to reach the destination, and travels on the traveling path 6 according to the searched traveling path.

[0034] The transport device 7 has wheels provided in pairs so as to be spaced apart in a direction orthogonal to the traveling direction, and positions the wheels on a pair of first rails 61 adjacent in the second direction D2 and a pair of second rails 62 adjacent in the first direction D1, thereby traveling on the traveling path 6. The transport device 7 has a direction-changing function. As described above, in the present embodiment, the traveling path 6 includes the first rail 61 and the second rail 62, and these are provided so as to intersect each other. The transport device 7 can change the traveling direction in any direction at the intersection of the first rail 61 and the second rail 62 as described above. In this way, the transport device 7 uses the intersection of the first rail 61 and the second rail 62 as a branching portion and a merging portion, and can appropriately select a traveling path at these branching portions and merging portions and travel.

[0035] The transport device 7 is controlled by control software as described above, for example, and travels on its own on the traveling path 6 in order to transport production-related items within the production system 1. A plurality of transport devices 7 are provided on the traveling path 6. The plurality of transport devices 7 are controlled so as not to intersect on the traveling path 6 by selecting a traveling path from the first rail 61 and the second rail 62 that constitute the traveling path 6 based on a command from a controller. In addition, the transport device 7 includes a rechargeable battery (not shown). When charging is required, the transport device 7 is configured to autonomously travel to a charger (not shown) provided in a specific area on the traveling path 6 and charge the battery.

[0036] Each transfer device 7 is provided with a vertical lift portion 71 that suspends a storage container 100 in which production-related items are stored. The vertical lift portion 71 has a lifting mechanism 72 such as a rod, cylinder, or cable that expands and contracts downward, and is configured to be able to hold the storage container 100 at its lower end. The vertical lift portion 71 raises and lowers the storage container 100 in the vertical direction Dv by expanding and contracting the lifting mechanism 72 such as a rod, cylinder, or cable while holding the storage container 100.

[0037] Each transfer device 7 is configured to be able to store and retrieve production-related items at any location in the main storage unit 4. Each transfer device 7 travels to an arbitrary position on the first travel path 6A, stops at an arbitrary position, and operates the vertical lift portion 71 with the vertical lift portion 71 positioned above the opening 63 provided at that position. Thereby, each transfer device 7 stores and retrieves the storage container 100 with respect to the position directly below the opening 63 in the main storage unit 4 through the opening 63. Also, each transfer device 7 is configured to be able to store and retrieve production-related items at any location in the suspended sub-storage unit 5A. Each transfer device 7 travels to an arbitrary position on the second travel path 6B, stops at an arbitrary position, and operates the vertical lift portion 71 with the vertical lift portion 71 positioned above the opening 63 provided at that position. Thereby, each transfer device 7 stores and retrieves the storage container 100 with respect to the position directly below the opening 63 in the suspended sub-storage unit 5A through the opening 63 and the opening 55 of the suspended sub-storage unit 5A that is formed to communicate vertically with the opening 63 and is located directly below the opening 63.

[0038] Furthermore, each conveying device 7 is configured to be able to store and retrieve production-related items at any location of the floor-mounted sub-storage unit 5B and the floor-mounted rack-type sub-storage unit 5C. Each conveying device 7 travels to an arbitrary position on the third travel path 6C, stops at an arbitrary position, and operates the vertical lift portion 71 with the vertical lift portion 71 positioned above the opening 64 provided at that position. Thereby, each conveying device 7 stores and retrieves the storage container 100 with respect to the position directly below the opening 64 of the floor-mounted sub-storage unit 5B and the floor-mounted rack-type sub-storage unit 5C through the opening 64. In addition, when the floor-mounted sub-storage unit 5B and the floor-mounted rack-type sub-storage unit 5C are provided below the fourth travel path 6D, each conveying device 7 travels to an arbitrary position on the fourth travel path 6D, stops at an arbitrary position, and operates the vertical lift portion 71 with the vertical lift portion 71 positioned above the opening 65 provided at that position. Thereby, each conveying device 7 stores and retrieves the storage container 100 with respect to the position directly below the opening 65 of the floor-mounted sub-storage unit 5B and the floor-mounted rack-type sub-storage unit 5C through the opening 65.

[0039] Also, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, each conveying device 7 is configured to be able to store and retrieve production-related items with respect to the upper opening 81 of the lifting portion 8 described below. Each conveying device 7 operates the vertical lift portion 71 with the vertical lift portion 71 positioned above the upper opening 81 of the lifting portion 8, thereby storing and retrieving production-related items with respect to the lift table (not shown) below the upper opening 81.

[0040] The lifting portion 8 vertically conveys production-related items between the position on the travel path 6 and each of the production facilities 30. A plurality of lifting portions 8 are provided below the third travel path 6C at intervals in the first direction D1. The lifting portion 8 is arranged adjacent to, for example, each of the supply portion of the supply item to the production facility 30 and the carry-out portion of the product from the production facility 30. When there are a plurality of supply portions of the production facility 30, the lifting portion 8 may be provided corresponding to each of them. Also, when there are a plurality of carry-out portions of the production facility 30, the lifting portion 8 may be provided corresponding to each of them. When the supply section for supplies to the production equipment 30 and the discharge section for products are common or close to each other, the lifting section 8 can be arranged 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 supplies to the supply section and discharging products from the discharge section, respectively.

[0041] The lifting section 8 extends in the vertical direction Dv. The lifting section 8 includes, for example, a lift table (not shown) that can move up and down in the vertical direction Dv. The upper end portion of the lifting section 8 has an upper opening 81 that opens upward at a position overlapping the opening 64 of the third travel path 6C when viewed in plan as shown in FIG. 2. An inlet / outlet 82 for supplying supplies and discharging products to / from the production equipment 30 is provided at the lower end portion of the lifting section 8. The inlet / outlet 82 may be provided with a conveyor or an automated guided vehicle for transporting production-related items between the supply section and the discharge section of the production equipment 30. Also, the taking out of supplies and the loading of products at the inlet / outlet 82 may be manually performed by an operator, or may be automatically performed using a robot or the like.

[0042] The production system 1 as described above is a production system 1 having a ceiling conveyance function, and includes production-related items including supplies supplied to the production equipment 30 and used in production, and products produced by the production equipment 30 based on the supplies. The production-related items are stored in the storage container 100, and include a production section 3 where the production equipment 30 is provided, a main storage section 4 provided adjacent to the production section 3 where the storage container 100 is stored, a travel path 6 formed to connect the upper part of the main storage section 4 and the upper part of the production section 3, a sub-storage section 5 provided below the travel path 6 inside the production section 3 for storing the storage container 100, and a conveyance device 7 capable of traveling on the travel path 6 and storing and taking out the storage container 100 with respect to the main storage section 4 and the sub-storage section 5. The conveyance device 7 has a vertical lift section 71 for vertically conveying the storage container 100 with respect to the main storage section 4 and the sub-storage section 5 for storage and taking out. According to the above configuration, production-related items, including the supplies supplied to the production facility 30 and used in production, and the products produced by the production facility 30 based on these supplies, are stored in the storage container 100 and stored in the main storage section 4 and the sub-storage section 5. The main storage section 4 is provided adjacent to the production section 3 where the production facility 30 is provided. On the other hand, the sub-storage section 5 is provided inside the production section 3 where the production facility 30 is provided. In this way, since the sub-storage section 5 is provided closer to the production facility 30 than the main storage section 4, the sub-storage section 5 can be appropriately used for purposes such as storing supplies transported from the main storage section 4, for example, until they are used in production by the production facility 30, and storing products produced by the production facility 30 until they are transported to the main storage section 4. The transportation of the storage container 100 between the main storage section 4 and the sub-storage section 5 is performed by the transport device 7 traveling on a travel path 6 formed to connect the upper part of the main storage section 4 and the upper part of the production section 3. The transport device 7 stores and retrieves the storage container 100 with respect to the main storage section 4 and the sub-storage section 5 located below the travel path 6 by transporting the storage container 100 in the vertical direction by the vertical lift section 71. As described above, the travel path 6 on which the transport device 7 travels is formed above both the main storage section 4 and the production section 3, where there is a low possibility that the production facility 30 is provided or that workers operating the production facility 30 are located for work. Therefore, it is possible to effectively utilize the space in the production section 3. Thus, the space efficiency in the production section 3 can be improved. Also, as described above, since the sub-storage section 5 is provided closer to the production facility 30 than the main storage section 4, by operating, for example, by pre-transporting supplies that are urgently used from the main storage section 4 to the sub-storage section 5, it is possible to suppress a situation where the supply of supplies to some of the production facilities 30 is delayed, resulting in a decrease in production efficiency, and consequently, a decrease in the overall production efficiency of the production system 1. In addition, since production-related items can be stored in the sub-storage section 5 instead of the main storage section 4, the concentration of the conveyance flow lines in the vicinity of the main storage section 4 is suppressed. Therefore, congestion and stagnation of the conveyance device 7 can be suppressed. The above-described effects can be remarkably achieved particularly when, for example, the product of the production facility 30 corresponding to the previous process is supplied as a supply item to another production facility 30 corresponding to the subsequent process, and the product of the production facility 30 corresponding to the previous process is temporarily placed in the sub-storage section 5. That is, when operating in this way, it is not necessary to convey the product to the main storage section 4 and then convey it again from the main storage section 4 to the production section 3. Therefore, the overall conveyance distance is shortened, and the concentration of the conveyance flow lines to the vicinity of the main storage section 4 can be efficiently avoided. In this way, the conveyance efficiency of production-related items can be improved, and the production efficiency of the production facility 30 can be increased. As a result, it becomes possible to provide the production system 1 that can enhance the space efficiency in the production section 3 and the production efficiency of the production facility 30.

[0043] The sub-storage section 5 includes a suspended-type sub-storage section 5A provided on a suspension gantry 29 suspended from above, a floor-mounted type sub-storage section 5B on which the storage container 100 is placed on the floor, and a floor-mounted gantry type sub-storage section 5C installed on a gantry 56 on which the storage container 100 is placed on the floor. According to such a configuration, since the suspended-type sub-storage section 5A is provided on the suspension gantry 29 suspended from above, the empty space above the production section 3 where there is a low possibility that the production facility 30 is provided or the operator who operates the production facility 30 is located for work can be effectively utilized. In addition, since the suspension gantry 29 that supports the suspended-type sub-storage section 5A is configured to be suspended from above, it is not necessary to support the suspended-type sub-storage section 5A and the suspension gantry 29 from below. That is, the sub-storage section 5 can be installed without providing a member for supporting the suspended-type sub-storage section 5A below the production section 3 where workers, production facilities, etc. are concentrated. Thereby, the space efficiency of the production section 3 can be further enhanced. Also, in the floor-mounted sub-storage unit 5B, since the storage container 100 is placed on the floor, there is no particular need to provide equipment specifically for placing the storage container 100. Similarly, in the floor-mounted rack-type sub-storage unit 5C, since the storage container 100 is installed on the floor-mounted rack 56, there is no particular need to provide equipment for placing the storage container 100 other than this rack 56. Therefore, the sub-storage unit 5 can be easily realized in the empty space within the production section 3.

[0044] In particular, since the floor-mounted sub-storage unit 5B places the storage container 100 on the floor, it can be easily provided at any position under the opening 64 of the third travel path 6C. In the above description, the floor-mounted sub-storage unit 5B was described as being provided below the third travel path 6C, but as already described, it may also be provided below the fourth travel path 6D. Similarly, since the floor-mounted rack-type sub-storage unit 5C places the rack 56 for installing the storage container 100 on the floor and installs the storage container 100 thereon, it can be easily provided at any position under the opening 64 of the third travel path 6C. In the above description, the floor-mounted rack-type sub-storage unit 5C was described as being provided below the third travel path 6C, but as already described, it may also be provided below the fourth travel path 6D. Furthermore, when the floor-mounted sub-storage unit 5B and the floor-mounted rack-type sub-storage unit 5C become unnecessary, they can be easily removed. Therefore, it is easy to change the layout regarding the floor-mounted sub-storage unit 5B and the floor-mounted rack-type sub-storage unit 5C.

[0045] In addition, in the main storage unit 4 and the floor-standing sub-storage unit 5B, the storage container 100 is configured to be placed on the floor. That is, when realizing the main storage unit 4 and the floor-standing sub-storage unit 5B, there is no need to provide fixtures such as columns used in an automated warehouse or a rack. Therefore, according to the production intensity in the production section 3, it is easy to change the layout, such as increasing or decreasing the area occupied by the main storage unit 4 and the floor-standing sub-storage unit 5B, or changing a part of the main storage unit 4 and the floor-standing sub-storage unit 5B to the production section 3.

[0046] Also, for example, in order to improve the conveyance efficiency, it may be considered to add a travel path 6. Alternatively, it may be considered to increase the main storage unit 4 and the suspended sub-storage unit 5A, and accordingly, add a travel path 6 above the increased part. Thus, when it is necessary to add a travel path 6, since the travel path 6 is provided above the production section 3, it can be constructed without being affected by the production equipment 30, so the workability is good. Also, as described above, since the travel path 6 is provided above the production section 3, it is also possible to change the position of the production equipment 30 without being affected by the travel path 6. Therefore, it is possible to flexibly respond to changes in the layout of the production equipment 30 and the travel path 6.

[0047] In addition, the conveyance device 7 is provided with a rechargeable battery. When charging is required, the conveyance device 7 is configured to autonomously travel to a charger on the travel path 6 to charge the battery. Therefore, for example, there is no need to provide functions and facilities related to power supply on the rails 61 and 62 themselves that constitute the travel path 6. For this reason, the travel path 6 can be easily realized only by assembling the rails 61 and 62, and when it is necessary to change the layout of the travel path 6, it can be easily responded to.

[0048] In addition, all conveyance of production-related items between the main storage unit 4 that conducts the transfer of raw materials and products with the exterior of the production system 1, the production equipment 30, and the sub-storage unit 5 can be performed by the conveyance device 7. Furthermore, the management of production-related items in the main storage unit 4 and the sub-storage unit 5 can be constructed as one system. In this way, since the management and conveyance of production-related items within the production system 1 can be constructed as one system, efficient conveyance can be realized while strictly managing production-related items.

[0049] (First Modification Example of the Embodiment) Note that the production system of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment explained with reference to the drawings, and various modification examples can be considered within its technical scope. For example, in the above embodiment, an example of the arrangement of the suspended-type sub-storage unit 5A, the floor-standing type sub-storage unit 5B, and the floor-standing pedestal type sub-storage unit 5C as the sub-storage unit 5 was shown, but the arrangement can be changed as appropriate. FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the configuration of a production system according to a first modification example of an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 4, in the production system 1B, the suspended-type sub-storage unit 5A is configured to include a suspended-type sub-storage unit 5A1 extending in the first direction D1 and a suspended-type sub-storage unit 5A2 extending in the second direction D2. Further, the floor-standing type sub-storage unit 5B and the floor-standing pedestal type sub-storage unit 5C are also provided under a traveling path (third traveling path 6G) provided so as to extend in the second direction D2, which will be described later.

[0050] The suspended-type sub-storage unit 5A1 is provided so as to extend in the first direction D1. In FIG. 4, the suspended-type sub-storage unit 5A1 is provided at a plurality of locations spaced apart in the first direction D1. The suspended-type sub-storage unit 5A1 may be provided so as to extend in the first direction D1 over the entire production section 3. The hanging-type sub-storage section 5A2 is provided so as to extend in the second direction D2. In FIG. 4, the hanging-type sub-storage sections 5A2 are provided at a plurality of positions spaced apart in the second direction D2. The hanging-type sub-storage section 5A2 may be provided so as to extend in the second direction D2 over the entire production section 3. Also, in the production system 1B, the main storage section 4 is provided only in a part of the second direction D2 of the building 2 with respect to the production section 3.

[0051] The traveling path 6 is provided so as to overlap the main storage section 4, the hanging-type sub-storage section 5A1, and the hanging-type sub-storage section 5A2 when viewed from above. The production system 1B includes a first traveling path 6E, a second traveling path 6F, and a third traveling path 6G as the traveling path 6. The first traveling path 6E is provided above the main storage section 4. The second traveling path 6F is provided so as to extend in the first direction D1. The second traveling path 6F is provided above a plurality of hanging-type sub-storage sections 5A1. The third traveling path 6G is provided so as to extend in the second direction D2. The third traveling path 6G is provided above a plurality of hanging-type sub-storage sections 5A2. Each of the first traveling path 6E, the second traveling path 6F, and the third traveling path 6G is formed by the first rail 61 and the second rail 62 being assembled in a grid pattern in plan view. Each of the first traveling path 6E, the second traveling path 6F, and the third traveling path 6G is connected to each other to form one traveling path 6 as a whole.

[0052] In this modified example, there are portions below the second traveling path 6F and the third traveling path 6G where the hanging-type sub-storage section 5A1 and the hanging-type sub-storage section 5A2 are not provided. In the production system 1B, when viewed in plan, the floor-type sub-storage section 5B and the floor-mounted pedestal-type sub-storage section 5C are provided in the portions where the hanging-type sub-storage section 5A1 and the hanging-type sub-storage section 5A2 are not provided as described above.

[0053] (Second Modified Example of the Embodiment) FIG. 5 is a schematic longitudinal sectional view showing the configuration of a production system according to a second modification of an embodiment of the present invention. For example, in the above embodiment, the hanging type sub-storage section 5A is provided under the hanging gantry 29, but the present invention is not limited to this. As shown in FIG. 5, in the production system 1C in this modification, the hanging type sub-storage section 5A may be provided on the hanging gantry 29 suspended from above.

[0054] Specifically, the hanging gantry 29 is suspended, for example, from the hanging shelf 28. The hanging gantry 29 is suspended by a plurality of bundled members 29a in which a horizontal member 29b provided along a horizontal plane extends downward from the shelf member 28b. The hanging type sub-storage section 5A is provided on this horizontal member 29b. In this way, the hanging type sub-storage section 5A is provided on the hanging gantry 29 suspended from above, and is provided suspended within the production section 3. In this case, the traveling path 6 can be constructed so as to be provided on the hanging type sub-storage section 5A. The rails 61 and 62 of the traveling path 6 may be formed integrally so as to also serve as the first upper frame 51 and the second upper frame 52 of the hanging type sub-storage section 5A.

[0055] (Third modification of the embodiment) FIG. 6 is a schematic longitudinal sectional view showing the configuration of a production system according to a third modification of an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 6, in the building 2 in which the production system 1D in this modification is provided, a ceiling member 27 is provided above the traveling path 6. The ceiling member 27 is provided along a horizontal plane below the hanging shelf 28. The ceiling member 27 is supported by the shelf member 28b of the hanging shelf 28 and the bundled members 29a of the hanging gantry 29 via appropriate hanging members and the like. The ceiling member 27 is provided so as to cover the entire production room in which the production section 3 is provided within the building 2 in which the production section 3 is provided, from above. In this production system 1C, equipment 9 is installed between the ceiling material 27 and the building structure of building 2. In this modification, the equipment 9 is provided on the shelf material 28b of the suspended shelf 28. Examples of the equipment 9 include piping, ducts, air conditioning equipment, etc.

[0056] In the production system 1D of this modification as described above, the ceiling material 27 is arranged above the traveling path 6, and the equipment 9 is installed between the ceiling material 27 and the building structure of building 2. According to such a configuration, by installing the equipment 9 between the ceiling material 27 arranged above the traveling path 6 and the building structure of building 2, it is possible to suppress the scattering of dust and the like generated by the so-called ceiling space above the ceiling material 27 into the production section 3. Further, by installing the equipment 9 in the ceiling space, the space of the production section 3 can be effectively utilized.

[0057] (Other modifications) In the above embodiment, the sub-storage section 5 is provided with a suspended sub-storage section 5A, a floor-mounted sub-storage section 5B, and a floor-mounted pedestal sub-storage section 5C. However, it is not essential to provide all three types of the suspended sub-storage section 5A, the floor-mounted sub-storage section 5B, and the floor-mounted pedestal sub-storage section 5C. It is sufficient to provide at least one of the suspended sub-storage section 5A, the floor-mounted sub-storage section 5B, and the floor-mounted pedestal sub-storage section 5C. The sub-storage section 5 may be provided with any one of the suspended sub-storage section 5A, the floor-mounted sub-storage section 5B, and the floor-mounted pedestal sub-storage section 5C, or any combination thereof. Needless to say, the sub-storage section 5 may be provided at any location other than the locations shown in the above embodiment and each modification.

[0058] In the above embodiment and each modification, the traveling path 6 is provided in a partial area above the production section 3. Instead, the traveling path 6 may be formed over the entire area above the production section 3. That is, in this case, the rails 61 and 62 forming the traveling path 6 are arranged in a grid pattern over the entire area above the production section 3. In addition, in the above-described embodiment, the elevating unit 8 is provided. However, the elevating unit 8 is not an essential component and may be omitted as appropriate. In each of the main storage unit 4 and the sub-storage unit 5 in the above-described embodiment and each modification, the storage containers 100 were stored stacked in the vertical direction Dv. In such a case, it is desirable to stack the storage containers 100 to a height such that they do not fall sideways. Alternatively, a simple support member may be installed at the portion where the storage containers 100 are stacked so as to be attached to the side surface of the stacked storage containers 100 to suppress tipping.

[0059] In addition, in the main storage unit 4 and the floor-mounted sub-storage unit 5B in the above-described embodiment and each modification, a plurality of storage containers 100 are stored in a floor-mounted manner. However, the storage containers 100 are not limited to the floor-mounted form. For example, columns may be erected on the floor, a shelf board may be installed between the columns, and a plurality of storage containers 100 may be stored on the shelf board at intervals in the vertical direction. In addition, in the above-described embodiment and each modification, the traveling path 6 is provided on the horizontal member 29b of the suspension gantry 29 above the main storage unit 4, the sub-storage unit 5, and the production section 3, and thus has a structure suspended from above. However, the traveling path 6 may be configured to be supported from below by providing the horizontal member between a plurality of columns erected on the floor.

[0060] In addition to this, as long as the gist of the present invention is not deviated from, it is possible to select and choose the configurations described in the above embodiment, or to appropriately change them to other configurations.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0061] 1, 1B, 1C, 1D Production system 9 Facility equipment 2 Building 21 Floor 3 Production section 26 Beam (frame) 4 Main storage unit 27 Ceiling material 5 Sub-storage unit 29 Suspension gantry 5A Suspended Sub-storage Units 30, 30A, 30B, 30C Production Equipment 5B Floor-standing Sub-storage Unit 56 Stand 5C Floor-standing Rack-type Sub-storage Unit 71 Vertical Lift Unit 6 Travel Path 100 Storage Container 7 Conveyor

Claims

1. A production system having a ceiling conveying function, wherein production-related items, including a supply material supplied to production equipment and used in production, and a product produced by the production equipment based on the supply material, are stored in storage containers, a production section where the production equipment is provided, a main storage section provided adjacent to the production section for storing the storage containers, a travel path formed to connect above the main storage section and above the production section, a sub-storage section provided below the travel path inside the production section for storing the storage containers, a conveying device capable of traveling on the travel path and storing and retrieving the storage containers with respect to the main storage section and the sub-storage section, and the conveying device has a vertical lift section for vertically conveying the storage containers with respect to the main storage section and the sub-storage section for storage and retrieval. A production system characterized by the above.

2. The sub-storage section is a suspended-type sub-storage section provided on a suspended gantry suspended from above, a floor-standing type sub-storage section for placing the storage container on the floor, and a floor-standing gantry type sub-storage section installed on a gantry on which the storage container is placed on the floor comprises any one or any combination thereof. The production system according to claim 1, characterized by the above.

3. Ceiling materials are arranged above the travel path, and equipment is installed between the ceiling materials and the building frame. The production system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by the above.

Images