Inter-hierarchical transport system

Abstract

The present invention provides an inter-floor transport system that enables the transfer of objects between upper and lower floors at any designated transfer location. [Solution] This is an inter-floor transport system 1 for unmanned transport of cases 70 between the first floor 1F and the second floor 2F, which is the floor above the first floor 1F. It is equipped with a case transfer machine 20 that is movable on a shelf surface 11a and has a lift unit 23 that can be raised and lowered. The case transfer machine 20 is located on either the first floor 1F or the second floor 2F, moves to any transfer position, raises and lowers the lift unit 23 to transfer cases 70 between the first floor 1F and the second floor 2F.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an inter-floor transfer system that unmannedly transfers an object between upper and lower floors.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a transfer system that unmannedly transfers a transfer object such as a work or a case between different floors has been known.

[0003] For example, in Patent Document 1, in an inter-process transfer system having the same configuration for a plurality of floors, a lifter for inter-floor transfer capable of transferring a cassette between different floors is provided between an inbound line and an outbound line for temporarily storing and line-transferring a cassette, separately from a stacker crane. A configuration is disclosed.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] By the way, in a conventional transfer system including the one in Patent Document 1 above, when transferring an object between different floors, it is common to use a lifter, an elevator, etc. fixed at a predetermined transfer position.

[0006] Therefore, in a conventional transfer system, for example, even if a plurality of floors have the same configuration and the planar positions of the outbound position on the lower floor and the inbound position on the upper floor are close to each other, if these inbound / outbound positions and a fixed lifter or the like are far apart, it takes a great deal of time to take in and out the object, and there is a problem that efficient unmanned transfer becomes difficult.

[0007] To resolve these issues, one might consider concentrating loading and unloading locations near lifts, etc., but this severely limits the flexibility of the equipment layout. Another option is to set up multiple transfer locations, but this would require installing lifts, etc., at each location, creating a new problem of increased equipment costs.

[0008] This disclosure has been made in view of the foregoing, and its purpose is to provide an inter-floor transport system that enables the transfer of objects between upper and lower floors at any transfer location. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] To achieve the aforementioned objective, the present disclosure provides an inter-floor transport system for unmanned transport of an object between a first-floor level and a second-floor level above the first-floor level, comprising a first transporter that is movable on the floor and has a lift section that can be raised and lowered, wherein the first transporter is positioned on the first-floor level or the second-floor level, moves to an arbitrary transfer position, raises and lowers the lift section, and transfers the object between the first-floor level and the second-floor level.

[0010] According to this disclosure, by moving a first transporter, which is movable on the floor and has the function of raising and lowering objects, to a transfer position, objects can be transferred between upper and lower floors at any transfer position. This enables efficient unmanned transport without increasing equipment costs and increases the flexibility of equipment layout.

[0011] Furthermore, the above-described inter-floor transport system may further include a mezzanine rack installed on the floor surface of the first-floor level, and the floor surface of the second-floor level may be the shelf surface of the mezzanine rack.

[0012] According to this disclosure, it is possible to easily transfer objects between upper and lower floors separated by the shelves of a mezzanine rack that can be easily installed in a building, thereby enabling effective use of the interior space of the building.

[0013] Furthermore, in the above-described inter-floor transport system, an opening is formed through the floor surface of the second floor level in a portion corresponding to the transfer position, and the first transporter may transfer the object through the opening.

[0014] According to this disclosure, by forming an opening through the floor surface of the second-floor level at a location to be set as a transfer point, it is possible to easily transfer objects between upper and lower floors, thereby further increasing the flexibility of equipment layout.

[0015] Furthermore, the above-described inter-floor transport system may further include a second transporter positioned on the first or second floor, capable of self-propelled movement on the floor of the first or second floor while holding the object, and the second transporter may be capable of transferring the object to and from the first transporter.

[0016] According to this disclosure, for example, multiple first conveyors, each positioned at multiple transfer locations, can be used solely for transferring objects between upper and lower floors, while the transfer of objects between the multiple first conveyors is performed by a second conveyor that can move autonomously on the floor while holding the objects. In this way, the efficiency of the transport operation can be further improved by dividing roles according to the characteristics of each conveyor.

[0017] Furthermore, the above-described inter-floor transport system may also include storage shelves for storing the objects, located on the same floor as the second transporter, and the second transporter may be configured to allow the transfer of the objects to and from the storage shelves.

[0018] According to this disclosure, for example, an object received by a first transporter can be temporarily placed according to the working situation, such as storing the object in a storage shelf via a second transporter, so that the efficiency of the transportation work can be further ensured more reliably.

[0019] In addition, in the above inter-floor transportation system, the storage shelf may be configured to be movable on the floor.

[0020] According to this disclosure, for example, by moving the storage shelf to a position that does not obstruct the travel of the second transporter or the like, the degree of freedom in setting the travel route of the second transporter or the like can be increased, or by moving the storage shelf near the delivery position, the efficiency of the object delivery work from (to) the storage shelf can be improved.

[0021] Furthermore, in the above inter-floor transportation system, the first transporter may have a traveling part and be configured to self-travel on the floor, and the storage shelf may also have a traveling part and be configured to self-travel on the floor.

[0022] According to these disclosures, by the first transporter and the storage shelf self-traveling to the delivery position, further efficiency improvement of the transportation work can be achieved.

[0023] Furthermore, in the above inter-floor transportation system, it may further include a common transporter for moving the first transporter and the storage shelf on the floor.

[0024] According to this disclosure, by moving the first transporter and the storage shelf without a traveling part using a common transporter, the cost of the transportation system can be reduced compared to the case of using the first transporter and the storage shelf with a traveling part.

Effect of the Invention

[0025] As described above, according to the inter-floor transportation system according to this disclosure, at an arbitrary delivery position, the object can be delivered between the upper and lower floors.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0026] [Figure 1] It is a perspective view schematically showing a between - floor transfer system according to Embodiment 1 of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] It is a side view showing a part of a mezzanine - type rack as seen in the direction of arrow II in FIG. 1. [Figure 3] It is a side view of the mezzanine - type rack as seen in the direction of arrow III in FIG. 1. [Figure 4] It is a diagram schematically explaining the function of the case transfer machine. [Figure 5] It is a diagram schematically explaining the function of the case - carrying automatic traveling machine. [Figure 6] It is a diagram schematically explaining the function of the storage shelf. [Figure 7] It is a diagram schematically showing an example of a transfer pattern. [Figure 8] It is a diagram schematically showing an example of a transfer pattern. [Figure 9] It is a diagram schematically showing a between - floor transfer system according to Embodiment 2 of the present disclosure. [Figure 10] It is a diagram schematically showing a between - floor transfer system according to Embodiment 3 of the present disclosure. [Figure 11] It is a diagram schematically showing a between - floor transfer system according to other embodiments. [Figure 12] It is a perspective view schematically showing a between - floor transfer system according to other embodiments. [[ID=,40]]

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0027] Hereinafter, modes for carrying out the present disclosure will be described based on the drawings.

[0028] (Embodiment 1) -Overall Configuration- Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of the inter-floor transport system 1 according to this embodiment, Figure 2 is a side view showing a part of the mezzanine rack 10 as seen in the direction of arrow II in Figure 1, and Figure 3 is a side view of the mezzanine rack 10 as seen in the direction of arrow III in Figure 1. This inter-floor transport system 1 unmanned transports cases (objects) 70 containing workpieces, jigs, etc. (not shown) between the first floor 1F and the second floor 2F (the floor above the first floor 1F). As shown in Figure 1, the inter-floor transport system 1 includes a mezzanine rack 10, a case transfer machine 20, an automatic case transport travel machine 30, a storage shelf 40, an automatic shelf transport travel machine 50, a work device 60, and a management server 80. In the following explanation, the "automatic case transport vehicle 30" will also be referred to as the "case transport AGV 30," and the "automatic shelf transport vehicle 50" will also be referred to as the "shelf transport AGV 50" ("AGV" is an abbreviation for "automated guided vehicle").

[0029] - Mezzanine rack - As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the mezzanine rack 10 is a mezzanine-type shelving unit that is installed on the floor 7 of a building such as a warehouse or factory, and improves storage efficiency by dividing the high-ceilinged interior of the building into upper and lower spaces (first floor 1F and second floor 2F) and creating a two-tiered structure. As shown in Figure 1, the mezzanine rack 10 comprises a rectangular floor slab 11 and support columns 13 that support the floor slab 11.

[0030] The floor slab 11 is composed of multiple rectangular plate-like members laid on beam members (not shown) supported by columns 13, and its upper surface is a shelf surface 11a on which goods and other items are placed and stored, as shown in Figures 1 to 3. In the example in Figure 1, only the columns 13 provided at the four corners of the floor slab 11 are shown for the sake of clarity, but the number of columns 13 is determined according to the area of ​​the floor slab 11 (shelf surface 11a).

[0031] In this embodiment, by installing the mezzanine rack 10 on the floor surface 7, the space between the floor surface 7 and the floor slab 11 constitutes the first floor level 1F, and multiple work devices 60 are arranged on this first floor level 1F. On the other hand, the space above the shelf surface 11a of the mezzanine rack 10 constitutes the second floor level 2F, which is the floor above the first floor level 1F, and the case transfer machine 20, case transport AGV 30, and storage shelves 40 are arranged on this second floor level 2F.

[0032] In other words, in this embodiment, a mezzanine rack 10 is installed on the floor surface 7 of the first floor 1F, and the shelf surface 11a of this mezzanine rack 10 constitutes the floor surface of the second floor 2F. Then, as shown in Figure 1, an opening 15 is formed through the shelf surface 11a (floor slab 11) of the mezzanine rack 10 in a portion corresponding to the "transfer position" where cases 70 are transferred between the first floor 1F and the second floor 2F.

[0033] In this embodiment, the "transfer position" refers to a position on the shelf surface 11a on the second floor 2F that corresponds to the position on the first floor 1F where the work device 60, which performs work using the workpieces housed in the case 70, is located.

[0034] -Case Transfer Machine- Figure 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating the function of the case transfer machine (first conveyor) 20. The case transfer machine 20 is located on the second floor (2F) and transfers cases 70 between it and the first floor (1F). As shown on the left side of Figure 4, it has a transfer machine body 21, a lift unit 23, a controller 25, and legs 27.

[0035] As shown in Figure 1, the transfer machine body 21 has a rectangular frame-shaped base 21a with a rectangular opening in the center, and a pair of guide parts 21b extending upward from the base 21a to assist the lifting motion of the lift part 23. The lift part 23 is configured to be able to move up and down relative to the transfer machine body 21, and as shown on the left side of Figure 4, it is configured to be able to lower the case 70 from a position higher than the base 21a to a position lower than the shelf surface 11a, as shown on the right side of Figure 4.

[0036] The controller 25 is attached to the base 21a and is electrically connected to the lift unit 23. The controller 25 is capable of wireless communication with the management server 80 and is configured to raise and lower the lift unit 23 according to commands from the management server 80. The leg unit 27 has four legs 27a and is configured to support the transfer machine body 21 against the shelf surface 11a so that a space is created between the base 21a and the shelf surface 11a in which the shelf transport AGV 50 can slide under.

[0037] The case transfer machine 20, configured as described above, is not fixed to the mezzanine rack 10, but is movable on the shelf surface 11a, and can be stably positioned at any desired location on the mezzanine rack 10 by bringing the four legs 27a of the leg portion 27 into contact with the shelf surface 11a. However, the case transfer machine 20 does not have a travel mechanism, and is not capable of moving under its own power to the "transfer position" where cases 70 are transferred between the first floor 1F and the second floor 2F.

[0038] Therefore, in the inter-floor transport system 1 of this embodiment, the case transfer machine 20 is moved on the floor by a shelf transport AGV (transporter) 50. Specifically, the shelf transport AGV 50 is capable of wireless communication with the management server 80 and is configured to move on the shelf surface 11a in accordance with commands from the management server 80.

[0039] When the shelf transport AGV 50, configured in this way, receives a command from the management server 80 to move the case transfer machine 20 to the "transfer position," it slips between the base 21a and the shelf surface 11a, lifts the case transfer machine 20, and then, as shown in the center of Figure 4, with the four legs 27a of the leg section 27 lifted above the shelf surface 11a, it transports the case transfer machine 20 to the "transfer position." When the shelf transport AGV 50 arrives directly above the opening 15 corresponding to the "transfer position," it lowers the lifted case transfer machine 20, and the four legs 27a of the leg section 27 make contact with the shelf surface 11a, so that the case transfer machine 20 is positioned directly above the opening 15, and then exits from between the base 21a and the shelf surface 11a.

[0040] As described above, the case transfer machine 20, positioned directly above the opening 15 corresponding to the "transfer position," raises and lowers its lift section 23 based on commands from the management server 80, as shown on the right side of Figure 4, to transfer the case 70 between the first floor 1F and the second floor 2F through the opening 15.

[0041] -Automated Case Transport Machine- Figure 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating the function of the case transport AGV 30. The case transport AGV (second transporter) 30 is located on the second floor, 2F. As shown in Figure 5, the case transport AGV 30 is equipped with a travel section 31, a lift section 33, a transfer section 35, and a stock shelf 37. It is capable of self-propelled movement on the shelf surface 11a of the second floor, 2F, while holding a case 70, and is configured to transfer the case 70 between the case transferer 20 and the storage shelf 40.

[0042] More specifically, the travel unit 31 is capable of wireless communication with the management server 80, and when it receives a transport request for case 70 from the management server 80, it is configured to move along the shelf surface 11a and approach the case transfer machine 20 or storage shelf 40 that is holding the case 70 to be transported. The lift unit 33 includes a lifting rail (not shown), a lifting motor (not shown), etc. The lift unit 33 is capable of wireless communication with the management server 80, and when it receives a transport request for case 70 from the management server 80, it is configured to raise and lower the transfer unit 35 to the height of the case 70 to be transported, which is being held (stored) by the case transfer machine 20 or storage shelf 40.

[0043] The transfer unit 35 includes, for example, a suction unit (not shown) that utilizes negative pressure from a vacuum pump, and a slide holding unit (not shown) driven by a motor. The transfer unit 35 is also capable of wireless communication with the management server 80. When the transfer unit 35 receives a transport request for a case 70 from the management server 80, it extends its slide holding unit to the case transfer machine 20 or storage shelf 40 that is holding the case 70 to be transported, and then uses the suction unit to pick up the case 70 and transfer it to the slide holding unit. After that, the slide holding unit retracts to receive the case 70. The case 70 acquired in this way is then stored (moved) to the stock shelf 37 by the transfer unit 35 extending its slide holding unit to the stock shelf 37, releasing the suction from the suction unit to separate the case 70, and then retracting the slide holding unit.

[0044] Furthermore, when the transfer unit 35 receives a case 70 stored in the stock shelf 37 and transfers the case 70 to the case transfer machine 20 or storage shelf 40, it performs the same operation as described above, so to avoid repetition, the explanation is omitted.

[0045] The case transport AGV 30 configured as described above will, in the inter-floor transport system 1 of this embodiment, play the role of transferring cases 70 received from storage shelves 40 to case transfer machines 20, as shown by the white arrows in Figure 5, and transferring cases 70 received from case transfer machines 20 to storage shelves 40, as shown by the black arrows in Figure 5. It will also play the role of transferring cases 70 received from one case transfer machine 20 to another case transfer machine 20, and transferring cases 70 received from one storage shelf 40 to another storage shelf 40.

[0046] -Storage shelves- Figure 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating the function of the storage shelf 40. The storage shelf 40 is located on the same floor as the case transport AGV 30, i.e., the second floor 2F, and stores cases 70. It is configured to allow for the transfer of cases 70 between the storage shelf 40 and the case transport AGV 30. As shown in Figure 6, the storage shelf 40 has a shelf body 41 and four legs 43.

[0047] As shown in Figures 1 and 6, the shelf body 41 is divided into three rows in the longitudinal direction, two rows perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, and five levels in the vertical direction, allowing it to store up to 30 cases 70. The four legs 43 are configured to support the shelf body 41 against the shelf surface 11a, as shown on the left side of Figure 6, so that a space is created between the bottom surface of the shelf body 41 and the shelf surface 11a in which the shelf transport AGV 50 can slide inside.

[0048] The storage shelf 40, configured as described above, is not fixed to the mezzanine rack 10, but is movable on the shelf surface 11a, and can be stably positioned at any desired location on the mezzanine rack 10 by making contact with the shelf surface 11a using its four legs 43. However, like the case transfer machine 20, the storage shelf 40 does not have a travel mechanism and is not capable of moving under its own power.

[0049] Therefore, in the inter-floor transport system 1 of this embodiment, the storage shelves 40 are transported on the floor by the shelf transport AGV 50. Specifically, when the shelf transport AGV 50 receives a command from the management server 80 to transport the storage shelves 40, it moves between the bottom surface of the shelf body 41 and the shelf surface 11a, lifts the storage shelves 40, and then transports the storage shelves 40 with its four legs 43 floating above the shelf surface 11a, as shown in the center of Figure 6.

[0050] Then, as shown on the right side of Figure 6, when the shelf transport AGV 50 arrives near the target location, for example, the case transfer machine 20, it lowers the storage shelf 40 it was lifting, and the four legs 43 come into contact with the shelf surface 11a, so that the storage shelf 40 is placed on the shelf surface 11a, and then exits from between the bottom surface of the shelf body 41 and the shelf surface 11a.

[0051] -Working equipment- The work device 60 is not particularly limited and can be any device that performs work using materials, jigs, etc., contained in the case 70. Also, the case 70 may be transported from the second floor 2F to the first floor 1F by a belt conveyor (not shown) or the like, rather than by the work device 60. The work device 60 may be configured to communicate wirelessly with the management server 80 and to send requests to the management server 80 for, for example, replenishment of materials.

[0052] -Management Server- The management server 80, although not shown in the diagram, includes a wireless communication unit for communicating with the case transfer machine 20, a memory unit, a control unit, and the like. The memory unit includes non-volatile memory such as ROM and volatile memory such as RAM. The control unit consists of a CPU and the like, and is configured to control the operation of various components by loading a control program pre-stored in the ROM of the memory unit onto the RAM and executing it.

[0053] The management server 80 is configured to control the entire inter-floor transport system 1 based on the status of the transported items being brought in, the work process, and the current positions of the case transfer machine 20, case transport AGV 30, storage shelves 40, and shelf transport AGV 50.

[0054] -Conveying Pattern- In the inter-hierarchical transport system 1 of this embodiment, there are countless transport patterns for case 70, but a few examples will be described below. Note that the transport patterns for case 70 are not limited to the following examples.

[0055] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a transport pattern. As shown in Figure 7, when a case 70 used in work device 60A is to be used in work device 60B located away from work device 60A, first, the case transfer machine 20 raises its lift section 23, as shown on the left side of Figure 7, to receive the case 70 from work device 60A. Next, the shelf transport AGV 50 transports the case transfer machine 20 holding the case 70 to the opening 15 corresponding to the installation location of work device 60B, as shown in the center of Figure 7. Then, as shown on the right side of Figure 7, the case transfer machine 20 positioned directly above the opening 15 lowers its lift section 23, passing the case 70 to work device 60B through the opening 15.

[0056] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a transport pattern. In the example shown in Figure 8, the case 70 used in the work device 60A is used in the work device 60B, and the case transfer machine 20 raises its lift section 23 to receive the case 70 from the work device 60A, similar to the example shown in Figure 7. However, in the example shown in Figure 8, the case 70 received by the case transfer machine 20 from the work device 60A is temporarily placed on the storage shelf 40 via a case transport AGV 30 (not shown) (see thick arrow A). Next, the case transport AGV 30 receives the case 70 from the storage shelf 40 (see thick arrow B). Then, as shown on the right side of Figure 8, the case transport AGV 30 loads the case 70 into the case transfer machine 20, which is positioned directly above the opening 15. After that, the case transfer machine 20 lowers its lift section 23 and passes the case 70 to the work device 60B through the opening 15 (see thick arrow C).

[0057] -Mechanism / Effect- According to this embodiment, a case transfer machine 20, which is movable on the shelf surface 11a and has the function of raising and lowering the case 70, can be moved to the opening 15, and the case 70 can be transferred between the first floor 1F and the second floor 2F at any "transfer position".

[0058] Furthermore, since the case 70 can be easily transferred between the first floor (1F) and the second floor (2F) with the shelf surface 11a of the mezzanine rack 10, which can be easily installed in buildings, the interior space of the building can be effectively utilized.

[0059] Furthermore, by simply forming an opening 15 through the shelf surface 11a of the mezzanine rack 10 at a location to be designated as a "transfer position," the cases 70 can be easily transferred between the first floor 1F and the second floor 2F, thereby increasing the flexibility of the equipment layout.

[0060] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 7, the two case transfer machines 20, each positioned at one of the two openings 15, are assigned only to the transfer of cases 70 between the first floor 1F and the second floor 2F. The transfer of cases 70 between the two case transfer machines 20 is handled by the case transport AGV 30. In this way, the efficiency of the transport operation can be improved by assigning roles according to the characteristics of each transport machine.

[0061] Furthermore, by providing a case transport AGV 30 and storage shelves 40, as shown in Figure 8, the case transfer machine 20 can receive the case 70 from the first floor 1F, and then store it in the storage shelves 40 via the case transport AGV 30, allowing the case 70 to be temporarily placed according to the work situation.

[0062] Furthermore, since the storage shelf 40 is movable, it is possible to move the storage shelf 40 to a position that does not obstruct the movement of the case transport AGV 30, etc., thereby increasing the flexibility of setting the travel route of the case transport AGV 30, etc., or to move the storage shelf 40 to a position near the "transfer position", thereby improving the efficiency of the transfer of cases 70 from (or to) the storage shelf 40.

[0063] Furthermore, by moving the case transfer machine 20 and storage shelves 40, which do not have a moving part, using a common shelf transport AGV 50, the cost of the transport system can be reduced compared to when a case transfer machine and storage shelves with a moving part are used.

[0064] (Embodiment 2) This embodiment differs from Embodiment 1 in that storage shelves 40 and the like are located on the first floor (1F) instead of the work device 60. The following description will focus on the differences from Embodiment 1.

[0065] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram showing the inter-floor transport system 2 according to this embodiment. In this inter-floor transport system 2, as shown in Figure 9, the second floor 2F has the same configuration as in Embodiment 1, but the case transport AGV 30 and storage shelves 40 are placed on the first floor 1F.

[0066] More specifically, the cases 70, which are lowered from the second floor (2F) to the first floor (1F) by the case transfer machine 20, are received by the case transport AGV 30 located on the first floor (1F), and then stored in the storage shelves 40 also located on the first floor (1F).

[0067] Conversely, cases 70 retrieved from storage shelves 40 located on the first floor (1F) by the case transport AGV 30 are then passed to the case transfer machine 20 by the case transport AGV 30, and then the lift section 23 is raised to lift them from the first floor (1F) to the second floor (2F), where they are stored in storage shelves 40 located on the second floor (2F).

[0068] In the inter-floor transport system 2 configured as described above, for example, an empty case 70 lowered from the second floor 2F to the first floor 1F is replenished by a worker or the like in the storage shelf 40 located on the first floor 1F, and then lifted back up to the second floor 2F and stored in the storage shelf 40 located on the second floor 2F. In this way, it is possible to ensure that the cases 70 stored in the storage shelves 40 on both the first floor 1F and the second floor 2F are always full (never empty).

[0069] (Embodiment 3) This embodiment differs from Embodiment 1 in that the case transfer machine and the like are located on the first floor (1F). The following description will focus on the differences from Embodiment 1.

[0070] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram showing the inter-floor transport system 3 according to this embodiment. In this inter-floor transport system 3, as shown in Figure 10, the case transfer machine 20 is not placed on the second floor 2F, and the case transfer machine 120 and the case transport AGV 30 are placed on the first floor 1F.

[0071] In the case transfer machine 120, when it is located on the first floor (1F), the lift section 123 is configured to raise the case 70 from a position higher than the base section 121a to a position higher than the shelf surface 11a, as shown in Figure 10. Other aspects are the same as those of the case transfer machine 20, so their explanation will be omitted.

[0072] Cases 70, retrieved from storage shelves 40 located on the first floor (1F) by the case transport AGV 30, are then transferred to a case transfer machine 120 by the case transport AGV 30. The lift section 123 is then raised to lift the cases from the first floor (1F) to the second floor (2F), where they are stored in storage shelves 40 located on the second floor (2F).

[0073] In the inter-floor transport system 3 configured as described above, the case transfer machine 120, which tends to be relatively bulky, is placed on the first floor (1F), making it possible to effectively utilize the second floor (2F).

[0074] (Other embodiments) This disclosure is not limited to embodiments and can be implemented in various other ways without departing from its spirit or main features.

[0075] In the embodiments described above, the shelf surface 11a of the mezzanine rack 10 constitutes the floor surface of the second-level floor 2F. However, the invention is not limited to this, and for example, without using the mezzanine rack 10, an opening 9 may be provided in the second-floor slab 8 of a two-story building, as shown in the inter-floor transport system 4 in Figure 11, and the upper surface 8a of the second-floor slab 8 may constitute the floor surface of the second-level floor 2F.

[0076] Furthermore, in each of the above embodiments, the shelf transport AGV 50 transports the case transfer machine 20, but this is not limited to this configuration. For example, the case transfer machine 20 may be equipped with a travel section (not shown) so that it can move on its own on the floor. In this way, the case transfer machine 20 moves to the transfer position on its own without waiting for the shelf transport AGV 50, thus further improving the efficiency of the transport operation.

[0077] Furthermore, in each of the above embodiments, the shelf transport AGV 50 transports the storage shelves 40. However, the invention is not limited to this, and for example, the storage shelves 40 may be equipped with a traveling section (not shown) so that they can move on their own on the floor. In this way, the storage shelves 40 move to the handover position on their own without waiting for the shelf transport AGV 50, thus further improving the efficiency of the transport operation.

[0078] Furthermore, in each of the above embodiments, the opening 15 formed through the mezzanine rack 10 was used as the "transfer position," but this is not limited to this. For example, as in the inter-floor transport system 5 shown in Figure 12, the outer periphery of the shelf surface 11a of the mezzanine rack 10 may be used as the "transfer position." In this case, in order to maintain the stability of the case transfer machine 20, it is preferable to provide, for example, a scaffold 17 that protrudes outward from the outer edge of the shelf surface 11a and supports a part of the legs 27a.

[0079] Furthermore, in each of the above embodiments, the object to be moved to the shelves was referred to as case 70, but the object to be moved to the shelves is not limited to this, and any object may be used.

[0080] Thus, the embodiments described above are merely illustrative in all respects and should not be interpreted restrictively. Furthermore, any variations or modifications that fall within the equivalent scope of the claims are all within the scope of this disclosure. [Industrial applicability]

[0081] According to this disclosure, since objects can be transferred between upper and lower floors at any transfer location, it is extremely useful when applied to inter-floor transport systems that unmanned transport objects between upper and lower floors. [Explanation of symbols]

[0082] 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th Floor Inter-Floor Transport System 1F (First Floor) 2nd Floor 7 Floor surface 10 Mezzanine racks 11a Shelf surface (floor surface) 15. Opening (handover location) 20 Case Transfer Machine (First Conveyor) 23 Lift section 30-case automated transport machine (second transport machine) 40 storage shelves 50. Automatic shelf transport vehicle (transporter) 70 cases (objects)

Claims

1. An inter-floor transport system for unmanned transport of objects between a first-floor level and a second-floor level which is the level above the first-floor level, It is equipped with a first conveyor that is movable on the floor and has a lift section that can be raised and lowered, The inter-floor transport system is characterized in that the first transporter is located on the first or second floor, moves to an arbitrary transfer position, raises and lowers the lift section, and transfers the object between the first and second floors.

2. In the inter-hierarchical transport system described in claim 1, The first level floor is further equipped with mezzanine racks installed on the floor surface, An inter-level transport system characterized in that the floor surface of the second level is the shelf surface of the mezzanine rack.

3. In the inter-hierarchical transport system according to claim 1 or 2, An opening is formed through the floor surface of the second level floor in the portion corresponding to the handover position. The inter-floor transport system is characterized in that the first transporter transfers the object through the opening.

4. In the inter-hierarchical transport system according to claim 1 or 2, The system further comprises a second conveyor, which is positioned on the first or second floor and is capable of self-propelled movement on the floor of the first or second floor while holding the object, The inter-floor transport system is characterized in that the second transporter is capable of transferring the object between it and the first transporter.

5. In the inter-hierarchical transport system described in claim 4, Located on the same floor as the second conveyor, and further equipped with storage shelves for storing the object, The inter-floor transport system is characterized in that the second transporter is configured to allow the transfer of the object between it and the storage shelf.

6. In the inter-hierarchical transport system described in claim 5, The aforementioned storage rack is configured to be movable on the floor, making it a floor-to-floor transport system.

7. In the inter-hierarchical transport system according to claim 1 or 2, The inter-floor transport system is characterized in that the first transporter has a traveling section and is configured to move autonomously on the floor.

8. In the inter-hierarchical transport system described in claim 6, The aforementioned storage rack is configured to have a traveling section and to move autonomously on the floor, making it a multi-story transport system.

9. In the inter-hierarchical transport system described in claim 6, An inter-floor transport system characterized by further comprising a common transport device for moving the first transport device and the storage shelves on the floor.

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