Production System

Abstract

Improve space efficiency in the production area and production efficiency of production equipment. [Solution] The production system 1 comprises a production area 3 in which production equipment 30 is provided, a main storage area 4 provided adjacent to the production area 3 and in which storage containers 100 containing production-related items are stored, a running path 6 formed to connect the upper part of the main storage area 4 with the upper part of the production area 3, a sub-storage area 5 provided below the running path 6 inside the production area 3 and for storing the storage containers 100, and a conveying device 7 capable of traveling on the running path 6 and storing and retrieving the storage containers 100 in the main storage area 4 and the sub-storage area 5, and the conveying device 7 has a vertical lift section 71 which transports the storage containers 100 vertically to the main storage area 4 and the sub-storage area 5 for storing and retrieving them.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a production system having an overhead transport function. [Background technology]

[0002] In a production system that produces products, it is necessary to store the raw materials used for production and the produced products. In addition, when a production system has multiple production facilities corresponding to multiple processes, the final product is produced by sequentially supplying the products of the production facilities of the upstream process to the production facilities of the downstream process. In such a production system having multiple production facilities, there is often a difference in processing capacity between the production facilities of the multiple processes. In this case, it is necessary to temporarily store the products produced in the upstream process as work in progress between the production facilities of the upstream process and the production facilities of the downstream process until the production in the downstream process starts. In such cases, it may be possible to install an automated warehouse system such as those described in Patent Documents 1 to 3 described below, next to the production area where the production equipment is installed, to store items related to production, such as raw materials, work in progress, and finished products.

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

[0004] In this way, when an automated warehouse system is installed next to a production area, or when an automated warehouse system is combined with an automated guided vehicle (AGV) or an overhead guided vehicle (OHT), the space efficiency of the warehouse or production area decreases due to constraints on ensuring the movement of people and goods and on equipment configuration. In addition, when transporting production-related items between the production area and the warehouse, if the transport is done automatically using an automated guided transport system, there is a transfer time to the automated warehouse system in addition to the transport time of the automated guided transport system. If the transport is done manually, there is an extra lead time such as walking time for receiving and handling in addition to the transport time. In addition, the distance between the production equipment located on the warehouse side of the production area and the warehouse is not constant between the production equipment and the production equipment located on the opposite side of the warehouse. For this reason, some production equipment may require particularly long transport times, and may have lower production efficiency than other production equipment due to factors such as delays in the supply of raw materials. Then, for example, in a situation where other production equipment uses the products produced by the production equipment, the production efficiency of the other production equipment will also decrease. In this way, the production efficiency of the entire production system may decrease due to a decrease in the production efficiency of some production equipment in particular. Furthermore, in the vicinity of the warehouse in the production area, the transport routes of items related to all the production equipment included in the production area are concentrated, which may cause congestion and back-up of transport of items in the vicinity of the warehouse, reducing the production efficiency of the production system. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

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

[0006] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a production system that can improve the space efficiency in the production area and the production efficiency of the production equipment. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The inventors focused on the fact that a production system with ceiling transport function can be realized by providing a main storage unit adjacent to the production area and a sub-storage unit (hanging type sub-storage unit, floor-mounted type sub-storage unit, rack-type sub-storage unit) below the path along which the transport device moves, thereby realizing a production system that can shorten the transport time between production processes when retrieving and storing production-related items associated with the production process, and arrived at the present invention. In order to solve the above problems, the present invention employs the following means. In other words, the production system of the present invention is a production system with a ceiling transport function, in which production-related items, including supplies supplied to production equipment and used in production, and products produced by the production equipment based on the supplies, are stored in storage containers, and the production system is equipped with a production area in which the production equipment is installed, a main storage area adjacent to the production area and in which the storage containers are stored, a running path formed to connect the upper part of the main storage area with the upper part of the production area, a sub-storage area installed below the running path inside the production area and for storing the storage containers, and a transport device capable of traveling on the running path and storing and retrieving the storage containers from the main storage area and the sub-storage area, and the transport device is characterized in that it has a vertical lift section that transports the storage containers vertically to the main storage area and the sub-storage area for storing and retrieving them. According to the above-mentioned configuration, production-related items, including supplies supplied to the production equipment and used in production, and products produced by the production equipment based on the supplies, are stored in storage containers in the main storage section or the sub-storage section. The main storage section is provided adjacent to the production area where the production equipment is provided (on the side, or in an adjacent room adjacent to the production area). On the other hand, the sub-storage section is provided inside the production area where the production equipment is provided. In this way, since the sub-storage section is provided in a position closer to the production equipment than the main storage section, the sub-storage section can be appropriately used for the purpose of storing, for example, supplies transported from the main storage section and used in production by the production equipment until they are used by the production equipment, or storing products produced by the production equipment until they are transported to the main storage section. Such transportation of storage containers between the main storage section and the sub-storage section is performed by a transport device traveling on a running path formed to connect the upper part of the main storage section and the upper part of the production section. The transport device transports the storage containers in the vertical direction using a vertical lift unit, thereby storing and retrieving the storage containers from the main storage section and the sub-storage section located below the running path. As described above, the running path along which the transport device travels is formed above both the main storage section and the production section, where production equipment is unlikely to be installed or where workers who operate the production equipment are unlikely to be located for work, so it is possible to effectively utilize the space in the production section. Therefore, the space efficiency in the production section can be improved. Furthermore, as described above, the sub-storage section is located closer to the production equipment than the main storage section. For example, by transporting urgently needed supplies from the main storage section to the sub-storage section in advance, it is possible to prevent a situation in which the supply of supplies to some of the production equipment is delayed, resulting in a decrease in production efficiency and thus a decrease in the production efficiency of the entire production system. In addition, since production-related items can be stored in the sub-storage area instead of the main storage area, the concentration of transportation traffic in the vicinity of the main storage area is suppressed, and congestion and backlogs in the transportation device can be suppressed. The above-mentioned effects can be particularly pronounced if the product of a production facility corresponding to a preceding process is temporarily stored in the sub-storage section when the product of the production facility corresponding to the preceding process is supplied to another production facility corresponding to a following process. In other words, when operating in this manner, it is not necessary to transport the product to the main storage section and then transport it again from the main storage section to the production area, so that the overall transport distance is shortened and the concentration of transport traffic in the vicinity of the main storage section can be efficiently avoided. In this way, the transportation efficiency of production-related items can be improved, and the production efficiency of production facilities can be increased. As a result, it is possible to provide a production system that can improve the space efficiency in the production area and the production efficiency of the production equipment.

[0008] In one aspect of the present invention, the sub-storage unit comprises any one or a combination of a hanging type sub-storage unit provided on a hanging stand suspended from above, a floor-mounted type sub-storage unit in which the storage container is placed on the floor, and a floor-mounted stand type sub-storage unit in which the storage container is installed on a stand on which it is placed on the floor. With this configuration, the suspended sub-storage unit is mounted on a hanging frame suspended from above, making it possible to effectively utilize the empty space above the production area, where production equipment is unlikely to be installed or where workers who operate the production equipment are unlikely to be located for work. Also, because the hanging frame supporting the suspended sub-storage unit is configured to be suspended from above, there is no need to support the suspended sub-storage unit and the hanging frame from below. In other words, the sub-storage unit can be installed below the production area, where workers, production equipment, etc. are concentrated, without providing any members to support the suspended sub-storage unit. This makes it possible to further improve the space efficiency of the production area. In addition, in a floor-mounted sub-storage unit, the storage containers are placed on the floor, so there is no need to provide any special equipment for placing the storage containers.In a floor-mounted stand-type sub-storage unit, the storage containers are placed on stands that are placed on the floor, so there is no need to provide any special equipment for placing the storage containers other than the stands.As a result, the sub-storage unit can be easily realized in an empty space within the production area.

[0009] In one aspect of the present invention, a ceiling material is placed above the running path, and equipment is installed between the ceiling material and a building frame. According to this configuration, by installing the equipment between the ceiling material above the runway and the building frame, it is possible to prevent dust and other particles generated in the so-called attic space above the ceiling material from scattering into the production area. Also, by installing the equipment in the attic space, the space in the production area can be used effectively. Effect of the Invention

[0010] According to the present invention, a production system can be realized that can improve the space efficiency in the production area and the production efficiency of the production equipment. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic vertical cross-sectional view showing a configuration of a production system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a plan view of the production system of FIG. 1. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a conveying device in the production system. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a configuration of a production system according to a first modified example of the embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 5] FIG. 11 is a schematic vertical cross-sectional view showing a configuration of a production system according to a second modified example of the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 11 is a schematic vertical cross-sectional view showing a configuration of a production system according to a third modified example of the embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0012] The present invention is a production system with a ceiling transport function (robot storage system). The production system is composed of a main storage unit located adjacent to the production area, and sub-storage units (hanging sub-storage unit, floor-mounted sub-storage unit, rack-type sub-storage unit) located below the travel path along which the transport device moves. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, an embodiment of a production system according to the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. A schematic vertical cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a production system according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown in Fig. 1. 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 in a building 2. The building 2 is, for example, a single-story building, and includes a floor 21, a roof (roof slab) 22 arranged above the floor 21, and an exterior wall 25 (see Fig. 2) provided on the outer periphery of the floor 21. Here, the specific structure and configuration of the building 2 are not limited in any way. The building 2 need not be a single-story building, but may be configured to have multiple floors of two or more stories. In this case, an upper floor 24 (floor slab) may be provided instead of the roof 22. The production system 1 mainly includes a production section 3, a main storage section 4, a sub-storage section 5, a running track 6, and a conveying device 7. To simplify the drawing, the conveying device 7 provided on the running track 6 is not illustrated in FIG.

[0013] The production section 3 is disposed on the floor 21. The production section 3 is equipped with a plurality of pieces of production equipment 30. The production section 3 is a production room in which the plurality of pieces of production equipment 30 are disposed. The production section 3 is formed between the floor 21 and a travel path 6, which is provided above the floor 21 and will be described later. In the plurality of production facilities 30, products are manufactured. In this embodiment, for example, a first process production facility 30A, a second process production facility 30B, and a third process production facility 30C are provided as the plurality of production facilities 30. In this embodiment, the first process production facility 30A, the second process production facility 30B, and the third process production facility 30C are sequentially arranged along the first direction D1. For example, a product is produced by passing through the first process production facility 30A, the second process production facility 30B, and the third process production facility 30C in this order. In FIG. 1, the first process production facility 30A, the second process production facility 30B, and the third process production facility 30C are sequentially arranged along the first direction D1, but the arrangement (disposition) of the plurality of production facilities 30 is not limited to this and can be changed as appropriate. The number of production equipment 30 (number of processes) through which a product is manufactured is not limited to three as shown here, and may be two, four or more. Furthermore, a series of production equipment 30 (production equipment 30A for a first process, production equipment 30B for a second process, and production equipment 30C for a third process) for manufacturing a product may be provided in the production section 3. In this embodiment, the multiple production equipment 30 are arranged in multiple rows spaced apart from each other in a second direction D2 perpendicular to the first direction D1 in a horizontal plane, as shown in FIG. 2.

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

[0015] The main storage section 4 is the main storage section of the production system 1, which stores production-related items. For example, raw materials for producing products, which are supplied to the production equipment 30 in the production system 1, are transported from the outside to the main storage section 4 via a truck berth (not shown) or the like provided adjacent to the main storage section 4, and are stored therein. In addition, finished products produced by the production equipment 30 in the production system 1 are shipped to the outside via a truck berth or the like.

[0016] The main storage section 4 is provided on the side of the production section 3 (including the adjacent room adjacent to the production section) when viewed from above. In particular, in this embodiment, the main storage section 4 is provided adjacent to the production section 3. The main storage section 4 is provided adjacent to one side of the production section 3 in the first direction D1. In this embodiment, the main storage section 4 is provided over the entire second direction D2 of the building 2. The main storage section 4 is arranged on the floor 21. That is, the main storage section 4 is arranged on the same floor as the multiple production facilities 30 in the building 2. Production-related items are stored in the main storage section 4. In this embodiment, the production-related items are stored in a box-shaped storage container 100. The storage container 100 is generally a hollow box-shaped cubic or rectangular parallelepiped, and has an opening at the top for putting in and taking out the production-related items. The inside of the storage container 100 is a storage area in which the production-related items are stored and kept. A plurality of storage containers 100 can be stacked one on top of the other.

[0017] The main storage section 4 stores a plurality of storage containers 100 by placing them on the floor. The main storage section 4 can store a plurality of storage containers 100 lined up at a plurality of positions spaced apart in each of the first direction D1 and the second direction D2. A plurality of storage containers 100 can be stacked in the vertical direction Dv and stored in each position in the first direction D1 and the second direction D2 in the main storage section 4. In this embodiment, in the main storage section 4, the storage containers 100 (when a plurality of containers are stacked vertically, the lowest storage container 100) are placed directly on the floor 21 (this is referred to as being placed on the floor in this specification). In the main storage section 4, the storage containers 100 may be installed on an appropriate stand (not shown) placed on the floor 21.

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

[0019] The hanging sub-storage section 5A is provided above the production section 3 and below the running path 6, which will be described later. On the transport path using the transport device 7, which will be described later, the hanging sub-storage section 5A is provided at a position closer to the production equipment 30 than the main storage section 4. In this embodiment, the hanging sub-storage section 5A is provided at intervals in the first direction D1. The hanging sub-storage section 5A is provided at intervals in the first direction D1, for example, above the production equipment 30A of the first process and above the production equipment 30C of the third process. The hanging sub-storage section 5A may be provided at only one location, for example. Alternatively, the hanging sub-storage section 5A may be provided at three locations by also providing it at an upper position of the production equipment 30B of the second process. The hanging sub-storage section 5A may be provided at four or more locations. In this embodiment, each hanging type sub-storage section 5A is formed so as to extend in the second direction D2.

[0020] The hanging type sub-storage unit 5A is formed 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 this embodiment, the hanging type sub-storage unit 5A is provided on a hanging rack 29 supported via a hanging shelf 28 on the framework of the building 2 located above the multiple production facilities 30. The hanging shelf 28 is suspended from above from the framework of the building 2. In this embodiment, the framework of the building 2 is beams 26 that support the roof 22 (or the floor 24 of the upper floor) from below. The beams 26 are located above the multiple production equipment 30. The hanging shelf 28 includes multiple beams 28a extending downward from the beams 26, and shelf material 28b supported by the multiple beams 28a and provided along a horizontal plane. The hanging frame 29 is provided below the hanging shelf 28. The hanging frame 29 is suspended from shelf material 28b of the hanging shelf 28. The hanging frame 29 includes a plurality of bundle members 29a extending downward from shelf material 28b, and a horizontal member 29b supported by the plurality of bundle members 29a and provided along a horizontal plane. It is also possible to adopt a configuration in which the suspension rack 29 is directly suspended from the beams 26 that constitute the frame, without providing the suspension shelf 28.

[0021] In this embodiment, the hanging sub-storage unit 5A is provided below the hanging frame 29. The hanging sub-storage unit 5A is provided on the hanging frame 29 suspended from above, and is thereby suspended within the production area 3. The hanging sub-storage unit 5A is provided with a storage rack 50 capable of storing a plurality of storage containers 100. The storage rack 50 is provided to form 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 extending in a second direction D2 in a horizontal plane, a plurality of support columns 53 extending in a vertical direction Dv, and a lower frame 54.

[0022] As shown in FIG. 2, the first upper frames 51 are arranged in parallel to each other at equal intervals in the second direction D2 at the top of the storage rack 50. The second upper frames 52 are arranged in parallel to each other at equal intervals in the first direction D1 at the top of the storage rack 50. The first upper frames 51 and the second upper frames 52 are formed in a lattice shape when viewed from above. Each of the pillars 53 is arranged to extend downward from the intersections of the first upper frame 51 and each of the second upper frames 52, which are located on the outer contour of the storage rack 50 when viewed from above. Each of the pillars 53 may also be arranged to extend downward from the intersections of the first upper frame 51 and each of the second upper frames 52, which are located inside the outer contour when viewed from above. The lower end of each of the multiple support columns 53 is connected to a lower frame 54 that is disposed at a distance below 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 is configured so that multiple storage containers 100 can be placed on the upper surface of the bottom plate.

[0023] As shown in Fig. 2, rectangular openings 55 opening upward are formed 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. A plurality of openings 55 are formed along the first direction D1 and the second direction D2. When viewed from above, storage containers 100 are stored on (the bottom plate of) the lower frames 54 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 frames 54 located below each opening 55 by ensuring a sufficient length of the plurality of supports 53 in the vertical direction Dv.

[0024] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the floor-standing sub-storage unit 5B is provided on the floor 21 in the production area 3. The floor-standing sub-storage unit 5B is provided in an adjacent space in the second direction D2 of the production equipment 30. The floor-standing 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-standing sub-storage unit 5B, the storage containers 100 are placed on the floor. The floor-standing 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 stand-type sub-storage unit 5C is provided on the floor 21 in the production area 3. The floor-mounted sub-storage unit 5B is provided in the adjacent space to the production equipment 30 in the second direction D2. The floor-mounted stand-type sub-storage section 5C includes a stand 56 placed on the floor 21. The stand 56 includes, for example, a plurality of support columns or side walls 56a installed on the floor 21, a lower frame 56b connected to the lower ends of the plurality of support columns or side walls 56a, an upper frame 56c connected to the upper ends of the plurality of support columns or side walls 56a, and a top plate (not shown) provided on the upper frame 56c. Note that the specific configuration of the stand 56 is not limited in any way. In the floor-mounted stand-type sub-storage section 5C, multiple storage containers 100 are placed on (the top plate of) a stand 56 placed on the floor 21. In this embodiment, the stand 56 is provided so that multiple storage containers 100 can be placed side by side in the first direction D1. Multiple storage containers 100 can be stored on the stand 56 while being stacked in the vertical direction Dv.

[0026] The runway 6 is formed to connect the upper part of the main storage section 4 and the upper part of the production section 3. The runway 6 is provided below the hanging shelves 28. In this embodiment, the runway 6 is provided on the horizontal member 29b of the hanging rack 29. In this embodiment, the runway 6 includes a first runway 6A, a second runway 6B, a third runway 6C, and a fourth runway 6D. Each of the first runway 6A, the second runway 6B, the third runway 6C, and the fourth runway 6D extends along a horizontal plane.

[0027] The first runway 6A is provided above the main storage section 4. In other words, the main storage section 4 is provided below the first runway 6A. As shown in FIG. 2, the first runway 6A is provided so as to cover the entire main storage section 4 when viewed from above. The first runway 6A has a plurality of first rails 61 extending in a first direction D1 and a plurality of second rails 62 extending in a second direction D2, which are arranged in a lattice shape in a plan view. The plurality of first rails 61 are provided at predetermined intervals in the second direction D2. The plurality of second rails 62 are provided at predetermined intervals in the first direction D1. The first travel path 6A is surrounded by two first rails 61 adjacent to each other in the second direction D2 and two second rails 62 adjacent to each other in the first direction D1, thereby forming a plurality of openings 63 having a rectangular shape in a plan view. The openings 63 are located vertically above the plurality of storage containers 100 arranged side by side on the floor 21 in the first direction D1 and the second direction D2 in the main storage section 4.

[0028] The second runway 6B is provided above the hanging sub-storage section 5A. In other words, the hanging sub-storage section 5A is provided below the second runway 6B. The second runway 6B is provided so as to cover each of the hanging sub-storage sections 5A when viewed from above. The second runway 6B has a plurality of first rails 61 extending in a first direction D1 and a plurality of second rails 62 extending in a second direction D2, arranged in a lattice shape when viewed from above. The first rails 61 are provided at a position overlapping with 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 rails 62 are provided at a position overlapping with 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. The second travel path 6B is surrounded by two first rails 61 adjacent to each other in the second direction D2 and two second rails 62 adjacent to each other in the first direction D1, thereby forming a plurality of openings 63 that are rectangular in plan view. Each opening 63 is provided so as to overlap with the opening 55 at the same position as the opening 55 of the storage rack 50 of the hanging type sub-storage unit 5A in plan view. Each opening 63 is formed so as to vertically communicate with the opening 55 of the hanging type sub-storage unit 5A. Each opening 63 is located vertically above a plurality of storage containers 100 arranged side by side on the lower frame 54 in the first direction D1 and the second direction D2. In addition, when it is possible to set the rails 61, 62 of the runway 6 and the first upper frame 51 and the second upper frame 52 at approximately the same height, the rails 61, 62 of the runway 6 and the first upper frame 51 and the second upper frame 52 of the hanging sub-storage section 5A may be configured to be integrated as the same member.

[0029] The third runway 6C is provided above the floor-mounted sub-storage unit 5B and the floor-mounted stand-type sub-storage unit 5C. In other words, the floor-mounted sub-storage unit 5B and the floor-mounted stand-type sub-storage unit 5C are provided below the third runway 6C. The third runway 6C connects the first runway 6A provided above the main storage unit 4 and the second runway 6B provided above the hanging sub-storage unit 5A in the first direction D1. A plurality of third tracks 6C are provided at intervals in the second direction D2. In this embodiment, five third tracks 6C are provided at intervals in the second direction D2. Of the five third tracks 6C, two third tracks 6C are provided at positions corresponding to both ends of the main storage unit 4 and the hanging sub-storage unit 5A in the second direction D2. Of the five third tracks 6C, three third tracks 6C are provided so as to overlap the floor-mounted sub-storage unit 5B and the floor-mounted stand-type sub-storage unit 5C when viewed from above. Each of the third running paths 6C has one end 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 paths 6C intersect with the second running paths 6B at an intermediate portion in the extension direction. The third running paths 6C include a pair of first rails 61. An opening 64 formed between the pair of first rails 61 is located vertically above the storage containers 100 placed on the floor 21 and the rack 56 in each of the floor-mounted sub-storage unit 5B and the floor-mounted rack-type sub-storage unit 5C.

[0030] The fourth runway 6D connects the third runways 6C in the second direction D2. The fourth runways 6D are provided at intervals in the first direction D1. Each of the fourth runways 6D extends in the second direction D2. In this embodiment, two fourth runways 6D are provided. One of the two fourth runways 6D is provided so as to connect the other ends of the third runways 6C on the opposite side to the main storage section 4 side. The other fourth runway 6D is disposed in the middle of two second runways 6B adjacent to each other in the first direction D1, and is provided so as to intersect with the middle parts of the third runways 6C. The fourth runway 6D includes two pairs of second rails 62. An opening 65 is formed between the two pairs of second rails 62. With this structure, the travel path 6 is provided so that the transport device 7, which will be described next, can freely travel at any position including above the main storage section 4 and above the sub-storage section 5.

[0031] The configuration of the sub-storage section 5 and the track 6 is not limited to the above-mentioned structure. For example, the configuration of the hanging type sub-storage unit 5A may be formed so as to extend in the first direction D1, as will be described later as a modified example, or the hanging type sub-storage unit 5A may be formed so as to extend in both the first direction D1 and the second direction. Even in this case, the second runway 6B is provided above the hanging sub-storage section 5A. Then, the runway 6 can be constructed by appropriately providing the third runway 6C and the fourth runway 6D to connect the second runway 6B and the first runway 6A provided above the main storage section 4 vertically and horizontally in the first direction D1 and the second direction D2.

[0032] In the above description, the floor-mounted sub-storage unit 5B and the floor-mounted stand-type sub-storage unit 5C are provided in adjacent spaces in the second direction D2 of the production facility 30, and the third runway 6C is located above them, but it goes without saying that this is not limited to the above. For example, the floor-mounted sub-storage unit 5B and the floor-mounted stand-type sub-storage unit 5C may be provided in a space other than the above, and the third runway 6C may be provided above them. Alternatively, the floor-mounted sub-storage unit 5B and the floor-mounted stand-type sub-storage unit 5C may be provided below the fourth runway 6D. From the standpoint of efficiently utilizing the space in the production area 3, when constructing the runway 6 as described above, it is desirable to provide the third runway 6C and the fourth runway 6D so that they pass through many areas on the floor 21 of the production area 3 where no production equipment 30 is located and where workers do not frequently enter, and to appropriately provide a floor-mounted sub-storage unit 5B and a floor-mounted stand-type sub-storage unit 5C below them.

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

[0034] The conveying device 7 has a pair of wheels spaced apart in a direction perpendicular to the traveling direction, and the wheels are positioned on a pair of first rails 61 adjacent to each other in the second direction D2 and a pair of second rails 62 adjacent to each other in the first direction D1, so that the conveying device 7 travels on the traveling path 6. The conveying device 7 has a direction changing function. As described above, in this embodiment, the traveling path 6 includes the first rail 61 and the second rail 62, which are arranged to intersect with each other. The conveying device 7 can change the traveling direction to any direction at the intersection of the first rail 61 and the second rail 62 as described above. In this way, the conveying device 7 is capable of traveling by appropriately selecting the traveling route at the intersection of the first rail 61 and the second rail 62 as a branching section and a merging section, and traveling at these branching sections and merging sections.

[0035] The transport device 7 is controlled by the control software, for example, as described above, and travels on the travel path 6 to transport production-related items within the production system 1. A plurality of conveying devices 7 are provided on the traveling path 6. The plurality of conveying devices 7 are controlled so as not to cross each other on the traveling path 6 by selecting a traveling route from the first rail 61 and the second rail 62 that constitute the traveling path 6 based on a command from a controller. The transport device 7 also includes a rechargeable storage 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 travel path 6 and charge the storage battery.

[0036] Each conveying device 7 is equipped with a vertical lift unit 71 that suspends a storage container 100 in which production-related items are stored. The vertical lift unit 71 has a lifting mechanism 72 such as a rod, cylinder, cable, etc. that extends and retracts downward, and is configured to be able to hold the storage container 100 at its lower end. While holding the storage container 100, the vertical lift unit 71 extends and retracts the lifting mechanism 72 such as a rod, cylinder, cable, etc., thereby raising and lowering the storage container 100 in the up-and-down direction Dv.

[0037] Each conveying device 7 is configured to be able to store and retrieve production-related items at any location in the main storage section 4. Each conveying device 7 travels at any location on the first traveling path 6A, stops at any location, and operates the vertical lift unit 71 with the vertical lift unit 71 positioned above the opening 63 provided at that location. As a result, each conveying device 7 stores and retrieves the storage container 100 at a location directly below the opening 63 in the main storage section 4 through the opening 63. Each conveying device 7 is also configured to be able to store and retrieve production-related items at any location in the hanging sub-storage section 5A. Each conveying device 7 travels at any location on the second traveling path 6B, stops at any location, and operates the vertical lift unit 71 with the vertical lift unit 71 positioned above the opening 63 provided at that location. As a result, each conveying device 7 stores and retrieves the storage container 100 at a position directly below the opening 63 in the hanging sub-storage section 5A via the opening 63 and the opening 55 of the hanging sub-storage section 5A that is positioned directly below the opening 63 and is formed so as to vertically communicate with the opening 63.

[0038] Furthermore, each conveying device 7 is configured to be able to store and retrieve production-related items at any location in the floor-mounted sub-storage unit 5B and the floor-mounted stand-type sub-storage unit 5C. Each conveying device 7 travels at any location on the third traveling path 6C, stops at any location, and operates the vertical lift unit 71 with the vertical lift unit 71 positioned above the opening 64 provided at that location. As a result, each conveying device 7 stores and retrieves the storage container 100 at a location directly below the opening 64 in the floor-mounted sub-storage unit 5B and the floor-mounted stand-type sub-storage unit 5C through the opening 64. When the floor-mounted sub-storage unit 5B and the floor-mounted stand-type sub-storage unit 5C are provided below the fourth travel path 6D, each transport device 7 travels at any position on the fourth travel path 6D, stops at any position, and operates the vertical lift unit 71 with the vertical lift unit 71 positioned above the opening 65 provided at that position. As a result, each transport device 7 stores and retrieves the storage containers 100 in and from the positions directly below the opening 65 of the floor-mounted sub-storage unit 5B and the floor-mounted stand-type sub-storage unit 5C via the opening 65.

[0039] 1 and 2, each transport device 7 is configured to enable storage and removal of production-related items in and from an upper opening 81 of the lifting section 8, which will be described next. With the vertical lift section 71 positioned above the upper opening 81 of the lifting section 8, each transport device 7 operates the vertical lift section 71 to store and remove production-related items in and from a lifting platform (not shown) below the upper opening 81.

[0040] The lifting units 8 transport production-related items up and down between a position on the travel path 6 and each of the production facilities 30. A plurality of lifting units 8 are provided below the third travel path 6C at intervals in the first direction D1. The lifting units 8 are arranged, for example, adjacent to each of the supply units of supplies to the production facility 30 and the discharge unit of products from the production facility 30. When the production facility 30 has a plurality of supply units, a lifting unit 8 may be provided corresponding to each of the supply units. Also, when the production facility 30 has a plurality of discharge units, a lifting unit 8 may be provided corresponding to each of the discharge units. When the supply part of the supply material and the discharge part of the product for the production facility 30 are common or close to each other, the lifting part 8 may be disposed adjacent to the common supply part and discharge part. In this case, one lifting part 8 may be provided corresponding to the common supply part and discharge part, or different lifting parts 8 may be provided for supplying the supply material to the supply part and for discharging the product from the discharge part.

[0041] The lifting section 8 extends in the vertical direction Dv. The lifting section 8 includes, for example, a lifting platform (not shown) that can rise and fall in the vertical direction Dv. The upper end of the lifting section 8 has an upper opening 81 that opens upward at a position that overlaps with the opening 64 of the third traveling path 6C when viewed in a plan view as shown in FIG. 2. The lower end of the lifting section 8 is provided with an inlet / outlet port 82 for supplying supplies to the production facility 30 and carrying out products. The inlet / outlet port 82 may include a conveyor or an unmanned transport vehicle that transports production-related items between the supply section and the carrying out section of the production facility 30. In addition, the removal of supplies and the input of products at the inlet / outlet port 82 may be performed manually by an operator or automatically using a robot or the like.

[0042] The production system 1 as described above is a production system 1 with a ceiling transport function, in which production-related items, including supplies supplied to the production equipment 30 and used for production, and products produced by the production equipment 30 using the supplies, are stored in storage containers 100, and the production equipment 30 is provided therein, a main storage section 4 provided adjacent to the production section 3 and storing the storage containers 100, a running path 6 formed to connect the upper part of the main storage section 4 with the upper part of the production section 3, a sub-storage section 5 provided below the running path 6 inside the production section 3 and storing the storage containers 100, and a transport device 7 capable of traveling on the running path 6 and storing and retrieving the storage containers 100 in and from the main storage section 4 and the sub-storage section 5, and the transport device 7 has a vertical lift section 71 that transports the storage containers 100 vertically to and from the main storage section 4 and the sub-storage section 5 for storing and retrieving them. According to the above-mentioned configuration, production-related items, including supplies supplied to the production facility 30 and used in production, and products produced by the production facility 30 based on the supplies, are stored in the storage container 100 in the main storage section 4 and the sub-storage section 5. The main storage section 4 is provided adjacent to the production area 3 in which the production facility 30 is provided. On the other hand, the sub-storage section 5 is provided inside the production area 3 in which the production facility 30 is provided. In this way, since the sub-storage section 5 is provided at a position closer to the production facility 30 than the main storage section 4, the sub-storage section 5 can be appropriately used for the purpose of storing, for example, supplies transported from the main storage section 4 to be used in production by the production facility 30 until they are used by the production facility 30, or storing products produced by the production facility 30 until they are transported to the main storage section 4. The transport 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 the running 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 transports the storage container 100 in the vertical direction using the vertical lift section 71, thereby storing and retrieving the storage container 100 from the main storage section 4 and the sub-storage section 5 located below the running path 6. As described above, the running path 6 on which the transport device 7 travels is formed above both the main storage section 4 and the production section 3, where the production equipment 30 is unlikely to be installed or where the worker who operates the production equipment 30 is unlikely to be located for work, so that the space of the production section 3 can be effectively utilized. Therefore, the space efficiency in the production section 3 can be improved. Furthermore, as described above, the sub-storage section 5 is located closer to the production equipment 30 than the main storage section 4. Therefore, for example, by transporting urgently needed supplies from the main storage section 4 to the sub-storage section 5 in advance, it is possible to prevent a situation in which the supply of supplies to some of the production equipment 30 is delayed, resulting in a decrease in production efficiency and thus a decrease in the production efficiency of the entire production system 1. Moreover, since production-related items can be stored in the sub-storage section 5 instead of the main storage section 4, it is possible to prevent the transportation traffic from concentrating near the main storage section 4. Therefore, it is possible to prevent congestion and congestion of the transportation device 7. The above-mentioned effects can be particularly pronounced when, for example, the product of a production facility 30 corresponding to a preceding process is supplied as a supply to another production facility 30 corresponding to a following process, by temporarily storing the product of the production facility 30 corresponding to the preceding process in the sub-storage section 5. That is, when operating in this manner, it is not necessary to transport the product to the main storage section 4 and then transport it again from the main storage section 4 to the production section 3, so that the overall transport distance is shortened and the concentration of transport traffic in the vicinity of the main storage section 4 can be efficiently avoided. In this way, the transportation efficiency of production-related items can be improved, and the production efficiency of the production facility 30 can be increased. As a result, it is possible to provide a production system 1 that can improve the space efficiency in the production area 3 and the production efficiency of the production equipment 30.

[0043] In addition, the sub-storage section 5 comprises a hanging type sub-storage section 5A which is mounted on a hanging stand 29 suspended from above, a floor-mounted type sub-storage section 5B which holds the storage container 100 on the floor, and a floor-mounted stand type sub-storage section 5C which is installed on a stand 56 on which the storage container 100 is placed on the floor. According to this configuration, the suspended sub-storage unit 5A is provided on the suspension frame 29 suspended from above, so that the empty space above the production section 3, where the production equipment 30 is unlikely to be installed or the workers who operate the production equipment 30 are unlikely to be located, can be effectively utilized. Also, since the suspension frame 29 supporting the suspended sub-storage unit 5A is suspended from above, there is no need to support the suspended sub-storage unit 5A and the suspension frame 29 from below. In other words, the sub-storage unit 5 can be installed below the production section 3, where workers, production equipment, etc. are concentrated, without providing a member for supporting the suspended sub-storage unit 5A. This can further improve the space efficiency of the production section 3. Furthermore, in the floor-mounted sub-storage section 5B, the storage containers 100 are placed on the floor, so there is no need to provide any special equipment for placing the storage containers 100. In the floor-mounted stand-type sub-storage section 5C, the storage containers 100 are placed on stands 56 placed on the floor, so there is no need to provide any special equipment for placing the storage containers 100 other than the stands 56. For this reason, the sub-storage section 5 can be easily realized in an empty space within the production section 3.

[0044] In particular, the floor-mounted sub-storage unit 5B places the storage container 100 on the floor, and therefore can be easily installed at any position below the opening 64 of the third running path 6C. In the above explanation, the floor-mounted sub-storage unit 5B is described as being installed below the third running path 6C, but as already explained, it may be installed below the fourth running path 6D. Similarly, the floor-mounted stand-type sub-storage unit 5C has a stand 56 for mounting the storage containers 100 placed on the floor, and the storage containers 100 are mounted on the stand 56, so that the floor-mounted stand-type sub-storage unit 5C can be easily installed anywhere or in any position below the opening 64 of the third runway 6C. In the above explanation, the floor-mounted stand-type sub-storage unit 5C has been described as being installed below the third runway 6C, but as already explained, it may be installed below the fourth runway 6D. Furthermore, when the floor-mounted sub-storage unit 5B and the floor-mounted stand-type sub-storage unit 5C become unnecessary, they can be easily removed. Therefore, it is easy to change the layout of the floor-mounted sub-storage unit 5B and the floor-mounted stand-type sub-storage unit 5C.

[0045] Furthermore, the main storage section 4 and the floor-mounted sub-storage section 5B are configured to place the storage containers 100 on the floor. In other words, when realizing the main storage section 4 and the floor-mounted sub-storage section 5B, there is no need to install fixed objects such as supports used in automated warehouses, racks, etc. This makes it easy to change the layout, such as increasing or decreasing the area occupied by the main storage section 4 and the floor-mounted sub-storage section 5B, or converting part of the main storage section 4 and the floor-mounted sub-storage section 5B into the production section 3, depending on the level of production busyness in the production section 3.

[0046] Also, for example, in order to improve the transport efficiency, it is conceivable to add more tracks 6. Alternatively, it is conceivable to add more main storage sections 4 or hanging sub-storage sections 5A, and add more tracks 6 above the increased sections. In this way, when it becomes necessary to add more tracks 6, the tracks 6 are provided above the production sections 3, so that construction can be carried out without affecting the production equipment 30, and therefore construction is easy. In addition, since the travel path 6 is provided above the production section 3 as described above, 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 facility 30 and the travel path 6.

[0047] Furthermore, the transport device 7 is equipped with a rechargeable storage battery, and when charging is required, the transport device 7 is configured to autonomously travel to a charger on the track 6 and charge the storage battery, so that, for example, the rails 61, 62 that constitute the track 6 themselves do not need to be provided with a function or equipment related to power supply. Therefore, the track 6 can be easily realized by simply assembling the rails 61, 62, and when a change in the layout of the track 6 becomes necessary, this can be easily accommodated.

[0048] In addition, all transportation of production-related items between the main storage unit 4, which handles the delivery of raw materials and finished products to and from the outside of the production system 1, and the production equipment 30 and the sub-storage unit 5 can be performed by the transport device 7. Furthermore, management of production-related items in the main storage unit 4 and the sub-storage unit 5 can be constructed as a single system. In this way, since management and transportation of production-related items within the production system 1 can be constructed as a single system, efficient transportation can be achieved while strict management of the production-related items can be achieved.

[0049] (First Modification of the Embodiment) The production system of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment explained with reference to the drawings, and various modifications are possible within the technical scope of the system. For example, in the above embodiment, an example of an arrangement of the sub-storage units 5 is shown, which include a hanging sub-storage unit 5A, a floor-mounted sub-storage unit 5B, and a floor-mounted stand-type sub-storage unit 5C, but the arrangement can be changed as appropriate. FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a configuration of a production system according to a first modified example of the embodiment of the present invention. 4, in the production system 1B, the hanging type sub-storage unit 5A includes a hanging type sub-storage unit 5A1 extending in the first direction D1 and a hanging type sub-storage unit 5A2 extending in the second direction D2. Furthermore, the floor-mounted type sub-storage unit 5B and the floor-mounted stand type sub-storage unit 5C are also provided below a runway (third runway 6G) that is provided to extend in the second direction D2, which will be described later.

[0050] The hanging sub-storage unit 5A1 is provided so as to extend in the first direction D1. In Fig. 4, the hanging sub-storage unit 5A1 is provided at multiple locations spaced apart in the first direction D1. The hanging sub-storage unit 5A1 may be provided so as to extend in the first direction D1 throughout the entire production area 3. The hanging sub-storage units 5A2 are provided so as to extend in the second direction D2. In Fig. 4, the hanging sub-storage units 5A2 are provided at multiple locations spaced apart in the second direction D2. The hanging sub-storage units 5A2 may be provided so as to extend in the second direction D2 throughout the entire production area 3. In addition, in the production system 1B, the main storage section 4 is provided in only a part of the second direction D2 of the building 2 with respect to the production section 3.

[0051] When viewed from above, the tracks 6 are provided so as to overlap the main storage unit 4, the hanging type sub-storage unit 5A1, and the hanging type sub-storage unit 5A2. In the production system 1B, the tracks 6 include a first track 6E, a second track 6F, and a third track 6G. The first runway 6E is provided above the main storage section 4. The second runway 6F is provided to extend in the first direction D1. The second runway 6F is provided above the multiple hanging type sub-storage units 5A1. The third runway 6G is provided to extend in the second direction D2. The third runway 6G is provided above the multiple hanging type sub-storage units 5A2. Each of the first running path 6E, the second running path 6F, and the third running path 6G is formed by assembling a first rail 61 and a second rail 62 in a lattice shape in a plan view. Each of the first running path 6E, the second running path 6F, and the third running path 6G is connected to each other to form a single running path 6 as a whole.

[0052] In this modified example, there are areas below the second runway 6F and the third runway 6G where the hanging sub-storage unit 5A1 and the hanging sub-storage unit 5A2 are not provided. In the production system 1B, in a plan view, the floor-mounted sub-storage unit 5B and the floor-mounted stand-type sub-storage unit 5C are provided in the areas where the hanging sub-storage unit 5A1 and the hanging sub-storage unit 5A2 are not provided.

[0053] (Second Modification of the Embodiment) FIG. 5 is a schematic vertical cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a production system according to a second modified example of the embodiment of the present invention. For example, in the above embodiment, the hanging type sub-storage section 5A is provided below the hanging stand 29, but this is not limiting. As shown in FIG. 5, in a production system 1C in this modified example, a hanging type sub-storage section 5A may be provided on a hanging stand 29 that is hung from above.

[0054] Specifically, the hanging rack 29 is suspended from, for example, the hanging shelf 28. The hanging rack 29 is suspended by a horizontal member 29b provided along a horizontal plane and a plurality of bundles 29a extending downward from the shelf material 28b. The hanging sub-storage unit 5A is provided on the horizontal member 29b. In this way, the hanging sub-storage unit 5A is provided suspended within the production area 3 by being provided on the hanging rack 29 suspended from above. In this case, the track 6 can be constructed so as to be provided on the hanging type sub-storage unit 5A. The rails 61, 62 of the track 6 may be formed integrally with the first upper frame 51 and the second upper frame 52 of the hanging type sub-storage unit 5A.

[0055] (Third Modification of the Embodiment) FIG. 6 is a schematic vertical cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a production system according to a third modified example of the embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Fig. 6, in the building 2 in which the production system 1D in this modified example is installed, a ceiling material 27 is provided above the travel path 6. The ceiling material 27 is provided along the horizontal plane below the hanging shelf 28. The ceiling material 27 is supported by shelf material 28b of the hanging shelf 28 and beam material 29a of the hanging rack 29 via appropriate hanging materials or the like. The ceiling material 27 is provided so as to cover from above the entire production room in which the production section 3 is installed within the building 2 in which the production section 3 is installed. In this production system 1C, equipment 9 is installed between the ceiling material 27 and the framework of the building 2. In this modification, the equipment 9 is provided on shelf material 28b of hanging shelf 28. Examples of the equipment 9 include piping, ducts, and air conditioning equipment.

[0056] In the production system 1D of this modified example as described above, a ceiling material 27 is placed above the runway 6, and the facility equipment 9 is installed between the ceiling material 27 and the framework of the building 2. According to this configuration, by installing the equipment 9 between the ceiling material 27 arranged above the runway 6 and the framework of the building 2, it is possible to prevent dust and the like generated in the so-called attic space above the ceiling material 27 from scattering into the production area 3. Also, by installing the equipment 9 in the attic space, the space in the production area 3 can be used effectively.

[0057] (Other variations) In the above embodiment, the sub-storage unit 5 includes the hanging sub-storage unit 5A, the floor-mounted sub-storage unit 5B, and the floor-mounted stand type sub-storage unit 5C, but it is not essential to include all three types of the hanging sub-storage unit 5A, the floor-mounted sub-storage unit 5B, and the floor-mounted stand type sub-storage unit 5C. It is sufficient to include at least one type of the hanging sub-storage unit 5A, the floor-mounted sub-storage unit 5B, and the floor-mounted stand type sub-storage unit 5C. The sub-storage unit 5 may include any one or a combination of the hanging sub-storage unit 5A, the floor-mounted sub-storage unit 5B, and the floor-mounted stand type sub-storage unit 5C. Moreover, it goes without saying that the sub-storage section 5 may be provided in any location other than the locations shown in the above embodiment and each modified example.

[0058] In addition, in the above embodiment and each modified example, the running path 6 is provided in a part of the area above the production section 3, but instead, the running path 6 may be formed over the entire area above the production section 3. That is, in this case, the rails 61, 62 forming the running path 6 are arranged in a lattice pattern over the entire area above the production section 3. Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the lifting unit 8 is provided, but the lifting unit 8 is not an essential component and may be omitted as appropriate. In the main storage section 4 and the sub-storage section 5 of the above embodiment and each of the modified examples, the storage containers 100 are stacked in the vertical direction Dv for storage. In this case, it is preferable to stack the storage containers 100 to a height that will prevent them from tipping sideways. Alternatively, a simple support material may be installed in the area where the storage containers 100 are stacked, so that it can be attached to the side of the stacked storage containers 100, thereby preventing them from tipping over.

[0059] In the main storage section 4 and floor-standing sub-storage section 5B in the above embodiment and each modified example, multiple storage containers 100 are placed on the floor for storage, but the storage containers 100 are not limited to being placed on the floor. For example, pillars may be erected on the floor, shelves may be placed between the pillars, and multiple storage containers 100 may be stored on the shelves with a vertical gap between each other. Furthermore, in the above embodiment and each of the modified examples, the runway 6 is provided on the horizontal member 29b of the hanging stand 29 above the main storage section 4, the sub-storage section 5, and the production section 3, so as to be suspended from above; however, the horizontal member may be arranged to be erected between a number of pillars erected on the floor, so that the runway 6 is supported from below.

[0060] In addition, the configurations described in the above embodiments can be selected or changed as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0061] 1, 1B, 1C, 1D Production System 9 Equipment 2 buildings 21 beds 3 Production area 26 Beam (structure) 4 Main storage area 27 Ceiling material 5 Sub-storage section 29 Suspension stand 5A Hanging Sub-storage Unit 30, 30A, 30B, 30C Production Equipment 5B Floor-mounted sub-storage unit 56 Stand 5C Floor-mounted stand-type sub-storage unit 71 Vertical lift unit 6 tracks 100 storage containers 7. Conveyor

Claims

1. A production system having a ceiling transport function, Production-related items, including supplies that are supplied to a production facility and used in production, and products that are produced by the production facility based on the supplies, are stored in a storage container; a production section in which the production equipment is provided; a main storage section adjacent to the production section in which the storage containers are stored; a travel path having a pair of rails formed to connect an upper portion of the main storage section and an upper portion of the production section; a sub-storage section provided below the travel path within the production section and configured to store the storage container; a transport device capable of traveling on the travel path and storing and retrieving the storage container from the main storage unit and the sub-storage unit; Equipped with The ceiling transport function is composed of the main storage unit, the travel path, the sub-storage unit, and the transport device, the transport device has a vertical lift unit that transports the storage container in a vertical direction through an opening between the pair of rails to the main storage unit and the sub-storage unit to store and remove the storage container, The sub-storage unit includes either a hanging type sub-storage unit having a storage rack attached to a hanging stand suspended from the building frame, or a floor-mounted stand type sub-storage unit installed on a stand placed on the floor, or a combination of both, and a plurality of the storage containers are stored in the sub-storage unit in a stacked manner. A production system comprising:

2. A ceiling material is disposed above the travel path so as to cover the entire production room in which the production section is provided from above, and an air conditioning system is installed as equipment between the ceiling material and the building frame.

2. The production system according to claim 1 .

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