Transfer system, transfer equipment, and partition material

Abstract

To provide a transfer system which can achieve space saving even if a work area is partitioned, and to provide a transfer facility and a partition member.SOLUTION: A transfer system (1) includes a partition part (24) which partitions a work area (25) which is set at the opposite side of a transport part (11) with respect to a transfer part (12) in a plan view from the exterior. The partition part (24) includes: a first portion (24a) which is installed facing the transfer part (12) across the work area (25); and a second portion (24b) which is installed inclining at an obtuse angle relative to the first portion (24a) when viewed from the work area (25) side in a plan view and provided with an entrance door to the work area (25).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a transfer system, transfer equipment, and partition materials for articles in logistics.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, in a logistics warehouse or the like, in order to efficiently sort a large variety and quantity of articles into shipping containers for each shipping destination, a transfer system equipped with a picking device (transfer device) such as a robot arm has been used. Regarding this type of transfer system, Patent Document 1 discloses a configuration in which a safety fence partitions the transfer device and the work area of an operator who uses it.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in the conventional safety fence described in Patent Document 1, the door is provided facing the transfer device. For this reason, in the prior art, it has been impossible to suppress an increase in the installation space of the safety fence and thus the transfer system, resulting in a problem that it is difficult to reduce the space occupied by the transfer system.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a transfer system, transfer equipment, and partition materials that can achieve space saving even when partitioning a work area.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] In order to solve the above problems, a transfer system according to one aspect of the present invention includes a conveyance unit that conveys an article in a first direction, a transfer unit that is installed on one end side of the conveyance unit and holds and transfers the article, a work area that is set on the side opposite to the conveyance unit with respect to the transfer unit in a plan view, and a partition unit that partitions the work area from the outside, the partition unit including a first portion that is installed to face the transfer unit with the work area therebetween, and a second portion that is installed at an obtuse angle with respect to the first portion as viewed from the work area side in a plan view and is provided with an entrance / exit door to the work area.

[0007] Further, a transfer facility according to another aspect of the present invention is a transfer facility including a plurality of the transfer systems, and the transfer systems are arranged in a plurality in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction in a plan view such that the respective conveyance units are substantially parallel to each other.

[0008] Further, a partition material according to another aspect of the present invention is a partition material that partitions a work area and its outside, which is installed on one end side of a conveyance unit that conveys an article in a first direction and is opposite to the conveyance unit with respect to a transfer unit that holds and transfers the article, the partition material including a first portion that is installed to face the transfer unit with the work area therebetween, and a second portion that is installed at an obtuse angle with respect to the first portion as viewed from the work area side in a plan view and is provided with an entrance / exit door to the work area.

Advantages of the Invention

[0009] According to one aspect of the present invention, it is possible to provide a transfer system, a transfer facility, and a partition material that can achieve space saving even when the work area is partitioned.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0010]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail. For convenience of explanation, members having the same functions as those shown in each embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

[0012] 〔Embodiment 1〕 The transfer system according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. In the following description, for example, a case where a transfer system for transferring an article between two first and second containers is configured will be exemplified. Further, the first and second containers may each constitute a shipping container shipped outside the transfer system 1.

[0013] (Outline of the transfer system) FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an outline of a transfer system 1 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a plan view showing an outline of the transfer system 1. The transfer system 1 transfers an article 2 in a logistics warehouse or the like. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the transfer system 1 of the present Embodiment 1 includes a conveyance unit 11, a transfer unit 12, and a partition unit 24. The transfer system 1 also includes a camera unit 13, support units 14·14, a control unit 15, and a terminal unit 16.

[0014] (Conveyance unit) The conveyance unit 11 conveys the first container 17 and the second container 18 that accommodate the article 2 in the Y direction (front-rear direction, first direction). Specifically, the conveyance unit 11 includes loading conveyors 11a·11b provided on the lower side in the Z direction and unloading conveyors 11c·11d provided on the upper side in the Z direction. The first container 17 and the second container 18 are respectively conveyed to the front side in the Y direction by the loading conveyors 11a·11b. Also, the first container 17 and the second container 18 are respectively conveyed to the rear side in the Y direction by the unloading conveyors 11c·11d.

[0015] Further, the conveying unit 11 includes a moving mechanism 11e and a housing 11f. The moving mechanism 11e sequentially moves the first container 17 from the loading conveyor 11a to the first transfer position P1, and sequentially moves the second container 18 from the loading conveyor 11b to the second transfer position P2. Also, the moving mechanism 11e sequentially moves the first container 17 arranged at the first transfer position P1 to the unloading conveyor 11c, and sequentially moves the second container 18 arranged at the second transfer position P2 to the unloading conveyor 11d. The housing 11f houses the moving mechanism 11e.

[0016] (Transfer unit) The transfer unit 12 is installed on the front end side (one end side) in the Y direction of the conveying unit 11, holds the article 2 housed in the first container 17 arranged at the first transfer position P1, and transfers it to the second container 18 arranged at the second transfer position P2. The transfer unit 12 is installed by a gantry or the like (not shown) above the moving mechanism 11e and the housing 11f of the conveying unit 11 in the Z direction.

[0017] The transfer unit 12 includes a picking head 12a that holds the article 2, and a drive unit 12b that moves the picking head 12a up and down in the Z direction and moves the picking head 12a in two directions, the X direction and the Y direction, in a plan view. The picking head 12a is composed of, for example, one or a plurality of suction pads that suck the article 2. The picking head 12a sucks the article 2 housed in the first container 17 from above and holds the article 2 in a suspended state.

[0018] The drive unit 12b includes a fixed rail 12c, a first movable rail 12d, a second movable rail 12e, and a support arm 12f. The fixed rail 12c is installed along the X direction. The first movable rail 12d is installed along the Z direction and reciprocates in the X direction along the fixed rail 12c. The second movable rail 12e is installed along the Y direction and reciprocates in the Z direction along the first movable rail 12d.

[0019] The support arm 12f is installed along the Z direction and reciprocates in the Y direction along the second movable rail 12e. Further, a picking head 12a is attached to the lower side of the support arm 12f in the Z direction. Thereby, the transfer unit 12 can reciprocate the picking head 12a in three directions of XYZ by controlling the operation of the drive unit 12b.

[0020] Compared with a transfer unit such as a six-axis robot, the transfer unit 12 has a simple structure and is easily adaptable to a multi-row conveyor layout. Therefore, by using the transfer unit 12, the degree of freedom in the layout design of the transfer system 1 is improved.

[0021] (Camera unit) The camera unit 13 is disposed above the transfer unit 12 and photographs the article 2. The camera unit 13 includes a first camera 13a and a second camera 13b. The first camera 13a photographs one or more articles 2 accommodated in the first container 17 by photographing the first container 17 disposed at the first transfer position P1. The second camera 13b photographs one or more articles 2 accommodated in the second container 18 by photographing the second container 18 disposed at the second transfer position P2. Note that the camera unit 13 may include a light or the like, and the first camera 13a and the second camera 13b may photograph the article 2 in a state of being illuminated with a predetermined illuminance by a light or the like.

[0022] (Support frame) The support frame 14 is a frame body that supports the camera unit 13. The support frame 14 includes support portions 14a·14a that are respectively installed adjacent to each other in the X direction (left-right direction, second direction) orthogonal to the Y direction with respect to the transfer unit 12 in a plan view, and beam members 14b·14b that are installed between the support portions 14a·14a. The first camera 13a and the second camera 13b are installed at appropriate positions on the beam member 14b on the front side in the Y direction. Note that the beam member 14b may be one or three or more.

[0023] Each of the support parts 14a·14a includes two column members 14c·14d, a beam member 14e, and a reinforcing member 14f. The column members 14c·14d are arranged in the Y direction and are fixed to the installation location of the transfer system 1 by fixing members 14g·14h. The beam member 14e and the reinforcing member 14f are installed between the column members 14c·14d.

[0024] Note that the beam members 14b·14b may be installed on the beam member 14e or on the column members 14c·14d. Also, there may be two or more reinforcing members 14f, or they may be omitted. Further, when each of the support parts 14a·14a is erected by four or more column members, the beam members 14b·14b may be omitted. In this case, the first camera 13a and the second camera 13b may be installed at appropriate positions of the support parts 14a·14a respectively.

[0025] (Control unit and terminal unit) The control unit 15 includes a control device and the like that controls each part in the transfer system 1. The terminal unit 16 has an operation reception part such as a keyboard 16a for an operator S (Fig. 2) to perform operations on the transfer system 1, and a monitor 16b that displays predetermined information. These control unit 15 and terminal unit 16 are an example of the control devices of the transfer system 1, and are installed outside the partition part 24 and on the opposite side of the work area 25 described later across the first part 24a of the partition part 24.

[0026] Specifically, the control unit 15 is connected to the transport unit 11, the transfer unit 12, the camera unit 13, and the terminal unit 16 via electrical wiring (not shown). The control unit 15 acquires predetermined information such as the operating state from the transport unit 11 and the transfer unit 12, and outputs predetermined command signals such as instruction signals to the transport unit 11 and the transfer unit 12. The control unit 15 outputs predetermined instruction signals such as on / off signals to the first camera 13a and the second camera 13b of the camera unit 13, and acquires imaging data from the first camera 13a and the second camera 13b. The control unit 15 receives an instruction signal or the like corresponding to the operation of the operator S from the terminal unit 16, and transmits the information acquired from the transport unit 11, the transfer unit 12, and the camera unit 13 to the terminal unit 16.

[0027] (Guard) In the transfer system 1 of the first embodiment, the transfer unit 12 performs an operation of reciprocating the picking head 12a in three directions of X, Y, and Z. Therefore, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a guard is provided around the transfer unit 12 to significantly reduce the possibility of an operator S or the like coming into contact with the transfer unit 12 from the viewpoint of safety. Specifically, in the first embodiment, as the guard, a partition portion 24, a lateral guard portion 21, and a rear guard portion 41 are sequentially provided from the control device side toward the rear in the Y direction.

[0028] (Partition portion) As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, in the transfer system 1, a partition portion 24 is provided so as to partition a work area 25 set on the side opposite to the transport unit 11 with respect to the transfer unit 12 in a plan view and the outside thereof. The partition portion 24 is connected to two support portions 14a·14a.

[0029] The work area 25 is a space for the operator S to perform manual transfer of holding and transferring the article 2. That is, the transfer system 1 of the first embodiment can perform both automatic transfer in which the transfer unit 12 holds and transfers the article 2 and manual transfer in which the operator S enters the work area 25 and holds and transfers the article 2. Further, the partition portion 24 is provided adjacent to the work area 25 around the work area 25.

[0030] The partition portion 24 includes, as partition materials, a first portion 24a, a second portion 24b, a third portion 24c, and a fourth portion 24d. The first portion 24a is a portion arranged parallel to the X direction, and is installed facing the transfer unit 1 with the work area 25 therebetween. The second portion 24b is a portion arranged at a predetermined angle with respect to each of the X direction and the Y direction, and is installed inclined at an obtuse angle θ1 (FIG. 2) with respect to the first portion 24a when viewed from the work area 25 side in plan view. The third portion 24c is a portion arranged parallel to the Y direction, and is continuously provided between the second portion 24b and the horizontal guard portion 21 included in one of the support portions 14a. The fourth portion 24d is a portion arranged parallel to the Y direction, and is continuously provided between the first portion 24a and the horizontal guard portion 21 included in the other support portion 14a.

[0031] Specifically, the first portion 24a includes a transparent plate 24a1. This transparent plate 24a1 is held by a frame body 24a2 configured in a frame shape. Further, the first portion 24a is fixed to the installation location of the transfer system 1 by two fixing members 24a3·24a3 provided at both ends of the transparent plate 24a1 below the frame body 24a2 in the Z direction.

[0032] The second portion 24b includes a transparent plate 24b1. This transparent plate 24b1 is held by a frame body 24b2 configured in a frame shape. Further, the second portion 24b is fixed to the installation location of the transfer system 1 by two fixing members 24b3·24b3 provided at both ends of the transparent plate 24b1 below the frame body 24b2 in the Z direction.

[0033] In addition, the entire second part 24b forms an access door for the operator S to the working area 25. That is, in the second part 24b, for example, a rotation shaft portion 24b4 is provided above the fixing member 24b3 on the side of the third part 24c. Also, in the second part 24b, as shown by the dotted line in FIG. 2, its frame body 24b2 is pivotally supported by the rotation shaft portion 24b4 and is configured to be rotatable in the R direction (FIG. 2). Specifically, the rotation shaft portion 24b4 includes a bearing (not shown) installed on the fixing member 24b3, and a part of the frame body 24b2 is rotatably supported by the bearing.

[0034] And in the second part 24b, the end on the side of the first part 24a rotates about the rotation shaft portion 24b4 in response to the operation of the operator S, so that the partition portion 24 opens. In this way, the second part 24b is pivotally supported on the side opposite to the first part 24a and functions as the above access door. Thereby, even when a plurality of transfer systems 1 are arranged side by side, it becomes easier for the operator S to enter and exit the partition portion 24 from the side of the first part 24a, and the protruding amount of the second part 24b (access door) in the direction (Y direction) in which the transfer systems 1 are arranged can be reduced.

[0035] Furthermore, in the second part 24b, the obtuse angle θ1 is set in an angle range of, for example, 130 degrees or more and 140 degrees or less. By setting the obtuse angle θ1 in such an angle range, the protruding amount of the access door when the second part 24b (access door) is opened by rotating it to the outside of the partition portion 24 can be effectively reduced.

[0036] In the second part 24b, when the obtuse angle θ1 is set to an angle less than 130 degrees, the size of the second part 24b may become large, and there is a possibility that the protruding amount of the access door when the access door is opened cannot be effectively reduced. Furthermore, the size of the first part 24a may become small, making it difficult to easily secure the installation locations of the control unit 15 and the terminal unit 16. On the other hand, when the obtuse angle θ1 is set to an angle exceeding 140 degrees, the size of the second part 24b may become small, and there is a possibility of forming an access door that is not easy for the operator S to enter and exit.

[0037] In the above description, the case where the entire second part 24b is configured as the entrance / exit door has been described. However, the present embodiment is not limited to this, and a configuration in which an entrance / exit door is provided in a part of the second part 24b may also be used. That is, for example, a rotatable transparent plate may be provided on the frame of the second part 24b, and the transparent plate may be configured as the entrance / exit door.

[0038] The third part 24c includes a transparent plate 24c1. This transparent plate 24c1 is held by a frame body 24c2 configured in a frame shape. Further, the third part 24c is fixed to the installation location of the transfer system 1 by two fixing members 24c3·24c3 provided at both ends of the transparent plate 24c1 below the frame body 24c2 in the Z direction.

[0039] The fourth part 24d includes a transparent plate 24d1. This transparent plate 24d1 is held by a frame body 24d2 configured in a frame shape. Further, the fourth part 24d is fixed to the installation location of the transfer system 1 by two fixing members 24d3·24d3 provided at both ends of the transparent plate 24d1 below the frame body 24d2 in the Z direction.

[0040] As described above, the possibility that the operator S inadvertently enters the work area 25 and comes into contact with the transfer unit 12 can be significantly reduced. As a result, the safety of the transfer system 1 can be improved. In addition, since the partition part 24 is provided adjacent to the work area 25, an increase in the installation space of the transfer system 1 due to the provision of the partition part 24 can be suppressed.

[0041] Note that when the transfer system 1 can only execute automatic transfer, the work area 25 may be set as a monitoring area for a monitor to monitor the transfer unit 12.

[0042] (Horizontal guard part) Further, in the first embodiment, each of the support portions 14a, 14a includes a lateral guard portion 21 that partitions the transfer portion 12 from the outside in the X direction thereof. The lateral guard portion 21 includes a transparent plate 22 and a frame member 23 that holds the transparent plate 22. As a result, the possibility that the operator S enters from the X direction and contacts the transfer portion 12 can be significantly reduced, and as a result, the safety of the transfer system 1 can be improved.

[0043] Furthermore, since each of the support portions 14a, 14a is provided with the lateral guard portion 21, there is no need to newly provide a guard portion that partitions the transfer portion 12 from the outside in the X direction thereof on the outside in the X direction of the support portions 14a, 14a. As a result, space saving of the transfer system 1 can be achieved.

[0044] By the way, since the two support portions 14a, 14a are installed adjacent to each other in the X direction with respect to the transfer portion 12, they are also adjacent to the housing 11f of the transport portion 11 located below the transfer portion 12 in the Z direction. Therefore, in the present embodiment, in the lower region of the support portion 14a, that is, in the region facing the housing 11f, the lateral guard portion 21 is omitted. As a result, the area where the lateral guard portion 21 is provided can be reduced. On the other hand, the operator S entering from the lower part of the support portion 14a and contacting the transfer portion 12 can be prevented by the housing 11f. That is, in the lower region of the support portion 14a, the housing 11f serves as a partition between the transfer portion 12 and the outside in the X direction thereof.

[0045] (Rear guard portion) Further, in the first embodiment, rear guard portions 41, 41 are provided adjacent to the front end in the Y direction of the transport portion 11 in the X direction and partitioning the front end from the outside in the X direction thereof. The rear guard portion 41 includes a transparent plate 42 and a frame member 43 that holds the transparent plate 42. The front sides in the Y direction of the rear guard portions 41, 41 are respectively connected (joined) to the rear sides in the Y direction of the support portions 14, 14. Further, the lower corners in the Z direction of the frame member 43 are fixed to the installation location of the transfer system 1 by fixing members 43a. Furthermore, reinforcing members 44, 45 are provided between the rear guard portions 41, 41.

[0046] This can significantly reduce the possibility that the operator S enters from the transport unit 11 and comes into contact with the transfer unit 12. As a result, the safety of the transfer system 1 can be improved. In addition, since the rear guard unit 41 is provided adjacent to the transport unit 11, an increase in the installation space of the transfer system 1 due to the provision of the rear guard unit 41 can be suppressed.

[0047] Also, in the partition unit 24, the side guard unit 21, and the rear guard unit 41 of the first embodiment, transparent plates 24a1, 24b1, 24c1, 24d1, 22, and 42 are provided as substantial guards. Thereby, in the first embodiment, the operator S of the transfer system 1 can monitor the transport unit 11 and the transfer unit 12 from the outside of the transfer system 1 as a monitor. Note that instead of the transparent plates 24a1, 24b1, 24c1, 24d1, 22, and 42, fences, nets, or guards of other shapes may be used.

[0048] (Operation example of the transfer system) In the transfer system 1 having the above configuration, the control unit 15 first instructs the loading conveyors 11a and 11b of the transport unit 11 to load the first container 17 and the second container 18 from the rear in the Y direction to the front end in the Y direction, and continues this. Also, the control unit 15 instructs the unloading conveyors 11c and 11d of the transport unit 11 to unload the first container 17 and the second container 18 from the front end in the Y direction to the rear in the Y direction, and continues this.

[0049] Next, the control unit 15 instructs the moving mechanism 11e of the transport unit 11 to move the loaded first container 17 and second container 18 to the first transfer position P1 and the second transfer position P2, respectively. Next, based on the photographed images of the first container 17 and the second container 18 photographed by the camera unit 13, the control unit 15 instructs the transfer unit 12 to hold the article 2 accommodated in the first container 17 at the first transfer position P1 and transfer it to the second container 18 at the second transfer position.

[0050] Next, the control unit 15 instructs the moving mechanism 11e of the conveying unit 11 to move the first container 17 at the first transfer position P1 to the unloading conveyor 11c, and at the same time, moves another loaded first container 17 to the first transfer position P1, instructs the transfer unit 12 to perform the above transfer, and repeats this. The first container 17 moved to the unloading conveyor 11c is unloaded rearward in the Y direction.

[0051] Then, when the required article 2 is accommodated in the second container 18, the control unit 15 instructs the moving mechanism 11e of the conveying unit 11 to move the first container 17 at the first transfer position P1 to the unloading conveyor 11c, and at the same time, moves the second container 18 at the second transfer position P2 to the unloading conveyor 11d. The first container 17 moved to the unloading conveyor 11c and the second container 18 moved to the unloading conveyor 11d are unloaded rearward in the Y direction.

[0052] (Operation and Effect of Transfer System 1) As described above, in the transfer system 1 of the first embodiment, the work area 25 is partitioned from the outside by the partition portion 24 (partition material). Further, in the partition portion 24, the second portion 24b (entrance and exit door) is installed inclined with respect to the first portion 24a within the angle range of the obtuse angle θ1. Therefore, in the first embodiment, when the second portion 24b is opened by rotating it to the outside of the partition portion 24, the protruding amount of the second portion 24b is reduced. Thereby, in the first embodiment, even when the work area 25 is partitioned using the partition portion 24, the transfer system 1 capable of saving space can be configured.

[0053] Also, in the first embodiment, the control unit 15 and the terminal unit 16 are installed on the opposite side of the work area 25 to be described later with the first portion 24a of the partition portion 24 interposed therebetween. As a result, it becomes easier for the operator S standing outside the partition portion 24 to visually confirm the operation status of the transfer unit 12 and the monitor 16b of the terminal unit 16 at the same time.

[0054] 〔Second Embodiment〕 The second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 3. FIG. 3 is a plan view showing an outline of the transfer equipment 3 according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0055] As shown in Fig. 3, the transfer facility 3 includes a plurality of transfer systems 1 shown in Figs. 1 and 2. In the transfer facility 3, the transfer systems 1 are arranged in a plurality in the X direction orthogonal to the Y direction in a plan view so that the respective transport units 11 are substantially parallel to each other.

[0056] As described above, when a guard is provided around the picking device that performs the automatic transfer operation in the transfer system, the installation space of the transfer system increases. As a result, the interval between adjacent transfer systems increases.

[0057] On the other hand, in the second embodiment, the plurality of transfer systems 1 are arranged side by side in the X direction so that the respective transport units 11 are substantially parallel to each other. Further, since each transfer system 1 includes a partition portion 24, the interval between adjacent transfer systems 1 can be narrowed. Thereby, in the second embodiment, even when the work area 25 is partitioned using the partition portion 24 in each of the plurality of transfer systems 1, it is possible to configure a transfer facility 3 that can save space.

[0058] By the way, in a building 51 such as a logistics warehouse, generally, column members 52 as columns supporting the upper floor or ceiling project at predetermined intervals P, and an installation space for installing the transfer system is provided. Therefore, from the viewpoint of improving the efficiency of transferring the article 2, it is desirable that the number of transfer systems that can be installed at the predetermined interval P is large.

[0059] However, when a guard is provided around the picking device, the installation space of the transfer system increases. As a result, the number of transfer systems that can be installed at the predetermined interval P may decrease.

[0060] In contrast, in the present embodiment, a plurality of transfer systems 1 are arranged side by side with the direction in which the mutually adjacent support members 52·52 are aligned being defined as the X direction. As a result, an increase in the interval between the transfer systems 1 adjacent in the X direction can be suppressed, thereby suppressing the possibility of a decrease in the number of transfer systems 1 that can be installed at the above-described predetermined interval P, and conversely increasing the number of transfer systems 1 that can be installed.

[0061] 〔Embodiment 3〕 Embodiment 3 of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 4. FIG. 4 is a plan view showing an overview of the transfer equipment 3 according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention.

[0062] As shown in FIG. 4, in the transfer equipment 3 of the present Embodiment 3, the transfer system 1 includes a first transfer system 1 and a second transfer system 1 that are adjacent to each other. Further, the second portion 24b of the first transfer system 1 may be installed on the side of the second transfer system 1, and the second portion 24b of the second transfer system 1 may be installed on the side of the first transfer system 1.

[0063] That is, in the transfer equipment 3 of the present Embodiment 3, in two adjacent transfer systems 1, the second portions 24b of the partition portions 24 are configured to face each other. As a result, in the present Embodiment 3, it becomes easier for the operator S to move between the work areas 25 of two adjacent transfer systems 1.

[0064] In addition to the above description, for example, the present invention may be applied to a transfer unit having a robot arm.

[0065] 〔Summary〕 The transfer system according to the first aspect of the present invention includes a transfer unit that conveys an article in a first direction, a transfer unit that is installed on one end side of the transfer unit and holds and transfers the article, a work area that is set on the side opposite to the transfer unit in a plan view, and a partition unit that partitions the work area from the outside. The partition unit includes a first portion that is installed to face the transfer unit with the work area interposed therebetween, and a second portion that is installed at an obtuse angle with respect to the first portion when viewed from the work area side in a plan view and is provided with an entrance / exit door to the work area.

[0066] According to the above configuration, in the partition portion that partitions the work area and the outside thereof, since the entrance / exit door is installed in an inclined manner, the protruding amount of the entrance / exit door when it is rotated outward to open the entrance / exit door is reduced. As a result, even when the work area is partitioned using the partition portion, a transfer system that can achieve space saving can be configured.

[0067] A second aspect of the present invention is the transfer system according to the first aspect, wherein the control device of the transfer system may be installed outside the partition portion and on the side opposite to the work area with the first portion interposed therebetween.

[0068] According to the above configuration, it becomes easier for an operator standing outside the entrance / exit door to visually confirm the operation status of the transfer unit and the control device at the same time.

[0069] A third aspect of the present invention is the transfer system according to the first aspect or the second aspect, wherein the entrance / exit door may be pivotally supported on the side opposite to the first portion.

[0070] According to the above configuration, when a plurality of transfer systems are arranged side by side, it becomes easier for an operator to enter and exit the partition portion from the first portion side, and the protruding amount of the entrance / exit door in the direction in which the transfer systems are arranged is reduced.

[0071] A fourth aspect of the present invention is the transfer system according to any one of the first aspect to the third aspect, wherein the obtuse angle may be 130 degrees or more and 140 degrees or less.

[0072] According to the above configuration, by setting the angle range, the protruding amount of the entrance / exit door when it is rotated outward to open the entrance / exit door can be effectively reduced.

[0073] The transfer equipment according to the fifth aspect of the present invention is transfer equipment including a plurality of transfer systems according to any one of the first aspect to the fourth aspect, and the transfer systems are arranged in a plurality side by side in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction in a plan view such that the respective transport portions are substantially parallel to each other.

[0074] According to the above configuration, since the transfer system includes the partition portion, the interval between adjacent transfer systems can be narrowed. Thereby, in each of the plurality of transfer systems, even when the work area is partitioned using the partition portion, it is possible to configure transfer equipment that can save space.

[0075] A sixth aspect of the present invention is the transfer equipment according to the fifth aspect, further comprising an installation space for installing the transfer system, in which columns project at regular intervals along the second direction, and the transfer system may be installed in plurality between adjacent columns.

[0076] According to the above configuration, the number of transfer systems that can be installed between the columns can be increased.

[0077] A seventh aspect of the present invention is the transfer equipment according to the fifth or sixth aspect, wherein the transfer system includes a first transfer system and a second transfer system adjacent to each other, and the entrance / exit door of the first transfer system is installed on the side of the second transfer system, and the entrance / exit door of the second transfer system may be installed on the side of the first transfer system.

[0078] According to the above configuration, it becomes easier for an operator to move between the work area of the first transfer system and the work area of the second transfer system.

[0079] The partition material according to the eighth aspect of the present invention is a partition material that partitions a work area set on the opposite side of a transfer unit that holds and transfers an article installed on one end side of a transport unit that transports the article in a first direction and the outside thereof, and includes a first portion installed opposite to the transfer unit across the work area, and a second portion installed at an obtuse angle with respect to the first portion when viewed from the work area side in a plan view and provided with an entrance / exit door to the work area.

[0080] According to the above configuration, since the entrance / exit door is installed in an inclined manner, the protrusion amount of the entrance / exit door when it is rotated outward to open the entrance / exit door with respect to the partition material is reduced. As a result, even when the work area is partitioned, it is possible to configure a partition material that can save space.

[0081] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible within the scope shown in the claims. Also, configurations obtained by appropriately combining the technical means disclosed in each embodiment are included in the technical scope of the present invention.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0082] 1 Transfer system 2 Article 3 Transfer equipment 11 Conveyor section 12 Transfer section 24 Partition section (partition material) 24a First part 24b Second part (entrance / exit door) 25 Work space 15 Control section (control device) 16 Terminal section (control device) 52 Support member (support column)

Claims

1. A conveying unit that conveys an article in a first direction, A transfer unit that is installed on one end side of the conveying unit and holds and transfers the article, A partition unit that partitions a work area set on the side opposite to the conveying unit with respect to the transfer unit in a plan view and its outside, A first portion installed facing the transfer unit across the work area, A partition unit including a second portion that is installed at an obtuse angle with respect to the first portion as viewed from the work area side in a plan view and is provided with an entrance / exit door to the work area, A transfer system comprising the same.

2. The transfer system according to claim 1, wherein control equipment of the transfer system is installed outside the partition unit and on the side opposite to the work area across the first portion.

3. The transfer system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the entrance / exit door is pivotally supported on the side opposite to the first portion.

4. The transfer system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the obtuse angle is 130 degrees or more and 140 degrees or less.

5. A transfer facility comprising a plurality of the transfer systems according to claim 1 or 2, The transfer systems are arranged in a plurality in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction in a plan view such that the respective conveying units are substantially parallel to each other.

6. Further comprising an installation space for installing the transfer system, in which columns project at regular intervals along the second direction, The transfer system is installed in a plurality between the adjacent columns according to claim 5.

7. The transfer system includes a first transfer system and a second transfer system adjacent to each other, The entrance / exit door of the first transfer system is installed on the side of the second transfer system, and the entrance / exit door of the second transfer system is installed on the side of the first transfer system according to claim 5.

8. A partition material that partitions a work area set on the side opposite to the conveying unit with respect to a transfer unit that is installed on one end side of a conveying unit that conveys an article in a first direction and holds and transfers the article, and its outside, A first portion installed facing the transfer unit across the work area, A second portion that is installed at an obtuse angle with respect to the first portion as viewed from the work area side in a plan view and is provided with an entrance / exit door to the work area, A partition material comprising the same.

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