Conveying system

Abstract

To provide a conveyance system that can convey cargo without changing the direction of the cargo to each of multiple stacker cranes with different traveling directions.SOLUTION: In a transfer system 1, a transfer device 100 includes: a first portion 41 extending along a travel direction D1 of a first stacker crane 12; a second portion 42 extending along a travel direction D2 of a second stacker crane 22; and a track 40 including a curved portion 43 connected to the first portion 41 and the second portion 42; and a cart 50 including a placing portion 51 which can move on the track 40 and on which a package B is placed by a first transfer device 14 or a second transfer device 24. The transfer by the first transfer device 14 and the second transfer device 24 to the placing portion 51 of the cart 50 is performed only from the outside Sout of the two sides of the track 40.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a conveying system.

Background Art

[0002] As described in Patent Document 1, in a processing facility such as a factory including a plurality of process chambers arranged on the right side of a conveyance chamber and a plurality of process chambers arranged on the left side of the conveyance chamber, there is known a facility that conveys a container by a stacker crane arranged between the left and right process chambers. Patent Document 1 describes a facility having a warehouse arranged long so as to be orthogonal to the passage of the conveyance chamber. In this case, the container is transferred by a transfer mechanism having a horizontal transfer mechanism and an orthogonal conveyor. In the orthogonal conveyor, a first conveyor and a second conveyor that conveys the container in a direction orthogonal to the conveyance direction by the first conveyor are combined.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the above-described conventional facility, in order to transfer the container between the stacker crane in the conveyance chamber and the stacker crane in the warehouse, a plurality of conveyors are combined. Since the container does not rotate during this period and the orientation of the container is maintained, the orientation of the container with respect to the stacker crane in the conveyance chamber and the orientation of the container with respect to the stacker crane in the warehouse are different.

[0005] The present disclosure describes a conveying system capable of conveying a load without changing the orientation of the load with respect to each of a plurality of stacker cranes having different traveling directions.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] A transport system according to one aspect of the present invention comprises: a first automated warehouse having a first shelf consisting of multiple levels and a first stacker crane including a first transfer device for transferring goods; a second automated warehouse having a second shelf consisting of multiple levels and a second stacker crane including a second transfer device for transferring goods, the second stacker crane traveling in a different direction from the first stacker crane; and a transport device for transporting goods between the first and second stacker cranes. The transport device comprises a track including a first part extending along the direction of travel of the first stacker crane, a second part extending along the direction of travel of the second stacker crane, and a curved section connected to the first and second parts; and a trolley that is movable on the track and includes a loading section on which goods are placed by the first or second transfer device. Transfer of goods to the loading section of the trolley by the first and second transfer devices is performed only from one side of the track where the first and second stacker cranes are located.

[0007] In this transport system, loads are transferred between each stacker crane and a trolley in both the first and second sections of the track. The trolley moves along the track, including curved sections, and the first and second transfer devices transfer loads from only one of the two sides of the trolley. The orientation of the load (relative to the stacker crane) remains constant when the stacker crane transfers it. Therefore, loads can be transported to multiple stacker cranes with different directions of travel without changing their orientation. Furthermore, there is no need to install a switch in the transport device.

[0008] The transport device may have a drive member arranged along the track and connected to a trolley, and a drive unit that drives the drive member. The drive unit may be installed on the track or a fixed side portion provided near the track. In this configuration, the drive unit is installed on a fixed side portion such as the track. The trolley is connected to the drive member and, for example, is towed and moves along the track. Therefore, there is no need to mount a power supply on the trolley. For example, there is no need to supply power to the trolley by power supply equipment such as a cable carrier (registered trademark, cable section), and the configuration of the transport device is simplified.

[0009] The drive member is an endless chain that revolves along the track, and a pair of sprockets around which the chain is wrapped may be provided at both ends of the track. The drive unit may drive one of the sprockets. This configuration makes driving easier in curved sections and simplifies the configuration of the drive unit.

[0010] In the width direction of the trolley, the center of the load on the mounting surface and the position of the connection point where the drive member is connected to the trolley may be approximately the same. With this configuration, the trolley (especially a trolley transporting a load) can be moved smoothly with the minimum necessary driving force.

[0011] The conveying device may be installed to the side of the first and second shelves, each consisting of multiple tiers, at a position higher than the second tier. With this configuration, a space corresponding to the first tier of the first and second shelves is created below the conveying device. For example, since the conveying device is installed in the space above the worker's head, other workspace is secured.

[0012] The trolley includes a plurality of wheels that roll on the track, and the plurality of wheels may include at least one outer wheel that rolls on the outside of the curved section and at least one inner wheel that rolls on the inside of the curved section. At least one of the outer wheel and the inner wheel may be provided with a guide portion that guides that at least one of the outer wheel and the inner wheel relative to the track. With this configuration, the trolley can move in a stable position on the track even when passing through a curved section. [Effects of the Invention]

[0013] According to this disclosure, it is possible to transport loads to each of multiple stacker cranes with different travel directions without changing the orientation of the load. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0014] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a plan view showing a transport system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a side view showing the transport system in Figure 1. [Figure 3] Figure 3(a) is a plan view showing the drive unit and its surrounding configuration installed on the fixed side, and Figure 3(b) is a side view of Figure 3(a). [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a side view showing a trolley on the track and the cargo placed on the trolley's mounting section. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a front view showing a trolley on the track and the cargo placed on the trolley's mounting section. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a plan view showing the cargo presence detection sensor installed on the track. [Figure 7] Figures 7(a) and 7(b) are plan views, respectively, showing the orientation of the load being transferred between the first and second stacker cranes and the trolley. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0015] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the description of the drawings, the same elements will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions will be omitted. In this specification, the terms "outer" and "inner" in terms of outer ring and inner ring, or outer and inner sides, are used in reference to the curved portion 43 of the track 40, which will be described later, unless otherwise specified.

[0016] First, referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the outline of the conveying system 1 of the present embodiment will be described. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the conveying system 1 includes, for example, two automated warehouses. The conveying system 1 includes a first automated warehouse 10 and a second automated warehouse 20, and they are installed in different orientations.

[0017] The first automated warehouse 10 has a first shelf 11 in which a plurality of packages B are stored, and a first stacker crane 12 including a first transfer device 14 for transferring the packages B. The first stacker crane 12 is capable of traveling in the traveling direction D1 along the rail 13. The rail 13 (i.e., the traveling direction D1) extends linearly. The first transfer device 14 includes, for example, a pair of transfer devices 14A and 14B. Each of the pair of transfer devices 14A and 14B is capable of transferring the package B between the first shelf 11 and a cart 50 described later. Incidentally, the incoming and outgoing of the package B to and from the first shelf 11 may be performed via a first incoming / outgoing path L1 from the back side of the first shelf 11. In that case, an incoming / outgoing conveyor or the like may be provided on the first incoming / outgoing path L1.

[0018] The second automated warehouse 20 has a second shelf 21 in which a plurality of packages B are stored, and a second stacker crane 22 including a second transfer device 24 for transferring the packages B. The second stacker crane 22 is capable of traveling in the traveling direction D2 along the rail 23. The rail 23 (i.e., the traveling direction D2) extends linearly. The second transfer device 24 includes, for example, a pair of transfer devices 24A and 24B. Each of the pair of transfer devices 24A and 24B is capable of transferring the package B between the second shelf 21 and a cart 50 described later. Incidentally, the incoming and outgoing of the package B to and from the second shelf 21 may be performed via a second incoming / outgoing path L2 from the back side of the second shelf 21. In that case, an incoming / outgoing conveyor or the like may be provided on the second incoming / outgoing path L2.

[0019] The first shelf 11 and the second shelf 21 are both storage shelves composed of multiple tiers. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, the second shelf 21 includes a first tier 21A, a second tier 21B, and a third tier 21C. The second stacker crane 22 includes a mast 22a installed in the vertical direction and a lifting part 22b that can move up and down along the mast 22a. As the mast 22a moves in the traveling direction D2 along the rail 23 and the mast 22a moves up and down, the second stacker crane 22 can access the goods B stored in each placement part of each tier of the second shelf 21. The lifting part 22b of the second stacker crane 22 is provided with the pair of transfer devices 24A and 24B described above. Each of the pair of transfer devices 24A and 24B includes a slide fork (not shown) for transferring the goods B. The configuration of the first shelf 11 and the configuration of the first stacker crane 12 in the first automated warehouse 10 are the same as those of the second automated warehouse 20 described above. The first automated warehouse 10 and the second automated warehouse 20 may be identical except for the installation orientation, or the number of tiers and the like in the first shelf 11 and the second shelf 21 may be different.

[0020] In the conveying system 1, the traveling direction D1 of the first stacker crane 12 in the first automated warehouse 10 is different from the traveling direction D2 of the second stacker crane 22 in the second automated warehouse 20. The traveling direction D1 and the traveling direction D2 are both horizontal, for example, but form a predetermined angle in a plan view. The angle between the traveling direction D1 and the traveling direction D2 is greater than 0 degrees and less than 180 degrees. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the angle between the traveling direction D1 and the traveling direction D2 is 90 degrees, but the angle between the traveling direction D1 and the traveling direction D2 may be an angle other than 90 degrees. When the traveling direction D1 and the traveling direction D2 are orthogonal as in the present embodiment, advantages in layout may be brought about.

[0021] The transport system 1 includes a transport device 100 for transporting cargo B between the first automated warehouse 10 and the second automated warehouse 20. As shown in Figure 1, in order to smoothly transport cargo B in a system having multiple travel directions D1, D2, the transport device 100 has a track 40 that curves in a substantially L-shape in plan view. The track 40 is curved according to the layout of each automated warehouse. The track 40 includes a first section 41 extending along the travel direction D1 of the first stacker crane 12, a second section 42 extending along the travel direction D2 of the second stacker crane 22, and a curved section 43 positioned between the first section 41 and the second section 42 and connected to the first section 41 and the second section 42. The first stacker crane 12 is positioned between the first section 41 and the first shelf 11, and the second stacker crane 22 is positioned between the second section 42 and the second shelf 21. The curved section 43 has an arc shape corresponding to a 90-degree angle in order to connect the first section 41 and the second section 42, which extend in mutually perpendicular directions. The curved section 43 extends in a curved shape. The curved section 43 has an arc shape corresponding to the angle between the travel direction D1 and the travel direction D2. In this case, the angle refers to the central angle of the arc. The curved section 43 smoothly connects the first section 41 and the second section 42.

[0022] The track 40 can be distinguished in the direction of extension into the first section 41, the curved section 43, and the second section 42 described above, but in the width direction it includes a continuous outer rail 44 and a continuous inner rail 45. The outer rail 44 and the inner rail 45 extend parallel to each other in the first section 41 and the second section 42. In the curved section 43, the outer rail 44 and the inner rail 45 extend, for example, concentrically. The spacing between the outer rail 44 and the inner rail 45 is set according to the width of the trolley 50 (spacing between the outer wheel 54 and the inner wheel 55), which will be described later. The outer rail 44 and the inner rail 45 include a running surface 40a (see Figure 4), which is a horizontal plane at the same height. The track 40 is supported by a horizontally extending support section 47. The support section 47 is provided in the area directly below the track 40 and extends horizontally from that area (see Figure 5), and is also used as a deck that workers can pass through during maintenance.

[0023] As shown in Figure 2, the conveying device 100 is installed to the side of the first shelf 11 and the second shelf 21, which each consist of multiple levels, at a position higher than the second level (the second level 21B shown in Figure 2). This means that the track 40 is installed at a position generally higher than the second level. The conveying device 100 may also be installed at the height of the second level. For example, the track 40 may be suspended from the ceiling, or it may be supported from the ground F. In that case, the support portion will naturally be installed at a position lower than the second level, but the support portion is disregarded with respect to the installation height of the conveying device 100. Because the conveying device 100 is installed at a position higher than the second level, a workspace A is secured below the conveying device 100 where workers can perform other tasks.

[0024] Furthermore, a cover portion 49 serving as a safety fence may be erected on the horizontal edge of the support portion 47. The cover portion 49 may be provided to extend around the entire circumference of the support portion 47, but openings may be provided in predetermined positions in the cover portion 49 so as not to obstruct the transfer of load B between the first stacker crane 12 and the second stacker crane 22. The cover portion 49 may be suspended from the ceiling or supported from the ground F. The cover portion 49 ensures the safety of workers passing through the support portion 47 and prevents loads from falling into the space below the support portion 47.

[0025] The transport device 100 includes a trolley 50 that can move on the track 40, and a drive mechanism 60 for moving the trolley 50 on the track 40. The detailed configuration of the trolley 50 and the drive mechanism 60 will be described below, mainly with reference to Figures 3 to 5.

[0026] As shown in Figures 3 to 5, the trolley 50 includes a loading section 51 on which loads B are placed by the first transfer device 14 of the first stacker crane 12 and the second transfer device 24 of the second stacker crane 22. More specifically, two loads B can be loaded simultaneously (or not simultaneously) on each stacker crane by a pair of transfer devices 14A, 14B and a pair of transfer devices 24A, 24B, and the trolley 50 includes two loading sections 51, 51. The two loading sections 51, 51 have the same configuration. The two loading sections 51, 51 are arranged side by side in the direction of movement of the trolley 50, that is, in the direction of extension of the track 40 (the direction of extension of the first section 41 and the second section 42). Hereinafter, with respect to the trolley 50, the direction of movement of the trolley 50 will be referred to as the longitudinal direction, and the horizontal direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction will be referred to as the width direction. Figure 4 shows two slide forks 15 (slide forks 15A, 15B) installed in the lifting section of the first stacker crane 12.

[0027] As shown in Figure 4, the load B transferred and transported in the transport system 1 includes a load base Ba and fixed wheels Bb and free wheels Bc attached to the underside of the load base Ba. In other words, the load B is equipped with casters. The load base Ba is also called a pallet. The free wheels Bc are, for example, swivel casters. The load B may include one or more cassettes loaded on the load base Ba.

[0028] The trolley 50 includes a pair of guide and positioning sections 56, 56 (see Figure 4) facing each other and spaced apart in the longitudinal direction at each mounting section 51. The guide and positioning section 56 includes a first tapered surface (first slope) for smoothly receiving the descending load B, and a second tapered surface (second slope) for regulating the position of the load B when it lands on the mounting section 51. The spacing between the pair of guide and positioning sections 56, 56 is set according to the distance between the fixed wheel Bb and the free wheel Bc which has been rotated to a position close to the fixed wheel Bb. This ensures that the load B on the mounting section 51 remains stable while the trolley 50 is moving, or when the trolley 50 starts moving or stops. As shown in Figure 5, the trolley 50 also has a similar mechanism in the width direction. The trolley 50 includes a pair of guide and positioning sections 57, 57 facing each other and spaced apart in the width direction at each mounting section 51. The guide and positioning section 57 also includes a tapered surface (slope) to smoothly receive the descending load B. The distance between the pair of guide and positioning sections 57, 57 is set according to the width of the load base Ba.

[0029] Two pairs of guide / positioning units 56 ensure that the two packages B are contained within the range of the base unit 50A in the longitudinal direction (they do not protrude from the base unit 50A). Additionally, one pair of guide / positioning units 57 ensure that each package B is contained within the range of the base unit 50A in the width direction (they do not protrude from the base unit 50A).

[0030] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the trolley 50 includes a horizontally extending rectangular base portion 50A, four wheels mounted on the underside of the base portion 50A, and two mounting portions 51 provided on the base portion 50A. The four wheels roll on the track 40 (running surface 40a). The four wheels consist of a pair of outer wheels 54, 54 positioned on the outside and a pair of inner wheels 55, 55 positioned on the inside. The pair of outer wheels 54, 54 are spaced apart in the longitudinal direction, and the pair of inner wheels 55, 55 are also spaced apart in the longitudinal direction. The two mounting shafts 54c of the outer wheels 54 and the two mounting shafts 54c of the inner wheels 55 are positioned at the vertices of the rectangle in a plan view. The pair of outer wheels 54, 54 roll on the outer rail 44. That is, the pair of outer wheels 54, 54 roll on the outside of the first portion 41, the curved portion 43, and the second portion 42. The pair of inner rings 55, 55 roll on the inner rail 45. That is, the pair of inner rings 55, 55 roll inside the first section 41, the curved section 43, and the second section 42.

[0031] As shown in Figure 4, each inner wheel 55 is mounted via a bracket 55b attached to the lower surface of the base portion 50A so as to be rotatable around a mounting shaft 55c that extends vertically. The horizontal inner wheel shaft 55x of the inner wheel 55 is positioned offset from the axis of the mounting shaft 55c (eccentric). In this way, the inner wheel 55 is a free-moving wheel, and as the bracket 55b rotates according to the direction of movement of the trolley 50, the inner wheel 55 naturally positions itself behind the mounting shaft 55c in the direction of movement.

[0032] As shown in Figures 3 and 5, each outer ring 54 is provided via a bracket 54e attached to the lower surface of the base portion 50A so as to be rotatable around a mounting shaft 54c extending vertically. The bracket 54e has a pyramidal truncated shape (or rectangular parallelepiped shape). Four guide rollers 54r are provided at the lower end of the bracket 54e so as to be at the same height as the lower end of the inner ring 55. The axis of rotation of each guide roller 54r extends vertically, and two guide rollers 54r abut against the outer rail 44 on each side of the outer rail 44. That is, the outer rail 44 is positioned between two guide rollers 54r aligned longitudinally and another pair of guide rollers 54r aligned longitudinally. The horizontal outer ring axis 54x of the outer ring 54 is positioned on the axis of the mounting shaft 54c. In this way, the inner ring 55 is provided with a guide portion 54g including the mounting shaft 54c, the bracket 54e, and the four guide rollers 54r. The guide section 54g guides the outer ring 54 relative to the outer rail 44.

[0033] Next, the drive mechanism 60 will be described in detail. As shown in Figures 1 and 3(a), a drive unit 61 for moving the trolley 50 is installed at one end of the track 40 (for example, the end of the track 40 included in the second section 42). The drive unit 61 has, for example, a reduction gear 61a and is a motor of a type in which the output shaft of the drive unit 61 is converted from horizontal to vertical. The drive unit 61 is a motor capable of forward and reverse rotation. Note that the type of drive unit 61 is not limited to this, and other known drive sources may be used. The drive unit 61 is controlled by a controller (not shown).

[0034] The drive unit 61 is not located on the trolley 50, but is installed outside the trolley 50. In other words, the drive unit 61 is installed on the track 40 or on a fixed side portion located near the track 40. The drive mechanism 60 has an endless chain (drive member) 66 arranged along the track 40. As shown in Figures 1, 3(a), and 3(b), a pair of sprockets 63 and 64 around which the chain 66 is wound are provided at both ends of the track 40. Each of the pair of sprockets 63 and 64 has a rotation axis extending vertically. Sprocket 63 is installed at one end, and sprocket 64 is installed at the other end of the track 40 (the end of the track 40 included in the first portion 41). The drive unit 61 is connected to sprocket 63 and drives sprocket 63. When sprocket 63 is driven, the chain 66 revolves along the track 40. Sprocket 64 rotates in a driven manner. The reduction gear 61a of the drive unit 61 is attached to a drive box 62 provided at one end of the track 40, for example, and the sprocket 63 is built into the drive box 62.

[0035] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the chain 66, which serves as the drive member, is connected to the trolley 50 in part. The chain 66 is, for example, a roller chain that includes a number of endlessly connected chain sections 66a and a number of roller sections 66b attached below the chain sections 66a. The roller sections 66b are in contact with the upper surface of a second support section 48 provided on a support section 47. The roller sections 66b support the chain sections 66a, so that the chain sections 66a do not sag but extend horizontally at a constant distance from the upper surface of the second support section 48. Any one (or two adjacent) of the number of chain sections 66a is fixed and connected to an underplate 72 that hangs down from the base section 50A of the trolley 50 via a connecting member 71. With this configuration, the trolley 50 moves along the direction of movement as the chain 66 moves (circulates). The trolley 50 is movable from a predetermined transfer position in front of the first automated warehouse 10 to a predetermined transfer position in front of the second automated warehouse 20. The trolley 50 is movable from a predetermined transfer position in front of the second automated warehouse 20 to a predetermined transfer position in front of the first automated warehouse 10.

[0036] As shown in Figure 5, two horizontally spaced (widthwise) chains 66 (connected by sprockets 63 and 64 at both ends) move in the direction of movement of the trolley 50 through two slits formed in the chain rail 67. The chain rail 67 is installed, for example, on a second support 48. The two slits extend linearly and parallel in the range of the first section 41 and the second section 42, but extend in an arc shape and concentrically in the range of the curved section 43. The connection section, consisting of an underplate 72 and a connecting member 71, is reciprocable along one side of the path between sprockets 63 and sprocket 64, closer to the outer rail 44. The trolley 50 is towed and moved by the drive unit 61 and the chains 66 via this connection section. In the transport system 1, since the drive unit 61 is installed on the fixed side, the trolley 50 does not require a power supply for driving.

[0037] The transport device 100 has sensors to detect the position of the trolley 50 (position it at the stopping position). As shown in Figures 4 and 5, an inverted T-shaped shielding plate 73 hangs down from the base portion 50A of the trolley 50. The flat shielding plate 73 can pass between U-shaped detectors 74 installed on the first portion 41 and the second portion 42 of the track 40. Each detector 74 is a detector having two optical axes, upper and lower, and is installed, for example, on the second support portion 48. When the trolley 50 approaches a predetermined handover position in front of the first automated warehouse 10, and the lower part 73b of the shielding plate 73 is detected by the lower detector 74b of the detector 74 on the first portion 41, the drive unit 61 is controlled by the controller and the trolley 50 decelerates. Next, when the upper part 73a of the shielding plate 73 is detected by the upper detector 74a of the detector 74 on the first part 41, the drive unit 61 is controlled by the controller and the trolley 50 is stopped. At this time (when the trolley 50 is in the position shown in Figure 4), it stops at a predetermined handover position in front of the first automated warehouse 10. In this way, by combining the short upper part 73a and the long lower part 73b of the shielding plate 73 which extends in the longitudinal direction, the detection timing for the detector 74 which has two optical axes is staggered. Similarly, a stopping and positioning mechanism by the detector 74 is also provided at a predetermined handover position in front of the second automated warehouse 20.

[0038] The transport device 100 also has sensors for detecting the presence or absence of cargo B on the trolley 50. As shown in Figures 2 and 6, two light-emitting sensors 81 and two light-receiving sensors 82 are installed near both sides of the second section 42. When the trolley 50 stops at a predetermined handover position in front of the second automated warehouse 20, the presence or absence of cargo B is detected by the light-emitting sensors 81 and light-receiving sensors 82, and the second stacker crane 22 is controlled by the controller according to the detection result. Similarly, at a predetermined handover position in front of the first automated warehouse 10, a mechanism for detecting the presence or absence of cargo B using light-emitting sensors 81 and light-receiving sensors 82 is also provided. In this embodiment, the sensors (detector 74, light-emitting sensors 81 and light-receiving sensors 82) are not provided on the trolley 50, but are installed outside the trolley 50. Power supply equipment such as cable carriers (registered trademark, cable section) is not provided on the track 40 including the curved section 43. By installing sensors on the outside of the trolley 50, it is unnecessary to supply power to the trolley 50.

[0039] As shown in Figure 5, an outer rail 44 and an inner rail 45 are provided below the base section 50A, and a guide section 54g (only the inner half of the outer rail 44 in the width direction), a chain 66 and a chain rail 67, and a detector 74 are installed between the outer rail 44 and the inner rail 45. Due to the arrangement of these components, the track 40 and the base section 50A have a predetermined size in the width direction. The width of the cargo B is smaller than the width of the trolley 50. Therefore, the cargo B on the mounting section 51 is offset from the center position of the track 40 in the width direction.

[0040] In the width direction of the trolley 50, the center of the load B on the loading section 51 and the position of the connection section consisting of the connecting member 71 and the underplate 72 are approximately coincident. This allows the trolley 50 to be stably towed when transporting a heavy load B. However, the position of the center of the load B on the loading section 51 and the position of the connection section to the chain 66 may be slightly misaligned in the width direction.

[0041] In the transport system 1 having the above configuration, as shown in Figure 7, the transfer of the load B to the loading section 51 by the first transfer device 14 and the second transfer device 24 is performed only from the outer side Sout, where the first stacker crane 12 and the second stacker crane 22 are located, out of both sides of the track 40 (both sides in the direction perpendicular to the direction of movement of the trolley 50). No load B is transferred to the trolley 50 from the inner side Sin.

[0042] According to this transport system 1, the load B is transferred between the stacker crane 12 or 22 and the trolley 50 in each of the first section 41 and the second section 42 of the track 40. The trolley 50 moves along the track 40, including the curved section 43, and the transfer by the first transfer device 14 and the second transfer device 24 is performed only from the outside Sout of the trolley 50. The orientation of the load B (orientation relative to the stacker cranes 12 and 22) is constant when the stacker crane 12 or 22 transfers the load B. Therefore, the load B can be transported to each of the multiple stacker cranes 12 and 22 with different directions of travel without changing the orientation of the load B. There is no need to install a switch in the transport device 100.

[0043] The drive unit 61 is installed in the drive box 62 (fixed side portion) near the track 40. The trolley 50 is connected to the drive member chain 66 and, for example, is towed and moves along the track 40. Therefore, there is no need to mount a power supply on the trolley 50. For example, there is no need to supply power to the trolley 50 from power supply equipment such as a cable carrier, and the configuration of the transport device 100 is simplified.

[0044] The drive member is a chain 66, and the drive unit 61 drives the sprocket 63. This makes driving easier in the curved section 43 and simplifies the configuration of the drive unit 61.

[0045] In the width direction of the trolley 50, the center of the load B on the mounting section 51 and the position of the connection point to the chain 66 are approximately coincident. This allows the trolley 50 (especially the trolley 50 while transporting load B) to move smoothly with the minimum necessary driving force.

[0046] The conveying device 100 is positioned higher than the second level of the first shelf 11 and the second shelf 21. As a result, a workspace A (see Figure 2) corresponding to the first level of the first shelf 11 and the second shelf 21 is formed below the conveying device 100. For example, since the conveying device 100 is installed in the space above the worker's head, workspace A is secured.

[0047] The outer wheel 54 is provided with a guide section 54g. As a result, even when the bogie 50 passes through the curved section 43, the outer wheel 54 follows the outer rail 44, allowing the bogie 50 to move in a stable position on the track 40.

[0048] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. For example, the configuration for moving the trolley may differ from that of the above embodiments. A wire or the like may be used as the drive member instead of a chain. The trolley may include a drive unit such as a motor. In that case, power supply equipment such as a cable carrier is provided to supply power to the trolley.

[0049] The inner ring 55 may be provided with a guide portion for guiding the inner ring 55. Both the outer ring 54 and the inner ring 55 may be provided with guide portions for guiding them.

[0050] Each stacker crane may transfer only one load between itself and the trolley.

[0051] If the outer and inner sides of the track are defined based on the curved section, the transfer of each stacker crane by its transfer device may be performed only from the inner side (one side) of the track. In that case, each stacker crane is positioned along the straight section of the track on the inner side.

[0052] The transport device 100 (track 40 and trolley 50, etc.) may be installed at a height higher than the second stage (for example, the third stage or higher), or it may be installed at a height lower than the second stage (closer to the ground F).

[0053] The system may consist of three or more automated warehouses, each having shelves and a stacker crane including a transfer device. Even if the extension directions of the shelves (the travel directions of each stacker crane) are different, the same effects and benefits as described above can be obtained by providing tracks that include, for example, two or more curved sections.

[0054] The constituent elements of the present invention can be described as follows. [1] A first automated warehouse having a first shelf consisting of multiple levels and a first stacker crane including a first transfer device for transferring goods, A second automated warehouse having a second shelf consisting of multiple levels, and a second stacker crane that includes a second transfer device for transferring goods and travels in a different direction from the first stacker crane, A conveying device for transporting loads between the first stacker crane and the second stacker crane, Equipped with, The aforementioned transport device is A track comprising a first portion extending along the direction of travel of the first stacker crane, a second portion extending along the direction of travel of the second stacker crane, and a curved portion connected to the first portion and the second portion, The vehicle includes a trolley that is movable on the aforementioned track and includes a loading section on which cargo is placed by the first loading device or the second loading device, A transport system in which the transfer of the trolley to the aforementioned mounting section by the first transfer device and the second transfer device is performed only from one side of the track where the first stacker crane and the second stacker crane are located. [2] The aforementioned transport device is A drive member arranged along the aforementioned track and connected to the aforementioned trolley, It has a drive unit that drives the aforementioned drive member, The transport system according to [1], wherein the drive unit is installed on the track or a fixed portion provided near the track. [3] The drive member is an endless chain that revolves along the track, A pair of sprockets around which the chain is wound are provided at both ends of the aforementioned track. The conveying system according to [2], wherein the drive unit drives one of the sprockets. [4] The transport system according to [2] or [3], wherein, in the width direction of the trolley, the center of the load on the aforementioned mounting portion and the position of the connection portion to which the drive member is connected to the trolley are substantially coincide. [5] The conveying device is provided on the side of the first and second shelves, each consisting of multiple levels, at a position higher than the second level, according to any one of [1] to [4]. [6] The bogie includes a plurality of wheels that roll on the track, The aforementioned multiple wheels are At least one outer ring that rolls on the outside of the curved portion, The curved portion includes at least one inner ring that rolls on the inside of the curved portion, A conveying system according to any one of [1] to [5], wherein at least one of the outer ring and the inner ring is provided with a guide portion for guiding at least one of the outer ring and the inner ring with respect to the track. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0055] 1...Conveying system, 10...First automated warehouse, 11...First shelf, 12...First stacker crane, 14...First transfer device, 20...Second automated warehouse, 21...Second shelf, 22...Second stacker crane, 24...Second transfer device, 40...Track, 41...First section, 42...Second section, 43...Curved section, 44...Outer rail, 45...Inner rail, 50...Cart, 51...Loading section, 54...Outer wheel, 55...Inner wheel, 60...Drive mechanism, 61...Drive unit, 63...Sprocket, 64...Sprocket, 66...Chain (drive component), 67...Chain rail, 71...Connecting component, 72...Underplate, 100...Conveying device, B...Cargo, D1...Travel direction, D2...Travel direction, Sin...Inside (the other side of both sides), Sout...Outside (one side of both sides).

Claims

1. A first automated warehouse having a first shelf consisting of multiple levels and a first stacker crane including a first transfer device for transferring goods, A second automated warehouse having a second shelf consisting of multiple levels, and a second stacker crane that includes a second transfer device for transferring goods and travels in a different direction from the first stacker crane, A conveying device for transporting cargo between the first stacker crane and the second stacker crane, Equipped with, The aforementioned transport device is A track comprising a first portion extending along the direction of travel of the first stacker crane, a second portion extending along the direction of travel of the second stacker crane, and a curved portion connected to the first portion and the second portion, The vehicle includes a trolley that is movable on the aforementioned track and includes a loading section on which cargo is placed by the first loading device or the second loading device, A transport system in which the transfer of the trolley to the aforementioned mounting section by the first transfer device and the second transfer device is performed only from one side of the track where the first stacker crane and the second stacker crane are located.

2. The aforementioned transport device is A drive member arranged along the aforementioned track and connected to the aforementioned trolley, It has a drive unit that drives the aforementioned drive member, The transport system according to claim 1, wherein the drive unit is installed on the track or a fixed portion provided near the track.

3. The drive member is an endless chain that revolves along the track, A pair of sprockets around which the chain is wound are provided at both ends of the aforementioned track. The conveying system according to claim 2, wherein the drive unit drives one of the sprockets.

4. The transport system according to claim 2, wherein, in the width direction of the trolley, the center of the load on the aforementioned mounting portion and the position of the connection portion to which the drive member is connected to the trolley are substantially coincide.

5. The conveying device is provided on the side of the first shelf and the second shelf, each consisting of multiple levels, at a position higher than the second level, according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The bogie includes a plurality of wheels that roll on the track, The aforementioned multiple wheels are At least one outer ring that rolls on the outside of the curved portion, Includes at least one inner ring that rolls on the inside of the curved portion, The conveying system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein at least one of the outer ring and the inner ring is provided with a guide portion for guiding at least one of the outer ring and the inner ring with respect to the track.

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