Inter-floor transport device

Abstract

To arrange more delivering / receiving conveyance devices thereabout.SOLUTION: A conveyance device (10) between floors comprises: a lifting part (2) comprising a transfer mechanism (5) that moves vertically between the floors while holding a container (60) so as to transfer the container (60); and an intermediate conveyor (3) for conveying the container (60) between the transfer mechanism (5) and a delivering / receiving conveyor (30) for delivering / receiving the container (60) to / from a ceiling-conveying device (20) for conveying the container (60).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0003]

[0001] The present invention relates to an inter-floor transfer device that transfers a conveyed object between floors and transfers articles to and from transfer devices on each floor.

Background Art

[0002] The inter-floor transfer device transfers an article between floors and transfers the article to and from a transfer device such as a ceiling transfer device that conveys the article on each floor. The transfer device delivers the article to and from a transfer device that conveys the article on each floor, such as a ceiling transfer device. For example, Patent Document 1 describes that an article is directly transferred between a transfer device (transfer device) installed on each floor and a transfer device that moves up and down by a lifting unit in a cylindrical partition provided so as to penetrate the floor of each floor.

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 inter-floor transfer device, the end of the transfer device that directly transfers an article to and from the transfer device is disposed at a position close to the transfer device. Therefore, the number of such ends disposed around the transfer device, that is, the number of transfer devices, is limited to a small number.

[0005] One aspect of the present invention aims to provide an inter-floor transfer device that can dispose more transfer devices around it.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] In order to solve the above problems, an inter-floor transfer device according to one aspect of the present invention includes a lifting unit that holds a conveyed object and moves vertically between a plurality of floors, and has a transfer mechanism that transfers the conveyed object, The system includes a transfer and delivery device that delivers the delivered object to an in-floor transport device that transports the delivered object, and an intermediate transport section that transports the delivered object between the transfer mechanism and the transfer device. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to one aspect of the present invention, more transfer and conveying devices can be arranged around the device. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is a front view showing the configuration of a transport system according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a plan view showing the arrangement of the inter-floor conveying device, transfer conveyor, and intermediate conveyor in the above-mentioned conveying system. [Figure 3] This is a front view showing the configuration of the overhead conveying device in the above conveying system. [Figure 4] This is a perspective view showing the arrangement of the transfer mechanism, the transfer conveyor, and the intermediate conveyor. [Figure 5] This is a side view showing the configuration of the lifting section of the above-mentioned inter-floor transport device. [Figure 6] This is a perspective view showing the configuration of the transfer mechanism described above. [Figure 7] This is a plan view showing the configuration of the storage shelves located at the bottom of the inter-floor transport device described above. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] [Configuration of the inter-floor transport system] A transport system 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail.

[0010] Figure 1 is a front view showing the configuration of the transport system 100. Figure 2 is a plan view showing the arrangement of the inter-floor transport device 10, the transfer conveyor 30, and the intermediate conveyor 3 in the transport system 100. Figure 3 is a front view showing the configuration of the ceiling transport device 20 in the transport system 100.

[0011] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the transport system 100 includes an inter-floor transport device 10, an overhead transport device 20 (intra-floor transport device), a transfer conveyor 30 (transfer transport device), a blower 40, and storage shelves 50.

[0012] The inter-floor transport device 10 is a device that transports containers 60 (transported items) between each floor. Details of the inter-floor transport device 10 will be explained later.

[0013] Now, let's describe the container 60. As shown in Figure 3, the container 60 has a storage section 60a, a flange section 60b, and a protrusion 60c. When the transport system 100 is installed in semiconductor manufacturing equipment, the storage section 60a stores semiconductor wafers and the like. The flange section 60b is located in the central part of the top plate of the container 60. The protrusion 60c is formed at the rear end of the top plate of the container 60 so as to protrude upward over the entire width direction of the container 60 (a direction perpendicular to the left-right and up-down directions in Figure 3).

[0014] The ceiling transport device 20 is a transport vehicle that travels along a track 70 suspended from the ceiling S of each floor (within each floor). Figure 1 shows an example in which the ceiling transport device 20 travels on the ceiling S1 of the first floor and the ceiling S2 of the second floor. As shown in Figure 3, the ceiling transport device 20 has a travel section 21 and a main body section 22.

[0015] The running unit 21 moves by the rolling of multiple wheels 21b, which are driven by a drive motor 21a, on the track 70.

[0016] The main body 22 has a frame body 22a, a lifting drive unit 22b, a plurality of lifting belts 22c, and a gripping unit 22d. The frame body 22a protects the container 60, and its lower and side portions are open for the transfer of the container 60. The lifting drive unit 22b winds up or winds down the lifting belt 22c by the rotational driving force of a motor. The lifting drive unit 22b raises the gripping unit 22d by winding up the lifting belt 22c, and lowers the gripping unit 22d by winding down the lifting belt 22c. The gripping unit 22d opens and closes the chuck between a gripping position for gripping the flange portion 60b of the container 60 and a release position for releasing the gripping of the flange portion 60b.

[0017] The transfer conveyor 30 is a conveyor for transferring the container between the transfer mechanism 5 or the intermediate conveyor 3 described later and the ceiling conveyor 20. The transfer conveyor 30 transfers the container 60 directly or via the intermediate conveyor 3 to the transfer mechanism 5, and also transfers the container 60 to the ceiling conveyor 20. The details of the transfer conveyor 30 will be described together with the details of the inter-floor conveyor 10.

[0018] The blower 40 is a device that blows air inside a structure 1 provided in the inter-floor conveyor 10, which will be described later. The blower 40 blows out purified air to keep the air inside the structure 1 clean. For this reason, a fan filter unit is preferably used as the blower 40. The arrangement of the blower 40 will be described together with the details of the inter-floor conveyor 10.

[0019] The storage shelf 50 is a shelf for temporarily storing the container 60. The arrangement of the storage shelf 50 will be described together with the details of the inter-floor conveyor 10. The details of the storage shelf 50 will be described later.

[0020] 〔Configuration of the inter-floor conveyor〕 FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the arrangement configuration of the transfer mechanism 5, the transfer conveyor 30, and the intermediate conveyor 3.

[0021] The inter-floor conveyor 10 has a structure 1, a lifting unit 2, and an intermediate conveyor 3 (intermediate transfer unit).

[0022] Structure 1 forms the outer shell surrounding the lifting section 2 and a part of the intermediate conveyor 3, and is installed to penetrate each floor. Structure 1 has a lower section 11 and an upper section 12 on each floor. The lower section 11 is located in the lower part of each floor, which is a predetermined range in the vertical direction, specifically in the height range where people move around. The upper section 12 is located in the upper part of each floor, which is a predetermined range in the vertical direction, specifically in a range higher than the height where people move around. As will be described later, only the lower section 11 (11F) located on the floor surface F of the first floor has a different structure from the lower sections 11 located on the second floor and above.

[0023] Note that the floor surfaces of the second floor and above are located above the ceiling S of the floor below in Figure 1, but are omitted from the illustration for convenience.

[0024] As shown in Figure 2, the inner region IR1 surrounded by the lower section 11F is rectangular. The inner region IR2 surrounded by the upper section 12 is rectangular overall, just like the inner region IR1, but lacks some of the four corner regions of the rectangle. In the example shown in Figure 2, if the side where the lifting mechanism 4, described later, is located within the structure 1 is considered the rear, then the inner region IR2 lacks the two front corner regions of the rectangle. The inner region IR3 surrounded by the lower section 11 located on the second floor or higher is rectangular and fits within the inner region IR2.

[0025] The lower section 11 has a frame 11a that forms an exoskeleton and a wall 11b that fits into the frame 11a. The lower section 11 is enclosed from the outside by the wall 11b along its entire outer circumference. Storage shelves 50 are arranged inside the lower section 11F.

[0026] The upper section 12 has a transfer section 121 and a non-transfer section 122. The non-transfer section 122 is provided above the transfer section 121.

[0027] The transfer section 121 is the part where the container 60 is transferred between the transfer mechanism 5 and the transfer conveyor 30. The transfer section 121 has a frame 121a that forms an exoskeleton. The container 60 is transferred through the open portion of the frame 121a. In addition, a wall is fitted into the rear portion of the frame 121a, where the container 60 is not transferred, although this is not shown in the figure.

[0028] The non-transferable section 122 has a frame 122a that forms an exoskeleton and a wall body 122b that fits into the frame 122a. The non-transferable section 122 is isolated from the outside by the wall body 122b along its entire outer circumference. The aforementioned blower 40 is positioned on the wall surface of the wall body 122b, which is provided in a certain range in the vertical direction.

[0029] The upper end surface of the non-transfer section 122 on each floor is covered by a wall 122b, although this is not shown in the diagram. Similarly, the lower end surface of the transfer section 121 on the second floor and above is covered by a wall, although this is not shown in the diagram.

[0030] Multiple transfer conveyors 30 are arranged around the transfer section 121. In the example shown in Figure 2, transfer conveyors 30A to 30E are arranged as transfer conveyors 30.

[0031] The transfer conveyor 30A is positioned in front of the transfer mechanism 5. The transfer conveyor 30B is positioned on one side of the transfer mechanism 5, and the transfer conveyor 30C is positioned on the other side of the transfer mechanism 5. The transfer conveyor 30D is positioned parallel to the transfer conveyor 30A on the side of the transfer conveyor 30B. The transfer conveyor 30E is positioned parallel to the transfer conveyor 30 on the side of the transfer conveyor 30C on the side of the transfer conveyor 30A.

[0032] The transfer conveyors 30A to 30C are positioned close to the transfer mechanism 5 at each end, and the containers 60 are transferred directly between them and the transfer mechanism 5. The transfer conveyors 30D and 30E are positioned away from the transfer mechanism 5 at each end, and the containers 60 are transferred between them and the transfer mechanism 5 via the intermediate conveyor 3.

[0033] The conveying conveyor 30 is composed of, for example, a two-belt conveyor and has a conveying base 301 and a pair of conveying belts 302. The conveying base 301 is a plate-shaped platform formed to be long in the conveying direction. The conveying belts 302 are relatively narrow endless belts arranged on the left and right sides in the conveying direction and are driven by a motor via drive rollers.

[0034] The intermediate conveyor 3 transports the containers 60 between the transfer mechanism 5 and the receiving conveyors 30D and 30E. The intermediate conveyor 3 transfers the containers 60 to the transfer mechanism 5 inside the structure 1 and transfers the containers 60 to the receiving conveyors 30 outside the structure 1. The intermediate conveyor 3 is positioned both inside and outside the structure 1.

[0035] In the example shown in Figure 2, the transport path of the intermediate conveyor 3 lies on a straight line connecting the transfer mechanism 5 and the receiving conveyor 30D. The other transport path of the intermediate conveyor 3 lies on a straight line connecting the transfer mechanism 5 and the receiving conveyor 30E. At least a portion of the transport path of the intermediate conveyor 3 is located in a missing area L (shown in gray in Figure 2) that forms a triangle corresponding to the aforementioned missing corner region.

[0036] As shown in Figure 4, the intermediate conveyor 3 has a first conveying section 31 and a second conveying section 32 (swivel section). The first conveying section 31 and the second conveying section 32 are composed of two belt conveyors, just like the receiving conveyor 30. The first conveying section 31 is positioned close to the transfer mechanism 5 and conveys the containers 60 between the transfer mechanism 5 and the second conveying section 32. The second conveying section 32 is positioned close to the receiving conveyor 30 and conveys the containers 60 to the receiving conveyor 30 by conveying the containers 60 between the first conveying section 31 and the receiving conveyor 30.

[0037] The first conveying unit 31 has a bottom plate 31a, a pair of side parts 31b, a pair of conveying belts 31c, and two sets of drive rollers 31d. The side parts 31b are plate-like portions that rise up from both side edges of the rectangular bottom plate 31a. Conveying belts 31c are provided on the mutually opposing surfaces of the pair of side parts 31b. The conveying belts 31c are relatively narrow endless belts and are driven by a drive motor via two sets of drive rollers 31d.

[0038] The second conveying unit 32 has a bottom plate 32a, a pair of side parts 32b, a pair of conveying belts 32c, and two sets of drive rollers 32d. The side parts 32b are plate-like portions that rise up from both side edges of the rectangular bottom plate 32a. Conveying belts 32c are provided on the mutually opposing surfaces of the pair of side parts 32b. The conveying belts 32c are relatively narrow endless belts and are driven by a drive motor via two sets of drive rollers 32d.

[0039] The transfer mechanism 5 can hold two containers 60 simultaneously, as will be described later. In contrast, the intermediate conveyor 3 is configured to be able to simultaneously transfer two containers 60 to and from the transfer mechanism 5. Specifically, the first transport section 31 and the second transport section 32 can each hold one container 60.

[0040] As shown in Figure 2, when the first transport unit 31 and the second transport unit 32 transfer the container 60 to and from the transfer mechanism 5, and when they transfer the container 60 to and from each other, their respective transport directions coincide with the transport path. In addition, the second transport unit 32, Transfer conveyor 30D, 30E When transferring container 60 between the two, the container rotates in the direction of the arrow in the horizontal plane so as to align with the conveying direction of the transfer conveyors 30D and 30E.

[0041] Note that the arrangement of the intermediate conveyor 3 and the transfer conveyor 30 is not limited to the example shown in Figure 2.

[0042] [Configuration of the lifting mechanism] Figure 5 is a side view showing the configuration of the lifting section 2 of the inter-floor transport device 10. Figure 6 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the transfer mechanism 5.

[0043] The lifting section 2 includes a lifting mechanism 4 and a transfer mechanism 5.

[0044] As shown in Figure 5, the lifting mechanism 4 includes a guide rail 4a, a lifting platform 4b, a first lifting belt 4c, and a second lifting belt 4d for moving the transfer mechanism 5 in the vertical direction.

[0045] The guide rail 4a is arranged to penetrate each floor within the range of vertical movement of the transfer mechanism 5, and is formed in a cylindrical shape. A balance weight (not shown) is arranged inside the guide rail 4a so as to be movable in the vertical direction. The lifting platform 4b has wheels that roll so as to sandwich the wall surface of the guide rail 4a both inside and outside the guide rail 4a.

[0046] One end of the first lifting belt 4c is connected to the upper end of the lifting platform 4b, and the other end of the first lifting belt 4c is connected to the upper end of the balance weight. One end of the second lifting belt 4d is connected to the lower end of the lifting platform 4b, and the other end of the second lifting belt 4d is connected to the lower end of the balance weight. The series of mechanisms connecting the lifting platform 4b, the first lifting belt 4c, the second lifting belt 4d, and the balance weight raises and lowers the lifting platform 4b by sending the first lifting belt 4c vertically by a rotary drive device (not shown) provided at the upper end of the guide rail 4a.

[0047] The transfer mechanism 5 holds the container 60 and moves it vertically between multiple floors using the lifting mechanism 4 to transfer the container 60. As shown in Figure 6, the transfer mechanism 5 includes a lifting plate 51, a holding plate 52, a moving support part 53, a bending link 54, a support base 55, and a lifting support 56.

[0048] The lifting plate 51 is a plate member having a length that allows two containers 60 to be placed on it. Although not shown in the figure, the upper surface of the lifting plate 51 is provided with multiple protrusions that fit into recesses provided on the bottom surface of the containers 60 for positioning the containers 60. The lifting plate 51 is driven to move up and down by the movable support unit 53.

[0049] The holding plate 52 is a member that presses and holds the upper end surface of the container 60 placed on the lifting plate 51, and is positioned above the lifting plate 51 and parallel to the lifting plate 51. The holding plate 52 has a top plate portion 521, a pair of side plate portions 522, and a support plate portion 523. The top plate portion 521 is the part that contacts the upper end surface of the container 60 and has a length that is sufficient to hold two containers 60.

[0050] The top plate portion 521 has two first openings 521a and two second openings 521b, spaced apart in the longitudinal direction of the top plate portion 521. The first opening 521a has approximately the same shape and size as the flange portion 60b of the container 60, into which the flange portion 60b fits. The second opening 521b has approximately the same shape and size as the protrusion 60c of the container 60, into which the protrusion 60c fits.

[0051] The support plate portion 523 is located on the rear end side of the top plate portion 521, opposite to the front end side where the holding plate 52 receives the container 60. The support plate portion 523 is formed to hang down from the rear edge of the top plate portion 521. The support plate portion 523 is fixed to the upper part of the lifting support plate 53a of the movable support portion 53, which will be described later.

[0052] The side plates 522 are formed to hang down from both ends of the top plate 521. The side plates 522 are provided to prevent the container 60 from protruding due to the rotation of the lifting plate 51 and the holding plate 52.

[0053] The movable support section 53 moves via the bending link 54. The movable support section 53 supports the lifting plate 51 so that it can move up and down, and also fixes the top plate section 521. The movable support section 53 has a lifting support plate 53a and a movable support plate 53b.

[0054] The lifting support plate 53a is formed to extend vertically and incorporates a lifting drive mechanism (not shown). The lifting drive mechanism lowers the lifting plate 51 to the lowest position in its range of motion when transferring containers 60 to the intermediate conveyor 3. The lifting drive mechanism also raises the lifting plate 51 to the highest position in its range of motion when the transfer mechanism 5 is raised. The movable support plate 53b is formed to extend vertically from the lower end of the lifting support plate 53a. The movable support plate 53b is driven by a bending link 54.

[0055] The bending link 54 moves the movable support section 53 between the lifting position and the transfer position through the bending and extending motion of its two arms 54a and 54b. The lifting position is the position when the transfer mechanism 5 is raised or lowered. The transfer position is the position where the container 60 is transferred between the end of the receiving conveyors 30A to 30C and the first transport section 31 of the intermediate conveyor 3.

[0056] The support base 55 is a base that supports the flexion link 54. The support base 55 incorporates a drive mechanism that drives the flexion link 54.

[0057] The lifting support 56 supports the support base 55 and is fixed to the lifting platform 4b of the lifting mechanism 4. As a result, the lifting support 56 raises and lowers the transfer mechanism 5 along the guide rail 4a.

[0058] [Storage shelf configuration] Figure 7 is a plan view showing the configuration of the storage rack 50 located at the bottom of the inter-floor transport device 10.

[0059] As shown in Figure 7, the storage shelf 50 has two support columns 501, four fixing parts 502, an intermediate support plate 503, and two support parts 504.

[0060] The support column 501 is positioned near the frame 11a located at the corner of the lower section 11F, rising from the floor surface F. The support column 501 is positioned close to the wall 11b located on one horizontal side of the frame 11a and the wall 11b located on the other horizontal side of the frame 11a.

[0061] The fixing part 502 connects the upper and lower ends of the support column 501 to the wall body 11b, thereby fixing the support column 501 to the wall body 11b.

[0062] The intermediate support plate 503 is provided to connect the intermediate sections of the two support columns 501. As shown in Figure 1, the intermediate support plate 503 has a recess at the top of its intermediate section so that the lifting plate 51 of the transfer mechanism 5 can pass through.

[0063] The support portion 504 is a plate-shaped portion provided so as to extend parallel to each other in a direction perpendicular to the surface of the intermediate support plate 503 from both ends of the upper edge of the intermediate support plate 503. The support portion 504 has a length that is sufficient to support one container 60.

[0064] As described above, the storage shelf 50 supports and stores only one container 60 held in the rear holding position by the transfer mechanism 5. Furthermore, although Figure 6 shows a configuration in which the storage shelf 50 is installed near one of the four corners of the lower section 11F, the storage shelf 50 can be installed at two corners within the movable range of the transfer mechanism 5.

[0065] [Operation of the inter-floor transport device] For example, as shown in Figure 4, the bending link 54 of the transfer mechanism 5 rotates the lifting plate 51 and the holding plate 52 so that the containers 60 are facing in the direction of the arrow. Simultaneously with the rotation, the bending link 54 also moves the lifting plate 51 and the holding plate 52 in a straight line in the direction of the arrow until the two containers 60 reach the intermediate conveyor 3. The transfer mechanism 5 lowers the lifting plate 51 when the two containers 60 reach the intermediate conveyor 3. As a result, the container 60 held on the far side of the lifting plate 51 and the holding plate 52 is placed on the conveyor belt 31c of the first conveying section 31, and the container 60 held on the near side of the lifting plate 51 and the holding plate 52 is placed on the conveyor belt 32c of the second conveying section 32.

[0066] The second conveying unit 32 rotates in the direction of the arrow from the orientation shown in Figure 4, thereby aligning its conveying direction with the conveying direction of the receiving conveyor 30E. Then, the second conveying unit 32 drives the conveying belt 32c to convey the containers 60 placed on the conveying belt 32c to the receiving conveyor 30E. In this way, the containers 60 are transferred from the second conveying unit 32 to the receiving conveyor 30.

[0067] Once the transfer of the container 60 from the second transport unit 32 to the receiving conveyor 30 is complete, the second transport unit 32 rotates to the position shown in Figure 4. In this state, the first transport unit 31 drives the transport belt 31c to transport the container 60 placed on the transport belt 31c to the second transport unit 32. The second transport unit 32 then transports the container 60 transported from the first transport unit 31 to the receiving conveyor 30 in the manner described above.

[0068] When two containers 60 transported by the receiving conveyor 30E are to be transported to the transfer mechanism 5, the second transport unit 32 receives the containers 60 from the receiving conveyor 30 in a orientation that matches the transport direction of the receiving conveyor 30. Then, the second transport unit 32 rotates to the position shown in Figure 4 and transports the containers 60 to the first transport unit 31. Subsequently, the second transport unit 32 rotates in the direction of the arrow and, when it reaches an orientation that matches the transport direction of the receiving conveyor 30, receives the containers 60 from the receiving conveyor 30. Then, the second transport unit 32 rotates back to the position shown in Figure 4.

[0069] From this state, the bending link 54 moves the lifting plate 51 and the holding plate 52 onto the intermediate conveyor 3. When the lifting plate 51 and the holding plate 52 hold the two containers 60 placed on the first transport section 31 and the second transport section 32, the bending link 54 moves the lifting plate 51 and the holding plate 52 to the aforementioned lifting position. In this state, the lifting mechanism 4 raises and lowers the transfer mechanism 5.

[0070] The transfer mechanism 5 and the intermediate conveyor 3 operate in the same manner as described above when transporting the container 60 between the transfer mechanism 5 and the receiving conveyor 30D.

[0071] When the transfer mechanism 5 transfers the containers 60 to the receiving conveyor 30A, the bending link 54 rotates the lifting plate 51 and the holding plate 52 so that the containers 60 are facing the conveying direction of the receiving conveyor 30A. From this position, the bending link 54 moves the lifting plate 51 and the holding plate 52 in a straight line in the conveying direction of the receiving conveyor 30A until the two containers 60 reach the receiving conveyor 30A. The transfer mechanism 5 lowers the lifting plate 51 when the two containers 60 reach the receiving conveyor 30A. As a result, the two containers 60 held by the lifting plate 51 and the holding plate 52 are placed on the receiving conveyor 30A.

[0072] When the transfer mechanism 5 receives two containers 60 that have been transported by the receiving conveyor 30A, the bending link 54 moves the lifting plate 51 and the holding plate 52 to a position where they can hold the two containers 60. Once the lifting plate 51 and the holding plate 52 hold the two containers 60 placed on the first transport section 31 and the second transport section 32, the bending link 54 moves the lifting plate 51 and the holding plate 52 to the raised position. In this state, the lifting mechanism 4 raises and lowers the transfer mechanism 5.

[0073] The transfer mechanism 5 and the intermediate conveyor 3 operate in the same manner as described above when transporting the container 60 between the transfer mechanism 5 and the receiving conveyors 30B and 30C.

[0074] [Effects of the Embodiment] The inter-floor transport device 10 according to this embodiment includes an intermediate conveyor 3, which transports the container 60 between the intermediate conveyor 3 and the transfer conveyors 30D and 30E. This allows the distance between the transfer mechanism 5 and the transfer conveyors 30D and 30E to be widened to secure the transport path for the intermediate conveyor 3. Therefore, in the configuration shown in Figure 2, a transfer conveyor 30 facing the same direction as transfer conveyor 30E can be placed between transfer conveyors 30B and 30D, and a transfer conveyor 30 facing the same direction as transfer conveyor 30A can be placed between transfer conveyors 30A and 30E. Consequently, more transfer conveyors 30 can be placed around the transfer mechanism 5.

[0075] The first transport section 31 of the intermediate conveyor 3 is located inside the transfer section 121 of the structure 1, and transfers the container 60 to the transfer mechanism 5 inside the transfer section 121. The second transport section 32 of the intermediate conveyor 3 is located outside the transfer section 121 of the structure 1, specifically in the missing area L, and transfers the container 60 to the receiving conveyor 30 outside the transfer section 121.

[0076] In conventional inter-floor transport systems, the transfer conveyor 30 and the container 60 are exchanged inside the structure. Therefore, it is necessary to secure a large area on each floor of the structure. In contrast, in the above configuration, the second transport unit 32 transfers the container 60 to the transfer conveyor 30 outside the transfer unit 121, thereby reducing the area of ​​the structure 1 (transfer unit 121) on each floor. This reduces the amount of material used in the structure 1, particularly the frame 121a and wall 122b that constitute the transfer unit 121 and the non-transfer unit 122, and also reduces the labor required for the construction of the structure 1.

[0077] Furthermore, the structure of the structure 1 becomes somewhat complex in order to form the transfer section 121 so as to form the missing region L. However, since the complexity is limited to the part facing the missing region L, the complexity of the structure 1 can be kept to a minimum.

[0078] Furthermore, the transfer unit 121 is positioned at a height higher than the height at which people move around on each floor. Therefore, even if the second transport unit 32 is positioned outside the structure 1 and rotates, there is no risk of it coming into contact with people.

[0079] The second conveying unit 32 rotates in a horizontal plane. This allows the container 60 to be transferred to the receiving conveyors 30D and 30E, which are arranged in different directions. Furthermore, by rotating in a horizontal plane that includes the missing area L, the second conveying unit 32 can rotate at a position close to the structure 1. This makes it possible to shorten the conveying path of the intermediate conveyor 3 and avoid increasing the size of the intermediate conveyor 3.

[0080] Structure 1 has a lower section 11 in which the inner regions IR1 and IR3 form a rectangle. This eliminates the need for the conveying conveyor 30 to lack corner regions except where the containers 60 are transferred. Therefore, it is not necessary to use special structural members to construct Structure 1 without corner regions. Consequently, Structure 1 can be constructed using standard structural members.

[0081] Furthermore, the blower 40 is positioned on the wall 122b of the non-transferable section 122 of the structure 1. Such large wall surfaces allow for the installation of high-volume blowers 40 on each floor. This ensures sufficient airflow into the interior of the structure 1.

[0082] Incidentally, conventionally, the container 60 was temporarily stored by utilizing the surplus space inside the structure 1. However, as described above, the area of ​​the transfer section 121 becomes smaller, making it impossible to secure such surplus space inside the transfer section 121. Nevertheless, by arranging the storage shelf 50 inside the lower section 11F, temporary storage space for the container 60 can be secured.

[0083] 〔summary〕 As described above, the inter-floor transport device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention comprises a lifting unit having a transfer mechanism that holds the transported object and moves it vertically between multiple floors and transfers the transported object, and an intermediate transport unit that transports the transported object between a receiving transport device that transfers the transported object to an in-floor transport device that transports the transported object and the transfer mechanism.

[0084] In the above configuration, the intermediate transport unit transports the object between the transfer mechanism and the receiving and transporting device. This allows the distance between the transfer mechanism and the receiving and transporting device to be widened to ensure a transport path for the intermediate transport unit. Therefore, more receiving and transporting devices can be arranged around the transfer mechanism.

[0085] The inter-floor transport device according to aspect 2 of the present invention further comprises a structure surrounding the lifting section and a part of the intermediate transport section in the above aspect 1, wherein the intermediate transport section is arranged both inside and outside the structure, the transfer of the transported object to the transfer mechanism takes place inside the structure, and the transfer of the transported object to the transfer device takes place outside the structure.

[0086] In the above configuration, the intermediate transport unit exchanges the transport device and the transported goods outside the structure. This reduces the area required on each floor of the structure compared to a configuration where the transport device and the transported goods are exchanged inside the structure. Therefore, it becomes possible to miniaturize the structure.

[0087] In the inter-floor transport device according to embodiment 3 of the present invention, in embodiment 2, within a predetermined range in the vertical direction, the inner region in the horizontal plane surrounded by the structure is rectangular as a whole, and a portion of the four corner regions of the rectangle is missing, and at least a portion of the transport path of the intermediate transport section is arranged in the missing region corresponding to the missing corner region.

[0088] In the above configuration, the structure of the structure becomes somewhat complex in order to form a structure lacking corner regions. However, the complexity of the structure is kept to a minimum, and the intermediate transport section can transfer the transported goods to the transfer / transfer device outside the structure.

[0089] In the inter-floor transport device according to embodiment 4 of the present invention, in embodiment 3 above, the intermediate transport section rotates in a horizontal plane and has a rotating section in the missing region for transferring the transported object to the transfer transport device.

[0090] In the above configuration, the rotating section of the intermediate transport unit rotates, allowing it to transfer transported objects to and from transfer and transport devices located in different directions. Furthermore, by rotating within a horizontal plane that includes an angular region, the rotating section can rotate at a position close to the structure. This makes it possible to shorten the transport path of the intermediate transport unit and avoid increasing the size of the intermediate transport unit.

[0091] In the inter-floor transport device according to embodiment 5 of the present invention, in embodiment 3 or 4 above, the inner region is rectangular in at least a portion of the vertical range that is different from the predetermined range.

[0092] According to the above configuration, the transfer and conveying device does not need to lack corner regions except at the points where the conveyed objects are transferred. As a result, the structure can be constructed using standard structural members without using special structural members to configure the structure to lack corner regions.

[0093] The inter-floor transport device according to embodiment 6 of the present invention further comprises a blower for blowing air into the inside of the structure, wherein the blower is arranged on a wall surface provided in a certain range in the vertical direction where the inner area forms a rectangle.

[0094] According to the above configuration, a blower can be installed on the wall surface of a structure that has a large surface area. This ensures a sufficient amount of airflow into the interior of the structure.

[0095] [Additional Notes] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the claims. Furthermore, embodiments obtained by appropriately combining the technical means disclosed in each embodiment are also included within the technical scope of the present invention. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0096] 1 structure 2 Lifting section 3. Intermediate conveyor (intermediate transport section) 10-story transport device 20. Ceiling transport system (in-floor transport system) 30. Transfer conveyor (transfer and transport device) 32. Second transport section (rotating section) 60 containers (transported items) IR1~IR3 Inner area L missing area

Claims

1. A lifting unit having a transfer mechanism that holds the transported object and moves it vertically between multiple floors, and transfers the transported object, An intermediate transport section that transports the transported object between a transfer device that receives and transfers the transported object to an in-floor transport device that transports the transported object and the transfer mechanism, The structure comprises the lifting section and a part of the intermediate transport section, An inter-floor transport device in which, within a predetermined range in the vertical direction, the inner region within the horizontal plane surrounded by the structure is rectangular as a whole, and lacks corner regions that include some of the four vertices of the rectangle.

2. The inter-floor transport device according to Claim 1, wherein the intermediate transport section is arranged both inside and outside the structure, and the transported object is transferred to the transfer mechanism inside the structure, and the transported object is transferred to the transfer device outside the structure.

3. The inter-floor transport device according to claim 2, wherein at least a portion of the transport path of the intermediate transport section is located in a missing region corresponding to the missing corner region.

4. A lifting unit having a transfer mechanism that holds a transported object and moves it vertically between multiple floors, and transfers the transported object, An intermediate transport section that transports the transported object between a transfer device that receives and transfers the transported object to an in-floor transport device that transports the transported object and the transfer mechanism, The structure comprises the lifting section and a part of the intermediate transport section, The intermediate transport section is arranged both inside and outside the structure, and performs the transfer of the transported object to the transfer mechanism inside the structure, and the transfer of the transported object to the transfer device outside the structure. Within a predetermined range in the vertical direction, the inner region in the horizontal plane surrounded by the structure is rectangular in shape as a whole, and lacks some of the four corner regions of the rectangle. At least a portion of the transport path of the intermediate transport section is located in the missing region corresponding to the missing corner region, An inter-floor transport device wherein the intermediate transport section rotates in a horizontal plane and has a rotating section in the missing region for transferring the transported object to the transfer transport device.

5. The inter-floor transport device according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the inner region is rectangular in at least a portion of the vertical range different from the predetermined range.

6. The structure further comprises a blower that blows air into the interior of the aforementioned structure. The inter-floor transport device according to claim 5, wherein the blower is arranged on a wall surface provided in a certain range in the vertical direction where the inner region forms a rectangle.

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