Inter-floor transport equipment and inter-floor transport system equipped with the same

Abstract

The present invention provides an inter-floor transport device that can transport items between multiple floors using a simple construction and can be installed in a small floor area. An inter-floor transport device (2) for transporting items (A) between multiple floors separated in a vertical direction is characterized by having: a lifting platform (16) for supporting the items to be transported; a plurality of suspension members (18) for suspending the lifting platform from above; and a lifting device (20) disposed above the lifting platform, which, by rolling up or sending out the suspension members, causes the lifting platform to rise from a lower floor to an upper floor or descend from an upper floor to a lower floor through an opening (10a) formed in the floor surface (10) of the floor.

Description

Inter-floor transfer device and inter-floor transfer system including the same The present invention relates to an inter-floor transfer device, and more particularly to an inter-floor transfer device for transferring articles between a plurality of vertically separated floors, and an inter-floor transfer system including the same. Japanese Patent No. 3593289 (Patent Document 1) discloses an article transfer device. The article transfer device includes: guide rails extending vertically between a plurality of floors; a lifting body moving vertically along the guide rails; and a transfer device for transferring a container carried by the lifting body to a support of a selection and holding unit. Thereby, the container is transferred from the support of the selection and holding unit provided on a certain floor to the lifting body, and then the lifting body is moved toward a different floor. Further, on the floor of the movement destination, the container supported by the lifting body is transferred to the support of the selection and holding unit provided on that floor. Thereby, it can transfer the article, i.e., the container, to different floors. [Prior Art Documents] [Patent Documents] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent No. 3593289 (Problems to be Solved by the Invention) However, the article transfer device described in Patent Document 1 has guide rails extending vertically between a plurality of floors, and the lifting body transfers the container vertically along the guide rails. Therefore, even if the article to be transferred is small, the equipment for transferring articles between a plurality of floors is still large-sized, and the floor area required for installing the article transfer device is also large. Also, since the vertical track for moving the lifting body extends across floors, for example, it is impossible to install a fire door on the floor of the floor to separate the upper floor and the lower floor to prevent the spread of fire during a fire. As a result, it is necessary to separately install fire prevention equipment for preventing the spread of fire, and there is a problem that the article transfer device becomes larger and larger. Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an inter-floor transfer device that can transfer articles between a plurality of floors with a simple structure and can be installed in a smaller floor area, and an inter-floor transfer system including the same. (Technical Means for Solving the Problem) To solve the above problems, the present invention provides an inter-floor transfer device for transferring articles between a plurality of vertically separated floors, characterized in that it includes: a lift table for supporting the articles to be transferred; a plurality of suspension members for suspending the lift table from above; and a lifting device provided above the lift table, which rolls up or pays out the suspension members to cause the lift table to rise from the lower floor to the upper floor or descend from the upper floor to the lower floor through an opening formed in the floor of the floor. According to the present invention configured as such, the lifting platform is suspended by a suspension member, and the lifting platform is raised or lowered by a lifting device through an opening formed in the floor surface of a floor. Therefore, it is not necessary to pre-lay members such as guide rails in a manner passing through the opening formed in the floor surface, and articles can be transported between multiple floors with a simple structure. Also, since it does not require tracks or the like extending in a manner passing through the opening formed in the floor surface, the size of the opening can be reduced, and an inter-floor transport device can be provided in a smaller floor area. In the present invention, preferably, it further has: an abutting member provided adjacent to the track along which the lifting platform moves up and down; the lifting platform has a restricting member for restricting the movement of the lifting platform in the lateral direction, and the restricting member is configured to be movable between an abutting position where it abuts against the abutting member to restrict the lateral movement of the lifting platform and a non-abutting position away from the abutting member. According to the present invention configured as such, the restricting member is moved between the abutting position where it abuts against the abutting member to restrict the lateral movement of the lifting platform and the non-abutting position. Therefore, when it is desired to suppress the lateral movement of the lifting platform, such as when loading and unloading articles onto the lifting platform, the swaying of the lifting platform can be suppressed. In the present invention, preferably, it further has a fire door which is provided to close the opening formed by communicating two floors. According to the present invention configured as such, since there is a fire door for closing the opening formed by communicating two floors, when a fire occurs, it can prevent the spread of fire through the opening. That is, according to the present invention, since members such as tracks extending through the opening do not interfere with the fire door, the opening can be simply closed by the fire door without setting up a special mechanism. Furthermore, the present invention provides an inter-floor transport system which transports articles between a plurality of floors overlapping in the vertical direction; it has: the inter-floor transport device of the present invention; and a first transport vehicle which moves the articles transported by the inter-floor transport device within one floor; the first transport vehicle is equipped with: a transfer device which receives articles from the lifting platform of the inter-floor transport device; and a traveling device which is used to move the first transport vehicle within the provided floor. According to the present invention configured as such, since there is a first transport vehicle for moving the articles transported by the inter-floor transport device within one floor, the articles transported by the inter-floor transport device can be easily transported within the floor of the transport destination. In the present invention, preferably, the transfer device of the first transport vehicle includes: a lifting table for placing the articles transported by the inter-floor transport device; when the first transport vehicle receives an article from the lifting platform of the inter-floor transport device, after moving below the lifting platform, the lifting table rises through the notch formed in the lifting platform, whereby the article placed on the lifting platform is supported on the lifting table. According to the present invention configured as described above, the transfer device of the first transport vehicle has a lifting table. By raising the lifting table through the notch of the lifting platform, it can support the article on the lifting table. Therefore, with only a lifting table that can move simply up and down, it can transfer the article between the lifting platform. In the present invention, preferably, it further has: a second transport vehicle that moves above the first transport vehicle on the same floor as the first transport vehicle; the second transport vehicle is configured to be movable on a pair of tracks laid above the first transport vehicle. When the second transport vehicle receives an article from the inter-floor transport device, the second transport vehicle moves along the pair of tracks below the lifting platform of the inter-floor transport device. On the other hand, when the first transport vehicle receives an article from the inter-floor transport device, the second transport vehicle retreats from the track of the lifting platform of the inter-floor transport device, and the inter-floor transport device lowers the lifting platform through between the pair of tracks, thereby transferring the article to the first transport vehicle that has moved below the lifting platform. According to the present invention configured as described above, it has a first transport vehicle and a second transport vehicle that moves on tracks laid above the first transport vehicle. Therefore, it can transfer articles from a lifting platform that can only move in the vertical direction at two locations within one floor, and can improve the transport efficiency of articles using the inter-floor transport system. In the present invention, preferably, it further has an overhead traveling vehicle provided on the same floor as the first transport vehicle and the second transport vehicle; the overhead traveling vehicle is configured to move to a predetermined receiving position and receive the articles moved by the first transport vehicle and the second transport vehicle. When receiving an article from the first transport vehicle, the overhead traveling vehicle moves to the receiving position and receives the article moved by the first transport vehicle from above. When receiving an article from the second transport vehicle, the overhead traveling vehicle moves to the receiving position and receives the article moved by the second transport vehicle from the side. According to the present invention configured as described above, it has an overhead traveling vehicle that receives the articles moved by the first transport vehicle and the second transport vehicle. Therefore, it can efficiently transport articles within the floor. Also, since the overhead traveling vehicle can receive the articles moved by the first transport vehicle and the second transport vehicle at the same receiving position, it can transfer articles from each transport vehicle to the overhead traveling vehicle in a smaller space. (Effect compared with the prior art) The inter-floor transfer device according to the present invention and the inter-floor transfer system including the same can transfer articles between a plurality of floors using a simple structure and can be installed on a relatively small floor area. Next, with reference to the accompanying drawings, an inter-floor transfer device according to an embodiment of the present invention and an inter-floor transfer system including the same will be described. FIG. 1 is a side view showing the overall inter-floor transfer system according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a front view showing the overall inter-floor transfer system according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the inter-floor transfer system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes an inter-floor transfer device 2, first transfer carts 4a and 4b, second transfer carts 6a and 6b, and overhead transfer carts 8a and 8b; the inter-floor transfer system 1 is configured to transfer an article A between a first floor F1 and a second floor F2. In the present embodiment, the first floor F1 and the second floor F2 are the first and second floors of the same building, separated in the vertical direction and located at positions overlapping in the vertical direction. Also, in the present embodiment, the article A transferred by the inter-floor transfer system 1 is a FOUP (Front Opening Unified Pod) that houses a semiconductor substrate. Here, in the present embodiment, openings 10a and 12a are respectively formed in the floor surface 10 of the second floor F2 and the ceiling surface 12 of the first floor F1. The article A transferred between the floors by the inter-floor transfer device 2 rises from the first floor F1 toward the second floor F2 or descends from the second floor F2 toward the first floor F1 through these openings 10a and 12a. Also, in the present embodiment, above the floor surface 10 of the second floor F2, a metal grid, i.e., a grille 10b, is provided, and an operator or the like on the second floor F2 can walk on the grille 10b. Also, on the floor surface 10, a fire door 13 is provided for closing the opening 10a in case of a fire or the like. By this fire door 13, the opening 10a formed by communicating the first floor F1 and the second floor F2 can be closed, thereby preventing the spread of fire through the opening 10a between the floors in case of a fire or the like. That is, when the inter-floor transfer device 2 is operating normally, the fire door 13 is opened in advance, and the lift table 16 can be lifted and lowered through the opening 10a. When a fire is detected in the first floor F1 or the second floor F2 by a fire detector (not shown) or the like, the lift table 16 can be moved above the fire door 13, and the fire door 13 can be closed to prevent the spread of fire. In the inter-floor transfer device 2 of the present embodiment, since no tracks or columns extending through the opening 10a are provided, the opening 10a can be easily closed using the fire door 13. Further, in the inter-floor conveyance system 1 of the present embodiment, when conveying the article A from the first floor F1 to the second floor F2, the first conveyance vehicle 4a receives the article A conveyed by the overhead traveling vehicle 8a provided on the first floor F1, and thereby conveys the article A toward the second floor F2 by the inter-floor conveyance device 2. Further, the second conveyance vehicle 6b provided on the second floor F2 receives the article A conveyed toward the second floor F2 by the inter-floor conveyance device 2. Next, the overhead traveling vehicle 8b provided on the second floor F2 receives the article A, and conveys the article A within the second floor F2. On the other hand, when conveying the article A from the second floor F2 to the first floor F1, the first conveyance vehicle 4b receives the article A conveyed by the overhead traveling vehicle 8b provided on the second floor F2, and thereby conveys the article A toward the first floor F1 by the inter-floor conveyance device 2. Further, the second conveyance vehicle 6a provided on the first floor F1 receives the article A conveyed toward the first floor F1 by the inter-floor conveyance device 2. Next, the overhead traveling vehicle 8a provided on the first floor F1 receives the article A, and conveys the article A within the first floor F1. Next, with reference to FIGS. 3 to 8, the configuration of the inter-floor conveyance device 2 of the embodiment of the present invention will be described. First, with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4, the mechanism for raising and lowering the lift table of the inter-floor conveyance device 2 will be described. FIG. 3 is a side view showing an enlarged view of the lifting device provided in the inter-floor conveyance device 2 of the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a plan view showing an enlarged view of the lifting device provided in the inter-floor conveyance device 2 of the embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 3, the inter-floor conveyance device 2 of the present embodiment is installed on the ceiling surface 14 of the second floor F2, and includes: a lift table 16 for supporting the article to be conveyed; three conveyor belts 18 which are suspension members for suspending the lift table 16 from above; and a lifting device 20 provided above the lift table 16 for raising and lowering the lift table 16 by winding or unwinding the conveyor belts 18. Further, in the present embodiment, the second floor F2 is the top floor for conveying articles by the inter-floor conveyance device 2. The lifting platform 16 is a member that supports and places the article A to be conveyed, and it has: a bottom plate 16a for placing the article A; a top plate 16b on which a conveyor belt 18 is installed; and a plurality of connecting plates 16c that connect the bottom plate 16a and the top plate 16b. The bottom plate 16a is a flat plate facing the horizontal direction, and the article A is placed thereon. The top plate 16b is a flat plate located above the bottom plate 16a and parallel to the bottom plate 16a, and the conveyor belt 18 is fixed on its upper surface. The connecting plates 16c are elongated plates extending in the vertical direction in a manner of connecting the bottom plate 16a and the top plate 16b, and a plurality of them are provided. Thus, the article A supported by the lifting platform 16 is accommodated in the space surrounded by the bottom plate 16a, the top plate 16b, and the plurality of connecting plates 16c. Furthermore, in the present embodiment, although the article A is supported by placing it on the bottom plate 16a of the lifting platform 16, it is also possible, for example, to engage the engaging portion provided on the article A with the lifting platform 16, thereby suspending and supporting the article A from the lifting platform 16, and thus constituting the present invention. As shown in FIG. 3, the lifting device 20 has: a disk-shaped roller 20a around which the conveyor belt 18 is wound; a motor 20c for driving the roller 20a; and a speed reducer 20b that reduces the number of revolutions of the output shaft (not shown) of the motor 20c to rotate the roller 20a. Also, the lifting device 20 is fixed to the ceiling surface 14 of the second floor F2, and the lifting platform 16 is suspended from the lifting device 20 via three conveyor belts 18. As shown in FIG. 4, in the present embodiment, the lifting device 20 includes three sets of the roller 20a, the speed reducer 20b, and the motor 20c, and by respectively driving the rotation of each roller 20a, the three conveyor belts 18 can be wound up or sent out. Also, in the present embodiment, the central axis of each roller 20a extends along the horizontal direction, and they are arranged such that they are at an angle of 120 degrees with each other in a plan view, and the three disk-shaped rollers 20a are arranged substantially in an equilateral triangle. Thus, each conveyor belt 18 sent out from each roller 20a extends vertically downward from the positions of the three vertices of the equilateral triangle, and their lower ends are respectively fixed on the upper surface of the top plate 16b of the lifting platform 16. Therefore, the posture of the lifting platform 16 suspended by the three conveyor belts 18 can be adjusted by the sending amount of each conveyor belt 18. Also, in the present embodiment, since the conveyor belts 18 are arranged to form an angle (non-parallel) with each other, each conveyor belt 18 can resist the movement of the lifting platform 16 in any lateral direction, thereby suppressing the sway of the lifting platform 16. Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the lifting device 20 is provided with an angle sensor (not shown) for detecting the inclination of the lifting table 16. The inclination of the lifting table 16 is detected by this angle sensor (not shown), and the winding amount and the feeding amount of each conveyor belt 18 are adjusted by feedback control to keep the lifting table 16 horizontal. Alternatively, a rotary encoder (not shown) for detecting the rotation of each roller 20a may be provided in advance, and based on this, the winding amount and the feeding amount of each conveyor belt 18 are adjusted to control the posture of the lifting table 16. Also, teaching may be performed at the position where the article A is transferred from the lifting table 16, whereby the lifting table 16 is adjusted to be horizontal. Furthermore, in the present embodiment, although the lifting table 16 is suspended by the conveyor belt 18, any member such as a wire rope or a chain that can suspend the lifting table 16 may be used as the suspension member instead of the conveyor belt. Also, in the present embodiment, although the lifting table 16 is suspended by three conveyor belts 18, the lifting table 16 may be suspended by an arbitrary number of plural suspension members. Thus, by operating each motor 20c of the lifting device 20, the floor-to-floor transfer device 2 of the present embodiment can move the lifting table 16 up or down along the vertical track formed in the floor surface 10 through the opening 10a. Also, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, an outer cover 22 having a substantially square cross-section is provided so as to surround the vertical track through which the lifting table 16 passes. The outer cover 22 extends from the lower end of the lifting device 20 to near the grating 10b on the second floor F2 and from the lower side of the floor surface 10 on the second floor F2 to near the middle of the first floor F1 so as to surround the periphery of the portion through which the lifting table 16 passes. Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the outer cover 22 is not provided from the lower side of the grating 10b to the floor surface 10. Also, at the portions of the respective ports where the article A is loaded and unloaded between the lifting table 16 and the first and second transfer carts, an opening 22c (FIG. 10) is provided in the outer cover 22 so that the article A can be loaded and unloaded without the article A and the transfer cart interfering with the outer cover 22. The outer cover 22 is provided for the purpose of preventing the lift table 16 passing through each floor from colliding with obstacles (not shown) placed on the floor. Also, the outer cover 22 can be provided for the following purpose: in semiconductor manufacturing equipment, etc., when the air pressure between the first floor F1 and the second floor F2 is different, it can suppress the rapid flow of air from the floor with higher air pressure to the floor with lower air pressure. Also, in this case, a baffle (not shown) can be provided to open or close the opening 22c (Fig. 10) provided in the outer cover 22. Furthermore, in this embodiment, since the weight of the lift table 16 is not supported by the outer cover 22, the outer cover 22 only needs to have a minimum strength. Therefore, the outer cover 22 can be configured to be small and lightweight and does not occupy a large floor area. Furthermore, according to the environment where the inter-floor transfer device 2 is installed, the outer cover 22 can also be omitted. Next, referring to Figs. 5 to 8, a swing suppression mechanism for suppressing the lateral swing of the lift table 16 of the inter-floor transfer device 2 will be described. Figs. 5 to 8 are diagrams for explaining the swing suppression mechanism provided in the lift table 16 of the inter-floor transfer device 2 according to the embodiment of the present invention. Here, the restricting member provided in the swing suppression mechanism is configured to be movable between an abutting position and a non-abutting position. Fig. 5 is a side view showing the state where the restricting member provided in the swing suppression mechanism of the lift table 16 is in the non-abutting position. Fig. 6 is a plan view showing the state where the restricting member provided in the lift table 16 is in the non-abutting position. Fig. 7 is a side view showing the state where the restricting member provided in the lift table 16 is in the abutting position. Fig. 8 is a plan view showing the state where the restricting member provided in the lift table 16 is in the abutting position. Furthermore, Figs. 6 and 8 are diagrams showing the swing suppression mechanism with the top plate 16b of the lift table 16 removed. As shown in Fig. 5, below the top plate 16b of the lift table 16, a swing suppression mechanism 24 for suppressing the lateral swing of the lift table 16 is provided. As shown in Fig. 6, two swing suppression mechanisms 24 are provided in the lift table 16. Each swing suppression mechanism 24 is configured such that when suppressing the lateral swing of the lift table 16, as shown in Fig. 8, the respective restricting members are sent out along the diagonal direction of the lift table 16. Furthermore, the two swing suppression mechanisms 24 provided in the lift table 16 have the same configuration. As shown in FIG. 6, each swing suppression mechanism 24 includes: a motor 24a; a ball screw shaft 24b that is rotationally driven by the motor 24a; and a ball screw nut 24c that is screwed onto the ball screw shaft 24b. Further, each swing suppression mechanism 24 includes: an arm portion 24d; a linear guide 24e that slidably supports the arm portion 24d in the diagonal direction of the lifting table 16; and a guide roller 24f that is mounted at the front end portion of the arm portion 24d. Here, in the present embodiment, the restricting member for restricting the lateral movement of the lifting table 16 is constituted by the arm portion 24d and the guide roller 24f mounted at its front end portion. The ball screw shaft 24b is a feed screw for feeding the screwed ball screw nut 24c, and is rotatably supported horizontally below the top plate 16b of the lifting table 16. Also, the ball screw shaft 24b is oriented in the direction of approximately the diagonal of the lifting table 16 in a top view. The ball screw shaft 24b is coupled to the motor 24a and is rotationally driven by the motor 24a. Thereby, the ball screw nut 24c feeds on the ball screw shaft 24b. Also, the arm portion 24d is an elongated plate-like member, and four guide rollers 24f are mounted at its front end portion. By the linear guide 24e, the arm portion 24d is slidably supported in the longitudinal direction and can move smoothly. Further, the linear guide 24e is mounted parallel to the ball screw shaft 24b and is configured to guide the arm portion 24d parallel to the ball screw shaft 24b. Also, the base end portion of the arm portion 24d is coupled to the ball screw nut 24c, and when the ball screw nut 24c is fed by the ball screw shaft 24b, the arm portion 24d slides accordingly. Thereby, the restricting member formed by the arm portion 24d and the guide roller 24f is moved in the direction of the diagonal of the lifting table 16, and thus it is configured to be movable between the non-contact position shown in FIG. 6 and the contact position shown in FIG. 8. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 6, the outer cover 22 (FIG. 1) configured to surround the track of the lifting table 16 includes: four channel members 22a that are arranged at the four corners of the outer cover 22; and a thin flat plate member 22b that is mounted to connect these channel members 22a. The channel members 22a are elongated rod-like members and are provided to extend in the vertical direction around the lifting table 16. Also, the flat plate member 22b is a thin plate-like member that is mounted to connect the respective channel members 22a. Thereby, by the four flat plate members 22b, a space that is approximately square in a top view is formed around the lifting table 16. Here, when the motor 24a of the swing suppression mechanism 24 is actuated, the arm portion 24d is sent out from the non-contact position shown in FIG. 6 in the direction of the diagonal line of the lifting table 16 and is moved to the contact position shown in FIG. 8. In this state, each arm portion 24d extends toward two corner portions facing the diagonal direction of the outer cover 22, and the guide rollers 24f mounted at the front ends of the respective arm portions 24d are in contact with the outer cover 22, respectively. Specifically, at the front end of each arm portion 24d, two sets (two in each set), a total of four guide rollers 24f, are rotatably mounted, and each set of guide rollers 24f is arranged in a longitudinal arrangement (FIG. 5). The orientations of the central axes of each set of guide rollers 24f are parallel to each other, and the orientation of the central axis of one set of guide rollers 24f is perpendicular to the central axis of the other set of guide rollers 24f. As shown in FIG. 8, in the state where the arm portion 24d of the swing suppression mechanism 24 is sent out, at the corner portion of the outer cover 22, each set of guide rollers 24f is in contact with two adjacent flat materials 22b, respectively. Thereby, at the corner portion of the outer cover 22 where the arm portion 24d extends, each guide roller 24f provided at the front end of the arm portion 24d is in contact with two adjacent flat materials 22b, respectively. Since the two arm portions 24d extend toward the opposite corner portions of the outer cover 22, the guide rollers 24f are in contact with all four flat materials 22b forming the outer cover 22. Therefore, in the present embodiment, each flat material 22b functions as a contact member that contacts the limiting member (formed by the arm portion 24d and the guide roller 24f). Thus, the limiting member (the arm portion 24d and the guide roller 24f) is away from the contact member (the flat material 22b) in the state of being located at the non-contact position shown in FIG. 6. On the other hand, when the limiting member moves to the contact position shown in FIG. 8, it contacts the contact member to limit the lateral movement of the lifting table. That is, the guide roller 24f mounted on the arm portion 24d extending from the lifting table 16 contacts the flat material 22b of the outer cover 22 fixed around the lifting table 16, thereby restricting the lateral movement of the lifting table 16 suspended by the conveyor belt 18, and thus suppressing the swing of the lifting table 16. Also, since the guide roller 24f mounted on the arm portion 24d contacts the flat material 22b, the vertical movement of the lifting table 16 is allowed even in the state where the guide roller 24f is in contact with the flat material 22b. Furthermore, in the present embodiment, although the flat material 22b of the outer cover 22 fixed around the lifting table 16 functions as a contact member, the contact member may be provided only at the portion where the lateral movement of the lifting table 16 is to be restricted, and any member fixed at the position in contact with the limiting member may be set as the contact member. Next, referring to FIGS. 9 and 10, the carrier vehicle included in the inter-floor transfer system 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described. The inter-floor transfer system 1 according to the present embodiment includes a first carrier vehicle and a second carrier vehicle that move an article A transported by the inter-floor transfer device 2 within one floor. FIG. 9 is a side view showing an enlarged view of a portion where the first carrier vehicle 4b, the second carrier vehicle 6b, and the overhead traveling vehicle 8b adjacent to the inter-floor transfer device 2 are provided in the inter-floor transfer system 1 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 10 is a front view showing an enlarged view of a portion where the first carrier vehicle 4b and the second carrier vehicle 6b adjacent to the inter-floor transfer device 2 are provided in the inter-floor transfer system 1 according to the present embodiment. Furthermore, although FIGS. 9 and 10 show the first carrier vehicle 4b, the second carrier vehicle 6b, and the overhead traveling vehicle 8b disposed on the second floor F2, the first carrier vehicle 4a, the second carrier vehicle 6a, and the overhead traveling vehicle 8a disposed on the first floor F1 are configured in the same manner. As shown in FIG. 9, the first carrier vehicle 4b is configured to travel along a pair of first tracks 26a extending in the horizontal direction, and the second carrier vehicle 6b is configured to travel along a pair of second tracks 26b extending in the horizontal direction. The first track 26a extends from a first port P1 where the article A is loaded and unloaded between the lift table 16 and the first carrier vehicle 4b to a second port P2 where the article A is loaded and unloaded between the first carrier vehicle 4b and the overhead traveling vehicle 8b, and the first carrier vehicle 4b can move in the horizontal direction between the first port P1 and the second port P2. In the present embodiment, the first port P1 is located on the track where the lift table 16 moves, and the second port P2 is located directly below the track of the overhead traveling vehicle 8b. Furthermore, the intervals between the pair of first tracks 26a and the pair of second tracks 26b are each made wider than the width of the lift table 16. Therefore, in a state where the carrier vehicle does not enter the port where the article A is loaded and unloaded, the lift table 16 can pass between the pair of first tracks 26a and the second tracks 26b and freely pass through each port in the vertical direction. On the other hand, the second track 26b along which the second carrier vehicle 6b travels is arranged above the first track 26a, and the first carrier vehicle 4b carrying the article A can travel below the second track 26b. Also, the second track 26b is shorter than the first track 26a, and it extends from the third port P3 where the loading and unloading of the article A is performed between the lift table 16 and the second carrier vehicle 6b to the fourth port P4 where the loading and unloading of the article A is performed between the second carrier vehicle 6b and the overhead traveling vehicle 8b. The second carrier vehicle 6b can move horizontally between the third port P3 and the fourth port P4. The third port P3 is located on the track along which the lift table 16 moves directly above the first port P1. The fourth port P4 is adjacent to the third port P3 and is located between the first port P1 and the second port P2 in a top view. The fourth port P4 is located adjacent to the track of the overhead traveling vehicle 8a in a top view. That is, the second track 26b does not extend directly below the track of the overhead traveling vehicle 8a, and the movable range of the second carrier vehicle 6b is narrower than the movable range of the first carrier vehicle 4b. The first carrier vehicle 4b includes: a transfer device 28a that receives the article A from the lift table 16; and a traveling device 28b that is used to move on the first track 26a where the first carrier vehicle 4b is provided. Furthermore, since the first track 26a is provided on the second floor F2, the traveling device 28b of the first carrier vehicle 4b moves the first carrier vehicle 4b within the second floor F2 where the first carrier vehicle 4b is provided. The traveling device 28b of the first carrier vehicle 4b has four wheels, and by driving these wheels, the first carrier vehicle 4b can travel along the first track 26a. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 10, each of the pair of first tracks 26a has a substantially U-shaped cross section, and is arranged such that the openings of the U-shaped cross sections face each other. Also, each wheel of the traveling device 28b is accommodated inside the first track 26a having the U-shaped cross section, so that each wheel does not come off the first track 26a. Thereby, the first carrier vehicle 4b can move from the first port P1 to the second port P2. Next, the transfer device 28a of the first carrier vehicle 4b is provided above the traveling device 28b and has a liftable lift table 28c. The lift table 28c is a liftable pedestal for placing the article A, and in a state where the article A is placed, the transfer device 28a can raise and lower the lift table 28c. Then, by raising and lowering the lift table 28c at each port where the loading and unloading of the article A is performed, the article A can be loaded onto the lift table 16 or received from the lift table 16. As shown in FIG. 9, for example, when receiving article A at the first port P1, after the lift table 16 carrying article A stops within the first port P1, with the lift table 28c lowered, the first transfer cart 4b moves toward the inside of the first port P1. Furthermore, with the lift table 28c lowered, the height of the first transfer cart 4b is lower than the lower surface of the lift table 16. Therefore, even when the lift table 16 is stopped inside the first port P1, the first transfer cart 4b can move toward the lower part of the lift table 16 inside the first port P1 without interfering with the lift table 16. Next, raise the lift table 28c of the first transfer cart 4b. Here, as shown in FIG. 10, a notch 16d is provided in the bottom plate 16a of the lift table 16, and the notch 16d extends below article A placed on the bottom plate 16a of the lift table 16. When the lift table 28c is raised with the first transfer cart 4b positioned below the lift table 16, the upper surface of the lift table 28c rises through the notch 16d to the bottom plate 16a of the lift table 16. Thereby, as shown by the phantom line in FIG. 10, article A placed on the bottom plate 16a of the lift table 16 is lifted from the bottom plate 16a by the lift table 28c and supported on the lift table 28c. In this state, the first transfer cart 4b is retracted from the first port P1, whereby article A can be received from the lift table 16. On the other hand, when loading article A at the first port P1, after the empty lift table 16 stops inside the first port P1, with article A placed on the raised lift table 28c, the first transfer cart 4b moves toward the inside of the first port P1. At this time, the raised lift table 28c is received into the notch 16d provided in the bottom plate 16a of the lift table 16, and article A placed on the lift table 28c is received between the bottom plate 16a and the top plate 16b of the lift table 16. Therefore, even when the lift table 16 is stopped inside the first port P1, the first transfer cart 4b carrying article A can move forward inside the first port P1 without interfering with the lift table 16. Next, when the lift table 28c is lowered, the bottom surface of article A on the lift table 28c abuts against the bottom plate 16a of the lift table 16, and article A is placed on the bottom plate 16a. In this state, by withdrawing the first transfer cart 4b from the first port P1, the loading of article A from the first transfer cart 4b onto the lift table 16 can be completed. Next, the second transfer vehicle 6b is configured to be movable on a pair of second tracks 26b laid above the first transfer vehicle 4b. Similarly, the second transfer vehicle 6b also includes: a transfer device 30a that receives the article A from the lifting platform 16; and a traveling device 30b that is used to move on the second track 26b where the second transfer vehicle 6b is provided. These transfer device 30a and traveling device 30b are respectively configured to be the same as the transfer device 28a and traveling device 28b of the first transfer vehicle 4b. Also, at the third port P3, the operation when loading and unloading the article A between the second transfer vehicle 6b and the lifting platform 16 is the same as the operation of loading and unloading between the first transfer vehicle 4b and the lifting platform 16 described above. That is, when the second transfer vehicle 6b receives the article A from the inter-floor transfer device 2, the second transfer vehicle 6b moves along the second track 26b to below the lifting platform 16 of the inter-floor transfer device 2 to receive the article A. On the other hand, when the first transfer vehicle 4b receives the article A from the inter-floor transfer device 2, the second transfer vehicle 6b retreats from the track of the lifting platform 16 of the inter-floor transfer device 2 (retreats from the third port P3), and the inter-floor transfer device 2 lowers the lifting platform 16 through between the pair of second tracks 26b, so that it can hand over the article A to the first transfer vehicle 4b that has moved below the lifting platform 16. Next, referring to FIGS. 11 and 12, the configuration of the overhead traveling vehicle included in the inter-floor transfer system 1 will be described. The overhead traveling vehicle is provided on the same floor as the first transfer vehicle 4b and the second transfer vehicle 6b, and is configured to be movable to a predetermined receiving position and receive the article A moved by the first transfer vehicle 4b and the second transfer vehicle 6b. FIG. 11 is a side view showing a state where an article is unloaded from the overhead traveling vehicle to the second transfer vehicle. FIG. 12 is a side view showing a state where an article is unloaded from the overhead traveling vehicle to the first transfer vehicle. Furthermore, although the configuration and operation of the overhead traveling vehicle 8b provided on the second floor F2 will be described below, the configuration and operation of the overhead traveling vehicle 8a provided on the first floor F1 are exactly the same. As shown in FIG. 11, the overhead traveling vehicle 8b has a traveling mechanism 34a, a sliding mechanism 34b, a gripping mechanism 34c, a suspended conveyor 34d, and a clamp 34e, and is configured to travel in a state of being suspended from a track 32 laid on the ceiling surface 14. The overhead traveling vehicle 8b travels by wheels included in the traveling mechanism 34a and is configured to be movable along the track 32 to the target position. Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the overhead traveling vehicle 8b is configured to travel in a direction perpendicular to the paper surface of FIGS. 11 and 12. The sliding mechanism 34b is configured to be telescopic in the horizontal direction by a ball screw drive mechanism (not shown). When loading and unloading the article A at the fourth port P4, it is extended above the fourth port P4, and when the overhead traveling vehicle 8b travels, it is retracted below the traveling mechanism 34a. The gripping mechanism 34c is installed at the front end of the sliding mechanism 34b and is configured to grip the flange A1 provided on the article A. Specifically, a clamp 34e is provided below the gripping mechanism 34c, and by opening or closing the clamp 34e, the flange A1 of the article A can be clamped. The hanging conveyor 34d is configured to hang the gripping mechanism 34c from the sliding mechanism 34b, and four hanging conveyors 34d are provided on one overhead traveling vehicle 8b. Further, the hanging conveyors 34d are respectively wound around drums (not shown) provided at the front end of the sliding mechanism 34b, and by rotating the drums, it can move the gripping mechanism 34c up and down via the hanging conveyor 34d. When unloading the article A from the overhead traveling vehicle 8b to the second conveyor 6b, first, the overhead traveling vehicle 8b is stopped at a position adjacent to the fourth port P4 (in FIG. 11, directly above the second port P2). Secondly, the sliding mechanism 34b is extended, so that the gripping mechanism 34c that is gripping the article A moves to a position directly above the second conveyor 6b that is stopped at the fourth port P4. Further, the hanging conveyor 34d is sent out from the sliding mechanism 34b, thereby lowering the gripping mechanism 34c, and the article A held by the gripping mechanism 34c is placed on the second conveyor 6b. Then, with the article A placed on the second conveyor 6b, the clamp 34e is opened to release the clamping of the flange A1 of the article A. On the other hand, when receiving and transporting the article A transported by the second conveyor 6b by the overhead traveling vehicle 8b, the gripping mechanism 34c that is not holding the article A is lowered from above the article A placed on the second conveyor 6b, and the flange A1 of the article A is clamped by the clamp 34e. Secondly, the hanging conveyor 34d is wound up to raise the gripping mechanism 34c, thereby lifting the article A. Further, the sliding mechanism 34b is retracted, so that the article A held by the gripping mechanism 34c moves below the traveling mechanism 34a of the overhead traveling vehicle 8b. Thereafter, the overhead traveling vehicle 8b travels along the track 32 to transport the article A within the second floor F2. Thus, when receiving the article A from the second conveyor 6b, the overhead traveling vehicle 8b moves to the receiving position (directly above the second port P2 in FIG. 11) and receives the article A moved by the second conveyor 6b from the side. Next, the operation of loading and unloading the article A between the elevated transfer vehicle 8b on the second floor F2 and the first transfer vehicle 4b will be described. When loading and unloading the article A with the first transfer vehicle 4b, the elevated transfer vehicle 8b is stopped at the receiving position directly above the second port P2 in the vertical direction. As shown in FIG. 12, the second port P2 where the first transfer vehicle 4b stops is located directly below the track 32 of the elevated transfer vehicle 8b. Therefore, it can move the gripping mechanism 34c up and down without extending the sliding mechanism 34b, thereby loading and unloading the article A between the elevated transfer vehicle 8b and the first transfer vehicle 4b. In this way, when receiving the article A from the first transfer vehicle 4b, the elevated transfer vehicle 8b moves to the receiving position and receives the article A moved by the first transfer vehicle 4b from above. That is, the elevated transfer vehicle 8b can transfer the article A between the first transfer vehicle 4b and the second transfer vehicle 6b while being stopped at the same receiving position (directly above the second port P2 in FIGS. 11 and 12). Next, the operation of the inter-floor transfer system 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described. First, when transferring the article A from the first floor F1 to the second floor F2, the article A transported by the elevated transfer vehicle 8a on the first floor F1 is placed on the first transfer vehicle 4a that is stopped at the second port P2 on the first floor F1. On the other hand, the lift table 16 of the inter-floor transfer device 2 is stopped at the first port P1 on the first floor F1 in a state where no article A is loaded. Further, after the lift table 16 is stopped at the first port P1, each arm portion 24d of its swing suppression mechanism 24 is respectively sent out in the diagonal direction of the lift table 16, and the guide rollers 24f mounted at the front ends of the arm portions 24d are respectively brought into contact with the flat material 22b of the outer cover 22. In this way, the restricting member is moved to the contact position where it contacts the flat material 22b, which is the contact member, thereby suppressing the lateral sway of the lift table 16 when transferring the article A. Next, the first transfer vehicle 4a carrying the article A is moved to the first port P1. When the first transfer vehicle 4a enters the first port P1, the article A placed on the first transfer vehicle 4a is received into the lift table 16. In this state, the lift table 28c of the first transfer vehicle 4a is lowered, thereby transferring the article A from the first transfer vehicle 4a to the lift table 16. When the article A is transferred to the lift table 16, the swing suppression mechanism 24 of the lift table 16 retracts each arm portion 24d and moves the restricting member to the non-contact position. Further, the lifting device 20 of the inter-floor transfer device 2 raises the lifting platform 16 by winding up the conveyor belt 18, thereby moving the lifting platform 16 to the third port P3 on the second floor F2. When the lifting platform 16 moves to the third port P3, the swing suppression mechanism 24 sends out each arm portion 24d again and moves the limiting member to the abutting position to suppress the lateral sway of the lifting platform 16. Next, the second transfer cart 6b on the second floor F2 travels and moves to a position below the lifting platform 16 that has stopped at the third port P3. In this state, the lifting platform 28c of the second transfer cart 6b is raised, whereby the article A placed on the lifting platform 16 is supported by the lifting platform 28c of the second transfer cart 6b, and the article A is transferred from the lifting platform 16 to the second transfer cart 6b. Next, the second transfer cart 6b travels to the fourth port P4 on the second floor F2. Further, the overhead traveling vehicle 8b on the second floor F2 travels to a position adjacent to the fourth port P4, and from this position, the sliding mechanism 34b is extended to lift the article A placed on the second transfer cart 6b. After the sliding mechanism 34b is retracted, the overhead traveling vehicle 8b transports the article A within the second floor F2. On the other hand, when the article A is transported from the second floor F2 to the first floor F1, the article A transported by the overhead traveling vehicle 8b is placed on the first transfer cart 4b that has stopped at the second port P2 on the second floor F2. The first transfer cart 4b on which the article A is placed travels to the first port P1 on the second floor F2, and here, the article A is transferred to the lifting platform 16 of the inter-floor transfer device 2. Further, the lifting device 20 of the inter-floor transfer device 2 lowers the lifting platform 16 by sending out the conveyor belt 18, thereby moving the lifting platform 16 to the third port P3 on the first floor F1. Next, at the third port P3, the article A placed on the lifting platform 16 is transferred to the second transfer cart 6a. Next, the second transfer cart 6a travels to the fourth port P4 on the first floor F1. Further, the overhead traveling vehicle 8b on the first floor F1 travels to a position adjacent to the fourth port P4, and from this position, the article A placed on the second transfer cart 6a is lifted to transport the article A within the first floor F1. Furthermore, in the present embodiment, although the article A is transferred from the first transfer cart to the lifting platform 16 at the first port P1 on both the first and second floors, and the article A is transferred from the lifting platform 16 to the second transfer cart at the third port P3, the ports for loading and unloading the article A can be set arbitrarily. Also, loading the article A onto the lifting platform 16 and receiving the article A from the lifting platform 16 can be performed at the same port. According to the floor transfer device 2 of an embodiment of the present invention, the lifting platform 16 is suspended by a suspension member, i.e., a conveyor belt 18, and by a lifting device 20, the lifting platform 16 rises or falls through an opening 10a formed in the floor surface 10 of the floor. Therefore, it is not necessary to pre-lay members such as guide rails in a manner passing through the opening 10a formed in the floor surface 10, and articles A can be transferred between a plurality of floors using a simple structure. Also, since it does not require a track or the like extending through the opening 10a formed in the floor surface 10, the size of the opening 10a can be reduced, and the floor transfer device 2 can be provided in a smaller floor area. Also, according to the floor transfer device 2 of the present embodiment, the restricting members (arm portion 24d and guide roller 24f) move between a contact position (FIG. 8) where they contact the contact member, i.e., the flat material 22b, to restrict the lateral movement of the lifting platform 16 and a non-contact position (FIG. 6). Therefore, when it is desired to suppress the lateral movement of the lifting platform 16, for example, when loading and unloading the article A onto the lifting platform 16, etc., it can suppress the swaying of the lifting platform 16. Furthermore, according to the floor transfer device 2 of the present embodiment, it has a fire door 13 (FIG. 1) that closes the opening 10a formed by communicating the first floor F1 and the second floor F2. Therefore, in the event of a fire, it can prevent the spread of fire through the opening 10a. Also, according to the floor transfer system 1 of an embodiment of the present invention, it has first transfer carts 4a, 4b that move the article A transferred by the floor transfer device 2 within one floor. Therefore, it can easily transfer the article A transferred by the floor transfer device 2 within the floor of the transfer destination. Furthermore, according to the floor transfer system 1 of the present embodiment, the transfer device 28a of the first transfer carts 4a, 4b has a lifting platform 28c. By raising the lifting platform 28c through the notch 16d (FIG. 10) of the lifting platform 16, the article A can be supported on the lifting platform 28c. Therefore, by simply moving the lifting platform 28c up and down, it can transfer the article A to and from the lifting platform 16. Also, according to the floor transfer system 1 of the present embodiment, it has first transfer carts 4a, 4b and second transfer carts 6a, 6b that move on a second track 26b laid above the first transfer carts 4a, 4b. Therefore, it can transfer the article A to and from the lifting platform 16 that can only move in the vertical direction at two locations (the first port P1 and the third port P3) within one floor, and can improve the transfer efficiency of the article A using the floor transfer system 1. Furthermore, the inter-floor conveyance system 1 according to the present embodiment includes the elevated transfer vehicles 8a and 8b that receive the articles A moved by the first transfer vehicles 4a and 4b and the second transfer vehicles 6a and 6b. Therefore, it can efficiently convey articles within a floor. Also, since the elevated transfer vehicles 8a and 8b can receive the articles A moved by the first transfer vehicles 4a and 4b and the second transfer vehicles 6a and 6b at the same receiving position (vertically above the second port P2), articles A can be transferred from each transfer vehicle to the elevated transfer vehicles 8a and 8b in a smaller space. As described above, although the embodiments of the present invention have been described, various changes can be made to the above embodiments. 1: inter-floor conveyance system 2: inter-floor conveyance device 4a, 4b: first transfer vehicles 6a, 6b: second transfer vehicles 8a, 8b: elevated transfer vehicles 10: floor surface 10a: opening 10b: grating 12: ceiling surface 12a: opening 13: fire door 14: ceiling surface 16: lift table 16a: bottom plate 16b: top plate 16c: connecting plate 16d: notch 18: conveyor belt (suspension member) 20: lifting device 20a: roller 20b: reducer 20c: motor 22: housing 22a: channel material 22b: flat material (abutment member) 22c: opening 24: swing suppression mechanism 24a: motor 24b: ball screw shaft 24c: ball screw nut 24d: arm portion (restriction member) 24e: linear guide 24f: guide roller (restriction member) 26a: first track 26b: second track 28a: transfer device 28b: traveling device 28c: lifting stage 30a: transfer device 30b: traveling device 30c: lifting stage 32: track 34a: traveling mechanism 34b: sliding mechanism 34c: gripping mechanism 34d: suspended conveyor belt 34e: clamp A: article A1: flange F1: first floor F2: second floor P1: first port P2: second port P3: third port P4: fourth port FIG. 1 is a side view showing the overall inter-floor transfer system according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a front view showing the overall inter-floor transfer system according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a side view showing an enlarged view of a lifting device included in the inter-floor transfer device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a plan view showing an enlarged view of a lifting device included in the inter-floor transfer device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a side view showing a state in which a restricting member included in a swing suppression mechanism of a lift table in the inter-floor transfer device according to an embodiment of the present invention is in a non-contact position. FIG. 6 is a plan view showing a state in which a restricting member included in a lift table in the inter-floor transfer device according to an embodiment of the present invention is in a non-contact position. FIG. 7 is a side view showing a state in which a restricting member included in a lift table in the inter-floor transfer device according to an embodiment of the present invention is in a contact position. FIG. 8 is a plan view showing a state in which a restricting member included in a lift table in the inter-floor transfer device according to an embodiment of the present invention is in a contact position. FIG. 9 is a side view showing an enlarged view of a portion where a first transfer vehicle, a second transfer vehicle, and an overhead transfer vehicle are provided adjacent to the inter-floor transfer device in the inter-floor transfer system according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a front view showing an enlarged view of a portion where the first transfer vehicle and the second transfer vehicle provided adjacent to the inter-floor transfer device in the inter-floor transfer system according to an embodiment of the present invention are located. FIG. 11 is a side view showing a state in which an article is unloaded from the overhead transfer vehicle to the second transfer vehicle in the inter-floor transfer system according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 12 is a side view showing a state in which an article is unloaded from the overhead transfer vehicle to the first transfer vehicle in the inter-floor transfer system according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1: Inter-floor transfer system 2: Inter-floor transfer device 4a, 4b: First transfer vehicle 6a, 6b: Second transfer vehicle 8a, 8b: Overhead transfer vehicle 10: Floor surface 10a: Opening 10b: Grating 12: Ceiling surface 12a: Opening 13: Fire door 14: Ceiling surface 22: Housing 32: Rail A: Article F1: First floor F2: Second floor

Claims

1. A floor transport device for transporting items between a plurality of floors separated by vertical direction; characterized in that it comprises: a lifting platform supporting the items to be transported; a plurality of suspension members for suspending the lifting platform from above and being mounted on the lifting platform; and a lifting device disposed above the lifting platform, which, by rolling up or sending out the suspension members, causes the lifting platform, which is not guided by a track, to rise from a lower floor to an upper floor or descend from an upper floor to a lower floor through an opening formed in the floor floor surface.

2. The inter-floor transport device of claim 1 further comprises: an abutment member disposed adjacent to the track for lifting the aforementioned lifting platform; the lifting platform having a limiting member for restricting the lateral movement of the lifting platform, the limiting member being configured to move between an abutment position that abuts against the abutment member and restricts the lateral movement of the lifting platform, and a non-abutment position away from the abutment member.

3. The inter-floor transport device of claim 1 further includes a fire door configured to close the opening formed by connecting the two floors.

4. A floor transfer system for transferring items between a plurality of overlapping floors in a vertical direction; comprising: a floor transfer device according to any one of claims 1 to 3 above; and a first transfer vehicle for moving items transferred by the floor transfer device within one floor; the first transfer vehicle comprising: a transfer device for receiving items from the lifting platform of the floor transfer device; and a moving device for moving the first transfer vehicle within the provided floor.

5. A floor transport system for transporting items between a plurality of overlapping floors in a vertical direction; characterized in that it comprises: a floor transport device; the floor transport device includes: a lifting platform supporting the items to be transported; a plurality of suspension members for suspending the lifting platform from above; and a lifting device disposed above the lifting platform, which, by rolling up or sending out the suspension members, causes the lifting platform to rise from a lower floor to an upper floor or descend from an upper floor to a lower floor through an opening formed in the floor floor. and the first transport vehicle, which enables the items transported by the aforementioned inter-floor transport device to move within one floor; The first transport vehicle described above includes: a transfer device for receiving items from the lifting platform of the inter-floor transport device; and a moving device for moving the first transport vehicle within the floor where it is installed. The transfer device of the first transport vehicle includes: a lifting platform for placing items transported by the inter-floor transport device; when the first transport vehicle receives items from the lifting platform of the inter-floor transport device, after moving to below the lifting platform, the lifting platform is raised through a notch formed in the lifting platform, thereby supporting the items placed on the lifting platform.

6. A floor-to-floor transport system for transporting items between a plurality of overlapping floors in a vertical direction; characterized in that it comprises: a floor-to-floor transport device; the floor-to-floor transport device including: a lifting platform supporting the items to be transported; a plurality of suspension members for suspending the lifting platform from above; and a lifting device disposed above the lifting platform, which, by rolling up or sending out the suspension members, causes the lifting platform to rise from a lower floor to an upper floor or descend from an upper floor to a lower floor through an opening formed in the floor surface; a first transport vehicle for moving the items transported by the floor-to-floor transport device within one floor; and a second transport vehicle moving above the first transport vehicle within the same floor as the first transport vehicle; the first transport vehicle including: a transfer device for receiving items from the lifting platform of the floor-to-floor transport device; and a moving device for moving the first transport vehicle within the floor to which it is disposed. The second transport vehicle is configured to move on a pair of tracks laid above the first transport vehicle. When the second transport vehicle receives an item from the inter-floor transport device, it moves along the pair of tracks to below the lifting platform of the inter-floor transport device. On the other hand, when the first transport vehicle receives an item from the inter-floor transport device, the second transport vehicle moves away from the track of the lifting platform of the inter-floor transport device, and the inter-floor transport device lowers the lifting platform by passing it between the pair of tracks, thereby transferring the item to the first transport vehicle that has moved below the lifting platform.

7. A floor-to-floor transport system for transporting items between a plurality of overlapping floors in a vertical direction; characterized in that it comprises: a floor-to-floor transport device; the floor-to-floor transport device comprising: a lifting platform supporting the items to be transported; a plurality of suspension members for suspending the lifting platform from above; and a lifting device disposed above the lifting platform, which, by rolling up or sending out the suspension members, causes the lifting platform to rise from a lower floor to an upper floor or descend from an upper floor to a lower floor through an opening formed in the floor floor; a first transport vehicle for moving the items transported by the floor-to-floor transport device within one floor; a second transport vehicle for moving above the first transport vehicle within the same floor as the first transport vehicle; and an overhead transfer vehicle disposed on the same floor as the first and second transport vehicles. The first transport vehicle includes: a transfer device for receiving items from the lifting platform of the inter-floor transport device; and a transfer device for moving the first transport vehicle within the designated floor. The second transport vehicle is configured to move on a pair of tracks laid above the first transport vehicle. The elevated transfer vehicle is configured to move to a predetermined receiving position and receive items moved by the first and second transport vehicles. When the second transport vehicle receives items from the inter-floor transport device, it moves along the pair of tracks to below the lifting platform of the inter-floor transport device. Conversely, when the first transport vehicle receives items from the inter-floor transport device, the second transport vehicle retracts from the tracks of the lifting platform, and the inter-floor transport device lowers the lifting platform by passing between the pair of tracks, thereby transferring the items to the first transport vehicle that has moved below the lifting platform. When receiving items from the first transport vehicle, the elevated transfer vehicle moves to the receiving position and receives the items moved by the first transport vehicle from above. When receiving items from the second transport vehicle, the elevated transfer vehicle moves to the receiving position and receives the items moved by the second transport vehicle from the side.

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