Storage device

Abstract

The present invention provides a storage device 8, 108 that is suspended from a ceiling 2 and stores an article M, the storage device comprising: an upper storage rack 16; a lower storage rack 20, 120 provided below the upper storage rack; and a connection mechanism 30, 130 for connecting the lower storage rack to the upper storage rack. The connection mechanism comprises an upper fixation member 40, 136, 138 fixed to the lower end of the upper storage rack, a lower fixation member 42, 44, 142 extending in the horizontal direction below the upper fixation member and fixed to the upper end of the lower storage rack by means of a fastening member, and a coupling part 46-49, 52, 140, 151-153 coupling the upper fixation member and the lower fixation member to each other by means of a fastening member.

Description

storage device

[0001] The present invention relates to a storage device that is suspended from a ceiling and stores items, and a method for manufacturing the storage device.

[0002] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a transport facility including an overhead transport vehicle for transporting items and a storage shelf suspended from the ceiling for storing the items. The storage shelf may have only one vertical shelf level, or may have multiple vertical shelf levels for storing a large number of items.

[0003] Furthermore, Patent Document 2 describes an overhead traveling vehicle system that includes an overhead traveling vehicle and a buffer (storage shelf) that is suspended from the ceiling and stores items. The storage shelf in Patent Document 2 includes a side buffer and an under buffer, and the under buffer is attached to the lower end of the side buffer by a triangular attachment member.

[0004] JP 2022-126900 A Patent No. 4543338 A

[0005] The above-described conventional conveying equipment and overhead traveling vehicle system are equipped with a plurality of vertically arranged storage shelves, and this structure is intended to be installed in a clean room or the like. However, when multiple vertically arranged shelves are provided, it may be necessary to connect, for example, an upper storage shelf and a lower storage shelf. In this case, a connection structure that allows for a simple and reliable connection is required. Furthermore, after the storage shelves are installed, there are requests to effectively use the space below the storage shelves or to increase the number of items to be stored. To meet these requests, it is necessary to connect a new storage shelf (lower storage shelf) to an existing storage shelf (upper storage shelf). However, the connection structure for connecting the existing storage shelf and the new storage shelf is complicated and not easy to implement. Therefore, the present inventors, through extensive research, have discovered a connection structure that allows for a simple and reliable connection between the upper storage shelf and the lower storage shelf.

[0006] The present invention has been made to meet the above-mentioned conventional demands, and aims to provide a storage device and a method for manufacturing a storage base that can reliably connect an upper storage shelf and a lower storage shelf with a simple structure.

[0007] In order to achieve the above object, the storage device of the present invention is a storage device that is suspended from a ceiling and stores items, and includes an upper storage shelf, a lower storage shelf provided below the upper storage shelf, and a connection mechanism for connecting the lower storage shelf to the upper storage shelf, the connection mechanism including an upper fixing member fixed to the lower end of the upper storage shelf, a lower fixing member extending horizontally below the upper fixing member and fixed to the upper end of the lower fixing shelf by a fastening member, and a connecting portion that connects the upper and lower fixing members by the fastening member. In the present invention configured in this manner, the lower storage shelf is connected to the upper storage shelf by the connection mechanism, so that the space below the upper storage shelf can be effectively utilized. Furthermore, according to the present invention, the connection mechanism comprises an upper fixing member fixed to the lower end of the upper storage shelf, a lower fixing member extending horizontally below the upper fixing member and fixed to the upper end of the lower storage shelf by a fastening member, and a connecting portion connecting these upper fixing member and lower fixing member by a fastening member, so that the lower storage shelf can be reliably connected to the upper storage shelf with a simple structure.

[0008] In the present invention, the lower storage shelf preferably includes a single shelf or multiple shelf levels arranged in the vertical direction, and each shelf is arranged to be slidable horizontally. According to the present invention configured in this manner, the shelf levels of the lower storage shelf are arranged to be slidable horizontally, making it easy to transfer articles to and from the overhead traveling vehicle.

[0009] In the present invention, preferably, the upper storage shelf is provided at its lower end with a pair of C-shaped members extending along the sides of the upper storage shelf and opening downward, the upper fixing members of the connection mechanism are fastened plate members that engage with the open lower ends of the C-shaped members, the lower fixing members are plate members arranged below the fastened plate members, and the connecting portions are fastening members that connect the fastened plate members to the plate members, whereby the fastened plate members are fixed to the C-shaped members by connecting the fastened plate members to the plate members with the fastening members. According to the present invention configured in this manner, the upper fixing members of the connection mechanism are fastened plate members that engage with the open lower ends of the C-shaped members of the upper storage shelf, the lower fixing members are plate members arranged below the fastened plate members, and the connecting portions are fastening members that connect the fastened plate members to the plate members, whereby the fastened plate members are fixed to the C-shaped members by connecting the fastened plate members to the plate members with the fastening members, so that the lower storage shelf can be reliably connected to the upper storage shelf with a simple structure.

[0010] In the present invention, preferably, the upper storage shelf is provided at its lower end with a U-shaped member extending laterally of the upper storage shelf and opening downward, the upper fixing members of the connection mechanism are a pair of clamp members attached so as to sandwich the U-shaped member, the lower fixing members are plate members provided below the clamp members, and the connecting portions are fastening members for fastening the clamp members to the upper end of the lower storage shelf with a plate member interposed therebetween. According to the present invention configured in this manner, the upper fixing members of the connection mechanism are a pair of clamp members attached so as to sandwich the U-shaped member of the upper storage shelf, the lower fixing members are plate members provided below the clamp members, and the connecting portions are fastening members for fastening the clamp members to the upper end of the lower storage shelf with a plate member interposed therebetween, so that the lower storage shelf can be reliably connected to the upper storage shelf with a simple structure.

[0011] The transport system of the present invention includes the storage device described above and an overhead traveling vehicle that travels on an overhead track to transport articles and transfer the articles between the storage device and the overhead traveling vehicle.

[0012] The manufacturing method of the storage device of the present invention is a manufacturing method of a storage device that is suspended from a ceiling and stores items, and includes the steps of preparing an upper storage shelf and connecting a lower storage shelf below the upper storage shelf with a connecting mechanism, the connecting mechanism comprising an upper fixing member fixed to the lower end of the upper storage shelf, a lower fixing member extending horizontally below the upper fixing member and fixed to the upper end of the lower storage shelf with a fastening member, and a connecting portion that connects the upper fixing member and lower fixing member with the fastening member.

[0013] According to the storage device and the method for manufacturing the storage device of the present invention, the upper storage shelf and the lower storage shelf can be reliably connected with a simple structure.

[0014] 9 is a front view of a conveyance system including a storage device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a side view of a conveyance system including a storage device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 is an enlarged partial cross-sectional view of part A of FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is an enlarged partial cross-sectional view of part B of FIG. 2. FIG. 3 is a bottom view and a front view showing a connection part (nut plate) used in the connection mechanism of the storage device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a plan view and a front view showing a connection part (first plate) used in the connection mechanism of the storage device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a plan view and a front view showing a connection part (second plate) used in the connection mechanism of the storage device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a manufacturing process of the storage device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a front view of a conveyance system including a storage device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a side view of a conveyance system including a storage device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is an enlarged partial cross-sectional view of part C of FIG. 9. FIG. 6 is an enlarged partial cross-sectional view of part D of FIG. 10. FIG. 6 is a front view and a side view showing a connection part (first clamp member) used in the connection mechanism of the storage device according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a front view and a side view showing a connection part (second clamp member) used in the connection mechanism of the storage device according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a plan view and a front view showing a connection part (plate) used in the connection mechanism of the storage device according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0015] Storage devices according to embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. First, a storage device according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 7. Figure 1 is a front view of a transport system equipped with a storage device according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 2 is a side view of a transport system equipped with a storage device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0016] 1 and 2, a transport system 1 equipped with a storage device according to a first embodiment of the present invention includes an overhead traveling vehicle 6 that travels on traveling rails 4 suspended from a ceiling 2, and storage devices 8 provided on both sides of the overhead traveling vehicle 6. The overhead traveling vehicle 6 travels on a traveling mechanism 10 while suspended from the traveling rails 4, and can be moved to a target position. The overhead traveling vehicle 6 also includes a slide mechanism 12 and a gripping mechanism 14.

[0017] Next, the storage device 8 includes an upper storage shelf 16, which is suspended from the ceiling 2 by hanging bolts 18. Furthermore, a lower storage shelf 20 is attached to the lower end of the upper storage shelf 16 by a connection mechanism described below. In the storage device 8 according to this embodiment, the upper storage shelf 16 is a storage shelf that has already been installed in the factory. The lower storage shelf 20 is a storage shelf that is newly attached to the upper storage shelf 16.

[0018] The upper storage shelf 16 is provided with a single shelf on which the article M is temporarily stored. The slide mechanism 12 of the overhead traveling vehicle 6 can extend and retract horizontally, and has a gripping mechanism 14 attached to its tip for gripping a flange M1 of the article M provided on the top of the article M. The gripping mechanism 14 is equipped with a suspension belt 14a and a gripper 14b. The slide mechanism 12 and gripping mechanism 14 enable the delivery of the article M between the overhead traveling vehicle 6 and the storage device 8.

[0019] The lower storage shelves 20 are arranged on both sides (right and left sides in FIG. 1 ) of the traveling direction of the overhead traveling vehicle 6, and are equipped with two vertically arranged shelves 22. These shelves 22 are movable shelves that can slide horizontally, allowing the article M to move laterally (widthwise) to directly below the overhead traveling vehicle 6.

[0020] The shelves 22 of the lower storage shelf 20 are for receiving and storing the articles M from the overhead traveling vehicle 6, and for transferring the stored articles M to the overhead traveling vehicle 6, and therefore the shelves 22 are capable of moving laterally. For this reason, the shelves 22 on each level are each provided with a movement mechanism 24 for moving the shelf 22 laterally.

[0021] The moving mechanism 24 includes rails 24a extending laterally and provided at the bottom of each shelf 22, rollers 24b attached to the shelf 22 and running on the rails 24a, and a drive motor 24c for rotating the rollers 24b. The moving mechanism 24 moves the shelf 22 to directly below the overhead traveling vehicle 6, thereby enabling the delivery of the article M between the shelf 22 and the overhead traveling vehicle 6.

[0022] The lower storage shelf 20 on the other side (right side) is similar to the lower storage shelf 20 on the right side, and the shelf 22 is a movable shelf that can slide horizontally, and a moving mechanism 24 is provided to move the shelf 22 laterally, and this moving mechanism 24 also has rails 24a, rollers 24b, and a drive motor 24c.

[0023] In this embodiment, the lower storage shelf 20 has two shelves in the vertical direction, but is not limited to this and may have a single shelf, or may have three or more shelves in the vertical direction.

[0024] Next, a connection mechanism for attaching the lower storage shelf 20 to the lower end of the upper storage shelf 16 will be described with reference to Figures 3 to 7. Figure 3 is an enlarged partial cross-sectional view of portion A in Figure 1, Figure 4 is an enlarged partial cross-sectional view of portion B in Figure 2, Figure 5 is a plan view and a front view showing a connection part (nut plate) used in the connection mechanism of the storage device according to the first embodiment of the present invention, Figure 6 is a plan view and a front view showing a connection part (first plate) used in the connection mechanism of the storage device according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 7 is a plan view and a front view showing a connection part (second plate) used in the connection mechanism of the storage device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] Before describing the connection mechanism 30, the lower structure of the upper storage shelf 16 will be described. As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the upper storage shelf 16 has vertical columns 32 extending vertically at the front and rear ends along the travel direction of the overhead traveling vehicle 6. A U-shaped plate 34 extending horizontally and opening downward is fixed to the lower part of the vertical columns 32. C-shaped members 36 having a C-shaped cross section are attached to the underside of both sides of the U-shaped plate 34 by bolts 37, 38, and 39. The C-shaped members 36 extend along the sides of the upper storage shelf 16. The C-shaped members 36 have an upper fixing portion, a pair of connecting portions extending downward from the upper fixing portion, and a pair of lower fixing portions extending toward each other from the lower ends of the connecting portions.

[0026] Next, the connection mechanism 30 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 3 to 7. The connection mechanism 30 includes a nut plate 40, a first plate 42 disposed below the nut plate 40, and a second plate 44 disposed below the first plate 42. As shown in Figure 5(a) , the nut plate 40 is a flat plate extending laterally, with two screw holes 40a formed along the side. Furthermore, four elongated holes 42a extending laterally are formed in the first plate 42 at positions corresponding to the screw holes 40a in the nut plate 40.

[0027] A nut plate bolt 46 is inserted into the long hole 42a from below the first plate 42, and by rotating this nut plate bolt 46, it threads into the screw hole 40a of the nut plate 40, thereby fastening the nut plate 40 and the first plate 42 together.

[0028] In this state, shallow grooves 40b are formed on both sides of the underside of the nut plate 40, and these shallow grooves 40b are designed to be inserted into the lower ends 36a of the C-shaped members 36. When the nut plate 40 is inserted into the C-shaped members 36, the nut plate 40 and the C-shaped members 36 are tightened, thereby firmly joining the nut plate 40 and the C-shaped members 36, and the first plate 42 is attached to the vertical columns 32 of the upper storage shelf 16 via the nut plate 40.

[0029] Next, three screw holes 44a are formed in the second plate 44 along the horizontal direction, and three round holes 42b are formed in the first plate 42 at positions corresponding to the screw holes 44a in the second plate 44, so that the heads of the bolts can be accommodated. By inserting bolts 47, 48, and 49 into the round holes 42b from above the first plate 42 and rotating them, the tips of the bolts 47, 48, and 49 reach the inside of the upper ends of the vertical columns 50 of the lower storage shelf 20, and as a result, the first plate 42 is fixed to the lower storage shelf 20.

[0030] Furthermore, round holes 44b are formed on both ends of the second plate 44, and screw holes 42c are formed in the first plate 42 at positions corresponding to the round holes 44b in the second plate 42. By inserting a bolt 52 into the round holes 44b from below the second plate 44 and rotating it, the bolt 52 reaches the screw holes 42c in the first plate 42, and the first plate 42 and the second plate 44 are fastened together.

[0031] By using such a connection mechanism 30, the lower storage shelf 20 can be attached to the upper storage shelf 16.

[0032] Next, the mounting method (manufacturing process) for mounting the lower storage shelf to the upper storage shelf will be described with reference to Figure 8. Figure 8 is a diagram showing the manufacturing process for the storage device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. First, as shown in Figure 8(a), the nut plate 40 is inserted into the C-shaped member 36 at the lower end of the upper storage shelf 16. Next, the first plate 42 is attached to the mounting jig 54, and in this state, the first plate 42 is attached to the nut plate 40.

[0033] Next, as shown in FIG. 8( b), a spirit level 56 is placed on the mounting jig 54, and if the mounting jig 54 is not level, adjustment is required to make the mounting jig 54 level. For example, a level adjustment shim 58 is inserted between the first plate 42 located on the right side and the C-shaped member 36.

[0034] Next, as shown in FIG. 8( c), the mounting jig 54 is removed, and the first plate 42 is attached to the C-shaped member 36, i.e., the lower end of the upper storage shelf 16. This first plate 42 is then connected to the second plate 44 that is attached to the lower storage shelf 20, thereby completing the attachment of the lower storage shelf 20 to the upper storage shelf 16.

[0035] Next, a storage device according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 9 to 15. Figure 9 is a front view of a transport system equipped with a storage device according to the second embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 10 is a side view of a transport system equipped with a storage device according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] The basic structure of the storage device according to the second embodiment is similar to that of the storage device 8 according to the first embodiment described above, and therefore, differences will be mainly described below. As shown in Figures 9 and 10, a transport system 101 equipped with a storage device according to the second embodiment of the invention has an overhead traveling vehicle 106 and storage devices 108 provided on both sides of the overhead traveling vehicle 106.

[0037] Next, the storage device 108 includes an upper storage shelf 116, and a lower storage shelf 120 is attached to the lower end of the upper storage shelf 116 by a connection mechanism described below. In the storage device 108 according to the second embodiment, the upper storage shelf 116 is also a storage shelf that has already been installed in the factory, and the lower storage shelf 120 is a storage shelf that is newly attached to the upper storage shelf 116.

[0038] Next, a connection mechanism for attaching the lower storage shelf 120 to the lower end of the upper storage shelf 116 will be described with reference to Figures 11 to 15. Figure 11 is an enlarged partial cross-sectional view of part C in Figure 9, Figure 12 is an enlarged partial cross-sectional view of part D in Figure 12, Figure 13 is a front view and a side view showing a connection part (first clamp member) used in the connection mechanism of a storage device according to a second embodiment of the present invention, Figure 14 is a front view and a side view showing a connection part (second clamp member) used in the connection mechanism of a storage device according to the second embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 15 is a plan view and a front view showing a connection part (plate) used in the connection mechanism of a storage device according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] Before describing the connection mechanism 130, the lower structure of the upper storage shelf 116 will be described. As shown in Figures 11 and 12, the upper storage shelf 116 has vertical columns 150 extending in the up-down direction at the front and rear ends along the traveling direction of the overhead traveling vehicle 106, and a U-shaped plate 134 extending laterally and open at the bottom is fixed to the bottom of the vertical columns 150. This U-shaped plate 134 has an upper fixing portion and a pair of connecting portions extending downward from the upper fixing portion, and is open at the bottom.

[0040] Next, a connection mechanism 130 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 11 to 15. The connection mechanism 130 includes a first clamp member 136 and a second clamp member 138 that are attached to the upper surface of both sides of a U-shaped plate 134 of the upper storage shelf 116 so as to sandwich the U-shaped plate 134. The first clamp member 136 includes a front flange 136a and a rear flange 136b that extend outward in the front-to-rear direction, and the second clamp member 138 also includes a front flange 138a and a rear flange 138b that extend outward in the front-to-rear direction. Circular holes are formed in the front flange 136a, the rear flange 136b, the front flange 138a, and the rear flange 138b, and the front flange 136a, the rear flange 136b, the front flange 138a, and the rear flange 138b, and the round holes are adapted to receive bolts 140.

[0041] The connection mechanism 130 further includes a plate 142 that is disposed at the upper end of the lower storage shelf 120. As shown in Fig. 12, a rear end 142a of this plate 142 is positioned on a vertical column 150 of the lower storage shelf 120. As shown in Fig. 15(a), three round holes 142b are formed on the rear side of the plate 142, into which bolts 151, 152, and 153 are inserted. Furthermore, screw holes 148 into which the bolts 140 are screwed are formed at the four corners of the plate 142.

[0042] 11 and 12 , the second clamp member 138 is secured to the plate 142 by inserting bolts 140 into round holes formed in the front flange 138a and screwing them, and similarly, by inserting bolts 140 into round holes formed in the rear flange 138b and screwing them, whereby the second clamp member 138 is secured to the plate 142. At this time, the second clamp member 138 and the plate 142 are secured to the vertical column 150 of the lower storage shelf 120 by the bolts 140 inserted into the round holes formed in the rear flange 138b of the second clamp member 138.

[0043] Similarly, bolts 140 are inserted into round holes formed in the front flange 136a of the first clamp member 136 and screwed, and similarly, bolts 140 are inserted into round holes formed in the rear flange 136b and screwed, thereby fixing the first clamp member 136 to the plate 142. At this time, the first clamp member 136 and the plate 142 are fixed to the vertical column 150 of the lower storage shelf 120 by the bolts 140 inserted into the round holes formed in the rear flange 136b of the first clamp member 136.

[0044] In the second embodiment, the lower storage shelf 120 can also be attached to the upper storage shelf 116 by using such a connection mechanism 130 .

[0045] Next, the effects of the storage device and the method for manufacturing the storage device according to the first and second embodiments of the present invention will be described.

[0046] First, according to the storage device 8, 108 of the embodiment of the present invention, the newly installed lower storage shelves 20, 120 are connected to the existing upper storage shelves 16, 116 by the new connection mechanisms 30, 130, so that the space below the existing upper storage shelves 16, 116 can be effectively utilized. Furthermore, according to the storage device 8, 108 of this embodiment, the connection mechanism 30, 130 includes upper fixing members (nut plate 40, first clamp member 136, second clamp member 138) fixed to the lower end of the upper storage shelf 16, 116, lower fixing members (first plate 42, second plate 44, plate 142) extending horizontally below the upper fixing members and fixed to the upper end of the lower storage shelf 20, 120 with fastening members, and connecting portions (bolts 46, 47, 48, 49, 52; bolts 140, 151, 152, 153) that connect these upper fixing members and lower fixing members with fastening members, so that the lower storage shelf 20, 120 can be reliably connected to the upper storage shelf 16, 116 with a simple structure.

[0047] Secondly, according to the storage device 8, 108 of the embodiment of the present invention, the shelves 22 of the lower storage shelves 20, 120 are arranged so as to be slidable horizontally, so that the transfer of items M to and from the overhead traveling vehicles 6, 106 can be easily carried out.

[0048] Thirdly, in the storage device 8 according to an embodiment of the present invention, the upper fixing member of the connection mechanism 30 is a fastened plate member (nut plate 40) that engages with the open lower end within the C-shaped member 36 of the upper storage shelf 16, the lower fixing member is a plate member (first plate 42, second plate 44) arranged below this fastened plate member, and the connecting portion is a fastening member (bolts 46, 47, 48, 49, 52) that connects the fastened plate member and the plate member, and by connecting the fastened plate member and the plate member with these fastening members, the fastened member is fixed to the C-shaped member, so that the lower storage shelf 20 can be connected to the upper storage shelf 16 reliably with a simple structure.

[0049] Fourth, in the storage device 108 according to an embodiment of the present invention, the upper fixing member of the connection mechanism 130 is a pair of clamp members (first clamp member 136, second clamp member 138) attached so as to sandwich the U-shaped member 134 of the upper storage shelf 16, the lower fixing member is a plate 142 provided below these clamp members, and the connecting portion is a fastening member (bolts 140, 151, 152, 153) for fastening the clamp members to the upper end of the lower storage shelf with a plate member interposed therebetween, so that the lower storage shelf 120 can be reliably connected to the upper storage shelf 116 with a simple structure.

[0050] Fifth, the embodiment of the present invention can also be applied to a conveying system having the above-mentioned storage device 8, 108 and an overhead traveling vehicle 6, 106 that travels on an overhead track (traveling rail 4) to transport items M and transfer the items between the storage device and the overhead traveling vehicle 6, 106.

[0051] Sixth, according to the manufacturing method of the storage device according to the embodiment of the present invention, the lower storage shelf is connected to the upper storage shelf by the newly described connection mechanisms 30, 130, so that the space below the existing upper storage shelf can be effectively utilized.

[0052] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1, 101 Conveyor system 2 Ceiling 4 Traveling rail 6, 106 Overhead traveling vehicle 8, 108 Storage device 10 Traveling mechanism 12 Slide mechanism 14 Grip mechanism 16, 116 Upper storage shelf 20, 120 Lower storage shelf 22 Shelf 24 Movement mechanism 30, 130 Connection mechanism 32, 132 Vertical column 34, 134 U-shaped plate 36 C-shaped member 40 Nut plate 42 First plate 44 Second plate 46 Nut plate bolt 54 Mounting jig 58 Level adjustment shim 136 First clamp member 138 Second clamp member 142 Plate

Claims

1. A storage device suspended from a ceiling for storing items, comprising: an upper storage shelf; a lower storage shelf provided below the upper storage shelf; and a connection mechanism for connecting the lower storage shelf to the upper storage shelf, wherein the connection mechanism comprises an upper fixing member fixed to the lower end of the upper storage shelf, a lower fixing member extending horizontally below the upper fixing member and fixed to the upper end of the lower storage shelf by a fastening member, and a connecting portion connecting the upper fixing member and lower fixing member by the fastening member.

2. A storage device as described in claim 1, wherein the lower storage shelf comprises a single shelf or multiple shelves arranged vertically, each shelf being arranged so as to be slidable horizontally.

3. A storage device as described in claim 1, wherein the upper storage shelf is provided at its lower end with a pair of C-shaped members which extend along the sides of the upper storage shelf and open downwardly, the upper fixing member of the connection mechanism is a fastened plate member which engages with the open lower end of the C-shaped member, the lower fixing member is a plate member arranged below the fastened plate member, the connecting portion is a fastening member which connects the fastened plate member and the plate member, and the fastened member is fixed to the C-shaped member by connecting the fastened plate member and the plate member with the fastening member.

4. A storage device as described in claim 1, wherein the upper storage shelf has at its lower end a U-shaped member extending laterally of the upper storage shelf and opening downward, the upper fixing member of the connection mechanism is a pair of clamp members attached so as to sandwich the U-shaped member, the lower fixing member is a plate member provided below the clamp members, and the connecting portion is a fastening member for fastening the clamp members and the upper end of the lower storage shelf with a plate member interposed therebetween.

5. A transport system comprising the storage device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, and an overhead traveling vehicle that travels on an overhead track to transport articles and transfer the articles between the storage device and the overhead traveling vehicle.

6. A manufacturing method for a storage device that is suspended from a ceiling and stores items, comprising the steps of: preparing an upper storage shelf; and connecting a lower storage shelf below the upper storage shelf with a connecting mechanism, wherein the connecting mechanism comprises an upper fixing member fixed to the lower end of the upper storage shelf, a lower fixing member extending horizontally below the upper fixing member and fixed to the upper end of the lower storage shelf with a fastening member, and a connecting portion that connects the upper fixing member and lower fixing member with the fastening member.

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