Conveyance structure and method for conveying conveyance object

Abstract

This conveyance structure comprises: a first rail which is fixed to a building frame of a building, extends in a first direction, and on which a first hoist crane for conveying a conveyance object can travel; and a second rail which is fixed to the building frame, extends along a second direction intersecting the first direction, and on which a second hoist crane different from the first hoist crane can travel. The second rail includes an intersection part intersecting the first rail between the first rail and the building frame.

Description

Transport Structure and Method for Transporting an Object to be Transported

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a transport structure and a method for transporting an object to be transported.

[0002] When constructing or disassembling a large-scale structure, an operation of transporting the components constituting the structure from the current position to the target position occurs. Patent Document 1 discloses a construction method for partially updating the shell plates constituting a tower tank as a structure. The construction method disclosed in Patent Document 1 attaches an arc-shaped trolley beam to the updated portion and transports the partially removed shell plates by a pair of gear trolleys.

[0003] Patent No. 4837134

[0004] Transporting an object involves, for example, lifting the object to be transported and horizontally moving the object to be transported. For lifting the object to be transported, a so-called hoist is used. And for the horizontal movement of the object to be transported, a mechanism is used that runs a hoist that has lifted the object to be transported along a rail extending along a predetermined trajectory. The movement trajectory of the object to be transported determined by the trajectory of the rail may be restricted by an object existing around the movement trajectory.

[0005] For example, in recent years, the modular method has been increasingly adopted in the construction of plant facilities. In a plant module, elements constituting the plant such as pipes and pumps may be densely arranged. Then, when transporting a certain element constituting the plant, the movement trajectory may be restricted by another element existing around it.

[0006] Therefore, the present invention provides a transport structure and a method for transporting an object to be transported that can increase the degree of freedom in setting the movement trajectory of the object.

[0007] This disclosure relates to a transport structure installed in the ceiling of a building. The transport structure comprises a first rail fixed to the building frame and extending in a first direction, on which a first hoist crane for transporting objects can travel, and a second rail fixed to the building frame and extending along a second direction intersecting the first direction, on which a second hoist crane, separate from the first hoist crane, can travel, wherein the second rail includes an intersection portion that intersects the first rail between the first rail and the building frame.

[0008] According to this transport structure, an object to be transported can be transported to a desired position by a first hoist crane traveling on a first rail and a second hoist crane traveling on a second rail. Since the movement trajectory of the object to be transported is formed by the combination of the first rail and the second rail, it can be flexibly set according to the conditions inside the building where the object to be transported is located. In other words, the transport structure of this disclosure can increase the degree of freedom in setting the movement trajectory of the object to be transported by the combination of the first rail and the second rail.

[0009] In the above transport structure, the floor of the building includes an arrangement area where equipment inside the building, including the object to be transported, is placed, and a non-arrangement area where no equipment inside the building is placed, and the first rail may be placed in the non-arrangement area when viewed from the vertical direction. With this configuration, a transport trajectory defined by the first rail can be set in the non-arrangement area.

[0010] In the above transport structure, the floor of the building includes a placement area where equipment inside the building, including the object to be transported, is placed, and a non-placement area where no equipment inside the building is placed. The second rail may be positioned to span from the placement area to the non-placement area when viewed from the vertical direction. With this configuration, the object to be transported, which is placed in the placement area, can be transported from the placement area to the non-placement area.

[0011] In the above transport structure, the floor of the building includes an area where equipment inside the building, including the object to be transported, is placed, and a non-placement area where no equipment inside the building is placed. The intersection may be placed above the non-placement area when viewed from the vertical direction. With this configuration, the object to be transported can be transferred from the second hoist crane, which travels on the second rail, to the first hoist crane, which travels on the first rail, in the non-placement area.

[0012] In the above transport structure, the number of first rails is one, and the number of second rails may be multiple. This configuration also increases the degree of freedom in setting the movement trajectory of the transported object.

[0013] In the above transport structure, the length of the first rail may be longer than the length of the second rail. This configuration also increases the degree of freedom in setting the movement trajectory of the transported object.

[0014] In the above transport structure, the gap between the first rail and the second rail, which are aligned vertically, may be wide enough for the second hoist crane to travel across the intersection. This configuration also increases the degree of freedom in setting the movement trajectory of the transported object.

[0015] In the above transport structure, the first hoist crane and / or the second hoist crane may be either a low-head type or a standard-head type. This configuration broadens the range of hoist crane options.

[0016] In the above transport structure, the weight of the object to be transported is between 3 tons and 30 tons, and the first and second rails may have sufficient strength to suspend an object of that weight. This configuration increases the degree of freedom of the objects that can be transported.

[0017] In the above-described transport structure, the object to be transported may be a piping component. With this configuration, the transport structure can transport piping components.

[0018] In the above transport structure, the object to be transported may be a frame. With this configuration, the frame can be transported by the transport structure.

[0019] Another embodiment of the present disclosure is a method for transporting an object using a transport structure provided on the ceiling of a building. The transport structure comprises a first rail fixed to the building frame and extending in a first direction, on which a first hoist crane for transporting the object can travel, and a second rail fixed to the building frame and extending along a second direction intersecting the first direction, on which a second hoist crane, separate from the first hoist crane, can travel. The second rail includes an intersection where it intersects the first rail between the first rail and the building frame. The method for transporting an object includes the steps of: transporting the object to the vicinity of the intersection along the second direction using the second hoist crane; releasing the tension of the ropes connected to the object by temporarily placing the object on the floor of the building; transferring the object to the first hoist crane; and transporting the object along the first direction using the first hoist crane.

[0020] This method transports the object to be transported using the transport structure described above. Therefore, the object to be transported can be transported along a highly flexible movement trajectory formed by the combination of the first rail and the second rail.

[0021] In the method for transporting the object described above, the building floor includes a placement area where the building equipment including the object to be transported is placed, and a non-placement area where no building equipment is placed. Before transporting to the vicinity of the intersection, the method may further include a step of removing a movable platform placed in the non-placement area from the non-placement area using a first hoist crane. According to this method, the object to be transported is moved from the placement area to the non-placement area by the operation of the second hoist crane, and then the transported object is transferred to the first hoist crane. Then, the object to be transported can be moved to the desired position by the operation of the first hoist crane.

[0022] This disclosure provides a transport structure and a method for transporting an object that can increase the degree of freedom in setting the movement trajectory of the object.

[0023] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing a part of a building equipped with a transport structure according to an embodiment. Figure 2 is a plan view showing a part of a building equipped with a transport structure according to an embodiment. Figure 3 is a side view showing a part of a building equipped with a transport structure according to an embodiment. Figure 4 is a flowchart showing the main steps of a method for transporting objects using the transport structure. Figure 5 is a perspective view showing the transport structure during the first step shown in the flowchart of Figure 4. Figure 6 is a perspective view showing the transport structure during the second step shown in the flowchart of Figure 4. Figure 7 is a perspective view showing the transport structure during the third step shown in the flowchart of Figure 4. Figure 8 is a perspective view showing the transport structure during the fourth step shown in the flowchart of Figure 4. Figure 9 is a perspective view showing the transport structure during the fifth step shown in the flowchart of Figure 4. Figure 10 is a perspective view showing the transport structure during the sixth step shown in the flowchart of Figure 4. Figure 11 is a perspective view showing the transport structure during the seventh step shown in the flowchart of Figure 4. Figure 12 is a perspective view showing the transport structure during the eighth step shown in the flowchart of Figure 4. Figure 13 is a perspective view showing the transport structure during the ninth step, as shown in the flowchart of Figure 4. Figure 14 is a perspective view showing the transport structure during the tenth step, as shown in the flowchart of Figure 4.

[0024] The transport structure and method for transporting objects as disclosed herein will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings. In the description of the drawings, the same elements are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations are omitted.

[0025] Figure 1 shows a part of a building 9 to which the transport structure 1 is applied. The building 9 is, for example, a plant for processing natural gas. Such a plant may be composed of multiple plant modules 90 combined to form a single building 9. Each plant module 90 has a floor plate 91 and a module frame 92 (building frame). Figure 1 omits the illustration of other elements that make up the plant module 90. Furthermore, the plant module 90 has a first pipe 81 and a second pipe 83, which are module elements. Each of the first pipe 81 and the second pipe 83 is provided with a first valve 82 and a second valve 84 for controlling the fluid flowing inside. The first valve 82 and the second valve 84 may be removed from the first pipe 81 and the second pipe 83 for reasons such as periodic maintenance. The first valve 82 and the second valve 84 are removed from the first pipe 81 and the second pipe 83 and transported to a predetermined loading / unloading area 91d. In other words, the transport structure 1 of this embodiment transports the first valve 82 and the second valve 84.

[0026] Here, with reference to Figure 2, several areas set on the floor plate 91 of the plant module 90 will be described. As shown in Figure 2, the floor plate 91 includes a first permitted placement area 91a (placement area), a second permitted placement area 91b (placement area), a prohibited placement area 91c (non-placement area), and an loading / unloading area 91d. The first permitted placement area 91a and the second permitted placement area 91b are areas where the placement of elements constituting the plant module 90 is permitted. In the example in Figure 2, the first pipe 81 is placed in the first permitted placement area 91a. Similarly, the second pipe 83 is placed in the other second permitted placement area 91b. The elements to be placed in the first permitted placement area 91a and the second permitted placement area 91b are not limited to the first pipe 81 and the second pipe 83. Any components for constituting the plant module 90 are permitted to be placed in the first permitted placement area 91a and the second permitted placement area 91b. All elements include the first pipe 81 and the second pipe 83, the pump and other equipment, which are necessary for the plant module 90 to perform its function. Furthermore, all elements also include structural elements such as columns and beams that do not directly contribute to the function of the plant module 90.

[0027] The main transported objects 80 are elements necessary for the plant module 90 to perform its function. Therefore, the first transported object area 91a1 is set in the first permitted placement area 91a, and the second transported object area 91b1 is set in the second permitted placement area 91b. In the example in Figure 2, one transported object area is set in one permitted placement area, but the configuration is not limited to this. Multiple transported object areas may be set in one permitted placement area. The first transported object, the first valve 82, is placed in the first transported object area 91a1. The second transported object, the second valve 84, is placed in the second transported object area 91b1.

[0028] In contrast, the placement of elements constituting the plant module 90 is not permitted in the prohibited placement area 91c. The prohibited placement area 91c is the area used for transporting the transported object 80. Therefore, it is not permitted to place any equipment or structural elements that would interfere with the transport of the first valve 82 and the second valve 84. However, it is exceptionally permitted to temporarily place some elements in the prohibited placement area 91c during periods when transport is not taking place. For example, it is permitted to temporarily install a mobile stand 85 used for operating or inspecting the first valve 82 while it is attached to the first pipe 81 in the prohibited placement area 91c.

[0029] As will be described in detail later, the transport operation by the transport structure 1 of this embodiment involves switching between the first valve 82 and the second valve 84. For this switching operation, the placement prohibition area 91c is set as the first switching area 91c1 and the second switching area 91c2.

[0030] The loading / unloading area 91d is an area for temporarily placing the transported object 80. The loading / unloading area 91d is set at the edge of the plant module 90, and the transported object 80 temporarily placed in the loading / unloading area 91d is transported out of the plant module 90 from here. Conversely, when the transported object 80 is brought in from outside the plant module 90, the transported object 80 also passes through the loading / unloading area 91d. The transported object 80 brought in from outside is first temporarily placed in the loading / unloading area 91d. Then, the temporarily placed transported object 80 is transported to a predetermined position by the transport structure 1.

[0031] According to the above-mentioned regions, the first valve 82, which is the object to be transported 80, moves in the order of the first transport target region 91a1, the first replacement region 91c1, the placement prohibition region 91c, and the loading / unloading region 91d. When the transport structure 1 is loading the object to be transported 80 out of the plant module 90, it transports it in this order. Also, when the transport structure 1 is bringing the object to be transported 80 into the plant module 90, it transports it in the order of the loading / unloading region 91d, the placement prohibition region 91c, the first replacement region 91c1, and the first transport target region 91a1.

[0032] <Conveying Structure> Refer to Figure 1 again. The conveying structure 1 is provided on the modular frame 92. More specifically, the conveying structure 1 is provided on several beams that make up the modular frame 92. Specifically, the modular frame 92 has a ceiling section 92s. This ceiling section 92s is positioned above the plant components, including the object to be conveyed 80. The ceiling section 92s has a main beam 921, branch beams 922, and additional beams 923. The conveying structure 1 has a main monorail 11 (first rail), a main hoist crane 12 (first hoist crane), a first branch monorail 21 (second rail), a first branch hoist crane 22 (second hoist crane), a second branch monorail 31 (second rail), and a second branch hoist crane 32 (second hoist crane).

[0033] Each hoist crane performs the operations of lifting the object to be transported 80 and lowering the lifted object to be transported 80. Each hoist is capable of traveling on its own monorail. By traveling on the monorail, the object to be transported 80 is moved horizontally.

[0034] The transport structure 1 of this disclosure exemplifies a first valve 82 and a second valve 84 as the object to be transported 80. Furthermore, the object to be transported 80 also includes a mobile stand 85 placed in the prohibited placement area 91c.

[0035] The main monorail 11 is, for example, an H-beam with an H-shaped cross-section. The main monorail 11 is fixed to the main beam 921 that constitutes the modular structure 92 via intermediate columns. In other words, the main monorail 11 itself does not move. The main monorail 11 is positioned in the prohibited placement area 91c and the loading / unloading area 91d when viewed from above. For example, the main monorail 11 is used to transport the first valve 82, which has been brought from the first transport target area 91a1 to the first replacement area 91c1, to the loading / unloading area 91d. Therefore, as shown in Figure 2, the main monorail 11 overlaps the first replacement area 91c1, the second replacement area 91c2, and the loading / unloading area 91d.

[0036] The main hoist crane 12 is attached to the main monorail 11. The main hoist crane 12 is capable of unwinding and winding up the main rope 12c, such as a wire or chain. A main hook 12h is provided at the end of the main rope 12c. This function allows for the lifting and lowering of the object to be transported 80. Furthermore, the main hoist crane 12 is capable of reciprocating movement in the direction in which the main monorail 11 extends. This reciprocating movement allows for the horizontal movement of the object to be transported 80. The main hoist crane 12 may be, for example, a so-called low-head type or a normal-head type.

[0037] The first branch monorail 21, like the main monorail 11, is an H-beam with an H-shaped cross-section. The first branch monorail 21 is fixed to the branch beams 922 and additional beams 923 that constitute the module structure 92 via intermediate columns. In other words, the first branch monorail 21, like the main monorail 11, does not move on its own. This "does not move" means that the first branch monorail 21 does not move relative to the module structure 92, and also that the first branch monorail 21 does not move relative to the main monorail 11.

[0038] When the first branch monorail 21 is viewed from above, it overlaps the first transport target area 91a1 with the first transfer area 91c1. In other words, the first branch monorail 21 moves the transport target object 80 from the first transport target area 91a1 to the first transfer area 91c1, and also moves the transport target object 80 from the first transfer area 91c1 back to the first transport target area 91a1.

[0039] Here, we focus on the positional relationship between the main monorail 11 and the first branch monorail 21. First, when the main monorail 11 and the first branch monorail 21 are viewed from above, the direction in which the first branch monorail 21 extends intersects with the direction in which the main monorail 11 extends. In other words, the first branch monorail 21 includes an intersection 25 where it intersects with the main monorail 11. In the example in Figure 2, the first branch monorail 21 is perpendicular to the main monorail 11. Since the direction in which each monorail extends defines the transport trajectory, it can be said that the transport trajectory of the first branch monorail 21 is perpendicular to the transport trajectory of the main monorail 11. The part where the main monorail 11 and the first branch monorail 21 intersect is located in the first re-hanging region 91c1 mentioned above when viewed from above. In other words, the re-hanging of the transported object 80 takes place at the part where the main monorail 11 and the first branch monorail 21 intersect.

[0040] Furthermore, when the main monorail 11 and the first branch monorail 21 are viewed from the side, the first branch monorail 21 is positioned above the main monorail 11. A predetermined gap G (gap: see enlarged section in Figure 3) is formed between the main monorail 11 and the first branch monorail 21. More specifically, the gap G may be defined as the distance from the upper end of the main monorail 11 to the lower end of the first branch monorail 21. This gap G may be at least greater than the height of the first branch hoist crane 22 that travels along the first branch monorail 21.

[0041] The first branch hoist crane 22 is capable of reciprocating movement between the first transport target area 91a1 and the first repositioning area 91c1 on the first branch monorail 21. The first branch hoist crane 22 may be a device similar to the main hoist crane 12. In other words, the first branch hoist crane 22 winds up or unwinds the first branch rope 22c, and the lower end of the first branch rope 22c is provided with a first branch hook 22h.

[0042] The second branch monorail 31 is only different from the first branch monorail 21 in the installed position. For example, the second branch monorail 31 extends from the second transfer target area 91b1 to the second switching area 91c2. The position of this second transfer target area 91b1 is different from the position of the first transfer target area 91a1. Therefore, the object conveyed by the second branch monorail 31 is different from the object conveyed by the first branch monorail 21.

[0043] The second branch hoist crane 32 can reciprocate between the second transfer target area 91b1 and the second switching area 91c2 on the second branch monorail 31. The second branch hoist crane 32 may also be a device similar to the main hoist crane 12. That is, the second branch hoist crane 32 winds up or pays out the second branch cable body 32c, and a second branch hook 32h is provided at the lower end of the second branch cable body 32c.

[0044] In this way, in the transport structure 1, a plurality of monorails such as the first branch monorail 21 and the second branch monorail 31 intersect with one main monorail 11. The first branch monorail 21 transports the first valve 82 which is the object to be transported arranged in the first transport target area 91a1. Similarly, the second branch monorail 31 transports the second valve 84 which is the object to be transported arranged in the second transport target area 91b1. On the other hand, the main monorail 11 transports both the first valve 82 and the second valve 84. In other words, the transport trajectory defined by the main monorail 11 is part of the transport trajectory of the first valve 82 and also part of the transport trajectory of the second valve 84. Thus, according to the main monorail 11 that can transport each of the first valve 82 and the second valve 84 arranged at different positions to the loading / unloading area 91d, it is possible to suppress the expansion of the area (the prohibited arrangement area 91c) to be secured for transportation.

[0045] For example, when considering the transport of the first valve 82, the first valve 82 reaches the loading / unloading area 91d by following the movement trajectory defined by the first branch monorail 21 and the movement trajectory defined by the main monorail 11. Considering that the first branch monorail 21 transports only the first valve 82, and the main monorail 11 transports not only the first valve 82 but also the second valve 84, it is desirable that the length of the movement trajectory defined by the main monorail 11 is longer in the movement trajectory from the first transport target area 91a1 to the loading / unloading area 91d, as this increases the amount of shared space. Therefore, when comparing the length of the main monorail 11 with the length of the first branch monorail 21, the main monorail 11 is longer than the first branch monorail 21.

[0046] <Transportation Method> Next, the transport method using the transport structure 1 will be described. Figure 4 is a flowchart showing a series of operations for transporting the first valve 82 from the first transport target area 91a1 to the loading / unloading area 91d. Figures 5 to 14 illustrate each step shown in the flowchart of Figure 4. The operations performed by the main hoist crane 12 or the first branch hoist crane 22 in each step will be described. These operations may be manually operated by a worker qualified for crane operations. Alternatively, they may be automated operations that do not require operator intervention. In the following description, the case in which the main hoist crane 12 and the first branch hoist crane 22 are operated by a worker will be given as an example.

[0047] First, the worker moves the mobile stand 85, which is located in the prohibited placement area 91c. This mobile stand 85 was used for operating or inspecting the first valve 82, and is therefore located adjacent to the first valve 82. This location overlaps with the first replacement area 91c1. Therefore, before transporting the first valve 82, the worker moves the mobile stand 85 to a location where it does not interfere with the transport of the first valve 82.

[0048] Specifically, the operator moves the main host crane 12 onto the moving gantry 85. Next, the operator connects the moving gantry 85 to the main hook 12h of the main host crane 12 via the lifting tool 41 (see S1 in FIG. 5). Next, the operator operates the main host crane 12 to slightly lift the moving gantry 85. Then, the operator further operates the main host crane 12 to move the moving gantry 85 (see S2 in FIG. 6). Note that the operation of lifting the moving gantry 85 may be carried out as necessary. That is, the movement of the moving gantry 85 (S2) may be carried out without performing the operation of lifting the moving gantry 85.

[0049] Subsequently, the operator moves the first branch host crane 22 above the first valve 82. Next, the operator connects the first valve 82 to the first branch hook 22h of the first branch host crane 22 via the lifting tool 41 (see S3 in FIG. 7). Next, the operator operates the first branch host crane 22 to lift the first valve 82 (see S4 in FIG. 8). By this operation, the first valve 82 is removed from the first pipe 81. Also, in this operation, since the first valve 82 is only lifted, the first valve 82 still remains in the first conveyance target area 91a1. Next, the operator further operates the first branch host crane 22 to move the lifted first valve 82 (see S5 in FIG. 9). Specifically, the operator moves the first valve 82 located in the first conveyance target area 91a1 to the first replacement area 91c1. In the examples shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 and the like, the conveyance using the lifting tool 41 is exemplified, but the lifting tool 41 may be appropriately used according to the shape and size of the conveyance target object, etc. It is also possible to carry out the conveyance of the conveyance target object without using the lifting tool 41.

[0050] Next, the worker transfers the first valve 82 from the first branch hoist crane 22 to the main hoist crane 12. Specifically, first, the main hoist crane 12 is moved to the first transfer area 91c1. At this time, the main hoist crane 12 is moved to a position close to the first branch cable 22c connected to the first branch hoist crane 22. Next, the worker operates the first branch hoist crane 22 to lower the first valve 82 onto the floor plate 91 (S6: see Figure 10). This operation is performed to create slack in the first branch cable 22c connecting the first valve 82 and the first branch hoist crane 22.

[0051] Next, the worker hooks the main hook 12h, located at the end of the main cable 12c of the main hoist crane 12, onto the lifting device 41. At this time, the first branch hook 22h, located at the end of the first branch cable 22c of the first branch hoist crane 22, remains hooked onto the lifting device 41. Next, the worker raises the main hoist crane 12. As a result, the object to be transported 80 is lifted by the main hoist crane 12. Consequently, the main cable 12c becomes taut. On the other hand, the first branch cable 22c of the first branch hoist crane 22 remains slack because the weight of the object to be transported 80 is not acting on it. Then, the worker removes the first branch hook 22h from the lifting device 41. After these several operations, the first valve 82 is transferred from the first branch hoist crane 22 to the main hoist crane 12 (S7: see Figure 11).

[0052] Next, the worker operates the main hoist crane 12 to lift the first valve 82 to a predetermined height (S8: see Figure 12). In this operation, only the first valve 82 has been lifted, so the first valve 82 is still located in the first replacement area 91c1. Next, the worker prepares the valve rack 86 in the loading / unloading area 91d. Next, the worker operates the main hoist crane 12 to move it from the first replacement area 91c1 to the loading / unloading area 91d (S9: see Figure 13). Then, the worker operates the main hoist crane 12 to place the first valve 82 in the valve rack 86 (S10: see Figure 14).

[0053] After the above steps S1 to S10, the removal of the first valve 82 is completed.

[0054] <Effects and Effects> The transport structure 1 includes a main monorail 11 fixed to the modular frame 92 of the building 9, extending in a first direction and on which a main hoist crane 12 for transporting objects 80 can travel, and a first branch monorail 21 fixed to the modular frame 92, extending along a second direction intersecting the first direction and on which a first branch hoist crane 22, separate from the main hoist crane 12, can travel. The first branch monorail 21 includes an intersection 25 that intersects with the main monorail 11 between the main monorail 11 and the modular frame 92.

[0055] According to this transport structure 1, the object to be transported 80 can be transported to the loading / unloading area 91d by a main hoist crane 12 that travels on the main monorail 11 and a first branch hoist crane 22 that travels on the first branch monorail 21. The movement trajectory of the object to be transported 80 is formed by the combination of the main monorail 11 and the first branch monorail 21, and can therefore be flexibly set according to the conditions inside the building 9 where the object to be transported 80 is located. In other words, the transport structure 1 of this disclosure can increase the degree of freedom in setting the movement trajectory of the object to be transported 80 by combining the main monorail 11 and the first branch monorail 21.

[0056] The floor of building 9 includes a first permitted placement area 91a where building equipment including the object to be transported 80 is placed, and a prohibited placement area 91c where building equipment is not placed. The main monorail 11 is located in the prohibited placement area 91c when viewed from the vertical direction. With this configuration, a transport trajectory defined by the main monorail 11 can be set in the prohibited placement area 91c.

[0057] The first branch monorail 21 is positioned to span from the first permitted placement area 91a to the prohibited placement area 91c when viewed from the vertical direction. With this configuration, the object to be transported 80 positioned in the first permitted placement area 91a can be transported from the first permitted placement area 91a to the prohibited placement area 91c.

[0058] The intersection 25 is positioned above the prohibited placement area 91c when viewed from the vertical direction. With this configuration, the object to be transported 80 can be transferred from the first branch hoist crane 22, which travels along the first branch monorail 21, to the main hoist crane 12, which travels along the main monorail 11, within the prohibited placement area 91c.

[0059] There is one main monorail 11 and multiple first branch monorails 21. This configuration also increases the degree of freedom in setting the movement trajectory of the transported object 80.

[0060] The length of the main monorail 11 is longer than the length of the first branch monorail 21. This configuration also increases the degree of freedom in setting the movement trajectory of the transported object 80.

[0061] The gap G between the main monorail 11, which runs vertically, and the first branch monorail 21 is wide enough for the first branch hoist crane 22 to travel across the intersection 25. This configuration also increases the degree of freedom in setting the movement trajectory of the transported object 80.

[0062] The main hoist crane 12 and / or the first branch hoist crane 22 may be either a low-head type or a standard-head type. This configuration broadens the range of hoist crane options.

[0063] The weight of the object to be transported 80 is between 3 tons and 30 tons. The main monorail 11 and the first branch monorail 21 have sufficient strength to suspend the object to be transported 80 of this weight. This configuration increases the degree of freedom of the transportable object 80.

[0064] The objects to be transported 80 are the first valve 82 and the second valve 84, which are piping components. With this configuration, the transport structure 1 can transport the piping components.

[0065] The object to be transported 80 is a frame. With this configuration, the frame can be transported by the transport structure 1.

[0066] The method for transporting the object to be transported 80 includes the steps of: transporting the object to be transported 80 along the second direction to the vicinity of the intersection 25 using the first branch hoist crane 22; releasing the tension of the first branch rope 22c connected to the object to be transported 80 by temporarily placing the object to be transported 80 on the floor of the building 9 (S7); reattaching the object to be transported 80 to the main hook 12h of the main hoist crane 12 (S7); and transporting the object to be transported 80 along the first direction using the main hoist crane 12 (S9).

[0067] This method transports the object to be transported 80 using the transport structure 1 described above. Therefore, the object to be transported 80 can be transported according to a highly flexible movement trajectory formed by the combination of the main monorail 11 and the first branch monorail 21.

[0068] The method for transporting the object to be transported further includes the step of removing a movable platform placed in the prohibited placement area 91c from the prohibited placement area 91c using the main hoist crane 12, before transporting it to the vicinity of the intersection 25.

[0069] According to this method, the object to be transported 80 is transported from the first transport target area 91a1 to the placement prohibited area 91c by moving the first branch hoist crane 22 (S5), and then the transported object 80 is transferred to the main hoist crane 12 (S7). Then, the object to be transported 80 can be transported to the desired position by moving the main hoist crane 12 (S9).

[0070] <Modifications> The transport structure and method for transporting objects described herein can be implemented in various forms, including the above-described forms, by making various changes and improvements based on the knowledge of those skilled in the art. It is also possible to construct modified forms by utilizing the technical matters described above. The configurations of the embodiments may be used in appropriate combinations.

[0071] 1...Conveying structure, 9...Building, 11...Main monorail (first rail), 12...Main hoist crane (first hoist crane), 12c...Main cable, 12h...Main hook, 21...First branch monorail (second rail), 22...First branch hoist crane (second hoist crane), 22c...First branch cable, 22h...First branch hook, 25...Intersection, 31...Second branch monorail (second rail), 32...Second branch hoist crane (second hoist crane), 32c...Second branch cable, 32h...Second branch hook, 41...Lifting device, 80...Object to be conveyed, 81... 82...First pipe, 83...First valve, 84...Second pipe, 85...Mobile frame, 86...Valve rack, 90...Plant module, 91...Floor plate (floor section), 91a...First permitted placement area, 91a1...First transport target area, 91b...Second permitted placement area, 91b1...Second transport target area, 91c...Placement prohibited area, 91c1...First replacement area, 91c2...Second replacement area, 91d...Loading / unloading area, 92...Module frame (building frame), 92s...Ceiling section, 921...Main beam, 922...Branch beam, 923...Additional beam, G...Gap.

Claims

1. A transport structure provided on the ceiling of a building, comprising: a first rail fixed to the building frame of the building, extending in a first direction and on which a first hoist crane for transporting objects can travel; and a second rail fixed to the building frame, extending along a second direction intersecting the first direction and on which a second hoist crane, separate from the first hoist crane, can travel, wherein the second rail includes an intersection portion that intersects the first rail between the first rail and the building frame.

2. The transport structure according to claim 1, wherein the floor of the building includes an arrangement area where equipment inside the building, including the object to be transported, is arranged, and a non-arrangement area where no equipment inside the building is arranged, and the first rail is arranged in the non-arrangement area when viewed from the vertical direction.

3. The transport structure according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the floor of the building includes an arrangement area where equipment inside the building, including the object to be transported, is arranged, and a non-arrangement area where no equipment inside the building is arranged, and the second rail is arranged to span from the arrangement area to the non-arrangement area when viewed from the vertical direction.

4. The transport structure according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the floor of the building includes an arrangement area where equipment inside the building, including the object to be transported, is arranged, and a non-arrangement area where no equipment inside the building is arranged, and the intersection is located above the non-arrangement area when viewed from the vertical direction.

5. The transport structure according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the number of first rails is one and the number of second rails is multiple.

6. The transport structure according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the length of the first rail is longer than the length of the second rail.

7. The conveying structure according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the gap between the first rail and the second rail along the vertical direction is such that the second hoist crane can travel across the intersection.

8. The conveying structure according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the first hoist crane and / or the second hoist crane is either a low-head type or a normal-head type.

9. The transport structure according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the weight of the transport object is 3 tons or more and 30 tons or less, and the first rail and the second rail have sufficient strength to suspend the transport object having the aforementioned weight.

10. The transport structure according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the object to be transported is a piping component.

11. The transport structure according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the object to be transported is a stand.

12. A method for transporting an object using a transport structure provided on the ceiling of a building, wherein the transport structure comprises: a first rail fixed to the building frame of the building, extending in a first direction and on which a first hoist crane for transporting the object can travel; a second rail fixed to the building frame, extending along a second direction intersecting the first direction and on which a second hoist crane, separate from the first hoist crane, can travel, wherein the second rail includes an intersection between the first rail and the building frame where it intersects with the first rail, and the method comprises: transporting the object to be transported along the second direction to the vicinity of the intersection using the second hoist crane; releasing the tension of the ropes connected to the object by temporarily placing the object to be transported on the floor of the building; transferring the object to be transported to the first hoist crane; and transporting the object to be transported along the first direction using the first hoist crane.

13. The method for transporting an object to be transported according to claim 12, wherein the floor of the building includes an arrangement area where building equipment including the object to be transported is arranged, and a non-arrangement area where no building equipment is arranged, and further comprises the step of removing a movable platform arranged in the non-arrangement area from the non-arrangement area using the first hoist crane before the step of transporting the object to the vicinity of the intersection.

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