Storage system

A storage system prevents a large load from being applied to a part of the ceiling. The storage system in which a rack is provided by being suspended from a first position of a ceiling by a first suspending member attached to a grid ceiling, a second overhead track is provided by being suspended from a second position of the grid ceiling by a second suspending member attached to the grid ceiling, and the first position and the second position are set to be apart by at least a predetermined distance.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure relates to a storage system.

BACKGROUND

At semiconductor manufacturing plants and the like, articles such as front-opening unified pod (FOUP) that accommodates semiconductor wafers or a reticle pod that contains a reticle are transported by an overhead transport vehicle, and the delivery and reception of articles to and from a transfer destination such as a load port of processing equipment is performed. It has been known that the articles transported by this overhead transport vehicle are stored in a storage system capable of delivering and receiving the articles to and from the overhead transport vehicle (for example, Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2017-30944). In JP '944, a rack including a plurality of storages arranged vertically, on which articles are placed, is provided, and this rack is arranged by being suspended from the ceiling.

In a building where the storage system described in JP '944 is provided, another overhead transport vehicle system may be provided, for example. When the position where an overhead track of the other overhead transport vehicle system is suspended from the ceiling and the position where the rack is suspended are close to each other, a load on a part of the ceiling may be increased and a withstanding load may be exceeded at a part of the ceiling. Thus, large-scale additional work such as reinforcement of the ceiling or changing the suspending position by a beam and the like is needed, which leads to an increase in installation cost.

It could therefore be helpful to provide a storage system that prevents an enlarged load from being applied to a part of the ceiling.

SUMMARY

We thus provide:

A storage system may include an overhead stocker including a first overhead track, a rack including a plurality of storages arranged vertically, and a crane that travels along the first overhead track and delivers and receives an article to and from the storages; and an overhead transport vehicle system including a second overhead track provided below a lower end of the overhead stocker, and an overhead transport vehicle that travels along the second overhead track and delivers and receives an article to and from a predetermined transfer destination; wherein the rack is provided by being suspended from a first position of the ceiling by a first suspending member attached to the ceiling, the second overhead track is provided by being suspended from a second position of the ceiling by a second suspending member attached to the ceiling, and the first position and the second position are set to be apart by at least a predetermined distance.

The predetermined distance may be a distance that is set so that magnitude of a load per unit area in the ceiling does not exceed a predetermined value. The ceiling may be a grid ceiling in which a plurality of squares are in line in each of directions orthogonal in the horizontal direction, and the unit area may be an area of one square. The first position and the second position may be set to the squares different from each other in the grid ceiling. The first overhead track may be provided by being suspended from a third position of the ceiling by a third suspending member attached to the ceiling, and one of a plurality of first positions and one of a plurality of third positions may be set to one square in the grid ceiling. A part of the first overhead track and a part of the second overhead track may be arranged in an overlapping manner in planar view. The rack may, in planar view, be provided in an area including directly above a processing apparatus that has the predetermined transfer destination.

Because the first suspending member suspending the rack and the second suspending member suspending the second overhead track are set apart by the predetermined distance, the suspending position of the rack that occupies a large proportion in the weight of the overhead stocker and the suspending position of the second overhead track that occupies a large proportion in the weight of the overhead transport vehicle system can be avoided to be close to each other, and the suspending position of the rack and the suspending position of the second overhead track can be dispersed. As a result, it is possible to avoid a large load to be applied to a part of the ceiling and, as there is no need for large-scale additional work such as reinforcement of the ceiling and the like, to prevent an increase in the installation cost.

In the configuration in which the predetermined distance is a distance that is set so that the magnitude of a load per unit area in the ceiling does not exceed a predetermined value, by using the unit area as a reference, the predetermined distance can be set easily. In the configuration in which the ceiling is a grid ceiling in which a plurality of squares are in line in each of directions orthogonal in the horizontal direction and the unit area is an area of one square, the unit area in the ceiling can be recognized easily by the square and, by referring to the squares, the predetermined distance can be set easily. In the configuration in which the first position and the second position are set to the squares different from each other in the grid ceiling, the first position and the second position can be easily set apart by the predetermined distance or more. In the configuration in which the first overhead track is provided by being suspended from a third position of the ceiling by a third suspending member attached to the ceiling and one of a plurality of first positions and one of a plurality of third positions are set to one square in the grid ceiling, by arranging the third position that is a suspending position of the first overhead track having a small proportion in the weight of the overhead stocker and the first position in the same square, the first suspending member and the third suspending member are close to each other and the workability in the installation or maintenance of these suspending members can be improved. In the configuration in which a part of the first overhead track and a part of the second overhead track are arranged in an overlapping manner, the overhead stocker and the overhead transport vehicle system can be arranged compactly in planar view. In the configuration in which the rack is, in planar view, provided in an area including directly above a processing apparatus having a predetermined transfer destination, by arranging the rack directly above the processing apparatus where the second overhead track is not arranged, the first position where the rack is suspended and the second position where the second overhead track is suspended can be easily made apart and dispersed.

DESCRIPTION OF REFERENCE SIGNS

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following describes an example with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, our storage systems are not limited to the example described in the following. In addition, to explain the example, the drawings are expressed by changing the scale as appropriate such as drawing a part in a large or emphasized manner. In each of the following drawings, the directions in the drawing will be described using an XYZ coordinate system. In this XYZ coordinate system, the vertical direction is the Z direction, and the horizontal direction is the X direction and the Y direction. The Y direction is one direction within the horizontal direction and is a traveling direction of a crane40, an overhead transport vehicle50, and an upper overhead transport vehicle60which will be described later. The X direction is the direction orthogonal to the Y direction. In each direction of the X, Y, and Z directions, a direction pointed by an arrow is expressed as a positive direction (for example, +X direction) and the direction opposite to the direction pointed by the arrow is expressed as a negative direction (for example, −X direction), as appropriate.

FIG.1is a diagram of a storage system SYS according to an example viewed from the Y direction.FIG.2is a diagram schematically illustrating the storage system SYS in planar view. InFIG.2, to facilitate making distinctions in the drawing, articles2are indicated by hatching.

The storage system SYS illustrated inFIGS.1and2are provided, for example, in a semiconductor device manufacturing factory and the like and stores the articles2such as FOUPs that accommodate semiconductor wafers used for manufacturing semiconductor devices or reticle pods that contain reticles. In the first example, an example in which the article2is a FOUP will be described, but the article2may be other than FOUP. The storage system SYS is also applicable to facilities in fields other than that in the semiconductor manufacturing field, and the article2may be other articles that can be stored by the storage system SYS.

The storage system SYS includes, as illustrated inFIGS.1and2, an overhead stocker100, an overhead transport vehicle system200, and a transport device300. The overhead stocker100includes racks10having a plurality of storages11, a first overhead track20, and a crane40. The racks10are arranged along the first overhead track20on which the crane40travels. As illustrated inFIG.1, the storages11provided on the rack10are provided on a frame13and arranged in three stages vertically (Z direction). The number of stages of the storages11can be set arbitrarily. In addition, a plurality of multiple storages11are arranged side by side along the traveling direction (Y direction) of the crane40which will be described later.

The storages11have shelves11aon which the article2is placed. Each shelf11ais held by the frame13. In the following description, placing the article2on the storage11means to place the article2on the shelf11aof the storage11. On each shelf11aof the storage11, a plurality of pins that enter groove portions provided on the bottom face of the article2when the article2is placed may be provided. As the pins enter into the groove portions of the article2, the article2is positioned with respect to the storage11(the shelf11a).

The rack10is suspended from first positions P1of a grid ceiling GC of a building by first suspending members3. The grid ceiling GC is in a grid shape in which a plurality of squares are in line in each of the directions orthogonal to each other in the horizontal direction. Above the grid ceiling GC, a downflow unit that supplies downflow in the building from the multiple squares may be arranged.

The lower end of the rack10is set to be higher than the height of the upper end of a processing apparatus TL from a floor surface F. The processing apparatus TL performs various processes such as a film-forming process or an etching process on a semiconductor wafer accommodated in the FOUP that is the article2, for example. The height of the lower end of the crane40also, which will be described later, is set to be higher than the height of the upper end of the processing apparatus TL. That is to say, the overhead stocker100is arranged above the upper end of the processing apparatus TL. The lower end of the crane40is set to a height that allows workers or the like to travel on the floor surface F without hindrance. As a result, a part of the space below the overhead stocker100can be used as a worker passage PS.

In the storage11, by the crane40, the article2is placed, and the article2is taken out. In some of the storages11, by an upper overhead transport vehicle60which will be described later, the article2is placed, and the article2is taken out. The storage11to and from which the article2is delivered and received by the upper overhead transport vehicle60is the storage11of the uppermost stage of the rack10. The vertical dimension of the storage11(the size from the upper face of a shelf11ato the lower face of a shelf11aof the storage11above) is set to a size needed for a transfer device42of the crane40which will be described later to support and lift the article2from the lower face side. The transfer device42of the crane40employs, for example, a configuration of supporting and lifting the article2from the lower face side and thus does not need a large space above the article2. For example, the vertical dimension of the storage11can be set to a size obtained by adding an extent of a few centimeters to the vertical dimension of the article2.

The first overhead track20, as illustrated inFIG.1, is suspended from third positions P3of the grid ceiling GC by third suspending members5. The first overhead track20, as illustrated inFIG.2, is an annular track having two linear portions21and22extending in the X direction and connecting portions23. The connecting portions23are provided on the +X side and the −X side of the two linear portions21and22and connect the linear portion21and the linear portion22. The crane40and the upper overhead transport vehicle60which will be described later can travel around in one direction (for example, a clockwise direction in planar view) along the linear portions21and22and the connecting portions23.

In the first overhead track20, two circulating tracks composed of two linear portions21and22and the connecting portions23are arranged side by side in the Y direction. The two circulating tracks are connected by a connecting track24that connects the connecting portions23on the +X side and by a connecting track24that connects the connecting portions23on the −X side. Accordingly, the crane40and the upper overhead transport vehicle60which will be described later can, as indicated by arrows inFIG.2, be moved from the circulating track on the +X side to the circulating track on the −X side via the connecting track24, and also, be moved from the circulating track on the −X side to the circulating track on the +X side via the connecting track24.

The above-described racks10are provided on the +Y side and the −Y side with respect to the linear portions21and22. That is to say, the racks10are, in planar view, arranged on the inner side and the outer side of the first overhead track20, which is a circulating track on which the crane40travels. These racks10are arranged above the processing apparatus TL. The space above the processing apparatus TL has conventionally been regarded as a dead space, and by arranging the racks10in such a space, the space in the building can be used effectively.

The crane40, as illustrated inFIG.1, holds the article2and travels along the first overhead track20to move. The crane40transports the article2between the storage11and another storage11. The crane40travels around the first overhead track20. In this configuration, in the circulating tracks on the +Y side and on the −Y side, one each of the crane40is arranged and two cranes40are arranged in one first overhead track20, but the number of cranes40is not limited to two. For example, one crane40may be arranged in one first overhead track20or three or more cranes40may be arranged. The crane40, as illustrated inFIG.1, is suspended from the first overhead track20.

The crane40includes two travelers41and a transfer device42. Below the travelers41, an upper supporter47is fitted via attaching portions46and, by the upper supporter47, the two travelers41are coupled. Each traveler41includes a traveling driver not depicted and a plurality of wheels41aand travels along the first overhead track20. The traveling driver not depicted provided on the traveler41may be an electric motor that is provided on the traveler41and drives the wheels41a, or may be a linear motor, for example. In the crane40of the first example, the two travelers41are provided so that the transfer device42, which is a heavy object itself, and the article2can be reliably supported. The crane40is not limited to the configuration provided with two travelers41and may include one or three or more travelers41.

The transfer device42includes masts43, an elevating table44, lifting drivers45, a telescopic portion48, and a placing table49. The mast43is suspended from the upper supporting portion47and extends vertically. One mast43is provided both at the front and rear in the traveling direction of the traveler41. The masts43are not limited to being a total of two and may be one. The mast43is, as in the foregoing, provided so that the height of the lower end of the mast43from the floor surface F is higher than the height of the upper end of the processing apparatus TL. For example, the lower end of the mast43is the lower end of the crane40.

The telescopic portion48is composed of a plurality of arms that can be expanded and contracted in the direction orthogonal to the traveling direction of the traveler41. The placing table49is provided at the tip of the telescopic portion48. The placing table49is a triangular plate-like member on which the article2can be placed. The placing table49holds the article2placed on the placing table49by supporting it from the lower side. On the upper face of the placing table49, provided are pins that insert into the groove portions provided on the bottom face of the article2and position the article2. On the above-described shelf11aof the storage11, provided is a cutout not depicted that allows the placing table49to pass therethrough vertically.

The transfer device42, when receiving the article2from the storage11, locates the placing table49below the article2by extending the telescopic portion48and raises the elevating table44, thereby scooping up the article2with the placing table49. The transfer device42contracts the telescopic portion48while the article2is still placed on the placing table49, thereby arranging the placing table49, on which the article2is placed, above the elevating table44. When delivering the article2to the storage11by the transfer device42, it is performed by reversing the above-described operation. The transfer device42is not limited to the above-described configuration and may be in other configurations such as a configuration in which a portion of the article2(for example, a flange portion2aprovided on the upper portion of FOUP) is held and lifted, for example.

The lifting drivers45are hoists, for example, and raise and lower the elevating table44along the masts43. The lifting driver45includes a suspending member45aand a driver not depicted. The suspending member45ais a wire, a belt, or the like, for example, and the elevating table44is suspended from the upper supporter47by this suspending member45a. The driver not depicted included in the lifting driver45is provided on the upper supporter47, for example, and performs feeding and winding of the suspending member45a. The elevating table44is guided by the masts43and descends, when the drivers not depicted included in the lifting drivers45feed out the suspending members45a. The elevating table44is guided by the masts43and ascends when the drivers not depicted included in the lifting drivers45wind the suspending members45a. The lifting drivers45are controlled by a control device or the like not depicted and lower or raise the elevating table44at a predetermined speed. The lifting drivers45are controlled by the control device or the like and hold the elevating table44at a target height.

The lifting drivers45are provided on the upper supporter47. The lifting drivers45may, in place of being provided on the upper supporter47, be provided on the elevating table44, for example. As a configuration in which the lifting drivers45are provided on the elevating table44, it may be a configuration in which the elevating table44is raised and lowered by performing winding or feeding a belt, a wire or the like suspended from the upper supporter47by hoists mounted on the elevating table44, for example. It may be a configuration in which an electric motor and the like that drives pinion gears is mounted on the elevating table44, racks that mesh with the pinion gears are formed on the masts43, and by rotating the pinion gears by the electric motor and the like, the elevating table44is raised or lowered.

The overhead transport vehicle system200includes a second overhead track30and an overhead transport vehicle50. The overhead transport vehicle50travels along the second overhead track30and performs the delivery and reception of the article2to and from a load port LP of the processing apparatus TL that is a predetermined transfer destination arranged below the second overhead track30. The second overhead track30, as illustrated inFIG.1, is suspended from second positions P2of the grid ceiling GC by second suspending members4.

The second overhead track30is, as illustrated inFIG.2, arranged between an inter-bay route (inter-bay track) R1and an inter-bay route R2in planar view. The second overhead track30is each provided in the bay (within an intra-bay), and the inter-bay route R1and the like are provided to connect a plurality of second overhead tracks30. In this configuration, the bay (intra-bay) refers to a range (area) where, in planar view, the load ports LP of a plurality of processing apparatuses TL are provided facing each other and the worker passage PS is provided between the load ports LP provided to face each other, for example. The second overhead track30is connected to the inter-bay route R1via two branch lines S1for entry or exit and is connected to the inter-bay route R2via two branch lines S2for entry or exit.

The second overhead track30has linear portions31and connecting portions32. The overhead transport vehicle50travels around in one direction (for example, a clockwise direction in planar view) along the linear portions31and the connecting portions32. The linear portions31are arranged in the Y direction along a plurality of load ports LP directly above the load ports LP. The two linear portions31are arranged to be in parallel with (parallel to) the connecting track24of the first overhead track20in planar view. The connecting portions32are arranged at both ends of the +Y side and the −Y side by including a curved portion and connect the two linear portions31to each other. The second overhead track30is arranged below the crane40(the masts43) and the racks10of the overhead stocker100. The overhead transport vehicle50that travels this second overhead track30travels below the overhead stocker100.

The overhead transport vehicle50enters the second overhead track30via the branch lines S1and S2from the inter-bay routes R1and R2or exits to the inter-bay routes R1and R2via the branch lines S1and S2from the second overhead track30. The overhead transport vehicle50travels along the second overhead track30and, at the linear portion31, performs the delivery and reception of the article2to and from the load port LP of the processing apparatus TL. The overhead transport vehicle50performs, at the linear portion31, the delivery and reception of the article2to and from a placement portion14(including a delivery/reception port12) which will be described later. The detail of the configuration of the overhead transport vehicle50will be described later.

The linear portions31of the second overhead track30are provided along and directly above a plurality of load ports LP facing each other with a predetermined interval (the worker passage PS). In this configuration, for the load port LP in one processing apparatus TL, a plurality of articles2(inFIG.2, six articles2onto the load port LP) can be placed. However, the number of articles2that can be placed on the load port LP is predetermined for each processing apparatus TL. The second overhead track30is provided directly above the load ports LP, and thus, the overhead transport vehicle50that travels the second overhead track30performs the delivery and reception of the article2to and from the load port LP by merely raising and lowering the article2, and with respect to the placement portion14(the delivery/reception port12) which will be described later, performs the delivery and reception of the article2by laterally extending (by lateral transfer) a gripper53. As illustrated inFIG.2, a part of the first overhead track20and a part of the second overhead track30are arranged in an overlapped manner in planar view. Thus, the overhead stocker100and the overhead transport vehicle system200can be arranged compactly in planar view.

FIG.3is a diagram illustrating one example of the overhead transport vehicle50and the upper overhead transport vehicle60which will be described later. The overhead transport vehicle50has, as illustrated inFIG.3, a traveler51and a body52. The traveler51includes a traveling driver not depicted and a plurality of wheels51aand travels along the second overhead track30. The traveling driver not depicted provided on the traveler51may be an electric motor provided on the traveler51and drives the wheels51a, or may be a linear motor, for example.

The body52is fitted to the lower portion of the traveler51via an attaching portion52a. The body52has the gripper53that grips the article2, a lifting driver54that suspends and elevates the gripper53, and a lateral feeder55that moves the lifting driver54to the lateral side of the track. The gripper53grasps and grips a flange portion2aof the article2from above, thereby suspending and holding the article2. The gripper53is, for example, a chuck having a plurality of claw portions53acapable of advancing and retreating in the horizontal direction, and by causing the claw portions53ato enter below the flange portion2aof the article2and by raising the gripper53, suspends and holds the article2. The gripper53is connected to a suspending member53bsuch as a wire or a belt. The gripper53is suspended from the lifting driver54via the suspending member53band is raised and lowered by the lifting driver54.

The lifting driver54is a hoist, for example, and lowers the gripper53by feeding out the suspending member53band raises the gripper53by winding the suspending member53b. The lifting driver54is controlled by the control device or the like not depicted and lowers or raises the gripper53at a predetermined speed. The lifting driver54is controlled by the control device or the like not depicted and holds the gripper53at a target height.

The lateral feeder55has movable plates arranged in an overlapping manner vertically, for example. The movable plates are movable to the lateral side of the traveling direction (a direction orthogonal to the traveling direction, lateral direction) of the traveler51. On the movable plate, the lifting driver54is fitted. The body52has a guide not depicted to guide the lateral feeder55, a driver not depicted to drive the lateral feeder55, and the like. The lateral feeder55moves, by a driving force from the driver such as an electric motor, the lifting driver54and the gripper53between a protruding position and a storage position. The protruding position is a position where the gripper53protrudes to the lateral side from the body52. The storage position is a position where the gripper53is stored in the body52. A rotator to rotate the lifting driver54or the gripper53around a shaft vertically may be provided.

The overhead transport vehicle50raises and lowers the gripper53(the article2) by the lifting driver54as in the foregoing, thereby performing the delivery and reception of the article2to and from the load port LP. The overhead transport vehicle50can, by moving the lifting driver54(the gripper53) above any of a plurality of placement portions14(including the delivery/reception port12) by the lateral feeder55, and by raising and lowering the gripper53(the article2) by the lifting driver54, deliver and receive the article2to and from the relevant placement portion14.

The transport device300transports the article2vertically between the overhead stocker100and the overhead transport vehicle system200. In this configuration, the transport device300is the upper overhead transport vehicle60. The storage system SYS includes the delivery/reception port12to deliver and receive articles between the overhead transport vehicle system200and the transport device300(the upper overhead transport vehicle60). The delivery/reception port12is a part of the placement portion14on which the article2can be placed. The placement portion14including the delivery/reception port12is, as illustrated inFIG.1, suspended from fourth positions P4of the grid ceiling GC by fourth suspending members6.

The placement portion14is, in planar view, arranged on the inner side of the second overhead track30, which is a circulating track and provided linearly along the Y direction. On the placement portion14, the articles2can be placed side by side in two rows. A part of the placement portion14is the delivery/reception port12. The portion of the placement portion14excluding the delivery/reception port12is a buffer on which the articles2can be placed and that the delivery and reception of the articles2can be performed by the overhead transport vehicle50.

On the delivery/reception port12, a plurality of articles2can be placed. The delivery/reception ports12are arranged directly below the connecting track24in the first overhead track20that the upper overhead transport vehicle60travels (inFIG.2, the delivery/reception port12on the +X side row), and in the lateral direction and below with respect to the connecting track24(inFIG.2, the delivery/reception port12on the −X side row). The delivery/reception port12is arranged in the lateral direction and below with respect to the second overhead track30. Accordingly, the overhead transport vehicle50can, to and from the delivery/reception port12on the +X side row inFIG.2, deliver and receive the article2by lateral transfer from the linear portion31of the +X side. The overhead transport vehicle50can, to and from the delivery/reception port12on the −X side row inFIG.2, deliver and receive the article2by lateral transfer from the linear portion31of the −X side.

The upper overhead transport vehicle60transports the article2vertically between the overhead stocker100and the delivery/reception port12(a part of the placement portion14). The upper overhead transport vehicle60has, as illustrated inFIG.3, a second traveler61and a second body62. The second traveler61employs the same configuration as that of the traveler41of the crane40, includes a traveling driver not depicted and a plurality of wheels61a, and travels along the first overhead track20. The second body62is fitted to the lower portion of the second traveler61via an attaching portion62a. The second body62has a second gripper63(including claw portions63aand suspending members63b) that holds the article2, a second lifting driver64that suspends and elevates the second gripper63, and a second lateral feeder65that moves the second lifting driver64to the lateral side of the track.

These second traveler61, the second body62, the second gripper63, the second lifting driver64, and the second lateral feeder65employ, as illustrated inFIG.3, the same configurations as those of the above-described traveler51, the body52, the gripper53, the lifting driver54, and the lateral feeder55of the overhead transport vehicle50. Thus, for the upper overhead transport vehicle60, the overhead transport vehicle50of the overhead transport vehicle system200can be applied as is. The upper overhead transport vehicle60travels the first overhead track20so that there is no need to provide a separate track, and the manufacturing cost of the storage system SYS can be reduced.

The upper overhead transport vehicle60can, by raising and lowering the second gripper63(the article2) by the second lifting driver64, deliver and receive the article2to and from the delivery/reception port12that is directly below the connecting track24. With the delivery/reception port12that is in the lateral direction and below with respect to the connecting track24(the delivery/reception port12on the −X side row inFIG.2), the upper overhead transport vehicle60can, by moving the second lifting driver64above the delivery/reception port12by the second lateral feeder65, and by raising and lowering the second gripper63(the article2) by the second lifting driver64, deliver and receive the article2to and from the relevant delivery/reception port12.

The upper overhead transport vehicle60can, by moving the second lifting driver64above at least one storage11of the storages11by the second lateral feeder65, and by raising and lowering the second gripper63(the article2) by the second lifting driver64, deliver and receive the article2to and from the storage11located below the second lifting driver64. In this configuration, the upper overhead transport vehicle60can deliver and receive the article2to and from the storage11of the uppermost stage of the rack10. The storage11of a delivery/reception target by the upper overhead transport vehicle60may be the storage11other than that of the uppermost stage. The transport device300is not limited to the upper overhead transport vehicle60and may be other devices such as a conveyor device that can transport the article2between the storage11and the delivery/reception port12, for example.

In this configuration, a part of the rack10and the load port LP of the processing apparatus TL that is a predetermined transfer destination are overlapped in planar view. Accordingly, the racks10can be expanded in the horizontal direction up to above the load port LP, and many articles2can be stored. The racks10are provided above the overhead transport vehicle system200. That is to say, the racks10can be provided regardless of the arrangement of the second overhead track30of the overhead transport vehicle system200, and thus, the degree of freedom in the arrangement of the racks10is high, and the arrangement of the racks10having a favorable storage efficiency of the articles2can be easily achieved.

The storage system SYS has the control device not depicted. This control device not depicted integrally controls the storage system SYS. The control device not depicted controls operations of the crane40, the overhead transport vehicle50, and the upper overhead transport vehicle60by wireless or wired communication. The control device not depicted may be divided into a control device to control the crane40, a control device to control the overhead transport vehicle50, and a control device to control the upper overhead transport vehicle60.

When transporting the article2from the storage11to the load port LP in the storage system SYS, the control device not depicted controls the upper overhead transport vehicle60(the transport device300) and directs it to receive the article2of the transportation target from the storage11of the uppermost stage and deliver the article2to the designated delivery/reception port12. When the article2of the transportation target is in the storage11other than the uppermost stage, the crane40of the overhead stocker100transfers the article2of the transportation target to the storage11of the uppermost stage of the rack10.

Subsequently, the upper overhead transport vehicle60travels along the first overhead track20, stops at the lateral side of the storage11on which the article2of the transportation target is placed, lowers the second gripper63by the second lifting driver64after protruding the second lateral feeder65, and grips the article2by the second gripper63. Then, the upper overhead transport vehicle60raises the second gripper63by the second lifting driver64, and then, by contracting the second lateral feeder65, returns the second gripper63into the storage position, thereby accommodating the article2in the second body62.

Subsequently, the upper overhead transport vehicle60travels along the first overhead track20, holding the article2by the second gripper63, and stops directly above the designated delivery/reception port12. The upper overhead transport vehicle60then lowers the second gripper63and the article2by driving the second lifting driver64and releases the gripping of the second gripper63after placing the article2on the delivery/reception port12, thereby delivering the article2to the delivery/reception port12.

Next, the control device not depicted controls the overhead transport vehicle50of the overhead transport vehicle system200and directs it to receive the article2from the delivery/reception port12and deliver the article2to the designated load port LP. The overhead transport vehicle50travels along the second overhead track30, stops at the lateral side of the delivery/reception port12on which the article2is placed, lowers the gripper53by the lifting driver54after protruding the lateral feeder55, and grips the article2by the gripper53. Thereafter, the overhead transport vehicle50raises the gripper53by the lifting driver54, and then, by contracting the lateral feeder55, returns the gripper53into the storage position, thereby accommodating the article2in the body52.

Subsequently, the overhead transport vehicle50travels along the second overhead track30, holding the article2by the gripper53, and stops directly above the designated load port LP. Then, the overhead transport vehicle50lowers the gripper53and the article2by driving the lifting driver54and releases the gripping of the gripper53after placing the article2on the load port LP, thereby delivering the article2to the load port LP. By the above-described series of operations, the article2is transported from the storage11to the load port LP.

When transporting the article2from the load port LP of the processing apparatus TL to the storage11of the overhead stocker100, by performing reverse operation of the above-described series of operations, the article2is transported from the load port LP of the processing apparatus TL to the storage11of the overhead stocker100via the delivery/reception port12. The same applies even when the transfer destination of the article2is other than the load port LP, and the same applies even when receiving the article2from other than the load port LP.

FIG.4is a plan view illustrating a part ofFIG.2in an enlarged manner and is a diagram illustrating one example of suspending positions in the grid ceiling GC. InFIG.4, indicated is the positional relation among the first position P1where the first suspending member3to suspend the rack10is arranged, the second position P2where the second suspending member4to suspend the second overhead track30is arranged, the third position P3where the third suspending member5to suspend the first overhead track20is arranged, and the fourth position P4where the fourth suspending member6to suspend the delivery/reception port12is arranged. InFIG.1, the first suspending members3, the second suspending members4, the third suspending members5, and the fourth suspending members6are schematically illustrated and are different from their respective suspending positions illustrated inFIG.4.

InFIG.4, the first position P1is indicated by a white circle. As illustrated inFIG.4, a plurality of first positions P1are set to positions to overlap the racks10in planar view. The first positions P1are set side by side at intervals in the Y direction, in the vicinity of the end portion in the X direction in each rack10. The rack10is provided with the storages11, and it is also assumed that the articles2are placed on all the storages11. Thus, the first positions P1are set by being dispersed so that the grid ceiling GC can withstand an assumed maximum load of the rack10. In this configuration, in planar view, the first positions P1are set to sandwich in the Y direction the article2that is placed on the −X side of the rack10. On the +X side of the rack10also, the first positions P1are set in the same manner.

InFIG.4, the second position P2is indicated by a black circle. A plurality of second positions P2are set along the linear portions31of the second overhead track30in planar view. The second positions P2are set side by side at intervals in the Y direction, at positions deviated from the second overhead track30to the lateral side of the traveling direction in planar view. Each second position P2is set on both sides of the X direction with respect to the linear portion31. Because the overhead transport vehicle50travels on the second overhead track30, a plurality of overhead transport vehicles50travel side by side and the like is also assumed. The second positions P2are set by being dispersed so that the grid ceiling GC can withstand an assumed maximum load of the second overhead track30. The second positions P2are set at a regular interval in the Y direction, but the example is not limited to this form, and the intervals in the Y direction may differ in some parts. On the connecting portions32of the second overhead track30also, the multiple second positions P2are set in the same manner.

InFIG.4, the third position P3is indicated by a white triangle. A plurality of third positions P3are set along the linear portions21and22, the connecting portions23, and the connecting tracks24of the first overhead track20in planar view. The third positions P3are set side by side at intervals in the traveling direction, at positions deviated from the first overhead track20to the lateral side of the traveling direction in planar view. Each third position P3is set on both sides of the linear portions21and22, the connecting portions23, and the connecting tracks24. Because the crane40and the upper overhead transport vehicle60travel on the first overhead track20, the crane40and the upper overhead transport vehicles60come close to each other and the like is also assumed. The third positions P3are set by being dispersed so that the grid ceiling GC can withstand an assumed maximum load of the first overhead track20.

InFIG.4, the fourth position P4is indicated by a black triangle. A plurality of fourth positions P4are set at positions to overlap the placement portion14(seeFIG.2) in planar view. InFIG.4, the depiction of the placement portion14is omitted. The fourth positions P4are set side by side at intervals in the Y direction. Because a plurality of articles are placed on the placement portion14(including the delivery/reception port12), the most articles2are placed is also assumed. The fourth positions P4are set by being dispersed so that the grid ceiling GC can withstand an assumed maximum load of the placement portion14. The fourth positions P4are set at a regular interval in the Y direction, but the example is not limited to this form, and the intervals in the Y direction may differ in some parts.

On the lower face side of the grid ceiling GC, beam portions70(seeFIGS.5,6and others) extending in the X direction or the Y direction are fixed. The beam portion70is a rod-like metal member, for example. The length of the beam portion70can be set arbitrarily. The beam portions70are fixed to the grid ceiling GC by, for example, a fixing member or the like such as a bolt and the like, at each portion where the grid ceiling GC and the beam portions70overlap in planar view. Alternatively, the beam portions70are suspended from the grid ceiling GC by suspending members. The beam portions70may be removable from the grid ceiling GC or may be fixed firmly by welding and the like. The beam portions70allow, on the inner side of the squares G in the grid ceiling GC, the first positions P1, the second positions P2, the third positions P3, and the fourth positions P4to be set.

Each of the first suspending members3, the second suspending members4, the third suspending members5, and the fourth suspending members6is suspended from the beam portion70. That is to say, each of the first positions P1, the second positions P2, the third positions P3, and the fourth positions P4is set at a position overlapping the beam portion70in planar view.

FIG.5is a diagram illustrating the second positions P2and the fourth positions P4relating to the suspending positions of the second overhead track30and the placement portion14. InFIG.5, the depiction of the placement portion14is omitted. As illustrated inFIG.5, the beam portions70include second beam portions72extending in the Y direction along the linear portions31of the second overhead track30. The beam portions70include fourth beam portions74extending in the Y direction along the longitudinal direction of the placement portion14(longitudinal direction of the delivery/reception port12). The second position P2is set at intervals along the second beam portion72in planar view. The fourth position P4is set at intervals along the fourth beam portion74in planar view.

FIG.6is a diagram illustrating the first positions P1and the third positions P3relating to the suspending positions of the racks10and the first overhead track20. As illustrated inFIG.6, the beam portions70include first beam portions71extending along the X direction that is the direction of the articles2lined up on the racks10. The beam portions70have third beam portions73extending in the Y direction along the connecting portions23and the connecting tracks24of the first overhead track20and third beam portions73extending in the X direction along the linear portions21and22. The first position P1is set at intervals along the first beam portion71in planar view. The third position P3is set at intervals along the third beam portion73in planar view.

FIG.7is a diagram illustrating one example of the positional relation among the beam portions70and the grid ceiling GC. InFIG.7, the grid ceiling GC is illustrated in a grid pattern by straight lines. As illustrated inFIG.7, the grid ceiling GC has a plurality of squares G lined up along the X direction and the Y direction. Each of the first beam portions71, the second beam portions72, the third beam portions73, and the fourth beam portions74is arranged in the X direction or the Y direction along the squares G of the grid ceiling GC, for example. The beam portions70are not limited to be arranged in the X direction or the Y direction and may be in a form of being fixed at an inclination of a predetermined angle with respect to the X direction or the Y direction, for example.

As illustrated inFIG.7, there is a form in which one of the first positions P1and one of the third positions P3are set to fall within one square G. That is to say, the first position P1that is a suspending position of the rack10for which the proportion in the weight of the overhead stocker100is large and the third position P3that is a suspending position of the first overhead track20for which the proportion in the weight of the overhead stocker100is small are set to fall within one square G. By setting the first position P1and the third position P3in the same square G, the first suspending member3and the third suspending member5are arranged to be close to each other. As a result, in the installation or the maintenance of the first suspending member3and the third suspending member5, working at the same place is allowed, and thus the workability can be improved.

As illustrated inFIG.7, a predetermined distance L that is half the length of one side (X direction or Y direction) of one square G is an index in setting the first position P1and the second position P2to be apart. This predetermined distance L is a distance that is set so that the magnitude of the load per unit area in the grid ceiling GC does not exceed a predetermined value (withstanding load). The unit area corresponds to the area of one square G in planar view, for example. The first position P1and the second position P2are set to be apart by at least the predetermined distance L (separated by the predetermined distance L or more). As illustrated inFIG.7, the first positions P1and the second position P2are set to different squares G. InFIG.7, when there is a suspending position on the line indicating the grid ceiling GC, it is included in either one of the squares G on both sides sectioned by the relevant straight line. Thus, inFIG.7, when the first position P1is present on the line of one square G including the second position P2, the first position P1and the second position P2are each set to a different square G.

For example, when the second position P2is arranged near the center of the square G, by setting the first position P1to the square G that is different from that of the second position P2, the first position P1and the second position P2can be set apart at least by the predetermined distance L. As a result, setting both the first position P1and the second position P2exceeding a predetermined value (withstanding load) set in advance in each square G of the grid ceiling GC can be avoided.

FIG.8is a diagram illustrating one example of a positional relation among the first positions P1and the second position P2.FIG.8is an enlarged diagram of the positional relation among the first positions P1and the second position P2in the area A inFIG.7. The second position P2in the area A is set near the center of the square G (seeFIG.7). As illustrated inFIG.8, four first positions P1are each set apart, with respect to the second position P2, by the distances L1, L2, L3, and L4. These distances L1, L2, L3, and L4are longer than the above-described predetermined distance L. That is to say, each of the first suspending members3suspending the rack10that is a heavy object, and the second suspending member4suspending the second overhead track30that is also a heavy object are arranged apart at least by the predetermined distance L.

The distances L1, L2, L3, and L4are distances that are set so that the magnitude of the load per unit area (one square G) in the grid ceiling GC does not exceed the predetermined value (withstanding load). In the configuration in which the unit area is one square G, the unit area in the grid ceiling GC can be recognized easily by the square G, and by referring to this square G, the distance between the first position P1and the second position P2(for example, the distances L1, L2, L3, and L4) can be set easily. The above-described unit area is not limited to the area of one square G and may be other settings such as an area set by a plurality of squares G and the like, for example.

In this configuration, in planar view, the rack10is provided in an area including directly above the processing apparatus TL. Thus, by arranging the rack10directly above the processing apparatus TL where the second overhead track30is not arranged, the first positions P1where the rack10is suspended and the second positions P2where the second overhead track30is suspended can be easily made apart and dispersed.

FIG.9is a diagram illustrating a load per one square G of the grid ceiling GC. The data illustrated inFIG.9is acquired by simulation and the like, for example. In this simulation, a load V1applied to the first position P1, a load V2applied to the second position P2, a load V3applied to the third position P3, and a load V4applied to the fourth position P4are obtained in advance by experiments and the like. Of the loads V1to V4, the loads V1and V2have been confirmed that the values thereof are large. InFIG.9, of the grid ceiling GC, each total load has been obtained, for example, in 12 squares G (unit area).

As illustrated inFIG.9, in the 12 squares G, the total load of each is obtained as A1to A12. The total loads A1to A12are, in each square G, the total values of the above-described load V1, the load V2, the load V3, and the load V4. For example, the total load A1is the total value of one load V2, two loads V3, and two loads V4. The total load A2is the total value of two loads V2. The total load A3is the total value of two loads V1and two loads V3. The details of the total loads A4to A12are omitted. As illustrated inFIG.9, we confirmed in the simulation that, because the loads V1and V2having a large load are set in different squares G, the total loads A1to A12are smaller than a withstanding load VA in one square G.

As just described, according to the storage system SYS in this configuration, because the first suspending members3suspending the rack10and the second suspending member4suspending the second overhead track30are set apart by the distances L1, L2, L3, and L4, the first positions P1that are suspending positions of the rack10that occupies a large proportion in the weight of the overhead stocker100and the second positions P2that are the suspending positions of the second overhead track30that occupies a large proportion in the weight of the overhead transport vehicle system200can be avoided to be close to each other, and the suspending positions of the rack10and the suspending positions of the second overhead track30can be dispersed. As a result, it is possible to avoid a large load to be applied to a part of the grid ceiling GC and, as there is no need for large-scale additional work such as reinforcement of the grid ceiling GC and the like, to prevent the installation cost from increasing.

As in the foregoing, the examples have been described, but this disclosure is not limited to the foregoing description, and various modifications are possible within a scope not departing from the gist of the appended claims. For example, in the above-described examples, in the storage systems SYS, a configuration in which the first overhead track20and the second overhead track30are not connected has been described as an example, but the example is not limited to this configuration. For example, the first overhead track20and the second overhead track30may be connected via a connecting track and the like.

One or more of the prerequisites described in the above-described examples and the like may be omitted. The prerequisites described in the above-described examples and the like can be combined as appropriate. The disclosure of Japanese Patent Application No. 2019-011281 and all the documents cited in the above-described examples and the like will be incorporated by reference herein.