OBJECT TRANSPORT SYSTEM

In order to improve transport efficiency of an object transport system, an object transport system includes: a ceiling carrier configured to travel on at least travel rail and transport an object; and a transfer device including a hanging part configured to hang the object and configured to be capable of being raised and lowered, the transfer device being disposed so as to be separated from the ceiling carrier.

This Nonprovisional application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119 on Patent Application No. 2022-120731 filed in Japan on Jul. 28, 2022, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to an object transport system that transports an object.

BACKGROUND ART

Conventionally known is an object transport system configured to transport an object along a travel rail disposed on a ceiling side. Regarding such an object transport system, Patent Literature 1 discloses a technique in which a transfer device configured to raise and lower an object is mounted in a ceiling carrier and is configured to transfer the object to and from a device port (processing device) disposed on a floor side.

CITATION LIST

Patent Literature

Patent Literature 1

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

Technical Problem

However, in such a conventional technique described above, the ceiling carrier needs to stop at a predetermined stop position while the transfer device is transferring an object. Thus, while the object is being transferred, the ceiling carrier cannot start traveling. This has limited efficiency of the transport.

An aspect of the present invention is achieved in light of the conventional problem. It is an object of the aspect of the present invention to improve the transport efficiency of an object transport system.

Solution to Problem

In order to solve the foregoing problem, an object transport system in accordance with an aspect of the present invention includes: a ceiling carrier configured to travel on at least one travel rail and transport an object; and a transfer device including a hanging part configured to hang the object and configured to be capable of being raised and lowered, the transfer device being disposed so as to be separated from the ceiling carrier.

Advantageous Effects of Invention

According to an aspect of the present invention, it is possible to improve the transport efficiency of an object transport system.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

With reference toFIGS.1to7, the following will describe an embodiment of the present invention. Note that the following description is an example of an object transport system in accordance with the present invention, and the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to examples in the drawings.

(Outline of Object Transport System1)

First, with reference toFIG.1, the following will describe an outline of an object transport system1in accordance with Embodiment 1.FIG.1is a side view schematically illustrating the object transport system1in accordance with Embodiment 1. As illustrated inFIG.1, the object transport system1includes travel rails2, ceiling carriers (carriages)3, a transfer device4, and a device port (object transfer part)5. The ceiling carrier3that accommodates an object W travels along the travel rail2disposed on a ceiling C side, so that the object W is transported. The transfer device4is disposed on a ceiling C. The transfer device4includes hanging parts41each configured to hang the object W and each configured to be capable of being raised and lowered and is configured to transfer the object W between the ceiling carrier3and the device port5that is disposed on a floor F side.

In the object transport system1, a transfer device is not mounted in a ceiling carrier unlike the conventional techniques, and the transfer device4and each of the ceiling carriers3are disposed so as to be separated from each other. Thus, the transport of the object W is performed by the ceiling carrier3, and the transfer of the object W is performed by the transfer device4, so that the transport of the object W and the transfer of the object W can be performed in parallel. Therefore, even while the transfer device4is transferring the object W, the ceiling carrier3can start traveling, for example, for subsequent work. This makes it possible to improve the efficiency of transporting the object W.

Note that, in the following descriptions, a direction along which the travel rails2run may be referred to as a transport direction X, a direction orthogonal to the transport direction X in plan view may be referred to as a width direction Y, and a direction orthogonal to the transport direction X and the width direction Y, that is, a direction in which each of the hanging parts41is raised and lowered may be referred to as an up-and-down direction Z.

Configuration of Object Transport System1

Next, with reference toFIGS.1to3, the following will describe the configuration of the object transport system1in accordance with Embodiment 1.FIG.2is a cross-sectional view taken along the line A-A inFIG.1, andFIG.3is a cross-sectional view taken along the line B-B inFIG.1.

As illustrated inFIG.1, the travel rails2are disposed along respective routes of the ceiling carriers3and are hung by supports6, for example, from a ceiling C side. In Embodiment 1, the plurality of travel rails2are disposed in the up-and-down direction Z. In an example illustrated inFIG.1, the two travel rails2are disposed, one above the other, in two stages. Disposing the travel rails2in a plurality of stages in the up-and-down direction Z as described above can improve the efficiency of transporting the object W. In addition, the object transport system1, in which the transfer device4and each of the ceiling carriers3are disposed so as to be separated from each other, reduces a height (that is, a width in the up-and-down direction Z) of each of the ceiling carriers3, as compared with a conventional ceiling carrier in which a transfer device is mounted. Thus, it is possible to reduce a distance between the travel rails2disposed in the up-and-down direction Z. This makes it possible to reduce a space in which the travel rails2are disposed.

As illustrated inFIG.2, each of the travel rails2includes a pair of rail members21that face each other in the width direction Y. The pair of rail members21each have an upper surface portion21a, a side portion21b, and a lower surface portion21c. Each upper surface portion21ais disposed substantially parallel to the ceiling C and is connected with the support6. Each side portion21bis a side wall disposed so as to hang down from one end which is of the upper surface portion21aand which is located on an outer side in the width direction Y. Each lower surface portion21cextends from a lower end of the side portion21bof one rail member21toward an inner wall surface of the side portion21bof the other rail member21. The lower surface portion21cforms a track surface on which each of wheels34attached to the ceiling carrier3rolls.

As illustrated inFIG.2, the pair of rail members21disposed at respective positions below the transfer device4are separated from each other in the width direction Y. This allows the hanging part41to, as described later, be raised and lowered while passing through the space between the pair of rail members21in a state where the hanging part41hangs the object W. Further, as illustrated inFIG.3, the pair of rail members21disposed at respective positions that are not below the transfer device4may be partly connected with each other. In an example illustrated inFIG.3, the lower surface portions21cof the pair of rail members21are connected with each other by a connecting board22. Connecting, as described above, the pair of rail members21with each other at a portion where the hanging parts41are not raised and lowered while passing through a space between the pair of rail members21can reinforce the travel rail2and increase the strength of the travel rail2.

The ceiling carrier3includes an accommodation part31, a power unit32, power transmission shafts33, and wheels34. The accommodation part31is a housing having an opening facing upward and is configured to accommodate the object W. The power unit32is a power source for driving the wheels34and is constituted by a motor and the like. The power unit32is attached to a lower portion of the accommodation part31. The power unit32transmits power to the two power transmission shafts33. The power unit32can switch a rotation direction thereof between a positive rotation and a negative rotation. Thus, switching the rotation direction of the power unit32allows the ceiling carrier3to travel toward either side of the transport direction X. To the ceiling carrier3, the four wheels34are attached. Each of the wheels34is fixed to each of both ends of each of the power transmission shafts33. Upon receiving the power from the power unit32, the wheels34rotate, and roll on the lower surface portions21cof the travel rail2.

The transfer device4is disposed on the ceiling C and is configured to transfer the object W between the ceiling carrier3and the device port5. Specifically, the transfer device4is disposed at a higher position than the travel rails2and is configured to deliver the object W to and from the device port5disposed at a lower position than the travel rails2.

The transfer device4includes: hanging parts41each configured to hang (hold) the object W; driving parts42each configured to raise and lower the hanging part41in the up-and-down direction Z; and a base43to which the driving parts42are attached. In Embodiment 1, the transfer device4includes the three hanging parts41arranged side by side along the transport direction X. These three hanging parts41are connected with the corresponding three driving parts42attached to the base43. The hanging parts41are connected with the corresponding driving parts42via a wire44(seeFIG.6). Controlling the driving parts42enables the corresponding hanging parts41to be individually moved (raised and lowered) along the up-and-down direction Z. With the base43fixed to the ceiling C, the transfer device4is disposed on the ceiling C.

Note that the transfer device4only needs to be disposed at a higher position than the travel rails2. Thus, the transfer device4may be disposed on the ceiling C in a space in which the object transport system1is disposed or may be disposed on a side wall in proximity to the ceiling C.

The device port5is disposed on a floor F and delivers the object W to and from the hanging parts41. The device port is connected with a processing device (not illustrated) configured to process the object W. The device port5includes a placement part51on which the object W is to be placed. In the example illustrated inFIG.1, three placement parts51corresponding to the three hanging parts41are disposed along the transport direction X. The three hanging parts41and the three placement portions51are positioned such that each of the hanging parts41faces the corresponding one of the three placement portions51in the up-and-down direction Z.

Control of Object Transport System1

Next, with reference toFIGS.4to7, the following will describe an example of control of the object transport system1.FIG.4is a view illustrating control blocks of the object transport system1. As illustrated inFIG.4, the object transport system1further includes a control device7configured to control the ceiling carrier3and the transfer device4. The control device7is configured to centrally control the operations of the components and is constituted, for example, by a computer including a central processing unit (CPU) and a memory. The operations of the components are controlled by causing the computer to execute a control program.

First, with reference toFIG.5, the following will describe a transfer control for transferring the object W from the ceiling carrier3to the device port5.FIG.5is a side view illustrating an example of the transfer operation of the objects W from the ceiling carriers3to the device port5. The control device7controls the ceiling carriers3and the transfer device4on the basis of control information from a host controller (not illustrated) to perform the following operations. Note that the ceiling carriers3can communicate with the device port5, so that, during the transfer, the ceiling carriers3and the transfer device4operate in cooperation with the operation of the device port5.

As illustrated in5001ofFIG.5, the control device7controls the ceiling carriers3each accommodating the object W to cause the ceiling carriers3to stop at respective stop positions P set below the transfer device4. The stop positions P are set, for the individual hanging parts41, below the hanging parts41which are positioned at respective waiting positions (for example, the highest positions to which the hanging parts41are raised). In the example illustrated in Fig. the three stop positions P corresponding to the three hanging parts41are set for each of the travel rails2which are disposed, one above the other, in two stages.

Next, as illustrated in5002ofFIG.5, the control device7controls the driving parts42to lower, from the respective waiting positions, the hanging parts41which are positioned above the corresponding ceiling carriers3stopping at the stop positions P. In this case, depending on whether each of the ceiling carriers3stops at a stop position P on the upper travel rail2or at a stop position P on the lower travel rail2, the control device7adjusts amounts by which the hanging parts41are to be lowered. Accordingly, the control device7causes the hanging parts41to stop immediately above the corresponding objects W. Then, the control device7controls the hanging parts41to cause the hanging parts41to hold respective upper portions of the objects W.

Subsequently, as illustrated in5003ofFIG.5, the control device7controls the driving parts42to cause the driving parts42to raise the hanging parts41holding the objects W. Accordingly, the hanging parts41hang the objects W, and the objects W are taken out of the ceiling carriers3. Then, when the hanging parts41have been raised to respective positions which are so high that the objects W do not interfere with the travel of the ceiling carriers3, that is, when lower ends of the objects W have been positioned at higher positions than upper ends of the ceiling carriers3, the control device7controls the ceiling carriers3to cause the ceiling carriers3to move from the stop positions P. In this moment, the control device7may cause the ceiling carriers3to start travelling for subsequent work.

As such, the ceiling carriers3stop at the respective stop positions P below the hanging parts41, and after the objects W are hung by the hanging parts41, the ceiling carriers3start traveling. This enables the ceiling carrier3to start travelling even while the hanging part41is transferring the object W, and thus it is possible to improve the efficiency of transporting the object W.

Subsequently, as illustrated in5004ofFIG.5, the control device7controls the driving parts42to lower the hanging parts41holding the objects W. In this case, each of the hanging parts41is lowered through the space between the pair of rail members21in a state where the hanging parts41hold the objects W.

FIG.6is a front view illustrating a state where the hanging part41is being lowered while passing through the space between the pair of rail members21. As illustrated inFIG.6, in the width direction Y, a distance D1between the pair of rail members21is larger than each of a width D2of the hanging part41and a width D3of the object W. Thus, the hanging part41can be raised and lowered while passing through the space between the pair of rail members21in a state where the hanging part41holds the object W. Thus, even though the travel rail2is disposed between the transfer device4and the device port5, it is possible to perform delivery of the object W from the transfer device4to the device port5and vice versa.

While the hanging part41delivers the object W to and from the device port5, the ceiling carriers3are restricted from entering the stop positions P set below the hanging part41. This can prevent the ceiling carriers3from colliding with the hanging part41or the wire44.

Then, the control device7causes the hanging part41to stop immediately above the placement portion51of the device port5and then place the object W onto the placement portion51. After the object W has been placed onto the placement portion51, the control device7causes the hanging part41to be raised to the waiting position and ends the transfer control of the object W from the ceiling carrier3to the device port5.

Next, with reference toFIG.7, the following will describe transfer control of the objects W from the device port5to the ceiling carriers3.FIG.7is a side view illustrating an example of the transfer operation of the objects W from the ceiling carriers3to the device port5.

As illustrated in7001ofFIG.7, in a case where the objects W have been placed on the corresponding placement portions51of the device port5, the control device7controls the driving parts42to lower, from the respective waiting positions, the hanging parts41positioned above the corresponding placement portions51on which the objects W are placed.

Subsequently, as illustrated in7002ofFIG.7, the control device7controls the hanging parts41to cause the hanging parts41to hold upper portions of the objects W, and then controls the driving parts42to raise the hanging parts41holding the objects W. Then, when the hanging parts41have been raised to respective positions which are so high that the objects W do not interfere with the travel of the ceiling carriers3, the control device7controls the ceiling carriers3to cause the ceiling carriers3to stop at the respective stop positions P located below the hanging parts41holding the objects W.

As such, the hanging parts41are raised after having received the objects W from the device port5, and continue to hang the objects W until the ceiling carriers3arrive at respective positions below the hanging parts41. Thus, while the hanging part41is receiving an object W from the device port5, the ceiling carrier3can, for example, transport another object W. This makes it possible to improve the efficiency of transporting the object W.

Subsequently, as illustrated in7003ofFIG.7, the control device7controls the driving parts42to lower the hanging parts41holding the objects W so that the corresponding ceiling carriers3accommodate the objects W.

Subsequently, as illustrated in7004ofFIG.7, the control device7controls the driving parts42to raise the hanging parts41. Then, when the hanging parts41have been raised to respective positions which are so high that the hanging parts41do not interfere with the travel of the ceiling carriers3, the control device7controls the ceiling carriers3to cause the ceiling carriers3to start travelling toward respective next destinations of the objects W. Then, the control device7causes the hanging parts41to be raised to the respective waiting positions and ends the transfer control of the objects W from the device port5to the ceiling carriers3.

As such, the object transport system1makes it possible for the ceiling carriers3to start traveling towards respective next destinations of the objects W even while the hanging parts41are operating. Thus, the transport of the object W and the transfer of the object W can be performed in parallel. This makes it possible to improve the efficiency of transporting the object W.

(Effect of Object Transport System1)

As described above, the object transport system1in accordance with Embodiment 1 includes: the ceiling carriers3each configured to travel on the travel rail2and transport the object W; and the transfer device4that includes the hanging parts41each configured to hang the object W and each configured to be capable of being raised and lowered, the transfer device4being disposed so as to be separated from the ceiling carriers3.

In the object transport system1, the ceiling carriers3are separated from the transfer device4. Thus, it is possible for the ceiling carriers3to start travelling even while the transfer device4is transferring the object W. Therefore, it is possible to achieve an object transport system1having improved efficiency of transporting the object W.

In addition, the object transport system1makes it possible to reduce a weight of the ceiling carrier3as compared with a conventional ceiling carrier in which a transfer device is mounted. Therefore, it is possible to set a high traveling speed for the ceiling carrier3or to reduce an energy consumption of the ceiling carrier3.

Further, in the object transport system1, the transfer device4and the device port5are paired with each other and are disposed in a one-to-one relationship. Thus, disposing the transfer device4and the device port5at optimum positions at the installation of the object transport system1eliminates, even in a case where an additional ceiling carrier3is provided after the installation, the need for causing the transfer device4to learn the position and height of the device port5. In addition, in a case where, for example, the transfer devices4and the device ports5are provided in a plurality of pairs, the transfer devices4can be positioned to be disposed for the corresponding device ports5at optimum positions. Thus, transfer accuracy can be easily improved.

With reference toFIGS.8and9, the following will describe another embodiment of the present invention. For convenience of description, a member having a function identical to that of a member discussed in Embodiment 1 above is given an identical reference sign, and a description thereof is omitted.

(Configuration of Object Transport System10)

First, with reference toFIG.8, the following will describe a configuration of an object transport system10in accordance with Embodiment 2.FIG.8is a side view schematically illustrating the object transport system10in accordance with Embodiment 2. As illustrated inFIG.8, the object transport system10includes a transfer device40including a hanging part41configured to be capable of moving in the transport direction X. The object transport system10is configured in the same manner as the object transport system1described above except that the object transport system10includes the transfer device40.

The transfer device40includes: a hanging part41configured to hang (hold) an object W; a driving part420configured to move the hanging part41in the transport direction X and the up-and-down direction Z; and a base43to which the driving part420is attached. In Embodiment 2, the transfer device40includes the single hanging part41. The driving part420with which the hanging part41is connected is attached to the base43such that the driving part420can move along the transport direction X. Thus, controlling the driving part420enables the hanging part41to move along the transport direction X and to be raised and lowered along the up-and-down direction Z. This makes it possible to transfer, with use of the single hanging part41, the objects W at respective plurality of stop positions P (or on respective plurality of placement portions) arranged side by side along the transport direction X. Thus, it is possible to reduce the number of the hanging parts41provided.

Note that the hanging part41may be configured to be capable of moving not only in the transport direction X but also in the width direction Y. Thus, even in a case where, for example, a plurality of device ports5(placement portions51) are disposed along the transport direction X and the width direction Y, it is possible to perform delivery of the object W from a transfer device40to each of the device ports5and vice versa by causing the hanging part41to move to a position above each of the device ports5.

(Control of Object Transport System10)

Next, with reference toFIG.9, the following will describe an example of control of the object transport system10.FIG.9is a side view illustrating an example of the operation of transferring the object W from a ceiling carrier3to the device port5.

As illustrated in9001ofFIG.9, the control device7controls the ceiling carrier3accommodating the object W to stop the ceiling carrier3at a stop position P set below the transfer device40, and controls the driving part420to move the hanging part41to a position above the stop position P.

Subsequently, as illustrated in9002ofFIG.9, the control device7controls the driving part420to lower the hanging part41from a waiting position. Then, the control device7controls the hanging part41to cause the hanging part41to hold upper portion of the object W.

Subsequently, as illustrated in9003ofFIG.9, the control device7controls the driving part420to cause the hanging part41holding the object W to be raised. Accordingly, the hanging part41hangs the object W, and the object W is taken out of the ceiling carrier3. Then, when the hanging part41has been raised to a position which is so high that the object W does not interfere with the travel of the ceiling carrier3, the control device7controls the ceiling carrier3to cause the ceiling carrier3to move from the stop position P. As such, even while the hanging part41is transferring the object W, the ceiling carrier3can start travelling. This makes it possible to improve the efficiency of transporting the object W.

Subsequently, as illustrated in9004ofFIG.9, the control device7controls the driving part420to cause the hanging part41holding the object W to be lowered so that the object W is placed onto the placement portion51. After the object W has been placed onto the placement portion51, the control device7causes the hanging part41to be raised to the waiting position and ends the transfer control of the object W from the ceiling carrier3to the device port5.

An object transport system according to Aspect 1 of the present invention includes: a ceiling carrier configured to travel on at least one travel rail and transport an object; and a transfer device including a hanging part configured to hang the object and configured to be capable of being raised and lowered, the transfer device being disposed so as to be separated from the ceiling carrier.

In the above configuration, the transfer device is not mounted in the ceiling carrier unlike the conventional techniques, and the ceiling carrier and the transfer device are disposed so as to be separated from each other. Thus, the transport of an object is performed by the ceiling carrier, and the transfer of the object is performed by the transfer device. This makes it possible to separately perform the transport of the object and the transfer of the object. Therefore, according to the above configuration, even while the transfer device is transferring an object, the ceiling carrier can start travelling, for example, for subsequent work. This makes it possible to improve the efficiency of transporting the object.

An object transport system according to Aspect 2 of the present invention may be configured, in Aspect 1, such that, in a case where a direction in which the hanging part is raised and lowered is an up-and-down direction, the transfer device is disposed at a higher position than the travel rail and is configured to deliver the object to and from an object transfer part (device port5) disposed at a lower position than the travel rail.

In the above configuration, the transfer device, the travel rail, and the object transfer part are disposed in this order from above. Therefore, according to the above configuration, the hanging part can hang an object from above the ceiling carrier configured to travel on the travel rail and can deliver the object to and from the object transfer part.

An object transport system according to Aspect 3 of the present invention may be configured, in Aspect 1 or 2, such that: the travel rail includes a pair of rail members; and the hanging part is raised and lowered while passing through a space between the pair of rail members in a state where the hanging part hangs the object.

According to the above configuration, even though the travel rail is disposed between the transfer device and the object transfer part, it is possible to perform delivery of an object from the transfer device to the object transfer part and vice versa.

An object transport system according to Aspect 4 of the present invention may be configured, in Aspect 3, such that: a stop position at which the ceiling carrier stops is set below the hanging part; and the ceiling carrier is restricted from entering the stop position while the hanging part delivers the object to and from the object transfer part.

According to the above configuration, it is possible to prevent the ceiling carrier from colliding with the hanging part or a wire hanging the hanging part.

An object transport system according to Aspect 5 of the present invention may be configured, in Aspects 2 to 4, such that the at least one travel rail includes a plurality of travel rails which are disposed in the up-and-down direction.

According to the above configuration, it is possible to improve the efficiency of transporting an object. In addition, in the above configuration, the ceiling carrier and the transfer device are disposed so as to be separated from each other. Thus, the height (the width in an up-and-down direction) of the ceiling carrier can be reduced as compared with a conventional ceiling carrier in which a transfer device is mounted. This makes it possible to reduce a distance between the plurality of travel rails disposed in an up-and-down direction, and thus it is possible to reduce a space in which the travel rails are disposed.

An object transport system according to Aspect 6 of the present invention may be configured, in Aspects 2 to 5, such that the hanging part is provided so as to face the object transfer part in the up-and-down direction.

According to the above configuration, raising and lowering the hanging part makes it possible to perform delivery of an object from the transfer device to the object transfer part and vice versa.

An object transport system according to Aspect 7 of the present invention may be configured, in Aspects 2 to 5, such that the hanging part is configured to be capable of moving in a direction orthogonal to the up-and-down direction.

According to the above configuration, for example, even in a case where the plurality of object transfer parts are provided, it is possible for the transfer device to deliver an object to and from each of the object transfer parts by causing the hanging part to move to a position above the object transfer part.

An object transport system according to Aspect 8 of the present invention may be configured, in Aspects 2 to 7, such that the ceiling carrier is configured to stop at a position below the transfer device and, after the object accommodated by the ceiling carrier has been hung by the hanging part, start traveling.

According to the above configuration, even while the hanging part is transferring an object, the ceiling carrier can start travelling. This makes it possible to improve the efficiency of transporting the object.

An object transport system according to Aspect 9 of the present invention may be configured, in Aspects 2 to 8, such that the hanging part is configured to, after having received the object from the object transfer part, be raised and continue to hang the object until the ceiling carrier arrives at a position below the hanging part.

The above configuration allows the ceiling carrier to, for example, transport an object while the hanging part is receiving another object from the object transfer part. Thus, according to the above configuration, it is possible to perform the transport of an object and the transfer of the object in parallel. This makes it possible to improve the efficiency of transporting the object.

An object transport system according to Aspect 10 of the present invention may be configured, in Aspects 1 to 9, such that the transfer device is disposed on a ceiling or side wall in an installation space in which the object transport system is installed.

The transfer device only needs to be separated from the ceiling carrier and thus can be disposed, for example, on a ceiling in the installation space in which the object transport system is install or on a side wall in proximity to the ceiling.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST