Patent Description:
In manufacturing factories such as semiconductor manufacturing factories, for example, a transport system that uses vehicles to transport articles, such as transportation containers (FOUPs, reticle pods) for containing semiconductor wafers or reticles, is used. As such a system, there is known a system in which a vehicle that holds an article travels along rails installed on a ceiling, and in order to diversify traveling paths for the vehicle, there has been proposed a configuration in which rails are arranged in a grid pattern to allow the vehicle to travel laterally and longitudinally.

In the above system in which the vehicle travels laterally and longitudinally, a main body of the vehicle is arranged above the rails and a container for storing an article is provided in a main body of the vehicle. Therefore, when loading or unloading an article from or to a predetermined position below the rails, it is necessary to raise or lower the article at a location where there is no rail, or through a space between the rails, and as a result, the position for loading or unloading the article is limited. Therefore, there has also been proposed a transport system in which the vehicle is capable of traveling laterally and longitudinally while holding an article on the lower side of rails (refer to Patent Literature <NUM>).

In the transport system of Patent Literature <NUM> in which the vehicle travels while holding an article on the lower side of the rails, while traveling wheels are provided on the rails, the article container and the main body of the vehicle are arranged below the rails. Therefore, a coupling member that couples the traveling wheels with the container (or the main body) straddles the upper and lower sides of the rails. For this reason, in the rails in a grid pattern mentioned above, gaps (slits) are required to allow the coupling member to pass through intersecting portions. The transport system of Patent Literature <NUM> has gaps provided in the intersecting portion of the rails, and includes a connection rail that splits the rails at the intersecting portion by the gaps (slits).

[Patent Literature <NUM>] International Publication No.<CIT>.

<CIT> discloses also a transport system of the prior art.

Use of an aerial work platform or the like is necessary in order to perform maintenance work on the vehicle mentioned above, the main body of which is suspended from the grid-patterned rail. In the above transport system, a storage capable of storing a plurality of articles may be provided for the purpose of improving the transport efficiency. For example, the storage is suspended from the grid-patterned rail and placed at a high position for effective use of space. When the vehicle or the rail located inside the storage at a high position requires maintenance work, the aerial work platform cannot be brought in because of the presence of structures of the storage such as a frame. The frame needs to be removed in order to bring the aerial work platform into the storage, which takes time and effort. Also, it is cumbersome to remove the frame every time the aerial work platform is brought into the storage.

An object of the present invention is to provide a transport system that enables an operator to easily access and perform maintenance work on an overhead transport vehicle, a grid-patterned rail, and an article, at the article storage suspended from the grid-patterned rail.

A transport system according to an aspect of the present invention includes a grid-patterned rail, an overhead transport vehicle, a suspender, and a frame. The grid-patterned rail has a plurality of first rails extending in a first direction and a plurality of second rails extending in a second direction different from the first direction and intersecting with the first rails. The grid-patterned rail forms a plurality of cells with the first rails and the second rails. The overhead transport vehicle travels along the grid-patterned rail. The suspender is suspended from the grid-patterned rail. The frame surrounds at least one of the cells in a plan view and is provided below the suspender. A placement section onto which an article is placed by the overhead transport vehicle and a scaffold serving as a walkway that allows an operator to walk thereon are provided within the frame below the cells.

Further, the frame may be formed so as to surround the plurality of cells in a plan view, and the scaffold may be formed inside the frame so as to cross over the plurality of cells in a plan view. The overhead transport vehicle may travel with a main body being suspended from the grid-patterned rail and the suspender may be suspended from the intersection between the first rails and the second rails included in the grid-patterned rail. The placement sections may be provided on both sides of the scaffold. The scaffold may be formed laterally and longitudinally so as to cross over the plurality of cells in a plan view. Further, the scaffold may be provided ranging from an outer edge to a center of the frame in a plan view. The frame may be an aggregate of a plurality of frame units disposed adjacent to each other and the scaffolds of respective adjacent frame units may be formed adjacent to each other. A plurality of the placement sections are provided in the frame units and the number of the placement sections may be larger than the number of cells surrounded by the frame units in a plan view. The placement sections may be collectively provided in a predetermined area included in the frame units and the scaffold may be provided in an area other than the predetermined area in a plan view.

The frame units may include, as the scaffold, a first scaffold being horizontally longitudinal in the first direction and a second scaffold horizontally longitudinal in the second direction. A passage width of the first scaffold may be shorter than the length of the placement section in the second direction and a passage width of the second scaffold may be shorter than a length of the placement section in the first direction. Both ends of each of the first scaffold and the second scaffold may extend to the vicinities of outer edges, respectively, of the frame.

A storage according to an aspect of the present invention is used in a transport system to store an article, the transport system including a grid-patterned rail and an overhead transport vehicle. The grid-patterned rail includes a plurality of first rails extending in a first direction and a plurality of second rails extending in a second direction different from the first direction and intersecting with the first rails. The grid-patterned rail forms a plurality of cells with the plurality of first rails and the plurality of second rails. The overhead transport vehicle travels along the grid-patterned rail. The storage includes a suspender suspended from the grid-patterned rail and a frame that surrounds at least one of the cells in a plan view and is provided below the suspender. A placement section onto which an article is placed by the overhead transport vehicle and a scaffold serving as a walkway that allows an operator to walk thereon are provided within the frame below the cells.

The transport system and the storage according to the above aspect enable an operator to easily access and perform maintenance work on the overhead transport vehicle, the grid-patterned rail, and the article, at the article storage suspended from the grid-patterned rail.

The frame is formed so as to surround the plurality of cells in a plan view and the scaffold is formed within the frame so as to cross over the plurality of cells in a plan view, so that the storage onto which articles are placed by the overhead transport vehicle can have a larger space and an operator can access the area within the frame. The overhead transport vehicle travels with the main body being suspended from the grid-patterned rail and the suspender is suspended from the intersection between the first rails and the second rails in the grid-patterned rail, so that the suspender can be disposed without preventing the overhead transport vehicle from traveling and the frame can be installed. The placement sections are provided on both sides of the scaffold, so that an operator can easily access and perform maintenance work on the placement sections from the scaffold. The scaffold is laterally and longitudinally formed so as to cross over the plurality of cells in a plan view, so that an operator can easily access each part of the grid-patterned rail, using the scaffold. The scaffold is provided ranging from the outer edge to the center of the frame in a plan view, so that an operator can easily access the center area of the frame. The frame is an aggregate of frame units disposed adjacent to each other, and further the scaffolds of respective adjacent frame units are formed adjacent to each other, so that the frame is formed as an aggregate of the frame units and the rigidity of the frame can be ensured. The plurality of frame units are provided adjacent to each other, so that the frame units can be densely provided. The scaffolds of the frame units are formed adjacent to each other, so that an operator can easily move onto an adjacent scaffold. A plurality of the placement sections are provided within the frame units and the number of the plurality of placement sections is larger than the number of cells surrounded by the frame units in a plan view, so that the placement sections can be densely provided. The plurality of placement sections are collectively provided in a predetermined area within the frame units in a plan view, and the scaffold is provided in an area other than the predetermined area within the frame units, so that the placement sections can be densely provided and an area with a sufficient size for installing the scaffolds can be ensured.

The frame units include, as the scaffold, the first scaffold being horizontally longitudinal in the first direction and the second scaffold being horizontally longitudinal in the second direction and perpendicular to the first direction, so that the scaffold is provided in two directions. This structure enables the scaffold to be formed more effectively within the frame than a structure of the scaffold being provided in one direction only. The passage width of the first scaffold is shorter than the length of the placement section in the second direction and the passage width of the second scaffold is shorter than the length of the placement section in the first direction, so that the longitudinal space within the frame, in which the placement section cannot be installed, can still be used as a scaffold. Both ends of each of the first scaffold and the second scaffold extend to the vicinities of outer edges, respectively, of the frame, so that an operator can easily access the scaffold inside the frame from outside the frame.

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the below-described embodiments. For detailed explanation of the embodiments, the drawing is partially enlarged or highlighted to change its scale in an appropriate manner. Directions in each of the following drawings will be described using an XYZ coordinate system. In this XYZ coordinate system, a plane horizontal to a horizontal plane is referred to as an XY plane. A direction along this XY plane is an X direction and a direction perpendicular to the X direction is a Y direction. The traveling direction of an overhead transport vehicle <NUM> can be changed from the direction shown in the following drawings to another direction, for example, the overhead transport vehicle may travel in a curved direction. A direction perpendicular to the XY plane is referred to as a Z direction. For each of the X direction, the Y direction, and the Z direction in the drawings, the direction indicated by an arrow is + direction, while the opposite direction thereof is - direction. The direction to pivot around a vertical axis or a Z axis is referred to as a θZ direction.

<FIG> is a side view showing an example of a transport system SYS according to a first preferred embodiment of the present invention. The drawing indicated by the arrow in the <FIG> shows an enlarged view of an intersection R3. <FIG> is a perspective view of an overhead transport vehicle <NUM> used in the transport system SYS shown in <FIG>. <FIG> is a side view of an example of the overhead transport vehicle <NUM> according to the present preferred embodiment. As shown in <FIG>, the overhead transport vehicle <NUM> travels along a rail R of the transport system SYS to transport an article M such as FOUP for accommodating semiconductor wafers or a reticle Pod for accommodating reticles.

The transport system SYS is a system for transporting articles M with the overhead transport vehicle <NUM>, for example, in a clean room of semiconductor manufacturing facility. For example, a plurality of overhead transport vehicles <NUM> may be used in the transport system SYS. Transporting the articles M with a plurality of overhead transport vehicles <NUM> enables a highly dense transportation, improving the transport efficiency of transporting the articles M.

A rail R, which is a form of a rail, is laid on or in the vicinity of a ceiling of a facility such as a clean room. The rail R is a grid-patterned rail having a plurality of first rails R1, a plurality of second rails R2, and a plurality of intersections R3. Hereinafter, the rail R is referred to as a grid-patterned rail R. Each of the first rails R1 extends along the X direction (first direction D1). The first rails R1 are arranged such that the distance (GA1) between the first rails R1 in the Y direction (second direction D2) is constant or substantially constant. Each of the second rails R2 extends along the second direction D2 different from the first direction D1. The second rails R1 are arranged such that the distance (GA2) between the second rails R2 in the X direction (first direction D1) is constant or substantially constant. The second rails R2 intersect with the first rails R1, respectively. The grid-patterned rail R is formed in a grid pattern in a plan view with the first rails R1 and the second rails R2. The grid-patterned rail R forms a plurality of cells C with the first rails R1 and the second rails R2. In the present preferred embodiment, the first direction D1 and the second direction D2 are at right angle to each other. The first rails R1 and the second rails R2 are provided perpendicular to each other but not to directly intersect with each other. The intersection R3 is disposed at the intersection part of the first rail R1 and the second rail R2. The intersection R3 is adjacent to the first rail R1 in the first direction D1 and to the second rail R2 in the second direction D2. The intersection R3 is a connection rail for connecting the first rail R1 and the second rail R2, connecting between the first rails R1, and connecting between the second rails R2. The intersection R3 is a rail that is also used when the overhead transport vehicle <NUM> travels along the first rail R1, when the overhead transport vehicle <NUM> travels along the second rail R2, when the overhead transport vehicle <NUM> travels from the first rail R1 to the second rail R2, and when the overhead transport vehicle <NUM> travels from the second rail R2 to the first rail R1. When seen from the +Z direction in a plan view, the intersection R3 is formed with a rectangular plate member and provided at each of the four corners of the rectangular plate member (refer to the hatching area in <FIG>). In the grid-patterned rail R, the plurality of first rails R1 and the plurality of second rails R2 are provided perpendicular to each other, so that a plurality of cells C (grid cells, cells) are formed adjacent to each other in a plan view. As shown in <FIG>, each of the cells C is surrounded by two of the first rails R1 adjacent to each other in a second direction D2 and two of the second rails R2 adjacent to each other in a first direction D2 in a plan view. <FIG> shows a part of the grid-patterned rail R, and in the grid-patterned rail R the same structures as shown in the figure are continuously formed in the first direction D1 (X direction) and the second direction D2 (Y direction).

The first rail R1, the second rail R2, and the intersection R3 are suspended by a suspending member H (refer to <FIG>) from the ceiling (not shown). The suspending member H includes a first part H1 for suspending the first rail R1, a second part H2 for suspending the second rail R2, and a third part H3 for suspending the intersection R3. The first part H1 and the second part H2 are each attached at both sides of the third part H3.

The first rail R1, the second rail R2, and the intersection R3 include traveling surfaces R1a, R2a, and R3a, respectively, on which a traveling wheel <NUM> (to be described later) of the overhead transport vehicle travels. Two of the traveling surfaces R1a extending along the first direction D1 are provided on one of the first rail R1 side by side the second direction D2. Two of the traveling surfaces R2a extending along in the second direction D2 are provided on one of the second rail R2 side by side in first direction D1. When the overhead transport vehicle <NUM> travels in the first direction D1, the traveling wheel <NUM> travels on the pair of traveling surfaces R1a of the first rail R1 disposed adjacent to each other in the second direction D2. When the overhead transport vehicle <NUM> travels in the second direction D2, the traveling wheel <NUM> travels on the pair of traveling surfaces R2a of the second rail R2 disposed adjacent to each other in the first direction D1. A distance GA1 between the pair of the first rails R1 disposed adjacent to each other and a distance GA2 between the pair of the second rails R2 disposed adjacent to each other are the same or substantially the same. A first gap GP1 is formed between the first rail R1 and the intersection R3 and a second gap GP2 is formed between the second rail R2 and the intersection R3. When the overhead transport vehicle <NUM> travels on the second rail R2 and crosses the first rail R1, a coupler <NUM> (to be described later) being a part of the overhead transport vehicle <NUM> passes through the first gap GP1. When the overhead transport vehicle <NUM> travels on the first rail R1 and crosses the second rail R2, the coupler <NUM> of the overhead transport vehicle <NUM> passes through the second gap GP2. Accordingly, the first gap GP1 and the second gap GP2 (totally, referred to as a gap GP) each have a width that allows the coupler <NUM> of the overhead transport vehicle <NUM> to pass therethrough. The first rail R1, the second rail R2 and the intersection R3 are provided along the same or substantially the same horizontal plane. According to the present preferred embodiment, the traveling surface R1a of the first rail R1, the traveling surface R2a of the second rail R2, and the traveling surface R3a of the intersection R3 are disposed on the same or substantially the same horizontal plane.

The grid-patterned rail R includes a first guide surface G1 and a second guide surface G2. The first guide surface G1 is provided along the first rail R1. According to the present preferred embodiment, the first guide surface G1 is provided on the side of the first rail R1. The second guide surface G2 is provided along the second rail R2. According to the present preferred embodiment, the second guide surface G2 is provided on the side of the second rail R2.

The intersection R3 has a first connection guide surface G3a, a second connection guide surface G3b, and a continuous surface G3c. In the present preferred embodiment, the first connection guide surface G3a is provided at the same or substantially the same height in the same or substantially the same direction as the first guide surface G1. That is to say, the first connection guide surface G3a and the first guide surface G1 are provided on the same plane. The second connection guide surface G3b is provided at the same or substantially the same height in the same or substantially the same direction as the second guide surface G2. That is to say, the second connection guide surface G3b and the second guide surface G2 are provided on the same plane. The continuous surface G3c is formed so as to continuously connect the first connection guide surface G3a with the second connection guide surface G3b. The continuous surface G3c is a curved surface that smoothly connects the first connection guide surface G3a and the second connection guide surface G3b.

As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the overhead transport vehicle <NUM> includes a main body <NUM>, travel units <NUM>, couplers <NUM>, and a controller <NUM> (refer to <FIG>). The controller <NUM> comprehensively controls operations of each part of the overhead transport vehicle <NUM>. The controller <NUM> is installed in the main body <NUM>; however, it may be installed outside the main body <NUM>. The main body <NUM> is arranged below the grid-pattern rail R (-Z direction). The overhead transport vehicle <NUM> travels while the main body <NUM> is suspended from the grid-patterned rail R. The main body <NUM> is formed, for example, in a rectangular shape in a plan view. The main body <NUM> is formed in a size that fits in a cell C (refer to <FIG>) of the grid-patterned rail R in a plan view. This ensures enough space for the overhead transport vehicles <NUM> traveling respectively on the first rail R1 and the second rail R2 adjacent to each other to pass one another. The main body <NUM> includes an upper unit <NUM> and a transfer unit <NUM>. The upper unit <NUM> is suspended from the travel units <NUM> via the coupler <NUM>. The upper unit <NUM> is, for example, of a rectangular shape as seen in a plan view and has four corners on an upper surface 17a.

The main body <NUM> has the traveling wheel <NUM>, the coupler <NUM>, and a direction changing mechanism <NUM> at each of the four corners. In this configuration, the traveling wheels <NUM> arranged at the four corners enable stable suspension of the main body <NUM> and stable traveling of the main body <NUM>.

The transfer unit <NUM> is provided below the upper unit <NUM>. The transfer unit <NUM> can rotate around a rotation axis AX1 in the Z direction (vertical direction). The transfer unit <NUM> has an article holder <NUM> to hold an article M, an elevating driver <NUM> to move the article holder <NUM> up and down in the vertical direction, a sliding mechanism <NUM> to slide the elevating driver <NUM> horizontally, and a rotation unit <NUM> to hold the sliding mechanism <NUM>. The article holder <NUM> suspends and holds an article M by gripping a flange portion Ma of the article M. The article holder <NUM> is, for example, a chuck having a claw 13a movable horizontally. The claw 13a is inserted under the flange portion Ma of the article M to lift up the article holder 13a, so that the article holder <NUM> can hold the article M. The article holder <NUM> is connected to a suspending member 13b such as a wire or a belt.

The elevating driver <NUM>, such as a hoist, reels out the suspending member 13b to lower the article holder <NUM> and reel in the suspending member 13b to lift up the article holder <NUM>. The elevating driver <NUM> is controlled by the controller <NUM> to lift the article holder <NUM> up or down at a predetermined speed. Further, the elevating driver <NUM> is controlled by the controller <NUM> to hold the article holder <NUM> at a targeted level.

The sliding mechanism <NUM> includes, for example, a plurality of movable plates stacked in the Z direction. The movable plates are capable of moving relatively to the X direction. The elevating driver <NUM> is attached to the bottommost movable plate. The sliding mechanism <NUM> moves the movable plates using a driving device (not shown) to slide out the elevating driver <NUM> and the article holder <NUM>, which are attached to the bottommost movable plates, in the horizontal direction perpendicular to the traveling direction of the overhead transport vehicle <NUM>.

The rotation unit <NUM> is provided between the sliding mechanism <NUM> and the upper unit <NUM>. The rotation unit <NUM> includes a rotating member 12a and a rotating driving portion 12b. The driving member 12a is provided to be rotatable around the axis in the vertical direction. The rotating member 12a supports the sliding mechanism <NUM>. The rotation driving potion 12b, for example, an electric motor, drives the rotating member 12a to rotate around the rotation axis AX1. The rotation unit <NUM> is capable of rotating the rotating member 12a by the driving force from the rotation driving portion 12b and rotating the sliding mechanism <NUM> (elevating driver <NUM> and article holder <NUM>) around the rotation axis AX1.

As shown in <FIG>, a cover W may be provided to surround the transfer unit <NUM> and the article M held by the transfer unit <NUM>. The cover W is of a cylindrical shape with an opened bottom edge and has an opening through which the movable plates of the sliding mechanism <NUM> protrude. The top edge of the cover W is attached to the rotating member 12a of the rotation unit <NUM> and the cover W rotates around the rotation axis AX1 along with the rotation of the rotating member 12a.

The travel unit <NUM> includes a traveling wheel <NUM> and auxiliary wheels <NUM>. The traveling wheel <NUM> is arranged at each of four corners of the upper surface 17a of the upper unit <NUM> (main body <NUM>). Each traveling wheel <NUM> is attached to an axle provided on the coupler <NUM>. The axles are provided parallel or substantially parallel to each other along the XY plane. The traveling wheels <NUM> are each rotationally driven by the driving force of a traveling driver <NUM> (to be described later). The traveling wheels <NUM> each roll on the traveling surface R1a, R2a, and R3a of the first rail R1, the second rail R2, and the intersection R3 of the rail R, causing the overhead transport vehicle <NUM> to travel. The configuration is not limited to a configuration in which all of the four traveling wheels <NUM> are driven to rotate by the drive force of the traveling driver <NUM> and may be a configuration in which only some of the four traveling wheels <NUM> are driven to rotate.

The traveling wheel <NUM> is provided pivotably around a pivot AX2 in θZ direction. The direction changing mechanism <NUM> (to be described later) pivots the traveling wheel <NUM> in the θZ direction, which enables the traveling vehicle <NUM> to change its traveling direction. The auxiliary wheels <NUM> are disposed each at the front and rear of the traveling wheel <NUM> in the traveling direction. As with the traveling wheel <NUM>, each of the auxiliary wheels <NUM> is capable of rotate along the XY plane around each of the parallel or substantially parallel axles. Each auxiliary wheel <NUM> is provided such that the bottom edge thereof is higher than the bottom edge of the traveling wheel <NUM>. Accordingly, when the traveling wheel <NUM> travels on the traveling surface R1a, R2a, or R3a, the auxiliary wheels <NUM> do not come into contact with the traveling surface R1a, R2a, or R3a. When the traveling wheel <NUM> passes through the gap GP (refer to <FIG>), the auxiliary wheels <NUM> come into contact with the traveling surface R1a, R2a, or R3a to thereby prevent the traveling wheel <NUM> from getting caught in the gap. The configuration is not limited to a configuration in which two auxiliary wheels <NUM> are provided for a single traveling wheel <NUM> and, for example, may be a configuration in which a single auxiliary wheel <NUM> is provided for a single traveling wheel <NUM>, or no auxiliary wheel <NUM> is provided.

As shown in <FIG>, the coupler <NUM> couples the upper unit <NUM> of the main body <NUM> with the travel unit <NUM>. The coupler <NUM> is provided at each of four corners on the upper surface 17a of the upper unit <NUM> of the main body <NUM>. The main body <NUM> is suspended from the travel unit <NUM> with the coupler <NUM> and arranged below the grid-patterned rail R. The coupler <NUM> includes a supporter <NUM> and a connector <NUM>. The supporter <NUM> rotatably supports a rotation axis of the traveling wheel <NUM> and a rotation axis of the auxiliary wheels <NUM>. The positions of the traveling wheel <NUM> and the auxiliary wheels <NUM> are maintained relative to each other by the supporter <NUM>. The supporter <NUM> is formed, for example, in a plate shape with a thickness that allows it to pass through the gap GP (refer to <FIG>).

The connector <NUM> extending downwards from the supporter <NUM> couples with the upper surface 17a of the upper unit <NUM> and holds the upper unit <NUM>. The connector <NUM> has a transmission mechanism, which transmits the traveling force of the traveling driver <NUM> (to be described later) to the traveling wheel <NUM>. In the transmission mechanism, a chain or a belt may be used, or a gear train may be used. The connector <NUM> is provided pivotably around the pivot AX2 in the θZ direction, which enables the traveling wheel <NUM> to pivot the pivot AX2 via the supporter <NUM> in the θZ direction.

The coupler <NUM> (refer to <FIG>) is provided with the traveling driver <NUM> and the direction changing mechanism <NUM>. The traveling driver <NUM> is attached to the connector <NUM>. The traveling driver <NUM> is a drive source to drive the traveling wheel <NUM>, such as an electric motor. Each of four traveling wheels <NUM> is a driven wheel that is driven by the traveling driver <NUM>. The four traveling wheels <NUM> are controlled by the controller <NUM> to rotate at the same or substantially the same speed. If any of the four traveling wheels <NUM> is not used as a driven wheel, the connector <NUM> of the traveling wheel <NUM> that is not used as a driven wheel is not attached to the traveling driver <NUM>.

The direction changing mechanism <NUM> causes the connector <NUM> of the coupler <NUM> to pivot around the pivot AX, which enables the traveling wheel <NUM> to pivot around the pivot AX2 in the θZ direction. As a result, the traveling direction of the overhead transport vehicle <NUM> can be switched from a first state to a second state or from the second state to the first state. The first state is a state in which the overhead transport vehicle <NUM> travels in the first direction D1 and the second state is a state in which the overhead transport vehicle <NUM> travels in the second direction D2.

The direction changing mechanism <NUM> includes a drive source <NUM>, a pinion gear <NUM>, and a rack <NUM>. The drive source <NUM> is attached to the side of the traveling driver <NUM> apart from the pivot AX2. For example, an electric motor is used as the drive source <NUM>. The pinion gear <NUM> is attached to the bottom surface of the drive source <NUM> and is rotationally driven in the θZ direction by the driving force generated at the drive source <NUM>. The pinion gear <NUM> is in a circular shape in a plan view and includes a plurality of teeth in a circumferential direction of outer periphery. The rack <NUM> is fixed to the upper surface 17a of the upper unit <NUM>. The rack <NUM> is provided at each of four corners on the upper surface 17a of the upper unit <NUM> in a circular-arc shape (fan-shaped) centered on the pivot AX2 of the traveling wheel <NUM>. The rack <NUM> includes a plurality of teeth that engage with the teeth of the pinion gear <NUM> in a circumferential direction of outer periphery.

The pinion gear <NUM> and the rack <NUM> are arranged to engage with each other. The pinion gear <NUM> rotates in the θZ direction, so that the pinion gear <NUM> moves along the outer circumference of the rack <NUM> in a circumferential direction centered on the pivot AX2. This movement of the pinion gear <NUM> causes the connector <NUM> to pivot and, then, causes the traveling driver <NUM> and the direction changing mechanism <NUM> to pivot with the pinion gear <NUM> in the circumferential direction centered on the pivot AX2.

The pivoting of the direction changing mechanism <NUM> causes each of the traveling wheel <NUM> and the auxiliary wheel <NUM> disposed at each of four corners of the upper surface 17a to pivot in the θZ direction within a range of <NUM> degrees centered on the pivot AX2. The controller <NUM> controls how the direction changing mechanism <NUM> drives. The controller <NUM> may instruct the four traveling wheels <NUM> to pivot with the same timing or with different timings. By causing the traveling wheel <NUM> and the auxiliary wheels <NUM> to pivot, the traveling wheel <NUM> shifts from the state of being in contact with one of the first rail R1 and the second rail R2 to the state of being in contact with the other. In other words, the direction of the rotation axis of the traveling wheel <NUM> shifts from one of the first direction D1 and the second direction D2 to the other. As a result, it is possible to switch between the first state where the traveling direction of the transport vehicle V is the first direction D1 (X direction) and the second state where the traveling direction is the second direction D2 (Y direction).

<FIG> is a perspective view of an example of a storage <NUM> according to the first preferred embodiment. <FIG> is a top view of an example of the storage. The transport system SYS includes the storage <NUM> for storing the article M. The storage <NUM> is an overhead buffer (OHB). The storage <NUM> is provided below the grid-patterned rail R. In the present preferred embodiment, the storage <NUM> will be described as a storage unit 60U being a single unit. The storage unit 60U (storage <NUM>) includes suspenders <NUM>, coupling members <NUM>, frame units 63U (frame <NUM>), placement sections <NUM> on which the article M is placed (refer to <FIG>), and a scaffold <NUM>. The placement sections <NUM> and the scaffold <NUM> are provided within the frame units 63U (frame <NUM>) below the cells C. One or more storage units 60U can be provided at any location below the grid-patterned R. The storage unit 60U is attachable to and detachable from the grid-patterned rail R.

The storage unit 60U is formed so as to surround at least one cell C in a plan view. The circumferential shape of the storage unit 60U approximately matches that of the plurality of cells C of the grid-patterned rail R as seen in a plan view. This enables the storage unit <NUM> to be provided without preventing the overhead transport vehicle <NUM> from traveling. In the illustrated configuration example, as seen in a plan view, the shape and size of the storage unit 60U approximately matches the overall circumferential shape and size of the <NUM>×<NUM> cells C, that is, three cells C in the X direction and two cells C in the Y direction (<NUM>×2cells). The storage unit 60U is not limited to the above example and may be formed in any shape. For example, the circumferential shape and size of the storage unit 60U may approximately match the overall circumferential shape and size of the cells C (m × n), that is, m (m being an integer more than or equal to <NUM>) pieces of cells C in the X direction and n (n being an integer more than or equal to <NUM>) pieces of cells C in the Y direction as seen in a plan view. Another example of the shape of the storage unit 60U will be described later.

The storage unit 60U is suspended from the grid-patterned rail R by a plurality of the suspenders <NUM>. Each of the suspenders <NUM> includes a connection portion 61A, a bar-shaped portion 61B, and a fixing portion 61C (refer to <FIG>). All of the suspenders <NUM> have the same configurations. <FIG> is a side view seen from the -Y direction, showing a connection between the grid-patterned rail R and the suspender <NUM>. <FIG> is a perspective view showing a connection between the suspender <NUM> and the frame. The suspender <NUM> is suspended from the intersection R3 (refer to <FIG>). The suspender <NUM> is provided at a position at which it does not interfere with the overhead transport vehicle <NUM> when the overhead transport vehicle <NUM> travels. The connection portion 61A is connected to a connection member <NUM> provided below the intersection R3. The connection member <NUM> is provided in the center of the intersection R3 in a plan view and the connection portion 61A is connected to the center of the intersection R3 in a plan view. The connection portion 61A and the intersection R3, which have a mechanism such as a bolt and a nut, are attachable to and detachable from each other.

A bar-shaped portion 61B is a member extending in a straight line. The bar-shaped portion 61B is provided in the vertical direction. The upper edge of the bar-shaped portion 61B is connected to the bottom edge of the connection portion 61A. The connection portion 61A and the bar-shaped portion 61B, which have a mechanism such as bolt and nut, are attachable to and detachable from each other.

The fixing portion 61C is provided at the bottom edge of the bar-shaped portion 61B (refer to <FIG>). The frame units 63U are fixed to the fixing portion 61C. The fixing portion 61C includes two plate-shaped members 61D and fastening members 61F. Each of the frame units 63U is interposed between the two plate-shaped members 61D from above and below via an intervention member 61E and is fixed to the fixing portion 61C with the fastening members 61F. The two plate-shaped members 61D are fixed with the bar-shaped member 61B. A corner portion 63A of each of four frame units 63U can be fixed to the fixing portion 61C. With this configuration, the frame units 63U of at most four storage units U can be supported by one suspender <NUM>. Accordingly, the plurality of the storage units 60U can be densely provided adjacent to each other. The fixing portion 61C and the bar-shaped portion 61B are attachable to and detachable from each other. The fixing portion 61C and the single frame 63U are attachable to and detachable from each other. According to the above configuration, the suspender <NUM> supports the frame units 63U being suspended from the intersection R3. According to the above configuration, the suspender <NUM> and the frame units 63U are attachable to and detachable from the intersection R3.

When the suspender <NUM> is suspended from the intersection R3 as above, the suspender <NUM> can be disposed without hindering the traveling operation of the overhead transport vehicle <NUM> to install the storage unit 60U. The present preferred embodiment is of a configuration such that the overhead transport vehicle <NUM> can travel through between the suspenders <NUM>. The suspenders <NUM> are not limited to the above configuration and may be of another configuration. For example, the suspender <NUM> may be connected to the first rail R1 or the second rail R2.

The position and the number of the suspenders <NUM> are determined appropriately in accordance with the shape, size, or weight of each part of the storage unit <NUM> such as the frame unit 63U or the placement section <NUM>. In the illustrated example, the suspender <NUM> supports the frame units 63U evenly. A plurality of the suspenders <NUM> are provided at the portions that form the outer circumference of the storage unit 60U as seen in a plan view. Each of the suspenders <NUM> is provided at each corner and so forth of the rectangular outer circumstance of the storage unit 60U as seen in a plan view and is arranged to be rotationally symmetric about the center of the storage unit 61U as seen in a plan view. The positions of the suspenders <NUM> are not limited to the above example. For example, the suspenders may be provided inside the storage unit 61U as seen in a plan view.

<FIG> shows an example of the coupling member <NUM> seen from -Y side. The coupling member <NUM> couples adjacent suspenders <NUM> together. Coupling these adjacent suspenders <NUM> together enables restriction to the movement of the suspenders <NUM>, thus suppressing a sway of the storage unit 60U. In the illustrated example, the shape of the coupling member <NUM> is in a rectangular shape having a plurality of windows 62A. With this configuration, the weight of the coupling member <NUM> is reduced while the strength thereof is maintained. In addition, the window 62A can suppress visibility degradation caused by the coupling member <NUM> blocking the visibility. The overhead transport vehicle <NUM> cannot pass through the coupling member <NUM>, however, can move to each cell C adjacent to the coupling member <NUM>.

The coupling member <NUM> is attachable to and detachable from the bar-shaped portion 61B of the suspender <NUM>. The coupling member <NUM> includes a connection portion 62B connecting to the bar-shaped portion 61B. In the illustrated example, the connection portions 62B are provided at four corners of the coupling member <NUM>.

<FIG> are perspective views showing a connection between the coupling member <NUM> and the suspender <NUM>. <FIG> is a perspective view seen from the -Y side and <FIG> is a perspective view seen from the +Y side. <FIG> are enlarged views of the coupling member <NUM> seen from two directions. The illustrated connection portion 62B of the coupling member <NUM> is one of the four connection portions 62B shown in <FIG>, which is arranged on the +Z side and on the +X side.

The connection portion 62B is connected to a part of the bar-shaped portion 61B of the suspender <NUM>. The connection portion 62B is connected to the bar-shaped portion 61B so as to cover the outer circumstance of the bar-shaped portion 61B. The connection portion 62B is detachable from the bar-shaped portion 61B. The connection portion 62B is vertically fixed to the bar-shaped portion 61B by being screwed from above and below by fixing members 62C such as bolts. With the above configuration, the coupling member <NUM> can be easily installed.

The configuration of the coupling member <NUM> is not limited to the configuration described above as long as it allows the suspenders <NUM> to be coupled with each other. Further, the coupling member <NUM> is optional and may be omitted.

The frame units 63U are a frame <NUM>. The frame units 63U are used for constituting a storage unit 61U and are disposed at the bottom of the storage unit 60U (refer to <FIG>). The frame units 63U are suspended from the grid-patterned rail R by the suspenders <NUM>. As above, the frame units 63U are suspended by a plurality of the suspenders <NUM>. The frame units 63U are provided at the bottom of the suspenders <NUM>. The frame units 63U are arranged below the position of the overhead transport vehicle <NUM> when it is traveling (position denoted by solid lines in <FIG>). The frame units 63U serve as a base that supports respective parts of the storage unit 60U. The frame units 63U are disposed in a direction along the horizontal direction. Each of the frame units 63U is configured by a plurality of members.

The frame units 63U are formed so as to surround at least one cell C in a plan view. The frame units 63U are formed so as to surround a plurality of cells C in a plan view. According to the present preferred embodiment, the frame units 63U surrounds six (<NUM>) cells including three (<NUM>) cells C in the X direction and two (<NUM>) cells C in the Y direction (total six (<NUM>) cells) in a plan view. The outer circumference of the frame units 63U substantially coincides with the outer circumference of the plurality of cells C (six (<NUM>) cells in the present preferred embodiment) in a plan view. With this configuration, the storage unit 60U can be provided without preventing the overhead transport vehicle <NUM> from traveling.

The frame units 63U are arranged at least at the portion forming the outer circumference of the storage unit 60U in a plan view. In the illustrated example, the frame units 63U are disposed at least at four sides of rectangular outer circumference of the storage unit 60U in a plan view. The configuration of each of the frame units 63U is not limited to the configuration example described above. For example, the outer circumference of the frame units 63U need not be of a rectangular shape in a plan view.

The placement section <NUM> (refer to <FIG> and <FIG>) will be now described. The storage unit 60U includes a plurality of placement sections <NUM> on which an article M can be placed. The article M is placed on each of the placement sections <NUM> by the overhead transport vehicle <NUM>. Each of the placement sections <NUM> is provided inside the frame units 63U. The inside of the frame units 63U is an area within the frame units <NUM> in a plan view. Each placement section <NUM> is set to have the same size as that of the outer circumference of the article M in a plan view.

In the configuration example of <FIG>, the plurality of placement sections <NUM> are formed by a plurality of bar-shaped members 64A arranged parallel to each other in a horizontal direction. The bar-shaped members 64A are fixed to the frame units 63U. The bar-shaped member 64A serves as a beam of the frame unit 63U. The top surface of each bar-shaped member 64A, which is planar, is a placement surface on which an article M is placed. An article M is supported by two of the bar-shaped members 64A from below. The article M is held on the placement section <NUM> by being supported by the two bar-shaped members 64A at the position displaced from the center thereof in the +Y direction and the position displaced from the center thereof in the -Y direction. In the illustrated example, the two bar-shaped members 64A are arranged paralleled to each other along the X direction. With the configuration in which the placement section <NUM> is formed by the above bar-shaped members 64A, compared to the configuration in which an article M is placed on a plate-shaped member, the weight of the storage unit 60U can be reduced and the vertical laminar flow (down flow) used for a clean room can be prevented from being blocked.

A positioning mechanism (not shown) such as a kinematic pin capable of positioning an article M is provided on the top surface of the bar-shaped member 64A. The positioning mechanism is provided at each of the placement sections <NUM>. The article M is able to be positioned by the positioning mechanism and placed on the placement section <NUM>.

A greater number of the placement sections <NUM> than the plurality of cells C surrounded by or within the frame units 63U in a plan view are provided. In the illustrated example, the number of the placement sections <NUM> is twelve in total, including four rows of the placement sections in the X direction and three columns of the placement sections in the Y direction (<NUM>×<NUM>). In the illustrated example, the maximum number of placement sections <NUM> that can be installed in an area within the frame units 63U are provided. With this configuration, the placement sections <NUM> can be densely provided.

A predetermined interval is provided between adjacent placement sections <NUM> in order to prevent the article M from colliding therewith when the article M is transported to the placement section <NUM> by the overhead transport vehicle <NUM>. The plurality of placement sections <NUM> are collectively provided in a predetermined area AR1 within the frame units 63U. The area AR1 is a single continuous area. In the configuration example according to the present preferred embodiment, the area AR1 is formed in a rectangular shape as seen in a plan view. The plurality of placement sections <NUM> are collectively provided in the predetermined area AR1, so that the placement sections <NUM> can be densely provided and an area with a sufficient space for installing the scaffold <NUM> can be ensured. In the configuration example according to the present preferred embodiment, the area AR1 is arranged at corners along the outer circumferences of the frame units 63U. This enables effective use of the space within the frame units 63U for the placement section <NUM> and the scaffold <NUM>.

The size of the placement section <NUM> in a plan view is set based on the shape of the article M, and the area AR1 for the plurality of placement sections <NUM> is set so as to include the maximum number of placement sections <NUM>. The overhead transport vehicle <NUM> is configured so as to fit within a single cells C of the grid patterned rail R in a plan view. Even in a case where the center of a placement sections <NUM> deviates from the center of the cell C in a plan view, the article M can still be placed on each placement section <NUM> by the sliding mechanism <NUM> of the overhead transport vehicle <NUM>. As described above, the plurality of placement sections <NUM> according to the present preferred embodiment are densely arranged regardless of cells C of the grid-patterned rail R.

The configuration of the placement section <NUM> is not limited to the configuration example described above, as long as an article M can be placed thereon. For example, the area AR may be formed in any size and shape. Also, the placement section <NUM> is not limited to that composed of the bar-shaped members 64A. For example, the placement section <NUM> may be composed of plate-shaped members. Other configurations of the placement section <NUM> will be described later.

The scaffold <NUM> (refer to <FIG> and <FIG>) will be now described. The scaffold <NUM> is provided inside the frame units 63U. The scaffold <NUM> is formed so as to cross over the plurality of cells in a plan view. The scaffold <NUM> is a walkway that allows an operator U to walk thereon. The scaffold <NUM> is used as a scaffold for the operator U. For example, the scaffold <NUM> is used as a scaffold for the operator U to perform maintenance work on the transport system SYS. Examples of the maintenance of the transport system SYS include maintenance work on the overhead transport vehicle <NUM>, maintenance work on the grid-patterned rail R, and maintenance work on the storage unit 60U itself. The scaffold <NUM> is capable of supporting the operator U. The load capacity of the scaffold <NUM> is at least greater than the weight of a human body. The scaffold <NUM> is a member having a plurality of holes, such as a grated or perforated metal member. The scaffold <NUM> is fixed to the frame units 63U and the bar-shaped members 64A. The scaffold has the plurality of holes mentioned above, so that its weight can be reduced, and the vertical laminar flow (down flow) used for a clean room can be prevented from being blocked compared with a plate-shaped member.

The scaffold <NUM> is provided at an area other than the area AR1 of the plurality of placement sections <NUM>. The scaffold <NUM> is disposed at a position that allows the operator U to access the overhead transport vehicle <NUM>, the grid-patterned rail R, and the plurality of placement sections <NUM> within the frame units 63U. The storage unit 60U according to the present preferred embodiment is formed so that the operator U standing on the scaffold <NUM> can access the overhead transport vehicle <NUM>, the grid-patterned rail R, and the plurality of placement sections <NUM> within the frame units 63U. The scaffold <NUM> includes a first scaffold 65A and a second scaffold 65B (refer to <FIG>). The first scaffold 65A is horizontally longitudinal in the first direction D1 (X direction) and the second scaffold 65B is horizontally longitudinal in the second direction D2 (Y direction) perpendicular to the first direction D1. In the present preferred embodiment, the first scaffold 65A and the second scaffold 65B are arranged so as to form an L shape as seen in a plan view. As described above, the frame units 63U (frame <NUM>) includes the first scaffold 65A longitudinal in the first direction and the second fold 65B longitudinal in the second direction, so that the scaffold <NUM> is formed in the two directions. As a result, compared to a scaffold <NUM> formed in one direction, the scaffold <NUM> can be effectively formed within the frame units 63U.

A width L1 (width of walkway) of the second scaffold 65B in the first direction D1 is smaller than a length L2 of each of the placement section <NUM> (area AR1) and a width L3 of the first scaffold 65A in the second direction D2 is smaller than a length L4 of each of the placement section <NUM> (area AR1) (refer to <FIG>). The width L3 of the first scaffold 65A is shorter than the length L4 of the placement section <NUM> in the second direction D2 and the width L1 of the second scaffold 65B is shorter than the length L2 of the placement section in the first direction D1, so that the longitudinal space, which cannot be used for an installation of the placement section <NUM>, can be effectively used for the scaffold <NUM> within the frame units. In the present preferred embodiment, as described above, within the frame units 63U, the scaffold <NUM> is provided in the area other than the area AR1 in which the largest number of placement sections <NUM> are installed. With this configuration, enough space for the scaffold <NUM> can be ensured while the placement section <NUM> is densely provided.

The first scaffold 65A and the second scaffold 65B are partially connected with or adjacent to each other, allowing the operator U to easily move between the first scaffold 65A and the second scaffold 65B. The edges of one or both of the first scaffold 65A and the second scaffold 65B extend to the vicinity of the outer edges of the frame units 63U. In the present preferred embodiment, both ends of the first scaffold 65A and the second scaffold 65B extend to the vicinity of the outer edges of the frame units 63U. The edge of one or both of the first scaffold 65A and the second scaffold 65B extends to the vicinity of the outer edges of the frame units 63U, allowing the operator U to easily access the scaffold <NUM> within the frame units 63U from the outside of the frame units 63U.

One or both of the first scaffold 65A and the second scaffold 65B are provided along the frame units 63U. In the present preferred embodiment, both of the first scaffold 65A and the second scaffold 65B are provided along the frame units 63U. One or both of the first scaffold 65A and the second scaffold 65B are provided along the frame units 63U, so that the scaffold <NUM> is arranged at the portion having a high strength along the frame unit 63U, and as a result, the strength of the scaffold <NUM> can be ensured.

In the present preferred embodiment, as described above, the frame <NUM> is formed so as to surround the plurality of cells C in a plan view and the scaffold <NUM> is formed within the frame <NUM> so as to cross over the plurality of cells C in a plan view. With this configuration, a larger space can be ensured for the storage <NUM>, onto which the article M is placed by the overhead transport vehicle <NUM>, and the operator U can access the area within the frame <NUM>.

As described above, according to the transport system SYS and the storage <NUM> in the present preferred embodiment, the storage <NUM> includes the scaffold <NUM>, which allows the operator U to easily access and perform maintenance work on the overhead transport vehicle <NUM>, the grid-patterned rail R and the article M, at the storage <NUM>.

A second preferred embodiment will be now described. In the present preferred embodiment, the same reference signs are given to components or parts similar to those in the preferred embodiment described above, and descriptions thereof are omitted or simplified where appropriate. Any configuration applicable to the present preferred embodiment in the matters described in the preferred embodiments herein is applied to the present preferred embodiment as appropriate.

<FIG> is a top view seen from the +Z side showing an example of a transport system SYS2 according to the second preferred embodiment. <FIG> is a perspective view showing an example of the transport system SYS2 according to the second preferred embodiment. <FIG> shows an enlarged view of a part of the transport system SYS2. The transport system SYS2 includes a storage 60A instead of the storage <NUM> of the transport system SYS according to the first preferred embodiment. The configurations in the transport system SYS2 according to the second preferred embodiment are the same as those in the transport system SYS according to the first preferred embodiment except for the storage <NUM> (storage unit 60U) of the first preferred embodiment. <FIG> shows a processing apparatus AP, such as an exposure apparatus, a coater-developer, a film forming apparatus, or an etching equipment. The processing apparatus AP performs a variety of processes on semiconductor wafers contained in a container transported by a vehicle V.

The storage 60A includes a plurality of the storage units 60U arranged in each of the X direction and the Y direction. The storage unit 60U has the same structure as that of the storage unit <NUM> according to the first preferred embodiment. The storage 60A includes the storage units 60U having the same structure, so that the configuration thereof can be simplified, and a reduction can be realized in manufacturing cost. The storage units 60U are arranged adjacent to each other. The frame <NUM> of the storage 60A is an aggregate of the frame units 63U arranged adjacent to each other. In this description, the frame <NUM> means an entire frame of the storage <NUM>, 60A. In the storage units 60U adjacent to each other within the frame <NUM>, the plurality of cells C including three (<NUM>) rows of cells C in the X direction and two (<NUM>) columns of cells C in the Y direction surrounded by each of the storage units 60U are formed adjacent to each other. The suspender <NUM> that suspends adjacent frame units 63U is shared by the plurality of the storage units 60U. The storage 60A includes the storage units 60U arranged adjacent to each other, so that the space for the scaffold <NUM> can be effectively ensured while the placement sections <NUM> are densely provided.

In the plurality of storage units 60U, the scaffolds <NUM> of the adjacent storage units 60U (frame units 63U) are arranged close to each other so as to allow the operator U to move between the scaffolds <NUM>. With this configuration, the operator U can move easily between the scaffolds <NUM> of the adjacent storage units 60U (frame unit 63U). In the storage 60A, the plurality of placement sections <NUM> are provided on both sides of the scaffolds <NUM> in the horizontal direction. With this configuration, the operator U can easily perform maintenance work on the placement section <NUM> from the scaffold <NUM>. The scaffolds <NUM> are arranged thoroughly in the storage 60A in a plan view. The scaffolds <NUM> are provided ranging from the outer circumference to the center of the grid-patterned rail R in the storage 60A in a plan view. The scaffolds <NUM> with this configuration enable the operator U to easily access the center of the grid-patterned rail R. The scaffolds <NUM> are formed laterally and longitudinally so as to cross over the plurality of cells C in a plan view. The scaffolds <NUM> with this configuration enable the operator U to easily access each part of the grid-patterned rail R. In the storage 60A according to the present preferred embodiment, a plurality of the first scaffolds 65A are arranged in the X direction (first direction D1) and a plurality of the second scaffolds 65B are arranged in the Y direction (second direction D2). In the storage 60A, the first scaffolds 65A adjacent to each other in the first direction D1 are arranged at the adjacent storage units 60U in a straight line and the second scaffolds 65B adjacent to each other in the second direction D2 are arranged at the adjacent storage units 60U in a straight line. The first scaffolds 65A extend from the edge of the frame <NUM> to the edge on the opposite side of the frame <NUM> in the first direction D1, and the second scaffolds 65B extend from the edge of the frame <NUM> to the edge on the opposite side of the frame <NUM> in the second direction D2. The first scaffolds 65A and the second scaffolds 65B are arranged in the X direction (first direction D1) and the Y direction (second direction D2) at a predetermined interval, respectively. The scaffolds <NUM> (first scaffolds 65A and second scaffolds 65B) in the storage 60A may be arranged in a grid pattern in a plan view. As described above, the scaffolds <NUM> are arranged in a grid pattern in a plan view, so that the operator U can easily move onto the scaffolds <NUM> and easily access each part within the frame <NUM> (each part in the center area of the grid-patterned rail in a plan view).

In the transport system SYS2 according to the present preferred embodiment, each storage unit 60U is configured so that the operator U on the scaffold <NUM> can access the overhead transport vehicle <NUM> and the plurality of the placement sections <NUM> within the frame units 63U. With this configuration, also when maintenance work needs to be performed within the storage 60A, the operator U does not need to perform operations such as removal of the frame from the storage 60A. As shown in <FIG>, the operator U can easily access the overhead transport vehicle <NUM> and the placement sections <NUM> placed within the storage 60A.

In the storage 60A, the scaffolds <NUM> extend to the vicinity of the outer edge of the storage 60A. Therefore, the operator U can easily enter the inside of the storage 60A from the outside of the storage 60A.

As described above, in the present preferred embodiment, the frame <NUM> is an aggregate of the plurality of frame units 63U arranged adjacent to each other, and the scaffolds <NUM> of the adjacent frame units 63U are formed adjacent to each other. With this configuration, the frame <NUM> is formed as an aggregate of the plurality of frame units 63U, so that the rigidity of the frame can be ensured. The plurality of frame units 63U are arranged adjacent to each other, so that the frame units 63U can be densely provided. In addition, the scaffolds <NUM> of the frame units 63U are formed adjacent to each other, so that the operator U can easily move between the scaffolds <NUM> of the adjacent frame units 63U.

As described above, the transport system SYS2 according to the present preferred embodiment includes the plurality of storage units 60U arranged adjacent to each other. With this configuration, the placement sections <NUM> can be densely provided without hindering the traveling operation of the overhead transport vehicle <NUM>, and at the storage 60A for storing an article M suspended from the grid-patterned rail R, the operator U can easily access the overhead transport vehicle <NUM>, the grid-patterned rail R, and an article M that are placed within the storage 60A.

As described above, the transport systems SYS, SYS2 according to the preferred embodiments of the present invention are provided with the grid-patterned rail R including a plurality of first rails R1 extending in the first direction D1 and a plurality of second rails R2 extending in the second direction D2 different from the first direction D1 and forming a plurality of the cells C with the plurality of first rails R1 and the plurality of second rails R2, the overhead transport vehicle <NUM> that travels along the grid-patterned rail R, the suspenders <NUM> suspended from the grid-patterned rail R, the frame <NUM> surrounding at least one cell C in a plan view and provided below the suspenders <NUM>, the placement sections <NUM> provided within the frame <NUM> and on which an article M is placed by the overhead transport vehicle <NUM>, and the scaffold <NUM> provided within the frame <NUM> and serving as a walkway that allows the operator U to walk thereon. With the above configuration, the scaffold <NUM> is provided in the storages <NUM>, 60A that store articles M and are suspended from the grid-patterned rail R, so that the operator U can easily access and perform maintenance work on the overhead transport vehicle <NUM>, the grid-patterned rail R, and the article M. In the transport systems SYS, SYS2, configurations other than those described above are optional and may or may not be provided.

The storages <NUM>, 60A of the present preferred embodiments are used to store the article M in the above transport systems SYS, SYS2 and include the suspenders <NUM> suspended from the grid-patterned rail R, the frame <NUM> surrounding at least one cell C in a plan view and provided below the suspenders <NUM>, the placement sections <NUM> provided within the frame <NUM> and on which an article M is placed by the overhead transport vehicle <NUM>, and the scaffold <NUM> provided within the frame <NUM> and serving as a walkway that allows the operator U to walk thereon. According to the above configuration, the scaffold <NUM> is provided in the storages <NUM>, 60A that store articles M and are suspended from the grid-patterned rail R, so that the operator U can easily access and perform maintenance work on the overhead transport vehicle <NUM>, the grid-patterned rail R, and article M. In the storages <NUM>, 60A, configurations other than those described above are optional and may or may not be provided.

The technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the aspects described in the above preferred embodiments. One or more requirements described in the above embodiments may be omitted. The requirements described in the above embodiments may be combined in an appropriate manner. To the extent permitted by law, disclosure of all the documents cited in <CIT> and in the above embodiments, etc., is incorporated herein by reference to form a part of the description hereof.

For example, the configurations of the plurality of placement sections <NUM> and the scaffolds <NUM> (first scaffold 65A, second scaffold 65B) in each storage unit 60U are not limited to the above configurations. <FIG> and <FIG> show other examples of the placement sections <NUM> and the scaffolds <NUM> with the frame <NUM> and so forth being omitted for simplification. For example, as shown in <FIG>, the plurality of the placement sections <NUM> may be arranged in two areas, AR3 and AR4 in the storage unit 60U. The scaffold <NUM> (first scaffold 65A, second scaffold 65B) may be formed in a T-shape as seen in a plan view. Six (<NUM>) placement sections <NUM> arranged in <NUM> rows in the X direction and in <NUM> columns in the Y direction (<NUM>×<NUM>) are included in each of the area AR3 and the area AR4. The area AR3 is provided on the -X side and the +Y side of the frame unit 63U in a plan view and the area AR4 is provided on the +X side and the +Y side of the frame unit 63U in a plan view. The edges of first scaffold 65A and the second scaffold 65B extend to the vicinity of the outer edges of the frame units 63U. The first scaffold 65A is provided along the frame unit 63U. The second scaffold 65B is provided in the center of the frame unit 63U in the X direction. The first scaffold 65A and the second scaffold 65B are partially connected to or adjacent to each other. The first scaffolds 65A in the two storage units 60U are close to each other so that the operator U can move therebetween.

As shown in <FIG>, the plurality of placement sections <NUM> may be arranged in four areas AR5, AR6, AR7, and AR8 in each of the storage units 60U. The scaffold <NUM> (first scaffold 65A, second scaffold 65B) may be formed in a cross shape as seen in a plan view. Four (<NUM>) placement sections <NUM> arranged in two (<NUM>) rows in the X direction and two (<NUM>) columns in the Y direction (<NUM>×<NUM>) are included in the areas AR5 and AR6, respectively. Two (<NUM>) placement sections <NUM> arranged in two (<NUM>) rows in the X direction and one (<NUM>) column in the Y direction (<NUM>×<NUM>) are included in the areas AR7 and AR8, respectively. The area AR5 is located on the -X side and the +Y side of the frame unit 63U in a plan view. The area AR6 is located on the +X side and the +Y side of the frame unit 63U in a plan view. The area AR7 is located on the -X side and the -Y side of the frame unit 63U in a plan view. The area AR8 is located on the +X side and the -Y side of the frame unit 63U in a plan view. Both edges of each of the first scaffold 65A and the second scaffold 65B extend to the vicinity of outer edges of the frame units 63U. The first scaffold 65A is provided along the frame unit 63U and the second scaffold 65B is provided in the center of the frame unit 63U in the X direction. The first scaffold 65A is provided at the inner portion of the frame units 63U in the Y direction. The first scaffold 65A and the second scaffold 65B are partially connected with or adjacent to each other. The first scaffolds 65A of the two storage units 60U are close to each other so that the operator U can move therebetween.

In the above description, in the storage 60A, each of the storage units 60U includes the plurality of placement sections <NUM> and the scaffold <NUM> (first scaffold 65A and second scaffold 65B) each having the same configuration. However, the invention is not limited to such a configuration example. For example, the placement sections <NUM> and the scaffold <NUM> (first scaffold 65A and second scaffold 65B) included in each storage unit 60U may have configurations different from each other.

In the above description, the storage 60A includes the plurality of storage units 60U as shown in the example of <FIG>. However, the invention is not limited to such an example. <FIG> are perspective views of other examples of the storage 60A. <FIG> are views simplified by omitting the placement section <NUM> and the scaffold <NUM>. For example, in the storage 60A, two (<NUM>) storage units 60U may be arranged adjacent to each other in the X direction as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>. The storage units 60U may be arranged adjacent to each other in a C-shape as seen in a plan view as shown in <FIG>. The storage units 60U may be arranged adjacent to each other in a L-shape as seen in a plan view as shown in <FIG>. Six (<NUM>) storage units 60U may be arranged in two (<NUM>) rows in the X direction and three (<NUM>) columns in the Y direction (<NUM>×<NUM>) as shown in <FIG>.

In the example of the first preferred embodiment, the storage unit 60U includes the coupling members <NUM>. However, the invention is not limited to such an example, and the coupling members <NUM> need not be included. For example, when the plurality of storage units 60U are included in the storage 60A as shown in <FIG>, the coupling members <NUM> may be included in some of the storage units 60U. For example, the coupling members <NUM> may be provided at the corners of the storage 60A. This enables effective suppression of a sway of the entire storage units 60U.

Further, a purge apparatus that replaces gas inside the article M, such as a FOUP, may be provided at the storage <NUM>, 60A (storage unit 60U).

In the above preferred embodiments, the grid-patterned rail R is formed with the first rails R1 (first direction D1) and the second rails R2 (second direction D2) that are perpendicular to each other. However, the invention is not limited to such an example. For example, the first rails R1 and the second rails R2 that are not perpendicular to each other may be used. Further, the rail R is not limited to the form exemplified by the grid-patterned rail R, in which the first rails R1 and the second rails R2 are intersecting with each other. For example, the rail R may be of a form in which the second rail R2 is arranged as being curved from the end of the first rail R1.

In the above embodiments of the present invention, the overhead transport vehicle <NUM> travels while holding an article M below the grid-patterned rail R However, the invention is not limited to such an example. For example, the transport systems SYS, SYS2 and the storages <NUM>, 60A (storage unit 60U) may include the overhead transport vehicle <NUM> that travels while holding an article M above the grid-patterned rail R.

The configurations of the storages <NUM>, 60A in the transport systems SYS, SYS2 described above are merely examples and do not limit configurations of storages <NUM>, 60A. For example, the transport systems SYS, SYS2 may be any configuration that includes the suspenders suspended from the grid-patterned rail R, the frame <NUM> surrounding at least one cell in a plan view and provided below the suspenders, the placement sections <NUM> provided within the frame <NUM> and on which an article M is placed by the overhead transport vehicle <NUM>, and the scaffold <NUM> provided within the frame <NUM> and serving as a walkway that allows the operator U to walk thereon, and may not be limited to the configuration examples of the preferred embodiments described above. For example, the storages <NUM>, 60A need not be constituted by the storage unit 60U.

Claim 1:
A transport system (SYS, SYS2), comprising:
a grid-patterned rail (R) that has a plurality of first rails (R1) extending in a first direction (D1) and a plurality of second rails (R2) extending in a second direction (D2) different from the first direction (D1) and intersecting with the first rails (R1), and forms a plurality of cells (C) with the plurality of first rails (R1) and the plurality of second rails (R2);
an overhead transport vehicle (<NUM>) that is configured to travel along the grid-patterned rail (R);
a suspender (<NUM>) suspended from the grid-patterned rail (R); and
a frame (<NUM>) that surrounds at least one of the cells (C) in a plan view and is provided below the suspender (<NUM>),
wherein a placement section (<NUM>) onto which an article is to be placed by the overhead transport vehicle (<NUM>) and a scaffold (<NUM>) serving as a walkway that allows an operator to walk thereon are provided within the frame (<NUM>) below the cells (C).