JP2005064130A - Carrier device - Google Patents

Carrier device Download PDF

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Publication number
JP2005064130A
JP2005064130A JP2003290390A JP2003290390A JP2005064130A JP 2005064130 A JP2005064130 A JP 2005064130A JP 2003290390 A JP2003290390 A JP 2003290390A JP 2003290390 A JP2003290390 A JP 2003290390A JP 2005064130 A JP2005064130 A JP 2005064130A
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support surface
surface portion
claw member
conveyed
claw
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JP2003290390A
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JP4239748B2 (en
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Senzo Kutoku
千三 久徳
Tatsuya Kumehashi
達也 久米橋
Masanao Murata
正直 村田
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Asyst Shinko Inc
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Asyst Shinko Inc
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Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent a housing container 51 from being shocked or shaked, or dropping off due to hooking of a claw member 33 on a supporting surface. <P>SOLUTION: The housing container 51 is lowered while its supporting surface 53b is held by claw members 33 and 33, and it is once placed at position. Then, the claw members 33 and 33 are evacuated to the side of the housing container 51, and only the claw members 33 and 33 are elevated and they are entered under the supporting surface 53b from the side of the housing container 51 being kept placed. The claw members 33 and 33 are elevated to lift up the housing container 51 while the supporting surface 53b is held. In addition, position regulating members 35 and 35 are provided to much more position the side of the supporting surface 53b on the entry side than the tip side of the claw members 33 and 33 evacuated to the side of the housing container 51 when only the claw members 33 and 33 are elevated. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

本発明は、被搬送物を爪部材で両側から挟み込んで上下方向に支持しながら搬送する搬送装置に関するものである。   The present invention relates to a transport device that transports an object to be transported while sandwiching it from both sides with a claw member and supporting it in the vertical direction.

例えば半導体製造施設においては、ウエハへの塵埃の付着を防止するため、FOUP(front opening unified pod)等の収納容器にウエハを収納した状態で搬送を行っている。収納容器の搬送にあたっては、特許文献1に示されているように、収納容器の側面上部に突起状等の支持部を形成し、この支持部を搬送装置の爪部材で両側から挟み込むようにして把持した後、爪部材を上下方向および水平方向に移動させることによって、収納容器を所定の載置部に載置する。そして、収納容器の載置が完了すると、爪部材を開いて支持部から離隔し、爪部材を上昇等させて収納容器から退避させることによって、収容容器内のウエハを取り出し可能な状態にする。
特開平09−221203号公報
For example, in a semiconductor manufacturing facility, in order to prevent dust from adhering to a wafer, the wafer is transferred in a state where the wafer is stored in a storage container such as a FOUP (front opening unified pod). When transporting the storage container, as shown in Patent Document 1, a support portion such as a protrusion is formed on the upper side of the storage container, and the support portion is sandwiched from both sides by a claw member of the transport device. After gripping, the storage container is placed on a predetermined placement portion by moving the claw member in the vertical direction and the horizontal direction. When the placement of the storage container is completed, the claw member is opened and separated from the support portion, and the claw member is lifted and retracted from the storage container so that the wafer in the storage container can be taken out.
JP 09-221203 A

しかしながら、上記のように収納容器の支持部を爪部材で挟み込むようにして把持する搬送装置においては、収納容器が正規の位置に載置されていることを前提に爪部材を位置決めするため、収納容器が正規の位置から外れていると、爪部材が支持部や支持部とは異なる部分に衝突する場合がある。また、爪部材による支持部の把持が不十分となって搬送中に収納容器が落下する場合もある。そして、このようして衝突や落下が起ると、衝撃によりウエハが破損したり、収納容器内に塵埃が飛散してウエハを汚染する原因になる。また、収納容器から爪部材を離隔させる場合においても、収納容器が正規の位置から外れると、爪部材の退避途中に、爪部材が収納容器の支持部等に引っ掛かる結果、上述のウエハの破損や汚染の原因となる衝撃を収納容器に与える場合がある。   However, in the transport device that holds the support portion of the storage container so as to be sandwiched between the claw members as described above, the claw member is positioned on the assumption that the storage container is placed at a proper position. If the container is out of the normal position, the claw member may collide with a support part or a part different from the support part. In addition, the holding container may not be sufficiently gripped by the claw member, and the storage container may fall during transportation. If such a collision or a drop occurs, the wafer is damaged by the impact, or dust is scattered in the storage container to contaminate the wafer. Even when the claw member is separated from the storage container, if the storage container is removed from the normal position, the claw member is caught on the support portion of the storage container while the claw member is being retracted. The container may be given an impact that causes contamination.

このように、従来においては、収納容器が正規の位置から外れたり、正規の位置から外れた収納容器を検出して爪部材の位置決めを調整できないという問題点がある。   As described above, conventionally, there is a problem that the storage container is out of the normal position, or the positioning of the claw member cannot be adjusted by detecting the storage container out of the normal position.

本発明は、被搬送物の支持面部を両側から挟み込んで下側から上下方向に支持する爪部材と、前記被搬送物の支持面部の真下側から外側までの範囲で前記爪部材を水平方向に移動可能な水平移動機構と、前記被搬送物を載置高さ位置から搬送高さ位置までの範囲で昇降させるように前記爪部材を上下方向に移動可能な昇降機構と、前記被搬送物の支持面部を爪部材で支持しながら下降させて載置状態とした後、該支持面部から爪部材を被搬送物の側方に退避させ、爪部材のみを上昇させる装着制御手段と、載置状態にされた被搬送物の側方から支持面部の下側に爪部材を進入させた後、該爪部材の上昇により支持面部を支持しながら被搬送物を上昇させる抜脱制御手段と、前記装着制御手段による爪部材のみの上昇時に、前記被搬送物の側方に退避された爪部材の先端部よりも進入側に前記支持面部の側面を位置させる当接部材とを有することを特徴としている。これにより、爪部材が支持面部に引っ掛かることによる被搬送物の衝撃や揺れ、脱落を防止することができる。   The present invention provides a claw member that sandwiches the support surface portion of the object to be conveyed from both sides and supports it vertically from the lower side, and the claw member in the horizontal direction within a range from directly below the support surface portion of the object to be conveyed to the outside. A movable horizontal movement mechanism, an elevating mechanism capable of moving the claw member in the vertical direction so as to raise and lower the conveyed object in a range from a placement height position to a conveying height position; A mounting control means for lowering the support surface portion while supporting the support surface portion with the claw member to set the mounting state, and then retracting the claw member from the support surface portion to the side of the object to be transported to raise only the claw member; An attachment / detachment control means for raising the object to be conveyed while supporting the support surface part by ascending the claw member after the claw member has entered from the side of the conveyed object to the lower side of the support surface part, and the mounting When only the claw member is raised by the control means, It is characterized in that from the front end portion of the saved pawl member and a contact member to position the side surfaces of the support surface on the entry side. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the object to be transported from being impacted, shaken, or dropped due to the claw member being caught on the support surface portion.

また、本発明は、被搬送物の支持面部を両側から挟み込んで下側から上下方向に支持する爪部材と、前記被搬送物の支持面部の真下側から外側までの範囲で前記爪部材を水平方向に移動可能な水平移動機構と、前記被搬送物を載置高さ位置から搬送高さ位置までの範囲で昇降させるように前記爪部材を上下方向に移動可能な昇降機構と、前記爪部材が前記被搬送物の支持面部に当接したことを検知する保持検知センサーと、載置状態にされた前記被搬送物の支持面部と前記爪部材とを非接触で対向可能にする水平移動高さ位置の水平面内に前記爪部材が存在するときに、前記被搬送物の所定部位を検知する高さ位置検知センサーと、 前記被搬送物の支持面部を爪部材で支持しながら下降させて載置状態とし、前記高さ位置検知センサーにより爪部材が支持面部に対して非接触になったことを確認した後、該支持面部から爪部材を被搬送物の側方に退避させ、爪部材のみを上昇させる装着制御手段と、載置状態にされた被搬送物の支持面部に対して前記爪部材が非接触の進入高さ位置であることを前記高さ位置検知センサーにより確認した後、被搬送物の側方から支持面部の下側に爪部材を進入させ、前記保持検知センサーにより爪部材が支持面部に当接したことを確認した後、該爪部材の上昇により支持面部を支持しながら被搬送物を上昇させる抜脱制御手段とを有することを特徴としている。   Further, the present invention provides a claw member that sandwiches the support surface portion of the object to be conveyed from both sides and supports it from the lower side to the up and down direction, and the claw member horizontally in a range from directly below to the outside of the support surface part of the object to be conveyed. A horizontal movement mechanism that can move in a direction, a lifting mechanism that can move the claw member up and down so as to raise and lower the object to be moved in a range from a placement height position to a conveyance height position, and the claw member A horizontal movement height that allows the support surface portion of the object to be transported and the claw member to face each other in a non-contact manner. When the claw member is present in a horizontal plane at a vertical position, a height position detection sensor that detects a predetermined portion of the transported object and a support surface portion of the transported object are lowered while being supported by the claw member. Placed by the height position detection sensor. After confirming that the claw member is not in contact with the support surface portion, the mounting control means for retracting the claw member from the support surface portion to the side of the object to be transported and raising only the claw member, and the mounting state After confirming by the height position detection sensor that the claw member is in a non-contact approach height position with respect to the support surface portion of the transported object, the lower side of the support surface portion from the side of the transport object And a removal control means for raising the object to be conveyed while supporting the support surface portion by raising the claw member after confirming that the claw member is in contact with the support surface portion by the holding detection sensor. It is characterized by having.

これにより、装着動作時および抜脱動作時において、被搬送物に爪部材が衝突して衝撃を与えたり、被搬送物に爪部材を引っ掛けて脱落させる等の原因を解消することができる。   As a result, it is possible to eliminate causes such as the claw member colliding with the object to be transported and giving an impact during the mounting operation and the withdrawal operation, or the claw member being hooked on the object to be dropped.

また、本発明は、軌道上を走行する走行台車と、前記走行台車に吊り下げ状態に昇降可能に支持された保持体と、前記保持体に設けられ、被搬送物の支持面部を両側から進退移動させることにより下側から上下方向に支持する一対の爪部材と、前記爪部材が前記被搬送物の支持面部に当接したことを検知する保持検知センサーと、載置状態にされた前記被搬送物の支持面部と前記爪部材とを非接触で対向可能にする水平移動高さ位置の水平面内に前記爪部材が存在するときに、前記被搬送物の所定部位を検知する高さ位置検知センサーと、前記被搬送物の支持面部を爪部材で支持しながら下降させて載置状態とし、前記高さ位置検知センサーにより爪部材が支持面部に対して非接触になったことを確認した後、該支持面部から爪部材を被搬送物の側方に退避させ、爪部材のみを上昇させる装着制御手段と、載置状態にされた被搬送物の支持面部に対して前記爪部材が非接触の進入高さ位置であることを前記高さ位置検知センサーにより確認した後、被搬送物の側方から支持面部の下側に爪部材を進入させ、前記保持検知センサーにより爪部材が支持面部に当接したことを確認した後、該爪部材の上昇により支持面部を支持しながら被搬送物を上昇させる抜脱制御手段とを有することを特徴としている。これにより、装着時や抜脱時において、被搬送物に爪部材が衝突して衝撃を与えたり、被搬送物に爪部材を引っ掛けて脱落させる等の原因を解消することができる。   The present invention also provides a traveling carriage that travels on a track, a holding body that is supported by the traveling carriage so as to be lifted and lowered, and a support surface portion of an object to be conveyed that moves forward and backward from both sides. A pair of claw members that are supported in the vertical direction from the lower side by being moved, a holding detection sensor that detects that the claw member is in contact with a support surface portion of the object to be conveyed, and the object that is placed. Height position detection for detecting a predetermined portion of the object to be conveyed when the nail member is present in a horizontal plane at a horizontal movement height position that allows the support surface portion of the object to be conveyed and the nail member to face each other without contact. After the sensor and the support surface portion of the object to be transported are lowered while being supported by the claw member to be placed, and after confirming that the claw member is not in contact with the support surface portion by the height position detection sensor The claw member is conveyed from the support surface. A mounting control means for lifting only the claw member to the side of the claw member, and that the claw member is in a non-contact approach height position with respect to the support surface portion of the object to be transported placed. After confirming by the position detection sensor, the claw member is entered from the side of the conveyed object to the lower side of the support surface portion, and after confirming that the claw member is in contact with the support surface portion by the holding detection sensor, It is characterized by having a removal control means for raising the object to be conveyed while supporting the support surface portion by raising the member. Thereby, at the time of attachment or removal, it is possible to eliminate causes such as the claw member colliding with the object to be conveyed and giving an impact, or the nail member being hooked on the object to be dropped and dropping.

また、本発明は、前記被搬送物の側方に退避された爪部材の先端部よりも進入側に前記支持面部の側面を位置させる位置規制部材を有することを特徴としている。これにより、爪部材が支持面部に引っ掛かることによる被搬送物の衝撃や揺れ、脱落を防止することができる。   Further, the present invention is characterized by having a position regulating member that positions the side surface of the support surface portion closer to the entry side than the tip portion of the claw member retracted to the side of the conveyed object. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the object to be transported from being impacted, shaken, or dropped due to the claw member being caught on the support surface portion.

また、本発明は、前記位置規制部材は、前記一対の爪部材間の中心位置に前記被搬送物の支持面部を位置決めするように左右対称に設けられていることを特徴としている。これにより、被搬送物の支持面部と一対の爪部材との位置関係を常に一定の状態に維持させることができるため、爪部材が支持面部に引っ掛かる等による被搬送物の衝撃や揺れ、脱落をより一層十分に防止することができる。   Further, the present invention is characterized in that the position restricting member is provided symmetrically so as to position the support surface portion of the conveyed object at a center position between the pair of claw members. As a result, the positional relationship between the support surface portion of the object to be conveyed and the pair of claw members can always be maintained in a constant state, so that the object to be conveyed can be prevented from being shocked, shaken, or dropped due to the claw member being caught on the support surface portion. This can be prevented more sufficiently.

また、本発明は、前記高さ位置検知センサーが前記位置規制部材に設けられていることを特徴としている。これにより、高さ位置検知センサーの取り付けを容易に行うことができる。   Further, the present invention is characterized in that the height position detection sensor is provided on the position regulating member. Thereby, attachment of a height position detection sensor can be performed easily.

また、本発明は、前記装着制御手段は、前記被搬送物の支持面部を爪部材で支持しながら下降させて載置状態とする際に、載置状態に載置するときの下降速度が最も低速となるように、下降速度を可変する下降速度制御手段を有することを特徴としている。これにより、被搬送物の載置を短時間で完了できると共に、安定して行うことができる。   Further, according to the present invention, when the mounting control unit lowers the support surface portion of the object to be transported while supporting it with the claw member and sets the mounting state, the lowering speed when mounting in the mounting state is the highest. It is characterized by having a descending speed control means for varying the descending speed so as to be low. Thereby, the placement of the object to be conveyed can be completed in a short time and can be performed stably.

本発明の搬送装置は、爪部材が支持面部に引っ掛かることによる被搬送物の衝撃や揺れ、脱落を防止することができるという利点がある。   The conveyance device of the present invention has an advantage that the object to be conveyed can be prevented from being shocked, shaken, or dropped due to the claw member being caught on the support surface portion.

本発明の実施形態を図1ないし図13に基づいて以下に説明する。
本実施例に係る搬送装置の一種である懸垂搬送装置は、半導体製品製造施設のように、工程内や工程間において処理対象物を搬送して処理を加えながら最終製品とする施設の搬送システムに適用される。尚、以降の説明においては、半導体基板や液晶表示装置用ガラス基板、フォトマスク用ガラス基板、光ディスク用基板等の処理対象物を搬送する搬送システムに適用した場合について説明するが、これに限定されるものではなく、電子部品や機械部品、化学品、食品、書類等の荷物を搬送する全業種の搬送システムに適用することができる。
An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS.
A suspended transfer device, which is a type of transfer device according to the present embodiment, is used in a transfer system of a facility that is used as a final product while transferring an object to be processed in a process or between processes as in a semiconductor product manufacturing facility. Applied. In the following description, a case where the present invention is applied to a transport system that transports an object to be processed such as a semiconductor substrate, a glass substrate for a liquid crystal display device, a glass substrate for a photomask, and a substrate for an optical disk will be described. However, the present invention can be applied to a transport system for all industries that transports electronic parts, mechanical parts, chemicals, foods, documents, and other items.

上記の搬送システムは、図13に示すように、OHT(over head hoist transport)方式の搬送方式およびリニア駆動方式の走行方式を採用している。この搬送システムは、天井面に固設されたレール機構21と、レール機構21に沿って走行する懸垂搬送装置1とを有している。レール機構21は、直線軌道や曲線軌道、分岐軌道等を形成する各種のモジュールの組み合わせからなっており、これら各種のモジュールを組み合せることによって、CVD装置等の処理装置17の上方や側方を通過する搬送軌道を形成している。   As shown in FIG. 13, the transport system employs an OHT (over head hoist transport) transport system and a linear drive travel system. This transport system includes a rail mechanism 21 fixed on the ceiling surface and a suspended transport device 1 that travels along the rail mechanism 21. The rail mechanism 21 is composed of a combination of various modules that form a straight track, a curved track, a branch track, and the like. By combining these various modules, the upper and side of the processing apparatus 17 such as a CVD apparatus can be provided. A passing trajectory is formed.

レール機構21の各モジュールは、押出し成形等により形成された中空状のレール枠体22と、レール枠体22を天井面に取り付ける固定具23とを有している。レール枠体22は、鉛直方向に配置される左側面壁22aおよび右側面壁22bと、両側面壁22a・22bの上端部同士を連結した上面壁22cとを有している。上面壁22cの下面中心部には、永久磁石24(二次側磁石)が長手方向に設けられている。また、左側面壁22aと右側面壁22bとは、左右対称に形成されている。各側面壁22a・22bの下端位置には、下面部22d・22dが形成されている。下面部22d・22dは、内側方向に向けて形成されており、下面部22d・22d同士が対向されたときに、懸垂搬送装置1の後述する棒状支持部材5が通過する最小限の隙間を出現させる程度の長さに設定されている。   Each module of the rail mechanism 21 has a hollow rail frame body 22 formed by extrusion molding or the like, and a fixture 23 for attaching the rail frame body 22 to the ceiling surface. The rail frame 22 has a left side wall 22a and a right side wall 22b that are arranged in the vertical direction, and an upper surface wall 22c that connects the upper ends of both side walls 22a and 22b. A permanent magnet 24 (secondary magnet) is provided in the longitudinal direction at the center of the lower surface of the upper surface wall 22c. The left side wall 22a and the right side wall 22b are formed symmetrically. Lower surface portions 22d and 22d are formed at the lower end positions of the side walls 22a and 22b. The lower surface portions 22d and 22d are formed toward the inner side, and when the lower surface portions 22d and 22d are opposed to each other, a minimum gap through which a rod-like support member 5 (described later) of the suspended conveying device 1 passes appears. It is set to a length that allows

また、各側壁部22a・22bの中間位置には、ガイド部22eが形成されている。ガイド部22eは、上面壁22cに対して平行に配置され、先端部が下方に曲折されている。ガイド部22eは、懸垂搬送装置1の後述するガイドローラ14に係合可能に配置されている。そして、ガイド部22eは、搬送径路が2方向に分岐されている場合、ガイドローラ14の係合により懸垂搬送装置1を何れかの分岐方向に進行させるようになっている。   A guide portion 22e is formed at an intermediate position between the side wall portions 22a and 22b. The guide portion 22e is arranged in parallel to the upper surface wall 22c, and the tip portion is bent downward. The guide portion 22e is disposed so as to be engageable with a guide roller 14 described later of the suspension conveyance device 1. When the conveyance path is branched in two directions, the guide portion 22e advances the suspension conveyance device 1 in any one of the branch directions by the engagement of the guide roller 14.

上記のガイド部22eと上面壁22cとの間には、絶縁材料で形成された支持梁25・25が上下一対に設けられている。各支持梁25の先端部には、一次給電線16がそれぞれ設けられている。また、支持梁25は、一次給電線16を搬送軌道の全長に渡って一定の高さ位置に保持するように、搬送軌道方向に所定の間隔で配置されている。一次給電線16は、図示しない給電装置に接続されており、給電装置からの高周波電力を懸垂搬送装置1の後述する給電機構15に供給するようになっている。   A pair of upper and lower support beams 25 and 25 made of an insulating material are provided between the guide portion 22e and the upper surface wall 22c. A primary power supply line 16 is provided at the tip of each support beam 25. Further, the support beams 25 are arranged at a predetermined interval in the transport track direction so as to hold the primary power supply line 16 at a constant height position over the entire length of the transport track. The primary power supply line 16 is connected to a power supply device (not shown), and supplies high-frequency power from the power supply device to a power supply mechanism 15 (described later) of the suspended transfer device 1.

上記のように構成されたレール枠体22は、懸垂搬送装置1を走行可能に係合している。懸垂搬送装置1は、収納容器51を昇降可能に保持および懸吊する昇降懸吊機構3と、昇降懸吊機構3の上面に連結された駆動機構4とを有している。尚、収納容器51は、一部が外部雰囲気に解放されたOC(open cassette)形式や、容器内部が密閉されたFOUP(front opening unified pod)形式のキャリアであり、内部にウエハを収納する収納箱52と、収納箱52の上面に設けられたフランジ部材53とを有している。フランジ部材53は、収納箱52の上面に突出された胴部53aと、胴部53aの上端に形成され、胴部53aの外径よりも大きな外径を有する支持面部53bとを有しており、縦断面がT字形状に形成されている。   The rail frame 22 configured as described above is engaged with the suspension transfer device 1 so as to be able to travel. The suspension transfer device 1 includes a lifting / lowering mechanism 3 that holds and suspends the storage container 51 so that it can be lifted and lowered, and a drive mechanism 4 that is connected to the upper surface of the lifting / lowering mechanism 3. The storage container 51 is an OC (open cassette) type partly released to the outside atmosphere or a FOUP (front opening unified pod) type carrier in which the inside of the container is sealed. A box 52 and a flange member 53 provided on the upper surface of the storage box 52 are provided. The flange member 53 has a trunk portion 53a protruding from the upper surface of the storage box 52, and a support surface portion 53b formed at the upper end of the trunk portion 53a and having an outer diameter larger than the outer diameter of the trunk portion 53a. The vertical cross section is formed in a T shape.

上記の駆動機構4は、レール枠体22の内部において鉛直方向に配置された棒状支持部材5と、棒状支持部材5の上端に設けられた一次側コイル(一次側磁石)6とを有している。一次側コイル6は、レール機構21の永久磁石24(二次側磁石)に対向するように配置されており、永久磁石24とでリニアモータを構成している。一次側コイル6は、一次側鉄心コア(積層鉄心)と3相コイルとで構成されており、3相交流の電流が通電されることにより直線状に移動する進行磁界を発生する。そして、一次側コイル6は、レール機構21の永久磁石24との間の磁気作用により懸垂搬送装置1を走行させる推進力や、停止状態を維持する保持力を発生させる。   The drive mechanism 4 includes a rod-like support member 5 disposed in the vertical direction inside the rail frame body 22, and a primary coil (primary magnet) 6 provided at the upper end of the rod-like support member 5. Yes. The primary coil 6 is disposed so as to face the permanent magnet 24 (secondary magnet) of the rail mechanism 21, and the permanent magnet 24 constitutes a linear motor. The primary side coil 6 includes a primary side iron core (laminated core) and a three-phase coil, and generates a traveling magnetic field that moves linearly when a three-phase AC current is applied. The primary coil 6 generates a propulsive force that causes the suspension transfer device 1 to travel by a magnetic action with the permanent magnet 24 of the rail mechanism 21 and a holding force that maintains the stopped state.

上記の一次側コイル6の両側には、給電機構15・15が左右対称に設けられている。これらの給電機構15・15は、棒状支持部材5により支持されている。各給電機構15は、二次側鉄心と巻線とを有しており、上述の一次給電線16から供給される高周波電力を受け、高周波電流を生成する。給電機構15は、図示しない電流変換部に接続されている。電流変換部は、整流回路において高周波電流を一旦直流に変換し、PWM変換回路において3相交流に変換した後、この電流を上述の一次側コイル6に通電させるようになっている。   On both sides of the primary coil 6, the power feeding mechanisms 15 and 15 are provided symmetrically. These power feeding mechanisms 15 and 15 are supported by a rod-like support member 5. Each power supply mechanism 15 has a secondary side iron core and a winding, receives high frequency power supplied from the above-described primary power supply line 16, and generates a high frequency current. The power feeding mechanism 15 is connected to a current conversion unit (not shown). The current converter converts the high-frequency current into direct current in the rectifier circuit and converts it into three-phase alternating current in the PWM converter circuit, and then energizes the primary coil 6 described above.

給電機構15の下方には、ガイド機構12と走行ローラ機構7とがこの順に設けられている。ガイド機構12は、レール機構21の幅方向にスライド可能に設けられたスライド機構13と、スライド機構13の両端部に回転自在に設けられたガイドローラ14・14とを有している。ガイド機構12は、ガイドローラ14・14の何れか一方を上述のガイド部22eに係合することにより進行方向を変更可能にしている。   Below the power supply mechanism 15, the guide mechanism 12 and the traveling roller mechanism 7 are provided in this order. The guide mechanism 12 includes a slide mechanism 13 that is slidable in the width direction of the rail mechanism 21, and guide rollers 14 and 14 that are rotatably provided at both ends of the slide mechanism 13. The guide mechanism 12 can change the advancing direction by engaging one of the guide rollers 14 and 14 with the above-described guide portion 22e.

また、走行ローラ機構7は、棒状支持部材5に水平方向に固設された走行支持板8と、走行支持板8の下面に設けられた軸受け部材9と、軸受け部材9に回転自在に軸支されたローラ回転軸10と、ローラ回転軸10の両端部に設けられた走行ローラ11とを有している。走行ローラ11は、懸垂搬送装置1の走行時の安定性を確保するように、懸垂搬送装置1の走行方向の前側および後側において左右一対に設けられている。また、走行ローラ11は、レール枠体22の下面部22dに載置されている。そして、走行ローラ機構7は、懸垂搬送装置1をレール機構21に走行自在に係合させていると共に、リニアモータである一次側コイル6と永久磁石24とのギャップ長を確保している。   The travel roller mechanism 7 includes a travel support plate 8 fixed to the rod-shaped support member 5 in the horizontal direction, a bearing member 9 provided on the lower surface of the travel support plate 8, and a shaft support rotatably supported by the bearing member 9. And a traveling roller 11 provided at both ends of the roller rotation shaft 10. The traveling rollers 11 are provided in a pair of left and right on the front side and the rear side in the traveling direction of the suspended conveying device 1 so as to ensure stability during traveling of the suspended conveying device 1. The traveling roller 11 is placed on the lower surface portion 22 d of the rail frame body 22. The traveling roller mechanism 7 engages the suspension conveyance device 1 with the rail mechanism 21 so as to travel freely, and secures a gap length between the primary coil 6 that is a linear motor and the permanent magnet 24.

上記の走行ローラ機構7等を支持する棒状支持部材5は、下端部がレール枠体22の外部に突出されている。棒状支持部材5の下端部は、昇降懸吊機構3に連結されている。昇降懸吊機構3は、昇降機構31と、昇降機構31により昇降される把持機構32とを有している。昇降機構31は、略長方体形状に形成された収容枠体41と、収容枠体41に収容された4台の懸吊モジュールとを有している。各懸吊モジュールは、把持機構32を介して収納容器51を懸吊するタイミングベルト43と、タイミングベルト43を巻戻しおよび巻取る巻取ドラムと、タイミングベルト43を巻戻し方向および巻取り方向に送り出すタイミングプーリと、巻取ドラムを巻戻し方向および巻取り方向に切替え可能に回転駆動するドラム駆動モータとを有している。そして、昇降機構31は、収納容器51を載置高さ位置から搬送高さ位置までの範囲で昇降させるように把持機構32を上下方向に移動可能になっている。   The rod-like support member 5 that supports the traveling roller mechanism 7 and the like has a lower end protruding outside the rail frame 22. The lower end portion of the rod-shaped support member 5 is connected to the lifting / lowering suspension mechanism 3. The lifting / lowering suspension mechanism 3 includes a lifting / lowering mechanism 31 and a gripping mechanism 32 that is lifted / lowered by the lifting / lowering mechanism 31. The elevating mechanism 31 includes an accommodation frame body 41 formed in a substantially rectangular shape and four suspension modules accommodated in the accommodation frame body 41. Each suspension module includes a timing belt 43 that suspends the storage container 51 via the gripping mechanism 32, a winding drum that rewinds and winds the timing belt 43, and a timing belt 43 that rewinds and winds in the rewinding direction and winding direction. It has a timing pulley to send out, and a drum drive motor that rotationally drives the take-up drum so that it can be switched between a rewind direction and a take-up direction. And the raising / lowering mechanism 31 can move the holding | grip mechanism 32 to an up-down direction so that the storage container 51 may be raised / lowered in the range from a mounting height position to a conveyance height position.

一方、把持機構32は、図3に示すように、略長方体形状に形成された収容枠体34と、収容枠体34の両側に左右対称に設けられた爪部材33・33と、収容枠体34の下面に左右対称に設けられた位置規制部材35・35とを有している。各爪部材33は、略C字形状に形成されており、上側に位置する上辺部33aと、下側に位置する下辺部33bと、上辺部33aおよび下辺部33bを連結する連結部33cとを有している。爪部材33の上辺部33aは、収容枠体34内に位置されていると共に、この収容枠体34内において図示しない爪部材駆動機構に連結されている。爪部材駆動機構は、両爪部材33・33を互いに逆方向に進退移動させることによって、爪部材33・33を開閉させるようになっている。   On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 3, the gripping mechanism 32 includes a storage frame 34 formed in a substantially rectangular shape, claw members 33 and 33 provided symmetrically on both sides of the storage frame 34, and storage Position control members 35 and 35 provided symmetrically on the lower surface of the frame 34 are provided. Each claw member 33 is formed in a substantially C shape, and includes an upper side portion 33a positioned on the upper side, a lower side portion 33b positioned on the lower side, and a connecting portion 33c that connects the upper side portion 33a and the lower side portion 33b. Have. The upper side portion 33 a of the claw member 33 is located in the housing frame 34 and is connected to a claw member driving mechanism (not shown) in the housing frame 34. The claw member drive mechanism opens and closes the claw members 33, 33 by moving both claw members 33, 33 back and forth in opposite directions.

また、爪部材33の連結部33cおよび下辺部33bは、収容枠体34の外部に位置されている。連結部33cは、収容枠体34の側面に沿って垂下されている。下辺部33bは、連結部33cの下端部から内側方向に90度曲折されている。連結部33cは、下辺部33bと収容枠体34の下面との間にフランジ部材53の支持面部53bを収容する程度の長さに設定されている。これにより、爪部材33・33は、フランジ部材53の上面と収容枠体34の下面との間に隙間56を形成させながら支持するようになっている。   Further, the connecting portion 33 c and the lower side portion 33 b of the claw member 33 are located outside the housing frame 34. The connecting portion 33 c is suspended along the side surface of the housing frame 34. The lower side portion 33b is bent 90 degrees inward from the lower end portion of the connecting portion 33c. The connecting portion 33 c is set to a length that accommodates the support surface portion 53 b of the flange member 53 between the lower side portion 33 b and the lower surface of the housing frame 34. As a result, the claw members 33 and 33 are supported while forming a gap 56 between the upper surface of the flange member 53 and the lower surface of the housing frame 34.

また、下辺部33bと上述の爪部材駆動機構による移動長との関係は、爪部材33・33が閉状態にされたときに、下辺部33b・33bの先端同士の間隔が支持面部53bの外径よりも小さくて胴部53aの外径よりも大きくなるように設定されている。これにより、爪部材33・33は、閉状態にされることによって、下辺部33bの先端をフランジ部材53の胴部53aに接触させることなく、下辺部33bの先端部で支持面部53bを両側から挟み込んで上下方向に支持可能になっている。一方、爪部材33・33が開状態にされたときには、下辺部33b・33bの先端同士の間隔が収容枠体34の外径よりも大きくなるように設定されている。尚、フランジ部材53の支持面部53bは、収容枠体34の外径よりも十分に小さな外径に設定されている。これにより、爪部材33・33は、開状態にすれば、フランジ部材53(支持面部53b)に接触することなく上下方向に移動可能になっている。   Further, the relationship between the lower side portion 33b and the movement length by the above-described claw member driving mechanism is that when the claw members 33, 33 are closed, the distance between the tips of the lower side portions 33b, 33b is outside the support surface portion 53b. It is set to be smaller than the diameter and larger than the outer diameter of the trunk portion 53a. Thereby, the claw members 33 and 33 are closed, so that the support surface portion 53b can be moved from both sides at the tip portion of the lower side portion 33b without bringing the tip end of the lower side portion 33b into contact with the body portion 53a of the flange member 53. It can be sandwiched and supported vertically. On the other hand, when the claw members 33 and 33 are opened, the distance between the tips of the lower side portions 33 b and 33 b is set to be larger than the outer diameter of the housing frame 34. Note that the support surface portion 53 b of the flange member 53 is set to have an outer diameter sufficiently smaller than the outer diameter of the housing frame 34. As a result, the claw members 33, 33 can be moved in the vertical direction without contacting the flange member 53 (support surface portion 53b) when opened.

上記の爪部材33・33の内側には、位置規制部材35・35が左右対称に設けられている。これらの位置規制部材35・35は、上端が収容枠体34の下面両端部にそれぞれ固設され、連結部33cに沿って垂下された後、下端が下辺部33bの先端部の上方近傍に位置するように設けられている。また、位置規制部材35・35は、フランジ部材53の支持面部53bの幅よりも大きな間隔で配置されている。これにより、位置規制部材35・35は、爪部材33・33で支持面部53bを両側から挟み込んだ状態であるときに、支持面部53bの両側面に対向し、支持面部53bの側面に当接することにより支持面部53bを位置規制部材35・35間に存在させるようになっている。   Position restricting members 35 and 35 are symmetrically provided inside the claw members 33 and 33. These position restricting members 35 and 35 are fixed at both ends of the lower surface of the housing frame 34 and suspended along the connecting portion 33c, and then the lower ends are positioned in the vicinity of the upper end of the lower side portion 33b. It is provided to do. Further, the position restricting members 35 and 35 are arranged at an interval larger than the width of the support surface portion 53 b of the flange member 53. Thereby, when the support surface portion 53b is sandwiched from both sides by the claw members 33 and 33, the position regulating members 35 and 35 face the both side surfaces of the support surface portion 53b and abut on the side surfaces of the support surface portion 53b. Thus, the support surface portion 53b is made to exist between the position restricting members 35 and 35.

上記の位置規制部材35・35の内側面には、フランジ検知センサー55の発光器55aおよび受光器55bがそれぞれ設けられている。フランジ検知センサー55は、発光器55aから出射した光を受光器55bで受光するか否かで検出信号の出力と停止とを切り替えるように構成されている。また、フランジ検知センサー55は、支持面部53bを支持したときに形成される隙間56内で光を進行させるように設けられている。これにより、フランジ検知センサー55は、載置台60に載置状態にされた収納容器51におけるフランジ部材53の支持面部53bと爪部材33・33とを非接触で対向可能にする水平移動高さ位置の水平面内に爪部材33・33が存在するとき、即ち、支持面部53bと収納箱52との間に支持面部53bが非接触で存在するときに、支持面部53bを検知することが可能になっている。   A light emitter 55a and a light receiver 55b of the flange detection sensor 55 are provided on the inner side surfaces of the position restricting members 35 and 35, respectively. The flange detection sensor 55 is configured to switch between output and stop of the detection signal depending on whether or not the light emitted from the light emitter 55a is received by the light receiver 55b. Further, the flange detection sensor 55 is provided so as to advance light in the gap 56 formed when the support surface portion 53b is supported. As a result, the flange detection sensor 55 has a horizontal movement height position that allows the support surface portion 53b of the flange member 53 and the claw members 33, 33 in the storage container 51 placed on the placement table 60 to face each other in a non-contact manner. When the claw members 33, 33 are present in the horizontal plane, that is, when the support surface portion 53b exists in a non-contact manner between the support surface portion 53b and the storage box 52, the support surface portion 53b can be detected. ing.

また、各爪部材33・33における下辺部33bの先端部上面には、第1および第2保持検知センサー57a・57bがそれぞれ設けられている。第1および第2保持検知センサー57a・57bは、例えばリミットスイッチ等からなっており、下辺部33bの先端部上面が支持面部53bに当接したことを検知するようになっている。   Moreover, the 1st and 2nd holding | maintenance detection sensors 57a and 57b are each provided in the front-end | tip part upper surface of the lower side part 33b in each nail | claw member 33 * 33. The first and second holding detection sensors 57a and 57b are composed of limit switches, for example, and detect that the upper surface of the tip of the lower side portion 33b is in contact with the support surface portion 53b.

上記のフランジ検知センサー55および第1および第2保持検知センサー57a・57bは、図1に示すように、昇降制御装置61に接続されている。昇降制御装置61は、第1および第2保持検知センサー57a・57bが接続された爪部材離隔判定部62と、フランジ検知センサー55が接続されたフランジ検知判定部63とを有している。爪部材離隔判定部62は、第1および第2保持検知センサー57a・57bからの出力信号がON状態であれば、爪部材33・33により支持面部53bが保持されていると認識する一方、OFF状態であれば、爪部材33・33が支持面部53bから離隔したと認識する機能を有している。また、フランジ検知判定部63は、フランジ検知センサー55からの出力信号がOFF状態であれば、支持面部53bがフランジ検知センサー55の取り付け高さ位置、即ち、爪部材33・33の下辺部33b・33bが支持面部53bと収納容器51との間に非接触で存在すると認識する一方、ON状態であれば、収納容器51が爪部材33・33により支持状態または抜脱状態であると認識する機能を有している。   The flange detection sensor 55 and the first and second holding detection sensors 57a and 57b are connected to a lift control device 61 as shown in FIG. The lifting control device 61 includes a claw member separation determination unit 62 to which the first and second holding detection sensors 57a and 57b are connected, and a flange detection determination unit 63 to which the flange detection sensor 55 is connected. If the output signals from the first and second holding detection sensors 57a and 57b are in the ON state, the claw member separation determination unit 62 recognizes that the support surface portion 53b is held by the claw members 33 and 33, while turning OFF If it is a state, it has the function to recognize that the nail | claw members 33 and 33 are separated from the support surface part 53b. Further, if the output signal from the flange detection sensor 55 is in an OFF state, the flange detection determination unit 63 is configured such that the support surface portion 53b is mounted at the height of the flange detection sensor 55, that is, the lower side portion 33b of the claw members 33 and 33. 33b recognizes that there is no contact between the support surface 53b and the storage container 51. On the other hand, if ON, the storage container 51 is recognized by the claw members 33 and 33 as being supported or removed. have.

上記の爪部材離隔判定部62は、爪部材開閉指示部64に接続されている。爪部材開閉指示部64は、把持機構32に接続されており、爪部材離隔判定部62からの認識信号に基づいて把持機構32の爪部材33・33を開閉させる機能を有している。また、爪部材離隔判定部62は、昇降指示部65にも接続されている。昇降指示部65には、上述のフランジ検知判定部63が接続されていると共に、搬送高さ判定部66が接続されている。搬送高さ判定部66は、昇降機構31により把持機構32が搬送高さにまで上昇したことを検出して昇降指示部65に出力する機能を有している。   The claw member separation determination unit 62 is connected to the claw member opening / closing instruction unit 64. The claw member opening / closing instruction unit 64 is connected to the gripping mechanism 32 and has a function of opening / closing the claw members 33, 33 of the gripping mechanism 32 based on a recognition signal from the claw member separation determining unit 62. The claw member separation determination unit 62 is also connected to the elevation instruction unit 65. The above-described flange detection determination unit 63 is connected to the elevation instruction unit 65, and the conveyance height determination unit 66 is connected thereto. The transport height determination unit 66 has a function of detecting that the gripping mechanism 32 has been raised to the transport height by the lifting mechanism 31 and outputting it to the lift instruction unit 65.

上記の昇降指示部65は、搬送高さ判定部66からの検出信号が入力されたときに、昇降機構31に対して把持機構32の上昇を停止させる機能と、爪部材離隔判定部62およびフランジ検知判定部63からの認識信号に基づいて把持機構32の昇降および停止を制御する機能とを有している。この制御機能を具体的に説明すると、昇降指示部65がカセット装着モードで動作している場合には、収納容器51を保持した状態で把持機構32を下降させ、フランジ検知判定部63からの認識信号により爪部材33の下辺部33bが支持面部53bに対して非接触の高さ位置にまで下降したことを確認したときに下降を停止させる機能と、下降を停止したときに、爪部材離隔判定部62からの認識信号により爪部材33・33と収納容器51とが離隔したことを確認することでカセット装着の成否を判定する機能とを発揮するようになっている。また、昇降指示部65がカセット抜脱モードで動作している場合には、収納容器51を保持しない状態で把持機構32を下降させ、フランジ検知判定部63からの認識信号により爪部材33の下辺部33bが支持面部53bに対して非接触の高さ位置にまで下降したことを確認したときに下降を停止させる機能と、爪部材33・33を閉状態にして把持機構32を上昇させたときに、爪部材離隔判定部62からの認識信号により爪部材33・33と収納容器51とが離隔したことを確認することでカセット装着の成否を判定する機能とを発揮するようになっている。   The lifting / lowering instruction unit 65 has a function of stopping the lifting / lowering mechanism 31 from ascending the gripping mechanism 32 when a detection signal from the conveyance height determining unit 66 is input, and a claw member separation determination unit 62 and a flange. It has a function of controlling raising and lowering and stopping of the gripping mechanism 32 based on a recognition signal from the detection determination unit 63. This control function will be specifically described. When the raising / lowering instruction unit 65 is operating in the cassette mounting mode, the gripping mechanism 32 is lowered while holding the storage container 51, and the recognition from the flange detection determination unit 63 is performed. The function of stopping the descent when the lower side portion 33b of the claw member 33 has been lowered to the non-contact height position with respect to the support surface portion 53b by the signal, and the claw member separation determination when the descent is stopped By confirming that the claw members 33, 33 and the storage container 51 are separated from each other by a recognition signal from the section 62, the function of determining success or failure of the cassette mounting is exhibited. When the lifting / lowering instruction unit 65 operates in the cassette removal mode, the gripping mechanism 32 is lowered without holding the storage container 51, and the lower side of the claw member 33 is detected by the recognition signal from the flange detection determination unit 63. When it is confirmed that the portion 33b has been lowered to the non-contact height position with respect to the support surface portion 53b, and when the gripping mechanism 32 is raised with the pawl members 33 and 33 closed. In addition, the function of determining the success or failure of the cassette mounting is demonstrated by confirming that the claw members 33 and 33 are separated from the storage container 51 by the recognition signal from the claw member separation determination unit 62.

また、昇降制御装置61は、速度切換高さ判定部67と、速度切換高さ判定部67に接続された下降速度切換え部68と、下降速度切換え部68に接続された高速指示部69および低速指示部70とを有している。速度切換高さ判定部67は、把持機構32が速度切換高さ位置に存在するか否かを判定する機能を有している。下降速度切換え部68は、把持機構32が速度切換高さ判定部67で速度切換高さ位置に到達したと判定されたときに、把持機構32が下降する条件であれば、高速指示部69および低速指示部70を制御して把持機構32の下降速度を高速から低速に切り替える機能を有している。高速指示部69は、昇降機構31に対して把持機構32を高速で移動させるように指示する機能を有している。低速指示部70は、昇降機構31に対して把持機構32を低速で移動させるように指示する機能を有している。   In addition, the lifting control device 61 includes a speed switching height determination unit 67, a lowering speed switching unit 68 connected to the speed switching height determination unit 67, a high speed instruction unit 69 connected to the lowering speed switching unit 68, and a low speed. And an instruction unit 70. The speed switching height determination unit 67 has a function of determining whether or not the gripping mechanism 32 exists at the speed switching height position. The descending speed switching unit 68 is a condition that the gripping mechanism 32 descends when it is determined by the speed switching height determining unit 67 that the gripping mechanism 32 has reached the speed switching height position. It has a function of controlling the low speed instruction unit 70 to switch the lowering speed of the gripping mechanism 32 from high speed to low speed. The high-speed instruction unit 69 has a function of instructing the lifting mechanism 31 to move the gripping mechanism 32 at a high speed. The low speed instruction unit 70 has a function of instructing the lifting mechanism 31 to move the gripping mechanism 32 at a low speed.

上記のように構成された昇降制御装置61は、カセット装着認識部71およびカセット抜脱認識部72に接続されている。これらの認識部71・72には、カセット着脱信号読取部73が接続されている。カセット着脱信号読取部73には、図示しないメインコントローラが接続されている。そして、カセット着脱信号読取部73は、メインコントローラからの指示信号を受信し、指示信号がカセット着脱信号であれば、この信号をカセット装着認識部71およびカセット抜脱認識部72にそれぞれ出力する機能を有している。また、カセット装着認識部71は、カセット着脱信号がカセット装着を指示する信号内容であるか否かを判定し、カセット装着であれば、昇降制御装置61をカセット装着モードに設定する機能を有している。一方、カセット抜脱認識部72は、カセット着脱信号がカセット抜脱を指示する信号内容であるか否かを判定し、カセット抜脱であれば、昇降制御装置61をカセット抜脱モードに設定する機能を有している。   The lifting control device 61 configured as described above is connected to the cassette attachment recognition unit 71 and the cassette removal recognition unit 72. A cassette attaching / detaching signal reading unit 73 is connected to these recognition units 71 and 72. A main controller (not shown) is connected to the cassette attachment / detachment signal reading unit 73. The cassette attachment / detachment signal reading unit 73 receives an instruction signal from the main controller, and if the instruction signal is a cassette attachment / detachment signal, the cassette attachment / recognition unit 71 and the cassette removal / recognition unit 72 output this signal. have. The cassette attachment recognition unit 71 has a function of determining whether or not the cassette attachment / detachment signal is a signal content for instructing cassette attachment, and if it is cassette attachment, has a function of setting the elevation controller 61 to the cassette attachment mode. ing. On the other hand, the cassette removal / recognition unit 72 determines whether or not the cassette attachment / detachment signal is a signal content instructing cassette removal / removal, and if it is a cassette removal / removal, sets the lifting control device 61 to the cassette removal / removal mode. It has a function.

尚、昇降制御装置61やカセット装着認識部71、カセット抜脱認識部72は、上述のようにハードウエア的に構成されていても良いし、ソフトウエア的に構成されていても良い。即ち、図2のカセット装着ルーチンおよび図7のカセット抜脱ルーチンからなるプログラムにより同一の機能を発揮するように構成されていても良い。この際、各ルーチンからなるプログラムは、記憶部のROMに予め読み出し専用に書き込まれていても良いし、CD等の記録媒体に記録されたものが必要時に読み出されて記憶部に書き込まれても良いし、さらにはインターネット等の電気通信回線を介して伝送されて記憶部に書き込まれても良い。   In addition, the raising / lowering control apparatus 61, the cassette mounting | wearing recognition part 71, and the cassette removal | removal recognition part 72 may be comprised by hardware as mentioned above, and may be comprised by software. That is, the same function may be exhibited by a program comprising the cassette loading routine of FIG. 2 and the cassette removal routine of FIG. At this time, the program composed of each routine may be written in the ROM of the storage unit in advance for read-only, or a program recorded on a recording medium such as a CD is read out and written to the storage unit when necessary. Alternatively, it may be transmitted via an electric communication line such as the Internet and written in the storage unit.

上記の構成において、搬送装置の動作を図2および図7の各ルーチンに基づいて説明する。   In the above configuration, the operation of the transport apparatus will be described based on the routines shown in FIGS.

先ず、図示しないメインコントローラは、全ての収納容器51の保管状態や搬送先等を管理および監視していると共に、搬送軌道上に存在する全ての懸垂搬送装置1の搬送状態を管理および監視している。そして、懸垂搬送装置1を処理装置17に移動させる場合には、懸垂搬送装置1と処理装置17とを特定した後、この特定した内容を含んだ指令信号を懸垂搬送装置1に送信する。そして、この指令信号に基づいて懸垂搬送装置1が処理装置17に移動する。この後、収納容器51を処理装置17に装着する場合には、収納容器51の装着を指示する内容を含んだ指令信号が懸垂搬送装置1に送信される。一方、処理装置17から収納容器51を取り出す場合には、収納容器51の取り出しである抜脱を指示する内容を含んだ指令信号が懸垂搬送装置1に送信される。   First, the main controller (not shown) manages and monitors the storage state and the transfer destination of all the storage containers 51, and manages and monitors the transfer state of all the suspended transfer devices 1 existing on the transfer track. Yes. And when moving the suspension conveyance apparatus 1 to the processing apparatus 17, after specifying the suspension conveyance apparatus 1 and the processing apparatus 17, the command signal containing this identified content is transmitted to the suspension conveyance apparatus 1. Based on this command signal, the suspended transfer device 1 moves to the processing device 17. Thereafter, when the storage container 51 is attached to the processing device 17, a command signal including the content for instructing the attachment of the storage container 51 is transmitted to the suspension transfer device 1. On the other hand, when the storage container 51 is taken out from the processing device 17, a command signal including a content for instructing removal that is the removal of the storage container 51 is transmitted to the suspension transfer device 1.

上記のようにして懸垂搬送装置1に指令信号が送信されると、この指令信号を受けた懸垂搬送装置1は、指令信号に含まれる信号内容を読み取り、カセット装着を示す信号内容であれば、カセット装着モードであると認識し、図2のカセット装着ルーチンを実行する。一方、信号内容がカセット抜脱を示す場合には、カセット抜脱モードであると認識し、図7のカセット抜脱ルーチンを実行する。   When a command signal is transmitted to the suspension transfer device 1 as described above, the suspension transfer device 1 that has received this command signal reads the signal content included in the command signal, and if the signal content indicates cassette mounting, Recognizing that it is the cassette loading mode, the cassette loading routine of FIG. 2 is executed. On the other hand, if the signal content indicates cassette removal, the cassette removal mode is recognized and the cassette removal routine of FIG. 7 is executed.

例えば収納容器51を処理装置17にセットする場合には、保管棚等に保管された収納容器51が懸垂搬送装置1の把持機構32の爪部材33・33により両側から挟み込むようにして把持され、搬送に支障のない搬送高さ位置にまで引き上げられた後、処理装置17に搬送される。尚、このような収納容器51を保持して搬送高さ位置にまで引き上げる一連の動作は、後述の図7のカセット抜脱ルーチンの実行による動作と同一である。   For example, when the storage container 51 is set in the processing device 17, the storage container 51 stored in a storage shelf or the like is gripped so as to be sandwiched from both sides by the claw members 33 and 33 of the gripping mechanism 32 of the suspension transfer device 1. After being pulled up to a transfer height position where there is no hindrance to transfer, it is transferred to the processing device 17. Note that a series of operations for holding the storage container 51 and pulling it up to the conveyance height position is the same as the operation by the execution of a cassette removal routine shown in FIG.

次に、収納容器51を保持した懸垂搬送装置1が所定の処理装置17に移動し、この処理装置17の載置台60上に到達すると、図2のカセット装着ルーチンが実行される。先ず、図3に示すように、昇降機構31からタイミングベルト43が高速で繰り出されることによって、タイミングベルト43に懸吊された把持機構32が高速で下降される(S1)。この際、所定距離を下降した速度切換高さ位置にまで把持機構32が下降したか否かが判定される(S2)。そして、所定距離を下降していなければ(S2,NO)、高速の下降が継続される。この結果、把持機構32が搬送高さ位置から速度切換高さ位置までの所定距離を短時間で移動するため、装着に要する時間が短縮される。そして、所定距離を下降したときに(S2,YES)、低速の下降に切り替えられる(S3)。   Next, when the suspended transfer device 1 holding the storage container 51 moves to the predetermined processing device 17 and reaches the mounting table 60 of the processing device 17, the cassette mounting routine of FIG. 2 is executed. First, as shown in FIG. 3, when the timing belt 43 is fed out from the lifting mechanism 31 at a high speed, the gripping mechanism 32 suspended from the timing belt 43 is lowered at a high speed (S1). At this time, it is determined whether or not the gripping mechanism 32 has been lowered to the speed switching height position that has been lowered by a predetermined distance (S2). If the predetermined distance has not been lowered (S2, NO), the high-speed descent is continued. As a result, the gripping mechanism 32 moves a predetermined distance from the conveyance height position to the speed switching height position in a short time, so that the time required for mounting is shortened. When the predetermined distance is lowered (S2, YES), it is switched to a low-speed descent (S3).

尚、高速の下降とは、収納容器51内のウエハが荷崩れしない範囲で最大の下降速度であることが好ましい。また、下降速度は、下降途中で変化しても良く、例えば搬送高さ位置から徐々に下降速度が増大されるようになっていても良い。また、低速の下降とは、載置台60に収納容器51を載置したときの衝撃でウエハが荷崩れしない程度の速度を意味する。また、下降速度は、下降途中で変化しても良く、例えば搬送高さ位置から徐々に下降速度が減少され、載置時に最低速度となるように設定されていても良い。   The high speed descent is preferably the maximum descent speed as long as the wafer in the storage container 51 does not collapse. Further, the lowering speed may change during the lowering, for example, the lowering speed may be gradually increased from the conveyance height position. The low-speed descent means a speed at which the wafer does not collapse due to an impact when the storage container 51 is mounted on the mounting table 60. Further, the lowering speed may change during the lowering. For example, the lowering speed may be set so that the lowering speed is gradually decreased from the conveyance height position and becomes the lowest speed when placing.

所定距離を下降して低速の下降に切り替えられると、懸垂搬送装置1は、フランジ検知センサー55の検知信号がOFF状態であるか否かを判定し(S4)、OFF状態でなければ(S4,NO)、把持機構32の下降を継続する。尚、爪部材33・33がフランジ部材53の支持面部53bを把持して上下方向に支持している場合、フランジ検知センサー55は、発光器55aと受光器55bとの間に障害物が存在しないため、光の送受信によりON状態の検知信号を出力している。   When the predetermined distance is lowered and switched to a low speed descent, the suspension transfer device 1 determines whether or not the detection signal of the flange detection sensor 55 is in an OFF state (S4). NO), the lowering of the gripping mechanism 32 is continued. Note that when the claw members 33 and 33 hold the support surface portion 53b of the flange member 53 and support it vertically, the flange detection sensor 55 has no obstacle between the light emitter 55a and the light receiver 55b. Therefore, an ON state detection signal is output by transmitting and receiving light.

この結果、図4に示すように、収納容器51が昇降機構31と共に下降し、載置台60に載置される。この際、上述のように、収納容器51が載置台60に低速で下降されながら載置されるため、載置による衝撃は極めて小さなものとなり、収納容器51内のウエハの荷崩れや塵埃の飛散は殆んど起らない。また、収納容器51が載置台60に載置された場合においても、フランジ検知センサー55の検知信号がON状態であるため、把持機構32が下降を継続する。これにより、以後は、把持機構32のみが下降し、爪部材33・33がフランジ部材53の支持面部53bから離隔する。そして、把持機構32がさらに下降し、フランジ検知センサー55により検知され、フランジ検知センサー55の検知信号がOFF状態に変化したときに(S4,YES)、爪部材33が支持面部53bに対して非接触になったと認識されて下降が停止される(S5)。   As a result, as shown in FIG. 4, the storage container 51 is lowered together with the lifting mechanism 31 and placed on the placing table 60. At this time, as described above, since the storage container 51 is placed on the mounting table 60 while being lowered at a low speed, the impact due to the placement is extremely small, and the load collapse of the wafer in the storage container 51 and the scattering of dust. Hardly happens. Even when the storage container 51 is mounted on the mounting table 60, the gripping mechanism 32 continues to descend because the detection signal of the flange detection sensor 55 is in the ON state. Thus, thereafter, only the gripping mechanism 32 is lowered, and the claw members 33 and 33 are separated from the support surface portion 53 b of the flange member 53. Then, when the gripping mechanism 32 is further lowered and detected by the flange detection sensor 55 and the detection signal of the flange detection sensor 55 changes to the OFF state (S4, YES), the claw member 33 is not in contact with the support surface portion 53b. It is recognized that contact has occurred, and the descent is stopped (S5).

この後、第1および第2保持検知センサー57a・57bの検知信号がOFF状態か否かが判定されることによって、両方の爪部材33・33が支持面部53bから離隔しているか否かが判定される(S6)。第1および第2保持検知センサー57a・57bの少なくとも一方がON状態である場合には(S6,NO)、
爪部材33・33の少なくとも一方が支持面部53bに引っ掛かっている等の原因により載置が失敗したと認識する。そして、失敗した旨をオペレータに報知したり、懸垂搬送装置1の動作を停止する等の失敗処理を行った後(S9)、本ルーチンを終了する。
Thereafter, it is determined whether or not the detection signals of the first and second holding detection sensors 57a and 57b are in the OFF state, thereby determining whether or not both the claw members 33 and 33 are separated from the support surface portion 53b. (S6). When at least one of the first and second holding detection sensors 57a and 57b is in an ON state (S6, NO),
It is recognized that the placement has failed due to a cause such that at least one of the claw members 33 is caught on the support surface portion 53b. And after performing failure processing, such as notifying an operator that it failed or stopping operation | movement of the suspension conveyance apparatus 1 (S9), this routine is complete | finished.

一方、第1および第2保持検知センサー57a・57bの両方がOFF状態である場合には(S6,YES)、図5に示すように、爪部材33・33の下辺部33b・33bが支持面部53bと収納箱52との間に非接触で存在すると判断し、爪部材33・33を互いに離れる方向に移動させる(S7)。これにより、爪部材33・33は、下辺部33b・33bの先端同士の間隔が収容枠体34の外径よりも大きくなるまで拡大した開状態、即ち、収納容器51のフランジ部材53の側方に退避された状態となる。尚、このような爪部材33・33の退避時においては、爪部材33・33の下辺部33b・33bが上述のように支持面部53bと収納箱52との間に非接触で位置していることが確認されているため、爪部材33が収納容器51に引っ掛かって収納容器51を傾けたり、収納容器51に衝突して衝撃を与えることはない。これにより、収納容器51内のウエハの破損や塵埃による汚染が防止される。   On the other hand, when both the first and second holding detection sensors 57a and 57b are in the OFF state (S6, YES), as shown in FIG. 5, the lower side portions 33b and 33b of the claw members 33 and 33 are the support surface portions. It is determined that there is no contact between 53b and the storage box 52, and the claw members 33 and 33 are moved away from each other (S7). As a result, the claw members 33 and 33 are opened until the distance between the tips of the lower side portions 33b and 33b becomes larger than the outer diameter of the storage frame 34, that is, the side of the flange member 53 of the storage container 51. It will be in the state evacuated. When the claw members 33 and 33 are retracted, the lower side portions 33b and 33b of the claw members 33 and 33 are positioned in a non-contact manner between the support surface portion 53b and the storage box 52 as described above. Therefore, the claw member 33 is not caught by the storage container 51 and the storage container 51 is not tilted or does not collide with the storage container 51 to give an impact. Thereby, damage of the wafer in the storage container 51 and contamination by dust are prevented.

この後、図6に示すように、爪部材33・33を開状態としながら把持機構32を上昇させて上限位置、即ち、搬送高さ位置にまで上昇させる(S8)。この際、収納容器51が正規の位置に載置され、懸垂搬送装置1の真下に位置していた場合には、爪部材33・33が収納容器51のフランジ部材53の側方に退避されているため、支持面部53bに爪部材33が引っ掛かることはない。   Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 6, the gripping mechanism 32 is raised while the pawl members 33 and 33 are in the open state, and is raised to the upper limit position, that is, the conveyance height position (S <b> 8). At this time, when the storage container 51 is placed at a regular position and is positioned directly below the suspension transfer device 1, the claw members 33 and 33 are retracted to the side of the flange member 53 of the storage container 51. Therefore, the claw member 33 is not caught on the support surface portion 53b.

一方、収納容器51が正規の位置から外れて載置された場合のように、懸垂搬送装置1の真下から爪部材33の開閉方向に外れた状態で収納容器51が載置された場合には、把持機構32は、タイミングベルト43で懸吊されているだけであるため、爪部材33・33と支持面部53bとが離隔すると、重力の影響を受けて爪部材33の開閉方向に移動する。この際、把持機構32の位置規制部材35・35は、上端が収容枠体34の下面両端部にそれぞれ固設され、爪部材33の連結部33cに沿って垂下された後、下端が下辺部33bの先端部の上方近傍に位置するように設けられている。従って、爪部材33・33の下辺部33b・33bが支持面部53bの下方に移動して開状態にされたときには、フランジ部材53の支持面部53bが位置規制部材35・35間に位置した状態となっている。   On the other hand, when the storage container 51 is placed in a state where the storage container 51 is disengaged in the opening / closing direction of the claw member 33 from just below the suspension conveyance device 1 as in the case where the storage container 51 is placed out of the normal position. Since the gripping mechanism 32 is only suspended by the timing belt 43, when the claw members 33, 33 and the support surface portion 53b are separated from each other, the gripping mechanism 32 moves in the opening / closing direction of the claw member 33 under the influence of gravity. At this time, the position restricting members 35 and 35 of the gripping mechanism 32 have upper ends fixed to both ends of the lower surface of the housing frame 34 and are suspended along the connecting portion 33c of the claw member 33, and then the lower ends are lower side portions. It is provided so that it may be located in the upper vicinity of the front-end | tip part of 33b. Therefore, when the lower side portions 33b and 33b of the claw members 33 and 33 are moved to the lower side of the support surface portion 53b to be opened, the support surface portion 53b of the flange member 53 is positioned between the position restricting members 35 and 35. It has become.

これにより、把持機構32が爪部材33の開閉方向に大幅に移動する状態になった場合でも、把持機構32の位置規制部材35・35が支持面部53bの側面に当接するため、支持面部53bが位置規制部材35・35間に存在することになる。また、開状態の爪部材33・33は、爪部材33・33の下辺部33b・33bの先端部の間隔が位置規制部材35・35の間隔よりも大きくなるように設定されている。この結果、把持機構32を上昇させたときに、爪部材33・33の下辺部33b・33bが支持面部53bに引っ掛かることはない。   As a result, even when the gripping mechanism 32 moves significantly in the opening / closing direction of the claw member 33, the position restricting members 35 and 35 of the gripping mechanism 32 abut against the side surface of the support surface portion 53b. It exists between the position regulating members 35 and 35. Further, the claw members 33 and 33 in the open state are set such that the distance between the tip portions of the lower side portions 33b and 33b of the claw members 33 and 33 is larger than the distance between the position regulating members 35 and 35. As a result, when the gripping mechanism 32 is raised, the lower side portions 33b and 33b of the claw members 33 and 33 are not caught on the support surface portion 53b.

次に、処理装置17から収納容器51を抜脱する場合には、上記のようにして空状態となった懸垂搬送装置1が所定の処理装置17に移動する。そして、この処理装置17の載置台60上に到達したときに、図7のカセット抜脱ルーチンが実行される。先ず、図8に示すように、爪部材33・33が開状態にされた後(S11)、昇降機構31からタイミングベルト43が高速で繰り出されることによって、タイミングベルト43に懸吊された把持機構32が高速で下降される(S12)。この際、所定距離を下降した速度切換高さ位置にまで把持機構32が下降したか否かが判定され(S13)、所定距離を下降していなければ(S13,NO)、高速の下降が継続される。尚、空状態の把持機構32を下降させる速度は、収納容器51を保持した状態の把持機構32を下降させる速度よりも高速であっても良い。   Next, when the storage container 51 is removed from the processing device 17, the suspended transfer device 1 that has become empty as described above moves to a predetermined processing device 17. When the processing device 17 reaches the mounting table 60, the cassette removal routine of FIG. 7 is executed. First, as shown in FIG. 8, after the pawl members 33 and 33 are opened (S11), the timing belt 43 is fed out from the elevating mechanism 31 at a high speed, so that the gripping mechanism is suspended from the timing belt 43. 32 is lowered at a high speed (S12). At this time, it is determined whether or not the gripping mechanism 32 has been lowered to the speed switching height position that has been lowered by a predetermined distance (S13). If the predetermined distance has not been lowered (S13, NO), the high-speed descent continues. Is done. The speed at which the gripping mechanism 32 in the empty state is lowered may be higher than the speed at which the gripping mechanism 32 in the state where the storage container 51 is held is lowered.

所定距離を下降すると(S13,YES)、低速の下降に切り替えられる(S14)。そして、懸垂搬送装置1は、フランジ検知センサー55の検知信号がOFF状態であるか否かを判定し(S15)、OFF状態でなければ(S15,NO)、把持機構32の下降を継続する。この結果、開状態の爪部材33・33の間にフランジ部材53の支持面部53bが低速で進入し、図9に示すように、支持面部53bがフランジ検知センサー55で検知されたときに(S15,YES)、下降が停止される(S16)。これにより、爪部材33・33の下辺部33b・33bが支持面部53bと収納箱52の上面との間の高さ位置に位置決めされることになる。   When the predetermined distance is lowered (S13, YES), it is switched to a low-speed descent (S14). Then, the suspended transfer device 1 determines whether or not the detection signal of the flange detection sensor 55 is in the OFF state (S15). If the detection signal is not in the OFF state (S15, NO), the holding mechanism 32 continues to descend. As a result, when the support surface portion 53b of the flange member 53 enters at low speed between the claw members 33 and 33 in the open state, as shown in FIG. 9, the support surface portion 53b is detected by the flange detection sensor 55 (S15). , YES), the descent is stopped (S16). Accordingly, the lower side portions 33b and 33b of the claw members 33 and 33 are positioned at a height position between the support surface portion 53b and the upper surface of the storage box 52.

この後、図10に示すように、爪部材33・33が閉方向に移動され、爪部材33・33の間隔が縮小されることによって、下辺部33b・33bが支持面部53bの下方で水平移動される(S17)。この際、爪部材33が支持面部53bに接触することがないため、収納容器51内のウエハの荷崩れや塵埃の飛散は起らない。   Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 10, the claw members 33 and 33 are moved in the closing direction, and the distance between the claw members 33 and 33 is reduced, so that the lower side portions 33b and 33b move horizontally below the support surface portion 53b. (S17). At this time, since the claw member 33 does not come into contact with the support surface portion 53b, the load collapse of the wafer in the storage container 51 and the scattering of dust do not occur.

上記のようにして支持面部53bが爪部材33・33により両側から挟み込むようにされると、続いて、図11に示すように、収容枠体34が低速で上昇される(S18)。そして、この低速の上昇を継続しながら、第1および第2保持検知センサー57a・57bがON状態になったか否かが判定され(S19)、ON状態でない、即ち、OFF状態を維持していれば(S19,NO)、続いて上昇を開始してから一定時間が経過したか否かを判定する(S20)。一定時間が経過していない場合は(S20,NO)、S19を再実行し、ON状態に切り替わりを監視する。また、一定時間を経過した場合には(S20,YES)、収納箱52の把持を失敗したと判断し、この失敗した旨の情報をオペレータに報知する等の失敗処理を行った後(S21)、本ルーチンを終了する。   When the support surface portion 53b is sandwiched from both sides by the claw members 33 and 33 as described above, the housing frame 34 is subsequently raised at a low speed as shown in FIG. 11 (S18). Then, while continuing the low speed increase, it is determined whether or not the first and second holding detection sensors 57a and 57b are in the ON state (S19), and it is not in the ON state, that is, the OFF state is maintained. If (S19, NO), it is then determined whether or not a certain time has elapsed since the start of the rise (S20). If the predetermined time has not elapsed (S20, NO), S19 is re-executed and the switching to the ON state is monitored. In addition, when a certain time has passed (S20, YES), it is determined that gripping of the storage box 52 has failed, and after performing failure processing such as notifying the operator of information indicating the failure (S21). This routine is terminated.

また、S19において、第1および第2保持検知センサー57a・57bがON状態に切り替わった場合には(S19,YES)、両方の爪部材33・33で支持面部53bを上下方向に支持できたと判断し、把持機構32を高速で上昇させる(S22)。そして、図12に示すように、爪部材33・33を開状態としながら把持機構32を上昇させて上限位置、即ち、搬送高さ位置にまで上昇させ(S23)、本ルーチンを終了する。   In S19, when the first and second holding detection sensors 57a and 57b are switched to the ON state (S19, YES), it is determined that the support surface portion 53b can be supported in the vertical direction by both the claw members 33 and 33. Then, the gripping mechanism 32 is raised at a high speed (S22). Then, as shown in FIG. 12, the gripping mechanism 32 is raised while the pawl members 33 and 33 are in the open state to raise to the upper limit position, that is, the conveyance height position (S23), and this routine is finished.

以上のように、本実施例の搬送装置は、図3に示すように、収納容器51(被搬送物)の支持面部53bを両側から挟み込んで下側から上下方向に支持する爪部材33・33と、収納容器51の支持面部53bの真下側から外側までの範囲で爪部材33・33を水平方向に移動可能な図示しない水平移動機構と、収納容器51を載置高さ位置から搬送高さ位置までの範囲で昇降させるように爪部材33・33を上下方向に移動可能な昇降機構31と、収納容器51の支持面部53bを爪部材33・33で支持しながら下降させて載置状態とした後、支持面部53bから爪部材33・33を収納容器51の側方に退避させ、爪部材33・33のみを上昇させる装着制御手段(図1の昇降制御装置61やカセット装着認識部71等、図2のカセット装着ルーチン)と、載置状態にされた収納容器51の側方から支持面部53bの下側に爪部材33・33を進入させた後、爪部材33・33の上昇により支持面部53bを支持しながら収納容器51を上昇させる抜脱制御手段(図1の昇降制御装置61やカセット抜脱認識部72等、図7のカセット抜脱ルーチン)と、装着制御手段による爪部材33・33のみの上昇時に、収納容器51の側方に退避された爪部材33・33の先端部よりも進入側に支持面部53bの側面を位置させる位置規制部材35・35(当接部材)とを有した構成にされている。そして、このように構成された懸垂搬送装置1は、爪部材が支持面部に引っ掛かることによる被搬送物の衝撃や揺れ、脱落を防止することが可能になっている。   As described above, as shown in FIG. 3, the transport device according to the present embodiment sandwiches the support surface portion 53 b of the storage container 51 (conveyed object) from both sides and supports the claw members 33 and 33 in the vertical direction from the lower side. A horizontal movement mechanism (not shown) capable of moving the claw members 33 and 33 in the horizontal direction within a range from directly below to the outside of the support surface portion 53b of the storage container 51, and the transport height of the storage container 51 from the mounting height position. The raising / lowering mechanism 31 that can move the claw members 33, 33 in the vertical direction so that the claw members 33, 33 can be moved up and down to the position, and the support surface portion 53b of the storage container 51 are lowered while being supported by the claw members 33, 33, After that, the mounting control means (such as the lifting control device 61 and the cassette mounting recognition unit 71 in FIG. 1) is configured to retract the claw members 33, 33 from the support surface portion 53b to the side of the storage container 51 and raise only the claw members 33, 33. Fig. 2 cassette A mounting routine), and after the claw members 33 and 33 enter the lower side of the support surface portion 53b from the side of the placed storage container 51, the support surface portion 53b is supported by the raising of the claw members 33 and 33. While the storage container 51 is raised, the removal control means (elevation control device 61 in FIG. 1, the cassette removal recognition unit 72, etc., the cassette removal routine in FIG. 7), and the claw members 33 and 33 are lifted only by the attachment control means. In some cases, there are provided position restricting members 35 and 35 (contact members) for positioning the side surface of the support surface portion 53b closer to the entry side than the tip end portions of the claw members 33 and 33 retracted to the side of the storage container 51. Has been. And the suspension conveyance apparatus 1 comprised in this way can prevent the to-be-conveyed object's impact, a shake, and drop-off | oating by a nail | claw member being hooked on a support surface part.

尚、本実施例においては、収納容器51の支持面部53bは、縦断面がT字形状のフランジ部材53の頭部に設定されているが、これに限定されるものではなく、収納容器51自体の下面部であっても良いし、収納容器51の側面に形成された凹部等であっても良い。また、爪部材33は、単数であっても、複数であっても良い。また、本実施例における水平移動機構としては、例えばボールネジ機構やシリンダ機構、ベルト機構を用いることができる。昇降機構31は、本実施例のように把持機構32をタイミングベルト43で懸吊して昇降させる構成であっても良いし、把持機構32の側面を支持しながらボールネジ機構やシリンダ機構により昇降させる構成であっても良い。   In the present embodiment, the support surface portion 53b of the storage container 51 is set at the head of the flange member 53 having a T-shaped longitudinal section. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the storage container 51 itself. It may be a lower surface portion, or a concave portion formed on the side surface of the storage container 51. Moreover, the claw member 33 may be single or plural. Moreover, as a horizontal movement mechanism in a present Example, a ball screw mechanism, a cylinder mechanism, and a belt mechanism can be used, for example. The lifting mechanism 31 may be configured to lift and lower the gripping mechanism 32 with a timing belt 43 as in the present embodiment, or lift and lower by a ball screw mechanism or a cylinder mechanism while supporting the side surface of the gripping mechanism 32. It may be a configuration.

また、本実施例の位置規制部材35は、支持面部53bの両側に当接可能な状態となるように、左右対称に設けられているが、支持面部53bの四方を囲むように例えば4ヶ所に設けられていても良い。この場合には、収納容器51の左右の位置ズレに加えて、収納容器51の前後方向の位置ズレによる懸吊時のバランスの崩れによる脱落も防止することが可能になる。また、位置規制部材35は、少なくとも先端部が柔軟な材質、例えば合成樹脂やラバーで形成されていることが好ましい。これにより、カセット抜脱時において、爪部材33・33を下降させるときに、位置規制部材35が支持面部53bに衝突した場合でも、衝突時の衝撃を位置規制部材35が減衰させるため、支持面部53bの破損を十分に防止することができる。   Further, the position restricting member 35 of the present embodiment is provided symmetrically so as to be in contact with both sides of the support surface portion 53b. However, for example, at four locations so as to surround the four sides of the support surface portion 53b. It may be provided. In this case, in addition to the left / right positional shift of the storage container 51, it is possible to prevent the storage container 51 from falling off due to a loss of balance during suspension due to a positional shift in the front-rear direction. In addition, it is preferable that the position restricting member 35 is formed of a material having a flexible tip at least, for example, synthetic resin or rubber. Thus, when the claw members 33 and 33 are lowered when the cassette is removed, even if the position restricting member 35 collides with the support surface portion 53b, the position restricting member 35 attenuates the impact at the time of collision. The breakage of 53b can be sufficiently prevented.

また、本実施例の懸垂搬送装置1は、収納容器51の支持面部53bを両側から挟み込んで下側から上下方向に支持する爪部材33・33と、収納容器51の支持面部53bの真下側から外側までの範囲で爪部材33・33を水平方向に移動可能な水平移動機構と、収納容器51を載置高さ位置から搬送高さ位置までの範囲で昇降させるように爪部材33・33を上下方向に移動可能な昇降機構31と、爪部材33・33が収納容器51の支持面部53bに当接したことを検知する第1および第2保持検知センサー57a・57b(保持検知センサー)と、載置状態にされた収納容器51の支持面部53bと爪部材33・33とを非接触で対向可能にする水平移動高さ位置の水平面内に爪部材33・33が存在するときに、収納容器51の所定部位を検知するフランジ検知センサー55(高さ位置検知センサー)と、収納容器51の支持面部53bを爪部材33・33で支持しながら下降させて載置状態とし、フランジ検知センサー55により爪部材33・33が支持面部53bに対して非接触になったことを確認した後、支持面部53bから爪部材33・33を収納容器51の側方に退避させ、爪部材33・33のみを上昇させる装着制御手段(図1の昇降制御装置61やカセット装着認識部71等、図2のカセット装着ルーチン)と、載置状態にされた収納容器51の支持面部53bに対して爪部材33・33が非接触の進入高さ位置であることをフランジ検知センサー55により確認した後、収納容器51の側方から支持面部53bの下側に爪部材33・33を進入させ、第1および第2保持検知センサー57a・57bにより爪部材33・33が支持面部53bに当接したことを確認した後、爪部材33・33の上昇により支持面部53bを支持しながら収納容器51を上昇させる抜脱制御手段(図1の昇降制御装置61やカセット抜脱認識部72等、図7のカセット抜脱ルーチン)とを有した構成にされている。   Further, the suspended transfer device 1 of the present embodiment includes claw members 33 and 33 that sandwich the support surface portion 53b of the storage container 51 from both sides and support the storage container 51 in the vertical direction from below, and from directly below the support surface portion 53b of the storage container 51. A horizontal movement mechanism that can move the claw members 33, 33 in the horizontal direction in the range to the outside, and the claw members 33, 33 so as to raise and lower the storage container 51 in the range from the placement height position to the conveyance height position. An elevating mechanism 31 movable in the vertical direction, first and second holding detection sensors 57a and 57b (holding detection sensors) for detecting that the claw members 33 and 33 are in contact with the support surface portion 53b of the storage container 51; When the claw members 33, 33 are present in a horizontal plane at a horizontal movement height position that allows the support surface portion 53 b of the storage container 51 placed in the mounted state and the claw members 33, 33 to face each other without contact, the storage container 51 places The flange detection sensor 55 (height position detection sensor) for detecting the part and the support surface portion 53b of the storage container 51 are lowered while being supported by the claw members 33 and 33 to be placed, and the flange detection sensor 55 performs the claw member 33. -After confirming that 33 is not in contact with the support surface portion 53b, the claw members 33, 33 are retracted from the support surface portion 53b to the side of the storage container 51, and only the claw members 33, 33 are raised. The claw members 33 and 33 are not attached to the control means (elevation control device 61 in FIG. 1, cassette mounting recognition unit 71, etc., cassette mounting routine in FIG. 2) and the support surface portion 53 b of the storage container 51 in the placed state. After the contact detection height position is confirmed by the flange detection sensor 55, the claw members 33 and 33 are entered from the side of the storage container 51 to the lower side of the support surface portion 53b. After confirming that the claw members 33 and 33 are in contact with the support surface portion 53b by the second holding detection sensors 57a and 57b, the storage container 51 is raised while supporting the support surface portion 53b by raising the claw members 33 and 33. It is configured to include a removal control means (the cassette removal routine of FIG. 7 such as the lifting control device 61 and the cassette removal recognition unit 72 of FIG. 1).

より具体的には、懸垂搬送装置1は、図13に示すように、軌道上を走行する走行ローラ機構7等の走行台車と、走行台車に吊り下げ状態に昇降可能に支持された把持機構32(保持体)と、把持機構32に設けられ、収納容器51の支持面部53bを両側から進退移動させることにより下側から上下方向に支持する一対の爪部材33・33とを有している。さらに、懸垂搬送装置1は、図3に示すように、爪部材33・33が収納容器51の支持面部53bに当接したことを検知する第1および第2保持検知センサー57a・57b(保持検知センサー)と、載置状態にされた収納容器51の支持面部53bと爪部材33・33とを非接触で対向可能にする水平移動高さ位置の水平面内に爪部材33・33が存在するときに、収納容器51の支持面部53b(所定部位)を検知するフランジ検知センサー55(高さ位置検知センサー)と、収納容器51の支持面部53bを爪部材33・33で支持しながら下降させて載置状態とし、フランジ検知センサー55により爪部材33・33が支持面部53bに対して非接触になったことを確認した後、支持面部53bから爪部材33・33を収納容器51の側方に退避させ、爪部材33・33のみを上昇させる装着制御手段と、載置状態にされた収納容器51の支持面部53bに対して爪部材33・33が非接触の進入高さ位置であることをフランジ検知センサー55により確認した後、収納容器51の側方から支持面部53bの下側に爪部材33・33を進入させ、第1および第2保持検知センサー57a・57bにより爪部材33・33が支持面部53bに当接したことを確認した後、爪部材33・33の上昇により支持面部53bを支持しながら収納容器51を上昇させる抜脱制御手段とを有した構成にされている。   More specifically, as shown in FIG. 13, the suspension transfer device 1 includes a traveling carriage such as a traveling roller mechanism 7 that travels on a track, and a gripping mechanism 32 that is supported by the traveling carriage so as to be lifted and lowered. (Holding body) and a pair of claw members 33 and 33 which are provided in the gripping mechanism 32 and are supported in the vertical direction from the lower side by moving the support surface portion 53b of the storage container 51 forward and backward from both sides. Further, as shown in FIG. 3, the suspension transfer device 1 includes first and second holding detection sensors 57 a and 57 b (holding detection) that detect that the claw members 33 and 33 are in contact with the support surface portion 53 b of the storage container 51. Sensor) and the support surface portion 53b of the storage container 51 in the placed state and the claw members 33, 33 can be opposed to each other in a non-contact manner. In addition, the flange detection sensor 55 (height position detection sensor) for detecting the support surface portion 53b (predetermined part) of the storage container 51 and the support surface portion 53b of the storage container 51 are lowered while being supported by the claw members 33 and 33. After confirming that the claw members 33 and 33 are not in contact with the support surface portion 53b by the flange detection sensor 55, the claw members 33 and 33 are inserted into the storage container 5 from the support surface portion 53b. And a mounting control means for raising only the claw members 33 and 33, and a position where the claw members 33 and 33 are in non-contact with the support surface portion 53b of the storage container 51 placed in a non-contact state. After confirming by the flange detection sensor 55, the claw members 33 and 33 are entered from the side of the storage container 51 to the lower side of the support surface portion 53b, and the claw members by the first and second holding detection sensors 57a and 57b. After confirming that 33 and 33 have come into contact with the support surface portion 53b, there is provided an extraction control means for raising the storage container 51 while supporting the support surface portion 53b by raising the claw members 33 and 33. Yes.

そして、このように構成された懸垂搬送装置1は、装着動作時および抜脱動作時において、収納容器51に爪部材33・33が衝突して衝撃を与えたり、収納容器51に爪部材33・33を引っ掛けて脱落させる等の原因を解消することが可能になっている。尚、第1および第2保持検知センサー57a・57b(保持検知センサー)は、リミットスイッチであっても良いし、爪部材33・33の変位を検出する変位センサー、爪部材33・33の重量変化を検出するロードセル等であっても良い。   The suspension conveying device 1 configured as described above causes the claw members 33 and 33 to collide with the storage container 51 and give an impact to the storage container 51 during the mounting operation and the withdrawal operation. It is possible to eliminate the cause of dropping 33 by hooking 33. The first and second holding detection sensors 57a and 57b (holding detection sensors) may be limit switches, displacement sensors that detect the displacement of the claw members 33 and 33, and weight changes of the claw members 33 and 33. It may be a load cell or the like for detecting.

さらに、懸垂搬送装置1は、収納容器51の側方に退避された爪部材33・33の先端部よりも進入側に支持面部53bの側面を位置させる位置規制部材35を有した構成にされている。これにより、爪部材33・33が支持面部53bに引っ掛かることによる収納容器51の衝撃や揺れ、脱落を防止することが可能になっている。   Furthermore, the suspension conveyance device 1 is configured to include a position restricting member 35 that positions the side surface of the support surface portion 53b closer to the entry side than the distal end portions of the claw members 33 and 33 retracted to the side of the storage container 51. Yes. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the storage container 51 from being impacted, shaken, or dropped due to the hook members 33 and 33 being hooked on the support surface portion 53b.

さらに、上記の位置規制部材35・35は、一対の爪部材33・33間の中心位置に支持面部53bを位置決めするように左右対称に設けられた構成にされている。これにより、収納容器51の支持面部53bと一対の爪部材33・33との位置関係を常に一定の状態に維持させることができるため、爪部材33・33が支持面部に引っ掛かる等による収納容器51の衝撃や揺れ、脱落をより一層十分に防止することが可能になっている。   Further, the position restricting members 35 and 35 are provided symmetrically so as to position the support surface portion 53b at the center position between the pair of claw members 33 and 33. Thereby, since the positional relationship between the support surface portion 53b of the storage container 51 and the pair of claw members 33, 33 can be always maintained in a constant state, the storage container 51 due to the claw members 33, 33 being caught on the support surface portion or the like. It is possible to more sufficiently prevent the shock, shaking, and falling off.

さらに、フランジ検知センサー55(高さ位置検知センサー)は、位置規制部材35・35に設けられている。これにより、フランジ検知センサー55の取り付けを容易に行うことが可能になっている。   Further, the flange detection sensor 55 (height position detection sensor) is provided on the position regulating members 35 and 35. As a result, the flange detection sensor 55 can be easily attached.

尚、フランジ検知センサー55(高さ位置検知センサー)は、フランジ部材53を検知するようになっているが、これに限定されるものではなく、収納容器51の上面や側面に設けられた突起部等の特定部位を検知するようになっていても良い。また、フランジ検知センサー55は、位置規制部材35の内側に設けられていても良いし、収容枠体34の下面に設けられ、収容枠体34と支持面部53bの上面との距離を検出するように構成されていても良い。さらに、フランジ検知センサー55は、爪部材33・33の連結部33c・33cの内側面に設けられていても良い。   The flange detection sensor 55 (height position detection sensor) is configured to detect the flange member 53, but is not limited to this, and a protrusion provided on the upper surface or side surface of the storage container 51. It is also possible to detect specific parts such as. Further, the flange detection sensor 55 may be provided inside the position restricting member 35 or may be provided on the lower surface of the storage frame body 34 so as to detect the distance between the storage frame body 34 and the upper surface of the support surface portion 53b. It may be configured as follows. Further, the flange detection sensor 55 may be provided on the inner side surfaces of the connecting portions 33c and 33c of the claw members 33 and 33.

また、本実施例における装着制御手段は、収納容器51の支持面部53bを爪部材33・33爪部材で支持しながら下降させて載置状態とする際に、載置状態に載置するときの下降速度が最も低速となるように、下降速度を可変する下降速度制御手段(図1の高速指示部69、低速指示部70および図2のS1〜S13、図7のS12〜S14)を有した構成にされている。これにより、収納容器51の載置を短時間で完了できると共に、安定して行うことができるようになっている。尚、下降速度の可変は、本実施例のように高速と低速の2段階であっても良いし、2段階以上の多段階であっても良いし、連続的に変化するものであっても良い。   Further, the mounting control means in the present embodiment is used when the mounting surface is placed in the placement state when the support surface portion 53b of the storage container 51 is lowered and supported by the claw members 33 and 33. A descent speed control means (high-speed instruction unit 69, low-speed instruction unit 70 in FIG. 1 and S1 to S13 in FIG. 2, S12 to S14 in FIG. 7) is provided to change the descent speed so that the descent speed becomes the slowest. It is configured. Thereby, the placement of the storage container 51 can be completed in a short time and can be performed stably. Note that the lowering speed may be variable in two stages, high speed and low speed, as in this embodiment, in multiple stages of two or more stages, or continuously changing. good.

以上のように、本発明を好適な実施の形態に基づいて説明したが、本発明はその趣旨を超えない範囲において変更が可能である。   As mentioned above, although this invention was demonstrated based on suitable embodiment, this invention can be changed in the range which does not exceed the meaning.

例えば半導体製造施設でウエハに対して各種の処理を施す際に、ウエハを収納容器に収納して搬送する用途にも適用できる。   For example, the present invention can also be applied to a case where a wafer is stored in a storage container and transferred when various processes are performed on the wafer in a semiconductor manufacturing facility.

懸垂搬送装置の制御ブロック図である。It is a control block diagram of a suspension conveying apparatus. カセット装着ルーチンのフローチャートである。It is a flowchart of a cassette mounting routine. カセット装着の過程を示す説明図である。It is explanatory drawing which shows the process of cassette mounting. カセット装着の過程を示す説明図である。It is explanatory drawing which shows the process of cassette mounting. カセット装着の過程を示す説明図である。It is explanatory drawing which shows the process of cassette mounting. カセット装着の過程を示す説明図である。It is explanatory drawing which shows the process of cassette mounting. カセット抜脱ルーチンのフローチャートである。It is a flowchart of a cassette removal routine. カセット抜脱の過程を示す説明図である。It is explanatory drawing which shows the process of cassette removal. カセット抜脱の過程を示す説明図である。It is explanatory drawing which shows the process of cassette removal. カセット抜脱の過程を示す説明図である。It is explanatory drawing which shows the process of cassette removal. カセット抜脱の過程を示す説明図である。It is explanatory drawing which shows the process of cassette removal. カセット抜脱の過程を示す説明図である。It is explanatory drawing which shows the process of cassette removal. 懸垂搬送装置の概略構成図である。It is a schematic block diagram of a suspension conveying apparatus.

符号の説明Explanation of symbols

1 懸垂搬送装置
3 昇降懸吊機構
4 駆動機構
5 棒状支持部材
6 一次側コイル
7 走行ローラ機構
12 ガイド機構
13 スライド機構
14 ガイドローラ
15 給電機構
31 昇降機構
32 把持機構
33 爪部材
33a 上辺部
33b 下辺部
33c 連結部
34 収容枠体
35 位置規制部材
41 収容枠体
43 タイミングベルト
51 収納容器
52 収納箱
53 フランジ部材
53a 胴部
53b 支持面部
55 フランジ検知センサー
56 隙間56
57a 第1保持検知センサー
57b 第2保持検知センサー
60 載置台
61 昇降制御装置
62 爪部材離隔判定部
63 フランジ検知判定部
64 爪部材開閉指示部
65 昇降指示部
66 搬送高さ判定部
67 速度切換高さ判定部
68 下降速度切り替え部
69 高速指示部
70 低速指示部
71 カセット装着認識部
72 カセット抜脱認識部
73 カセット着脱信号読取部
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Suspension conveyance apparatus 3 Elevating / suspending mechanism 4 Drive mechanism 5 Rod support member 6 Primary side coil 7 Traveling roller mechanism 12 Guide mechanism 13 Slide mechanism 14 Guide roller 15 Power supply mechanism 31 Elevating mechanism 32 Grip mechanism 33 Claw member 33a Upper side 33b Lower side Portion 33c Connecting portion 34 Housing frame 35 Position regulating member 41 Housing frame 43 Timing belt 51 Storage container 52 Storage box 53 Flange member 53a Body 53b Support surface 55 Flange detection sensor 56 Gap 56
57a 1st holding | maintenance detection sensor 57b 2nd holding | maintenance detection sensor 60 Mounting stand 61 Elevation control apparatus 62 Claw member separation determination part 63 Flange detection determination part 64 Claw member opening / closing instruction | indication part 65 Elevation instruction | indication instruction | indication 66 Conveyance height determination part 67 Speed switching height Determining section 68 Lowering speed switching section 69 High speed instruction section 70 Low speed instruction section 71 Cassette attachment recognition section 72 Cassette removal / recognition section 73 Cassette attachment / detachment signal reading section

Claims (7)

被搬送物の支持面部を両側から挟み込んで下側から上下方向に支持する爪部材と、
前記被搬送物の支持面部の真下側から外側までの範囲で前記爪部材を水平方向に移動可能な水平移動機構と、
前記被搬送物を載置高さ位置から搬送高さ位置までの範囲で昇降させるように前記爪部材を上下方向に移動可能な昇降機構と、
前記被搬送物の支持面部を爪部材で支持しながら下降させて載置状態とした後、該支持面部から爪部材を被搬送物の側方に退避させ、爪部材のみを上昇させる装着制御手段と、
載置状態にされた被搬送物の側方から支持面部の下側に爪部材を進入させた後、該爪部材の上昇により支持面部を支持しながら被搬送物を上昇させる抜脱制御手段と、
前記装着制御手段による爪部材のみの上昇時に、前記被搬送物の側方に退避された爪部材の先端部よりも進入側に前記支持面部の側面を位置させる当接部材と
を有することを特徴とする搬送装置。
A claw member that sandwiches the support surface portion of the object to be conveyed from both sides and supports it vertically from below,
A horizontal movement mechanism capable of moving the claw member in a horizontal direction in a range from directly below to the outside of the support surface portion of the conveyed object;
An elevating mechanism capable of moving the claw member in the vertical direction so as to elevate the object to be conveyed in a range from a placement height position to a conveyance height position;
Mounting control means for lowering the support surface portion of the transported object while supporting it with a claw member and placing it in a placed state, then retracting the claw member from the support surface portion to the side of the transported material and raising only the claw member When,
An extraction control means for raising the object to be conveyed while supporting the support surface part by ascending the claw member after the claw member has entered from the side of the object to be conveyed placed to the lower side of the support surface part ,
A contact member that positions the side surface of the support surface portion closer to the entry side than the tip portion of the claw member retracted to the side of the object to be conveyed when the attachment control means lifts only the claw member. A transport device.
被搬送物の支持面部を両側から挟み込んで下側から上下方向に支持する爪部材と、
前記被搬送物の支持面部の真下側から外側までの範囲で前記爪部材を水平方向に移動可能な水平移動機構と、
前記被搬送物を載置高さ位置から搬送高さ位置までの範囲で昇降させるように前記爪部材を上下方向に移動可能な昇降機構と、
前記爪部材が前記被搬送物の支持面部に当接したことを検知する保持検知センサーと、
載置状態にされた前記被搬送物の支持面部と前記爪部材とを非接触で対向可能にする水平移動高さ位置の水平面内に前記爪部材が存在するときに、前記被搬送物の所定部位を検知する高さ位置検知センサーと、
前記被搬送物の支持面部を爪部材で支持しながら下降させて載置状態とし、前記高さ位置検知センサーにより爪部材が支持面部に対して非接触になったことを確認した後、該支持面部から爪部材を被搬送物の側方に退避させ、爪部材のみを上昇させる装着制御手段と、
載置状態にされた被搬送物の支持面部に対して前記爪部材が非接触の進入高さ位置であることを前記高さ位置検知センサーにより確認した後、被搬送物の側方から支持面部の下側に爪部材を進入させ、前記保持検知センサーにより爪部材が支持面部に当接したことを確認した後、該爪部材の上昇により支持面部を支持しながら被搬送物を上昇させる抜脱制御手段と
を有することを特徴とする搬送装置。
A claw member that sandwiches the support surface portion of the object to be conveyed from both sides and supports it vertically from below,
A horizontal movement mechanism capable of moving the claw member in a horizontal direction in a range from directly below to the outside of the support surface portion of the conveyed object;
An elevating mechanism capable of moving the claw member in the vertical direction so as to elevate the object to be conveyed in a range from a placement height position to a conveyance height position;
A holding detection sensor for detecting that the claw member is in contact with the support surface portion of the object to be conveyed;
When the claw member is present in a horizontal plane at a horizontal movement height position that allows the support surface portion of the transported object placed in a placed state and the claw member to face each other in a non-contact manner, a predetermined value of the transported object is determined. A height position detection sensor for detecting a site;
The support surface portion of the object to be transported is lowered while being supported by the claw member to be placed, and after confirming that the claw member is not in contact with the support surface portion by the height position detection sensor, the support surface portion is supported. A mounting control means for retracting the claw member from the surface portion to the side of the object to be conveyed and raising only the claw member;
After confirming by the height position detection sensor that the claw member is in a non-contact approach height position with respect to the support surface portion of the object to be transported placed, the support surface portion from the side of the object to be transported The claw member is made to enter the lower side, and after confirming that the claw member is in contact with the support surface portion by the holding detection sensor, the object to be conveyed is lifted while supporting the support surface portion by raising the claw member. And a control device.
軌道上を走行する走行台車と、
前記走行台車に吊り下げ状態に昇降可能に支持された保持体と、
前記保持体に設けられ、被搬送物の支持面部を両側から進退移動させることにより下側から上下方向に支持する一対の爪部材と、
前記爪部材が前記被搬送物の支持面部に当接したことを検知する保持検知センサーと、
載置状態にされた前記被搬送物の支持面部と前記爪部材とを非接触で対向可能にする水平移動高さ位置の水平面内に前記爪部材が存在するときに、前記被搬送物の所定部位を検知する高さ位置検知センサーと、
前記被搬送物の支持面部を爪部材で支持しながら下降させて載置状態とし、前記高さ位置検知センサーにより爪部材が支持面部に対して非接触になったことを確認した後、該支持面部から爪部材を被搬送物の側方に退避させ、爪部材のみを上昇させる装着制御手段と、
載置状態にされた被搬送物の支持面部に対して前記爪部材が非接触の進入高さ位置であることを前記高さ位置検知センサーにより確認した後、被搬送物の側方から支持面部の下側に爪部材を進入させ、前記保持検知センサーにより爪部材が支持面部に当接したことを確認した後、該爪部材の上昇により支持面部を支持しながら被搬送物を上昇させる抜脱制御手段と
を有することを特徴とする搬送装置。
A traveling carriage traveling on the track;
A holding body supported so as to be lifted and lowered in a suspended state by the traveling carriage;
A pair of claw members that are provided on the holding body and that support the object to be conveyed in the vertical direction from the lower side by moving the support surface portion of the conveyed object from both sides;
A holding detection sensor for detecting that the claw member is in contact with the support surface portion of the object to be conveyed;
When the claw member is present in a horizontal plane at a horizontal movement height position that enables the support surface portion of the transported object placed in the placed state and the claw member to face each other in a non-contact manner, a predetermined state of the transported object is determined. A height position detection sensor for detecting a site;
The support surface portion of the object to be transported is lowered while being supported by the claw member to be placed, and after confirming that the claw member is not in contact with the support surface portion by the height position detection sensor, the support surface portion is supported. An attachment control means for retracting the claw member from the surface portion to the side of the object to be conveyed and raising only the claw member;
After confirming by the height position detection sensor that the claw member is in a non-contact approach height position with respect to the support surface portion of the object to be transported placed, the support surface portion from the side of the object to be transported The claw member is made to enter the lower side, and after confirming that the claw member is in contact with the support surface portion by the holding detection sensor, the object to be conveyed is lifted while supporting the support surface portion by raising the claw member. And a control unit.
前記被搬送物の側方に退避された爪部材の先端部よりも進入側に前記支持面部の側面を位置させる位置規制部材を有することを特徴とする請求項2または3に記載の搬送装置。   4. The transport device according to claim 2, further comprising a position regulating member that positions a side surface of the support surface portion closer to an entry side than a front end portion of the claw member retracted to a side of the transported object. 前記位置規制部材は、前記一対の爪部材間の中心位置に前記被搬送物の支持面部を位置決めするように左右対称に設けられていることを特徴とする請求項4に記載の搬送装置。   The transport apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the position restricting member is provided symmetrically so as to position a support surface portion of the transported object at a center position between the pair of claw members. 前記高さ位置検知センサーが前記位置規制部材に設けられていることを特徴とする請求項4または5に記載の搬送装置。   The transport apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the height position detection sensor is provided on the position regulating member. 前記装着制御手段は、
前記被搬送物の支持面部を爪部材で支持しながら下降させて載置状態とする際に、載置状態に載置するときの下降速度が最も低速となるように、下降速度を可変する下降速度制御手段を有することを特徴とする請求項4ないし6の何れか1項に記載の搬送装置。
The mounting control means includes
A descent that varies the descent speed so that the descent speed when placing in the loading state is the lowest when the descent is performed while supporting the support surface portion of the transported object with the claw member. The transport apparatus according to claim 4, further comprising a speed control unit.
JP2003290390A 2003-08-08 2003-08-08 Transport device Expired - Fee Related JP4239748B2 (en)

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