JP2012056664A - Conveying system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To transfer a conveyed object suitably to a temporary storage shelf in a conveying system.SOLUTION: The conveying system includes a track (100), the temporary storage shelf (520) provided at the side of the track along the track, and a conveying vehicle (200) capable of conveying the conveyed object along the track and transferring the conveyed object to the temporary storage shelf. The temporary storage shelf has a reflecting plate (600) in a predetermined part. The conveying vehicle includes: a traveling part (210); a moving part (230) including a grip part (250) gripping the conveyed object, and a lifting part (235) moving the grip part downward, the moving part (230) being movable to the side; and a reflecting plate detecting part (270) provided at the moving part and capable of detecting the reflecting plate of the temporary storage shelf. When the conveying vehicle moves the moving part to the side to transfer the conveyed object between the temporary storage shelf and the conveying vehicle, if the reflecting plate cannot be detected by the reflecting plate detecting part, a transfer operation is stopped.

Description

  The present invention relates to a technical field of a transport system that transports an object to be transported such as a container in which various substrates for manufacturing semiconductor devices are accommodated by a transport vehicle that travels along a track.

  As this type of transport system, for example, there is a system that transports an object to be transported when a plurality of transport vehicles travel on a track laid on a ceiling. The transport vehicle can deliver (that is, transfer) a transported object to and from a temporary storage shelf (for example, a buffer) provided along the track.

  The transferred object can be transferred not only to the buffer located directly below the track, but also to the buffer positioned laterally as viewed from the track. In a transport system that realizes such horizontal transfer, a technique has been proposed in which an obstacle present below the transport vehicle is detected using an obstacle sensor attached to the transport vehicle (for example, Patent Documents). 1).

JP 2009-208888 A

  In the case of lateral transfer, for example, as compared with the transfer in the direction directly below the track, a problem at the time of transfer is likely to occur due to the side movement. Specifically, for example, there may be a case where the transferred object cannot be transferred normally due to a failure of a mechanism that extends laterally during horizontal transfer. In particular, when the above-described extension mechanism is a belt drive type, it is conceivable that a belt break occurs. However, it is difficult to detect this belt break.

  However, the technique according to Patent Document 1 described above merely detects an obstacle around the transport vehicle, and does not mention any detection of a problem during lateral transfer. That is, even if surrounding obstacles can be detected, it is not possible to detect an abnormal operation during horizontal transfer. Therefore, the technique according to Patent Document 1 has a technical problem that it is difficult to sufficiently reduce defects at the time of transfer.

  This invention is made | formed in view of the problem mentioned above, for example, and makes it a subject to provide the conveyance system which can transfer a to-be-conveyed object suitably with respect to a temporary storage shelf.

  In order to solve the above problems, the transport system of the present invention is provided with a track, a temporary storage shelf that is provided on the side of the track along the track and temporarily stores the transported object, and the transported object is A transport system that transports along a track and is capable of transferring the object to be transported to the temporary storage shelf, wherein the temporary storage shelf has a reflector at a predetermined location, The transport vehicle includes a traveling unit that travels on the track, a gripping unit that grips the object to be transported, and a lifting unit that moves the gripping unit downward, and a moving unit that is movable sideways. A reflector detecting unit provided in the moving unit and capable of detecting the reflecting plate of the temporary storage shelf, and the transport vehicle moves the moving unit to the side to move the temporary When transferring the object to be transferred between a storage shelf and the transport vehicle, the reflection If it does not find the reflection plate by the detecting unit stops the transfer operation.

  According to the transport system of the present invention, during the operation, a transported object such as FOUP (Front Opening Unified Pod) is transported by a transport vehicle such as OHT (Overhead Hoist Transport) that travels along a track laid on the ceiling. Be transported. A plurality of transport vehicles are provided on the track, and each transport vehicle transports an object to be transported based on a transport command given to each track.

  In the transport system of the present invention, a temporary storage shelf is provided along the track on the side of the track. That is, a temporary storage shelf is provided at a position deviated from the track to the side. The temporary storage shelf is configured to be able to temporarily store an object to be transported that is transported by a transport vehicle.

  The conveyance vehicle has a traveling unit that travels on a track. In addition, it includes a gripping part that grips the object to be transported and a lifting part that moves the gripping part downward, and has a moving part that moves sideways (that is, in the direction of the temporary storage shelf). When the transferred object is transferred, the transferred object is transferred by adjusting the position of each part included in the moving unit. For example, when transferring an object to be transferred between the transport vehicle and the temporary storage shelf, the moving unit itself is first moved to the side, and then the lifting unit lowers the gripping unit to the temporary storage shelf. Hereinafter, the transfer accompanied by the lateral movement by the moving unit is appropriately referred to as “lateral transfer”.

  The temporary storage shelf according to the present invention is configured to have a reflector at a predetermined location. On the other hand, the moving part in the transport vehicle is provided with a reflecting plate detector that detects the reflecting plate in the temporary storage shelf. The reflection plate detection unit may be provided in the grip unit in the moving unit or may be provided in the lifting unit. Or you may provide in the other part of a moving part. The reflecting plate is made of, for example, a metal having a high reflectance, and the reflecting plate detection unit is made of, for example, an optical sensor that irradiates light and detects reflected light. In addition, the reflector provided in the temporary storage shelf does not necessarily have to be a high reflector such as a reflector, and can be present (ie, position) by a reflector detector provided in the transport vehicle. That's fine.

  Here, particularly in the present invention, when the moving unit moves to the side between the temporary storage shelf and the transport vehicle to transfer the object to be transported (that is, during horizontal transfer), the reflecting plate by the reflecting plate detection unit Is detected. Note that “when transferring” according to the present invention does not mean the moment when the object to be transferred is delivered between the temporary storage shelf and the transfer vehicle, but the period from when the transfer operation is started to when it is completed. Means. Here, when the reflection plate cannot be detected by the reflection plate detector, an abnormality in the transfer operation is detected, and the transfer operation is stopped. That is, it is determined that the lateral transfer operation is not normally performed due to an apparatus failure or a system failure, and the transfer operation is stopped.

  If the transfer operation is stopped as described above, it is possible to prevent the transfer operation from continuing even though an abnormality is detected. Therefore, it is possible to prevent various problems that occur due to the abnormal transfer operation. When the transfer operation is stopped, the operation of the entire system is typically stopped. However, when the transfer vehicle or a part of the system in which an abnormality of the transfer operation is detected may be partially stopped, It may be a simple stop.

  The transfer to the temporary storage shelf, for example, is more likely to cause a problem at the time of transfer compared to the transfer to a port or the like that is located directly below the track. Therefore, if the abnormality detecting means as described above is not provided, the transfer is performed without noticing the abnormality, and there is a possibility that the transported object is dropped or damaged.

  However, in the present invention, as described above, the reflector detection unit provided in the moving unit of the transport vehicle detects the reflector provided in the temporary storage shelf, thereby reliably detecting an abnormality in the transfer operation. Can do. That is, the “predetermined location” where the reflecting plate is provided is a position that can be detected by the reflecting plate detector if it is a normal transfer operation, but cannot be detected by an abnormal transfer operation. By using the plate, it is possible to detect an abnormality in the transfer operation with a relatively simple configuration.

  As described above, according to the transport system of the present invention, it is possible to reliably detect an abnormality in the transfer operation, and therefore it is possible to transfer the object to be transported suitably to the temporary storage shelf.

  In one aspect of the transport system of the present invention, the reflector detection unit can detect an obstacle present around the transport vehicle in addition to the reflector.

  According to this aspect, since an obstacle existing around the transport vehicle is detected by the reflector detection unit, in addition to detecting an abnormality in the transfer operation using the reflector, a problem caused by the obstacle is prevented. can do.

  The obstacle detected here is, for example, an operator around the transport system. When an operator is detected in the reflector detection unit, for example, the operation of the transport system is temporarily stopped. In this way, it is possible to effectively improve the safety of the system.

  In the aspect in which the reflection plate detection unit detects an obstacle, the reflection plate detection unit switches between a reflection plate detection mode for detecting the reflection plate and an obstacle detection mode for detecting the obstacle in the reflection plate detection unit. May be further provided.

  In this case, the reflector detection unit has two types of modes: a reflector detection mode for detecting the reflector and an obstacle detection mode for detecting an obstacle. In the reflector detection mode, the transfer operation is stopped when the reflector is not detected as described above. On the other hand, in the obstacle detection mode, an abnormality in the traveling state is detected when an obstacle is detected.

  As described above, in the reflector detection mode, an abnormality is detected when detection is not performed in the reflector detection unit, and in the obstacle detection mode, an abnormality is detected when detection is performed in the reflector detection unit. Is done. That is, the criterion for detecting an abnormality differs between the reflector detection mode and the obstacle detection mode. Therefore, it is not easy to detect the reflector and the obstacle using a single sensor.

  On the other hand, in this aspect, mode switching means for switching between the reflector detection mode and the obstacle detection mode is provided. For this reason, it is possible to switch the detection of a reflecting plate and the detection of an obstacle suitably according to a situation.

  In the aspect including the mode switching unit described above, the mode switching unit is configured to determine whether or not the reflector detection mode and the obstacle are based on whether the transport vehicle is transferring the transported object to the temporary storage shelf. You may comprise so that detection mode may be switched.

  In this case, the mode switching means first determines whether the transport vehicle is transferring the object to be transported to the temporary storage shelf. Specifically, whether the transport vehicle has started an operation to transfer the transported object to the temporary storage shelf, or has it received a transport command to transfer the transported object to the temporary storage shelf Determine whether or not.

  Subsequently, the mode switching means switches the mode of the reflection plate detection unit to the reflection plate detection mode when it is determined that the transport vehicle is transferring the object to be transferred to the temporary storage shelf. On the other hand, when it is determined that the transport vehicle has not transferred the transported object to the temporary storage shelf, the mode of the reflector detection unit is switched to the obstacle detection mode.

  As described above, the detection of the reflecting plate is a process for detecting an operation abnormality during horizontal transfer. Therefore, the detection of the reflection plate may be performed when the transport vehicle transfers the object to be transported to the temporary storage shelf. Therefore, the mode can be easily and accurately switched if the determination is based on whether or not the transport vehicle is transferring the object to be transported to the temporary storage shelf.

  The effect | action and other gain of this invention are clarified from the form for implementing invention demonstrated below.

It is a top view which shows the whole structure of the conveyance system which concerns on embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of a vehicle controller. It is a side view which shows the structure of a conveyance vehicle. It is a perspective view (the 1) which shows the transfer method of FOUP. It is a perspective view (the 2) which shows the transfer method of FOUP. It is a flowchart which shows the mode switching operation | movement of the conveyance system which concerns on embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement at the time of FOUP transfer to the temporary storage shelf of the conveyance system which concerns on embodiment. It is a side view (the 1) which shows FOUP presence confirmation operation | movement. It is a side view which shows the reflecting plate detection operation at the time of normal (the 1). It is a side view which shows the operation | movement at the time of FOUP transfer. It is a side view which shows the reflecting plate detection operation at the time of abnormality (the 1). It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement at the time of FOUP transfer from the temporary storage shelf of the conveyance system which concerns on embodiment. It is a side view (the 2) which shows FOUP presence confirmation operation | movement. It is a side view (the 2) which shows reflector detection operation at the time of normal. It is a side view which shows the reflecting plate detection operation at the time of abnormality (the 2). It is a side view which shows the detection operation of an obstruction.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  First, the overall configuration of the transport system according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. FIG. 1 is a plan view showing the overall configuration of the transport system according to this embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the on-board controller.

  In FIG. 1, the transport system according to the present embodiment includes a track 100, a transport vehicle 200, and a controller 300.

  The track 100 is laid on the ceiling, for example, and is made of a metal such as aluminum or stainless steel.

  A plurality of transport vehicles 200 are arranged on the track 100, and can travel a FOUP that is a transported object by traveling on the track 100.

  The transport vehicle 200 has an on-vehicle controller 205. The on-vehicle controller 205 receives a conveyance command from the controller 300 and controls the traveling of the conveyance vehicle 200. The on-board controller 205 not only controls the travel of the transport vehicle 200 but also has a function of comprehensively controlling each device provided in the transport vehicle 200.

  In FIG. 2, the on-board controller 205 includes a travel control unit 206, a mode switching unit 207, an abnormality detection unit 208, and a transfer control unit 209.

  The travel control unit 206 controls the travel of the transport vehicle 200 according to the transport command received from the controller 300.

  The mode switching unit 207 is an example of the “mode switching unit” of the present invention, and switches a mode in an obstacle detection sensor described later to an abnormality detection mode or an obstacle detection mode.

  The abnormality detection unit 208 detects an abnormality in the transfer operation when the obstacle detection sensor is in the abnormality detection mode. When the abnormality detection unit 208 detects an abnormality in the transfer operation, the transfer control unit 209 stops the transfer operation.

  In FIG. 2, only parts deeply related to the present embodiment among the parts included in the on-board controller 205 are illustrated, but other parts having various functions for controlling the transport vehicle 200 are also shown. Is provided.

  Returning to FIG. 1, the controller 300 includes, for example, an arithmetic circuit, a memory, and the like, and is configured to be able to give a transport command to the transport vehicle 200 via the on-vehicle controller 205.

  Although not shown here, a plurality of temporary storage shelves for temporarily storing FOUPs are provided at positions along the track 100. The configuration of this temporary storage shelf will be described in detail later.

  Next, a more specific configuration of the transport vehicle will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a side view showing the configuration of the transport vehicle.

  In FIG. 3, the transport vehicle 200 includes a traveling unit 210, a main body unit 220, a moving unit 230, an elevating unit 235, an elevating belt 240, a gripping unit 250, a FOUP presence confirmation sensor 260, an obstacle detection sensor 270, and a tilt prevention device 280. It is prepared for.

  The transport vehicle 200 travels along the track 100 while the traveling roller 215 rolls as the traveling unit 210 applies a propulsive force by, for example, a linear motor. A main body 220 is attached to the lower surface of the traveling unit 210 so as to hang.

  A moving part 230 is attached to the main body part 220. The moving unit 230 can move to the side of the track 100 (that is, the horizontal direction in the drawing). An elevating unit 235 is attached to the lower surface of the moving unit 230.

  On the lower surface of the lifting / lowering unit 235, a gripping unit 250 that grips the object 400 is attached by a lifting / lowering belt 240. The gripping part 250 can be raised and lowered with respect to the main body part 220 by unwinding or winding up the lifting belt 240. For convenience of explanation, FIG. 3 shows a state in which the lifting belt 240 is partially unwound from the lifting portion 235, but the lifting belt 240 is almost wound except when performing the transfer operation. The lifting / lowering part 235 and the gripping part 250 are brought into contact with each other (see FIG. 8). Thereby, shaking of FOUP400 during conveyance can be suppressed.

  The FOUP presence confirmation sensor 260 is an optical sensor, for example, and is provided in the main body 220. The FOUP presence confirmation sensor 260 is configured to confirm whether or not a FOUP exists in a temporary storage shelf provided on the side of the track 100. The FOUP presence confirmation sensor 260 may be provided in a part other than the main body 220 as long as the FOUP of the temporary storage shelf can be detected.

  The obstacle detection sensor 270 is an example of the “reflecting plate detection unit” of the present invention, and is provided near the center of the lifting unit 235. However, the obstacle detection sensor 270 may be provided not in the lifting unit 235 but in the moving unit 230, the gripping unit 250, and the like. The obstacle detection sensor 270 is configured to be able to detect a reflector provided on the temporary storage shelf. Further, it is configured to be able to detect obstacles around the transport vehicle by scanning the lower side of the transport vehicle 200.

  The tilt prevention device 280 prevents the balance of the transport vehicle 200 from being lost by extending so as to contact the track 100 when the transport vehicle 200 performs horizontal transfer.

  Next, a method for transferring the FOUP by the transport vehicle will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5 are perspective views showing a method for transferring the FOUP.

  In FIG. 4, when the transport vehicle 200 transfers the FOUP 400 on the temporary storage shelf 510 positioned directly below the track 100, the transport vehicle 200 first travels on the track 100 and is installed on the temporary storage shelf 510. Stop above the FOUP 400.

  Subsequently, as shown in the drawing, the lifting belt 240 is unwound by the lifting and lowering portion 235, whereby the gripping portion 250 is lowered to the position of the FOUP 400. And the fine adjustment of the position of the holding part 250 and the FOUP 400 is performed, and the FOUP 400 is held.

  When the FOUP 400 is gripped, the elevating belt 240 is wound up, and the grip portion 250 and the gripped FOUP 400 are raised to the position of the main body portion 220. Then, the transport vehicle 200 travels again on the track 100, and the FOUP 400 is transported.

  In FIG. 5, when the FOUP 400 is installed on the temporary storage shelf 520 located at the side of the track 100, the lifting belt 235 moves the lifting belt after the moving unit 230 moves to the side of the track 100. 240 is unwound and the gripping part 250 is lowered to the position of the FOUP 400. By operating in this way, the FOUP 400 can be laterally transferred from the track 100.

  Next, the abnormality detection operation of the transport system according to the present embodiment will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.

  First, the abnormality detection mode switching operation will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the mode switching operation of the transport system according to this embodiment.

  In FIG. 6, in the transport system according to the present embodiment, in order to switch the abnormality detection mode in the transport vehicle 200, it is first determined whether or not a transport command is issued to the transport vehicle 200 (step S01). If a transfer command has been issued (step S01: YES), it is determined whether or not the transfer of the FOUP 400 corresponding to the transfer command is a horizontal transfer (that is, transfer to the temporary storage shelf 520) ( Step S02).

  Here, when it is determined that the transfer of the FOUP 400 corresponding to the transfer command is a horizontal transfer (step S02: YES), the abnormality detection mode of the transfer vehicle 200 is reflected by the mode switching unit 207 (see FIG. 2). Switch to plate detection mode. On the other hand, when the conveyance command is not issued (step S01: NO) or when it is not lateral transfer (step S02: NO), the abnormality detection mode of the conveyance vehicle 200 is switched to the obstacle detection mode. That is, when horizontal transfer is performed, the reflector detection mode is selected, and in other cases, the obstacle detection mode is selected.

  Next, an abnormality detection operation when the transport vehicle 200 transfers the FOUP 400 to the temporary storage shelf 520 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the operation at the time of FOUP transfer to the temporary storage shelf of the transport system according to this embodiment. FIG. 8 is a side view (part 1) showing the FOUP presence confirmation operation, and FIG. 9 is a side view (part 1) showing the reflector detection operation in a normal state. Further, FIG. 10 is a side view showing the operation at the time of FOUP transfer, and FIG. 11 is a side view (No. 1) showing the reflector detection operation at the time of abnormality.

  In FIG. 7, the transport vehicle 200 that transfers the FOUP 400 to the temporary storage shelf 520 first travels on the track 100 to a position corresponding to the target temporary storage shelf 520 (step S11). That is, the FOUP 400 is moved to a position where it can be transferred with respect to the temporary storage shelf 520.

  Subsequently, the transport vehicle 200 confirms whether or not the FOUP 400 is present in the temporary storage shelf 520 by the FOUP presence confirmation sensor 260 (step S12). That is, it is confirmed whether the FOUP 400 is already placed on the temporary storage shelf 520 to which the FOUP 400 is to be transferred (see FIG. 8).

  Here, when the FOUP 400 already exists in the temporary storage shelf 520 (step S12: YES), since the transfer to the temporary storage shelf 520 cannot be performed, the abnormality detection unit 208 (see FIG. 2) is transferred. An abnormal operation is detected (step S13). When an abnormality is detected, the transfer operation is stopped by the transfer control unit 209 (see FIG. 2), and it is reported to the controller 300 that the transfer is stopped. Instead of stopping the transfer operation, other operations (for example, re-transfer operation, change of transfer operation, etc.) may be performed.

  On the other hand, when the FOUP 400 does not exist in the temporary storage shelf 520 (step S12: NO), the moving unit 230 is driven and extends to the side of the track 100 (step S14). As a result, the grip portion 250 that grips the FOUP 400 is moved directly above the temporary storage shelf 520 (see FIG. 9).

  Subsequently, the transport vehicle 200 confirms whether or not the obstacle detection sensor 270 can detect the reflection plate 600 provided in the temporary storage shelf 520 (step S15). Here, in particular, as shown in FIG. 9, the reflection plate 600 is provided at a position that can be detected when the moving unit 230 is fully extended. Therefore, when the reflection plate 600 is detected (step S15: YES), it is determined that the horizontal transfer operation is normally performed, and the transfer operation of the FOUP 400 is actually performed.

  Specifically, the elevating belt 240 is unwound by the elevating unit 235, and the gripping unit 250 and the FOUP 400 are lowered to the temporary storage shelf 520 (step S16). That is, the state shown in FIG. 10 is obtained. Furthermore, the grip part 250 is driven and the FOUP 400 is released (step S17). When the FOUP 400 is released, the elevating belt 240 is wound up by the elevating unit 235 (step S18), and the moving unit 230 is stored in the main body 220 (step S19). In this way, the transfer operation of the FOUP 400 is completed.

  On the other hand, when the reflector 600 cannot be detected by the obstacle detection sensor 270 (step S15: NO), it is determined by the abnormality detection unit 208 that an abnormality has occurred in the transfer operation, and the transfer control unit 209 temporarily sets the system. Stopped (step S13). The reflection plate 600 is provided at a position that can be detected when the moving unit 230 is completely extended as described above. Therefore, when the reflecting plate 600 is not detected, it can be considered that the moving unit 230 is not fully extended for some reason.

  In FIG. 11, for example, if the moving unit 230 fails and stops at a halfway position, even if the subsequent transfer operation (ie, step S16 to step S19) is performed, the FOUP 400 is properly operated. It cannot be transferred. For example, if the transfer operation is performed at the position shown in the figure, the FOUP 400 may not fit in the temporary storage shelf 520 and may fall.

  On the other hand, since the conveyance system according to the present embodiment can detect an abnormality in the lateral transfer operation by the obstacle detection sensor 270 and the reflection plate 600, the FOUP 400 can be laterally transferred very suitably. .

  Next, an abnormality detection operation when the transport vehicle 200 transfers the FOUP 400 from the temporary storage shelf 520 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the operation at the time of FOUP transfer from the temporary storage shelf of the transport system according to this embodiment. FIG. 13 is a side view (part 2) showing the FOUP presence confirmation operation, and FIG. 14 is a side view (part 2) showing the reflector detection operation in a normal state. Further, FIG. 15 is a side view (part 2) showing the reflector detection operation at the time of abnormality.

  In FIG. 12, the transport vehicle 200 that transfers the FOUP 400 from the temporary storage shelf 520 first travels on the track 100 to a position corresponding to the target temporary storage shelf 520 (step S21). That is, the FOUP 400 is moved from the temporary storage shelf 520 to a position where it can be transferred.

  Subsequently, the transport vehicle 200 confirms whether or not the FOUP 400 is present in the temporary storage shelf 520 by the FOUP presence confirmation sensor 260 (step S22). That is, it is confirmed whether the target FOUP 400 is placed on the temporary storage shelf 520 to which the FOUP 400 is to be transferred (see FIG. 13).

  Here, when the FOUP 400 does not exist in the temporary storage shelf 520 (step S12: NO), the FOUP 400 cannot be transferred, so the abnormality detection unit 208 detects an abnormality in the transfer operation (step S23). . When an abnormality is detected, the transfer operation is stopped by the transfer control unit 209 (see FIG. 2), and it is reported to the controller 300 that the transfer is stopped.

  On the other hand, when the FOUP 400 is present in the temporary storage shelf 520 (step S12: YES), the moving unit 230 is driven and extends to the side of the track 100 (step S24). As a result, the grip portion 250 that grips the FOUP 400 is moved directly above the temporary storage shelf 520 (see FIG. 14).

  Subsequently, the transport vehicle 200 confirms whether or not the obstacle detection sensor 270 can detect the reflection plate 600 provided in the temporary storage shelf 520 (step S25). Here, in particular, as shown in FIG. 14, the reflection plate 600 is provided at a position that can be detected when the moving unit 230 is fully extended. Therefore, when the reflection plate 600 is detected (step S25: YES), it is determined that the horizontal transfer operation is normally performed, and the transfer operation of the FOUP 400 is actually performed.

  Specifically, the elevating belt 240 is unwound by the elevating unit 235, and the gripping unit 250 and the FOUP 400 are lowered to the temporary storage shelf 520 (step S26). Further, the gripping part 250 is driven and the FOUP 400 is gripped (step S27). When the FOUP 400 is gripped, the elevating belt 240 is wound up by the elevating unit 235 (step S28), and the moving unit 230 is stored in the main body 220 (step S29). In this way, the transfer operation of the FOUP 400 is completed.

  On the other hand, when the reflector 600 cannot be detected by the obstacle detection sensor 270 (step S15: NO), the abnormality control unit 208 determines that an abnormality has occurred in the transfer operation, and the transfer control unit 209 causes the system to temporarily Stopped (step S23). The reflection plate 600 is provided at a position that can be detected when the moving unit 230 is completely extended as described above. Therefore, when the reflecting plate 600 is not detected, it can be considered that the moving unit 230 is not fully extended for some reason.

  In FIG. 15, for example, if the moving unit 230 fails and stops at a halfway position, the FOUP 400 can be operated normally even if the subsequent transfer operation (ie, steps S26 to S29) is performed. It cannot be transferred. For example, if the transfer operation is performed at the position shown in the figure, the gripping unit 250 cannot grip the FOUP 400.

  On the other hand, since the conveyance system according to the present embodiment can detect an abnormality in the lateral transfer operation by the obstacle detection sensor 270 and the reflection plate 600, the FOUP 400 can be laterally transferred very suitably. .

  Next, the operation in the obstacle detection mode will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 16 is a side view showing the obstacle detection operation.

  In FIG. 16, for example, when the FOUP 400 is transferred to the port 510, the abnormality detection mode of the transport vehicle 200 is set to the obstacle detection mode by the mode switching unit 207. In the obstacle detection mode, the obstacle detection sensor 270 detects obstacles around the transport vehicle 200 instead of detecting the reflector 600.

  Specifically, the obstacle detection sensor 270 detects a worker 800 as shown in the figure as an obstacle. When the worker 800 is detected as an obstacle, the operation of the system is temporarily stopped. In this way, the FOUP 400 can be transported and transferred suitably while ensuring the safety of the worker 800.

  As described above, according to the transport system according to the present embodiment, it is possible to reliably detect an abnormality in the system when the FOUP 400 is transferred. Therefore, it is possible to transport and transfer the FOUP 400 very suitably.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and can be appropriately changed without departing from the gist or concept of the invention that can be read from the claims and the entire specification. Moreover, it is included in the technical scope of the present invention.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 ... Track | truck, 200 ... Conveyance vehicle, 210 ... Traveling part, 215 ... Traveling roller, 220 ... Main part, 230 ... Moving part, 235 ... Lifting part, 240 ... Lifting belt, 250 ... Gripping part, 260 ... FOUP presence confirmation sensor 270 ... Obstacle detection sensor, 280 ... Anti-tilt device, 300 ... Controller, 400 ... FOUP, 510 ... Port, 520 ... Temporary storage shelf, 600 ... Reflector, 800 ... Worker

Claims (4)

A track, a temporary storage shelf that is provided along the track to the side of the track to temporarily store the object to be transported, transports the object to be transported along the track, and moves the object to be transported temporarily. A transport system comprising a transport vehicle that can be transferred to a storage shelf,
The temporary storage shelf has a reflector at a predetermined location,
The transport vehicle is
A traveling unit traveling on the track;
Including a gripping part for gripping the object to be transported, and a lifting part for moving the gripping part downward, and a moving part movable in the lateral direction;
A reflective plate detector that is provided in the moving unit and capable of detecting the reflective plate of the temporary storage shelf;
When the transport vehicle moves the moving unit to the side and transfers the object to be transported between the temporary storage shelf and the transport vehicle, the reflective plate detection unit detects the reflective plate. If it is not possible, the transfer system stops the transfer operation.   The conveyance system according to claim 1, wherein the reflection plate detection unit is capable of detecting an obstacle existing around the conveyance vehicle in addition to the reflection plate.   The transport according to claim 2, further comprising mode switching means for switching between a reflector detection mode for detecting the reflector and an obstacle detection mode for detecting the obstacle in the reflector detection unit. system.   The mode switching means switches between the reflector detection mode and the obstacle detection mode based on whether or not the transport vehicle is transferring the transported object to the temporary storage shelf. The transport system according to claim 3.

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