JPH08142856A - Handling device changing method in carrier system and device therefor - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: To facilitate the change of handling devices so as to improve conveying efficiency. CONSTITUTION: A carrier system is provided with an overhead carrier 3 traveling along a travel rail 2 laid at the ceiling, and the overhead carrier 3 is provided with a handling device 21 or the like for placing loads. The handling device 21 or the like is fitted/removed to/from the overhead carrier 3 by a multiple connector. The carrier system is provided with transfer stations for performing load transfer work to/from the overhead carrier 3, and changing stations for changing the handling device 21 or the like in correspondence with each transfer station. In this case, loads are conveyed from one transfer station to another transfer station. The handling device 21 or the like is therefore fitted to the overhead carrier 3 in one changing station and removed in another changing station.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a method of replacing a handling device and a device therefor in a transfer system provided with a ceiling transfer vehicle.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in a factory or the like, a transfer system provided with a ceiling-type transfer vehicle that travels along a traveling rail laid on the ceiling and transfers loads to and from ground stations is proposed. Has been done. The ceiling guided vehicle includes a vehicle body that travels along a traveling rail, and a handling device that is provided so as to be able to move up and down with respect to the vehicle body and that places a load. This handling device is suspended from a vehicle body via a suspension belt, and is lifted and lowered as the suspension belt is wound and unwound.
This handling device is fixed to the suspension belt.

Therefore, in order to carry loads having different sizes, shapes, etc., it was necessary to use a ceiling-mounted transport vehicle to which a handling device suitable for the loads was attached. Therefore, when transporting multiple types of loads in this transport system, prepare a number of ceiling-type transport vehicles according to the types of loads, and every time a different type of load is transported, the ceiling suitable for that load is loaded. It is necessary to select and control the automatic transfer vehicle, which causes a problem that the transfer efficiency in the transfer system decreases.

Further, in Japanese Utility Model Laid-Open No. 1-113074,
2. Description of the Related Art There has been proposed an article transfer device including an elevating frame detachably attached to a suspension belt of a traveling vehicle. In this article transporting device, the elevating frame is connected to the suspension belt by the connecting shaft, and the elevating frame is attached, removed, and replaced by attaching and detaching the connecting shaft.

[0005]

However, when exchanging the elevating frame in this article transporting apparatus, it is necessary to remove and attach the connecting shaft, which requires time and labor for exchanging the elevating frame. Takes. Therefore, there is a problem that the transport efficiency is lowered particularly when transporting different types of loads. Further, the work of exchanging the elevating frame is carried out, for example, at a place off the transportation route so as not to hinder the transportation work of the load. Therefore, it is necessary to move the ceiling guided vehicle to a place off the transportation route. However, there is a problem that the workability of exchanging the lifting frame is deteriorated.

The present invention has been made in order to solve the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to replace a handling device in a transfer system in which the handling device can be easily replaced and the transfer efficiency can be improved. A method and an apparatus therefor are provided.

[0007]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In order to solve the above problems, the invention according to claim 1 is directed to a ceiling type guided vehicle which travels along a traveling route formed by traveling rails laid on the ceiling. In a transport system provided with a handling device that moves up and down by a suspension member with respect to a vehicle body, and a ground station that performs a work of transferring a load between the handling device and the handling device, the handling system is installed on the ground facing the traveling route. The gist is that the handling device is replaced at the handling device replacement station.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the invention, the exchanging station unloads the load on the approach side of the ground station for loading and the ceiling type carrier for receiving the load on the ceiling type carrier. The main point is that they are provided on the detachment side of the ground station for unloading.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, a ceiling member for traveling along a traveling path formed by traveling rails laid on the ceiling, and a suspension member for a vehicle body of the ceiling type vehicle. A ground station that moves up and down through a handling device that is detachably attached to the lifting member and that is installed on the ground facing the travel route and that transfers loads between the handling device and the handling device. In the transport system including the above, the gist is that an exchange station for exchanging a handling device is provided on the ground facing the traveling route.

According to a fourth aspect of the invention, in the invention of the third aspect, the base is attached to the suspension member, and
The gist of the invention is that the base and the handling device are each provided with a connection connector, and the handling device and the base are attached and detached based on the attachment and detachment of the connection connector.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, a ceiling member that travels along a traveling path formed by a traveling rail laid on the ceiling, and a suspension member for a vehicle body of the ceiling carrier. A ground station that moves up and down through a handling device that is detachably attached to the lifting member and that is installed on the ground facing the travel route and that transfers loads between the handling device and the handling device. And a plurality of exchange stations installed on the ground facing the traveling route for exchanging the handling device, and a conveyor device for connecting the exchange stations and conveying the handling device. To do.

[0012]

Therefore, according to the present invention, the ceiling guided vehicle travels along the traveling route formed by the traveling rails laid on the ceiling, and the handling device is the vehicle body of the ceiling guided vehicle. A lifting member is used to move up and down to transfer the load to and from the ground station. In this case, the ceiling guided vehicle replaces the handling device at the exchange station, for example, according to the type of load to be transported.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, the ceiling-mounted vehicle is provided with a handling device suitable for the type of load to be transported at the exchange station provided on the approach side of the loading ground station for receiving the load. Attach. Then, the load is placed on the handling device at the loading ground station, and the ceiling guided vehicle travels to the unloading ground station. At the unloading ground station, the ceiling guided vehicle unloads the load to the unloading ground station. Then, in the ceiling guided vehicle, the handling device is removed at the exchange station provided on the detaching side of the unloading ground station.

According to the third aspect of the invention, the ceiling guided vehicle travels along a traveling route formed by traveling rails laid on the ceiling, and the handling device is mounted on the vehicle body of the ceiling guided vehicle. It is lifted up and down by a hanging member to transfer the load to and from the ground station. In this case, the ceiling guided vehicle replaces the handling device at the exchange station, for example, according to the type of load to be transported.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the handling device and the base are attached and detached by the connection connector, so that the handling device is attached and detached with respect to the ceiling type guided vehicle.

According to the fifth aspect of the invention, the ceiling guided vehicle travels along a traveling path formed by traveling rails laid on the ceiling, and the handling device is mounted on the vehicle body of the ceiling guided vehicle. It is lifted up and down by a hanging member to transfer the load to and from the ground station. In this case, in the ceiling-based transport vehicle, the handling device is exchanged at each exchange station, for example, according to the type of load to be transported.

At the time of this exchange, the handling device housed in the exchange station can be transported to another desired exchange station via the transport conveyor device.

[0018]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT An embodiment embodying the present invention will now be described with reference to FIGS.
It will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 is a schematic configuration diagram showing a transfer system using a ceiling type transfer vehicle used in an assembly factory or the like.

In this transport system 1, a traveling rail 2 is laid on the ceiling, and a ceiling-type transport vehicle 3 travels along the traveling rail 2. The traveling rail 2 forms a traveling route along which the overhead guided vehicle 3 travels. Then, under the traveling route, the transfer stations ST1 to ST1 for transferring the load W to and from the ceiling type guided vehicle 3.
ST4, exchange stations CT1 to C, which are attached to the ceiling type transport vehicle 3 and which exchange the handling device on which the load W is placed
T4 is formed at each of four locations. These stations ST1 to ST4 and CT1 to CT4 are located under the travel route and are installed on the ground (floor surface of the factory).

The transfer stations ST1 and ST3 are transfer stations for loading a load W on the ceiling type carrier 3. Further, the transfer stations ST2 and ST4 are transfer stations for unloading the load W from the ceiling type carrier 3.

Then, the transfer stations ST1 and ST3
The exchange stations CT1 and CT3 are provided on the entry side of the transfer station ST2 and the exchange stations CT2 and CT4 are provided on the exit side of the transfer stations ST2 and ST3.

The exchange station CT1 is a station equipped with a handling device 21 used between the transfer station ST1 and the transfer station ST2. The exchange station CT2 is a station that houses the handling device 21 used between the transfer station ST1 and the transfer station ST2. The exchange station CT3 includes a transfer station ST3 and a transfer station S.
It is a station equipped with a handling device 21a used between T4 and T4. The exchange station CT4 is a station that accommodates the handling device 21a used between the transfer station ST3 and the transfer station ST4.

A transfer conveyor device C is connected between the exchange stations CT1 and CT2 and between the exchange stations CT3 and CT4. Then, the transportation of the load W is completed, and the handling devices accommodated in the exchange stations CT2 and CT4 are returned to the exchange stations CT1 and CT3 via the transport conveyor device C.

In the transport system configured as described above,
A large load W of product number “A” is transferred from the transfer station ST1 to the transfer station ST2, and a small load W of product number “B” is transferred from the transfer station ST3 to the transfer station ST4.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the traveling rail 2
Has a substantially U-shaped cross section and is composed of a lower support portion 4 that extends horizontally, an upper support portion 5, and a connecting portion 6 that connects both support portions 4 and 5. The traveling rail 2 is formed by extrusion molding. A standing portion 4a is formed at the tip of the lower support portion 4 along the longitudinal direction of the traveling rail 2. A horizontal portion 4b, which is wider than the base end side, is formed at the tip (upper end) of the standing portion 4a. In addition, a guide protrusion 5a protruding downward is formed at the tip of the upper support 5 along the longitudinal direction of the traveling rail 2.

A carrier 7 as a vehicle body that constitutes the ceiling-type guided vehicle 3 is provided with driving wheels 8 and driven wheels 9 as running wheels. The overhead guided vehicle 3 is configured to travel along the traveling rail 2 by the driving wheels 8 and the driven wheels 9 rolling on the horizontal portion 4b. A traveling motor 10 is provided on the carrier 7. The drive wheels 8 are driven based on the drive of the traveling motor 10.

The carrier 7 includes guide rollers 11a, 11
b is provided, and by rolling the side surfaces of the guide protrusion 5a and the upright portion 4a, lateral shake of the transporting body 7 during traveling is prevented. An optical communication device Ha is attached to the lower surface of the carrier 7.

Further, a base 13 is attached to the lower portion of the carrier 7 via a plurality of (four in this embodiment) hanging belts 12 as hanging members. The hanging belt 12 is wound and unwound by a hoisting device 50 provided on the conveyor 7, and the base 13 is moved up and down based on the hoisting and unwinding of the hanging belt 12.
An optical communication device Hb is attached to the upper surface of the base 13 at a position facing the optical communication device Ha.

A handling device 21 for placing a load W is removably attached to the base 13 via multi-connectors Ma and Mb as connecting connectors. For example, a conveyor-type handling device 21 is attached to the base 13 as a handling device 21, and the handling device 21 is attached to the upper plate portion 22 attached to the base 13 and a lower portion of the upper plate portion 22. The frame body 23 has a rectangular shape, and the in-vehicle conveyor device 24 is mounted in the frame body 23. The in-vehicle conveyor device 24 is provided with a conveyor belt 24a for loading and transferring the load W,
The belt 24a is rotationally driven based on the driving of the in-vehicle conveyor motor 24b. Further, the respective frame bodies 23 are connected by a connecting frame 23a, and a projecting portion 23b is formed on the frame 23a. The protruding portion 23b is formed with a tapered guide hole 23c which extends in the vertical direction and whose diameter decreases as it goes upward.

The handling device 21 described above is used.
Shows a handling device used between the transfer station ST1 and the transfer station ST2. And
The handling device 21a used between the transfer station ST3 and the transfer station ST4 has the same configuration except that the size is different, and thus the description thereof is omitted.

In FIG. 5, the handling device 21 is mounted on the base 13
An example of the multi-connectors Ma and Mb to be attached to the above is shown. An insertion shaft 25 is formed in the multi-connector Ma attached to the four corners of the lower surface of the base 13. The insertion shaft 25 is composed of a base shaft portion 25a and a pointed shaft portion 25b whose diameter decreases toward the tip. An electrode P1 is provided at the tip of the pointed shaft portion 25b.

A plurality of (four in this embodiment) engaging holes 26 are formed in the base shaft portion 25a at equal intervals. A piston 27 is arranged in each engagement hole 26. The piston 27 is provided so as to be movable in the engagement hole 26 based on the drive of the actuator 28. That is, the piston 27 is positioned at a protruding position that is substantially flush with the surface of the base shaft portion 25a and a storage position where the piston 27 is stored at a predetermined position in the engagement hole 26.

Further, insertion holes 29 are formed in the multi-connector Mb attached to the four corners of the upper surface of the upper plate portion 22. The insertion hole 29 is composed of a base hole portion 29a and a pointed hole portion 29b whose diameter is reduced downward. A storage hole 29c is formed at the bottom of the pointed hole portion 29b, and the electrode P2 is arranged in the storage hole 29c. The electrode P2 is biased by a spring 29d, and a power cable 29e is connected to the base end of the spring 29d. This power cable 29e is used for the conveyor device 2 of the handling device 21.
4 and the like, and power is supplied to the handling device 21 side via the power cable 29e.

Storage holes 30 are formed in the base hole portion 29a at four locations corresponding to the engagement holes 26, and engagement pins 31 are arranged in the respective storage holes 30. Then, the engagement pin 31
Is always urged outward by a spring 32 housed in the housing hole 30.

When connecting the multi-connectors Ma and Mb, first, the insertion shaft 25 is inserted into the insertion hole 29 of the multi-connector Mb with the piston 27 of the multi-connector Ma positioned at the storage position. Then, the tip shaft 25
The engagement pin 31 is pressed in the anti-center direction against the spring force according to the insertion of a. Further, when the insertion shaft 25 is inserted into the insertion hole 29 and the engagement hole 26 comes to a position corresponding to the engagement pin 31, the engagement pin 31 is inserted into the engagement hole 26 by a spring force, and each multi-connector Ma. , Mb are connected.

When the multi-connectors Ma and Mb are connected, the electrodes P1 and P2 are in contact with each other. Therefore, for example, the power supplied from the power supply trolley of the traveling rail 2 to the side of the carrier 7 is the electrode P.
Power is supplied to the handling device 21 side by connecting P1 and P2. Then, the power is supplied to various devices on the side of the handling device 21 such as the conveyor device 24 through the power cable 29e.

On the other hand, when disconnecting the connectors Ma and Mb from the state where the multi-connectors Ma and Mb are connected, first, the actuator 28 is driven to drive the piston 27 to the protruding position. Then, the engagement pin 31 is stored in the storage portion 30, and the engagement pin 31 and the engagement hole 2
The engagement state with 6 is released. Then, the multi-connectors Ma and Mb are disconnected by raising the multi-connector Ma in a state where the engaged state is released.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, each transfer station ST1 to ST4 is provided with a ground conveyor device 41, and the ground conveyor device 41 has a plurality of rollers 41a.
Is provided. That is, the roller 41a is rotationally driven by driving the ground conveyor motor 41b. A port PT for arranging the handling device 21 is provided on the front side of the ground conveyor device 41. Then, in a state in which the handling device 21 is lowered to the transfer height in the port PT, the handling device 21 and the transfer stations ST1 to ST4.
Transfer work is carried out between and. The transfer height in the conveyor type handling device 21 is such that the upper surface of the conveyor belt 41a and the upper end of the roller 41a are flush with each other.

Further, vertically extending guide pins P are provided on both sides of the frame of the port PT.
A tapered portion Pa is formed at the tip of the taper so as to decrease in diameter toward the tip. That is, the guide pin P is inserted into the guide hole 23c when the handling device 21 descends, so that the handling device 21 is reliably positioned with respect to the port PT.

FIG. 4 shows each exchange station CT1 to CT.
4 is shown. The exchange stations CT1 to CT4 are
A circular mounting plate 42 for mounting the handling device 21 is provided so as to be rotatable around a rotation shaft 42a. The mounting plate 42 is adapted to rotate together with the rotary shaft 42a under the drive of the drive motor 42b. In the vicinity of the outer periphery of the mounting plate 42, the handling device 21
A mounting portion 43 for mounting the is formed. Then, an exchange position 44 is formed at a position facing below the traveling rail 2, and the handling device 21 is attached to and detached from the mounting portion 43 located at the exchange position 44.

At the exchange station CT1, the large-sized conveyor type handling device 21 having the large-sized conveyor device 24 mounted thereon is placed on the placing section 43, and the transfer part ST1 to the transfer station ST2 are provided with the product number. The large cargo W of “A” is transported by the handling device 21.

Further, a small conveyor type handling device 21a having a small conveyor device 24 mounted on the exchange station CT3 is mounted on the mounting portion 43, and the product number from the transfer station ST1 to the transfer station ST2 is the same. The small cargo W of "B" is conveyed by the handling device 21a.

Furthermore, in the management office which manages the transfer system 1 in the transfer system 1, a control computer 46 for controlling the ceiling transfer vehicle 3, the transfer stations ST1 to ST4 and the exchange stations CT1 to CT4. Is provided.

Next, the electrical construction of the transfer system will be described. As shown in FIG. 7, the control computer 46
Is an in-vehicle controller 47 provided in the ceiling-mounted transport vehicle 3 via a communication network or the like arranged in the factory, transfer and exchange stations ST1 to ST4, CT1 to CT4.
Is connected to the ground and exchange controllers 48 and 49 provided in the.

The on-vehicle controller 47 has a traveling motor 1
0, the hoisting device 50, and the actuator 28 are connected. That is, the in-vehicle controller 47 drives the traveling motor 10 and the hoisting device 50 based on the command signal from the control computer 46 to control the traveling of the ceiling guided vehicle 3 and the lifting of the handling device 21. The on-vehicle controller 47 is a control computer 46.
The actuator 28 is driven on the basis of the command signal from to move the piston 27 from the housed position to the projecting position or from the projecting position to the housed position.

The on-vehicle controller 47 includes an optical communication device Ha,
It is provided so as to be able to communicate with the transfer controller 51 provided in the handling device 21 via Hb. That is, the transfer controller 51 controls the vehicle-mounted conveyor device 24 mounted on the handling device 21 based on the command signal from the vehicle-mounted controller 47.

The ground controller 48 drives the ground conveyor controller 41b of the desired transfer station based on the command signal from the control computer 46, and the roller 4
1a is rotated to perform a transfer operation with the handling device 21. In this case, the ground controller 48 and each of the transfer stations ST1 to ST4 communicate with each other via a communication line (not shown).

The exchange controller 49 drives the drive motor 42b of the desired exchange station based on the command signal from the control computer 46 to rotate the mounting plate 42,
The desired mounting portion 43 is positioned at the exchange position 44. In this case, the exchange controller 49 and the exchange stations CT1 to CT4 communicate with each other via a communication line (not shown).

Next, the operation and effect of the transport system configured as described above will be described. Normally, the ceiling guided vehicle 3 is arranged on the traveling rail 2 without the handling device 21 attached.

When a command signal to convey the load W from a predetermined transfer station to a transfer station is output from the control computer 46 to the in-vehicle controller 47, the in-vehicle controller 47 travels based on the command signal and Transport W.

For example, the control computer 46 outputs a command signal to the on-vehicle controller 47 to convey the large load W of the product number "A" of the transfer station ST1 to the transfer station ST2. Then, the in-vehicle controller 47
Moves the ceiling guided vehicle 3 to the exchange station CT1.

At this time, the exchange controller 49 controls the drive motor 4 based on the command signal from the control computer 46.
2b is driven to position the placing portion 43, on which the handling device 21 suitable for the large cargo W is placed, at the exchange position 44.

Then, while the handling device 21 is in the exchange position 44, the in-vehicle controller 4
7 drives the hoisting device 50 to lower the base 13. Then, the multi-connector Ma of the base 13 and the multi-connector M of the handling device 21 located at the exchange position 44.
b is connected, and the handling device 21 is attached to the base 13. The in-vehicle controller 47 is the base 1
3, the handling device 21 is lifted, and the ceiling guided vehicle 3 travels to the transfer station ST1.

The ceiling type transfer vehicle 3 is a transfer station ST1.
When arriving at, the in-vehicle controller 47 lowers the handling device 21 to the transfer height, and the in-vehicle conveyor motor 2
4b is driven. The ground controller 48 drives the ground conveyor motor 41b based on the command signal from the control computer 46 to transfer the load W on the roller 47a from the transfer station ST1 to the handling device 21. Then, when this transfer is completed, the in-vehicle controller 47 raises the handling device 21 and then causes the ceiling-mounted guided vehicle 3 to travel to the transfer station ST2.

Upon arrival at the transfer station ST2, the vehicle controller 47 lowers the handling device 21 to the transfer height and drives the vehicle conveyor device 24. or,
The ground controller 48 drives the ground conveyor device 41 of the transfer station ST2 to transfer (unload) the load W on the handling device 21 side to the transfer station ST2. Then, when this transfer is completed, the in-vehicle controller 47 raises the handling device 21 and then causes the ceiling guided vehicle 3 to travel to the exchange station CT2.

Upon arrival at the exchange station CT2, the exchange controller 49 moves the empty mounting portion 43 on which the handling device 21 is not mounted to the replacement position 44. After that, the in-vehicle controller 47 lowers the handling device 21 and places it on the empty mounting portion 43. Furthermore,
The vehicle controller 47 drives the actuator 28 to release the engagement state between the engagement pin 31 and the engagement hole 26. When the in-vehicle controller 47 raises the base 13 in the disengaged state, the multi-connector M
The connection state of a and Mb is released, and the handling device 21
While being mounted on the mounting portion 43, only the base 13 is raised. Then, the mounting portion 4 of the exchange station CT2
The load W placed on No. 3 is returned to the exchange station CT1 via the transfer conveyor device C.

Subsequently, the control computer 46 outputs a command signal to the on-vehicle controller 47 to convey the load W of the transfer station ST3 to the transfer station ST4. Then, the on-vehicle controller 47 is in a state in which no handling device is attached, and
From exchange station CT2 to exchange station CT3
Drive up to.

In this case, the exchange controller 49 is based on the command signal from the control computer 46, and the handling device 2 suitable for the load W of the small article of the product number "B" to be conveyed.
The mounting plate 42 is rotated so that the mounting portion 43 on which the 1a is mounted is located at the exchange position 44.

At the exchange station CT3, the on-vehicle controller 47 performs the same control as that of the exchange station CT1 to attach the handling device 21a to the ceiling type carrier 3. After that, each controller 4
The transfer stations ST3, ST4 and the exchange station CT4 perform the same control as the transfer stations ST1, ST2 and the exchange station CT2. That is, the ceiling-based transport vehicle 3 transports the load W from the transfer station ST3 to the transfer station ST4, and then, at the exchange station CT4, the handling device 21.
Remove a. Then, the handling device 21a, which is detached at the exchange station CT4 and placed on the placing portion 43, is returned to the exchange station CT3 via the transport conveyor device C.

Therefore, according to the above-mentioned embodiment, since the handling devices 21 and 21a are detachably attached to the ceiling guided vehicle 3, the handling devices 21 and 21a are attached depending on the type of the load W to be carried. 21a can be replaced, and the workability of the work of carrying the load W can be improved. Moreover, since the handling devices 21 and 21a are attached to the base 13 so as to be detachable using the multi-connectors Ma and Mb, the handling devices 21 and 21a can be replaced easily and quickly. For example, according to the multi-connectors Ma and Mb, simply by inserting the insertion shaft 25 into the insertion hole 29, the handling device 2 can be easily operated by spring force.
1, 21a can be fixed to the base 13, and the handling device 2 can be easily operated based on the drive of the actuator 28.
1, 21a can be removed from the base 13.

Further, even when the handling device 21, 21a attached to the ceiling-mounted transport vehicle 3 fails, the handling device 21, 21a can be easily removed, so that maintenance of the failure or handling can be easily performed. The devices 21, 21a themselves can be replaced.

Further, when the load W is not placed on this ceiling type carrier 3 (when the load is empty), the handling device 2 is used.
1, 21a have been removed. For this reason, when the overhead guided vehicle 3 is traveling in an empty state in order to place the load W, the traveling speed of the overhead guided vehicle 3 by the weight of the handling devices 21 and 21a. Since the acceleration and deceleration can be improved, the traveling performance of the ceiling guided vehicle 3 can be improved.

Further, the exchange stations CT1 to CT4 are
It is provided on the entry side of the transfer stations ST1 and ST3 for loading and on the release side of the transfer stations ST2 and ST4 for unloading. Therefore, the handling devices 21 and 21a can be reliably attached only when the load W is transported, and the load W can be transported more quickly.

Further, the handling device 21, 21a used for carrying the load can be automatically returned to the exchange stations CT1, CT4 by the carrying conveyor device C, and the carrying efficiency of the carrying system 1 can be improved.

The present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments, but can be carried out with appropriate modifications as follows without departing from the spirit of the invention. (1) In the above embodiment, each exchange station CT1
Instead of CT4, the first intermediate station is used as an exchange station for replacing the handling device 21 with the handling device 21a at an intermediate position between the loading station ST2 and the loading station ST3.
A second intermediate station may be provided as an exchange station for replacing the handling device 21a with the handling device 21 at an intermediate position between T1 and the transfer station ST4.

Further, in the above-mentioned transfer system, the exchange station may be provided at only one place. (2) In the above embodiment, the load W is the transfer station S
It can also be transported from T1 to the transfer station ST4. Similarly, the transfer station ST4 can be transported to the transfer station ST2.

(3) In the above embodiment, as the handling device 21, the loading type handling devices 21b and 21c shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B are used to convey the load W. Good.

In the handling device 21b, a plurality of frame bodies 61 having a substantially U-shaped front shape are attached to the upper plate portion 22 at equal intervals. Then, the load W is placed on the mounting surface 61a of the frame 61.
Are to be placed.

A chuck 62 is attached to the handling device 21c.
Is provided, and the load W is gripped by the chuck 62. (4) In the above embodiment, a multi-connector using a magnet may be used as the connection connector. in this case,
It is possible to more easily and quickly attach and detach between the multi-connectors, that is, attach and detach the base 13 and the handling device 21.

(5) In the above embodiment, the handling devices 21 and 21a are automatically replaced at the exchange stations CT1 to CT4. However, at each exchange station CT1 to CT4, the operator manually operates the handling devices 21 and 21a. You may exchange it.

(6) In the above embodiment, by connecting the exchange stations CT1 and CT4, and the exchange stations CT2 and CT3 by the conveyer conveyor C, respectively, an arbitrary exchange station C can be obtained.
From T1 to CT4, desired exchange stations CT1 to CT
The handling devices 21, 21a, etc. may be configured to be able to be transported to 4. In this case, since the handling device used for transporting the load can be transported to the desired exchange station, the transport efficiency of the transport system can be further improved.

(7) In the above embodiment, the multi-connector M
Although four sets of a and Mb are used, two sets may be used. In this case, the multi-connectors Ma and Mb can be easily connected.
The technical ideas other than the claims that can be understood from the above embodiments will be described below along with their effects.

(8) In the above embodiments, various signals may be transmitted in addition to the power source via the multi-connectors Ma and Mb. In this case, the optical communication devices Ha, Hb
It is possible to communicate between the vehicle-mounted controller 47 and the transfer controller 51 without using.

(1) In the invention described in claim 4, the exchange device for the handling device, wherein the multi-connectors Ma and Mb are connected by a spring force and the connection is released based on the operation of the actuator. According to this handling device exchanging device, the multi-connector can be attached and detached easily and reliably.

[0075]

As described above in detail, according to the invention of claim 1, the handling device can be easily replaced, and the workability of the ceiling guided vehicle can be improved.
According to the second aspect of the present invention, since the exchange stations are provided on the entrance side of the loading ground station and the exit side of the unloading ground station, the handling device is attached only in the section where the load is being transported. As a result, the transportation efficiency of the ceiling guided vehicle can be improved. According to the third aspect of the invention, the handling device can be easily replaced, and the workability of the ceiling guided vehicle can be improved. According to the invention described in claim 4, the handling device can be attached and detached more easily with the connection connector. According to the invention described in claim 5, the handling device used for transporting the load can be transported to a desired exchange station, and the transport efficiency of the transport system can be improved.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram showing a ceiling guided vehicle and a ground station.

FIG. 2 is a front view showing a ceiling type carrier.

FIG. 3 is a side view showing a ground station and a handling device.

FIG. 4 is a plan view showing an exchange station.

FIG. 5 is a schematic explanatory view showing a multi-connector.

FIG. 6 is a schematic configuration diagram showing a transport system.

FIG. 7 is an electrical block diagram of the transport system.

FIG. 8A is a front view showing a placement type handling device, and FIG. 8B is a front view showing a chuck type handling device in another example.

[Explanation of symbols]

2 ... Rails for traveling, 3 ... Ceiling type carrier, 7 ... Carrier as a vehicle body, 12 ... Hanging belt as a hanging member, 21 ...
Handling devices, ST1 to ST4 ... Transfer stations as ground stations, CT1 to CT4 ... Exchange stations, Ma, Mb ... Multi-connectors as connection connectors, C ... Conveyor conveyor device.

Claims (5)

[Claims] 1. A handling device for moving up and down by a suspension member is provided for a vehicle body of a ceiling-type guided vehicle that travels along a travel route formed by traveling rails laid on the ceiling, and the handling device is also provided. In a transfer system provided with a ground station for performing load transfer work between and, a ceiling type adapted to replace the handling device at a handling device replacement station installed on the ground facing the traveling route. A method for exchanging a handling device in a transportation system including a transportation vehicle. 2. The exchanging stations are respectively provided on an entrance side of a loading ground station where a ceiling carrier receives a load and on a leaving side of an unloading ground station where the ceiling carrier unloads a load. A method for replacing a handling device in the transport system according to claim 1. 3. A ceiling-type guided vehicle that travels along a travel route formed by traveling rails laid on the ceiling, and ascends and descends with respect to a vehicle body of the ceiling-based guided vehicle via a hanging member. A transport system including a handling device detachably attached to the lifting member, and a ground station that is installed on the ground facing a travel route and that transfers a load between the handling device and the ground device. The exchange device for a handling device in a transport system, wherein an exchange station for exchanging a handling device is provided on the ground facing the travel route. 4. The base is attached to the suspension member, and the base and the handling device are each provided with a connection connector, and the handling device and the base are attached and detached based on attachment and detachment of the connection connector. Item 6. A handling device exchanging device in the transport system according to Item 3. 5. A ceiling-type guided vehicle that travels along a travel route formed by traveling rails laid on the ceiling, and ascends and descends with respect to a vehicle body of the ceiling-based guided vehicle via a hanging member. A handling device that is detachably attached to the lifting member, a ground station that is installed on the ground facing the travel route, and that transfers loads between the handling device and the handling device, An apparatus for exchanging a handling device in a transport system, which comprises a plurality of exchange stations installed on opposite grounds for exchanging a handling device, and a transport conveyor device that connects the exchange stations and transports the handling device.