| 摘要 |
<p>A computer controlled transport system (20) for carrying materials, such as semiconductors, to various work stations at spaced apart locations within a common facility. The system comprises a routing controller (26), a monorail track (24) extending past the work stations (250) and consisting of a plurality of modular track sections (28). the track sections are interconnected to one another by at least one routing module (30), such as a turntable (300), transfer station (400), etc., to establish plural paths along the track. Plural cars (22) are provided for supporting the materials and carrying them along the track. The cars are battery (80) powered. The system also includes plural control modules (32-1 to 32-N) located adjacent the track at spaced locations. Each car (22) is individually identifiable and includes control circuitry (76, 78, 82 and 86) and communication circuitry (88, 90 and 92). Each of the control modules also includes control circuitry (58, 62, 64 and 66) and communication circuitry (68). The control modules are connected to the routing controller by a local area network (34). Each of the cars are arranged to communicate with respective ones of the control modules via infrared signals (110) when the car is located at the control module. the control modules, routing controller, and car control circuits cooperate with one another and with the routing module(s) to control the movement of the cars along the monorail track in a predetermined one of the plural paths so that the car can move to selected work stations.</p> |
