Patent attributes
A lifting and lowering transportation device is capable of transporting articles between different delivery positions using transportation units, each including a lifting and lowering platform, a linear motor, and a chain. The lifting and lowering platform can pass through the delivery positions by moving along the circumferential track that is common to the transportation units. The linear motor generates the driving force to move the lifting and lowering platform along the circumferential track. The chain is loop-shaped and can circulate along the circulation track corresponding to the circumference path, and the linear motor moves the lifting and lowering platform by circulating the chain by the driving force generated by the linear motor. The circulation of the chain in each transportation unit is controlled independently of the other transportation units.