Component storage device and component delivery system

Abstract

Provided is a component storage device and a component delivery system in which the height position of a storage container can be accurately ensured even when the storage container is configured to be freely inserted and removed with respect to a housing portion. The component storage device includes a housing having an internal space in which a storage container is accommodated, the storage container being configured to allow a component storage body storing a component to be freely inserted and removed; an opening portion provided in a portion of the housing, through which the storage container can be taken in and out; and a sliding table device having a sliding table that moves the storage container between the inside of the housing and the outside of the housing via the opening portion in a state in which the storage container is placed, and that can protrude from the inside of the housing to the outside of the housing. The sliding table device has a storage container support portion that supports the storage container so that the storage container is at a prescribed height with respect to the sliding table device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to component storage devices and component conveying systems. Background Technology

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a component supply device that ensures operational safety without increasing the size of the component. This component supply device removes a tray from a storage compartment where trays are stacked and stored, and moves the tray to a component supply position. The tray is fitted with a tray for storing components. The component supply device includes: multiple storage compartment holding sections arranged vertically; a support section that holds storage compartments in each storage compartment holding section, the storage compartments being inserted horizontally from storage compartment inlets / outlets corresponding to each storage compartment holding section; and a tray moving section that removes the tray from the multiple storage compartments held in the support section via tray removal outlets corresponding to each storage compartment holding section, and moves the tray to the component supply position. Each storage compartment holding section has a partition mechanism that opens and closes in conjunction with the removal and placement of the storage compartments from the storage compartment inlets / outlets, blocking the tray removal outlet when the storage compartment has been removed.

[0003] Prior art literature

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2017-163005 Summary of the Invention

[0006] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0007] However, conventional component supply devices have a partition mechanism that separates the tray removal outlet when the storage compartment is removed. Therefore, even if a hand reaches into the cavity created after the storage compartment is removed, it will not come into contact with the moving part of the working tray, resulting in high operational safety. However, when adopting a structure that allows the storage compartment to be freely inserted and removed relative to the receiving part, it is difficult to ensure a high level of accuracy in the height position of the storage compartment set in the receiving part.

[0008] This disclosure was developed in view of the aforementioned prior art, and its purpose is to provide a component storage device and component transport system that can ensure high accuracy in the height position of the storage compartment even when a structure is adopted that allows the storage compartment to be freely inserted and removed relative to the receiving part.

[0009] Solution for solving the problem

[0010] This disclosure provides a component storage device comprising: a housing having an internal space capable of accommodating a storage compartment configured to allow insertion and removal of a component storage body; an opening provided in a part of the housing through which the storage compartment can be placed or removed; and a sliding worktable device having a sliding worktable that, when the storage compartment is mounted, allows the storage compartment to move between the inside and outside of the housing via the opening, and the sliding worktable is capable of protruding from the inside to the outside of the housing, the sliding worktable device having a storage compartment support that supports the storage compartment such that the storage compartment is at a predetermined height relative to the sliding worktable device.

[0011] Invention Effects

[0012] According to this disclosure, even when a structure is adopted that allows the storage compartment to be freely inserted and removed relative to the receiving section, the height position accuracy of the storage compartment can be ensured to be high. Attached Figure Description

[0013] Figure 1 This is a top view of the factory floor where the component assembly system of Embodiment 1 is installed.

[0014] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 The diagram shows the overall structure of the component assembly system.

[0015] Figure 3 It means Figure 2 The diagram shows a conceptual design of the cross-sectional structure of the component assembly system.

[0016] Figure 4 It is a 3D diagram of a storage compartment with racks.

[0017] Figure 5 This is a perspective view of the sliding worktable device installed in the component storage unit.

[0018] Figure 6 This is a three-dimensional view of the sliding worktable device.

[0019] Figure 7 This is a perspective view of the storage compartment, which is a temporary storage unit supported by a sliding worktable.

[0020] Figure 8 This is a side view of the storage compartment supported by the sliding worktable.

[0021] Figure 9 This is an enlarged view of the main part of the slide rails near the temporary storage area of ​​the storage compartment.

[0022] Figure 10 This is a 3D view of the storage compartment viewed from a slightly lower angle.

[0023] Figure 11 This is an enlarged view of the main part of the storage compartment after it has been supported by the support structure.

[0024] Figure 12 This is a side view of the storage compartment on which the supported part is mounted.

[0025] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the positional relationship between the front and rear storage compartment support sections.

[0026] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of a sliding worktable device with a cylindrical support for a storage compartment.

[0027] Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram showing a storage compartment temporarily placed on a slide rail equipped with a temporary storage compartment placement section.

[0028] Figure 16 This is a perspective view of the sliding worktable device of the component storage device according to Embodiment 2, which has storage compartment support rails.

[0029] Figure 17 This is an enlarged 3D view of the main part of the storage compartment support rail with a conical surface.

[0030] Figure 18 This is a schematic diagram of a sliding worktable device with storage compartment support rails.

[0031] Figure 19 This is a perspective view of the sliding worktable device of the component storage device in Embodiment 3, which includes an adjustable body.

[0032] Figure 20 This is a schematic diagram of a sliding worktable device with an adjustable body.

[0033] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0034] 29 Component storage device

[0035] 33 components

[0036] 41 Storage bay

[0037] 69-part storage unit

[0038] 109. Cover (shell)

[0039] 111 Storage compartment replacement window (opening)

[0040] 115 Docking Base

[0041] 123 Sliding worktable device

[0042] 127 Sliding worktable

[0043] 167 Slide Rail

[0044] 209 Conveying device

[0045] 211 Component conveying system

[0046] 427 fixed base plate

[0047] 429 Cylindrical (storage compartment support)

[0048] 431 Temporary storage area

[0049] 443 Storage bin support roller (supported part)

[0050] 449 First Storage Compartment Support

[0051] 451 Second Storage Compartment Support

[0052] 453 Storage compartment support rail (storage compartment support section)

[0053] 455 Sliding worktable device

[0054] 457 Track conical surface (conical surface)

[0055] 459 Adjustable body (storage compartment support)

[0056] 461 Sliding worktable device. Detailed Implementation

[0057] The following detailed description, with appropriate reference to the accompanying drawings, specifically discloses embodiments of the component storage device and component conveying system of this disclosure. However, sometimes necessary detailed descriptions are omitted. For example, detailed descriptions of well-known matters and repetitive descriptions of substantially the same structures are sometimes omitted. This is to avoid unnecessarily lengthy descriptions and to facilitate understanding by those skilled in the art. It should be noted that the accompanying drawings and the following description are provided to enable those skilled in the art to fully understand this disclosure and are not intended to limit the scope of the subject matter described herein.

[0058] (Implementation Method 1)

[0059] First, let me explain implementation method 1.

[0060] Figure 1This is a top view of the factory floor where the component assembly system 11 of Embodiment 1 is installed. Hereinafter, in the diagrams showing arrows indicating directions, the X-axis represents the left-right direction of the component assembly device 13, the Y-axis represents the front-back direction of the component assembly device 13, and the Z-axis represents the up-down direction of the component assembly device 13. The X-axis is orthogonal to the Y-axis and is contained in the horizontal plane. The Z-axis is contained in a vertical plane orthogonal to the horizontal plane.

[0061] like Figure 1 As shown, on the factory floor, multiple component assembly units 13 are arranged close together and side by side along a passageway 15 with a passageway width W1. At each component assembly unit 13, multiple parallel substrate conveyors 19 are provided, with the X-axis direction serving as the transport direction of the substrate 17, spanning across each component assembly unit 13. A rod feeder 21, a pallet component supply device 23, or a tape component supply device 25 are integrally connected to each component assembly unit 13.

[0062] Multiple component assembly units 13 arranged in parallel form an installation line 27 on the factory floor. Especially in factories with high production volumes, multiple installation lines 27 are arranged in parallel, sandwiching a passageway 15 along the X-axis that passes before and after the component assembly unit 13. Among the multiple component assembly units 13 arranged in parallel, the component assembly unit 13 that has a component storage device 29 integrally connected to the pallet component supply device 23 constitutes a component assembly system 11.

[0063] In the component assembly system 11, the length direction of the component storage device 29 (specifically, the direction parallel to the X-axis) is set along the passage 15, so the reduction rate of the effective passage width W2 between adjacent mounting lines 27 is suppressed to a minimum.

[0064] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 The diagram shows the overall structure of the component assembly system 11. The component assembly system 11 of Embodiment 1 includes: a component assembly device 13, which, via an assembly head 35 serving as a component assembly section (see reference...). Figure 3 ) to store in tray 31 (refer to) Figure 4 Component 33 (refer to) Figure 4 The tray 31 is removed and mounted on the substrate 17; the tray component supply device 23 supplies the tray 31 to a position that can be removed by the assembly head 35; and the component storage device 29 replenishes the tray 31 to the tray component supply device 23.

[0065] The component assembly device 13 has a component assembly device main body 37. The component assembly device main body 37 is connected to the tray component supply device 23 and the belt component supply device 25 on the side of the passage 15. The component assembly device main body 37 is integrally connected to the component storage device 29 via the tray component supply device 23.

[0066] The component storage device 29 includes or houses a storage compartment 41, which allows access to the component 33 (see reference 33). Figure 4 The tray 39 (refer to) is used to place the tray 31. Figure 4 Insertion and removal are performed along a first axis (e.g., the X-axis). The component storage device 29 has a tray storage section 43, which functions as a storage device. The tray storage section 43 is capable of retrieving and placing the storage compartment 41 (see reference) along a second axis (e.g., the Y-axis) that intersects the X-axis in a plane along the horizontal plane. Figure 4 Therefore, the cover 109, which serves as the housing of the bracket storage section 43, is provided with a storage compartment replacement window 111, which is an opening that allows the storage compartment 41 to be placed or removed along the Y-axis relative to the passage 15.

[0067] It should be noted that the housing may also include a cover 109 and a stand (not shown). The stand is a frame that supports the load of the component storage device 29. The frame is constructed of structural materials such as angle brackets.

[0068] The component storage device 29 has a tray conveying section 45. The tray conveying section 45 conveys trays 39 from the storage compartment 41 housed in the tray storage section 43 along the X-axis. The trays 39 conveyed from the tray storage section 43 via the tray conveying section 45 are supplied to the tray component supply device 23. In addition, the tray conveying section 45 conveys trays 39 to the tray storage section 43 to retrieve trays 39 from the tray component supply device 23 where the components 33 have been consumed (i.e., all the components 33 on the tray have been used for mounting on the substrate 17).

[0069] Figure 3 It means Figure 2 The diagram shows a conceptual cross-sectional view of the component assembly system 11. In the main body 37 of the component assembly apparatus, a substrate transport section 49 is provided on the upper surface of the base 47. This substrate transport section 49 has a substrate conveyor for transporting the substrate 17 in the direction along the X-axis (i.e., the substrate transport direction). The substrate transport section 49 transports the substrate 17, which is the object of assembly of the component 33, and positions and holds the substrate 17 in the working position of the main body 37 of the component assembly apparatus. A tray component supply device 23 is disposed on the passage side of the base 47.

[0070] The pallet component supply device 23 has a replacement tray storage section 51. The replacement tray storage section 51 arranges and holds multiple storage compartments 41 in the vertical direction (i.e., along the Z-axis). In the pallet component supply device 23, a tray changer 53 is provided between the replacement tray storage section 51 and the base 47. The tray changer 53 raises and lowers a changer lifting table 55 via a tray changer lifting section (not shown). The pallet component supply device 23 moves the tray 39 between the replacement tray storage section 51 and the component removal position by operating the tray changer 53. The pallet component supply device 23 further moves the component 33 (see reference 47) by placing it on a support... Figure 4 The tray 39 of the tray 31, which is stored in a grid pattern, moves toward the part removal position to supply part 33 to the assembly head 35.

[0071] The assembly head 35 is a multi-unit head with multiple unit adapters, and each unit adapter has a replaceable nozzle mounted on its lower end. The assembly head 35 is mounted on an XY stage 59 along the Y-axis, which is configured with a linear drive mechanism or the like, allowing it to move freely in the XY direction. The assembly head 35 can move freely between a component removal position and a component assembly position on the substrate transport section via the XY stage 59.

[0072] The component storage device 29 includes a tray storage section 43 and a tray conveying section 45. In the tray storage section 43, multiple storage compartments 41 are stored at predetermined intervals in the vertical direction (i.e., along the Z-axis). Any tray 39 can be inserted or removed from the respective storage compartments 41 stored in the vertical direction (i.e., along the Z-axis) in the X-axis direction via the tray conveying section 45. The tray 39 pulled out of the tray storage section 43 by the tray conveying section 45 is moved towards the tray component supply device 23 via the tray conveying section 45. Furthermore, the tray conveying section 45 can also move the tray 39 in the opposite direction.

[0073] The bracket body 61 of the bracket 39 is rectangular in shape when viewed from above. One of the two parallel long sides of the bracket 39 is called the first long side (not shown), and the other is called the second long side 65 (see reference). Figure 4 In embodiment 1, the first long side portion becomes the front portion of the bracket, and the second long side portion 65 becomes the rear portion of the bracket. Either the first long side portion or the second long side portion 65 of the bracket 39 becomes the front end side in the conveying direction to transport the bracket 39.

[0074] Figure 4 This is a 3D view of the storage compartment 41 with bracket 39.

[0075] Storage compartment 41 is described. Storage compartment 41 is formed in the following cylindrical shape: the upper ends of a pair of parallel side plates 83 are connected to each other by a top plate 85, and the lower ends of the pair of parallel side plates 83 are connected to each other by a bottom plate 87. Figure 10 The storage compartment 41 is connected to the inner storage space (see below) and is open on both sides as insertion and removal openings 89. The storage compartment 41 is stored in the bracket storage section 43 with its two ends open along the X-axis. In other words, a pair of side plates 83 are stored in the bracket storage section 43 with their orientation separated along the Y-axis.

[0076] Ribs 91 are provided on the inner surfaces of each side plate 83, with both ends of the ribs extending across the insertion openings 89. Adjacent ribs in the vertical direction (i.e., along the Z-axis) are inserted into a pair of parallel short sides of the bracket 39 through gaps between them. Thus, the storage compartment 41 stores multiple brackets 39 in a multi-layered manner in the vertical direction (i.e., along the Z-axis) within its inner storage space (see above), and the brackets 39 can be inserted and removed through the insertion openings 89.

[0077] Figure 5 This is a perspective view of the sliding worktable device 123 installed in the component storage device 29. The component storage device 29 of Embodiment 1 has a housing (e.g., a cover 109 or a stand) with an internal space capable of accommodating the storage compartment 41. The storage compartment 41 is configured to allow insertion and removal of the component storage body 69 that holds the component 33. It should be noted that in Embodiment 1, the component storage body 69 (see reference...) Figure 4 The component housing 69 can be a tray 31, a bracket 39, or a component consisting of a tray 31 and a bracket 39. The component housing 69 is inserted or removed via a conveyor unit 45 (see reference 45). Figure 2 The rod-shaped control latch (not shown) and the second latching part 77 of the bracket body 61 (see reference) Figure 4 (The cards are used to perform this action.)

[0078] Able to replace window 111 from storage compartment (see reference) Figure 2 Storage compartment 41 for retrieving and storing components. In the component storage device 29, at least the bracket storage section 43 with the opening of the storage compartment replacement window 111 has a fixing frame 125 (see reference). Figure 2 A sliding worktable device 123 is provided on the fixed frame 125.

[0079] The sliding worktable assembly 123 includes: a fixed part (e.g., a fixed base plate 427) disposed inside the housing for supporting the sliding worktable 127; and a movable part including a slide rail 167 that can extend and retract between the inside and outside of the housing via a storage compartment replacement window 111. The sliding worktable 127 moves between the inside and outside of the housing as the slide rail 167 extends and retracts. With a storage compartment 41 mounted on the sliding worktable 127, the sliding worktable assembly 123 allows the storage compartment 41 to move between the inside and outside of the housing via the storage compartment replacement window 111. That is, this movement is achieved by mounting the storage compartment 41 on the sliding worktable 127 of the sliding worktable assembly 123.

[0080] The sliding worktable assembly 123 has a storage compartment support portion that supports the storage compartment 41 so that the storage compartment 41 is at a predetermined height relative to the sliding worktable assembly 123. In Embodiment 1, the storage compartment support portion of the sliding worktable assembly 123 is composed of a cylinder 429. The cylinder 429 is fixed to the fixing portion of the sliding worktable assembly 123, and the storage compartment 41 can be placed and supported on the upper surface of the cylinder 429. It should be noted that the cylinder 429 can also be an adjusting body 459 as described later (see...). Figure 19 , Figure 20 The storage compartment 41 is supported in an adjustable manner at a predetermined height H relative to the sliding worktable device 123 (i.e., the fixed base plate 427).

[0081] Figure 6 This is a perspective view of the sliding worktable device 123. A cylinder 429 is mounted on a fixed base plate 427, supporting the storage compartment 41 from below.

[0082] Storage compartment 41 is formed of a roughly hexahedron with quadrilateral faces. One cylinder 429 is provided at each of the four corners of the bottom surface of storage compartment 41.

[0083] The sliding worktable assembly 123 has a slide rail 167 that supports the sliding worktable 127 and extends and retracts along the Y-axis. The sliding worktable 127 moves between the outside and inside of the cover 109 as the slide rail 167 extends and retracts. The slide rail 167 has a fixed rail 169, a connecting rail 171, and a movable rail 173.

[0084] The fixed rail 169 of the slide rail 167 is fixed to the fixed base plate 427 of the sliding worktable device 123 via the L-fitting 175. The fixed base plate 427 is fixed to the fixed frame 125 of the bracket storage section 43.

[0085] Connecting rail 171 is parallel to fixed rail 169 and slides freely along the extension direction of fixed rail 169. Approximately half of the total length of connecting rail 171 can extend from fixed rail 169 along the Y direction. The portion of connecting rail 171 extending approximately half from fixed rail 169 is limited by a limiting mechanism (not shown) to approximately more than half of its extension. Movable rail 173 is parallel to connecting rail 171 and slides freely along the extension direction of connecting rail 171. Approximately half of the total length of movable rail 173 can extend from connecting rail 171 along the Y direction. The portion of movable rail 173 extending approximately half from connecting rail 171 is limited by a limiting mechanism (not shown) to approximately more than half of its extension.

[0086] Therefore, when the movable rail 173 extends, the connecting rail 171 supports the movable rail 173 for approximately half its total length after extending approximately half its length from the fixed rail 169. Thus, the movable rail 173 can be withdrawn from the fixed rail 169 by approximately its total length. Consequently, the slide rail 167 can achieve an withdrawal length approximately the same as the storage space of the storage compartment 41 in the Y-axis direction within the bracket storage section 43.

[0087] Figure 7 This is a perspective view of the storage compartment 41 supported by the temporary storage compartment placement section 431 on the sliding worktable 127. The sliding worktable 127 has four temporary storage compartment placement sections 431. The temporary storage compartment placement sections 431 are arranged approximately at the four corners of the bottom surface of the storage compartment 41. That is, when the storage compartment 41 moves between the inside and outside of the housing, the temporary storage compartment placement section 431 holds the storage compartment 41.

[0088] Figure 8 This is a side view of the storage compartment 41 supported on the sliding worktable 127. Each storage compartment temporary placement part 431 is fixed to the sliding worktable 127. The four storage compartment temporary placement parts 431 are arranged at the same position along the Y-axis of the movable rail 173, with a front pair (i.e., two) and a rear pair (i.e., two) positioned further back (Y-direction side) than the front pair. When the slide rail 167 is extended, the four corners of the bottom surface of the storage compartment 41 are supported by these four storage compartment temporary placement parts 431. The storage compartment 41 supported on the storage compartment temporary placement parts 431 is provided by a pair of storage compartment stop limiting members 434 and a storage compartment stop limiting member 435 (see reference 435) positioned in front of and behind the sliding worktable 127 in the direction of movement. Figure 6Movement along the Y-axis is restricted. A storage compartment stop limiter 434 is provided on the storage compartment 41. A storage compartment stop limiter 435 is fixed to the fixed base plate 427. The storage compartment stop limiter 434 can release the restriction on movement in the opposite direction to the arrow Y direction by operating the storage compartment restriction stopper 433 provided on the fixed base plate 427. Movement of the storage compartment 41 in the arrow Y direction is controlled by the storage compartment stop limiter 435 fixed to the fixed base plate 427 (see reference). Figure 6 )limit.

[0089] Figure 9 This is an enlarged view of the main part of the slide rail 167 near the temporary storage compartment. Each temporary storage compartment 431 is composed of a Z-shaped fitting, which is formed by a vertical piece 441 connecting a mounting piece 437 with its upper end bent in a horizontal direction and a fixing piece 439 with its lower end bent in the opposite horizontal direction. The mounting piece 437 is located above the slide rail 167, and the fixing piece 439 is securely connected to the sliding worktable 127.

[0090] It should be noted that, as described later, the storage compartment 41 is in a retracted state from the extended state on the slide rail 167. Figure 6 In the state shown, the front end of the movable rail 173 is approximately aligned with the front end of the fixed rail 169. With the slide rail 167 retracted, the storage compartment 41 is transferred to the cylinder 429 and floats above the temporary storage compartment placement part 431 (see reference). Figure 11 ).

[0091] Figure 10 This is a perspective view of the storage compartment 41 viewed from a slightly below angle. The storage compartment 41 has multiple supported portions on its lower surface. In Embodiment 1, the supported portions are multiple storage compartment support rollers 443. The storage compartment support rollers 443 are positioned at the four corners of the base plate 87 of the storage compartment 41. That is, four storage compartment support rollers 443 are provided. The storage compartment support rollers 443 are supported by a support shaft 447 to allow free rotation, for example, by bending the edge of the base plate 87 along the Y-axis downwards, with the support shaft 447 passing through a bent piece 445 formed by this bend along the X-axis.

[0092] Figure 11This is an enlarged view of the main part of the storage compartment 41 after it has climbed onto the storage compartment support. In the position where the slide rail 167 has retracted, the storage compartment support roller 443 of the storage compartment 41 climbs onto the cylinder 429. The cylinder 429 is positioned on the fixing part (fixing base plate 427) such that the storage compartment 41 is at a predetermined height H relative to the fixing base plate 427 of the sliding worktable device 123 when the storage compartment 41 is in a predetermined position within the internal space. That is, the storage compartment support roller 443, which is provided on the lower surface of the storage compartment 41, climbs onto the cylinder 429, thereby placing the storage compartment 41 at a predetermined height H relative to the sliding worktable device 123. It should be noted that at this time, the storage compartment 41 floats upwards from the storage compartment temporary placement part 431 with a small gap C.

[0093] Here, the specified position refers to the position where the component storage body 69 (bracket 39) can be inserted into or removed from the storage compartment 41.

[0094] Figure 12 This is a side view of the storage compartment 41, which is mounted on the storage compartment support. The four corners of the base plate 87 of the storage compartment 41 are supported by four cylinders 429, thereby supporting the base plate 87 almost horizontally. That is, the individual component housings 69 (e.g., brackets 39) supported by the ribs 91 of the storage compartment 41 are also almost horizontally supported. As a result, each bracket 39 housed in the bracket storage section 43 can be precisely inserted and removed by a control latch (not shown) from the bracket transport section 45. Consequently, the component storage device 29 can access (mainly remove) the component housings 69 without failure.

[0095] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the positional relationship between the front and far storage compartment supports. In Embodiment 1, the storage compartment support (e.g., cylinder 429) is composed of a first storage compartment support 449 and a second storage compartment support 451. The first storage compartment support 449 and the second storage compartment support 451 are arranged on a fixed part (e.g., fixed base plate 427) along the telescopic direction of the slide rail 167. The first storage compartment support 449 is positioned closer to the storage compartment replacement window 111 than the second storage compartment support 451. The height A of the first storage compartment support 449 relative to the sliding worktable device 123 is lower than the height B of the second storage compartment support 451 relative to the sliding worktable device 123. It should be noted that the first storage compartment support 449 and the second storage compartment support 451 can also be adjusted as described later (see Adjustable Body 459). Figure 19 , Figure 20 The storage compartment 41 is supported in an adjustable manner at a predetermined height H relative to the sliding worktable device 123 (i.e., the fixed base plate 427).

[0096] Correspondingly, the distance between the storage compartment support roller 443, which is placed on the front side of the first storage compartment support 449, and the bottom plate 87 of the storage compartment 41 is set to be slightly smaller than the distance between the storage compartment support roller 443 on the far side and the bottom plate 87 of the storage compartment 41. Therefore, the storage compartment support roller 443, which passes first and is on the far side of the first storage compartment support 449, passes slightly above the first storage compartment support 449, thus suppressing interference with the first storage compartment support 449.

[0097] like Figure 2 As shown, the component conveying system 211 of Embodiment 1 includes: a component storage device 29; and a conveying device 209, which moves on the factory floor to convey component storage units 69 supplied to the component storage device 29 provided on the factory floor. The conveying device 209 is connected to the side of the conveying device 209 via a conveyor trolley 213 and can travel automatically on the passageway 15 of the factory floor. That is, the conveying device 209 is a towing type. The conveying device 209 accommodates storage bins 41 filled with items (e.g., trays 39) in a work area (not shown) away from the component storage device 29 connected to the pallet component supply device 23, and can perform retrieval and replenishment of storage bins 41 by transporting and docking them to the designated component storage device 29.

[0098] In the component transport system 211, the docking base 115 of the component storage device 29 docks with the transport device 209, and the storage compartment 41 is delivered from the transport device 209 to the component storage device 29 through the opening. At this time, the storage compartment 41 is supported by the storage compartment support and is positioned relative to the fixed base plate 427 of the sliding worktable device 123. Figure 11 The specified height H is shown.

[0099] Next, the function of the above structure will be explained.

[0100] The component storage device 29 of Embodiment 1 includes: a housing (cover 109) having an internal space capable of accommodating a storage compartment 41 configured as a component storage body 69 capable of inserting and removing a component 33; an opening (storage compartment replacement window 111) provided in part of the housing and configured to allow the storage compartment 41 to be placed or removed; and a sliding worktable device 123 having a sliding worktable 127, which, when the storage compartment 41 is placed on it, allows the storage compartment 41 to move between the inside and outside of the housing via the opening, and the sliding worktable 127 can protrude from the inside to the outside of the housing. The sliding worktable device 123 has a storage compartment support (cylinder 429) and supports the storage compartment 41 such that the storage compartment 41 is at a predetermined height H relative to the sliding worktable device 123.

[0101] In the component storage device 29 of Embodiment 1, the housing has an internal space capable of accommodating the storage compartment 41. An opening (storage compartment replacement window 111) is provided in the housing for placing and removing the storage compartment 41. A sliding worktable device 123 is provided within the internal space of the housing. The sliding worktable device 123 has a sliding worktable 127 that protrudes from the inside to the outside of the housing via the storage compartment replacement window 111. With the sliding worktable 127 protruding from the storage compartment replacement window 111 to the outside of the housing, the storage compartment 41 can be placed by, for example, an operator.

[0102] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of a sliding worktable assembly 123 having a cylinder 429 serving as a storage compartment support. The sliding worktable assembly 123 can accommodate the storage compartment 41 within its internal space by placing it on a sliding worktable 127 and moving the sliding worktable 127 inwards towards the housing. Here, the sliding worktable assembly 123 has a storage compartment support (e.g., a cylinder 429). The storage compartment support holds the storage compartment 41 at a predetermined height H relative to the sliding worktable assembly 123.

[0103] When the component storage device 29 is installed on the factory floor, it is leveled (in other words, leveled). Leveling is a necessary operation to ensure that the component storage device 29 operates with high precision. In the leveled component storage device 29, the sliding worktable device 123 is fixed to the mounting bracket 125 provided in the housing. The housing includes, for example, a cover 109 and a frame (not shown). The frame is a frame that supports the load of the component storage device 29. The frame is constructed of a high-rigidity structural material such as angle brackets. As a result, the fixed surface of the mounting bracket 125 becomes an XY plane that is infinitely close to the horizontal plane. By fixing the sliding worktable device 123 to the mounting bracket 125, the XY plane is set with high-precision parallelism relative to the horizontal plane.

[0104] The sliding worktable device 123 can treat the fixed surface of the fixing frame 125 as a horizontal reference surface, even without considering the assembly precision of the sliding worktable device itself. By fixing the fixing base plate 427 of the sliding worktable device 123 to the fixed surface of the fixing frame 125, the XY direction surfaces of the sliding worktable device 123 (the front and back surfaces of the fixing base plate 427) are arranged with high-precision parallelism relative to the horizontal plane.

[0105] The sliding worktable assembly 123 has the aforementioned storage compartment support. This storage compartment support holds the storage compartment 41 at a predetermined height H relative to the sliding worktable assembly 123 (i.e., the surface of the fixed base plate 427). Thus, even with a structure in which the component storage device 29 is separated from the housing by the sliding worktable assembly 123, which allows the storage compartment 41 to be easily inserted and removed, the storage compartment 41 can be held in a leveled state with high precision.

[0106] Additionally, in the component storage device 29, the sliding worktable device 123 has: a fixed part disposed inside the housing for supporting the sliding worktable 127; and a movable part including a slide rail 167 that can extend and retract between the inside and outside of the housing via an opening, wherein the sliding worktable 127 moves between the inside and outside of the housing as the slide rail 167 extends and retracts.

[0107] In this component storage device 29, the sliding worktable device 123 has a fixed part and a movable part. The fixed part is the fixed base plate 427 of the sliding worktable device 123, which is fixed to the fixed frame 125 as described above. That is, the fixed part (e.g., the fixed base plate 427) can be a plate-shaped member that is fixed parallel to the fixed surface of the fixed frame 125.

[0108] The movable part includes, for example, a sliding worktable 127 and a slide rail 167. Specifically, the slide rail 167 is generally composed of a fixed rail 169, a connecting rail 171, and a movable rail 173. The fixed rail 169 of the slide rail 167 is fixed in the fixed part.

[0109] In the sliding worktable device 123, the fixed rail 169 of the slide rail 167 is fixed to the fixed part, thereby connecting the rail 171 and the movable rail 173 and the sliding worktable 127 to move between the inside and outside of the housing via the storage compartment replacement window 111. As a result, the storage compartment 41 placed on the sliding worktable 127 can move between the inside and outside of the housing.

[0110] Regarding the component storage device 29, a fixing part (fixed base plate 427) is fixed to the fixing frame 125. The storage compartment 41 is moved by means of the fixing rail 169 fixed to the fixing part, the connecting rail 171, the movable rail 173 and the sliding worktable 127. Therefore, even with the structure of the sliding worktable device 123 that allows the storage compartment 41 to be inserted and removed freely, the storage compartment 41 can be kept in a level state with high precision.

[0111] In addition, in the component storage device 29, a storage compartment support is provided on the fixing part to support the storage compartment 41 from below.

[0112] In this component storage device 29, a storage compartment support is provided on the fixing part (fixed base plate 427). The fixing part is fixed to the fixing frame 125 of the housing as described above. A fixed rail 169 with a slide rail 167 is fixed on the fixing part. The fixed rail 169 supports the connecting rail 171, the movable rail 173 and the sliding worktable 127 that holds the storage compartment 41, allowing for free movement (free extension and retraction).

[0113] In this component storage device 29, the storage compartment 41 housed in the receiving section is directly supported by the fixing part (fixed base plate 427) fixed to the fixing frame 125 without the aid of the freely retractable slide rail 167. As a result, the storage compartment 41 can be maintained in a level state with higher precision, without being affected by the sliding clearance of the slide rail 167 or the increase in cumulative tolerance caused by the sliding mechanism composed of multiple components.

[0114] Furthermore, in the component storage device 29, the storage compartment 41 is formed of a hexahedron with quadrilateral faces, and one storage compartment support is provided at each of the four corners of the bottom surface of the storage compartment 41. It should be noted that the term "hexahedron" as used here may also include a roughly hexahedral shape.

[0115] In this component storage device 29, the storage compartment 41 is formed by a hexahedron. Therefore, the bottom surface of the storage compartment 41 is quadrilateral. For example, four storage compartment support portions are erected on the fixing portion to support the storage compartment 41. Each erected storage compartment support portion corresponds to one of the four corners of the bottom surface of the storage compartment 41, thus supporting the storage compartment 41. Because the storage compartment 41 is supported by the storage compartment support portions at the four corners of its quadrilateral bottom surface, its parallelism relative to the horizontal plane can be easily adjusted.

[0116] In addition, in the component storage device 29, the sliding worktable 127 has a temporary storage compartment placement part 431, which holds the storage compartment 41 when the storage compartment 41 is moved between the inside and outside of the housing.

[0117] Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram showing the storage compartment 41 temporarily placed on the slide rail 167, which has a temporary storage compartment placement section 431. In this component storage device 29, the sliding worktable 127 includes the temporary storage compartment placement section 431. In the sliding worktable device 123, the sliding worktable 127 moves between the outer and inner sides of the housing by extending and retracting the slide rail 167. At this time, the storage compartment 41 is placed on the temporary storage compartment placement section 431 provided on the sliding worktable 127.

[0118] Regarding the sliding worktable device 123, the storage compartment 41 is placed on a dedicated temporary storage compartment placement part 431 provided on the slide rail 167, so that the storage compartment 41 can be stably supported even when the slide rail 167 is in the process of extension and retraction.

[0119] In addition, in the component storage device 29, the storage compartment support is arranged on the fixed part such that when the storage compartment 41 is in a predetermined position in the internal space, the storage compartment 41 is at a predetermined height H relative to the sliding worktable device 123. The supported part provided on the lower surface of the storage compartment 41 climbs the storage compartment support, thereby the storage compartment 41 is at a predetermined height H relative to the sliding worktable device 123.

[0120] In this component storage device 29, when the sliding worktable 127 is pulled into the designated position of the receiving section, the storage compartment 41, which is placed in the temporary storage compartment 431, is transferred (transferred) from the temporary storage compartment 431 to the storage compartment support section.

[0121] The storage compartment support is positioned higher than the storage compartment temporary placement section 431 of the sliding worktable 127. Therefore, the sliding worktable device 123 can transfer the storage compartment 41, temporarily placed in the storage compartment temporary placement section 431, to the storage compartment support by retracting the slide rail 167 towards the receiving section. That is, the sliding worktable device 123 causes the supported portion, located on the lower surface of the storage compartment 41, to climb to the storage compartment support, which is positioned higher than the storage compartment temporary placement section 431, thereby enabling easy and precise leveling simultaneously with the transfer of the storage compartment 41.

[0122] In addition, in the component storage device 29, the storage compartment support is composed of a first storage compartment support 449 and a second storage compartment support 451. The first storage compartment support 449 and the second storage compartment support 451 are arranged in the fixed part along the telescopic direction of the slide rail 167. The first storage compartment support 449 is arranged closer to the opening than the second storage compartment support 451. The height of the first storage compartment support 449 relative to the sliding worktable device 123 is lower than the height of the second storage compartment support 451 relative to the sliding worktable device 123.

[0123] In this component storage device 29, the storage compartment support includes a first storage compartment support 449 located closer to the opening and a second storage compartment support 451 located further away from the opening than the first storage compartment support 449. Furthermore, the height of the first storage compartment support 449 relative to the sliding worktable device 123 (e.g., the fixed substrate 427) is lower than the height of the second storage compartment support 451 relative to the sliding worktable device 123 (e.g., the fixed substrate 427). Specifically, the height relative to the sliding worktable device 123 refers to the total height of the first storage compartment support 449 and the second storage compartment support 451 erected on the fixed part (e.g., the fixed substrate 427) from the fixed part (e.g., the fixed substrate 427).

[0124] The supported portion of storage compartment 41 climbs over the first storage compartment support portion 449 and the second storage compartment support portion 451. The supported portion is, for example, a storage compartment support roller 443. In storage compartment 41, firstly, the distal supported portion (e.g., storage compartment support roller 443) passes over the first storage compartment support portion 449, then the preceding supported portion (e.g., storage compartment support roller 443) climbs over the first storage compartment support portion 449, and the distal supported portion climbs over the second storage compartment support portion 451, thereby, for example, making its bottom surface parallel to the horizontal plane. Here, the height of the distal supported portion from the fixed portion is higher than the height of the preceding supported portion from the fixed portion.

[0125] Therefore, when the supported part of the storage compartment 41 climbs the first storage compartment support 449 and the second storage compartment support 451, the supported part on the far side of the first storage compartment support 449 is positioned at a step higher than the first storage compartment support 449, so the supported part on the far side will not collide with the first storage compartment support 449.

[0126] In addition, in the component storage device 29, the specified position is the position where the component storage body 69 can be inserted and removed relative to the storage compartment 41.

[0127] In this component storage device 29, a predetermined position is established so that the component housing 69 can be inserted or removed relative to the storage compartment 41. When the storage compartment 41 is in the predetermined position within the internal space, the storage compartment 41 is at a predetermined height H relative to the sliding worktable device 123. That is, the height between the component housing 69 in the storage compartment 41 and the fixing part (fixed base plate 427) of the sliding worktable device 123 is precisely positioned, thus preventing unsuccessful access (mainly removal) of the component housing 69 by the component storage device 29.

[0128] Furthermore, in the component storage device 29, the storage compartment support is fixed to the fixing part. The storage compartment support is a cylinder 429, which places and supports the supported part disposed on the lower surface of the storage compartment 41 on its upper surface.

[0129] In this component storage device 29, the storage compartment support is formed by a cylinder 429 fixed to the fixing part and erected. The storage compartment support being formed by a cylinder 429 reduces the installation space required for the storage compartment support. Furthermore, since it supports the load of the storage compartment 41 in the direction along the axis, compared to using sheet metal, it is possible to significantly ensure buckling strength with smaller components.

[0130] Additionally, the component conveying system 211 of Embodiment 1 includes: a component storage device 29; and a conveying device 209, which moves on the factory floor to convey a component storage body 69 supplied to the component storage device 29 provided on the factory floor. When the docking base 115 of the component storage device 29 docks with the conveying device 209 and the storage compartment 41 is delivered from the conveying device 209 to the component storage device 29 through the opening, the storage compartment 41 is supported by the storage compartment support and is at a predetermined height H relative to the sliding worktable device 123.

[0131] In the component transport system 211 of Embodiment 1, the transport device 209 can automatically deliver the storage compartment 41 relative to the component storage device 29. It should be noted that, of course, it is also possible for the component storage device 29 to manually operate the sliding worktable device 123 to insert the storage compartment 41 into the receiving part.

[0132] In the delivery based on the automated storage bin 41, after the conveyor 209 docks with the component storage device 29, the sliding worktable device 123 of the component storage device 29 operates to insert the sliding worktable 127 into the conveyor 209 through the storage bin replacement window 111.

[0133] The storage compartment 41, which is housed in the storage compartment storage bracket of the conveying device 209, is transferred to the sliding worktable 127, which has been inserted into the conveying device 209. The sliding worktable device 123, on which the storage compartment 41 is placed, moves the slide rail 167 backward toward the component storage device 29, and takes the storage compartment 41 placed on the slide rail 167 into the receiving part.

[0134] Regarding the storage compartment 41, after the slide rail 167 is inserted into the inside of the receiving part, the storage compartment support supports the storage compartment 41 at a predetermined height H relative to the sliding worktable device 123 (i.e., the fixed base plate 427). Thus, even though the component transport system 211 has a structure with a sliding worktable device 123 that allows the storage compartment 41 to be freely inserted and removed, which is spaced from the receiving part of the housing relative to the transport device 209, the storage compartment 41 can be held in the component storage device 29 in a leveled state with high precision.

[0135] (Implementation Method 2)

[0136] Next, implementation method 2 will be described.

[0137] Figure 16 This is a perspective view of the sliding worktable device 455 of the component storage device according to Embodiment 2, which has a storage compartment support rail 453. Figure 17 This is an enlarged perspective view of the main part of the storage compartment support rail 453 with a conical surface 457. Figure 18This is a schematic diagram of a sliding worktable device 455 equipped with a storage compartment support rail 453. It should be noted that in Embodiment 2, the... Figures 1 to 15 Components and parts that are identical in the attached drawing are labeled with the same reference numerals, and repeated descriptions are omitted.

[0138] In the component storage device of Embodiment 2, the storage compartment support of the sliding worktable device 455 is a storage compartment support rail 453. The storage compartment support rail 453 is fixed to the fixing part (fixed base plate 427) and extends along the extension direction of the slide rail 167. The supported part (storage compartment support roller 443) provided on the lower surface of the storage compartment 41 rolls on the upper surface of the storage compartment support rail 453.

[0139] In this component storage device, a temporary storage compartment 431 is provided on the sliding worktable 127 of the slide rail 167 for temporarily placing the storage compartment 41. The storage compartment 41 is temporarily supported by the temporary storage compartment 431. During the process of the slide rail 167 being inserted into the inner side of the receiving part, the supported parts (storage compartment support rollers 443) provided at the four corners of the lower part of the storage compartment climb onto the storage compartment support rail 453 and are supported with good precision on the storage compartment support rail 453 while rolling.

[0140] Additionally, in the component storage device, the storage compartment support rail 453 has a rail tapered surface 457, which is a tapered surface that slopes downwards towards the direction opposite to the direction in which the storage compartment 41 is being climbed. The rail tapered surface 457 is as follows... Figures 16-18 As shown, for example, it is set at the end in the front direction of the storage compartment support rail 453.

[0141] In this component storage device, after the storage compartment 41 is temporarily supported by the storage compartment temporary placement part 431, during the process of inserting the slide rail 167 into the inside of the receiving part, the supported parts (storage compartment support rollers 443) located at the four corners of the lower part of the storage compartment climb onto the storage compartment support rail 453. At this time, the supported parts climb onto the rail tapered surface 457, which slopes downwards as it moves toward the storage compartment support rail 453, thus enabling a smooth transfer with minimal impact. Therefore, when transferring from the storage compartment temporary placement part 431 to the storage compartment support rail 453 of the storage compartment 41, the impact applied to the storage compartment 41 can be suppressed, and the component 33 can be prevented from being ejected from the component receiving body 69 housed in the storage compartment 41.

[0142] (Implementation Method 3)

[0143] Next, implementation method 3 will be described.

[0144] Figure 19 This is a perspective view of the sliding worktable device 461 of the component storage device of Embodiment 3, which includes the adjustment body 459. Figure 20 This is a schematic diagram of a sliding worktable device 461 equipped with an adjustment body 459. It should be noted that in embodiment 3, the... Figures 1 to 15 Components and parts that are identical to those shown in the figure are labeled with the same reference numerals, and repeated descriptions are omitted.

[0145] In the component storage device of Embodiment 3, the storage compartment support of the sliding worktable device 461 is an adjusting body 459 fixed to the movable part and supporting the storage compartment 41 from below. Regarding the movable part, the sliding worktable 127, the movable rail 173, or both the sliding worktable 127 and the movable rail 173 can be selected. In Embodiment 3, the adjusting body 459 is fixed to the sliding worktable 127.

[0146] The adjusting body 459 may be composed, for example, of a double-ended bolt and a height adjusting nut. The double-ended bolt is upright and fixed to the sliding worktable 127, and the height adjusting nut is screwed into the double-ended bolt to support the bottom surface of the storage compartment 41. By rotating the height adjusting nut, the adjusting body 459 can support the storage compartment 41 at a predetermined height H relative to the sliding worktable assembly 123 (i.e., the fixed base plate 427).

[0147] In this component storage device, the storage compartment support is fixed to the movable part, which is an adjusting body 459. The sliding worktable device 461 eliminates the need for a temporary storage compartment placement section 431. That is, when the storage compartment 41 is placed on the adjusting body 459 provided on the sliding worktable 127, which is a movable part, it can be directly taken into the inner side of the receiving section without transfer. For example, the four corners of the bottom surface of the storage compartment 41 are supported continuously on the upper surface of the adjusting body 459.

[0148] The slide rail 167 slidably combines the fixed rail 169, the connecting rail 171, and the movable rail 173 to form a flexible structure, thus increasing the cumulative gaps and assembly tolerances. Therefore, compared to the storage compartment support fixed to the fixed part (fixed base plate 427), the adjustment body 459 fixed to the movable side (i.e., the sliding worktable 127) of the slide rail 167 has a height error relative to the fixed part (fixed base plate 427).

[0149] The adjusting body 459 pre-adjusts (adjusts) the inherent error of the slide rail 167, thereby removing the temporary storage compartment 431. As a result, in the component storage device 29 where the storage compartment support is provided in the adjusting body 459 of the movable part (sliding worktable 127), the component 33 can be prevented from being ejected from the component storage body 69 housed in the storage compartment 41 without the need for the storage compartment 41 to be transferred.

[0150] Therefore, according to the component storage device 29 and component transport system 211 of the above embodiments, even when the structure is designed so that the storage compartment 41 can be freely inserted and removed from the receiving part, the height position accuracy of the storage compartment 41 can be ensured to be high.

[0151] The embodiments have been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings, but this disclosure is not limited to such examples. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications, alterations, substitutions, additions, deletions, and equivalents can be conceived within the scope of the technical solution described above, and these should also be understood to fall within the technical scope of this disclosure. Furthermore, the constituent elements in the foregoing embodiments can be arbitrarily combined without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0152] [Industry Applicability]

[0153] This disclosure is useful as a component storage device and component transport system that can ensure high height positioning accuracy of the storage compartment even when a structure is adopted that allows the storage compartment to be freely inserted and removed relative to the receiving part.

Claims

1. A component storage device, wherein, The component storage device includes: The housing has an internal space capable of accommodating a storage compartment, which is configured to allow the component storage body for storing components to be inserted and removed; An opening is provided on a part of the housing, through which the storage compartment can be accessed and placed; as well as A sliding worktable device includes a sliding worktable that, when the storage compartment is mounted, allows the storage compartment to move between the inside and outside of a housing via the opening, and the sliding worktable is capable of protruding from the inside to the outside of the housing. The sliding worktable device has a storage compartment support that supports the storage compartment at a predetermined height relative to the sliding worktable device. The sliding worktable device has: A fixing part, which is disposed inside the housing and supports the sliding worktable; and The movable part includes a slide rail that can extend and retract between the inside and outside of the housing via the opening. The sliding worktable moves between the inner and outer sides of the housing as the slide rail extends and retracts. The storage compartment support is composed of a first storage compartment support and a second storage compartment support. The first storage compartment support and the second storage compartment support are disposed on the fixing part along the telescopic direction of the slide rail. The first storage compartment support is configured to be closer to the opening than the second storage compartment support. The height of the first storage compartment support relative to the sliding worktable device is lower than the height of the second storage compartment support relative to the sliding worktable device.

2. The component storage device according to claim 1, wherein, The storage compartment support is disposed on the fixing part and supports the storage compartment from below.

3. The component storage device according to claim 1, wherein, The storage compartment is formed by a hexahedron with quadrilateral faces. The storage compartment support is provided at each of the four corners of the bottom surface of the storage compartment.

4. The component storage device according to claim 1, wherein, The sliding worktable has a temporary storage compartment placement section, which holds the storage compartment when the storage compartment is moved between the inside and outside of the housing.

5. The component storage device according to claim 1, wherein, The storage compartment support is positioned on the fixing part such that, when the storage compartment is in a predetermined position within the internal space, the storage compartment is at a predetermined height relative to the sliding worktable device. The supported portion located on the lower surface of the storage compartment climbs onto the storage compartment support portion, thereby positioning the storage compartment at the predetermined height relative to the sliding worktable device.

6. The component storage device according to claim 5, wherein, The specified position is the position where the component housing can be inserted and removed relative to the storage compartment.

7. The component storage device according to claim 5, wherein, The storage compartment support is a cylinder, which is fixed to the fixing part. The upper surface of the cylinder supports and supports the supported part disposed on the lower surface of the storage compartment.

8. The component storage device according to claim 5, wherein, The storage compartment support is a storage compartment support rail, which is fixed to the fixing part and extends along the extension direction of the slide rail, and allows the supported part, which is disposed on the lower surface of the storage compartment, to roll on the upper surface of the storage compartment support rail.

9. The component storage device according to claim 8, wherein, The storage compartment support rail has a tapered surface that slopes downward toward the direction opposite to the direction in which the storage compartment is being climbed.

10. A component conveying system, wherein, The component conveying system includes: The component storage device according to any one of claims 1 to 9; and A conveying device, which moves across the factory floor, for conveying component receptacles supplied to the component storage device disposed on the factory floor. When the component storage device docks with the conveying device to deliver the storage bin from the conveying device to the component storage device via the opening, the storage bin is supported by the storage bin support and is at a predetermined height relative to the sliding worktable device.

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