Component storage device and component delivery system

Abstract

The present application provides a component storage device and a component conveying system capable of smoothly opening and closing a gate with a simple configuration. The component storage device includes a housing having an internal space capable of accommodating a storage bin configured to allow a component container storing a component to be inserted and pulled out; an opening portion provided at a portion of the housing and configured to allow the storage bin to be taken in and out through the opening portion; a gate accommodated in an accommodation space within the internal space and formed between the storage bin and the housing to open and close the opening portion; and a gate opening and closing unit configured to move the gate to open and close the opening portion.

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 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: a plurality of storage compartment holding portions arranged vertically; a support portion that holds storage compartments in each storage compartment holding portion, the storage compartments being inserted horizontally from storage compartment inlets / outlets corresponding to each storage compartment holding portion; and a tray moving portion that removes a tray from the plurality of storage compartments held in the support portion via a tray removal outlet corresponding to each storage compartment holding portion, and moves the tray to the component supply position. Each storage compartment holding portion includes a partition mechanism (gate) that opens and closes in conjunction with the removal and placement of storage compartments from the storage compartment inlets / outlets, blocking the tray removal outlet when a 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] Conventional gates, which connect multiple bars or gate plates (so-called slats) to form a bendable planar opening and closing body, can be smoothly bent by increasing the number of segmented blocks. However, this increases the number of hinges, weight, and cost due to the increased number of segmented blocks. Therefore, there is a need to develop a component supply device (e.g., component storage device and component conveying system) that can smoothly open and close gates with a simple structure.

[0008] This disclosure was developed in view of the aforementioned prior art, and its purpose is to provide a component storage device and component conveying system that can smoothly open and close gates with a simple construction.

[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 containing components; an opening disposed in a part of the housing and configured to allow the storage compartment to be placed or removed through the opening; a gate housed in a storage space and opening and closing the opening, the storage space being located within the internal space and formed between the storage compartment and the housing; and a gate opening and closing unit that moves the gate to open and close the opening.

[0011] This disclosure provides a component conveying system comprising: a component storage device; and a conveying device that moves on a factory floor for conveying a component storage body supplied to the component storage device disposed on the factory floor. When the conveying device is docked with the component storage device using a docking base of the component storage device and a docking portion of the conveying device, and the component storage body is delivered between the conveying device and the component storage device via the opening, a gate opening / closing unit moves the gate toward the storage space to open the opening.

[0012] Invention Effects

[0013] According to this disclosure, gates can be opened and closed smoothly with a simple construction. Attached Figure Description

[0014] Figure 1 This is a top view of the factory floor where the component assembly system of Embodiment 1 is installed.

[0015] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 The diagram shows the overall structure of the component assembly system.

[0016] Figure 3 It means Figure 2 The diagram shows a conceptual design of the cross-sectional structure of the component assembly system.

[0017] Figure 4 It is a 3D diagram of a storage compartment with racks.

[0018] Figure 5 This is a simplified structural diagram of the internal structure of the component storage device when viewed from the passageway side.

[0019] Figure 6 This is a top view showing the layout of the component storage device and the pallet component supply device.

[0020] Figure 7 This is a block diagram of a component storage device.

[0021] Figure 8This is a three-dimensional view of the conveying device.

[0022] Figure 9 This is a side sectional view of the conveying device.

[0023] Figure 10 yes Figure 9 AA sectional view.

[0024] Figure 11 This is a 3D view of the docking base.

[0025] Figure 12 This is a 3D view of the docking section.

[0026] Figure 13 This is a perspective view of a component storage device with a gate at the opening.

[0027] Figure 14 This is a perspective view of the gate device according to Embodiment 1.

[0028] Figure 15 This is a longitudinal sectional view of the gate device according to Embodiment 1.

[0029] Figure 16 This is a top view of the bent section.

[0030] Figure 17 It is a three-dimensional view of a gate equipped with load-bearing rollers.

[0031] Figure 18 This is an enlarged view of the main part, including the load support roller located on one of the at least two load support rollers in the connecting plate section.

[0032] Figure 19 This is an enlarged view of the main parts, including the load support roller on the other side of the gate plate at the front end of the gate in the opening and closing direction.

[0033] Figure 20 This is a perspective view of the main parts of the gate, which is supported by guide rollers and load support rollers in the lower guide section, as viewed from the inside of the component storage device.

[0034] Figure 21 This is an enlarged perspective view of the main part of the gate plate where the load support roller contacts the horizontal travel surface of the straight section on the opening side.

[0035] Figure 22 This is an enlarged 3D view of the main part of the arc-shaped plate located at the bend.

[0036] Figure 23 This is a front view of the gate with the load-bearing rollers positioned before and after the direction of movement.

[0037] Figure 24This is a front view of the entire gate, with load-bearing rollers installed on the connecting plate and gate plate.

[0038] Figure 25 This is a front view of a gate with load-bearing rollers installed on every other gate plate.

[0039] Figure 26 The diagrams (A) to (E) illustrate the operation steps of supplying the storage compartment to the component storage device.

[0040] Figure 27 This diagram illustrates the function of the guide rollers at the bend.

[0041] Figure 28 This is a perspective view of a gate with two load-bearing rollers, viewed from the inside of the component storage device.

[0042] Figure 29 This is a magnified 3D view of the main part of the bend.

[0043] Figure 30 This is the front view of the gate with the central part lowered in the direction of movement.

[0044] Figure 31 This is an overall structural diagram of the component storage device of the gate device according to Embodiment 2.

[0045] Figure 32 This is a plan view of the component storage device and the tray conveyor section.

[0046] Figure 33 This is a plan view of the gate device according to Embodiment 2.

[0047] Figure 34 This is a perspective view of the gate device as it moves to the closed position of the storage compartment replacement window.

[0048] Figure 35 This is a perspective view of the gate device with the gate moved to the open position of the storage compartment replacement window.

[0049] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0050] 29 Component storage device

[0051] 33 components

[0052] 41 Storage bay

[0053] 43. Carrier storage section (internal space)

[0054] 69-part storage unit

[0055] 109. Cover (shell)

[0056] 111 Storage compartment replacement window (opening)

[0057] 115 Docking Base

[0058] 117 Connector of one party (connector)

[0059] 209 Conveying device

[0060] 211 Component conveying system

[0061] 269 ​​Docking Section

[0062] 287 The other party's connector (connector)

[0063] 427 Gate

[0064] 429 Gate opening and closing unit

[0065] 431 Storage Space

[0066] 439 Guidance Department

[0067] 453 Bending section

[0068] 455 Straight section

[0069] 457 Curved section

[0070] 463 Load support roller

[0071] 479 Gate

[0072] 493 Guidance Department

[0073] X-axis first axis

[0074] The second axis is the Y-axis. Detailed Implementation

[0075] Hereinafter, embodiments of the component storage device and component conveying system of this disclosure will be described in detail with appropriate reference to the accompanying drawings. However, sometimes more detailed descriptions than necessary 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.

[0076] (Implementation Method 1)

[0077] First, let me explain implementation method 1.

[0078] 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.

[0079] like Figure 1 As shown, on the factory floor, multiple component assembly units 13 are arranged side-by-side, approaching each other along a passageway 15 with a passageway width W1. For each component assembly unit 13, multiple parallel substrate conveyors 19, with the X-axis direction as the conveying direction of the substrate 17, are arranged across each component assembly unit 13. The component assembly units 13 are integrated with rod-type feeders 21, pallet component supply devices 23, or tape component supply devices 25, etc.

[0080] Multiple component assembly units 13 arranged in parallel form an installation line 27 in 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 units 13. Among the multiple component assembly units 13 arranged in parallel, the component assembly units 13 that are integrally connected to the component storage device 29 and the pallet component supply device 23 constitute a component assembly system 11.

[0081] In the component assembly system 11, the component storage device 29 is arranged along the passage 15 in the longitudinal direction, so the reduction rate of the effective passage width W2 between adjacent mounting lines 27 is suppressed to a minimum.

[0082] 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 utilizes an assembly head 35 (see reference 1) as a component assembly section. Figure 3 To retrieve and store on tray 31 (see reference) Figure 4 Component 33 (refer to) Figure 4 The component 33 is 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.

[0083] The component assembly device 13 has a component assembly device main body 37. The component assembly device main body 37 is connected to a tray component supply device 23 and a 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.

[0084] As an example of a component storage device 29, the component storage device 29 houses a storage compartment 41 that allows a bracket 39 to be inserted and removed along a first axis (e.g., the X-axis), the bracket 39 holding and storing component 33 (see reference). Figure 4 ) tray 31 (refer to) Figure 6 The component storage device 29 has a tray storage section 43 (see reference). Figure 3 The tray storage section 43 functions as a storage device. The tray storage section 43 allows the storage compartment 41 to be accessed along a second axis, which is a second axis (e.g., the Y-axis) intersecting the X-axis in a plane along the horizontal plane. Therefore, the cover 109, which serves as the housing of the tray storage section 43, has an opening (e.g., a storage compartment replacement window 111) that allows the storage compartment 41 to be accessed along the Y-axis relative to the passageway 15. A gate 427 is installed in the storage compartment replacement window 111 for closing the window during periods other than when the storage compartment 41 is being accessed or removed (see reference). Figure 13 ).

[0085] It should be noted that the housing of the aforementioned bracket storage section 43 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.

[0086] The component storage device 29 has a tray conveying section 45. The tray conveying section 45 conveys a tray 39 from the storage compartment 41 housed in the tray storage section 43 along the X-axis. The tray 39 conveyed from the tray storage section 43 by the tray conveying section 45 is 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).

[0087] 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 device, a substrate transport section 49 is provided on the upper surface of the base 47. This substrate transport section 49 has a substrate conveyor 19 for transporting the substrate 17 in the direction along the X-axis (substrate transport direction). Figure 1 The substrate transport unit 49 transports the substrate 17, which is to be assembled into component 33, and positions and holds the substrate 17 in the working position of the main body 37 of the component assembly device. A tray component supply device 23 is disposed on the passage 15 side of the base 47.

[0088] The pallet component supply device 23 has a replacement tray storage section 51. The replacement tray storage section 51 is arranged in the vertical direction (along the Z-axis) and holds multiple storage compartments 41. 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 is connected by a tray changer lifting section 57 (see reference 57). Figure 6 The pallet component supply device 23 moves the tray 39 between the replacement tray storage section 51 and the component removal position by activating the tray changer 53. The pallet component supply device 23 also moves the component 39 (see reference 51) by activating the tray changer 53. Figure 4 The tray 39 of the tray 31, which is stored in a grid pattern, moves toward the part removal position to supply the part 33 to the assembly head 35.

[0089] The assembly head 35 is a multi-unit head, for example, with multiple unit transfer heads. A nozzle is interchangeably mounted at the lower end of each unit transfer head. The assembly head 35 is mounted and movable along the XY direction using an XY stage 59 configured with a linear drive mechanism or the like. The assembly head 35 moves freely between a component removal position and a component assembly position on the substrate transport section via the XY stage 59.

[0090] 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 (along the Z-axis). The tray conveying section 45 allows for the insertion and removal of any tray 39 from the various storage compartments 41 stored in the vertical direction (along the Z-axis) in the X-axis direction. The tray 39 pulled from the tray storage section 43 by the tray conveying section 45 moves towards the tray component supply device 23. Furthermore, the tray conveying section 45 can also move the tray 39 in the opposite direction.

[0091] The bracket body 61 of the bracket 39 is formed into a rectangular plate shape when viewed from above. One of the two parallel long sides of the bracket 39 is called the first long side 63, and the other is called the second long side 65. In Embodiment 1, the first long side 63 is the front part of the bracket, and the second long side 65 is the rear part of the bracket. Either the first long side 63 or the second long side 65 of the bracket 39 is transported as the front end side in the conveying direction.

[0092] Figure 4This is a perspective view of the storage compartment 41 housing the bracket 39. The storage compartment 41 is described below. In the storage compartment 41, 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 (not shown), thus forming an inner storage space that is a prismatic shape with both sides becoming insertion / removal openings 89. This storage compartment 41 is housed in the bracket storage section 43 with both ends open along the X-axis direction. In other words, the pair of side plates 83 are housed in the bracket storage section 43 with them separated along the Y-axis direction.

[0093] Ribs 91 are provided on the inner surfaces of each side plate 83, with both ends of the ribs 91 extending across the insertion openings 89. A pair of parallel short sides of each bracket 39 are inserted into the gaps between adjacent ribs 91 in the vertical direction (along the Z-axis). Thus, the storage compartment 41 stores multiple brackets 39 in a multi-layered manner in the vertical direction (along the Z-axis) within its inner storage space (refer to the above), and the brackets 39 can be inserted and removed from the insertion openings 89.

[0094] like Figure 4 As shown, a pair of X-alignment rollers 93 are provided on the lower side of each side plate 83. The pair of X-alignment rollers 93 can rotate freely around a rotation center perpendicular to the side plate 83. Furthermore, a Y-alignment portion 95 is provided on the lower side of the pair of side plates 83, near the insertion / removal openings 89 at both ends. A tapered surface 97 is formed in the Y-alignment portion 95, which is formed by utilizing a slope that makes the side plate 83 thinner as it slopes downwards.

[0095] It should be noted that four Y-alignment rollers 99 are provided on the lower surface of the base plate in the storage compartment 41 (see reference). Figure 10 Each Y-alignment roller 99 is positioned relative to the mounting sheet 101, which hangs from the lower surface of the base plate in a direction perpendicular to the side plate 83 (see reference). Figure 10 It is supported and can rotate freely about a rotation center perpendicular to the mounting plate 101.

[0096] Figure 5This is a simplified structural diagram showing the interior of the component storage device 29 as viewed from the passageway side. The component storage device 29 has multiple (e.g., four layers) mounting brackets 125 separated in the vertical direction (along the Z direction). For example, a sliding worktable device 123 is fixed to the mounting bracket 125 on the second layer from the bottom. That is, in the bracket storage section 43, the storage compartment 41 on the second layer from the bottom, which is housed in the four layers of storage compartments 41, is placed on the sliding worktable device 123. In Embodiment 1, an example is described where the sliding worktable device 123 is provided on the second layer from the bottom, but the sliding worktable device 123 can also be provided on any layer in the vertical direction. Furthermore, in Embodiment 1, an example is described where the sliding worktable device 123 is provided only on the second layer from the bottom, but the sliding worktable device 123 can also be provided on multiple layers.

[0097] The sliding table assembly 123 allows for manual forward and backward movement of the sliding table 127 mounted on the storage compartment 41. The sliding table assembly 123 includes a slide rail 167 that supports the sliding table 127 and extends and retracts along a second axis (e.g., the Y-axis). Figure 26 The sliding worktable 127 moves on 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 (see reference). Figure 26 ) and movable rail 173 (refer to) Figure 26 For example, the sliding worktable 127 located below the sliding worktable 127 of the storage compartment replacement window 111 can be manually moved forward and backward.

[0098] Alternatively, the sliding worktable device 123 can be configured such that the sliding worktable 127 mounted on the storage compartment 41 automatically protrudes outward from the cover 109 by means of a forward / backward drive unit 129. In this case, the forward / backward drive unit 129 includes, for example, a cylinder (not shown) that serves as the forward / backward drive source and a valve that supplies actuating air to the cylinder. By incorporating this forward / backward drive unit 129, the sliding worktable 127 located at the storage compartment replacement window 111 can cause the storage compartment 41 to protrude (extract) outward from the cover 109 via the storage compartment replacement window 111.

[0099] The tray transport section 45, located in the component storage device 29, includes a tray handler 133 that moves the tray 39 between the tray storage section 43 and the tray component supply device 23. The tray transport section 45 also includes a tray handler lifting section 135 that moves vertically (along the Z-direction). The tray handler lifting section 135 is erected on the storage base section 113 and has a height approximately equal to that of the tray storage section 43. An erected storage device feed screw (not shown) is provided on the tray handler lifting section 135. This storage device feed screw is rotated by a handler lifting motor (not shown). A lifting base nut (not shown) is screwed onto the storage device feed screw.

[0100] A lifting base 137 is fixed to the lifting base nut portion. On the upper surface of the lifting base 137, the pull-out device 141 is supported for free rotation via a controller shaft 139 along the Z-axis. A controller motor 145 is fixed to the upright base portion 143 of the lifting base 137, and the output shaft of the controller motor 145 is along the Z-axis. A belt 147 is mounted on the output shaft of the controller motor 145 and the controller shaft 139. The controller motor 145, belt 147, and controller shaft 139 constitute a rotary mechanism 149 (see reference). Figure 6 The controller motor 145 is driven by the rotary mechanism 149, thereby transmitting rotational force to the controller shaft 139, and the pull-out device 141 rotates about the controller shaft. The pull-out device 141 has a controller engagement rod 81 and a pair of parallel bracket guides 151.

[0101] The bracket controller 133 is, for example, controlled by the bracket transport control unit 153 (see reference). Figure 7 The drive controller 133 raises and lowers along the tray storage section 43 by using a lifting motor (not shown) to move the tray controller 133 up and down. At this time, the tray controller 133 can position the pull-out device 141 at the height of the tray 39 corresponding to the designated storage address of the tray storage section 43. A component storage device control section 119 for controlling the trays is provided at the lower part of the tray transport section 45.

[0102] Figure 6 This is a top view showing the layout of the component storage device 29 and the tray component supply device 23. The tray storage section 43 and the tray conveying section 45 are along the passage 15 (see reference). Figure 1The component storage device 29 is arranged side-by-side along the direction of the passageway 15. Furthermore, the tray conveying section 45 of the component storage device 29 is connected to the component assembly device 13 in the direction along the Y-axis via the tray component supply device 23. As a result, the component assembly system 11 has its tray storage section 43 and tray conveying section 45 arranged side-by-side along the long side in the direction along the X-axis, and the tray storage section 43 and tray conveying section 45 are connected to the tray component supply device 23 in a direction intersecting the X-axis, forming an L-shaped space when viewed from above.

[0103] Therefore, the component assembly system 11 of Embodiment 1 includes: a component assembly device 13, which uses a component assembly part (e.g., assembly head 35) to take out a component 33 stored in a tray 31 and mount it on a substrate 17; a tray component supply device 23, which supplies the tray 31 to a position that can be taken out by the component assembly part (e.g., assembly head 35); and a component storage device 29, which replenishes the tray 31 to the tray component supply device 23. The component storage device 29 is configured to include: a bracket storage section 43 capable of housing a storage compartment 41 within the interior space of the cover 109, the storage compartment 41 allowing a bracket 39 for placing a tray 31 containing components 33 to be inserted and removed along a first axis (e.g., the X-axis); a component storage body conveying section (e.g., a bracket conveying section 45) for conveying the bracket 39 between the bracket storage section 43 and a component supply device (e.g., a tray component supply device 23); and a sliding worktable device 123 having a sliding worktable 127 for placing the storage compartment 41 and allowing the storage compartment 41 to move between the inside and outside of the cover 109 along a second axis (e.g., the Y-axis), the second axis intersecting the first axis in a plane along a horizontal plane, and the sliding worktable 127 protruding from the inside to the outside of the cover 109.

[0104] Additionally, in the component storage device 29, the sliding worktable device 123 may also include a forward / backward drive unit 129, which causes the sliding worktable 127 to protrude to the outside of the cover 109.

[0105] Furthermore, the bracket 39 has a first engaging portion 75 on its first long side 63 and a second engaging portion 77 on its second long side 65. The first engaging portion 75 and the second engaging portion 77 are configured such that the opening sides of the engaging claws, which are formed in a top-view U-shape, face each other. The spacing between the engaging claws of the first engaging portion 75 is larger than the spacing between the engaging claws of the second engaging portion 77. In Embodiment 1, the first engaging portion 75 engages with the converter engaging rod 79 of the bracket converter 53, and the second engaging portion 77 engages with the controller engaging rod 81, which is the traction part of the bracket transport part 45.

[0106] Next, the structure of the control system of the component storage device 29 in Embodiment 1 will be described.

[0107] Figure 7 This is a block diagram of the component storage device 29. The component storage device 29 includes a tray conveying unit 45, a gate opening and closing unit 429, a sliding worktable device 123, an operation unit 121, a connector 117, and a component storage device control unit 119. The connector 117 is connected to an external power supply unit 155 via a power supply cable 157. The power supply unit 155 is connected to an external power source 159 via the power supply cable 157. The power supply unit 155 is also directly connected to the component storage device control unit 119 via a signal line 161.

[0108] The component storage device control unit 119 includes a tray conveying control unit 153, a sliding worktable control unit 163, and a storage unit 165.

[0109] When the tray conveying control unit 153 receives a request instruction for component 33 from the component assembly device 13, it refers to the component storage information stored in the storage unit 165 and sends an instruction to the tray conveying unit 45 to pull out the tray 39 holding the tray 31 containing the component 33 from the tray storage unit 43. Based on the instruction from the tray conveying control unit 153, the tray conveying unit 45 pulls out the matching tray 39 from the tray storage unit 43 and inserts the pulled-out tray 39 into the storage compartment 41 of the replacement tray storage unit 51 in the tray component supply device 23, thus completing the supply of the tray 39 to the tray component supply device 23. If the result of referring to the component storage information stored in the storage unit 165 is that there is no requested component 33 or the remaining quantity is low (e.g., less than the specified quantity), the tray conveying control unit 153 displays the request instruction for component 33 made to the component storage unit 29 on the operation unit 121 and reports that the component is exhausted or about to be exhausted.

[0110] The gate opening / closing unit 429 drives the gate 427 to open and close according to the opening / closing drive signal from the component storage device control unit 119. The gate 427 opens and closes the storage compartment replacement window 111 provided on the cover 109. The component storage device control unit 119 sends out the opening / closing drive signal based on whether there is docking with the conveying device 209 detected by one of the connectors 117.

[0111] The component storage device 29 delivers the component housing 69 (e.g., storage compartment 41) between the component storage device 29 and the conveying device 209. During delivery of the component housing 41, the docking portion 269 of the conveying device 209 docks with the docking base 115. When the component storage device control unit 119 detects that docking has occurred, it sends a gate opening signal to the gate opening / closing unit 429. As a result, the gate 427 provided in the storage compartment replacement window 111 opens, and the component housing 69 (e.g., storage compartment 41) is delivered between the conveying device 209 and the component storage device 29 via the storage compartment replacement window 111.

[0112] When the sliding table control unit 163 receives a pull-out command, for example, from the operation unit 121, it sends an instruction to the sliding table assembly 123 to switch the port of the valve connected to the cylinder (not shown) to the pull-out working side. Based on the instruction from the sliding table control unit 163, the sliding table assembly 123 switches the valve. Upon this switching, the drive shaft of the cylinder (not shown) extends, and the sliding table 127 extends to the passage side through the storage compartment replacement window 111. Conversely, when the sliding table control unit 163 receives a retraction command from the operation unit 121, it sends an instruction to the sliding table assembly 123 to switch the port of the valve connected to the cylinder (not shown) to the retraction working side. Based on the instruction from the sliding table control unit 163, the sliding table assembly 123 switches the valve. Upon this switching, the drive shaft of the cylinder (not shown) retracts, and the sliding table 127 is retracted into the bracket storage section 43. It should be noted that the sliding worktable control unit 163 can also drive the sliding worktable 127 to move forward or backward according to the forward or backward commands from the component assembly device 13 or the conveying device 209.

[0113] The storage unit 165 is configured using a data recording device such as a flash memory, HDD (Hard Disk Drive), or SSD (Solid State Drive) to store storage information. The storage unit 165 stores component storage information indicating the number of components 33 that should be supplied to the component assembly device 13, their storage addresses (e.g., combinations of numbers of storage compartments 41, brackets 39, trays 31, etc., on which each component 33 is placed), and whether or not the component is supplied to the component assembly device 13.

[0114] Next, the component conveying system 211, which includes a conveying device 209 that functions as an Automated Guided Vehicle (AGV), will be described.

[0115] Figure 2The conveying device 209 shown conveys items (e.g., a bracket 39 or storage compartment 41, as an example of a component storage unit 69) used in at least one manufacturing device (described below) located on the factory floor.

[0116] In this specification, manufacturing equipment includes not only devices for assembly, processing, handling, and inspection, but also ancillary equipment for storing and supplying the items consumed in the production of these components. In this specification, the pallet component supply device 23, the belt component supply device 25, and the component storage device 29 are considered ancillary equipment.

[0117] Conveying device 209 passes through Figure 2 The conveyor 213 shown is connected to the side of the conveyor 209, enabling it to travel automatically on the passageway 15 of the factory floor. That is, the conveyor 209 is a towing type. The conveyor 209 can transport and dock with the designated component storage device 29 to retrieve and replenish the storage bin 41, which contains items (e.g., trays 39 or storage bins 41), in a work area (not shown) separate from the component storage device 29 connected to the pallet component supply device 23.

[0118] Figure 8 This is a perspective view of the conveying device 209. The conveying device 209 has at least one item storage body for storing items. In Embodiment 1, the item storage body is a storage compartment 41. Hereinafter, the item storage body will also be referred to as the storage compartment 41. It should be noted that the component storage body 69 described in Embodiment 1 (see...) Figure 4 The conveyor 209 can be a pallet 31, a bracket 39, or an item composed of a pallet 31 and a bracket 39. The conveyor 209 has a base 217 with wheels 215 for traveling on the factory floor. The portion of the conveyor 209 above the base 217 is covered by a rectangular cover 219 that is longer in the vertical direction.

[0119] The storage compartment support 223, which has an opening 221, is housed inside the cover 219. At least one holding table for holding the storage compartment 41 is provided on the inner wall of the storage compartment support 223. This holding table moves up and down relative to the base portion 217 via the storage compartment support 223, thus moving up and down integrally with the storage compartment support 223. The holding table may be, for example, a first storage compartment holding table 225 and a second storage compartment holding table 227. It should be noted that the number of holding tables is not limited to two. The storage compartment support 223 moves in and out of the opening 221 via the sliding table 127 of the component storage device 29, thereby allowing the storage compartment 41 to be placed or removed laterally from the holding table.

[0120] Figure 9 This is a side sectional view of the conveying device 209. The conveying device 209 includes a support lifting device 229 for raising and lowering the storage support. The support lifting device 229 includes a support lifting motor 231, a feed screw 233, and a support lifting nut portion 235. The support lifting motor 231 is fixed to the vertically extending frame 237 with its drive shaft along the Z-axis. The feed screw 233 is coaxially connected to the drive shaft of the support lifting motor 231 and is supported by multiple bearing plates 239 for free rotation. The support lifting nut portion 235 is screwed into the feed screw 233, and the side of the support lifting nut portion 235 is fixed to the back of the storage compartment storage support 223 (i.e., the side opposite to the opening 221).

[0121] Figure 10 yes Figure 9 A cross-sectional view (AA). Therefore, when the support lifting motor 231 is driven, the feed screw 233 rotates, and the support lifting nut 235 moves vertically. This causes the sliding portion 241, fixed to the back of the storage compartment support 223, to be guided by the sliding guide 243 erected on the base portion 217, thereby raising and lowering the storage compartment support 223. Contained in... Figure 9 The operation of the support lifting motor 231 in the unit space 245 shown is controlled by the conveying device control unit 247 housed in the base portion 217. In addition, a wireless communication unit 249 is provided inside the opening 221, and this wireless communication unit 249 is connected to the conveying device control unit 247 in a position that does not interfere with the lifting of the storage compartment storage support 223.

[0122] like Figure 8 and Figure 9 As shown, a reference height detection sensor 251, which serves as a reference height detection unit (described later), is provided in the opening 221 of the storage compartment support 223. The reference height detection unit is not limited to a single sensor unit; it can also be, for example, a camera unit for image recognition. Furthermore, as... Figure 9 As shown, on the inner wall of the storage compartment support 223, there are a total of 4 sliding worktable detection sensors 253, which are respectively clamped by the first storage compartment holding worktable 225 and the second storage compartment holding worktable 227.

[0123] like Figure 10 As shown, along the Y-axis, the first storage compartment holding worktable 225 and the second storage compartment holding worktable 227 are each equipped with an X-alignment roller 255 (described later), a storage compartment receiving part 257, and a Y-alignment member 259. The first storage compartment holding worktable 225 and the second storage compartment holding worktable 227 are each supported on opposite inner walls of the storage compartment receiving bracket 223. It should be noted that... Figure 10The dashed lines in the diagram represent the outline of the storage compartment 41 when viewed from above. The X-alignment roller 255, the storage compartment receiving part 257, and the Y-alignment member 259 are respectively arranged at the four corners of the storage compartment 41. That is, there are four X-alignment rollers 255, four storage compartment receiving parts 257, and four Y-alignment members 259.

[0124] Limiting members 261 are respectively provided between the depth wall of the storage compartment storage bracket 223 and the first storage compartment holding worktable 225, and between the depth wall of the storage compartment storage bracket 223 and the second storage compartment holding worktable 227. Each limiting member 261 restricts the first storage compartment holding worktable 225 and the second storage compartment holding worktable 227 from retracting backward from the storage compartment storage bracket 223 by a predetermined amount. In addition, a first storage compartment detection sensor 263 (described later) is provided between the depth wall of the storage compartment storage bracket 223 and the first storage compartment holding worktable 225. The first storage compartment detection sensor 263 detects the storage compartment 41 mounted on the first storage compartment holding worktable 225. A second storage compartment detection sensor 265 (described later) is provided between the depth wall of the storage compartment storage bracket 223 and the second storage compartment holding worktable 227. The second storage compartment detection sensor 265 detects the storage compartment 41 mounted on the second storage compartment holding worktable 227.

[0125] The first storage compartment holding worktable 225 and the second storage compartment holding worktable 227 are respectively provided with static electricity eliminator contacts 267 for removing static electricity from the storage compartment 41.

[0126] The holding tables of the conveying device 209 (e.g., the first storage compartment holding table 225 and the second storage compartment holding table 227) are slidably mounted relative to the storage bracket in a transverse direction (e.g., along the Y-axis). The first storage compartment holding table 225 and the second storage compartment holding table 227 can be pulled out of the storage compartment storage bracket 223 by means of a pair of table slide rails 365 fixed to the opposing inner walls of the storage compartment storage bracket 223. A sliding locking part 367 is provided on the storage bracket (e.g., the storage compartment storage bracket 223) to prevent the holding tables from sliding.

[0127] like Figure 8 As shown, the base portion 217 also has a docking portion 269, which docks with the docking base 115 of the manufacturing equipment by moving the base portion 217 along a first direction (e.g., along the Y-axis) and approaching the manufacturing equipment.

[0128] Figure 11 This is a three-dimensional view of the docking base 115. Figure 12This is a perspective view of the docking portion 269. The docking portion 269 has at least one alignment member that moves along a first direction (along the Y-axis) while contacting at least one alignment member disposed on the docking base 115, thereby adjusting the position of the base portion 217 (i.e., the entire conveying device) in a second direction (e.g., along the X-axis) orthogonal to the first direction in the horizontal direction. The alignment member disposed on the docking base 115 is... Figure 11 The X-guide 271 shown has a guide ramp 425, and the locating pin guide member 275 has a locating pin guide hole 273. These alignment members provide positional constraint along the X-axis direction. The alignment members of the mating part 269 are the X-guide roller 277 and the locating pin 279.

[0129] In the conveying device 209, such as Figure 12 As shown, the two alignment members are spaced apart in the second direction (along the X-axis). Each of the alignment members contacts one by one the two alignment members that are spaced apart in the second direction on the mating base 115.

[0130] The base portion 217 also has a retained member held in a docking holding portion 281 provided on the docking base 115. The docking holding portion 281 has hook insertion ports 283 spaced apart in a second direction (along the X-axis). The retained member of the base portion 217 is... Figure 12 The pair of hooks 285 shown are arranged with an open spacing in the second direction (along the X-axis).

[0131] The docking section 269 has a communication or power supply connector 287 that is electrically connected to a connector 117 disposed on the docking base 115. One connector 117 is positioned between a pair of X-guides 271. The other connector 287 is positioned between a pair of X-guide rollers 277. One connector 117 is a female connector that houses a female terminal within a female housing made of insulating resin. The other connector 287 is a male connector that houses a male terminal electrically connected to the female terminal within a male housing made of insulating resin. It should be noted that the gender of the connector 117 and the connector 287 is not limited to this.

[0132] Furthermore, the other connector 287 enables the connection of two circuits: a communication circuit wire and a power supply circuit wire. In this case, the other connector 287 can be formed by having multiple terminal receiving chambers within the same male housing, each accommodating male terminals mounted on wires of different circuits. Alternatively, the other connector 287 can be a connector that integrally joins a separately formed communication male housing and a power supply male housing.

[0133] The docking portion 269 has a connector position adjustment mechanism 289, which adjusts the vertical position of the other connector 287 during docking. Alternatively, the docking base 115 has a connector position adjustment mechanism 289, which adjusts the vertical position of one connector 117 during docking. That is, the connector position adjustment mechanism 289 can be provided on either the docking portion 269 or the docking base 115. The connector position adjustment mechanism 289 operates via an alignment member provided on the docking object. In Embodiment 2, the connector position adjustment mechanism 289 is provided, for example, on the docking portion 269. Therefore, the alignment member that operates the connector position adjustment mechanism 289 is provided on the docking base 115.

[0134] The connector position adjustment mechanism 289 has Figure 12 The lifting member 291, pressing member 293, and cam follower 295 are shown. Additionally, the alignment member that operates the connector position adjustment mechanism 289 is... Figure 11 The plate-shaped cam 297 shown has an operating surface (e.g., inclined surface Sc).

[0135] In the docking section 269, the connector position adjustment mechanism 289 rises and falls together with the other connector 287. In the connector position adjustment mechanism 289, the cam follower 295 moves along a first direction (along the Y-axis) while contacting the inclined surface Sc of the cam 297 provided on the docking base 115 of the component storage device 29, thereby adjusting the height position of the lifting member 291 by the cam 297. The lifting member 291 rises and falls freely by means of the lifting guide 341 and is supported on the base section 217.

[0136] The component conveying system 211 includes at least one manufacturing device (component storage device 29) disposed on the factory floor, and a conveying device 209 that moves on the factory floor to convey articles used in the manufacturing device. The component conveying system 211 utilizes the components provided by the component storage device 29... Figure 11 The docking base 115 and conveying device 209 shown have the following characteristics: Figure 12 The docking device 299, formed by the docking part 269 shown, docks the conveying device 209 with the component storage device 29, enabling the delivery of items between the conveying device 209 and the component storage device 29. That is, the docking device 299 can serve as a joint that connects the conveying device 209 and the component storage device 29.

[0137] The docking device 299 has an induction part 301 and a buffer part 303.

[0138] The guiding unit 301 comprises an alignment member (e.g., X guide 271) and alignment members (e.g., X guide arm 307, X guide roller 277). The guiding unit 301 guides the conveyor 209, which approaches the component storage device 29 from a first direction (along the Y-axis), in a second direction (along the X-axis) orthogonal to the first direction in the horizontal plane. The guiding unit 301 includes at least one alignment member (e.g., X guide 271) disposed on the docking base 115; and at least one alignment member (e.g., X guide arm 307, X guide roller 277) disposed on the docking portion 269. The guiding unit 301 causes the X guide roller 277 to move along the first direction (along the Y-axis) while contacting the guide ramp 425 of the X guide 271, thereby correcting the track of the X guide roller 277 by the X guide 271, and thus adjusting the position of the conveyor 209 in the second direction (along the X-axis).

[0139] On the other side of the docking base 115 and the docking portion 269, a protrusion 319 is provided. This protrusion 319 abuts against a buffer portion 303, which includes a buffer spring (not shown), from a first direction (along the Y-axis), causing the buffer spring constituting the buffer portion 303 to deform. In Embodiment 2, the buffer spring is disposed on the docking base 115, and the protrusion 319 is disposed on the docking portion 269.

[0140] The buffer portion 303 uses the repulsive force of a buffer spring (not shown) to press the conveying device 209 away from the manufacturing equipment, thereby absorbing the impact during docking. This buffer portion 303 is disposed on one of the docking base 115 and the docking portion 269. On the other of the docking base 115 and the docking portion 269, a protrusion 319 is disposed that abuts against the buffer portion 303 from a first direction (along the Y-axis) and deforms the buffer spring. In Embodiment 1, the buffer spring is disposed on the docking base 115, and the protrusion 319 is disposed on the docking portion 269.

[0141] like Figure 6 As shown, the component storage device 29 of Embodiment 1 has a storage space 431 between the storage compartment 41 and the cover 109. The storage space 431 is a square plate-shaped space that is planar along the Z-axis and Y-axis and has a thickness along the X-axis.

[0142] Figure 13 This is a perspective view of a component storage device 29 with a gate 427 at the opening. (See also storage space 431) Figure 6The storage compartment houses a gate 427 and a gate opening / closing unit 429. The gate 427 moves via the gate opening / closing unit 429, thereby opening and closing the storage compartment replacement window 111. The gate opening / closing unit 429 is, for example, a cylinder. The cylinder body is fixed to the inner wall or the frame of the component storage device 29 via a gate bracket 433. An opening / closing drive shaft (not shown) that moves from the cylinder body is fixed to the gate 427. The opening / closing drive shaft is fixed to a connecting plate 435 at the opening / closing base end of the gate 427, near the gate opening / closing unit 429.

[0143] Figure 14 This is a perspective view of the gate device 437. The component storage device 29 has a guide section 439. The guide section 439 is provided along the inner wall of the storage compartment replacement window 111 and the cover 109 located to the side of the storage compartment replacement window 111. The guide section 439 guides the gate 427 moving from the storage space 431 to the storage compartment replacement window 111. The guide section 439 has an upper guide section 441 and a lower guide section 443. The gate 427 is formed into a bendable surface by connecting the long sides of a plurality of narrow strip-shaped gate plates 445 (also called slats) that are longer in the vertical direction to each other using a hinge 447. By guiding the movement of the gate 427 between the upper guide section 441 and the lower guide section 443, the gate 427 can reciprocate between the storage compartment replacement window 111 and the storage space 431.

[0144] Figure 15 This is a longitudinal sectional view of the gate device 437. The gate 427 has guide rollers 449 with the Z-axis as the center of rotation on the upper and lower parts of its respective gate plate 445. That is, each gate plate 445 has two guide rollers 449, one upper and one lower. The upper guide part 441 and the lower guide part 443 have a pair of vertical guide surfaces 451 facing each other, sandwiching these guide rollers 449.

[0145] Figure 16This is a top view of the bending portion 453. The guide portion 439 has a bending portion 453, which bends laterally from the storage compartment replacement window 111 to guide the movement of the gate 427. The bending portion 453 is composed of two straight portions 455 and a curved portion 457 connecting the two straight portions 455. The bending portion 453 causes a 90° change in the direction of movement of the gate 427. The guide portion 439 has an opening-side straight portion 459 and a receiving-side straight portion 461 that are orthogonal to the bending portion 453. The two straight portions 455 are respectively provided between the opening-side straight portion 459 and the curved portion 457, and between the curved portion 457 and the receiving-side straight portion 461. That is, the two straight portions 455 are inclined relative to the opening-side straight portion 459 and inclined relative to the receiving-side straight portion 461, and are connected to the curved portion 457. The guide roller 449 is also guided by a pair of opposing vertical guide surfaces 451 in the bent portion 453, which is composed of the two straight portions 455 and the curved portion 457.

[0146] Figure 17 This is a perspective view of a gate 427 equipped with load support rollers 463. The gate 427 has at least two load support rollers 463 in the forward and backward directions of movement, which support the load of the gate 427 on the guide portion 439. The load support rollers 463 are supported on the lower guide portion 443 in the guide portion 439.

[0147] Figure 18 This is an enlarged view of the main part, including the load support roller 463 of at least two load support rollers 463 disposed on one of the connecting plate portions 435. Figure 19 This is an enlarged view of the main part, including the load support roller 463 on the other side of the gate plate 445 at the front end of the gate 427 in the opening and closing direction. One of the two load support rollers 463 is provided, for example, in the connecting plate portion 435, and the other is provided in the gate plate 445 at the front end of the gate 427 in the opening and closing direction. It should be noted that, as described later, more than two load support rollers 463 may also be provided. The load support roller 463 is rotatably mounted on a support shaft 465 that fixes the connecting plate portion 435 and the gate plate 445 through it in the thickness direction. The load support roller 463 rolls on the guide side plate 467 provided in the lower guide portion 443. A flat horizontal travel surface 469 is formed on the upper surface of the guide side plate 467, which allows the load support roller 463 to roll.

[0148] Figure 20 This is a perspective view of the main parts of the gate 427 supported by the guide roller 449 and load support roller 463 on the lower guide section 443, viewed from the inside of the component storage device 29. The lower guide section 443, in addition to being connected to the upper guide section 441 (see reference...), Figure 17In addition to the pair of opposing vertical guide surfaces 451, a horizontal travel surface 469 is also provided on the upper surface of the guide side plate 467. The guide side plate 467 is not provided on the upper guide portion 441. Therefore, the lower guide portion 443 guides both the guide roller 449 and the load support roller 463.

[0149] Figure 21 This is an enlarged perspective view of the main part of the gate plate 445 where the load support roller 463 contacts the horizontal travel surface 469 of the opening-side straight section 459. The opening-side straight section 459 is located on the horizontal travel surface 469 of the opening-side straight section 459. Figure 20 The storage section side straight section 461 shown rolls on the horizontal travel surface 469. The direction conversion section between the opening side straight section 459 and the storage section side straight section 461 becomes Figure 20 The bend shown is 453.

[0150] Figure 22 This is an enlarged perspective view of the main part of the arc-shaped plate 471 provided in the bending section 453. The lower guide section 443 fixes the arc-shaped plate 471 to the bending section 453. The arc-shaped plate 471 is disposed between the straight section 459 on the opening side and the straight section 461 on the receiving side. The outer peripheral side surface of the arc-shaped plate 471 becomes a vertical guide surface 451 of one side of the guide roller 449. On the other hand, the upper surface of the arc-shaped plate 471 is configured to be lower than the guide section 439 other than the bending section on which the load support roller 463 rolls. That is, the upper surface of the arc-shaped plate 471 is lower than the horizontal travel surface 469 of the straight section 459 on the opening side and the horizontal travel surface 469 of the straight section 461 on the receiving side.

[0151] Figure 23 This is a front view of a gate 427 with the load support roller 463 positioned forward and backward in the direction of travel. The gate 427 allows the load support roller 463 to be positioned forward and backward in the direction of travel. This gate 427 reduces the number of components, lowers manufacturing costs, and also suppresses travel noise.

[0152] Figure 24 This is a front view of the gate 427, in which the load support roller 463 is disposed on the entire connecting plate portion 435 and the gate plate 445. The gate 427 may also have the load support roller 463 disposed on the entire connecting plate portion 435 and the gate plate 445. With this gate 427, the load applied to the hinge 447 can be suppressed.

[0153] Figure 25This is a front view of a gate 427 in which load support rollers 463 are provided at every other gate plate 445. Gate 427 may also have load support rollers 463 provided at every other gate plate 445. With this gate 427, the load applied to the hinge 447 can be suppressed, and compared to the case where load support rollers 463 are provided throughout the connecting plate portion 435 and all gate plates 445, the number of components can be reduced, resulting in lower manufacturing costs.

[0154] Next, the function of the above structure will be explained.

[0155] The component storage device 29 of this embodiment includes: a housing (cover 109) having an internal space (bracket storage section 43) capable of accommodating a storage compartment 41, the storage compartment 41 being configured to allow insertion and removal of a component storage body 69 containing a component 33; an opening (storage compartment replacement window 111) provided in part of the housing, configured to allow the storage compartment 41 to be placed or removed through the opening; a gate 427 housed in a storage space 431 and opening and closing the opening, the storage space 431 being located within the internal space and formed in the space between the storage compartment 41 and the housing; and a gate opening and closing unit 429 that moves the gate 427 to open and close the opening.

[0156] In the component storage device 29 of this embodiment, the component storage device 29 includes a cover 109 that serves as a housing. The inner side of the cover 109 forms a bracket storage section 43 that serves as an internal space. In the bracket storage section 43, a plurality of storage compartments 41 are housed in a multi-layered manner in the vertical direction.

[0157] The cover 109 is provided with a storage compartment replacement window 111 for replacing the storage compartment 41. The component storage device 29 moves the storage compartment 41 in (supply) or moves the storage compartment 41 out (recycle) between itself and the automatically moving conveyor 209 via the storage compartment replacement window 111.

[0158] Figure 26 These are operational illustrations (A) to (E) showing the supply steps of storage compartment 41 relative to component storage device 29. For example, during the loading of storage compartment 41, storage compartment 41 is not present on the slide rail 167 located at storage compartment replacement window 111. The conveying device 209 and component storage device 29 are docked by docking device 299 (see reference). Figure 26 (A)).

[0159] After the component storage device 29 completes docking with the conveying device 209, it sends a gate opening signal to the gate opening and closing unit 429 to open the gate 427. The gate device 437 drives the gate opening and closing unit 429 to move the gate 427 in the opening direction, opening the storage compartment replacement window 111.

[0160] After receiving a gate opening signal from the gate device 437, the component storage device 29 sends a withdrawal signal to the sliding worktable device 123. The sliding worktable device 123 extends the movable rail 173 (see reference). Figure 26 (B)) thereby receiving storage bin 41 (refer to) from the first storage bin holding table 225 (or the second storage bin holding table 227) of the conveying device 209. Figure 26 (C)). Upon receiving the storage compartment 41, the sliding worktable device 123 retracts the movable rail 173 and retrieves the received storage compartment 41 through the storage compartment replacement window 111 into the component storage device 29 (see reference). Figure 26 (D) That is, the supply from storage compartment 41 to component storage device 29 is completed.

[0161] When the component storage device 29 detects a disconnection signal from the connector 117 after the component storage device 29 detects that the connection between the component storage device 29 and the conveying device 209 has been released following the completion of the supply to the storage compartment 41, the component storage device control unit 119 sends a gate closing signal to the gate opening and closing unit 429. As a result, the storage compartment replacement window 111 is closed by the gate 427. After the gate 427 is closed, the conveying device 209 disengages from the component storage device 29 (see reference). Figure 26 (E)).

[0162] The component storage device 29 has a storage compartment replacement window 111 on the surface of the cover 109 facing the passage 15. This storage compartment replacement window 111 is an opening at least larger than the side plate 83 of the storage compartment 41 for retrieval and placement along the Y-axis. Therefore, a small gap is created between the storage compartment replacement window 111 and the side plate 83 of the storage compartment 41 disposed inside the storage compartment replacement window 111, allowing a finger to be inserted (see reference). Figure 2 In addition, relative to the storage compartment 41 housed in the component storage device 29, the component storage body 69 (carrier body 61) is inserted and removed by the bracket transport unit 45 in the direction along the X-axis.

[0163] The insertion and removal of the component storage body 69 is achieved by the engagement of the controller engagement rod 81 from the bracket transport section 45 with the second engagement part 77 of the bracket body 61 (see reference). Figure 6 The component storage device 29 closes the storage compartment replacement window 111 through the gate 427, thereby preventing fingers from approaching the engaging part, the component storage body 69, which is being inserted and removed, through the gap created between the storage compartment replacement window 111 and the side plate 83 of the storage compartment 41.

[0164] Furthermore, the gate 427 is activated to close the storage compartment replacement window 111 when the supply from the storage compartment 41 to the component storage device 29 is completed and the connection between the conveyor 209 and the component storage device 29 is disengaged. The gate 427 is closed immediately after one of the connectors 117 detects the disengagement and just before the conveyor 209 is about to disengage. That is, the gate 427 is not closed after the conveyor 209 has disengaged (the closure is completed while the conveyor 209 is disengaged). As a result, fingers will not be pinched when the gate closes. Consequently, the safety of the operator can be ensured even with the structure of the storage compartment replacement window 111, which opens towards the passageway 15, based on the component storage device 29 and the component conveying system 211.

[0165] In addition, in the component storage device 29, the storage compartment 41 allows the component housing 69 to be inserted and removed from the housing (cover 109) along the first axis (X-axis), the housing allows the storage compartment 41 to be placed and removed along the second axis (Y-axis), which intersects the first axis in a plane along a generally horizontal plane, and the opening (storage compartment replacement window 111) allows the storage compartment 41 to be placed and removed from the housing along the second axis.

[0166] In this component storage device 29, the storage compartment 41 has a pair of parallel side plates 83. The pair of parallel side plates 83 form an insertion / removal opening 89 for the storage compartment 41. The insertion / removal opening 89 of the storage compartment 41 opens toward the bracket conveying section 45 in the direction along the first axis (X-axis) for insertion and removal.

[0167] On the other hand, the storage compartment replacement window 111 of the storage compartment 41 opens toward the passageway 15 in the direction of the second axis (Y-axis) intersecting the first axis. Therefore, the storage compartment 41 is provided with a side plate 83 at the storage compartment replacement window 111. That is, the pair of side plates 83 of the storage compartment 41 are arranged in a front-back direction for retrieval and placement. As a result, the component storage device 29 can suppress the inertial force acting on the component housing 69 in the direction of the insertion / removal opening 89 during the retrieval and placement of the storage compartment 41. As a result, the component storage device 29 can perform high-speed retrieval and placement of the storage compartment 41.

[0168] In addition, the component storage device 29 also includes a guide section 439, which is provided along the inner wall of the housing located on the side of the opening, for guiding the gate 427 moving from the storage space 431 to the opening, the storage space 431 being provided along the inner wall of the housing located on the side of the opening.

[0169] In this component storage device 29, along the inner wall of the cover 109 located on the side of the storage compartment replacement window 111, there is a Figure 6The storage space 431 is shown. In Embodiment 1, the storage space 431 is arranged to extend along the inner wall in the direction along the Y-axis. The component storage device 29 has a guide section 439 that is L-shaped when viewed from above, spanning the storage compartment replacement window 111 and the storage space 431. In Embodiment 1, the guide section 439 is composed of an upper guide section 441 and a lower guide section 443 that are approximately overlapping when viewed from above. The gate 427, the gate opening and closing unit 429, and the guide section 439 constitute the gate device 437. The gate device 437 is a so-called horizontal sliding gate.

[0170] Furthermore, in Embodiment 1, the gate 427 is formed as a surface that can be bent by connecting the long sides of a plurality of narrow strip-shaped gate plates 445 (also called slats) that are longer in the vertical direction through hinges 447. By guiding the movement of the gate 427 between the upper guide portion 441 and the lower guide portion 443, the gate 427 moves between the storage compartment replacement window 111 and the storage space 431.

[0171] That is, when the gate 427 is positioned in the storage compartment replacement window 111, it closes the storage compartment replacement window 111. On the other hand, the gate 427 opens the storage compartment replacement window 111 by moving towards the storage space 431. A gate opening and closing unit 429 is provided in the storage space 431, which is used to move the gate 427 along the guide portion 439.

[0172] According to the component storage device 29, the gate 427 is housed in a storage space 431 provided along the inner wall of the cover 109 located on the side of the storage compartment replacement window 111, so that the gate opening and closing unit 429 is not easily touched from the outside of the cover 109. As a result, even with the structure of the gate 427 which opens and closes to the storage compartment replacement window 111 facing the passage 15, the safety of the operator can be ensured.

[0173] In addition, the guide portion 439 of the component storage device 29 has a bending portion 453, which bends laterally from the opening to guide the movement of the gate 427. The bending portion 453 is composed of two straight portions 455 and a curved portion 457 connecting the two straight portions 455.

[0174] In this component storage device 29, the guide portion 439 (e.g., the upper guide portion 441 and the lower guide portion 443) has a bent portion 453. The bent portion 453 is composed of two straight portions 455 and a curved portion 457 connecting the two straight portions 455.

[0175] In embodiment 1, the gate 427 has guide rollers 449 with the Z-axis as the center of rotation on the upper and lower sides of each gate plate 445. That is, each gate plate 445 has two guide rollers 449, one upper and one lower. The upper guide portion 441 and the lower guide portion 443 have a pair of vertical guide surfaces 451 facing each other, sandwiching these guide rollers 449. In the guide portion 439, even at the bend 453, the pair of vertical guide surfaces 451 are formed by two straight portions 455 and a curved portion 457 connecting the two straight portions 455.

[0176] In the past, in a typical guide rail bend where two orthogonal straight lines are connected by an arc (quarter circle), when a gate plate 445 of a specified width passes through the bend 453, the direction in which the guide rollers 449 provided on each gate plate 445 want to travel deviates significantly from the direction of the force acting on the guide rollers 449. Therefore, there is a situation where the guide rollers 449 are pressed against the perpendicular guide surface 451, increasing friction and preventing smooth movement at the bend.

[0177] Figure 27 This diagram illustrates the operation of the guide roller 449 at the bend 453. In contrast, the gate device 437 of the component storage device 29 has two straight sections 455 sandwiching the curved section 457 between the front and rear of the bend 453. The two straight sections 455 are respectively located between the straight section 459 on the opening side and the curved section 457, and between the curved section 457 and the straight section 461 on the storage side.

[0178] Therefore, in the gate device 437 of the component storage device 29, when the guide roller 449 passes through the straight section 455, when a force b is applied to the guide roller 449 in the forward direction of movement, for example at the beginning position e of the straight section 455, the direction c that the guide roller 449 in the backward direction of movement wants to travel is approximately the same as the direction d of the force acting on the guide roller 449. As a result, the guide roller 449 does not press forcefully against the vertical guide surface 451, the friction is reduced, and it moves smoothly in the bend.

[0179] Additionally, in the component storage device 29, the gate 427 has at least two load support rollers 463 in the front and rear directions of movement, which support the load of the gate 427 on the guide portion 439.

[0180] Figure 28This is a perspective view of the gate 427, which has two load support rollers 463, as viewed from the inside of the component storage device 29. In this component storage device 29, the gate 427 has at least two load support rollers 463 in the forward and backward directions of movement, supporting the load of the gate 427 on the guide portion 439. In Embodiment 1, the guide portion 439 has a horizontal travel surface 469 in addition to a vertical guide surface 451 in its lower guide portion 443. The load support rollers 463 provided on the gate 427 climb onto this horizontal travel surface 469.

[0181] That is, the gate 427 rolls on the horizontal travel surface 469 via the load support roller 463, thereby transforming the friction between the gate 427 and the guide part 439 caused by the load of the gate 427 into rolling friction which is smaller than sliding friction, thus enabling smooth movement.

[0182] In addition, in the component storage device 29, the bending portion 453 is lower in the vertical direction (e.g., along the Z-axis direction) compared to the guide portion 439 other than the bending portion that the load support roller 463 rolls on.

[0183] Figure 29 This is an enlarged perspective view of the main part of the bend 453. In this component storage device 29, the guide 439 has a horizontal travel surface 469. The horizontal travel surface 469 is for the load support roller 463 to roll. The horizontal travel surface 469 of the guide 439 has a non-contact surface 473 at the bend 453 that is lower in the vertical direction (e.g., along the Z-axis direction) than the horizontal travel surface 469 outside the bend where the load support roller 463 rolls, and is not contacted by the load support roller 463. Specifically, an arc-shaped plate 471 is installed between two orthogonal straight horizontal travel surfaces 469 outside the bend, such that the upper surface of the arc-shaped plate 471 is the non-contact surface 473, thereby being configured to be lower than the horizontal travel surface 469.

[0184] Therefore, at the bend 453 where the load support roller 463 changes direction, the load support roller 463 no longer contacts the arc-shaped plate 471 of the bend 453. As a result, in the gate device 437, the load support roller 463 no longer experiences friction caused by lateral slippage at the bend 453, and can move smoothly.

[0185] It should be noted that the connecting plate portion 435 of the gate 427, which is close to the opening / closing base end of the gate opening / closing unit 429, is fixed to the opening / closing drive shaft of the gate opening / closing unit 429, for example, for forward or backward movement. Therefore, even when the gate 427 is equipped with two load support rollers 463, the connecting plate portion 435 is supported by the opening / closing drive shaft, so when passing through the bend 453, it can pass through in a state where the load support rollers 463 are floating above the non-contact surface 473.

[0186] Figure 30 This is a front view of the gate 427 with its central portion lowered in the direction of movement. Furthermore, by providing two load-bearing rollers 463 at the front and rear of the gate 427 in the direction of movement, the number of parts can be reduced, resulting in lighter weight and lower manufacturing costs. In this case, the central portion of the plurality of gate plates 445 connected by the hinge 447 tends to lower slightly in the direction of movement due to gravity f compared to the two ends. Even in this case, by providing the arc-shaped plate 471 positioned low on the upper surface at the bend 453, contact between the lower end of the gate plate 445 and the bend 453 can be avoided. As a result, the gate device 437 reduces the number of parts, achieves lightweight and low cost, and allows for smooth movement.

[0187] In addition, the component conveying system 211 of this embodiment includes: a component storage device 29 of any one of the above; and a conveying device 209 that moves on the factory floor for conveying a component storage body 69 supplied to the component storage device 29 provided on the factory floor. When the conveying device 209 is connected to the component storage device 29 by using the docking base 115 provided on the component storage device 29 and the docking part 269 provided on the conveying device 209, and the component storage body 69 is delivered between the conveying device 209 and the component storage device 29 through an opening, the gate opening and closing unit 429 moves the gate 427 toward the storage space 431 to open the opening.

[0188] In the component conveying system 211 of this embodiment, the component receiving body 69 is delivered after the conveying device 209 docks with the component storage device 29. After docking with the conveying device 209, the component storage device 29 drives the gate opening / closing unit 429, causing the gate 427 to move from the storage compartment replacement window 111 to the storage space 431. Thus, the storage compartment replacement window 111 is opened. When the component storage device 29 receives a gate opening signal from the gate device 437, the component conveying system 211 sends a withdrawal signal to the sliding worktable device 123. The sliding worktable device 123 receives the storage compartment 41 from the first storage compartment holding worktable 225 (or the second storage compartment holding worktable 227) of the conveying device 209 by extending the movable rail 173. Upon receiving the storage compartment 41, the sliding worktable device 123 moves the movable rail 173 backward and retrieves the received storage compartment 41 through the storage compartment replacement window 111 into the component storage device 29.

[0189] Thus, the component storage device 29 automatically opens the gate 427 to achieve unmanned supply of the storage compartment 41.

[0190] In addition, in the component conveying system 211, when the conveying device 209 is disengaged from the component storage device 29, the gate opening and closing unit 429 moves the gate 427 from the storage space 431 to the opening.

[0191] In the component conveying system 211, when the supply from the storage bin 41 to the component storage device 29 is completed and the docking between the conveying device 209 and the component storage device 29 is disengaged, the gate opening / closing unit 429 is activated and the storage bin replacement window 111 is closed. The gate 427 closes just before the conveying device 209 is about to disengage. That is, the gate 427 is not closed after the conveying device 209 has disengaged (the closing is completed after the conveying device 209 has disengaged).

[0192] This also prevents fingers from being pinched when the gate closes. As a result, thanks to the component storage device 29 and the component conveying system 211, even with a storage compartment replacement window 111 that opens to the passageway 15, operator safety can be ensured.

[0193] In addition, in the component transport system 211, the component storage device 29 has a connector (one of the connectors 117) that is electrically connected to the transport device 209, and it is determined whether the component storage device 29 and the transport device 209 are in a docking state via the one of the connectors 117.

[0194] In this component conveying system 211, the docking status between the component storage device 29 and the conveying device 209 is determined by a connector 117 located on one side of the docking base 115 of the component storage device 29. When the conveying device 209 docks with the docking base 115, the component storage device 29 uses one connector 117 to detect the docking, drives the gate opening / closing unit 429 to move the gate 427 toward the storage space 431, and opens the storage compartment replacement window 111.

[0195] When one of the connectors 117 detects that the docking has been disengaged, the storage compartment replacement window 111 is closed before the conveyor 209 is about to disengage. That is, the gate 427 is not closed after the conveyor 209 has disengaged (the closure is completed after the conveyor 209 has disengaged).

[0196] This also prevents fingers from being pinched when the gate closes. As a result, thanks to the component storage device 29 and the component conveying system 211, even with a storage compartment replacement window 111 that opens to the passageway 15, operator safety can be ensured.

[0197] (Implementation Method 2)

[0198] Next, implementation method 2 will be described.

[0199] Figure 31This is an overall structural diagram of the component storage device 29 of the gate device 475 according to Embodiment 2. It should be noted that in Embodiment 2, the components are stored in the same way as those in Embodiment 1. Figures 1-12 Components and parts that are identical in the diagram are labeled with the same reference numerals, and repeated descriptions are omitted.

[0200] In the component storage device 29, the storage space 477 is provided along the inner wall of the cover 109 above the storage compartment replacement window 111. The position of the storage compartment replacement window 111 is the same as in Embodiment 1. The gate 479 provided in the storage compartment replacement window 111 is formed of a quadrilateral plate slightly larger than the storage compartment replacement window 111. On the inner walls on both sides that clamp the storage compartment replacement window 111 or on the frame of the component storage device 29, a pair of parallel lifting rails 481 and 483 extending vertically are fixed. The gate 479, the lifting rails 481 and 483, and the gate opening and closing unit 429 constitute the gate device 475. The gate device 475 is a so-called lifting gate.

[0201] Figure 32 This is a plan sectional view of the component storage device 29 and the tray conveying section 45. The component storage device 29 supports the storage compartment 41 inside the storage compartment replacement window 111, allowing it to be freely pulled out from the storage compartment replacement window 111 towards the passageway. The gate 479, by closing the storage compartment replacement window 111, blocks the access portion of the tray controller 133, which allows access through the gap between the storage compartment replacement window 111 and the side plate 83 of the storage compartment 41. Figure 6 (The controller latch lever 81 shown).

[0202] Figure 33 This is a plan sectional view of the gate device 475. The lifting slide rails 481 and 483 are composed of a fixed rail 485, a connecting rail 487, and a movable rail 489. The fixed rail 485 is fixed to the inner wall or the frame of the component storage device 29 by a slide rail support member 491. The movable rail 489 is fixed to the gate 479. The connecting rail 487 supports the movable rail 489 from the end of the fixed rail 485, allowing it to protrude freely. The lifting slide rails 481, 483, and the slide rail support member 491 constitute the guide section 493.

[0203] A gate opening / closing unit 429 is fixed to a fixed rail 485 on one side. The gate opening / closing unit 429 is, for example, composed of a cylinder. The cylinder body is fixed to the fixed rail 485. The cylinder is positioned below the gate 479, while the opening / closing drive shaft 495 faces upwards. The opening / closing drive shaft 495, which moves forward and backward from the cylinder body (see reference...) Figure 35 It is fixed to the gate 479.

[0204] Figure 34This is a perspective view of the gate device 475, where the gate 479 is moved to the closed position of the storage compartment replacement window 111. Above one of the slide rail support members 491, a rising limit member 497 is provided, opposing the gate 479 at its rising end. Furthermore, below one of the slide rail support members 491, a falling limit member 499 is provided, opposing the gate 479 at its falling end. The gate 479's vertical movement is restricted by the rising limit member 497 and the falling limit member 499.

[0205] Figure 35 This is a perspective view of the gate device 475, showing the gate 479 moved to the open position of the storage compartment replacement window 111. When the opening / closing drive shaft 495 of the gate opening / closing unit 429 extends from the cylinder body, the gate device 475 raises the gate 479, opening the storage compartment replacement window 111. Conversely, when the opening / closing drive shaft 495 of the gate opening / closing unit 429 retracts towards the cylinder body, the gate device 475 lowers the gate 479, closing the storage compartment replacement window 111.

[0206] Next, the function of the above structure will be explained.

[0207] The component storage device 29 also includes a guide 493, which is provided along the inner wall of the housing (cover 109) above the opening (storage compartment replacement window 111) to guide the gate 479 moving from the storage space 477 to the opening. The storage space 477 is provided along the inner wall of the housing above the opening.

[0208] According to the component storage device 29 equipped with the gate device 475, the gate 479 is formed from a single quadrilateral plate, thus reducing the number of components, achieving lightweight and low cost. In addition, the gate device 475 allows the gate 479 to move (lift) only in a straight line to open and close the storage compartment replacement window 111, thus enabling smooth movement of the gate 479 with low noise and high-speed opening and closing of the storage compartment replacement window 111 without the need for bending portions 453.

[0209] Therefore, the component storage device 29 and component conveying system 211 according to this embodiment can smoothly open and close the gate 427 with a simple structure.

[0210] The embodiments have been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings, but naturally, 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 herein, 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.

[0211] [Industry Applicability]

[0212] This disclosure is useful as a component storage device and component conveying system that can smoothly open and close gates with a simple construction.

Claims

1. A component storage device, wherein, The component storage device includes: The housing has an internal space capable of accommodating a storage compartment configured to allow for the insertion and removal of a component storage body containing components. An opening is provided on a part of the housing, configured to allow the storage compartment to be accessed or placed through the opening; A gate, housed within a storage space and opening / closing the opening, the storage space being located within the internal space and formed between the storage compartment and the shell; and A gate opening and closing unit that moves the gate to open and close the opening. The storage compartment allows the component housing to be inserted into and removed from the housing along a first axis. The housing allows the storage compartment to be placed and removed along a second axis that intersects the first axis in a plane along a generally horizontal plane. The opening allows the storage compartment to be removed from the housing along the second axis.

2. The component storage device according to claim 1, wherein, The component storage device also includes a guide section disposed along the inner wall of the housing on the side of the opening, for guiding the gate moving from the storage space to the opening. The storage space is provided along the inner wall of the housing located on the side of the opening.

3. The component storage device according to claim 1, wherein, The component storage device also includes a guide section disposed along the inner wall of the housing above the opening, for guiding the gate moving from the storage space to the opening. The storage space is provided along the inner wall of the housing located above the opening.

4. The component storage device according to claim 2, wherein, The guide portion has a bend that bends from the opening toward the side to guide the movement of the gate. The bent portion consists of two straight sections and a curved section connecting the two straight sections.

5. The component storage device according to claim 4, wherein, The gate has at least two load-bearing rollers in the front and rear directions of movement, which support the load of the gate on the guide portion.

6. The component storage device according to claim 5, wherein, The bend is formed to be lower in the vertical direction compared to the guide portion other than the bend that the load support roller rolls.

7. A component conveying system, wherein, The component conveying system includes: The component storage device according to any one of claims 1 to 6; 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 is docked with the component storage device using the docking base of the component storage device and the docking part of the conveying device, and the component storage body is delivered between the conveying device and the component storage device via the opening, the gate opening and closing unit moves the gate toward the storage space and opens the opening.

8. The component conveying system according to claim 7, wherein, When the conveying device disengages from the component storage device, the gate opening and closing unit moves the gate from the storage space to the opening.

9. The component conveying system according to claim 7 or 8, wherein, The component storage device has a connector that is electrically connected to the conveying device, and the connection between the component storage device and the conveying device is determined via the connector.

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