Part box management system and part box management method

Abstract

A bin management system (1) includes: chutes (2, 3) having input areas (I1, I4) and retrieval areas (O1, O4) facing each other along the conveying direction (F), wherein bins are conveyed to the input areas along the conveying direction (F) in storage areas (S1, S4) between the input and retrieval areas; and an input position indicator (5) indicating the input position (P) of the input bin in the input area along the width direction. In the storage area, multiple bin rows can be configured, consisting of multiple bins stacked along the conveying direction (F). The input position indicator (5) indicates the input position (P) based on the batch number assigned to the input bin and the bin configuration information in the storage area.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a parts bin management system and a parts bin management method. More specifically, it relates to a parts bin management system and a parts bin management method for managing the configuration location of multiple parts bins in a storage area. Background Technology

[0002] A vehicle manufacturing line that continuously produces different models of vehicles in specified batch units consists of multiple manufacturing lines. For example, Patent Document 1 shows a vehicle manufacturing line having: a main line, including a painting line or a vehicle assembly line, etc.; and a sub-line for assembling sub-parts (e.g., doors) that are assembled into the vehicle body in the vehicle assembly line.

[0003] Additionally, for example, Patent Document 2 discloses a method for efficiently supplying multiple door parts (e.g., speakers, interior trim panels, power window regulators, window frame trims, and door mirrors, etc.) assembled onto door panels in a door manufacturing line that serves as a sub-line. More specifically, firstly, in a shelf loading process, multiple bins moved from an external parts manufacturer are temporarily stored in a storage area. Each bin contains multiple parts for each batch. Then, in a matching packaging process, a quantity of door parts for one vehicle is removed from the multiple bins stored in the storage area and loaded onto a matching packaging trolley. Finally, in a delivery process, the matching packaging trolley prepared in the matching packaging process is sent to the door manufacturing line.

[0004] [Previous Technical Documents]

[0005] (Patent Documents)

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2000-15530

[0007] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent No. 6723315 Summary of the Invention

[0008] [The problem the invention aims to solve]

[0009] However, in the previous shelving loading process, the timing of the arrival of external bins varied depending on the parts manufacturers, resulting in multiple bins from various manufacturers not being arranged in a particularly orderly manner in the storage area. Therefore, to facilitate subsequent packaging processes, it is necessary to temporarily sort the multiple bins in the storage area by batch number, thus requiring a large storage space.

[0010] The purpose of this invention is to provide a parts box management system and a parts box management method that can reduce the storage area required for temporarily storing multiple parts boxes while facilitating the operation of the matching packaging process.

[0011] [Technical means to solve the problem]

[0012] (1) The parts bin management system of the present invention (e.g., the bin management system 1 described later) is characterized in that it includes: a slide (e.g., the multi-layer slide 2 and the single-layer slide 3 described later), having input areas (e.g., input areas I1, I2, I3, I4, In described later) and take-out areas (e.g., take-out areas O1, O2, O3, O4, On described later) extending in the width direction and facing each other in a column direction (e.g., the conveying direction F described later) intersecting the aforementioned width direction, and conveying parts input to the input areas in the aforementioned column direction in a storage area (e.g., storage areas S1, S2, S3, S4, Sn described later) between the input areas and the take-out areas, and conveying parts input to the input areas in the aforementioned input areas in the aforementioned column direction. The bins (e.g., bins Ba, Bb, Bc described later) are brought into contact with the previously inserted parts bins until they reach the aforementioned take-out area or come into contact with the previously inserted parts bins; and the insertion position indicator (e.g., insertion position indicator 5 described later) indicates the insertion position (e.g., insertion position P described later) of the inserted parts bin (e.g., insertion position Bc described later) in the aforementioned insertion area along the aforementioned width direction; in the aforementioned storage area, multiple columns of parts bins stacked along the aforementioned column direction can be arranged along the aforementioned width direction, and the aforementioned insertion position indicator indicates the aforementioned insertion position based on the batch number assigned to the aforementioned inserted parts bin and the configuration information of the parts bins in the aforementioned storage area.

[0013] (2) Preferably, the aforementioned placement position indicator device indicates the aforementioned placement position based on the shape information of the aforementioned placement object parts box.

[0014] (3) Preferably, the aforementioned input position indicator device indicates the input position in such a way that the plurality of parts boxes constituting the aforementioned parts box column in the aforementioned storage area are arranged from the aforementioned take-out area side toward the aforementioned input area side in the order of the aforementioned batch number.

[0015] (4) Preferably, the aforementioned input position indicator device indicates the aforementioned input position in such a way that parts boxes of the same batch number in the aforementioned storage area are not arranged along the aforementioned column direction.

[0016] (5) Preferably, when the aforementioned input position indicator is configured such that the aforementioned input object part box is stacked relative to the stacked object part boxes already existing in the aforementioned storage area along the aforementioned column direction, the aforementioned input position indicator indicates the aforementioned input position in such a way that the overlap ratio between the front edge of the aforementioned take-out area side of the aforementioned input object part box and the aforementioned stacked object part box is a predetermined threshold or higher.

[0017] (6) Preferably, the aforementioned input position indicating device indicates the aforementioned input position in such a way that the length of each of the plurality of parts bins in the aforementioned storage area decreases unevenly along the aforementioned column direction.

[0018] (7) Preferably, the aforementioned slide has a limiting mechanism (e.g., the stop 28 described later) that limits the movement and rotation in the width direction of the parts box transported from the aforementioned input area side to the aforementioned take-out area side within the aforementioned storage area.

[0019] (8) Preferably, it also has a removal position indicator (e.g., removal position indicator 6 described later), which indicates the removal position of the target part box in the removal area along the width direction based on the configuration information of the part box in the aforementioned storage area.

[0020] (9) The parts bin management method of the present invention uses slides (e.g., multi-layer slides 2 and single-layer slides 3 described later) to manage the configuration positions of multiple parts bins. The slides have input areas (e.g., input areas I1, I2, I3, I4, In described later) and retrieval areas (e.g., retrieval areas O1, O2, O3, O4, On described later) extending in the width direction and facing each other in a column direction (e.g., conveying direction F described later) intersecting the aforementioned width direction, and storage areas (e.g., storage areas described later) between the input areas and the retrieval areas. The parts box management method involves conveying parts boxes (e.g., bins Ba, Bb, Bc described later) into the aforementioned input area along the aforementioned column direction in the domains S1, S2, S3, S4, Sn until they reach the aforementioned retrieval area or come into contact with previously input parts boxes. The parts box management method is characterized in that, in the aforementioned storage area, multiple columns can be arranged along the aforementioned width direction to form a parts box column, where multiple parts boxes are stacked along the aforementioned column direction. The parts box management method includes: a process of obtaining a batch number assigned to the input target parts box (e.g., input target bin Bc described later) (e.g., a batch number assigned to the input target parts box). Figure 7 Step ST3); the process of obtaining the configuration information of the parts bins in the aforementioned storage area (e.g., as described later). Figure 7 Step ST2); and the process of indicating the placement position (e.g., placement position P described later) of the aforementioned object parts box in the aforementioned placement area along the aforementioned width direction based on the aforementioned batch number and the aforementioned configuration information (e.g., the process described later). Figure 7 Steps ST4 to ST9 in the process.

[0021] (10) Preferably, the aforementioned parts box management method further includes a step of obtaining the shape information of the aforementioned input object parts box (e.g., as described later). Figure 7In step ST1), the aforementioned input location is indicated based on the aforementioned batch number, the aforementioned configuration information, and the aforementioned shape information.

[0022] (The effect of the invention)

[0023] (1) The parts box management system of the present invention includes: a slide having an input area and a retrieval area extending in the width direction and facing each other in the column direction, wherein parts boxes input to the input area are transported in the column direction in the storage area until they reach the retrieval area or abut against a previously input parts box; and an input position indicator device indicating the input position of the input target parts box in the input area in the width direction. In the storage area, multiple columns of parts boxes stacked in the column direction can be arranged in the width direction, and the input position indicator device indicates the input position based on the batch number assigned to the input target parts box and the configuration information of the parts boxes in the storage area. Therefore, according to the present invention, the operator can position the input target parts box at the position corresponding to its batch number simply by inputting the input target parts box into the input area extending in the width direction and the input position indicated by the input position indicator device. More specifically, for example, if multiple parts boxes are arranged in the storage area with the smaller batch number parts boxes at the front of each row of parts boxes—in other words, with the smaller batch number parts boxes arranged along the retrieval area—then in the subsequent packaging process, the operator can simply retrieve the required parts from the parts boxes arranged in the retrieval area among the multiple parts boxes arranged in the storage area. Therefore, the packaging process can be easily performed. Furthermore, in this invention, by arranging multiple rows of these parts boxes in the storage area, parts boxes of various sizes can be efficiently arranged in the storage area, thus reducing the required storage space.

[0024] (2) In this invention, the placement location indicator device indicates the placement location based not only on the batch number and configuration information, but also on the shape information of the placement object parts box. This allows for more efficient placement of parts boxes of various sizes in the storage area.

[0025] (3) In this invention, the placement position indicator indicates the placement position of the target part box in such a way that multiple part boxes forming a part box row in the storage area are arranged in batch number order from the take-out area side to the placement area side. As a result, the first column of the multiple part box rows arranged in the storage area is always the part box row with the smallest batch number, so the subsequent matching packaging process can be easily carried out.

[0026] (4) In this invention, the input position indicator indicates the input position in such a way that parts boxes of the same batch number in the storage area are not arranged in the column direction. As a result, the operator in the packaging process can only use the first column of the multiple columns of parts boxes arranged in the storage area, that is, only the column of parts boxes arranged in the retrieval area, as the work object, so the operation in the packaging process can be further facilitated.

[0027] (5) In this invention, when the input part box is configured to be input in a stacked state relative to the stacked part boxes already existing in the storage area along the column direction, the input position indicator indicates the input position such that the overlap ratio between the front edge of the input part box on the take-out area side and the stacked part boxes is a predetermined threshold or higher. This minimizes the width of each part box column in the storage area, thus further reducing the storage area. Furthermore, this also prevents part boxes stacked relative to the stacked part boxes along the column direction on the input area side from detaching from the part box column.

[0028] (6) In this invention, the insertion position indicating device indicates the insertion position in such a way that the lengths of the multiple parts bins in the storage area decrease unevenly along the column direction. As a result, the length of the storage area along the column direction can be shortened, thus further reducing the size of the storage area.

[0029] (7) In this invention, the slide has a limiting mechanism that restricts the movement and rotation in plan view of the parts box conveyed from the input area side to the take-out area side within the storage area. This prevents the parts box input into the input area from flowing to an unintended location.

[0030] (8) In this invention, the retrieval position indicator device indicates the retrieval position of the target part box in the retrieval area along the width direction based on the configuration information of the part boxes in the storage area. As a result, the operator in the packaging process can retrieve the required part simply by retrieving the part from the part box at the retrieval position indicated by the retrieval position indicator device, thus making the operation in the packaging process even easier.

[0031] (9) In the parts box management method of the present invention, the placement position of the parts box in the placement area along the width direction is indicated by the batch number assigned to the parts box to be placed and the configuration information of the parts boxes in the storage area. The operator can place the parts box in the position corresponding to its batch number simply by placing the parts box to be placed in the indicated placement position in the placement area extending in the width direction. In addition, similar to the invention described in (1) above, the storage area can be reduced while making the operation of the matching packaging process easier.

[0032] (10) In this invention, the shape information of the parts bin to be inserted is obtained, and then the insertion position of the parts bin is indicated based on the batch number, configuration information, and shape information. As a result, parts bins of various sizes can be more efficiently configured in the storage area. Attached Figure Description

[0033] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the planar configuration of a bin management system, a shelf loading area, and a matching packaging area according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] Figure 2 This is a 3D view of multi-layer and single-layer slides from the side of the packaging area.

[0035] Figure 3A This is a side view of a multi-layered slide.

[0036] Figure 3B This is a side view of a single-layer slide.

[0037] Figure 4 This is a floor plan of the shelf.

[0038] Figure 5 It is a cross-sectional view of the shelf along line VV parallel to the conveying direction.

[0039] Figure 6 This is a floor plan of the shelf.

[0040] Figure 7 It is a flowchart illustrating the specific process of calculating and processing the input position.

[0041] Figure 8 This is a diagram illustrating an example of a table that determines candidate regions and priorities.

[0042] Figure 9 This is a diagram illustrating one example of the area that can be entered.

[0043] Figure 10 This is a diagram illustrating the process of calculating the optimal placement position in the placement position calculation device. Detailed Implementation

[0044] Hereinafter, a bin management system and bin management method according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0045] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the planar composition of the bin management system 1 of this embodiment, the shelf loading area Aa where operator Wa performs shelf loading operations, and the matching packaging area Ab where operator Wb performs matching packaging operations.

[0046] Operator Wa performs the following shelf loading operation: The parts bins Ba, Bb, and Bc, which are brought in from outside by parts manufacturers Sa and Sb, are placed in their designated positions. Each bin Ba, Bb, and Bc contains multiple vehicle parts. Furthermore, while all bins Ba, Bb, and Bc are rectangular in shape when viewed from above, their sizes vary depending on the type of contents.

[0047] Operator Wb performs the following packaging operation: From multiple bins Ba, Bb, Bc, which have been positioned in designated locations after being loaded onto the shelves by operator Wa, the operator removes a quantity of vehicle parts for one vehicle, verifies their quality, and loads them onto the packaging trolleys Ca, Cb, Cc. The packaging trolleys Ca, Cb, Cc, prepared by operator Wb's packaging operation, are then sent to the vehicle manufacturing line that continuously produces different models of vehicles in designated batch units.

[0048] A bin management system 1 is located between the shelf loading area Aa and the accompanying packaging area Ab, and manages the placement of bins inserted by operator Wa during shelf loading operations. More specifically, the bin management system 1 includes: a multi-layer chute 2 and a single-layer chute 3, located between the shelf loading area Aa and the accompanying packaging area Ab, for temporary storage of multiple bins Ba, Bb, and Bc inserted by operator Wa; an insertion position indicator 5, indicating the insertion position P of the target bin Bc to operator Wa performing shelf loading operations; and a retrieval position indicator 6, indicating the retrieval position of the target bin to operator Wb performing accompanying packaging operations.

[0049] Figure 2 This is a three-dimensional view of the multi-layer slide 2 and the single-layer slide 3 as seen from the Ab side of the packaging area. Figure 3A This is a side view of multi-level slide 2. Figure 3B This is a side view of single-layer slide 3.

[0050] Multi-layer slide 2 and single-layer slide 3, as Figure 2 As shown, the shelf loading area Aa and the matching packaging area Ab are arranged side by side along the width direction. The multi-layer slide 2 is a three-layer structure formed by overlapping the upper shelf plate 21, the middle shelf plate 22 and the lower shelf plate 23 in the vertical direction. In addition, in this embodiment, the multi-layer slide 2 is described as a three-layer structure, but the number of layers of the multi-layer slide 2 is not limited to this. The single-layer slide 3 has a shelf plate 31.

[0051] These shelves 21-23, 31 are rectangular in shape when viewed from above, and their upper surfaces can hold multiple storage boxes. That is, the space above each shelf 21-23, 31 becomes an upper storage area S1, a middle storage area S2, a lower storage area S3, and a large storage area S4 for storing multiple storage boxes, respectively.

[0052] As referred to below Figure 7 As explained above, large bins are preferentially stored in the large storage area S4 of the single-layer chute 3, taking into account the workability of operators Wa and Wb. Furthermore, comparing the three storage areas S1 to S3 formed in the multi-layer chute 2, the upper storage area S1 is the best in terms of workability for operators Wa and Wb, while the lower storage area S3 is the worst. Therefore, small bins are preferentially stored in the upper storage area S1, and medium-sized bins are preferentially stored in the middle storage area S2.

[0053] like Figure 3A and Figure 3B As shown, among each shelf plate 21, 22, 23, 31, the shelf loading area Aa side becomes the loading area I1, I2, I3, I4 for operators to input materials into the boxes during shelf loading operations. Additionally, among each shelf plate 21, 22, 23, 31, the matching packaging area Ab side becomes the unloading area O1, O2, O3, O4 for operators to retrieve vehicle parts from the boxes stored in the storage areas S1, S2, S3, S4 during matching packaging operations. These loading areas I1~I4 and unloading areas O1~O4 extend parallel to each other along the width direction and face each other along a column direction intersecting the width direction. That is, among each shelf plate 21, 22, 23, 31, the loading areas I1~I4 and the unloading areas O1~O4 form the storage areas S1~S4 for storing the boxes input into the loading areas I1~I4.

[0054] Each shelf plate 21-23, 31 is slightly inclined from the input areas I1-I4 towards the output areas O1-O4. More specifically, the output areas O1-O4 of each shelf plate 21-23, 31 are slightly lower than the input areas I1-I4. Therefore, the hoppers input into each input area I1-I4 are automatically conveyed in each storage area S1-S4 by their own weight along the conveying direction F parallel to the column direction towards the output areas O1-O4 until they reach each output area O1-O4 or come into contact with the previously input hoppers. Therefore, the hoppers input into each input area I1-I4 are in each storage area S1-S4, as follows: Figure 3A and Figure 3B The items are stored in a stacked manner and clustered towards the removal areas O1 to O4.

[0055] In addition, the quantities of multiple material bins extend along the width direction in each input area I1~I4 and the output area O1~O4. Therefore, as Figure 2 As shown, in each storage area S1 to S4, multiple rows of bins can be configured to form bin rows by stacking multiple bins along the conveying direction F.

[0056] Figure 4 This is a plan view of shelf 21. Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view of shelf 21 along line VV parallel to the conveying direction F. Furthermore, the construction of shelves 22, 23, and 31 is almost identical to that of shelf 21, so detailed descriptions are omitted below.

[0057] like Figure 4 As shown, the shelf 21 includes a plurality of support rails 25 extending along the conveying direction F, a plurality of rollers 26 and a plurality of stops 28 laid between these support rails 25, and is rectangular in shape when viewed from above. Within the shelf 21, Figure 4 The upper middle side forms the extraction area O1, which extends along the width direction intersecting the conveying direction F. Figure 4 The lower middle side becomes the input area I1, which extends along the width direction.

[0058] The support tracks 25 are arranged at approximately equal intervals along the width direction intersecting the conveying direction F. Multiple rollers 26 and multiple stops 28 are arranged in rows between these support tracks 25 along the conveying direction F. Figure 2 The diagram shows a group of two rollers 26 and one stop 28, with multiple groups arranged in a row between two support rails 25. However, the number of rollers 26 or stops 8 constituting each group is not limited to this. The support rails 25 rotatably support multiple rollers 26 via a rotation axis 25b that is approximately parallel to the width direction, and rotatably support multiple stops 28 via a rotation axis that is approximately parallel to the width direction.

[0059] like Figure 5 As shown, the roller 26 is cylindrical, with a portion of its outer circumferential surface 26a protruding from the upper surface 25a of the support track 25, and is supported so as to rotate freely about a rotation axis 25b extending in the width direction. Therefore, the hopper B fed into the input area I1 moves towards the output area O1 along the conveying direction F while rotating these rollers 26.

[0060] like Figure 5As shown, the stop 28 includes a generally cylindrical body 281 and a claw 282 protruding radially outward from the outer peripheral surface 281a of the body 281. The stop 28 is rotatably supported by the support rail 25 with the front end 283 of the claw 282 protruding from the upper surface 25a of the support rail 25. More specifically, the support rail 25 rotatably supports the stop 28 about a rotation axis 25c extending in the width direction, and is subjected to force by a force-applying member (not shown). Figure 5 Apply force to the stop 28 in a counterclockwise direction.

[0061] Therefore, when no external force along the conveying direction F from the input area I1 side to the output area O1 side is applied to the claw portion 282 of the stop member 28, the claw portion 282 of the stop member 28 is maintained by the force-applying member (not shown) as follows: Figure 5 The solid line indicates the upright position. That is, in this position, the front end 283 of the claw portion 282 of the stop member 28 is maintained in a position that protrudes further upward in the vertical direction than the outer peripheral surface 26a of the roller 26.

[0062] Furthermore, when an external force along the conveying direction F from the input area I1 side toward the output area O1 side acts on the claw portion 282 of the stop member 28, the claw portion 282 of the stop member 28, as a result of this external force, moves as... Figure 5 The roller tilts towards the input area I1 as shown by the dashed line. That is, in this state, the front end 283 of the claw portion 282 of the stop member 28 is coplanar with the outer peripheral surface 26a of the roller 26.

[0063] Therefore, these stops 28 function as a limiting mechanism when no external force is applied, allowing only movement of the hopper B conveyed within the storage area S1 from the input area I1 to the output area O1 in the conveying direction F (see reference). Figure 6 Arrow 6a in the diagram), and restricts movement along the width direction (see reference). Figure 6 Arrow 6b in the image) and rotation in the top view (see reference). Figure 6 (See arrow 6c). Therefore, the hopper B, which is put into the input area I1, is directly conveyed to the output area O1 side along the conveying direction F while maintaining its position in the width direction and its posture in the top view.

[0064] return Figure 1The input position indication device 5 includes: a bin information reading device 51 operable by an operator Wa in the shelf loading area Aa; a computer, i.e., an input position calculation device 52, connected to the bin information reading device 51; and an input position display device 53 located in the shelf loading area Aa, at a position that the operator Wa can visually confirm. By using these devices 51 to 53, the input position indication device 5 indicates to the operator Wa the input position P along the width direction of the bin that the operator Wa wants to input, i.e., the input target bin Bc, in the input areas I1 to I4.

[0065] Each of the externally transported bins, Ba, Bb, and Bc, is labeled with a QR code CD. This QR code CD, for example, is a Quick Response (QR) code (registered trademark), which is a symbolic representation of part information such as the type or quantity of vehicle parts contained within, or shape information such as the size or shape of the bin.

[0066] The bin information reading device 51 reads the QR code CD of the input bin Bc according to the operator Wa's operation, and sends the read coded data to the input position calculation device 52.

[0067] The insertion position display device 53 has display devices 54, 55, 56, 57 (see reference) arranged along each insertion area I1, I2, I3, I4. Figure 3A and Figure 3B Each display device 54-57 has a plurality of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) arranged in a strip at both ends of each insertion area I1-I4 extending in the width direction. Each display device 54-57 can, based on the calculation result in the insertion position calculation device 52, ... Figure 1 The LEDs in a specific interval among the multiple LEDs arranged along each input area I1 to I4 are illuminated as the input position. That is, the input position calculation device 52 indicates the input position P of the input object bin Bc to the operator Wa by illuminating only the LEDs in a specific interval among the multiple LEDs constituting each display device 54 to 57.

[0068] The input position calculation device 52 takes the opportunity of reading the coded data of the input target box Bc by the box information reading device 51, and calculates the input position P of the input target box Bc based on the coded data of the input target box Bc, the production plan information in the vehicle manufacturing line L, and the configuration information of the boxes in each storage area S1 to S4, and only lights up the LEDs in the interval corresponding to the calculated input position P among the multiple LEDs constituting the display positions 54 to 57.

[0069] Figure 7This is a flowchart illustrating the specific process of calculating the input position of the input object bin using the input position calculation device. It begins with the input position calculation device reading the coded data of the input object bin via the bin information reading device 51. Figure 7 The processing shown.

[0070] First, in step ST1, the input position calculation device obtains part information related to the vehicle parts in the input target bin and the shape information of the input target bin based on the encoded data sent from the bin information reading device, and then transfers to step ST2.

[0071] Next, in step ST2, the position calculation device is used to obtain the production plan information of the vehicle manufacturing line and the configuration information of the material boxes in each storage area S1 to S4, and then transfers the information to step ST3.

[0072] Here, the configuration information of the bins in each storage area S1 to S4 includes: position information related to the configuration position of each bin stored in each storage area S1 to S4, shape information of each bin, and batch number assigned to each bin (described later). As described above, the bins put into the input areas I1 to I4 are automatically conveyed along the conveying direction until they reach the output areas O1 to O4 or come into contact with the bins put in earlier. Therefore, the configuration information of the bins in each storage area S1 to S4 can be calculated by calculation in the input position calculation device based on the shape information, input position information, and batch number of the bins put into the input areas I1 to I4 so far, or the shape information, output position information, and batch number of the bins taken out from the output areas O1 to O4 so far. In addition, if cameras are installed in each storage area S1 to S4, the configuration information of the bins in each storage area S1 to S4 can also be obtained based on the image data captured by these cameras.

[0073] Next, in step ST3, the input position calculation device assigns a batch number to the input object bin based on the part information of the input object bin obtained in step ST1 and the production plan information obtained in step ST2, and then transfers the assignment to step ST4.

[0074] Next, in step ST4, the input position calculation device classifies the input object bins into large bins, medium bins, and small bins based on the shape information of the input object bins obtained in step ST1, and then transfers the classification to step ST5.

[0075] Next, in step ST5, the input position calculation device, based on the classification results in step ST4, determines the candidate (hereinafter referred to as the "candidate area") and priority of the storage area for storing the input object bin, and proceeds to step ST6. More specifically, the input position calculation device 52, by referring to... Figure 8 The table shown is used to determine the first to third candidate areas and their priority. Figure 8 In the example table, when the input bins are classified as small bins, the upper storage area, middle storage area, and lower storage area are designated as candidate areas in descending order of priority. When the input bins are classified as medium bins, the middle storage area, lower storage area, and large storage area are designated as candidate areas in descending order of priority. Furthermore, when the input bins are classified as large bins, the large storage area, lower storage area, and middle storage area are designated as candidate areas in descending order of priority.

[0076] Next, in step ST6, the input position calculation device, based on the shape information of the input target bin obtained in step ST1, the bin configuration information obtained in step ST2, and the batch number assigned to the input target bin in step ST3, calculates the input range for each candidate area determined in step ST5, and then transfers the calculation to step ST7. Here, refer to... Figure 9 The example illustrates the specific process of calculating the deployable range in the deployment location calculation device.

[0077] Figure 9 This is a diagram illustrating one example of the possible throwable area. More specifically, Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the planar composition of the candidate area Sn and the multiple bins stored in that candidate area Sn. Additionally, in Figure 9 In the diagram, the numbers labeled on each material box represent the batch number. Figure 9 In the example, the batch number assigned to the input object bin is set to "4".

[0078] in addition, Figure 9 The following example is illustrated: Before the input bins are input into the input area In, the waiting area Sn contains a first bin column BA1 consisting of three stacked bins, a fourth bin column BA4, a fifth bin column BA5, and a sixth bin column BA6, and a second bin column BA2 and a third bin column BA3 consisting of two stacked bins. The first bin column BA1 consists of bins with batch numbers 1, 2, and 3 stacked sequentially from the take-out area On to the input area In. The second bin column BA2 consists of bins with batch numbers 2 and 5 stacked. The third bin column BA3 consists of bins with batch numbers 1 and 2 stacked. The fourth bin column BA4 consists of bins with batch numbers 1, 2, and 3 stacked. The fifth bin column BA5 consists of bins with batch numbers 1, 2, and 4 stacked. The sixth bin column BA6 consists of bins with batch numbers 1, 2, and 4 stacked.

[0079] The input location calculation device extracts the input area In of the candidate area Sn from the input area In that satisfies the first to third input permission conditions described below, based on the shape information of the input object box obtained in step ST1, the configuration information of the box obtained in step ST2, and the batch number assigned to the input object box in step ST3.

[0080] The first permission condition for input is that multiple boxes forming a box column in the waiting area Sn are arranged in batch number order from the take-out area On side towards the input area In side. The second permission condition is that boxes of the same batch number are not arranged along the conveying direction F in the waiting area Sn. The third permission condition is that when the input target boxes are configured to be stacked relative to the stacked target boxes already existing in the waiting area along the conveying direction F, the overlap ratio of the front edge of the take-out area On side of the input target box with respect to the stacked target boxes is a specified threshold (e.g., 50%) or more.

[0081] exist Figure 9 In the example shown, when the input target bin is input into the range Rng1 within the input area In, the input target bin is positioned at the end of either the first bin column BA1 or the second bin column BA2. However, when the input target bin is input into the range Rng1, the input target bin with batch number 4 is positioned in the input area In relative to the bin with batch number 5, which constitutes the end of the second bin column BA2, along the conveying direction F. That is, in this case, the multiple bins constituting the bin columns in the waiting area Sn are no longer arranged in batch number order from the take-out area On towards the input area In. Therefore, unless the bin with batch number 5 is removed, the input target bin with batch number 4 will not reach the take-out area On. Thus, in Figure 9 In the example shown, the range Rng1 does not meet the first deployment permission condition, so the deployment position calculation device removes the range Rng1 from the deployment range.

[0082] exist Figure 9 In the example shown, when the input target bin is inserted into the range Rng2 within the input area In, the input target bin is positioned at the very end of the fifth bin column BA5. However, when the input target bin is inserted into the range Rng2, the input target bin with batch number 4 is positioned on the input area In side along the conveying direction F, relative to the bin with batch number 4 that constitutes the very end of the fifth bin column BA5. That is, in this case, bins with the same batch number are arranged along the conveying direction F in the waiting area Sn. Therefore, unless bin number 4 is removed, the input target bin with batch number 4 will not reach the retrieval area On. Thus, in Figure 9 In the example shown, the range Rng2 does not meet the second input permission condition, so the input position calculation device removes the range Rng2 from the input range.

[0083] exist Figure 9 In the example shown, when the input target bin is inserted into the range Rng3 within the input area In, the input target bin comes into contact with either the bin of batch number 2 or the bin of batch number 1 constituting the sixth bin column BA6. However, when the input target bin is inserted into this range Rng3, the overlap ratio of the front edge of the input target bin on the take-out area On side relative to the aforementioned bin of batch number 2 or bin of batch number 1 along the conveying direction is less than a predetermined threshold (e.g., 50%). In this case, the width of the bin column in the waiting area Sn becomes longer along the width direction, and the input target bins are stacked in an unstable state. Therefore, in Figure 9 In the example shown, the range Rng3 does not meet the third input permission condition, so the input position calculation device removes the range Rng3 from the input range.

[0084] exist Figure 9 In the example shown, when the input target bin is inserted into range Rok1 within input area In, the input target bin is positioned at the end of either the third bin column BA3 or the fourth bin column BA4. As described above, the second bin column BA2 is formed by sequentially arranging bins numbered 1 and 2, and the third bin column BA3 is formed by sequentially arranging bins numbered 1, 2, and 3. Therefore, if the input target bin with batch number 4 is inserted into range Rok1, the multiple bins forming the bin columns in the waiting area Sn are arranged in batch number order from the take-out area On side towards the input area In side. Therefore, in Figure 9 In the example shown, the range Rok1 satisfies all three of the first to third deployment permission conditions, therefore the deployment position calculation device calculates the range Rok1 as a deployable range.

[0085] In addition, Figure 9 In the example shown, when the input bin is inserted into the input area In within range Rok2, the input bin does not come into contact with the previously inserted bin before reaching the retrieval area On. Therefore, in Figure 9 In the example shown, the range Rok2 also satisfies the first to third input permission conditions, so the input position calculation device extracts the range Rok2 as an input range.

[0086] return Figure 7In step ST7, the input position calculation device, based on the shape information of the input target bin obtained in step ST1, the configuration information of the bin obtained in step ST2, and the batch number assigned to the input target bin in step ST3, calculates the optimal input position for each candidate area from the input range calculated for each candidate area in step ST6, and then proceeds to step ST8. Hereinafter, the optimal input position in the first candidate area will be referred to as the first optimal input position, the optimal input position in the second candidate area will be referred to as the second optimal input position, and the optimal input position in the third candidate area will be referred to as the third optimal input position. Hereinafter, refer to... Figure 10 The example illustrates the specific process of calculating the optimal placement position from the placement range in the placement position calculation device.

[0087] Figure 10 This is a diagram illustrating the process of calculating the optimal insertion position in the insertion position calculation device. More specifically, Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the planar composition of the candidate area Sn and the multiple bins stored in the candidate area Sn. Additionally, in Figure 10 In the diagram, the numbers labeled on each material box represent the batch number. Figure 10 In the example, the batch number assigned to the input material bin is set to "4". Additionally, Figure 9 The diagram illustrates an example of calculating the ranges Rok1, Rok2, Rok3, and Rok4 within the input range In of the candidate region Sn as the input range.

[0088] The input position calculation device calculates the input position that satisfies the first to fourth optimal conditions most frequently within the input range based on the shape information of the input object bin obtained in step ST1, the configuration information of the bin obtained in step ST2, and the batch number assigned to the input object bin in step ST3.

[0089] The first optimal condition is: the input position where there is no batch number skipping among the multiple bins forming the bin row in the candidate area Sn. The second optimal condition is: the input position where the length of the bin row formed in the candidate area Sn along the conveying direction F is the shortest. The third optimal condition is: the input position where, when the input bins are configured to be stacked relative to the stacked bins already existing in the candidate area along the conveying direction F, the front edge of the input bin's take-out area On side has the largest overlap ratio with the stacked bins. The fourth optimal condition is: when the input bins are configured to be stacked relative to the stacked bins already existing in the candidate area along the conveying direction F, the input position where the left side of the input bin, viewed from the take-out area On side, is coplanar with the left side of the stacked bin.

[0090] exist Figure 9 In the example shown, when a material bin is placed into the feedable range Rok1 within the feed area In, the bins in the waiting area Sn are arranged sequentially from the take-out area On to the feed area In according to batch numbers 1, 2, 4. That is, the batch numbers are skipped. Therefore, none of the feed positions within the feedable range Rok1 satisfy the first optimal condition. In contrast, the feed positions within the feedable ranges Rok2 to Rok4 all satisfy the first optimal condition.

[0091] exist Figure 9 In the example shown, when the target bin is placed within the input range Rok4 of the input area In, the length of the bin train in the waiting area Sn along the conveying direction F is longer than when the target bin is placed within the input ranges Rok1 to Rok3 of the input area In. Therefore, none of the input positions within the input range Rok4 satisfy the second optimal condition. In contrast, the input positions within the input ranges Rok1 to Rok3 all satisfy the second optimal condition. Furthermore, by applying this second optimal condition as a condition for extracting the optimal input position from the input range, the unevenness of the lengths along the conveying direction F of the multiple bin trains formed in the waiting area can be reduced.

[0092] exist Figure 9 In the example shown, when the input bin is inserted into the input area In within the input ranges Rok1, Rok3, and Rok4, the overlap ratio between the front edge of the input bin's retrieval area On and the stacked input bins is 100%. Conversely, when the input bin is inserted into the input range Rok2, the overlap ratio between the front edge of the input bin's retrieval area On and the stacked input bins is not 100%. Therefore, the input positions within the input range Rok2 do not satisfy the third optimal condition. In contrast, there are input positions within the input ranges Rok1, Rok3, and Rok4 that satisfy the third optimal condition.

[0093] Based on the above, in Figure 9 In the example shown, among the four possible placement ranges Rok1 to Rok4, only the placement position within the possible placement range Rok3 satisfies the first to third optimal conditions. Therefore, in Figure 9 In the example shown, the input position calculation device calculates the input position P that satisfies the first to fourth optimal conditions, or more specifically, the input position P in the input range Rok3 where the left side of the input object bin and the left side of the stacked object bin are coplanar as the optimal input position.

[0094] return Figure 7In step ST8, the input position calculation device, based on the priority determined in step ST5, selects an input position for the input bin from the optimal input position calculated for each candidate area in step ST7, and then transfers the result to step ST9.

[0095] More specifically, the input position calculation device calculates the distance (hereinafter also referred to as "arrival distance") between the position of the input target hopper and the take-out area along the conveying direction when the input target hopper is input to the optimal input position for each candidate area, and determines whether the calculated arrival distance is less than a threshold specified for each candidate area. Furthermore, the input position calculation device 52 determines the optimal input position of the highest priority candidate area among the candidate areas where the arrival distance is less than the threshold as the input position of the input target hopper. Moreover, if the arrival distance is greater than or equal to the threshold in all candidate areas, the input position calculation device determines the optimal input position of the candidate area with the shortest arrival distance as the input position of the input target hopper.

[0096] In step ST9, the input position calculation device only lights up the LED corresponding to the input position P determined in step ST8 among the multiple LEDs of the display devices 54 to 57 that are set in the input areas I1 to I4, thereby indicating the input position of the input object box to the operator.

[0097] return Figure 1 The removal position indicator 6 includes: a removal position display device 63 located in the matching packaging area Ab, where the operator Wb can visually confirm the position; and a computer, i.e., a removal position calculation device 62, connected to the removal position display device 63. The removal position indicator 6 uses these devices 62-63 to indicate the removal position of the hopper, i.e., the hopper containing vehicle parts that the operator Wb intends to package.

[0098] The removal position display device 63 has display devices 64, 65, 66, 67 (see reference) arranged along each removal area O1, O2, O3, O4. Figure 3A and Figure 3B Each display device 64-67 has a plurality of LEDs arranged in a strip shape at both ends of each take-out area O1-O4 extending in the width direction. Each display device 64-67 can calculate the position based on the result of the calculation in the take-out position calculation device 62. Figure 1 The diagram shows that only LEDs within a specific range of LEDs arranged along each extraction region O1 to O4 are illuminated as extraction positions. The extraction position calculation device 62, through... Figure 7The same process as step ST2 is used to obtain the configuration information of the bins in each storage area S1 to S4, and based on the configuration information, only the LEDs in a specific range of the multiple LEDs constituting each display device 64 to 67 are lit, thereby indicating the removal position of the target bin to the operator Wb.

[0099] The bin management system 1 and bin management method according to this embodiment achieve the following effects.

[0100] (1) The bin management system 1 includes: a multi-layer chute 2 and a single-layer chute 3, having input areas I1 to I4 extending in the width direction and facing each other in the column direction, and output areas O1 to O4, in which bins are conveyed in storage areas S1 to S4 along a conveying direction F parallel to the column direction until they reach output areas O1 to O4 or come into contact with previously input bins; and an input position indicator 5, indicating the input position P of the input target bin in the input areas I1 to I4 in the width direction. In each storage area S1 to S4, multiple columns of bins stacked in the conveying direction F can be arranged in the width direction. The input position indicator 5 indicates the input position P based on the batch number assigned to the input target bin and the configuration information of the bins in each storage area S1 to S4. Therefore, according to the bin management system 1, operator Wa can place the bins corresponding to their batch numbers simply by placing them into the placement positions P indicated by the placement position indicator 5 within the placement areas I1 to I4 extending in the width direction. More specifically, for example, if multiple bins are placed in storage areas S1 to S4 with bins of smaller batch numbers at the front of each bin row, or in other words, with bins of smaller batch numbers arranged along the retrieval areas O1 to O4, then in the subsequent packaging process, operator Wb can retrieve the required vehicle parts from the bins placed in the retrieval areas O1 to O4 from among the multiple bins arranged in storage areas S1 to S4, thus facilitating the packaging operation. Furthermore, by arranging multiple rows of such bins in storage areas S1 to S4 in the bin management system 1, bins of various sizes can be efficiently arranged in storage areas S1 to S4, thus reducing the size of storage areas S1 to S4.

[0101] (2) In the bin management system 1, the input position indicator 5 indicates the input position P based not only on the batch number and configuration information, but also on the shape information of the input bin. As a result, bins of various sizes can be more efficiently configured in storage areas S1 to S4.

[0102] (3) In the bin management system 1, the input position indicator 5 indicates the input position P of the input bin in a manner in which multiple bins forming bin rows in storage areas S1 to S4 are arranged in batch number order from the take-out areas O1 to O4 to the input areas I1 to I4. As a result, the first row of the multiple bin rows arranged in storage areas S1 to S4 is always the bin row with the smallest batch number, so subsequent matching packaging operations can be easily carried out.

[0103] (4) In the bin management system 1, the input position indicator 5 indicates the input position P in such that bins of the same batch number in storage areas S1 to S4 are not arranged along the conveying direction F. As a result, the operator Wa performing the packaging operation can only target the first row of bins in the multiple rows of bins in storage areas S1 to S4, in other words, only the bins in the retrieval areas O1 to O4, thus making the packaging operation easier.

[0104] (5) In the bin management system 1, when the bins to be inserted are configured in a stacked state relative to the stacked bins already existing in the storage areas S1 to S4 along the conveying direction F, the insertion position indicator 5 indicates the insertion position P such that the overlap ratio between the front edge of the insertion bin on the removal area O1 to O4 side and the stacked bins is at least a predetermined threshold. This minimizes the width of each bin row in the storage areas S1 to S4, thus further reducing the size of the storage areas S1 to S4. Furthermore, this also prevents bins stacked relative to the stacked bins along the conveying direction F on the insertion area I1 to I4 side from detaching from the bin row.

[0105] (6) In the bin management system 1, the input position indicator 5 indicates the input position P in such a way that the lengths of the multiple bin rows existing in the storage areas S1 to S4 along the conveying direction F decrease unevenly. As a result, the lengths of the storage areas S1 to S4 along the conveying direction F can be shortened, so the storage areas S1 to S4 can be further reduced.

[0106] (7) In the bin management system 1, the chutes 2, 3 have multiple stops 28, which restrict the movement and rotation in the width direction of bins conveyed from the input areas I1, I4 to the output areas O1, O4 within the storage areas S1 to S4. This prevents bins input into the input areas I1, I4 from flowing to unintended locations.

[0107] (8) In the bin management system 1, the retrieval position indicator 6 indicates the retrieval position of the target bin in the retrieval area O1 to O4 along the width direction based on the configuration information of the bins in the storage areas S1 to S4. As a result, the operator Wb performing the matching packaging operation can retrieve the required vehicle parts simply by retrieving the vehicle parts from the bin at the retrieval position indicated by the retrieval position indicator 6, thus making the matching packaging operation even easier.

[0108] (9) In the bin management method of this embodiment, the bins are instructed to be placed at their designated positions P in the width direction within the storage areas I1 to I4 based on the batch number assigned to them and the bin configuration information in the storage areas S1 to S4. Operator Wa can then place the bins at the positions corresponding to their batch numbers simply by placing them at the indicated positions P within the storage areas I1 to I4, which extend in the width direction. Furthermore, this allows for easier packaging operations while reducing the size of the storage areas S1 to S4.

[0109] (10) In the bin management method, the shape information of the bin to be put in is obtained, and then the input position P of the bin to be put in is indicated based on the batch number, configuration information and shape information. As a result, bins of various sizes can be more efficiently configured in storage areas S1 to S4.

[0110] The above description illustrates one embodiment of the present invention, but the invention is not limited thereto. Appropriate modifications to the details are possible within the scope of the spirit of the invention.

[0111] Figure Labels

[0112] L: Vehicle manufacturing line

[0113] Aa: Shelf installation area

[0114] Ab: Supporting Packaging Area

[0115] Wa,Wb: Operator

[0116] Ca, Cb, Cc: Matching packaging trolley

[0117] Ba, Bb: Feed box

[0118] Bc: Input object bin

[0119] 1: Bin Management System (Parts Bin Management System)

[0120] 2: Multi-level slide (slide)

[0121] 21: Upper shelf

[0122] 22: Middle shelf

[0123] 23: Lower shelf

[0124] 25: Support rail

[0125] 26: Roller

[0126] 28: Stop component

[0127] 3: Single-layer slide

[0128] I1, I2, I3, I4, In: Input Area

[0129] O1, O2, O3, O4, On: Retrieve region

[0130] S1: Upper storage area

[0131] S2: Mid-level storage area

[0132] S3: Lower storage area

[0133] S4: Large Storage Area

[0134] Sn: Candidate Area

[0135] 5: Position indicator device

[0136] 6: Remove the position indicator device

Claims

1. A parts bin management system, characterized in that, include: A slide has an input area and a retrieval area extending in a width direction and facing each other in a column direction intersecting the aforementioned width direction. A parts box input to the input area is transported along the column direction in a storage area between the input and retrieval areas until it reaches the retrieval area or abuts against a previously input parts box; and... An input position indicator device indicates the input position of the input object parts box in the aforementioned input area along the aforementioned width direction; In the aforementioned storage area, multiple columns of parts boxes can be arranged along the aforementioned width direction to form a parts box column, which is formed by stacking multiple parts boxes along the aforementioned column direction. The aforementioned placement location indicator device indicates the aforementioned placement location based on the batch number assigned to the aforementioned placement object parts box and the configuration information of the parts boxes in the aforementioned storage area. The aforementioned slide rail includes multiple rollers and multiple stops disposed between multiple support rails extending along the aforementioned column direction. The aforementioned stop member has a cylindrical body and a claw portion protruding radially outward from the outer periphery of the aforementioned body. When no external force is applied from the aforementioned input area side to the aforementioned take-out area side along the aforementioned column direction, the aforementioned claw protrudes further upward in the vertical direction than the outer peripheral surface of the aforementioned roller. When the aforementioned external force is applied, the aforementioned claw tilts towards the aforementioned input area side, thereby functioning as a limiting mechanism to restrict the movement of the parts box transported from the aforementioned input area side to the aforementioned take-out area side along the aforementioned width direction and its rotation in plan view.

2. The parts bin management system according to claim 1, wherein, The aforementioned placement position indicator device indicates the aforementioned placement position based on the shape information of the aforementioned placement object parts box.

3. The parts bin management system according to claim 1, wherein, The aforementioned input position indicator indicates the input position in such a manner that multiple parts boxes constituting the aforementioned parts box row in the aforementioned storage area are arranged from the aforementioned take-out area side toward the aforementioned input area side in the order of the aforementioned batch number.

4. The parts bin management system according to claim 1, wherein, The aforementioned input position indicator indicates the aforementioned input position in such a way that parts boxes of the same batch number in the aforementioned storage area are not arranged along the aforementioned column direction.

5. The parts bin management system according to claim 1, wherein, When the aforementioned input position indicator is configured such that the aforementioned input target parts box is stacked relative to the stacked target parts boxes already existing in the aforementioned storage area along the aforementioned column direction, the aforementioned input position indicator indicates the aforementioned input position in such a way that the overlap ratio between the front edge of the aforementioned take-out area side of the aforementioned input target parts box and the aforementioned stacked target parts box is a predetermined threshold or higher.

6. The parts bin management system according to claim 1, wherein, The aforementioned input position indicator indicates the aforementioned input position in such a way that the length of each of the multiple parts bins in the aforementioned storage area decreases unevenly along the aforementioned column direction.

7. The parts bin management system according to claim 1, further comprising a retrieval position indicator, the retrieval position indicator indicating the retrieval position of the target parts bin in the aforementioned retrieval area along the aforementioned width direction based on the configuration information of the parts bins in the aforementioned storage area.

8. A parts bin management method, comprising using a slide to manage the placement of multiple parts bins, the slide having an input area and a retrieval area extending along a width direction and facing each other along a column direction intersecting the width direction, wherein parts bins input to the input area are conveyed along the column direction in a storage area between the input area and the retrieval area until they reach the retrieval area or abut against a previously input parts bin, the parts bin management method being characterized in that... In the aforementioned storage area, multiple columns of parts boxes can be arranged along the aforementioned width direction to form a parts box column, which is formed by stacking multiple parts boxes along the aforementioned column direction. The parts box management method includes: The process of obtaining the batch number assigned to the parts box of the input object; The process of obtaining the configuration information of the parts bins in the aforementioned storage area; and, The process of indicating the placement position of the aforementioned target part box in the aforementioned placement area along the aforementioned width direction based on the aforementioned batch number and the aforementioned configuration information, in such a way that parts boxes of the same batch number in the aforementioned storage area are not arranged along the aforementioned column direction.

9. A parts bin management method, comprising using a slide to manage the placement of multiple parts bins, the slide having an input area and a retrieval area extending along a width direction and facing each other along a column direction intersecting the width direction, wherein parts bins input to the input area are conveyed along the column direction in a storage area between the input area and the retrieval area until they reach the retrieval area or abut against a previously input parts bin, the parts bin management method being characterized in that... In the aforementioned storage area, multiple columns of parts boxes can be arranged along the aforementioned width direction to form a parts box column, which is formed by stacking multiple parts boxes along the aforementioned column direction. The parts box management method includes: The process of obtaining the batch number assigned to the parts box of the input object; The process of obtaining the configuration information of the parts bins in the aforementioned storage area; and, When the aforementioned input target parts box is configured to be stacked in the column direction relative to the stacked target parts boxes already existing in the aforementioned storage area, the process of indicating the input position of the aforementioned input target parts box in the aforementioned input area along the aforementioned width direction based on the aforementioned batch number and the aforementioned configuration information, in a manner where the overlap ratio between the front edge of the aforementioned take-out area side of the aforementioned input target parts box and the aforementioned stacked target parts box is a predetermined threshold or higher.

10. A parts bin management method, comprising using a slide to manage the placement of multiple parts bins, the slide having an input area and a retrieval area extending along a width direction and facing each other along a column direction intersecting the width direction, wherein parts bins input to the input area are conveyed along the column direction in a storage area between the input area and the retrieval area until they reach the retrieval area or abut against a previously input parts bin, the parts bin management method being characterized in that... In the aforementioned storage area, multiple columns of parts boxes can be arranged along the aforementioned width direction to form a parts box column, which is formed by stacking multiple parts boxes along the aforementioned column direction. The parts box management method includes: The process of obtaining the batch number assigned to the parts box of the input object; The process of obtaining the configuration information of the parts bins in the aforementioned storage area; and, The process of indicating the placement position of the aforementioned target part box in the aforementioned placement area along the aforementioned width direction based on the aforementioned batch number and the aforementioned configuration information, in a manner that the lengths of the multiple parts box columns existing in the aforementioned storage area decrease unevenly along the aforementioned column direction.

11. The parts box management method according to any one of claims 8 to 10, further comprising the step of obtaining shape information of the aforementioned parts box to be placed. The aforementioned placement location is indicated based on the aforementioned batch number, configuration information, and shape information.

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