Component storage device

Abstract

To disclose a component storage device which can select a storage region for components which require humidity management according to the humidity distribution of a storage part.SOLUTION: A component storage device includes a storage part and a selection part. The storage part includes a plurality of storage regions capable of storing object components each of which is mounted on a substrate and requires humidity management. The selection part selects a storage region where an object component is stored based on the humidity distribution in the storage part and the humidity management level regulated regarding the object component.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] This specification discloses a technique related to a part storage device. [Background technology]

[0002] The electronic component mounting system described in Patent Document 1 includes an exposure time management unit and a mounting line control unit. The exposure time management unit measures the exposure time that the humidity control target components are exposed to the atmosphere in units of reels, and records the cumulative exposure time. The mounting line control unit compares the exposure time with the exposure limit time set for the humidity control target components, identifies the electronic component mounting device equipped with a reel of humidity control target components that has exceeded the exposure limit time using location information, and stops operation by the electronic component mounting device. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2013-235906 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Among the components mounted on the board, there are some that require humidity control. In this specification, such components are referred to as target components. A humidity control level is specified for the target components, and the automated warehouse needs to store the target components under the specified humidity conditions. In order to properly store the target components, there is a demand to select a storage area for the target components according to the humidity distribution in the storage area. There is also a demand to grasp the atmospheric humidity of the storage area and properly manage the storage area.

[0005] In consideration of the above, the present specification discloses a component storage device that can select a storage area for components that require humidity control according to the humidity distribution in the storage area. The present specification also discloses a component storage device that can grasp the atmospheric humidity of the storage area and control the storage area. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] This specification discloses a component storage device including a storage unit and a selection unit. The storage unit includes a plurality of storage areas capable of storing target components that are mounted on a circuit board and require humidity control. The selection unit selects the storage area for storing the target components based on the humidity distribution in the storage unit and the humidity control level specified for the target components.

[0007] This specification also discloses a component storage device including a storage unit, a measurement unit, and a management unit. The storage unit includes a plurality of storage areas capable of storing target components that are mounted on a circuit board and require humidity control. The measurement unit measures the atmospheric humidity inside the storage unit. The management unit manages the storage unit based on the atmospheric humidity inside the storage unit measured by the measurement unit and a humidity control level specified for the target components.

[0008] This specification discloses the technical idea of ​​changing "the part storage device according to claim 4" to "the part storage device according to any one of claims 4 to 6" in claim 7 of the claims originally attached to the application (hereinafter referred to as the original claims). This specification also discloses the technical idea of ​​changing "the part storage device according to claim 7" to "the part storage device according to any one of claims 7 to 9" in claim 10 of the original claims. This specification also discloses the technical idea of ​​changing "the part storage device according to claim 7" to "the part storage device according to any one of claims 7 to 10" in claim 11 of the original claims. Effect of the Invention

[0009] The first part storage device can select a storage area for parts that require humidity control according to the humidity distribution in the storage area, while the second part storage device can grasp the atmospheric humidity of the storage area and manage the storage area. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram showing an example of the configuration of a board production facility. [Figure 2A] FIG. 2 is a plan view showing an example of a reel. [Figure 2B] FIG. 2B is a side view of the reel of FIG. 2A. [Figure 3A] FIG. 1 is a front view showing an example of an automated warehouse. [Figure 3B] FIG. 3B is a plan view of the automated warehouse of FIG. 3A. [Figure 3C] FIG. 3B is a perspective view of the automated warehouse of FIG. 3A. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a side view of the automated warehouse of FIG. 3C as viewed in the direction of arrow IV. [Diagram 5] 4 is a block diagram showing an example of a control block of the part storage device. FIG. [Figure 6] 11 is a flowchart showing an example of a control flow by the first component storage device. [Figure 7] 11 is a diagram showing an example of the relationship between the height from the bottom surface of a storage section and the atmospheric humidity inside the storage section. FIG. [Figure 8] 11 is a diagram showing an example of the relationship between the atmospheric humidity inside a storage unit and the floor life. FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing another example of a control block of the component storage device. [Figure 10] 11 is a flowchart showing an example of a control flow by a second part storage device. [Figure 11] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of guidance provided by the management unit to review air conditioning settings. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] 1. Embodiment 1, a board production facility 80 according to an embodiment includes a board-related work line 10L, a receiving section 20, a transport vehicle 30, an automated warehouse 40, and an air conditioning device 60. A component storage device 50 is applied to a storage section 42 of the automated warehouse 40.

[0012] 1-1. Substrate work line 10L In the substrate-related work line 10L, a predetermined substrate-related work is performed on the substrate 90. The type and number of substrate-related work machines 10 constituting the substrate-related work line 10L are not limited. As shown in Fig. 1, the substrate-related work line 10L of the embodiment includes a plurality of (five) substrate-related work machines 10, including a printer 10a, a print inspection machine 10b, a component mounting machine 10c, a reflow furnace 10d, and a visual inspection machine 10e, and the substrate 90 is transported in this order by a substrate transport device.

[0013] The printer 10a prints solder at the mounting positions of the components 91 on the board 90. The print inspection machine 10b inspects the printing condition of the solder printed by the printer 10a. The component mounting machine 10c mounts multiple components 91 on the board 90 on which the solder has been printed. There may be one component mounting machine 10c or multiple component mounting machines 10c. When multiple component mounting machines 10c are provided, the multiple component mounting machines 10c can share the task of mounting multiple components 91 on the board 90.

[0014] The component mounting machine 10c is equipped with a component supplying device that supplies components 91 to be mounted on the board 90. The component supplying device can supply the components 91 using, for example, a feeder equipped with reel 21a shown in Figures 2A and 2B, a tray on which the components 91 are arranged, or the like. As shown in Figure 2B, the reel 21a has a component tape 21a2 that stores the components 91 to be mounted on the board 90 wound around a reel main body 21a1. The reel 21a is rotatably and detachably provided on the feeder.

[0015] The leading end of the component tape 21a2 is pulled out to a component removal section provided in the feeder, and the components 91 are sequentially supplied. The reel 21a can supply relatively small components 91 such as chip components. The components 91 are arranged on the tray. The tray can supply relatively large components 91 such as QFPs (Quad Flat Packages) and BGAs (Ball Grid Arrays). The reflow furnace 10d heats the board 90 on which the components 91 have been mounted by the component mounting machine 10c, melting the solder and performing soldering. The appearance inspection machine 10e inspects the mounting state of the components 91 mounted by the component mounting machine 10c.

[0016] In this way, the substrate-related work line 10L can use a plurality (five) of substrate-related work machines 10 to sequentially transport substrates 90 and perform production processes including inspection processes to produce product substrates 900. Note that the substrate-related work line 10L can also include substrate-related work machines 10 such as a functional inspection machine, a buffer device, a substrate supply device, a substrate reversing device, a shield mounting device, an adhesive application device, and an ultraviolet ray irradiation device, as necessary.

[0017] The plurality (five) of substrate-related performing machines 10 constituting the substrate-related performing line 10L and the management device 19 are provided so as to be able to communicate with each other by wired or wireless communication units. The management device 19 controls the plurality (five) of substrate-related performing machines 10 constituting the substrate-related performing line 10L and monitors the operating status of the substrate-related performing line 10L. The management device 19 stores various control data for controlling the plurality (five) of substrate-related performing machines 10. The management device 19 transmits the control data to each of the plurality (five) of substrate-related performing machines 10. Furthermore, each of the plurality (five) of substrate-related performing machines 10 transmits its operating status and production status to the management device 19.

[0018] 1-2. Receiving section 20 and transport vehicle 30 When the article 21 used in the substrate-related operation machine 10 arrives at the receiving section 20, a predetermined receiving operation is performed. Then, the article 21 is loaded onto, for example, a transport vehicle 30 and transported to the automated warehouse 40. After being stored in the automated warehouse 40, the article 21 is supplied to the substrate-related operation line 10L as necessary.

[0019] The article 21 is not limited as long as it is used in the substrate-related operating machine 10. For example, the article 21 can include a reel 21a. In addition to the reel 21a, the article 21 can include a tray on which the components 91 are arranged, a container for storing solder, and the like. In addition, an article identification member 22 capable of identifying the article 21 is attached to the article 21. The article identification member 22 can have article identification information capable of identifying the article 21, and for example, a one-dimensional code, a two-dimensional code, a wireless tag, or the like can be used.

[0020] Specifically, when the item 21 arrives at the receiving section 20, the worker issues the item identification member 22 using, for example, an item management device. The worker can also read the identification member 23 attached to the item 21 by the supplier (vendor) using a reading device (for example, a barcode reader). The worker can also obtain item information from a database in which item information on the item 21 is registered.

[0021] For example, a worker attaches the item identification member 22 to the surface of the item 21, etc., and places the item 21 in a storage case. The worker loads the storage case containing the item 21 onto the transport vehicle 30. For example, the transport vehicle 30 can be towed by a worker. The transport vehicle 30 can also be an unmanned transport vehicle capable of automatic travel. Note that the transport vehicle 30 can also transport the item 21 to the automated warehouse 40 without using a storage case.

[0022] Also, a worker can transport the article 21 to the automated warehouse 40 without using the transport vehicle 30. Furthermore, at least a part of the work performed by the worker described above can be automated using a transport device (e.g., a belt conveyor), an actuator (e.g., a robot arm), an article management device, etc.

[0023] 1-3.Automated Warehouse 40 The automated warehouse 40 may take various forms as long as the storage and retrieval of the goods 21 is automated. As shown in Figs. 3A to 3C, the automated warehouse 40 of the embodiment is formed, for example, in an octagonal prism shape. For ease of explanation, the top of the automated warehouse 40 is open in Fig. 3C, and the interior of the automated warehouse 40 is shown. Fig. 4 is a schematic diagram of the interior of the automated warehouse 40 as viewed from the direction of arrow IV shown in Fig. 3C, and mainly illustrates the storage and retrieval section 41 and the storage section 42.

[0024] The automated warehouse 40 of the embodiment includes an entry / exit section 41, a storage section 42, a dehumidifying unit 43, a humidity sensor 44, a control device 40a, a transfer device 40b, a reading device 40d, and a display device 40e. The entry / exit section 41 includes an opening 41a and a placement section 40c, through which the item 21 is entered and removed. As shown in FIG. 3A, an opening 41a is provided on the front side of the automated warehouse 40. The opening 41a is formed to be larger than the item 21 so that the item 21 can be entered and removed. Note that the automated warehouse 40 may also have an exit port provided at an opening different from the opening 41a through which the item 21 is entered.

[0025] As shown in FIG. 3B and FIG. 4, the placement section 40c is provided in a work space near the opening 41a. The placement section 40c temporarily places the item 21 when the item 21 is stored or removed. For example, the storing operation of the item 21, which involves bringing in the item 21 and placing it on the placement section 40c, can be performed by an operator. Also, the item 21 to be removed is placed on the placement section 40c through the opening 41a. The removing operation of the item 21, which involves removing the item 21 placed on the placement section 40c, can be performed by an operator in the same manner as the storing operation. The storing operation and removing operation of the item 21 can also be automated using an actuator (e.g., a robot arm, etc.).

[0026] As shown in Fig. 4, a reading device 40d is provided above the placement section 40c. The reading device 40d reads the article identification member 22 attached to the article 21 to obtain article identification information of the article 21. The reading device 40d may be a known reading device (e.g., a code reader that reads one-dimensional codes and two-dimensional codes, a radio that can wirelessly communicate with a wireless tag, etc.). When the article 21 is stored through the opening 41a, the reading device 40d reads the article identification member 22 attached to the article 21 to obtain the article identification information.

[0027] The storage section 42 stores the article 21. The storage section 42 may take various forms as long as it is capable of storing the article 21. For example, when the article 21 is a reel 21a, the storage section 42 may include a storage main body 42a and a support member 42b, as shown in Figs. 3C and 4. The storage main body 42a is formed in a U-shape when viewed in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction). The support member 42b is provided so as to protrude upward at a predetermined angle relative to the storage main body 42a, and can store the reel 21a. The angle of the support member 42b is set so as to prevent the reel 21a from falling off.

[0028] Furthermore, the support members 42b of each storage area 42t are provided in multiple pairs (15 pairs or 30 pieces in FIG. 4), and multiple (15 pieces) reels 21a can be stored. In each of the multiple pairs (15 pairs) of support members 42b, the two support members 42b are provided at a distance from each other so as not to interfere with the transfer device 40b. Note that, for convenience of illustration, in FIG. 3C and FIG. 4, reference numbers are assigned to some of the members, but not to all of the members.

[0029] As shown in Figures 3B and 3C, the storage section 42 of the embodiment is arranged in an elliptical shape when viewed in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction). The storage section 42 of the embodiment includes two types of storage areas 42t, a first storage unit 42t1 and a second storage unit 42t2, and each of the first storage unit 42t1 and the second storage unit 42t2 is provided in a plurality of units along the vertical direction (Z-axis direction). The first storage unit 42t1 is formed wider than the second storage unit 42t2, and can store a larger reel 21a than the reel 21a that can be stored in the second storage unit 42t2.

[0030] As shown in Fig. 3C and Fig. 4, the first storage units 42t1 are connected in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction) by a connecting portion 42j. The second storage units 42t2 are connected in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction) by a connecting portion 42j. Adjacent first storage units 42t1 are connected to each other by a connecting portion 42j, and adjacent second storage units 42t2 are connected to each other by a connecting portion 42j. Adjacent first storage units 42t1 and second storage units 42t2 are connected to each other by a connecting portion 42j.

[0031] The type, number and arrangement of the storage areas 42t can be changed as appropriate. The shape and size (width, depth and height) of the storage areas 42t can be set to suit the items 21 to be stored, and the storage section 42 can also store items 21 other than the reels 21a, such as trays. Furthermore, the items 21 may be stored in any suitable storage area 42t, and in the case where the board production facility 80 includes multiple automated warehouses 40, the items 21 may be stored in any of the automated warehouses 40 that include suitable storage areas 42t.

[0032] The control device 40a includes a known arithmetic device and a storage device, and a control circuit is configured. The control device 40a is provided so as to be able to communicate with the dehumidifying unit 43, the humidity sensor 44, the transfer device 40b, the reading device 40d, and the display device 40e, and can control them. The control device 40a includes a storage device that stores item information on the item 21, and can share the item information with the management device 19. For example, when the item 21 is a reel 21a, the item information can include the part type, number of parts (remaining number), reel diameter, reel thickness, model and supplier (vendor), humidity control level, expiration date, etc. of the parts 91 contained in the reel 21a.

[0033] The transfer device 40b carries the item 21 received in the automated warehouse 40 into the storage section 42 for storage, and carries the item 21 stored in the storage section 42 out of the storage section 42 when the item 21 is retrieving. Specifically, the transfer device 40b moves the item 21 placed on the placement section 40c during the retrieval work of the item 21 to the storage section 42 for storage. In addition, the transfer device 40b moves the item 21 stored in the storage section 42 to the placement section 40c when the item 21 is retrieving, thereby enabling the retrieval work of the item 21.

[0034] As shown in FIG. 3B and FIG. 3C, the transfer device 40b of the embodiment is provided inside the storage area 42t (first storage unit 42t1 and second storage unit 42t2) when viewed in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction). The transfer device 40b may take various forms as long as it can move the item 21. For example, a robot arm (multi-joint robot), a lifting and sliding mechanism, etc. may be used as the transfer device 40b. As shown in FIG. 3C, the transfer device 40b of the embodiment includes a lifting mechanism 40b1 and a gripping mechanism 40b2.

[0035] The lifting mechanism 40b1 can rotate about an axis along the vertical direction (Z-axis direction) and can lift and lower the gripping mechanism 40b2 along the vertical direction (Z-axis direction). The gripping mechanism 40b2 can grip the article 21 and can move forward or backward at the same angle as the inclination angle θ1 of the placement unit 40c shown in FIG. 4. The gripping mechanism 40b2 can also move forward or backward at the same angle as the inclination angle θ1 of the support member 42b of the storage unit 42.

[0036] In this manner, in the automated warehouse 40 of the embodiment, the inclination angle θ1 of the placement section 40c and the inclination angle θ1 of the support member 42b of the storage section 42 are the same. Therefore, in the automated warehouse 40 of the embodiment, the loading removal operation of removing the article 21 from the placement section 40c and the loading storage operation of storing the removed article 21 in the storage area 42t of the storage section 42 can be performed by the lifting and lowering operation, the turning operation, the forward movement, and the backward movement of the transfer device 40b. In addition, in the automated warehouse 40 of the embodiment, the unloading removal operation of removing the article 21 from the storage area 42t and the unloading sending operation of sending the removed article 21 to the placement section 40c can be performed by the lifting and lowering operation, the turning operation, the forward movement, and the backward movement of the transfer device 40b.

[0037] The display device 40e may be a known display device, and displays various information so that the worker can visually confirm it. The display device 40e displays, for example, item information about the items 21 stored in the storage unit 42 in response to the worker's operation. The display device 40e of the embodiment is configured with a touch panel, and the display device 40e also functions as an input device that accepts various operations by the worker.

[0038] The control device 40a can also store in the storage device the position information, entry / exit information and storage information of the item 21 in the storage section 42, and the display device 40e can also display this information. The position information indicates the storage location of the item 21. The entry / exit information indicates the entry date and time and the exit date and time of the item 21. The storage information includes, for example, information such as the ambient temperature and ambient humidity of the storage section 42. The control device 40a stores the position information and entry date and time of the item 21 when the item 21 is stored. The control device 40a stores the storage information while the item 21 is in storage. The control device 40a stores the exit date and time of the item 21 when the item 21 is exited.

[0039] For example, some of the components 91 housed in the item 21 are sealed with resin. When the components 91 that have been exposed to the atmosphere for longer than a specified time and have absorbed moisture from the atmosphere are heated in the reflow furnace 10d shown in FIG. 1, the moisture contained in the components 91 may evaporate and expand in volume, resulting in damage. Such moisture-sensitive components 91 are called MSL (Moisture Sensitivity Level) components, and the time that they can be exposed to the atmosphere (the time that they can be used in production) is specified. In this specification, the components 91 that are mounted on the board 90 and require humidity control are called target components 91t.

[0040] The automated warehouse 40 of the embodiment includes a dehumidifying unit 43 and a humidity sensor 44. The dehumidifying unit 43 can dehumidify the storage section 42 using known equipment, and can maintain the storage section 42 at a predetermined atmospheric humidity specified by the humidity control level. This allows the automated warehouse 40 to store the target parts 91t at the predetermined atmospheric humidity. The humidity sensor 44 can measure the atmospheric humidity inside the storage section 42 using known equipment. The humidity sensor 44 can also measure the atmospheric humidity outside the storage section 42 (the atmospheric humidity inside the board production facility 80 in which the automated warehouse 40 is installed).

[0041] The automated warehouse 40 may also be equipped with a temperature adjustment device. The temperature adjustment device can adjust the internal atmospheric temperature of the storage section 42 using known equipment, and can maintain the storage section 42 at a predetermined atmospheric temperature defined by the humidity control level. This allows the automated warehouse 40 to store the target components 91t at a predetermined atmospheric temperature. Note that the indoor atmospheric temperature of the board production equipment 80 is often maintained within the allowable range of the predetermined temperature defined by the humidity control level of the target components 91t. In this case, the automated warehouse 40 may omit the temperature adjustment device.

[0042] 1-4. First part storage device 50 A humidity control level is specified for the target parts 91t, and the automated warehouse 40 needs to store the target parts 91t under the specified humidity conditions. In order to properly store the target parts 91t, there is a demand to select a storage area 42t for the target parts 91t according to the humidity distribution in the storage section 42. Therefore, the board production equipment 80 of the embodiment can be provided with a first component storage device 50. The first component storage device 50 makes it possible to select a storage area 42t for the target parts 91t according to the humidity distribution in the storage section 42.

[0043] 5, the first component storage device 50 includes a storage unit 42 and a selection unit 51. As described above, the storage unit 42 includes a plurality of storage areas 42t. The automated warehouse 40 includes a dehumidification unit 43 and the like, and the plurality of storage areas 42t can store target components 91t, which are components 91 to be mounted on circuit boards 90 and require humidity control.

[0044] The selection unit 51 can be provided in various control devices, management devices, etc. For example, the selection unit 51 can be provided in the control device 40a of the automated warehouse 40. The selection unit 51 can also be provided in the management device 19. The selection unit 51 can also be provided in a control system higher than the management device 19. The selection unit 51 can also be formed on the cloud. As shown in FIG. 5, in the part storage device 50 of the embodiment, the selection unit 51 is provided in the control device 40a of the automated warehouse 40.

[0045] Furthermore, the part storage device 50 can execute control, for example, according to the flowchart shown in FIG. 6. Specifically, the selection unit 51 performs the process shown in step S13. The worker or the automated warehouse 40 performs the process shown in step S11. The automated warehouse 40 performs the process shown in step S12. The matters described in this specification can be appropriately selected and applied, including between the first part storage device 50 and the second part storage device 50 described below. Similarly, the matters described in this specification can be appropriately combined.

[0046] 4, the automated warehouse 40 is provided with a plurality of (ten in the figure) dehumidification units 43 along the vertical direction (Z-axis direction). The plurality (ten) of dehumidification units 43 include, in order from the bottom surface of the storage section 42 upward in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction), dehumidification unit 43a, dehumidification unit 43b, dehumidification unit 43c, dehumidification unit 43d, dehumidification unit 43e, dehumidification unit 43f, dehumidification unit 43g, dehumidification unit 43h, dehumidification unit 43i, and dehumidification unit 43j.

[0047] The dehumidifying units 43a to 43j have the same dehumidifying capacity, and the automated warehouse 40 attempts to maintain a uniform atmospheric humidity in the storage section 42. However, the moisture content in the air tends to increase the further downward in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction), and it may be difficult to maintain a uniform atmospheric humidity in the storage section 42. In addition, for example, when storing target parts 91t that require a relatively low humidity control level, the automated warehouse 40 may stop operation of some of the dehumidifying units 43a to 43j. In this case, the atmospheric humidity in the storage section 42 is likely to become non-uniform.

[0048] FIG. 7 shows an example of the relationship between the height from the bottom surface of the storage section 42 and the atmospheric humidity inside the storage section 42. The horizontal axis of the figure shows the height from the bottom surface of the storage section 42, and the vertical axis shows the atmospheric humidity inside the storage section 42. The broken line L1 shows an example of the change in the atmospheric humidity inside the storage section 42. Specifically, the atmospheric humidity is highest near the bottom surface (height position 0) of the storage section 42, and is indicated by humidity HM0. As the height from the bottom surface increases, the atmospheric humidity decreases, and the atmospheric humidity at height position H1 is indicated by humidity HM1. As the height from the bottom surface increases further from height position H1, the atmospheric humidity decreases gradually, and the atmospheric humidity at height position H2 is indicated by humidity HM2.

[0049] The rate of decrease in the atmospheric humidity from height position H1 to height position H2 is extremely small compared to the rate of decrease in the atmospheric humidity from height position 0 to height position H1. Therefore, it can be seen that the change in the atmospheric humidity in the storage section 42 is smaller in the region AR2 from height position H1 to height position H2 than in the region AR1 from height position 0 to height position H1. Note that the broken line L1 corresponds to the humidity distribution in the storage section 42, and can be obtained in advance, for example, by simulation or verification using an actual machine. The broken line L1 can also be obtained sequentially based on the atmospheric humidity inside the storage section 42 measured by a measuring unit 52 described later.

[0050] The selection unit 51 selects a storage area 42t for storing the target component 91t based on the humidity distribution in the storage unit 42 and the humidity control level specified for the target component 91t (step S13 shown in FIG. 6). The selection unit 51 may take various forms as long as it is capable of selecting the storage area 42t as described above.

[0051] For example, as shown in Fig. 4, the storage section 42 has a plurality of (six in the figure) storage areas 42t arranged along the vertical direction (Z-axis direction). In the figure, the height position of the boundary between the second storage area 42t and the third storage area 42t from the bottom surface of the storage section 42 corresponds to the height position H1 shown in Fig. 7. Also, the height position of the upper end of the sixth storage area 42t from the bottom surface of the storage section 42 corresponds to the height position H2 shown in Fig. 7.

[0052] 4 has two storage areas 42t in an area AR1 from height position 0 to height position H1. Also, the storage area 42 has four storage areas 42t in an area AR2 from height position H1 to height position H2. As described above, the moisture content in the atmosphere tends to increase the further downward in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction). In other words, the moisture content in the atmosphere tends to decrease the further upward in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction).

[0053] Therefore, the selection unit 51 may select a storage area 42t arranged higher in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction) for a target part 91t that requires a higher humidity control level. In other words, the selection unit 51 may select a storage area 42t arranged lower in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction) for a target part 91t that requires a lower humidity control level. In the example of the storage unit 42 shown in FIG. 4, the selection unit 51 may select one of the four storage areas 42t provided in the area AR2 for a target part 91t that requires a higher humidity control level. Also, the selection unit 51 may select one of the two storage areas 42t provided in the area AR1 for a target part 91t that requires a lower humidity control level.

[0054] The selection unit 51 can also select the storage area 42t by taking into consideration the floor life. The floor life is the remaining time until the target part 91t reaches a specified time during which it can be used in production, and decreases while the target part 91t is exposed to the atmosphere. FIG. 8 shows an example of the relationship between the atmospheric humidity inside the storage unit 42 and the floor life. For example, assume that the target part 91t with a humidity control level of level 2a is stored under a humidity condition with a relative humidity of 10% or less (columns of 5% and 10% shown in the figure). In this case, the decrease in the floor life stops, and the target part 91t with a humidity control level of level 2a can be stored in the storage unit 42 for an infinite time.

[0055] Next, assume that the target part 91t with humidity control level 2a is stored under humidity conditions where the relative humidity is more than 10% and is equal to or less than 20% (this is the 20% column shown in the figure, and the method of recording the humidity conditions is similar for other humidity conditions). In this case, the floor life decreases, and when the number of days shown in the number of days D12 has passed, the remaining time runs out. Therefore, the target part 91t with humidity control level 2a cannot be used in production after the above number of days has passed. The above can be similarly applied to other humidity conditions, although the number of days is different. In the figure, the predetermined number of days is shown as the number of days D13 to D19.

[0056] What has been described above about the target parts 91t with a humidity control level of level 2a can also be said about the target parts 91t with a humidity control level of level 3. In the figure, the predetermined number of days is indicated by days D22 to D29. Moreover, what has been described above can also be said about the target parts 91t with a humidity control level of level 4 or higher. However, the target parts 91t with a humidity control level of level 4 or higher can be stored in the storage section 42 for an unlimited time when stored under humidity conditions where the relative humidity is 5% or less (the 5% column shown in the figure).

[0057] If the target parts 91t with humidity control levels of level 4 or higher are stored under humidity conditions where the relative humidity exceeds 5%, they cannot be used in production after a certain number of days. In the figure, the certain number of days is shown as days D31 to D39 (level 4), days D41 to D49 (level 5), and days D51 to D59 (level 5a). In this way, the target parts 91t with humidity control levels of level 3 or lower can be stored in the storage unit 42 for an infinite time when stored under humidity conditions where the relative humidity is 10% or lower. The target parts 91t with humidity control levels of level 4 or higher can be stored in the storage unit 42 for an infinite time when stored under humidity conditions where the relative humidity is 5% or lower.

[0058] Under the above humidity conditions, while the target parts 91t are stored in the storage section 42, there is no need to worry about the reduction in floor life, which makes it easier to manage the target parts 91t. Therefore, the selection unit 51 may select a storage area 42t in which the target parts 91t can be stored under humidity conditions that can stop the reduction in floor life. Specifically, when storing the target parts 91t with a humidity control level of level 3 or lower, the selection unit 51 may select a storage area 42t in which the target parts 91t can be stored under humidity conditions with a relative humidity of 10% or lower. Moreover, when storing the target parts 91t with a humidity control level of level 4 or higher, the selection unit 51 may select a storage area 42t in which the target parts 91t can be stored under humidity conditions with a relative humidity of 5% or lower.

[0059] For example, assume that the target parts 91t can be stored in an area AR1 from height position 0 to height position H1 under a relative humidity condition of 10% or less, and that the target parts 91t can be stored in an area AR2 from height position H1 to height position H2 under a relative humidity condition of 5% or less. In this case, the selection unit 51 can select one of the two storage areas 42t provided in the area AR1 when storing the target parts 91t with a humidity control level of level 3 or less. The selection unit 51 can select one of the four storage areas 42t provided in the area AR2 when storing the target parts 91t with a humidity control level of level 4 or more.

[0060] The selection unit 51 can select a storage area 42t for a target part 91t stored in an item 21 (e.g., a reel 21a) that has been stored based on the selection criteria described above. Specifically, a worker or the automated warehouse 40 performs a storing operation for the item 21 (step S11 shown in FIG. 6). As a result, the item 21 is placed on the placement unit 40c. When the item 21 is placed on the placement unit 40c, the reading device 40d reads the item identification member 22 attached to the item 21 and acquires the item identification information of the item 21.

[0061] The selection unit 51 acquires the identification information of the part 91 contained in the item 21 from the item identification information acquired by the reading device 40d (step S12). The selection unit 51 determines whether the part 91 is a target part 91t from the identification information of the part 91. If the part 91 is a target part 91t, the selection unit 51 acquires a humidity control level specified for the target part 91t from, for example, the management device 19 or a control system higher than the management device 19 (step S12).

[0062] The selection unit 51 selects a storage area 42t in which to store the target part 91t based on the humidity distribution in the storage unit 42 (for example, the information shown in FIG. 7) and the humidity control level specified for the target part 91t (step S13). When the storage area 42t is selected by the selection unit 51, the transfer device 40b grasps the item 21 placed on the placement unit 40c, moves the item 21 to a predetermined position in the storage area 42t selected by the selection unit 51, and stores the item 21 in the predetermined position in the storage area 42t.

[0063] 1-5. Second part storage device 50 There is a demand for grasping the atmospheric humidity of the storage section 42 and appropriately managing the storage section 42. Therefore, the board production equipment 80 of the embodiment can also be provided with a second component storage device 50. The second component storage device 50 makes it possible to grasp the atmospheric humidity of the storage section 42 and manage the storage section 42.

[0064] 9, the second component storage apparatus 50 includes a storage section 42, a measurement section 52, and a management section 53. Like the first component storage apparatus 50, the storage section 42 includes a plurality of storage areas 42t. The automated warehouse 40 includes a dehumidification unit 43 and the like, and the plurality of storage areas 42t can store target components 91t, which are components 91 mounted on a board 90 and require humidity control.

[0065] Furthermore, the measurement unit 52 and the management unit 53 can be provided in various control devices, management devices, etc. For example, at least one of the measurement unit 52 and the management unit 53 can be provided in the control device 40a of the automated warehouse 40. At least one of the measurement unit 52 and the management unit 53 can also be provided in the management device 19. At least one of the measurement unit 52 and the management unit 53 can also be provided in a control system higher than the management device 19. At least one of the measurement unit 52 and the management unit 53 can also be formed on the cloud.

[0066] As shown in Fig. 9, in part storage device 50 of the embodiment, measurement unit 52 and management unit 53 are provided in control device 40a of automated warehouse 40. Furthermore, part storage device 50 can execute control, for example, according to the flowchart shown in Fig. 10. Specifically, measurement unit 52 performs the process shown in step S21. Management unit 53 performs the process shown in step S22.

[0067] The measuring unit 52 measures the atmospheric humidity inside the storage unit 42. The measuring unit 52 may take various forms as long as it can measure the atmospheric humidity inside the storage unit 42. As shown in FIG. 4, for example, the storage unit 42 has a plurality of (six in the figure) storage areas 42t arranged along the vertical direction (Z-axis direction). In this case, as shown in FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 4, the measuring unit 52 can measure the atmospheric humidity inside the storage unit 42 using a plurality of (three in these figures) humidity sensors 44 provided at different height positions in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction).

[0068] As described above, the moisture content in the air tends to increase downward in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction). In addition, the dehumidifying unit 43 of the embodiment is provided on the rear side of the automated warehouse 40, and the atmospheric humidity inside the storage section 42 tends to be highest at the bottom surface (height position 0) of the storage section 42 on the front side of the automated warehouse 40. Therefore, it is preferable that the measurement section 52 measures the atmospheric humidity of the above-mentioned portion using the humidity sensor 44a. As shown in FIG. 3B and FIG. 4, the humidity sensor 44a is provided at the connection portion 42j of the above-mentioned portion.

[0069] 7, the rate of decrease in the atmospheric humidity from height position H1 to height position H2 is extremely small compared to the rate of decrease in the atmospheric humidity from height position 0 to height position H1. In other words, it can be seen that the change in the atmospheric humidity in the storage unit 42 is smaller in the area AR2 from height position H1 to height position H2 compared to the area AR1 from height position 0 to height position H1. In this way, the measurement unit 52 can measure the atmospheric humidity inside the storage unit 42, taking into account the change points of the atmospheric humidity in the storage unit 42.

[0070] Specifically, the measurement unit 52 uses the humidity sensor 44b to measure the atmospheric humidity at the height position H1. The measurement unit 52 also uses the humidity sensor 44c to measure the atmospheric humidity at the height position H2. As shown in FIG. 3B and FIG. 4, the humidity sensor 44b and the humidity sensor 44c are provided in the same connecting portion 42j. Note that the measurement unit 52 can also measure the atmospheric temperature inside the storage unit 42 in the same manner as the atmospheric humidity. In this way, the measurement unit 52 can measure at least the atmospheric humidity out of the atmospheric temperature and the atmospheric humidity inside the storage unit 42 (step S21 shown in FIG. 10).

[0071] The management unit 53 manages the storage unit 42 based on the atmospheric humidity inside the storage unit 42 measured by the measurement unit 52 and the humidity management level specified for the target part 91t (step S22). The management unit 53 may take various forms as long as it can manage the storage unit 42. For example, the management unit 53 can obtain the humidity distribution in the storage unit 42 based on the atmospheric humidity inside the storage unit 42 measured by the measurement unit 52. In the example described above, the measurement unit 52 measures the atmospheric humidity at three points, the height position 0, the height position H1, and the height position H2, inside the storage unit 42. Thus, the management unit 53 can obtain the broken line L1 shown in FIG. 7 and can obtain the humidity distribution in the storage unit 42.

[0072] The selection unit 51 of the first component storage device 50 can also select a storage area 42t in which to store the target component 91t, using the humidity distribution in the storage unit 42 acquired by the management unit 53. In this embodiment, the first component storage device 50 can include the selection unit 51, the measurement unit 52, and the management unit 53. This allows the first component storage device 50 to appropriately select a storage area 42t in which to store the target component 91t, even if a change occurs in the humidity distribution in the storage unit 42.

[0073] Moreover, the dehumidifying unit 43 takes in outside air to heat the desiccant, and exhausts the moisture adsorbed by the desiccant to the outside, thereby allowing the dehumidifying unit 43 to continue dehumidifying the storage section 42. However, the higher the ambient humidity of the outside air (ambient humidity outside the storage section 42), the more difficult it becomes for the desiccant in the dehumidifying unit 43 to dry, and the more likely the dehumidifying capacity of the dehumidifying unit 43 to decrease. Furthermore, the amount of moisture that the desiccant in the dehumidifying unit 43 can adsorb varies depending on the ambient temperature outside the storage section 42.

[0074] Therefore, it is preferable that the measuring unit 52 measures the atmospheric humidity and the atmospheric temperature outside the storage unit 42. Specifically, the measuring unit 52 measures the atmospheric humidity outside the storage unit 42 using the humidity sensor 44d. As shown in FIG. 3B and FIG. 4, the humidity sensor 44d is provided near the dehumidification unit 43 outside the storage unit 42. As shown in FIG. 3A and FIG. 4, the humidity sensor 44d is provided at a height position H1, but it can be provided at any height position at any place outside the storage unit 42. In addition, the measuring unit 52 can measure the atmospheric temperature outside the storage unit 42 in the same manner as the atmospheric humidity. In this way, the measuring unit 52 can measure the atmospheric temperature and the atmospheric humidity outside the storage unit 42 (step S21 shown in FIG. 10).

[0075] The management section 53 calculates the absolute humidity from the relative humidity measured by the measurement section 52, and can determine, based on the absolute humidity, whether the dehumidification unit 43 that dehumidifies the storage section 42 is capable of dehumidifying under the humidity conditions specified by the humidity management level. The relative humidity represents the proportion of water vapor contained in the air, and the absolute humidity represents the amount of water vapor contained in the air. The absolute humidity can be calculated for each combination of the ambient humidity (relative humidity) and the ambient temperature based on a known relational expression.

[0076] When the calculated absolute humidity (amount of water vapor contained in the air) is equal to or less than a predetermined reference value (allowable amount of water vapor), the management unit 53 determines that the dehumidification unit 43 is capable of dehumidifying under the humidity conditions specified in the humidity control level. When the calculated absolute humidity (amount of water vapor contained in the air) exceeds a predetermined reference value (allowable amount of water vapor), the management unit 53 determines that the dehumidification unit 43 is unable to dehumidify under the humidity conditions specified in the humidity control level. For example, when the absolute humidity exceeds a predetermined reference value, the management unit 53 can provide guidance to review the humidity setting of the air conditioner 60 capable of adjusting the atmospheric humidity outside the storage unit 42.

[0077] As shown in FIG. 1, the board production facility 80 includes an air conditioner 60. A known air conditioner can be used as the air conditioner 60, and the air conditioner 60 can adjust the atmospheric humidity and temperature inside the board production facility 80. This adjusts the atmospheric humidity and temperature around the storage section 42 of the automated warehouse 40. The management unit 53 only needs to be able to provide the above guidance, and the guidance method can take various forms. For example, the management unit 53 can provide guidance to review the humidity setting of the air conditioner 60 on the display device 40e of the automated warehouse 40, etc.

[0078] FIG. 11 shows an example of guidance provided by the management unit 53. The management unit 53 can display on a screen that the ambient temperature and humidity around the automated warehouse 40 exceed preset values, and can provide guidance to review the air conditioning settings. The management unit 53 can also provide voice guidance on the above content. Furthermore, the management unit 53 can also provide guidance on the above content on a mobile terminal device carried by the worker. This allows the worker to review the air conditioning settings of the air conditioner 60 (for example, switch to dehumidification operation).

[0079] When the absolute humidity exceeds a predetermined reference value, the management unit 53 can also drive and control the air conditioner 60 capable of adjusting the humidity of the atmosphere outside the storage unit 42 so that the absolute humidity does not exceed the reference value. The devices and equipment provided in the board production facility 80 are provided so as to be able to communicate with each other by a wired or wireless communication unit. The management unit 53 can directly change the air conditioning settings of the air conditioner 60 using the above communication unit. This reduces the workload of the workers and can prevent the workers from making mistakes (such as incorrect settings).

[0080] Furthermore, when the absolute humidity does not exceed the predetermined reference value and the atmospheric humidity inside the storage section 42 measured by the measurement section 52 exceeds the predetermined reference value, there may be a problem with the dehumidification unit 43 or the storage section 42. Therefore, when the absolute humidity does not exceed the predetermined reference value and the atmospheric humidity inside the storage section 42 measured by the measurement section 52 exceeds the predetermined reference value, the management section 53 can also provide guidance for maintenance of at least one of the dehumidification unit 43 that dehumidifies the storage section 42 and the storage section 42.

[0081] For example, if at least one of the multiple (ten in the example shown in FIG. 4) dehumidification units 43 breaks down, the dehumidification capacity decreases, and the atmospheric humidity inside the storage section 42 may fluctuate. Also, as shown in FIG. 3A, an opening 40f is provided on the front side of the automated warehouse 40. The opening 40f is an entrance and exit for workers and the like, and is usually blocked by a member such as a cover. However, if the member is not installed in a good condition, the airtightness of the storage section 42 may decrease, and the atmospheric humidity inside the storage section 42 may fluctuate. Similarly, if the sealing material that seals the storage section 42 deteriorates, the airtightness of the storage section 42 may decrease, and the atmospheric humidity inside the storage section 42 may fluctuate.

[0082] Therefore, the management section 53 can guide the operator to check at least one of whether the dehumidifying unit 43 that dehumidifies the storage section 42 is out of order, the attachment state of the member that blocks the opening 40f provided in the storage section 42, and the deterioration state of the sealant that seals the storage section 42. This allows the operator to appropriately perform maintenance on at least one of the dehumidifying unit 43 and the storage section 42.

[0083] As described above, the moisture content in the air tends to increase the further down in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction). Therefore, for example, if the atmospheric humidity inside storage unit 42 exceeds a predetermined reference value and an abnormality occurs in the atmospheric humidity inside storage unit 42, the humidity conditions stipulated by the humidity control level may no longer be satisfied from the bottom to the top in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction).

[0084] Therefore, when the atmospheric humidity inside the storage unit 42 measured by the measuring unit 52 exceeds a predetermined reference value, the management unit 53 uses the transfer device 40b to move a predetermined target part 91t from the storage area 42t in which the target part 91t is stored to a storage area 42t disposed above the storage area 42t in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction). As described above, the transfer device 40b can grasp the received target part 91t and move the target part 91t to the predetermined storage area 42t of the storage unit 42.

[0085] 4, for example, the storage unit 42 has a plurality of (six in the figure) storage areas 42t arranged in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction). It is assumed that a target part 91t with a humidity control level of level 4 or higher is stored in the third storage area 42t from the bottom of the storage unit 42. In this case, the management unit 53 moves the target part 91t to the fourth or higher storage area 42t from the bottom of the storage unit 42.

[0086] Furthermore, the measurement unit 52 measures the atmospheric humidity inside the storage unit 42 using a plurality of humidity sensors 44 provided at different height positions in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction), and the management unit 53 acquires the humidity distribution in the storage unit 42 based on the atmospheric humidity inside the storage unit 42 measured by the measurement unit 52. Then, based on the acquired humidity distribution in the storage unit 42, the management unit 53 can move the target part 91t to a storage area 42t that can store the target part 91t at a humidity management level required for the target part 91t.

[0087] 2. Examples of Effects of the Embodiments The first component storage device 50 can select a storage area 42t for a component 91 that requires humidity control in accordance with the humidity distribution in the storage section 42. The second component storage device 50 can grasp the atmospheric humidity in the storage section 42 and control the storage section 42. [Explanation of symbols]

[0088] 40b: transfer device, 42: storage section, 42t: storage area, 43: dehumidification unit, 44: humidity sensor, 50: parts storage device, 51: selection unit, 52: measurement unit, 53: management unit, 60: air conditioning unit, 90: circuit board, 91: part, 91t: target part.

Claims

1. a storage unit including a plurality of storage areas capable of storing target components that are mounted on a board and require humidity control; a selection unit that selects the storage area in which to store the target component based on a humidity distribution in the storage unit and a humidity control level specified for the target component; A parts storage device comprising:

2. The storage section has the plurality of storage areas arranged along a vertical direction, 2. The part storage device according to claim 1, wherein the selection unit selects the storage area that is located higher in the vertical direction for a part that requires a higher humidity control level.

3. 3. The part storage device according to claim 1, wherein the selection unit selects the storage area in which the target part can be stored under humidity conditions that can stop the decrease in floor life of the target part, which is the remaining time until the target part reaches a specified time during which the target part can be used in production, and that decreases while the target part is exposed to the atmosphere.

4. a storage unit including a plurality of storage areas capable of storing target components that are mounted on a board and require humidity control; A measurement unit for measuring the atmospheric humidity inside the storage unit; a management unit that manages the storage unit based on the atmospheric humidity inside the storage unit measured by the measurement unit and a humidity management level specified for the target component; A parts storage device comprising:

5. The storage section has the plurality of storage areas arranged along a vertical direction, 5. The part storage device according to claim 4, wherein the measurement unit measures the atmospheric humidity inside the storage unit using a plurality of humidity sensors provided at different height positions in the vertical direction.

6. 6. The part storage device according to claim 4, wherein the management unit acquires a humidity distribution in the storage unit based on the atmospheric humidity inside the storage unit measured by the measurement unit.

7. The measurement unit measures an atmospheric humidity and an atmospheric temperature outside the storage unit, 5. The part storage device according to claim 4, wherein the management unit calculates an absolute humidity from the relative humidity measured by the measurement unit, and determines, based on the absolute humidity, whether a dehumidification unit that dehumidifies the storage unit is capable of dehumidifying under humidity conditions defined by the humidity control level.

8. The part storage device according to claim 7 , wherein the management unit, when the absolute humidity exceeds a predetermined reference value, provides a guidance to review a humidity setting of an air conditioner capable of adjusting the atmospheric humidity outside the storage unit.

9. 8. The part storage device according to claim 7, wherein, when the absolute humidity exceeds a predetermined reference value, the management unit controls the operation of an air conditioning device capable of adjusting the atmospheric humidity outside the storage unit so that the absolute humidity does not exceed the reference value.

10. 8. The part storage device according to claim 7, wherein the management unit, when the absolute humidity does not exceed a predetermined reference value and the atmospheric humidity inside the storage unit measured by the measurement unit exceeds a predetermined reference value, advises maintenance of at least one of a dehumidification unit that dehumidifies the storage unit and the storage unit.

11. The storage section has the plurality of storage areas arranged along a vertical direction, 8. The part storage device of claim 7, wherein when the atmospheric humidity inside the storage unit measured by the measuring unit exceeds a predetermined reference value, the management unit uses a transfer device that grasps the received target part and moves the target part to a predetermined storage area of ​​the storage unit, to move the target part from the storage area in which the predetermined target part is stored to the storage area that is located vertically above the storage area.

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