Supply shelves, production systems, and supply methods

Abstract

The present invention provides supply shelves and other equipment that enable the efficient supply of component containers to manufacturing equipment. [Solution] The supply rack 100 is a supply rack for supplying component containers 210, each having a tape feeder for feeding carrier tapes, to a component mounting device 20 that performs predetermined work on a circuit board, and comprises a first storage section 121 capable of storing multiple component containers 210, a supply section 130 having lanes for holding component containers 210 to be supplied to the component mounting device 20 next, and a moving section 104 that takes out one or more component mounting devices 20 that need to be supplied to the component mounting device 20 next from the multiple component containers 210 stored in the first storage section 121 and transfers them to the supply section 130.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a supply shelf, a production system, and a supply method.

Background Art

[0002] In a manufacturing factory for electronic circuit boards (mounting boards) etc., manufacturing apparatuses such as a plurality of component mounting apparatuses are arranged to mount components (for example, electronic components) at positions where cream solder is printed on the board. In such a manufacturing apparatus, replenishment of components is necessary so that component shortages do not occur during production. Patent Document 1 discloses a technique of supplying a component storage container that houses components by a self-propelled transfer robot.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, with the technique of Patent Document 1, it may not be possible to efficiently supply the component storage container to the manufacturing apparatus.

[0005] Therefore, the present disclosure provides a supply shelf, a production system, and a supply method capable of efficiently supplying a component storage container to a manufacturing apparatus.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] A supply rack according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a supply rack for supplying to a manufacturing apparatus a first component container having a tape feeder for feeding a carrier tape that contains a plurality of components used in a manufacturing apparatus that performs predetermined work on a substrate, the supply rack comprising: a first storage section capable of storing a plurality of the first component containers; a supply section having a lane for holding the first component containers to be supplied to the manufacturing apparatus next; and a moving section for taking out one or more of the first component containers that are needed to be supplied to the manufacturing apparatus next from the plurality of first component containers stored in the first storage section and transferring them to the supply section.

[0007] A production system according to one aspect of the present disclosure comprises the above-mentioned supply rack and a manufacturing apparatus that performs predetermined work on a substrate and receives one or more of the first component containers from the supply rack.

[0008] A supply method according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a supply method in a supply rack for supplying to a manufacturing apparatus a first component container having a tape feeder for feeding a carrier tape that contains a plurality of components used in the manufacturing apparatus for performing predetermined work on a substrate, wherein the supply rack comprises a first storage section capable of storing a plurality of the first component containers, a supply section having lanes for holding the first component containers to be supplied to the manufacturing apparatus next, and a moving section for taking the first component containers out of the first storage section and transferring them to the supply section, wherein the supply method uses the moving section to take out one or more of the first component containers that are needed to be supplied to the manufacturing apparatus next from the plurality of first component containers stored in the first storage section and transfer them to the supply section. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to one aspect of this disclosure, it is possible to realize a supply rack or the like that can efficiently supply component containers to a manufacturing apparatus. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a diagram showing the schematic configuration of a production system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the production system according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a diagram showing the configuration of a component mounting device according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a perspective view showing the external appearance of a supply shelf according to an embodiment. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a plan view showing the internal configuration of a supply shelf according to an embodiment. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a perspective view showing the internal configuration of a supply shelf according to an embodiment. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a sequence diagram showing the operation of the production system according to the embodiment. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a flowchart detailing step S70 shown in Figure 7. [Figure 9A] Figure 9A is the first diagram illustrating the transfer operation of the supply shelf according to the embodiment. [Figure 9B] Figure 9B is the second figure illustrating the transfer operation of the supply shelf according to the embodiment. [Figure 9C] Figure 9C is the third figure illustrating the transfer operation of the supply shelf according to the embodiment. [Figure 9D] Figure 9D is the fourth figure illustrating the transfer operation of the supply shelf according to the embodiment. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a flowchart detailing step S100 shown in Figure 7. [Figure 11A] Figure 11A is the first diagram illustrating the retrieval and supply operations of a supply shelf according to an embodiment. [Figure 11B] Figure 11B is a second figure illustrating the retrieval and supply operations of the supply shelf according to the embodiment. [Figure 11C] Figure 11C is the third figure illustrating the retrieval and supply operations of the supply shelf according to the embodiment. [Figure 11D] Figure 11D is the fourth figure illustrating the retrieval and supply operations of the supply shelf according to the embodiment. [Figure 11E] FIG. 11E is a fifth diagram for explaining the recovery operation and supply operation of the supply shelf according to the embodiment. [Figure 11F] FIG. 11F is a sixth diagram for explaining the recovery operation and supply operation of the supply shelf according to the embodiment. [Figure 11G] FIG. 11G is a seventh diagram for explaining the recovery operation and supply operation of the supply shelf according to the embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing details of step S130 shown in FIG. 7.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0011] A supply shelf according to an aspect of the present disclosure is a supply shelf for supplying a first component container that houses a plurality of components used in a manufacturing apparatus that performs predetermined work on a substrate to the manufacturing apparatus, and includes a first storage unit capable of storing a plurality of the first component containers, a supply unit capable of holding a plurality of the first component containers and supplying the held first component containers to the outside of the supply shelf, and a moving unit that takes out one or more of the first component containers that need to be supplied to the manufacturing apparatus next from the plurality of first component containers stored in the first storage unit and transfers them to the supply unit.

[0012] Thereby, the supply shelf can automatically prepare one or more first component containers that need to be supplied from among the plurality of first component containers. Therefore, when supplying the first component container to the manufacturing apparatus, it is only necessary to supply the first component container held by the supply unit. That is, when supplying the first component container to the manufacturing apparatus, there is no need to select one or more first component containers that need to be supplied from among the plurality of first component containers. Therefore, according to the supply shelf, the supply of the first component container to the manufacturing apparatus can be performed efficiently.

[0013] Furthermore, for example, the supply rack may further include a control unit that controls the moving unit to transfer one or more of the first part containers from the first storage unit to the supply unit before a supply unit that transfers one or more of the first part containers to the manufacturing apparatus is connected to the supply rack.

[0014] This allows one or more first component containers that need to be supplied to be prepared in advance, before the supply device is connected, thus enabling more efficient supply of first component containers to the manufacturing equipment according to the supply rack.

[0015] Furthermore, for example, if two or more of the first component containers are held when the supply device is connected to the supply shelf, the supply unit may supply two or more of the first component containers to the supply device all at once.

[0016] This allows for the supply of one or more first component containers to the supply device in a short amount of time, thus enabling efficient supply of one or more first component containers to the supply device according to the supply rack.

[0017] Furthermore, for example, the supply device may have a plurality of first holding units capable of holding the first component container or a second component container that does not contain any components, and the supply unit may have a plurality of second holding units corresponding to the plurality of first holding units, each capable of holding one or more of the first component containers, and the control unit may control the moving unit to transfer one or more of the first component containers to one or more second holding units that correspond to one or more first holding units that do not hold the first component container or a second component container.

[0018] As a result, even when a second component container is held in the supply device, the supply shelf can supply one or more first component containers to the supply device without moving the position of the second component container.

[0019] Furthermore, for example, the supply shelf may further include a retrieval unit that retrieves one or more of the second component containers held in the plurality of first holding units in a single unit when the supply device is connected to the supply shelf.

[0020] This allows for the collection of one or more second component containers at once, enabling the supply rack to perform collection operations more efficiently compared to the sequential collection of one or more second component containers.

[0021] Furthermore, for example, the supply shelf may further include a placement section for temporarily placing one or more of the second component containers recovered by the recovery unit, and the control unit may control the recovery unit and the supply unit so that at least a portion of the recovery operation from when the recovery unit recovers one or more of the second component containers from the plurality of first holding units and moves to the placement section, and at least a portion of the supply operation from when the supply unit starts moving toward the plurality of first holding units and supplies one or more of the first component containers to the plurality of first holding units, are carried out in parallel.

[0022] As a result, the supply operation of the first component container to the supply device and the retrieval operation of the second component container to the supply shelf are performed in parallel, so that the supply shelf can efficiently perform both the supply and retrieval operations.

[0023] Furthermore, for example, the supply shelf may further include a second storage section capable of storing a plurality of the second component containers, and the control unit may control the retrieval unit to rearrange one or more of the second component containers placed in the aforementioned storage section into the second storage section.

[0024] This allows the second component containers to be arranged without any gaps in the second storage section, enabling efficient storage of the second component containers.

[0025] Furthermore, for example, the second storage unit may be located above the first storage unit.

[0026] This makes it possible to create a supply rack in which the second storage section is located above the first storage section.

[0027] Furthermore, for example, the supply shelf may include a plurality of the second storage sections.

[0028] This allows the supply rack to store more second-part containers compared to a single second-part storage unit, thus reducing the number of times, for example, workers need to retrieve the second-part containers.

[0029] Furthermore, for example, the control unit may control the retrieval unit to move the second component containers to one of the multiple second storage units in priority to the other second storage units, so that the maximum number of second component containers can be stored in that one second storage unit.

[0030] This allows for efficient storage of the second component housing.

[0031] Furthermore, for example, the supply shelf may further include a connection portion to which the supply device is connected, the connection portion being located on one end of the supply shelf, and the first storage portion being located on the other end opposite to the one end.

[0032] This improves safety because, if the supply device can autonomously supply the first component container to the manufacturing device, the automated area and the area where workers are present can be separated.

[0033] Furthermore, for example, each of the multiple first component storage units may have a tag on which first component information indicating the type of component to be stored is stored, and the first storage unit may further include a reading unit for obtaining the first component information from the tags of each of the multiple first component storage units stored in the first storage unit.

[0034] This allows the supply shelf to easily obtain the information of the first part in the first part container from the tag.

[0035] Furthermore, the system may further include, for example, an acquisition unit that acquires second part information indicating the types of parts that need to be supplied to the manufacturing apparatus from a management unit that manages the manufacturing apparatus, and the moving unit may, based on the first part information and the second part information, take out one or more of the first part containers from the first storage unit and transfer them to the supply unit.

[0036] This allows the supply rack to prepare one or more first component containers using second component information from the management device.

[0037] Furthermore, for example, there may be multiple manufacturing devices to which the supply shelf supplies the first component containers, the second component information may include information indicating the types of components that need to be supplied to each of the multiple manufacturing devices, and the moving unit may move one or more first component containers to the supply unit so that one or more first component containers are arranged in the order in which they are supplied to the multiple manufacturing devices.

[0038] This eliminates the need to rearrange one or more first component containers in the supply device, making it possible to supply one or more first component containers to the component mounting device in a shorter time.

[0039] Furthermore, for example, the supply shelf may further include a notification unit that notifies the first storage unit of the number of first component containers stored in the first storage unit when the number of first component containers stored in the first storage unit falls below a predetermined number.

[0040] This makes it possible to suppress the occurrence of parts running out in the first parts storage unit.

[0041] Furthermore, for example, the supply shelf may comprise a plurality of the first storage units.

[0042] This allows the supply rack to store more first part containers than if there were only one first storage unit, thus reducing the number of times the worker has to supply the first part containers to the first storage unit.

[0043] Furthermore, a production system according to one aspect of the present disclosure comprises the above-mentioned supply shelf and a manufacturing apparatus that performs predetermined work on a substrate and receives one or more of the first component containers from the supply shelf.

[0044] This produces the same effect as the supply shelves described above.

[0045] Furthermore, the system may also include, for example, a supply device that supplies one or more of the first component containers from the supply unit and transfers the supplied one or more of the first component containers to the manufacturing apparatus.

[0046] This allows for the automation of the entire process, from transferring the first component containers to the manufacturing equipment, if the supplying device is an automated system.

[0047] Furthermore, for example, the system may further include a parts warehouse that stores a large number of the first parts containers supplied to the manufacturing apparatus, and the supply shelf may temporarily store a plurality of the first parts containers supplied from the parts warehouse to the manufacturing apparatus.

[0048] This allows the supply shelves to function as a buffer for temporarily storing the first component containers, enabling efficient supply of the first component containers to the manufacturing equipment, even if the parts warehouse is located far from the manufacturing equipment.

[0049] Furthermore, a supply method according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a supply method in a supply rack for supplying a plurality of first component containers, which contain a plurality of components used in a manufacturing apparatus that performs predetermined work on a substrate, to the manufacturing apparatus, wherein the supply rack comprises a first storage section capable of storing a plurality of the first component containers, a supply section capable of holding a plurality of the first component containers and supplying the held first component containers to the outside of the supply rack, and a moving section that takes out the first component containers from the first storage section and transfers them to the supply section, wherein the supply method uses the moving section to take out one or more first component containers that are next needed to be supplied to the manufacturing apparatus from the plurality of first component containers stored in the first storage section and transfer them to the supply section.

[0050] This produces the same effect as the supply shelves described above.

[0051] The embodiments will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

[0052] The embodiments described below are all comprehensive or specific examples. The numerical values, shapes, components, arrangement and connection configurations of components, steps, and the order of steps shown in the following embodiments are examples only and are not intended to limit this disclosure. Furthermore, any components in the following embodiments that are not described in an independent claim will be described as optional components.

[0053] Furthermore, each figure is a schematic diagram and not necessarily a strictly accurate representation. Therefore, for example, the scale and other aspects may not necessarily match in each figure. Also, in each figure, substantially identical components are given the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations are omitted or simplified.

[0054] In this specification and in the drawings, the X, Y, and Z axes represent the three axes of a right-handed three-dimensional Cartesian coordinate system. In the embodiment, the X-axis direction is the direction in which the printed circuit board manufacturing line extends, the Y-axis direction is the direction in which multiple printed circuit board manufacturing lines are lined up, and the Z-axis direction is perpendicular to the floor surface of the production site where the printed circuit board manufacturing lines are located. In this specification, "above" means the Z-axis positive side, and "plan view" means viewing from the Z-axis direction.

[0055] Furthermore, in this specification, terms indicating relationships between elements such as orthogonal and equal, terms indicating the shape of elements such as linear and rectangular, and numerical values ​​and numerical ranges do not represent only strict meanings, but also include substantially equivalent ranges, for example, differences of a few percent (for example, about 10%).

[0056] (Embodiment) The production system according to this embodiment will be described below with reference to Figures 1 to 12.

[0057] [1. Production System Configuration] First, the configuration of the production system according to this embodiment will be explained with reference to Figures 1 to 6. Figure 1 is a diagram showing the schematic configuration of production system 1 according to this embodiment. Using Figure 1, the layout of production site F (an example of a manufacturing plant) will be explained.

[0058] As shown in Figure 1, the production site F, such as a manufacturing plant, is composed of multiple mounted circuit board manufacturing lines L and is partitioned on all four sides by predetermined walls. The production site F is equipped with multiple component mounting machines 20, multiple supply devices 40, and supply shelves 100 that constitute the mounted circuit board manufacturing lines L.

[0059] The component mounting apparatus 20 is an example of a manufacturing apparatus that performs predetermined operations on a substrate. In this embodiment, it performs the operation of soldering components (for example, electronic components) onto the substrate. The component mounting apparatus 20 is located in production area A for manufacturing mounted substrates in which electronic components have been soldered onto the substrate.

[0060] Since components are consumed in the component mounting device 20, when the production site F is in operation, component containers, which are containers that hold multiple components, need to be supplied (replenished) to the component mounting device 20. In this embodiment, the component mounting device 20 receives a supply of one or more component containers stored in the supply rack 100 (held in the supply unit 130 shown in Figures 2, 5, 6, etc., which will be described later).

[0061] The supply device 40 is an example of a work robot and assists in the task of supplying component containers, which contain components to be consumed by manufacturing equipment such as a component mounting device 20, to the manufacturing equipment (for example, transporting component containers to near the manufacturing equipment), or performs the supply itself (for example, supplying to the manufacturing equipment on behalf of worker H). In this embodiment, the supply device 40 is mounted on an automated guided vehicle (AGV) (AGV80 shown in Figure 5) and moved by the AGV80, but the supply device 40 itself may also have the function of self-propulsion. In this embodiment, the supply device 40 supplies component containers to the component mounting device 20. In the following, even if the supply device 40 is mounted on the AGV80 and moves to supply component containers, it will simply be described as the supply device 40 supplying component containers.

[0062] The supply shelf 100 is a temporary storage (intermediate) shelf for supplying component containers, each containing multiple components used in the component mounting device 20, to the component mounting device 20. As will be described in detail later, the supply shelf 100 stores multiple component containers, and is configured to be able to supply one or more component containers that need to be supplied to the component mounting device 20 next, depending on the component inventory of the component mounting device 20, to the outside of the supply shelf 100. In other words, the supply shelf 100 has the function of automatically preparing one or more component containers that need to be supplied to the component mounting device 20 next.

[0063] The supply shelf 100 functions as a buffer for temporarily storing multiple component containers that can be supplied to the component mounting machine 20 from the warehouse 60, which stores a large number of component containers supplied to the manufacturing equipment, including the component mounting machine 20. The supply shelf 100 is located between the warehouse 60 and production area A (e.g., the mounted circuit board manufacturing line L). This allows for efficient replenishment of component containers to the component mounting machine 20.

[0064] The management device 50 is an information processing device that manages the production system 1, and is connected to each of the manufacturing equipment such as the component mounting device 20, the supply device 40, the warehouse 60, and the supply shelves 100 in a manner that allows communication.

[0065] In this production system 1, at the production site F, the supply device 40 holds and moves the parts containers that are temporarily stored on the supply shelves 100, so that the parts containers are transported by the supply device 40 and supplied to the manufacturing equipment, including the parts mounting device 20.

[0066] Here, the component housing is a box for housing components. The component housing is, for example, a box that houses a carrier tape. The component housing has a hollow section, and houses, for example, a spirally wound carrier tape (a roll-shaped carrier tape not wound on a reel) or a carrier tape wound on a reel in the hollow section. The component housing may also have a tape feeding device (not shown) for pitch-feeding the carrier tape. The tape feeding device consists of a sprocket provided near the lower part of the component suction position and a motor or the like that rotates the sprocket. Thus, the component housing may also have a feeder function. The component housing may be a box that has both a feeder function and a housing function.

[0067] Note that the location, orientation, occupied area, and number of the component mounting device 20, supply device 40, and supply shelves 100 located in production site F are examples only and are not limited to the example in Figure 1; they should be designed appropriately according to the specifications of production site F. In addition, a transport route R for the supply device 40 is formed in production site F. The supply device 40 travels along this transport route R to transport component containers containing electronic components from the supply shelves 100 to production area A. The transport route R is defined by physical elements such as signs and guide lines provided in production site F, or by route information, map information, etc., stored in the memory unit 45 (see Figure 2) inside the supply device 40. In Figure 1, for the sake of explanation, the transport route R is represented as a simple straight line or rectangle, but it is not limited to these. The transport route R may be provided in various shapes (for example, zigzag, diagonal, etc.) as needed.

[0068] The warehouse 60 is located outside the production site F, but it may also be located inside the production site F.

[0069] In the example shown in Figure 1, three mounted circuit board manufacturing lines L are provided in a straight line within production area A. Each mounted circuit board manufacturing line L is composed of multiple types of manufacturing equipment, including a component mounting device 20, which automatically perform a series of manufacturing processes such as solder printing onto the board, mounting (attaching) electronic components to the board, and solder reflow. The mounted circuit board manufacturing line L is composed of a board supply device 11, a screen printing device 12, a printed solder inspection device 13, a component mounting device 20, a component mounting condition inspection device 14, a reflow device 15, a mounted circuit board inspection device 16, a mounted circuit board retrieval device 17, and a display device 18.

[0070] The substrate supply device 11 sequentially supplies the transported substrates to the screen printing device 12. The screen printing device 12 screen prints, for example, solder paste, at predetermined locations on the supplied substrates. The printed solder inspection device 13 inspects the condition of the solder printed on the substrates.

[0071] Each of the multiple component mounting devices 20 mounts electronic components using a mounting head 27 (see Figure 3) at the positions where solder paste has been printed by the screen printing device 12. The component mounting device 20 also has a component supply unit 23 (see Figure 3) for supplying electronic components to the mounting head 27. The component supply unit 23 is set with component containers containing electronic components, and supplies the components from the component containers to positions where the mounting head 27 of the component mounting device 20 can hold them. When the electronic components in the component supply unit 23 are consumed and run out or the remaining quantity is low, they are replaced with new component containers from the supply shelf 100 by the operator H or the supply device 40. In the example in Figure 1, multiple component mounting devices 20 (three in this embodiment) are used to mount many different types of electronic components onto the circuit board. Each of the multiple component mounting devices 20 is a device to which the supply device 40 supplies component containers.

[0072] The component mounting condition inspection device 14 inspects the condition of the electronic components mounted on the circuit board. The reflow device 15 solders the electronic components to the circuit board. In other words, the reflow device 15 is a so-called heating furnace that heats and melts the solder on the circuit board, then cools and solidifies it to solder the electronic components to the circuit board. The mounted circuit board inspection device 16 inspects the mounted circuit board after soldering is completed in the reflow device 15. The mounted circuit board retrieval device 17 retrieves the circuit board with the soldered electronic components and prepares it for transport outside the mounted circuit board manufacturing line L.

[0073] The display device 18 is comprised of, for example, a display panel such as a liquid crystal panel, and is suspended from the ceiling of the production site F by a predetermined holding member so as to be adjustable to any desired position. Furthermore, one pair of display devices 18 are arranged back-to-back for each mounted substrate manufacturing line L. This allows the worker H to easily and quickly view the display device 18 from any location in the production site F.

[0074] Furthermore, the display device 18 may function as a notification unit that informs worker H via image when the number of parts containers stored in the supply shelf 100 falls below a predetermined number. The display device 18 may be connected to the management device 50 or the supply shelf 100 in a manner that allows communication.

[0075] Next, the configuration of each component of the production system 1 (mainly its functional configuration) and the configuration of the component mounting device 20 will be explained with reference to Figures 2 and 3. Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the production system 1 according to this embodiment. Figure 3 is a diagram showing the configuration of the component mounting device 20 according to this embodiment. Figure 3 is a plan view of the component mounting device 20 shown in Figure 1, viewed from above.

[0076] The dashed arrows in Figure 2 indicate the movement path of the component containers within the supply shelf 100. Hereafter, a new component container containing components will be referred to as component container 210, and an empty component container as component container 220. A new component container means a brand-new component container (an unused component container), but it may also be a component container that contains a predetermined number of components or more. An empty component container means a component container that contains zero components, but it may also be a component container that contains less than a predetermined number of components.

[0077] As shown in Figure 2, the component mounting device 20 is configured to communicate with the supply device 40, the management device 50, and the supply shelf 100. Also, as shown in Figure 3, the component mounting device 20 has a pair of substrate transport mechanisms 22 arranged in the center of the main body base 21 along the X-axis direction (substrate transport direction). The substrate transport mechanism 22 has a pair of conveyor sections 22A extending along the X-axis direction and a substrate holding section 22B provided by connecting the pair of conveyor sections 22A in the Y-axis direction (direction perpendicular to the X-axis direction in a plan view). A substrate clamper 22C for fixing and holding the substrate is provided at each end of the substrate holding section 22B. The substrate transport mechanism 22 transports, positions, and holds the substrate supplied from an upstream device (for example, a printed solder inspection device 13, etc.).

[0078] Furthermore, a pair of front and rear component supply units 23 are provided on both sides (Y-axis positive side and Y-axis negative side) of the substrate transport mechanism 22. A pair of wall sections 21A are provided on both sides of the main body base section 21, and the component supply units 23 are each arranged within the space enclosed by this pair of wall sections 21A. Each component supply unit 23 has a feeder base 23A with a slot 23B, and multiple tape feeders 23C are mounted in parallel in the slot 23B as a parts feeder.

[0079] Furthermore, the component mounting device 20 has a feeder cart 24. The feeder cart 24 is composed of a trolley section 24A with a plurality of wheels arranged on its lower side, and a plurality of reel stock sections 24B arranged above the trolley section 24A at different heights. Each of the reel stock sections 24B houses a component container, and a carrier tape containing electronic components is pulled out from each component container to supply electronic components to the tape feeder 23C. As a result, the tape feeder 23C feeds the carrier tape in the tape feeding direction, thereby supplying electronic components to the mounting head 27 of the component mounting device 20.

[0080] Furthermore, a pair of Y-axis table mechanisms 25 are arranged along the Y-axis direction at both ends of the upper surface of the main body base 21 in the X-axis direction. An X-axis table mechanism 26 is mounted between the pair of Y-axis table mechanisms 25 so as to bridge them, and is slidable along the Y-axis direction. A mounting head 27 is mounted at the tip of the X-axis table mechanism 26 so as to be slidable along the X-axis direction. Both the X-axis table mechanism 26 and the Y-axis table mechanism 25 are configured with linear guide drive mechanisms.

[0081] The mounting head 27 is a multi-unit head having multiple holding heads, and a component holding nozzle (not shown) is attached to the lower end of each holding head. The component holding nozzle uses air pressure to vacuum-suction and hold electronic components, and moves up and down individually. The mounting head 27 also has a Z-axis lifting mechanism (not shown) for raising and lowering the component holding nozzles and a θ-axis rotation mechanism (not shown) for rotating the component holding nozzles around the nozzle axis (e.g., the Z-axis). By driving the Y-axis table mechanism 25 and the X-axis table mechanism 26, the mounting head 27 can be positioned at any position in the horizontal plane (XY plane). As a result, the mounting head 27 uses the component holding nozzles to pick up electronic components from the extraction position of the tape feeder 23C of the component supply unit 23.

[0082] Furthermore, component recognition cameras 28 are positioned between the component supply unit 23 and the substrate transport mechanism 22. When the mounting head 27, which has taken electronic components from the component supply unit 23, moves above the component recognition cameras 28, the component recognition cameras 28 capture images of the electronic components held by the mounting head 27. By processing these images, the electronic components are identified, their positions are detected, and so on. In addition, a substrate recognition camera 29 is fixed to the mounting head 27, positioned on the underside of the X-axis table mechanism 26, and moves integrally with the mounting head 27. As the mounting head 27 moves, the substrate recognition camera 29 moves above the substrate positioned by the substrate transport mechanism 22 and captures images of the substrate. By processing these images in the same manner, the position of the substrate is detected.

[0083] In this way, electronic components are consumed when they are mounted onto the circuit board in the component mounting device 20. To prevent the electronic components in the component supply unit 23 from running out (being out of stock) due to this consumption, component containers supplied from the supply shelf 100 are supplied as needed by the worker H or the supply device 40 based on the remaining number of electronic components in each component mounting device 20.

[0084] Referring again to Figure 2, the supply device 40 receives one or more component containers 210 from the supply unit 130 (see Figures 2, 5, 6, etc.) and transports the supplied one or more component containers 210 to the component mounting device 20. The supply device 40 comprises a communication unit 41, a control unit 42, a component holding unit 43, a supply unit 44, and a storage unit 45.

[0085] The communication unit 41 communicates with the supply rack 100 and the management device 50 via a communication network. The communication unit 41 is composed of a communication circuit (communication module).

[0086] The control unit 42 is a processing unit that manages each component of the supply device 40.

[0087] The parts holding section 43 holds at least one of the parts containers 210 and 220 supplied from the supply shelf 100. The parts holding section 43 has, for example, a plurality of lanes (grooves) or shelves corresponding to the width of the parts container, and holds the parts containers in these lanes or shelves. The lanes and shelves are examples of the first holding section.

[0088] The supply unit 44 is the part that supplies the component container 210 held by the component holding unit 43 to the component mounting device 20. It grips the component container 210 and moves it to a desired location on the component mounting device 20. The supply unit 44 is, for example, an arm (robot arm) that grips the component container 210 at its tip.

[0089] The memory unit 45 stores information about the component containers held in the component holding unit 43. The information about the component containers includes at least one of the following: information indicating where in the multiple lanes of the component holding unit 43 the new component container 210 and the empty component container 220 are held; information indicating the type of component that the component container 210 will contain; and information identifying the component mounting device 20 to which the component container 210 will be supplied.

[0090] The memory unit 45 is implemented by, for example, a semiconductor memory, but is not limited thereto.

[0091] As shown in Figure 5, in this embodiment, a transport robot is configured to supply the parts container using a supply device 40 and an AGV 80.

[0092] Referring again to Figure 2, the management device 50 then comprises a communication unit 51, a control unit 52, an input unit 53, a display unit 54, and a storage unit 55.

[0093] The communication unit 51 communicates with the supply device 40 and the supply rack 100 via a communication network. The communication unit 51 is composed of a communication circuit (communication module).

[0094] The control unit 52 is a processing unit that manages each component of the management device 50.

[0095] The input unit 53 receives input from the worker H, the manager, etc. The input unit 53 can be implemented using a mouse, buttons, a touch panel, etc., but it may also accept input by voice.

[0096] The display unit 54 includes a display panel such as a liquid crystal panel and displays production information. The display unit 54 may be implemented, for example, by the display device 18 shown in Figure 1.

[0097] The memory unit 55 is a memory device that stores information related to production. The memory unit 55 stores production plan data for the printed circuit board manufacturing line L, information related to control commands to the supply device 40, and information related to the component containers 210 stored in the supply rack 100. The production plan data includes the number of units to be produced, the types and number of parts to be used in production, etc. The information related to control commands includes information (e.g., commands) for controlling the supply device 40 to receive the component containers 210 from the supply rack 100, transport the component containers 210, and supply the component containers 210 to the component mounting device 20. The information related to the component containers 210 includes at least one of the types of component containers 210 stored in the supply rack 100 (types of parts contained in the component containers 210), their location within the supply rack 100, the number of component containers 210, and the width of the component containers 210.

[0098] The memory unit 55 is implemented by, for example, a semiconductor memory, but is not limited thereto.

[0099] The management device 50 is implemented by a terminal device such as a personal computer or a tablet terminal. The management device 50 may be located inside the manufacturing plant or outside the manufacturing plant. Furthermore, the management device 50 may be implemented by a single terminal device or by multiple terminal devices working together. When the management device 50 is implemented by multiple terminal devices, the functions of the management device 50 shown in Figure 2 may be allocated to the multiple terminal devices in any way.

[0100] Next, the supply shelf 100 includes a communication unit 101, a control unit 102, a reading unit 103, a moving unit 104, a notification unit 105, and a storage unit 106. The supply shelf 100 also includes first storage units 121 and 122 for storing component containers 210, a supply unit 130 for holding component containers to be supplied to the component mounting device 20 next, a retrieval unit 140 for retrieving component containers 220, a mounting unit 150 for temporarily storing component containers 220, second storage units 161 and 162 for storing component containers 220, and a connection unit 170.

[0101] The communication unit 101 communicates with the supply device 40 and the management device 50 via a communication network. The communication unit 101 functions as an acquisition unit that acquires second component information from the management device 50, indicating the types of components that need to be supplied to the component mounting device 20. The second component information includes information indicating the types of components that need to be supplied to each of the multiple component mounting devices 20. The communication unit 101 is configured to include a communication circuit (communication module).

[0102] The control unit 102 is a processing unit that manages each component of the supply shelf 100. The control unit 102 controls the movement of the parts containers 210 and 220 inside the supply shelf 100. For example, by controlling the movement unit 104, the control unit 102 controls the transfer of the parts container 210 to the supply unit 130, and the temporary storage of the parts containers 220 recovered in the recovery unit 140 in the placement unit 150, and then the rearrangement of them in the second storage units 161 and 162.

[0103] The reading unit 103 acquires first component information from each of the RFID (Radio Frequency Identifier) ​​tags (tags 211 shown in Figure 2) attached to the multiple component containers 210 stored in the first storage units 121 and 122. Each of the multiple component containers 210 has a tag 211 attached to it that stores the first component information, and the reading unit 103 is configured to include, for example, an antenna for reading the first component information from the tag 211. The first component information includes information about the components to be stored in the component container 210, such as the type of component to be stored and the number of components to be stored. The first component information may also include information indicating the width of the component container 210 (in the examples of Figures 5 and 6, the length in the X-axis direction).

[0104] The reading unit 103 is configured to move in the direction of the arrangement of the multiple parts containers 210 (for example, in the X-axis direction as shown in Figures 5 and 6), and sequentially reads the first part information from the tags 211 while moving in that direction. This allows the reading unit 103 to obtain information on which part containers 210 containing which types of parts are stored at which location in the first storage units 121 and 122. Alternatively, multiple reading units 103 may be fixed along the direction of arrangement on the supply shelf 100, and the first part information may be read from the tags 211 by these multiple reading units 103. In this case, position information indicating the location where each of the multiple reading units 103 is positioned may be obtained in advance.

[0105] In this embodiment, the reading unit 103 is configured to include a first reading unit 103a and a second reading unit 103b (see Figure 6).

[0106] The moving unit 104 moves the component housings 210 and 220 to predetermined positions. In this embodiment, the moving unit 104 is composed of a first moving unit 104a and a second moving unit 104b (see Figure 6). Details of the moving unit 104 will be described later.

[0107] The notification unit 105 notifies worker H or manager that the number of parts containers 210 stored in at least one of the first storage units 121 and 122 has fallen below a predetermined number (e.g., a first number). The notification unit 105 may, for example, include a display panel and notify by image, include a sound output device and notify by sound, include a light output device and notify by light, or notify by a combination thereof.

[0108] Furthermore, the notification unit 105 may notify worker H or manager that the number of parts containers 220 stored in at least one of the second storage units 161 and 162 has reached a predetermined number (for example, a second number).

[0109] The memory unit 106 is a storage device that stores various information related to the supply of component containers 210. The memory unit 106 stores the first component information of each of the multiple component containers 210 read by the reading unit 103, the position of each of the multiple component containers 210 in the first storage units 121 and 122, and information about the components to be supplied to the supply device 40 obtained from the management device 50 (i.e., information about the components that need to be supplied to the component mounting device 20 next). The information about the components to be supplied includes the type and number of components that need to be supplied.

[0110] Here, the internal configuration of the supply shelf 100 will be further explained with reference to Figures 4 to 6. Figure 4 is a perspective view showing the external appearance of the supply shelf 100 according to this embodiment. Figure 5 is a plan view showing the internal configuration of the supply shelf 100 according to this embodiment. Figure 6 is a perspective view showing the internal configuration of the supply shelf 100 according to this embodiment. In Figures 5 and 6, only the framework of the housing 110 is shown. Figure 5 is a plan view of the supply shelf 100 shown in Figure 4, viewed from above, and Figure 6 is a view of the supply shelf 100 shown in Figure 4, viewed from oblique directions on the X-axis positive side and the Y-axis positive side. Also in Figure 5, the first storage section 121 and 122, the supply section 130, the first moving section 104a (moving section 104), and the connecting section 170 are shown among the various components housed in the housing 110. Figure 5 shows the trolley 70 and the supply device 40 connected to the supply shelf 100, and Figure 6 shows the supply device 40 connected to the supply shelf 100.

[0111] As shown in Figure 4, the supply shelf 100 comprises, externally, a housing 110, lids 111 and 112, and an opening 113. Furthermore, as shown in Figures 5 and 6, the supply shelf 100 comprises first storage sections 121 and 122, a supply section 130, a retrieval section 140, a mounting section 150, and second storage sections 161 and 162. Additionally, the mobile section 104 has a first mobile section 104a and a second mobile section 104b.

[0112] The housing 110 is a hollow box that houses the first storage sections 121 and 122, the supply section 130, the retrieval section 140, the mounting section 150, the second storage sections 161 and 162, and the first and second mobile sections 104a and 104b. The housing 110 can also house multiple component containers 210 and multiple component containers 220 inside. The housing 110 is made of, for example, metal. The housing 110 may also have casters or the like to make it movable.

[0113] The housing 110 has a lid 111 that closes an opening for supplying parts containers 210 to the first storage section 121, and a lid 112 that closes an opening for supplying parts containers 210 to the first storage section 122. When supplying parts containers 210 to the first storage section 121, the lid 111 is opened, and the parts containers 210 are supplied to the first storage section 121 through the exposed opening. The supply of parts containers 210 to the first storage sections 121 and 122 is performed, for example, by worker H. For example, parts containers 210 may be supplied from the warehouse 60 to the supply shelf 100 using a trolley 70 (see Figure 5).

[0114] An opening 113 is formed in the housing 110. The opening 113 is for exposing the parts containers 220 (i.e., empty parts containers) stored in the second storage sections 161 and 162. With the opening 113 provided, worker H can tell whether or not there are parts containers 220 just by looking at the opening 113. In addition, worker H can easily remove (recover) the parts containers 220 from the supply shelf 100 through the opening 113.

[0115] The first storage sections 121 and 122 are frame-shaped members capable of storing multiple component containers 210. The first storage sections 121 and 122 have a comb-shaped holding section (bottom surface) that holds multiple component containers 210 in the X-axis direction within the holding section. The component containers 210 are supplied to the first storage sections 121 and 122 from an opening on the negative Y-axis side.

[0116] The first storage section 121 has an opening 121a extending along the X-axis direction at its top, and the first storage section 122 has an opening 122a extending along the X-axis direction at its top. The openings 121a and 122a are formed, for example, at the location of a tag 211 of the parts storage container 210. The first reading unit 103a reads first part information from the tag 211 by moving over the openings 121a and 122a.

[0117] The first storage sections 121 and 122 are located on the negative Y-axis side of the supply shelf 100 when viewed from above. This is an example of the first storage sections 121 and 122 being located on the other end side of the supply shelf 100.

[0118] The first storage sections 121 and 122 are made of metal or resin, but are not limited to these materials.

[0119] Furthermore, the number of first storage units provided in the supply rack 100 is not limited to two (first storage units 121 and 122), but may be one or three or more.

[0120] The supply unit 130 is capable of holding multiple component containers 210 and supplies the held component containers 210 to the outside of the supply shelf 100. The supply unit 130 holds one or more component containers 210 from among the multiple component containers 210 that will next be supplied to the component mounting device 20. The supply unit 130 has multiple lanes (grooves), and component containers 210 can be held in these lanes. A lane is an example of a second holding unit.

[0121] Furthermore, the multiple lanes (slots) of the supply unit 130 have shapes corresponding to the multiple lanes (slots) of the component holding unit 43. The correspondence between the multiple lanes of the supply unit 130 and the multiple lanes of the component holding unit 43 means, for example, that the spacing and number of each lane are equal.

[0122] The first moving unit 104a retrieves one or more component containers 210 from the multiple component containers 210 stored in the first storage units 121 and 122, based on the first and second component information, and transfers them to the supply unit 130. The first moving unit 104a has two or more plate-shaped members (e.g., sheet metal) extending in the Y-axis direction for extracting (e.g., lifting) the component containers 210 (one or more component containers 210) that need to be supplied from the first storage units 121 and 122. The two or more plate-shaped members are spaced according to the width of the component containers 210 that need to be supplied, and the plate-shaped members are inserted upward into the gaps in the comb-shaped holding part (bottom surface) to lift the component containers 210 that need to be supplied and move them in the positive Y-axis direction. Figure 6 shows the state in which the first moving unit 104a has lifted the desired component container 210 and moved it in the positive Y-axis direction. Furthermore, the first moving unit 104a takes out the parts container 210 from the first storage unit 121 and 122 that has its lid (lid 111 or 112) closed, and transfers it to the supply unit 130.

[0123] Furthermore, the first movable unit 104a is mounted on an axis extending in the X-axis direction so as to be slidable along that axis, and can move toward the positive X-axis while holding the component container 210 that needs to be supplied. The first movable unit 104a moves the component container 210 to the lane of the supply unit 130. By repeating this series of operations, the supply unit 130 holds, for example, one or more component containers 210 that will next be supplied to the component mounting device 20. In addition, the first movable unit 104a is mounted on an axis extending in the Y-axis direction so as to be slidable along that axis, and can move the supply unit 130 holding one or more component containers 210 toward the positive Y-axis.

[0124] The retrieval unit 140 retrieves one or more parts containers 220 held in the parts holding section 43 of the supply device 40 when the supply device 40 is connected to the supply shelf 100 (specifically, the connection section 170). The retrieval unit 140 retrieves, for example, one or more parts containers 220 at once. The retrieval unit 140 has a plurality of lanes 141, and parts containers 220 can be held in these lanes 141. The lanes 141 are formed, for example, by lanes (grooves) extending in the Y-axis direction. "Retrieving at once" means, for example, retrieving one or more parts containers 220 held in the parts holding section 43 of the supply device 40 simultaneously in a single operation (for example, the extension and retraction operation of the claw section 142 shown in Figure 11B, which will be described later).

[0125] Furthermore, when we say that the supply device 40 is connected to the supply shelf 100, it means that the parts container 220 that holds the parts holding section 43 of the supply device 40 is in a state where it can be moved to the retrieval section 140, or that the parts container 210 held by the supply section 130 is in a state where it can be supplied to the parts holding section 43.

[0126] The second movable unit 104b is mounted on an axis extending in the Y-axis direction so as to be slidable along that axis, and the recovery unit 140 is movable in the X-axis direction. The second movable unit 104b is also mounted on an axis extending in the Z-axis direction so as to be slidable along that axis, and the recovery unit 140 is movable in the Z-axis direction. The second movable unit 104b performs the operation of temporarily storing the parts container 220 recovered in the recovery unit 140 on the mounting unit 150 and then storing it in the second storage units 161 and 162.

[0127] The mounting section 150 is a frame-shaped member capable of storing multiple component containers 220, and temporarily mounts (holds) one or more component containers 220 recovered by the recovery section 140. For example, one or more component containers 220 are mounted on the mounting section 150 in the state they were recovered from the supply device 40. For each of the one or more component containers 220 mounted on the mounting section 150, the second reading section 103b retrieves first component information, including at least the width of the component container 220.

[0128] The mounting section 150 has a holding section (bottom surface) with lanes (grooves) formed therein, and holds one or more parts containers 220 that have been handed over, aligned in the X-axis direction on the holding section.

[0129] In this embodiment, the mounting section 150 is located above (on the positive Z-axis side of) the first storage sections 121 and 122. For example, when viewed from above, the mounting section 150 is located in a position that does not overlap with the first storage sections 121 and 122. Furthermore, the mounting section 150 is hidden by, for example, the housing 110 and is not visible from the outside.

[0130] The second storage sections 161 and 162 are frame-shaped members capable of storing multiple parts containers 220. The second storage sections 161 and 162 have a holding section (bottom surface) with multiple lanes (grooves) formed therein, and one or more parts containers 220 temporarily stored in the mounting section 150 are transferred to them, and the transferred one or more parts containers 220 are held in the holding section in the direction of the X axis. The transfer of parts containers 220 to the second storage sections 161 and 162 is performed from an opening on the positive Y axis side.

[0131] In this embodiment, the second storage sections 161 and 162 are located above (on the positive Z-axis side) the first storage sections 121 and 122. For example, when viewed from above, the second storage sections 161 and 162 and the first storage sections 121 and 122 overlap in at least part. Also, when viewed from above, the second storage sections 161 and 162 are located on the negative Y-axis side of the supply shelf 100. This is an example of the second storage sections 161 and 162 being located on the other end side of the supply shelf 100. In this embodiment, the first storage sections 121 and 122, and the second storage sections 161 and 162, are each located on the other end side of the supply shelf 100.

[0132] Furthermore, the number of second storage units in the supply rack 100 is not limited to two (second storage units 161 and 162), but may be one or three or more. The number of second storage units 161 and 162 in the supply rack 100 may be the same as or different from the number of first storage units 121 and 122.

[0133] The connection portion 170 is the part to which the supply device 40 is connected, and has a positioning function that determines the position of the supply device 40 when it is connected to the supply shelf 100. The supply device 40 is connected to the supply shelf 100 when the component holding portion 43 of the supply device 40 comes into contact with the connection portion 170.

[0134] The connection section 170 is located on the Y-axis positive side of the supply shelf 100, relative to the first storage sections 121 and 122, when viewed from above. This is an example of the connection section 170 being located on one end of the supply shelf 100. In this embodiment, the connection section 170 and the first storage sections 121 and 122 are located on opposite sides of the supply shelf 100 when viewed from above. In this embodiment, the one end is the side where the mounted substrate manufacturing line L is located (Y-axis positive side), but it is not limited to this.

[0135] [2. Operation of the Production System] Next, the operation of the production system 1 configured as described above will be explained with reference to Figures 7 to 12. Figure 7 is a sequence diagram showing the operation of the production system 1 according to this embodiment.

[0136] As shown in Figure 7, the supply shelf 100 detects the supply (replenishment) of parts containers 210 (S10). The control unit 102 of the supply shelf 100 detects the supply of parts containers 210 to the first storage sections 121 and 122 based on, for example, the opening and closing of the lid 111 or 112, the detection results of the sensor, etc.

[0137] Next, the first reading unit 103a reads the first part information from the tag 211 of the part container 210, triggered by the detection of the supply of the part container 210, or at predetermined time intervals (S20). The first reading unit 103a reads the first part information from the tag 211 of each of the multiple part containers 210 stored in the first storage units 121 and 122. Then, the first reading unit 103a stores the read first part information in the storage unit 106 in association with the location of the part container 210 (S30). Note that the reading of the tag 211 by the first reading unit 103a is performed, for example, by the control unit 102.

[0138] Next, the control unit 102 transmits the first part information read in step S20 to the management device 50, and the management device 50 receives the first part information from the supply shelf 100 (S40). The management device 50 may store the received first part information in the storage unit 55.

[0139] Next, the control unit 52 of the management device 50 identifies the parts (types of parts) that need to be replenished in the component mounting device 20 based on the inventory of parts in the component containers installed in the component mounting device 20, production status, production plan data, etc. (S50). The control unit 52 identifies parts that need to be replenished if the inventory of parts in the component containers is below a predetermined number (third number), or is expected to be below a predetermined number. The control unit 52 identifies the parts that need to be replenished for each of the multiple component mounting devices 20.

[0140] Next, if there are parts that need to be replenished, the control unit 52 transmits information to the supply shelf 100 instructing it to prepare the parts, and the supply shelf 100 receives information from the management device 50 instructing it to prepare the parts (S60). This information may include, for example, second part information indicating the type of part that needs to be supplied to the part mounting device 20, or information indicating which part containers 210 stored in the first storage units 121 and 122 should be supplied (transferred to the supply unit 130). This information may also include information indicating which lane in the supply unit 130 the part containers 210 stored in the first storage units 121 and 122 should be moved to.

[0141] Next, based on information instructing the preparation of parts, the control unit 102 retrieves the necessary parts containers 210 from the first storage units 121 and 122 and moves them to the supply unit 130 (S70).

[0142] Next, the control unit 52 transmits information to the AVG 80 instructing it to transport the supply device 40 to the supply shelf 100, and the AVG 80 receives this instruction information (S80). Then, the AVG 80 connects the supply device 40 to the supply shelf 100 (S90).

[0143] Next, the supply shelf 100 retrieves the parts containers 220 (empty parts containers) and supplies the parts containers 210 (S100). If parts containers 220 are held in the parts holding section 43 of the supply device 40, the supply shelf 100 retrieves all of the parts containers 220. For example, the supply shelf 100 retrieves all of the parts containers 220 at once. The retrieved parts containers 220 are temporarily placed on the mounting section 150. Then, the supply shelf 100 supplies the parts containers 210 held in the supply section 130 to the supply device 40.

[0144] Next, once the supply of component containers 210 from the supply rack 100 is complete, the control unit 52 transmits information to the AVG 80 instructing it to transport the supplied component containers 210 to the component mounting device 20, and the AVG 80 receives this instruction (S110). Then, the AVG 80 transports the supply device 40 to the component mounting device 20 (S120).

[0145] Next, the supply shelf 100 rearranges the parts containers 220 (empty parts containers recovered in step S100) that are temporarily stored in the mounting section 150 (S130). Specifically, the control unit 102 of the supply shelf 100 takes out the parts containers 220 that are temporarily stored in the mounting section 150 and moves them to one of the lanes of the second storage sections 161 and 162.

[0146] The instructions from the control device 50 in steps S80 and S110 shown in Figure 7 may be given in parallel, for example.

[0147] Next, we will explain step S70 shown in Figure 7, referring to Figures 8 to 9D. Figure 8 is a flowchart detailing step S70 shown in Figure 7.

[0148] As shown in Figure 8, the control unit 102 controls the first moving unit 104a to move the component containers 210 that are to be supplied from the first storage units 121 and 122 to the supply unit 130 (S210). It can also be said that the control unit 102 moves the component containers 210 that need to be supplied to the component mounting device 20 from the first storage units 121 and 122 to the supply unit 130. The control unit 102 may also control the first moving unit 104a to move one or more component containers 210 to the supply unit 130 so that one or more component containers 210 are arranged in the order in which they are supplied to multiple component mounting devices 20.

[0149] This eliminates the need for the supply device 40 to rearrange one or more component containers 210, thus shortening the time from when the component containers 210 are handed over from the supply unit 130 to the supply device 40 until they are supplied to the component mounting device 20. Alternatively, the supply device 40 can be said to transport the component containers 210 to the component mounting device 20 in the order they were received from the supply unit 130, without rearranging them.

[0150] Here, the operation of transferring the parts container 210 from the first storage units 121 and 122 to the supply unit 130 (transfer operation) will be explained with reference to Figures 9A to 9D.

[0151] Figure 9A is the first diagram illustrating the transfer operation of the supply shelf 100 according to this embodiment. Figure 9A schematically shows the inside of the supply shelf 100 when the parts container 210 that needs to be supplied is not held (not prepared) in the supply unit 130. Figure 9A shows the inside of the supply shelf 100 before receiving information instructing the preparation of parts.

[0152] Figure 9B is a second diagram illustrating the transfer operation of the supply shelf 100 according to this embodiment. Figure 9B shows the inside of the supply shelf 100 after it has received information instructing the preparation of parts.

[0153] As shown in Figure 9B, the first moving part 104a slides to the lanes of the first storage sections 121 and 122 where the parts containers 210 to be supplied are stored, and the plate-shaped member 104a1 scoops up the parts containers 210 held by the comb-shaped holding parts (bottom surfaces) of the first storage sections 121 and 122 from below, thereby removing the parts containers 210 to be supplied from the first storage sections 121 and 122. In the example in Figure 9B, the plate-shaped member 104a1 is shown just before it lifts the parts container 210 of the first storage section 121. Note that the plate-shaped member 104a1 can move in the Z-axis direction and the Y-axis direction in Figure 9B. In other words, the plate-shaped member 104a1 can move the parts containers 210 in the Z-axis direction and the Y-axis direction.

[0154] Figure 9C is the third figure illustrating the transfer operation of the supply shelf 100 according to this embodiment. Figure 9C shows the first moving unit 104a taking out the parts container 210 from the first storage unit 121. Once the first moving unit 104a takes out the parts container 210 from the first storage unit 121, it slides in the negative X-axis direction to the position of the supply unit 130.

[0155] Figure 9D is the fourth figure illustrating the transfer operation of the supply shelf 100 according to this embodiment. Figure 9D shows the inside of the supply shelf 100 after all the parts containers 210 that need to be supplied have been transferred to the supply unit 130. The transfer of the parts containers 210 to the supply unit 130 is also performed by the plate-shaped member 104a1.

[0156] Referring again to Figure 8, the control unit 102 determines whether or not all of the component containers 210 that need to be supplied have been moved to the supply unit 130 (S220). The control unit 102 makes the determination in step S220 based on the type of component included in the information instructing the preparation of components from the management device 50, or whether or not all of the component containers 210 have been moved to the supply unit 130.

[0157] If the control unit 102 determines that all component containers 210 that need to be supplied have been moved to the supply unit 130 (Yes in S220), it terminates the process. If it determines that not all component containers 210 that need to be supplied have been moved to the supply unit 130 (No in S220), it returns to step S210 and transfers the remaining component containers 210 to the supply unit 130.

[0158] The control unit 102 may also control the first moving unit 104a to transfer all of the component containers 210 that need to be supplied from the first storage units 121 and 122 to the supply unit 130 before the supply device 40, which transports the component containers 210 that need to be supplied to the component mounting device 20, is connected to the supply shelf 100.

[0159] Next, step S100, shown in Figure 7, will be explained with reference to Figures 10 to 11G. Figure 10 is a flowchart detailing step S100 shown in Figure 7. Figure 10 shows the operation after the supply device 40 is connected to the supply shelf 100.

[0160] As shown in Figure 10, the control unit 102 retrieves the component container 220 (empty component container) from the supply device 40 (S310).

[0161] Figure 11A is the first diagram illustrating the retrieval and supply operations of the supply shelf 100 according to this embodiment. Figure 11A shows the state in which the supply device 40 is connected to the connection part 170, for example, in which the connection part 170 and the parts holding part 43 are in contact.

[0162] Figure 11A shows a state in which the component containers 210 that need to be supplied are transferred to one or more lanes of the supply unit 130 that correspond to one or more lanes of the component holding unit 43 that do not hold component containers 210 and 220, among the multiple lanes of the supply unit 130. This allows the retrieval operation of component containers 220 and the supply operation of component containers 210 to be performed efficiently (for example, simultaneously). Such transfer of component containers 210 is controlled by the control unit 102. The control unit 102 may have previously obtained information from the supply device 40 or management device 50 indicating which lanes of the supply device 40 are empty lanes.

[0163] Furthermore, one or more lanes of the supply unit 130 that correspond to one or more lanes of the component holding unit 43 are lanes of the supply unit 130 that are on the extension of the empty lanes of the component holding unit 43 when the component holding unit 43 and the supply unit 130 are close to or in contact with each other (for example, the state in Figure 11C), and are lanes of the supply unit 130 that are connected to the empty lanes of the component holding unit 43 when the component holding unit 43 and the supply unit 130 are in contact with each other.

[0164] Note that the mounting section 150 and other components are omitted from the illustration in Figures 11A and 11C to 11G. Since the mounting section 150 is omitted from the illustration, its reference numeral is indicated by a dashed leader line.

[0165] Figure 11B is a second figure illustrating the retrieval and supply operations of the supply shelf 100 according to this embodiment.

[0166] As shown in Figure 11B, the retrieval unit 140 retrieves the parts container 220 by moving the claw portion 142 relative to the parts container 220 to be retrieved, engaging the tip of the claw portion 142 with a recess or projection formed in the parts container 220, and then retracting the claw portion 142 (moving it toward the positive Y-axis side). The retrieval unit 140 has, for example, the same number of claw portions 142 as the number of lanes in the parts holding unit 43, and may retrieve one or more parts containers 220 at once, or may retrieve one or more parts containers 220 sequentially using one or a few claw portions 142.

[0167] Figure 11C is the third figure illustrating the retrieval and supply operations of the supply shelf 100 according to this embodiment. Figure 11C shows the inside of the supply shelf 100 after the retrieval unit 140 has retrieved all of the component containers 220 that are to be retrieved. At this point, the component containers 220 are not held in the component holding unit 43.

[0168] Referring again to Figure 10, the control unit 102 controls the second moving unit 104b to start moving the parts container 220 (empty parts container) retrieved in step S310 to the mounting unit 150 (S320).

[0169] Figure 11D is the fourth figure illustrating the retrieval and supply operations of the supply shelf 100 according to this embodiment. In Figure 11D, the retrieval unit 140, which has retrieved the parts container 220, is moved to the mounting unit 150 by the second moving unit 104b (see Figure 6) towards the Z-axis plus side. Note that the direction of movement of the retrieval unit 140 is not limited to the Z-axis plus side; the retrieval unit 140 may be moved to a location other than between the supply unit 130 and the parts holding unit 43. For example, the retrieval unit 140 may be moved towards the X-axis plus side.

[0170] Referring again to Figure 10, the control unit 102 controls the first moving unit 104a to move the parts container 210 of the supply unit 130 to the supply device 40 (S330).

[0171] Figure 11E is the fifth figure illustrating the retrieval and supply operations of the supply shelf 100 according to this embodiment. Figure 11E shows the state in which the supply unit 130 has been moved toward the parts holding unit 43 side (connection unit 170 side) by the first moving unit 104a. In the state shown in Figure 11E, the supply unit 130 and the parts holding unit 43 may be in contact with each other.

[0172] Figure 11F is the sixth figure illustrating the retrieval and supply operations of the supply shelf 100 according to this embodiment. Figure 11F shows the state in which the parts container 210 of the supply unit 130 has been moved to the parts holding unit 43 by the first moving unit 104a. When the supply device 40 is connected to the supply shelf 100 and two or more parts containers 210 are held in the supply unit 130, the two or more parts containers 210 may be supplied to the supply device 40 (specifically, the parts holding unit 43) all at once, or they may be supplied sequentially one or more in groups of two or more. Supplying all at once means, for example, moving (handing over) one or more parts containers 210 held in the supply unit 130 simultaneously with a single operation (for example, the in / out operation of the claw portion (not shown) provided on the first moving unit 104a).

[0173] Referring again to Figure 10, the control unit 102 controls the second moving unit 104b to transfer (move) the parts container 220 to the mounting unit 150, thereby ending the movement of the parts container 220 to the mounting unit 150 by the retrieval unit 140 (S340).

[0174] Figure 11G is the seventh figure illustrating the retrieval and supply operations of the supply shelf 100 according to this embodiment. Figure 11G shows the state in which the parts container 220 held by the retrieval unit 140 has moved to the mounting unit 150.

[0175] As described above, the control unit 102 may control the retrieval unit 140 and the supply unit 130 so that at least a portion of the retrieval operation, from when the retrieval unit 140 retrieves one or more component containers 220 from multiple lanes of the component holding unit 43 until the retrieved component containers 220 are moved to the mounting unit 150, and at least a portion of the supply operation, from when the supply unit 130 starts moving toward the component holding unit 43 (multiple lanes of the component holding unit 43) until one or more component containers 210 are moved (handed over) to the component holding unit 43, are performed in parallel. The control unit 102 may also perform the retrieval operation and the supply operation at different timings (for example, starting the supply operation after the retrieval operation is completed).

[0176] Next, step S130 shown in Figure 7 will be explained with reference to Figure 12. Figure 12 is a flowchart detailing step S130 shown in Figure 7. Figure 12 shows the process of rearranging the parts containers 220, which are temporarily stored in the mounting section 150, into the second storage sections 161 and 162.

[0177] As shown in Figure 12, the control unit 102 controls the second reading unit 103b to read the tags 221 of the component containers 220 of the mounting unit 150 (S410). In step S410, it is sufficient to obtain at least the width of each component container 220 of the mounting unit 150.

[0178] This allows the control unit 102 to determine the location and width of the component storage container 220 being temporarily stored on the mounting section 150.

[0179] Next, the control unit 102 determines the destination lane (the lane to which the parts will be rearranged) to move to the second storage units 161 and 162 based on the available lanes in the second storage units 161 and 162 and the width of the parts container 220 read by the second reading unit 103b in step S410 (S420). The control unit 102 determines the destination lane so that no empty lanes are created, or so that the number of empty lanes is minimized. The control unit 102 determines the destination lane so that the parts container 220 is stored without gaps in the second storage units 161 and 162 so that no empty lanes are created.

[0180] Furthermore, the control unit 102 may determine the destination so that the maximum number of component containers 220 can be stored in one of the second storage units 161 and 162, and move the component containers 220 to that second storage unit in priority to the other second storage unit.

[0181] Next, the control unit 102 controls the retrieval unit 140 to rearrange the one or more component containers 220 placed on the mounting unit 150 into the determined lanes of the second storage units 161 and 162 (S430).

[0182] Next, the control unit 102 determines whether the number of items stored in the second storage units 161 and 162 has reached the maximum number (S440). If the number of items stored in either the second storage unit 161 or 162's parts container 220 has reached the maximum number (i.e., if there are no more empty lanes in either the second storage unit 161 or 162), the control unit 102 determines Yes in step S440.

[0183] Next, if the control unit 102 determines that the number of items stored in at least one of the second storage units 161 and 162 has reached its maximum (Yes in S440), it causes the notification unit 105 to issue a notification (S450). If it determines that the number of items stored in each of the second storage units 161 and 162 has not reached its maximum (No in S440), it terminates the process.

[0184] (Other embodiments) The above describes supply shelves and the like in one or more embodiments based on the embodiments, but this disclosure is not limited to these embodiments. Without departing from the spirit of this disclosure, various modifications to these embodiments that a person skilled in the art could conceive, or forms constructed by combining components from different embodiments, may also be included in this disclosure.

[0185] For example, in the above embodiment, an example was described in which multiple component containers are stored in one first storage unit. However, these multiple component containers may be component containers that store the same type of component, or they may be component containers that store different types of component. Furthermore, the widths of these multiple component containers may be the same or they may be different.

[0186] Furthermore, although the above embodiment described an example in which the supply device retrieves empty component containers from the component mounting device and hands them over to the supply shelf, the supply device only needs to hold at least new component containers and supply them to the component mounting device.

[0187] Furthermore, although the above embodiment describes an example where the first storage unit and the connecting unit are arranged on opposite sides (one end and the other end) of the supply shelf, the positional relationship between the first storage unit and the connecting unit is not limited to this. The first storage unit and the connecting unit may, for example, be arranged together on one end or the other end, or they may be arranged adjacent to each other. Arranging them adjacent to each other means, for example, that if the first storage unit is provided on the Y-axis minus side of the supply shelf, the connecting unit may be provided on the X-axis plus side or the X-axis minus side.

[0188] Furthermore, although the above embodiment describes an example in which a supply device transports component containers held in the supply section of a supply rack, the invention is not limited to this. Component containers held in the supply section may also be carried by an operator and supplied to a component mounting device. Even in such a case, since the component containers that need to be supplied have been transferred to the supply section, the operator is saved the trouble of searching for component containers, and component containers can be supplied to the manufacturing equipment efficiently.

[0189] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, an example was described in which the supply shelf performs the operation of retrieving empty component containers and supplying new component containers. However, it is sufficient for the supply shelf to perform at least the operation of supplying new component containers. In other words, the supply shelf does not need to perform the operation of retrieving empty component containers. In this case, the supply unit is not limited to being movable in the Y-axis direction and may be fixed to the connection unit.

[0190] Furthermore, while the above embodiment describes an example in which a parts container containing the next parts to be supplied is moved to the supply section of the supply shelf, it is not limited to this. The supply section may be moved to a parts container containing parts that will be supplied within a predetermined period from now (for example, parts that may be supplied today), or it may be moved to a parts container containing parts that may be supplied not only "next" but also "the time after next".

[0191] Furthermore, the order in which each step in the flowchart is performed is illustrative for the purpose of specifically illustrating this disclosure, and may be in a different order. Also, some of the above steps may be performed simultaneously (in parallel) with other steps, and some of the above steps may not be performed.

[0192] Furthermore, the division of functional blocks in the block diagram is just one example; multiple functional blocks can be implemented as a single functional block, a single functional block can be divided into multiple parts, or some functions can be moved to other functional blocks. In addition, the functions of multiple functional blocks with similar functions can be processed in parallel or time-sharing by a single piece of hardware or software.

[0193] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the processing unit may be comprised of dedicated hardware or implemented by executing a software program suitable for each component. Each component may be implemented by a program execution unit such as a CPU or processor reading and executing a software program recorded on a recording medium such as a hard disk or semiconductor memory.

[0194] Furthermore, one aspect of this disclosure may be a computer program that causes a computer to perform each characteristic step included in the supply method shown in any of Figures 7, 8, 10, and 12.

[0195] Furthermore, for example, the program may be a program to be executed by a computer. Also, in one aspect of this disclosure, such a program may be recorded on a computer-readable non-temporary recording medium. For example, such a program may be recorded on a recording medium and distributed or made available. For example, by installing the distributed program on a device having another processor and having that processor execute the program, it becomes possible to have that device perform the above-mentioned processes. [Industrial applicability]

[0196] This disclosure is useful for temporary storage shelves, etc., for supplying component holders to manufacturing equipment. [Explanation of symbols]

[0197] 1. Production System 11 Substrate supply device 12 Screen printing equipment 13. Printed solder inspection device 14. Parts Installation Condition Inspection Device 15 Reflowable equipment 16. Assembly board inspection equipment 17. Implemented circuit board recovery device 18 Display device 20 Component mounting equipment 21 Main base 21A Wall section 22. Substrate transport mechanism 22A Conveyor section 22B Board holder 22C PCB clamper 23. Parts Supply Department 23A Feeder Base 23B slot 23C Tape Feeder 24 Feeder Cart 24A Bogie section 24B Reel Stock Section 25 Y-axis table mechanism 26 X-axis table mechanism 27 Mounted Heads 28. Part Recognition Camera 29 Circuit board recognition camera 40 Feeding device 41, 51, 101 Communications Department 42, 52, 102 Control Unit 43 Parts holding section 44, 130 Supply section 45, 55, 106 Storage section 50 Management device 53 Input section 54 Display section 60 Warehouse 70 bogies 80 AVG 100 supply shelves 103 Reading Unit 103a First reading unit 103b Second reading section 104 Mobile Unit 104a 1st moving part 104a1 component 104b 2nd moving part 105 Hochi Department 110 cabinets 111, 112 Lid 113, 121a, 122a opening 121, 122 1st Storage Department 140 Recovery Section 141 lanes 142 Nail area 150 Mounting section 161, 162 2nd Storage Department 170 Connection part 210 Component housing (First component housing) 220 Component housing (Second component housing) 211, 221 tags A Production Area F Production site H worker L Assembly PCB Manufacturing Line R transport route

Claims

1. A supply rack for supplying a first component container, which has a tape feeder for feeding a carrier tape and contains multiple components used in a manufacturing apparatus that performs predetermined operations on a substrate, to the said manufacturing apparatus, A first storage unit capable of storing multiple first component housings, Next, a supply unit having a lane for holding the first component container supplied to the manufacturing apparatus, The system includes a moving unit that takes out one or more first part containers from a plurality of first part containers stored in the first storage unit that are needed to be supplied to the manufacturing apparatus next, and transfers them to the supply unit. Supply shelves.

2. The first storage unit has a holding unit that holds a plurality of the first component housings side by side. The supply rack according to claim 1.

3. The first storage unit allows the worker to supply the first parts container. The supply rack according to claim 1.

4. The moving unit slides while holding the first component housing to transfer the first component housing to the supply unit. The supply rack according to claim 1.

5. The supply rack further includes a control unit that controls the moving unit to transfer one or more of the first component containers from the first storage unit to the supply unit before the supply unit, which is connected to the supply rack, for transferring one or more of the first component containers to the manufacturing apparatus. The supply rack according to claim 1.

6. When the supply unit is connected to the supply shelf and two or more of the first component containers are held therein, the supply unit supplies the two or more first component containers to the supply unit all at once. The supply shelf according to claim 5.

7. The supply device has a plurality of first holding parts capable of holding the first parts container or the second parts container that does not contain any parts, The supply unit comprises a plurality of second holding units corresponding to the plurality of first holding units, and having a plurality of second holding units capable of holding one or more of the first component housings. The control unit, The moving unit is controlled to transfer one or more of the first component containers to one or more second component containers that correspond to one or more first component containers that do not hold the first component container or the second component container, among the plurality of second component containers. The supply shelf according to claim 5.

8. The supply rack further includes a retrieval unit that retrieves one or more of the second component containers held in the plurality of first holding units in a single unit when the supply device is connected to the supply rack. The supply rack according to claim 7.

9. The supply shelf further comprises a mounting section for temporarily placing one or more of the second component containers recovered by the recovery section, The control unit controls the retrieval unit and the supply unit so that at least a portion of the retrieval operation, from when the retrieval unit retrieves one or more of the second component containers from the plurality of first holding units and moves them to the storage unit, and at least a portion of the supply operation, from when the supply unit starts moving toward the plurality of first holding units and supplies one or more of the first component containers to the plurality of first holding units, are performed in parallel. The supply rack according to claim 8.

10. The supply shelf further comprises a second storage section capable of storing a plurality of the second component containers, The control unit controls the retrieval unit to rearrange one or more of the second component containers placed on the aforementioned storage unit into the second storage unit. The supply shelf according to claim 9.

11. The second storage unit is located above the first storage unit. The supply rack according to claim 10.

12. The supply rack comprises a plurality of the second storage sections. The supply rack according to claim 10.

13. The control unit controls the retrieval unit to move the second component containers to the first second storage unit in priority to the other second storage units, so that the maximum number of second component containers can be stored in one of the multiple second storage units. The supply rack according to claim 12.

14. The supply shelf further comprises a connection part to which the supply device is connected, The aforementioned connection portion is located on one end of the supply shelf, The first storage section is located on the other end side opposite to the one end side, The supply shelf according to claim 5.

15. Each of the multiple first component housings has a tag on which first component information indicating the type of component to be housed is stored. The system further includes a reading unit for obtaining first part information from the tags of each of the multiple first part containers stored in the first storage unit. The supply rack according to claim 1.

16. The system further includes an acquisition unit that acquires second part information indicating the types of parts that need to be supplied to the manufacturing apparatus from a management device that manages the manufacturing apparatus. The moving unit retrieves one or more of the first component containers from the first storage unit and transfers them to the supply unit based on the first component information and the second component information. The supply rack according to claim 15.

17. There are multiple manufacturing devices to which the supply shelf supplies the first component holder, The second part information includes information indicating the types of parts that need to be supplied to each of the multiple manufacturing devices. The moving unit moves one or more first part containers to the supply unit so that one or more first part containers are arranged in the order in which they are supplied to a plurality of manufacturing devices. The supply rack according to claim 16.

18. The supply shelf further includes a notification unit that notifies the first storage unit of the number of first component containers stored in the first storage unit when the number of first component containers stored in the first storage unit falls below a predetermined number. The supply rack according to claim 1.

19. The supply rack comprises a plurality of the first storage units, The supply rack according to claim 1.

20. A supply rack according to any one of claims 1 to 16, A manufacturing apparatus that performs predetermined operations on a substrate, comprising: a manufacturing apparatus that receives one or more of the first component containers from the supply shelf, Production system.

21. The supply device further comprises a supply unit that supplies one or more of the first component containers from the supply unit and transfers the supplied one or more first component containers to the manufacturing apparatus. The production system according to claim 20.

22. The system further includes a parts warehouse for storing a large number of the first parts containers that are supplied to the manufacturing apparatus, The supply rack temporarily stores a plurality of the first component containers that are supplied from the component warehouse to the manufacturing apparatus. The production system according to claim 20.

23. A supply method in a supply rack for supplying a first component container, which has a tape feeder for feeding a carrier tape and which houses multiple components used in a manufacturing apparatus that performs predetermined work on a substrate, to the manufacturing apparatus, The aforementioned supply shelf is A first storage unit capable of storing multiple first component housings, Next, a supply unit having a lane for holding the first component container supplied to the manufacturing apparatus, The system includes a moving unit that removes the first parts container from the first storage unit and transfers it to the supply unit, The aforementioned supply method is The moving unit takes out one or more first part containers that are needed to be supplied to the manufacturing apparatus next from the plurality of first part containers stored in the first storage unit and transfers them to the supply unit. Supply method.

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