Automated storage devices, automated storage systems and magazines

Abstract

To effectively prevent components from scattering on a pallet housed in a magazine.SOLUTION: An automatic storage device includes: a magazine holding portion that holds a magazine carried into a main body through an opening provided in the main body, at a magazine stop position; a transfer unit that transfers a pallet and a lid between the magazine at the magazine stop position and a storage unit; and a storage control unit that controls the transfer unit. The storage control unit controls the transfer unit to transfer the pallet from the storage unit to the magazine at the magazine stop position, and to cover components by moving the lid to above the pallet within the magazine.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an automatic storage device that stores pallets on which parts are placed in a magazine and then retrieves them, an automatic storage system that uses the device, and a magazine suitable for use in the automatic storage device and the automatic storage system. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, there is known a component mounting device in which components supplied on a pallet via a tray are picked up by a mounting head and mounted on a board (see, for example, Patent Document 1). This component mounting device uses a magazine to supply components. This magazine has multiple pallet slots arranged vertically, and is configured so that pallets can be inserted and removed from each pallet slot. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2021-48293 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In recent years, automated storage devices known as parts towers have been used to efficiently perform component supply work. Specifically, the automated storage device stores pallets containing components in a storage section. When a specific component needs to be supplied, the pallet containing the component is transferred by the automated storage device to a pallet slot in a magazine and stored in the magazine. The magazine is then removed from the automated storage device and transported to a component mounting device.

[0005] If the magazine is subjected to vibrations or shocks when it is removed from the automatic storage device or transported to the component mounting device, components may fly off the pallet, which can have a negative impact on component mounting by the component mounting device.

[0006] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide an automatic storage device that can effectively prevent parts from scattering on pallets stored in a magazine, an automatic storage system using the automatic storage device, and a magazine suitable for use in the automatic storage device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A first aspect of the present invention is an automatic storage device that stores pallets loaded with parts in a magazine and retrieves them, and includes a main body section with an opening through which the magazine can be loaded and unloaded, a lid that can cover the parts from above inside the main body section to prevent them from scattering, a storage section that stores the pallets, a magazine holding section that holds the magazine loaded into the main body section through the opening at the magazine stop position, a transfer section that transfers the pallet and lid between the magazine at the magazine stop position and the storage section, and a storage control section that controls the transfer section, and is characterized in that the storage control section transfers the pallet from the storage section to the magazine at the magazine stop position and controls the transfer section so that the lid is moved above the pallet within the magazine to cover the parts.

[0008] In addition, a second aspect of the present invention is an automatic storage system comprising an automatic storage device, an information management unit that manages storage information that associates, for each pallet stored in the storage unit, the type of parts placed on the pallet with the storage position of the pallet in the storage unit, and an outbound information creation unit that creates outbound information based on the storage information for transferring a pallet containing parts that are the subject of an outbound request from its storage position to a magazine, and the storage control unit controls the transfer unit to transfer the pallet from its storage position in the storage unit to the magazine in accordance with the outbound information.

[0009] In the invention configured as described above, not only are pallets stored in the magazine, but a lid is transferred onto the pallet to cover the parts on the pallet and then stored in the magazine. The lid prevents parts from flying off when the magazine is shaken or subjected to impact. Furthermore, the transfer of the lid is performed by the transfer unit without the need for a worker. Therefore, the retrieval process is carried out efficiently.

[0010] In the above-described automatic storage device, the magazine holding unit may have a magazine transport mechanism that transports the magazine between the opening and the magazine stop position, and the storage control unit may control the magazine transport mechanism so that before the pallet and lid are transferred to the magazine, the magazine is transported from the opening to the magazine stop position, and after the pallet and lid are transferred to the magazine, the magazine containing the pallet and lid is transported from the magazine stop position to the opening. This positions the magazine in a position suitable for transferring the pallet and lid, ensuring stable transfer. Moreover, the magazine is quickly removed from the automatic storage device after transfer is complete.

[0011] The storage control unit may be configured to control the transfer unit so that the pallets and lids are transferred to the magazine within a range that does not exceed a predetermined maximum capacity, and to control the magazine transport mechanism so that, once the transfer of the pallets and lids is completed within a range that does not exceed the maximum capacity, the magazine containing the pallets and lids is transported from the magazine stop position to the opening. This allows the retrieval process to be performed with an appropriate number of pallets for the magazine.

[0012] The magazine holding unit may have a magazine fixing mechanism that fixes the magazine that has been transported to the magazine stop position, and the storage control unit may control the magazine fixing mechanism so that the magazine is fixed at the magazine stop position before the pallet and lid are transferred to the magazine, and the magazine is released from being fixed at the magazine stop position after the pallet and lid are transferred to the magazine. When the pallet and lid are transferred, the magazine fixing mechanism fixes the magazine at the magazine stop position, thereby ensuring stable transfer operations.

[0013] The storage section may be configured to have a lid storage shelf for storing lids and a pallet storage shelf for storing pallets. Since the pallets on which the parts are placed and the lids are managed on different shelves, it becomes possible to appropriately and quickly retrieve each item.

[0014] Furthermore, in addition to the retrieval process, the automated storage device may store the pallet and lid from the magazine into the storage section. That is, the storage control unit may control the transfer unit so that the pallet and lid are transferred from the magazine at the magazine stop position to the storage section. In this storing process, even if the magazine is subjected to shaking or impact when the magazine containing the pallet and lid to be stored is transported to the automated storage device or when the magazine is carried into the automated storage device, it is possible to effectively prevent parts from flying off.

[0015] Furthermore, to smoothly perform retrieval processing by the above-mentioned automatic storage device, it is desirable that an automatic storage system using the automatic storage device be configured to have an information management unit and an retrieval information creation unit. This information management unit manages storage information that associates the type of parts placed on a pallet with the storage position of the pallet in the storage unit for each pallet stored in the storage unit. Furthermore, the retrieval information creation unit, in cooperation with the information management unit, creates retrieval information for transferring the pallet on which the parts that are the subject of a retrieval request are placed from their storage position to a magazine based on the storage information. Then, a storage control unit of the automatic storage device may control the transfer unit to transfer the pallet from its storage position in the storage unit to the magazine in accordance with the retrieval information.

[0016] Furthermore, as will be described in detail later, for components above a certain height, there is little risk of the components scattering even without protection by a lid, so for pallets on which relatively tall components are placed, protection by a lid may be omitted. Therefore, the following two aspects may be adopted.

[0017] In the first case, the storage information may include height information regarding the height of the parts in the vertical direction, and the shipping information creation unit may obtain, for each pallet being transferred to the magazine, whether it is a protected pallet that should be covered with a lid based on the height information of the parts on the pallet, and the protection information regarding the protected pallet may be included in the shipping information, and the storage control unit may control the transfer unit so that the lid is transferred above the protected pallet only for the protected pallet.

[0018] Secondly, the automatic storage device may be configured to have a magazine information acquisition unit that acquires magazine information regarding the magazine located at the magazine stop position, and the shipping information creation unit, based on the magazine information, includes protection information regarding protected pallets that should be covered with lids among the pallets being shipped out of the magazine in the shipping information, and the storage control unit controls the transfer unit so that lids are transferred above the protected pallets only for the protected pallets.

[0019] Furthermore, a third aspect of the present invention is a magazine comprising: a magazine body that can be transported into and out of a magazine stop position of an automatic storage device that stores pallets on which parts are placed and lids that can cover the parts from above to prevent the parts from flying off; a pallet support part that is fixed to the magazine body so as to be able to support the pallet; a lid support part that is attached to the magazine body above the pallet support part so as to be able to support the lid and to be movable in the vertical direction; and a lid moving mechanism that moves the lid support part between a position directly above the pallet support part and a spaced position above the pallet support part, wherein the lid moving mechanism is attached so as to be able to be displaced relative to the magazine body, and has an engaging member that engages with and displaces with the automatic storage device as the magazine body is transported to the magazine stop position, and is released from displacement when the engagement with the automatic storage device is released as the magazine body is transported from the magazine stop position; and a connecting part that connects the engaging member and the lid support part, and causes the lid support part to rise to the spaced position as the engaging member is displaced, and causes the lid support part to fall to the directly above position as the displacement of the engaging member is released.

[0020] In a magazine configured in this manner, as the magazine body is transported to the magazine stop position, the lid moving mechanism raises the lid support part to the separated position, widening the gap between the lid support part and the pallet support part, making it easier to insert and remove the lid from the lid support part.

[0021] When using a magazine configured in this manner, the magazine holding section of the automatic storage device has an engagement mechanism that can engage with the lid moving mechanism, and when the magazine is located at the magazine stop position, the engagement mechanism engages with the lid moving mechanism to move the lid support section to the separated position, thereby widening the gap between the pallet support section and the lid support section in the vertical direction, while as the magazine moves from the magazine stop position to the opening, Lid moving mechanism The automatic storage device may be configured so that the lid support unit moves to a position directly above the pallet support unit by disengaging from the pallet support unit, thereby narrowing the vertical distance between the pallet support unit and the lid support unit. In this case, the distance between the pallet support unit and the lid support unit can be changed without providing a special drive source on the automatic storage device side. [Effects of the Invention]

[0022] As described above, according to the present invention, not only are pallets stored in the magazine, but a lid is also stored above the pallet to cover the parts on the pallet, which effectively prevents parts from flying off even if the magazine is subjected to vibration or impact. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0023] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a production system using a first embodiment of an automatic storage device according to the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the main electrical configuration of the production system shown in FIG. [Figure 3] 1 is a plan view schematically showing the overall configuration of a first embodiment of an automatic storage device according to the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a magazine used in the automatic storage system according to the present invention. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is an XZ cross-sectional view of the magazine shown in FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 5 is a YZ cross-sectional view of the magazine shown in FIG. 4. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of shipping information that the production system provides to the automatic storage device. [Figure 8] 4 is a flowchart showing a retrieval process executed by the automatic storage device shown in FIG. 3. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a typical unloading operation. [Figure 10] 4 is a flowchart showing a storage process executed by the automatic storage device shown in FIG. 3. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a schematic diagram of a storage operation. [Figure 12] 10 is a flowchart showing a retrieval process executed in a second embodiment of the automatic storage device according to the present invention. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing another example of shipping information that the production system provides to the automatic storage device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0024] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a production system using a first embodiment of an automatic storage device according to the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the main electrical configuration of the production system shown in FIG. 1. This production system 100 manages component supply operations in a production line that produces component-mounted boards by mounting components on boards, and also functions as an automatic storage system that automatically stores components. In this embodiment, various processes are performed by each device (printing device PR, component mounting devices MC1-MC3, and inspection device IN) that make up production line L1 while transporting boards from the upstream side (left side) to the downstream side (right side) according to the board production process. More specifically, the printing device PR is a screen printing machine that applies cream solder to the mounting surface of the board. Furthermore, the component mounting devices MC1-MC3 mount components such as LSIs, ICs, transistors, capacitors, and resistors on the boards on which the cream solder has been printed. In this embodiment, three component mounting devices MC1-MC3 are arranged in this order along the board transport direction. Each component mounting device MC1 to MC3 pulls out a pallet stored in a magazine, picks up the components placed on the pallet, and mounts them on a board. Furthermore, inspection device IN receives the board from upstream component mounting device MC3 and inspects the appearance of the board using visible light or X-rays. Note that the configuration of production line L1 is not limited to this, and for example, the number of component mounting devices may be increased or decreased depending on the type and number of components. Furthermore, the number of production lines is not limited to "1", and multiple lines may be provided depending on the layout of the board production factory.

[0025] As component mounting boards are produced, the number of remaining components stored in the component supply devices (not shown) of component mounting devices MC1 to MC3 decreases. If the supply of components from the component supply devices stops, production of component mounting boards must be stopped, resulting in a decrease in operating rate. Therefore, a component supply operation is required, in which pallets loaded with components are stored in magazines according to the amount of components consumed in the production of component mounting boards, and the magazines are then attached to the component supply devices to replenish the components. To efficiently perform this component supply operation, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, one automatic storage device 200 and a component warehouse (not shown) are located in a storage area away from production line L1. The automatic storage device 200 stores multiple pallets, each containing trays containing components, and lids that can cover the pallets from above to prevent the components from scattering. In response to a retrieval request, the automatic storage device 200 stores multiple pallets and lids in the magazine, and then retrieves the magazine with the pallets still covered with the lids. The configuration and operation of the automatic storage device 200 will be described in detail later. In addition, in this embodiment, the number of installed automatic storage devices 200 is "1", but it may be two or more.

[0026] In order to comprehensively control the devices that make up the production line L1 (printing device PR, component mounting devices MC1 to MC3, and inspection device IN) and the automatic storage device 200, a production management device 300 is provided in the management area of ​​the production system 100. The production management device 300 is also connected to the devices on the production line L1 and the automatic storage device 200 via a communication network NW.

[0027] As shown in Fig. 2, the production management device 300 has a system management control unit 310 which is made up of a known CPU (Central Processing Unit) that executes logical operations, a ROM (Read Only Memory) that stores initial settings, etc., a RAM (Random Access Memory) that temporarily stores various data during device operation, etc. The system management control unit 310 operates according to a preset program and functions as an information management unit 311 and a shipping information creation unit 312. The information management unit 311 manages various types of information. Representative information includes: Storage information relating the type of parts placed on the pallet to the storage location of the pallet in the storage section for each pallet stored in the automated storage device 200; A production plan for producing component-mounted boards by mounting components on boards using component mounting devices MC1 to MC3; -Production status of component mounting boards using component mounting devices MC1 to MC3 Here, a device for creating a production program may be provided independently of the production management device 300. Furthermore, the delivery information creation unit 312 creates delivery information related to pallets on which components to be delivered from the automatic storage device 200 are placed in accordance with a decrease in the number of remaining components in the component mounting devices MC1 to MC3.

[0028] In addition to the system management control unit 310, the production management device 300 also has an input unit 320, a display unit 330, and a communication unit 340. The input unit 320 accepts data inputs and instructions from workers and the like, and the display unit 330 displays various types of information. In this manner, in this embodiment, the input unit 320 and the display unit 330 are provided as machine interfaces, but touch panels may also be provided as the input unit 320 and the display unit 330. The communication unit 340 receives various types of information from other devices and transmits instructions and information created by each unit of the production management device 300 to the other devices.

[0029] Fig. 3 is a plan view showing a schematic diagram of the overall configuration of a first embodiment of the automatic storage device according to the present invention. Fig. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a magazine used in the automatic storage system according to the present invention. In these drawings, an XYZ Cartesian coordinate system consisting of mutually orthogonal X, Y, and Z directions is appropriately shown. Note that in this coordinate system, the X direction is the direction in which the magazine 10 is loaded and unloaded relative to the automatic storage device 200, the Y direction is the horizontal direction orthogonal to the loading and unloading direction X, and the Z direction is the vertical direction.

[0030] The automated storage device 200 receives and stores pallets PL on which parts (denoted by the symbol PT in FIGS. 5, 6, 8, and 11) are placed inside the main body 210, and selectively retrieves pallets PL on which parts corresponding to a retrieval request from the production management device 300 are placed. As shown in FIG. 3, an opening 211 is provided on the front of the main body 210 of the automated storage device 200. The opening 211 has an opening size corresponding to the magazine 10, allowing the magazine 10 to be loaded and unloaded into and from the automated storage device 200. The detailed configuration of the magazine 10 will be described later, but the magazine 10 is provided with a pallet slot 12 that allows the pallet PL to be inserted and removed from the magazine body 11, and a lid slot 13 that allows the lid CV to be inserted and removed. Therefore, the pallet PL and the lid CV can be stored in the pallet slot 12 and the lid slot 13, respectively.

[0031] The main body 210 is provided with a front door 212 for opening and closing the opening 211. A door drive unit 213 (FIG. 2) is connected to the front door 212. The door drive unit 213 drives the front door 212 in response to an open / close command from a storage control unit 230 that controls the automated storage device 200. For example, when a magazine 10 is stored or retrieved, as shown by the solid line in FIG. 3, the door drive unit 213 moves the front door 212 away from the opening 211 in response to an open command from the storage control unit 230, thereby opening the opening 211. Conversely, when the storage or retrieval of the magazine 10 is completed, the door drive unit 213 moves the front door 212 to the opening 211 in response to a close command from the storage control unit 230, thereby closing the opening 211. Note that although the front door 212 is of a sliding type in this embodiment, it may be configured with other types, such as a single-door type.

[0032] As shown in FIG. 3, a magazine holding unit 220 is provided inside the main body 210 adjacent to the opening 211. The magazine holding unit 220 has a magazine transport mechanism 221 configured to transport the magazine 10 in the X direction while supporting the magazine 10 from below, and a magazine fixing mechanism 222 that fixes the magazine 10 at a magazine stop position P1. The magazine transport mechanism 221 is formed by a roller conveyor, a belt conveyor, or the like, and extends in the X direction below the opening 211. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 3, the end of the magazine transport mechanism 221 on the (+X) direction side is located directly below the opening 211, and the end on the (-X) direction side extends to the magazine stop position P1. The magazine transport mechanism 221 transports the magazine 10 in the X direction in response to a transport command from the storage control unit 230. For example, when the front door 212 is open and the magazine 10 is placed on the (+X) side of the magazine transport mechanism 221, and then the magazine transport mechanism 221 is activated, the magazine 10 is transported into the main body 210 through the opening 211.

[0033] When the loaded magazine 10 is positioned at magazine stop position P1 in this manner, the magazine fixing mechanism 222 grips and fixes the magazine 10. The magazine fixing mechanism 222 grips and fixes the magazine 10 at magazine stop position P1 from the Y direction in response to a fixation command from the storage control unit 230. Conversely, the magazine fixing mechanism 222 releases the gripped fixation of the magazine 10 in response to a fixation release command from the storage control unit 230. Note that the magazine fixing mechanism 222 continues to fix the magazine while the pallet PL and lid CV are being transferred, as will be explained later.

[0034] The storage section 240 has two pallet storage shelves 241 and 242 that store pallets PL, and a lid storage shelf 243 that stores lids CV. As shown in FIG. 3, the pallet storage shelf 241 is arranged adjacent to the magazine holding section 220 on the (+Y) side. The magazine holding section 220 and the pallet storage shelf 241 form a processing row extending in the Y direction. Furthermore, the pallet storage shelf 242 and the lid storage shelf 243 are arranged adjacent to each other in the Y direction at a position away from this processing row (= magazine holding section 220 + pallet storage shelf 241) in the (-X) direction, and also form a processing row extending in the Y direction. A transfer section 250 is provided between these two processing rows.

[0035] The transfer unit 250 includes a pair of guide rails 251 and a transfer robot 252. The pair of guide rails 251 extend in the Y direction between the two processing rows. The transfer robot 252 includes a base 253 that is movable in the Y direction along the guide rails 251, an elevator 254 that is movable up and down in the vertical direction Z relative to the base 253, a multi-joint arm 255 that is rotatable about a vertical axis relative to the upper end of the elevator 254, and a hand 256 attached to the tip of the multi-joint arm 255. The hand 256 functions as an end effector that can place and hold a pallet PL or a lid CV on its upper surface. Transfer robots with such multi-joint arms and hands are well known, so detailed description will be omitted. In this embodiment, the pallet PL or the lid CV is held by one hand 256. However, it goes without saying that a transfer robot 252 having two hands, one for the pallet and one for the lid, may also be used. Furthermore, the number of transfer robots 252 is not limited to one, and may be multiple.

[0036] The transfer unit 250 configured in this manner transfers pallets PL between the magazine 10 held at the magazine stop position P1 and the pallet storage shelves 241, 242 in response to a pallet transfer command from the storage control unit 230. Furthermore, the transfer unit 250 transfers lids CV between the magazine 10 held at the magazine stop position P1 and the lid storage shelf 243 in response to a lid transfer command from the storage control unit 230.

[0037] The storage control unit 230, which controls each unit of the automated storage device 200 configured as described above, is composed of a CPU, ROM, RAM, etc., and operates according to a preset program to function as an outgoing control unit 231, an incoming control unit 232, and a carry-in / out control unit 233. The outgoing control unit 231 controls the transfer unit 250 so that pallets PL on which multiple parts that are the subject of an outgoing request are placed are respectively transferred to the pallet slots 12, and lids CV for preventing the parts from scattering are transferred to the lid slots 13. The incoming control unit 232 also controls the operation of the transfer unit 250 when replenishing pallets PL and lids CV. In other words, the incoming control unit 232 controls the transfer unit 250 so that pallets PL that are the subject of an incoming request are transferred to the pallet storage shelves 241 and 242, and lids CV are transferred to the lid storage shelf 243. Furthermore, the loading / unloading control unit 233 controls the loading operation in which the magazine 10 is held after being loaded into the magazine stop position P1, and the unloading operation in which the magazine 10 is unloaded from the magazine stop position P1 after being released from being loaded into the magazine stop position P1.

[0038] In addition to the storage control unit 230, the automated storage device 200 also has an input unit 260, a display unit 270, a code reading unit 280, and a communication unit 290. The input unit 260 accepts data input and instructions from workers and the like, and the display unit 270 displays various information. In this manner, in this embodiment, the input unit 260 and the display unit 270 are provided as a man-machine interface, but touch panels may also be provided as the input unit 260 and the display unit 270. The code reading unit 280 scans identification codes attached to the pallets PL, lids CV, magazines 10, etc., and provides the scanned information to the storage control unit 230. The communication unit 290 receives various instructions and information from other devices, and transmits status information obtained by the automated storage device 200 to other devices.

[0039] Furthermore, the production system 100 is provided with an AGV (Automatic Guided Vehicle) 400, such as an unmanned transport vehicle or an automatic transport robot, to transport components (denoted by symbol PT in FIGS. 5, 6, 8, and 11) between the component mounting devices MC1 to MC3 and the automatic storage device 200 using magazines 10. The AGV 400 has a mobile main body 410 (FIG. 3), a moving unit 420 that moves the mobile main body 410 within a factory where the production line L1 and the automatic storage device 200 are installed, a magazine transport mechanism 430 that transports the magazines 10 into and out of the mobile main body 410, a communication unit 440 that communicates with other devices via a communication network NW, and a drive control unit 450 that drives and controls the moving unit 420 and the transport unit 430. When the AGV 400 receives a movement command from the system management control unit 310 of the production management device 300 via the communication unit 440, it moves between the component mounting devices MC1 to MC3 and the automatic storage device 200 while holding the magazine 10. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, the AGV 400 holding the magazine 10 moves to the front of the opening 211 of the automatic storage device 200. This transports the magazine 10 to the automatic storage device 200. Then, with the front door 212 open, the magazine transport mechanisms 221 and 430 operate in synchronous with each other, thereby transferring the magazine 10 from the AGV 400 to the automatic storage device 200. Conversely, with the magazine 10 positioned in the automatic storage device 200, the magazine transport mechanisms 221 and 430 perform inverse operations in synchronous with each other, thereby transferring the magazine 10 from the automatic storage device 200 to the AGV 400.

[0040] Next, the configuration of the magazine 10 will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 to 6. FIGS. 5 and 6 are XZ and YZ cross-sectional views, respectively, of the magazine shown in FIG. 4. However, in FIGS. 5 and 6, the magazine body 11 is omitted from illustration in order to clarify the configuration of the lid moving mechanism 14. The magazine 10 can accommodate multiple pallets PL (maximum capacity = four in this embodiment) spaced apart from each other in the vertical direction Z, and can accommodate a lid CV that covers each pallet PL from above. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 4, the magazine 10 has a magazine body 11 formed into a hollow box shape by a top plate 11a, a bottom plate 11c, and side plates 11b and 11d. The magazine body 11 also has, in its internal space, a rail support plate 11f provided adjacent to and facing the side plate 11b on the (-Y) direction side, and a rail support plate 11g provided adjacent to and facing the side plate 11d on the (+Y) direction side. A hollow space is provided, surrounded by the top plate 11a, the bottom plate 11c, and the rail support plates 11f and 11g. This hollow space is open in the X direction, and the pallet PL and the lid CV can be inserted into and removed from the hollow space through an opening 11e on the (-X) side.

[0041] As shown in FIGS. 4 and 6, each of the rail support plates 11f, 11g is provided with a plurality of support rails 12a (four in this embodiment) spaced apart from one another in the vertical direction Z for supporting the peripheral portion of the underside of a pallet PL inserted into the magazine body 11. That is, the lowest support rail 12a of the rail support plate 11f and the lowest support rail 12a of the rail support plate 11g are positioned at the same height and spaced apart in the Y direction, forming pallet slots 12 for accommodating the pallet PL. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 4, the pallet PL can be inserted into and removed from the lowest level of the magazine 10 at the magazine stop position P1. Furthermore, three more pallet slots 12 are provided above this level, and the pallet PL can be inserted into and removed from each pallet slot 12. Therefore, in this embodiment, the magazine 10 can accommodate a maximum capacity of pallets PL (four pallets).

[0042] As shown in Fig. 6, the rail support plates 11f, 11g are provided with through holes 11h between the support rails 12a adjacent to each other in the vertical direction Z. Support rails 13a are inserted through each through hole 11h. Each support rail 13a is provided within the through hole 11h so as to be movable in the vertical direction Z. To clarify this structure, in the enlarged view of Fig. 4, dots are added to the surface of the rail support plate 11f facing the (+Y) direction.

[0043] The support rail 13a inserted through the lowest through-hole 11h of the rail support plate 11f and the support rail 13a inserted through the lowest through-hole 11h of the rail support plate 11g are positioned at the same height but spaced apart in the Y direction, forming a lid slot 13 for accommodating a lid CV. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 4, the lid CV can be inserted and removed above the pallet PL stored in the lowest level of the magazine 10 at the magazine stop position P1. Furthermore, three more lid slots 13 are provided above these levels, and the lid CV can be inserted and removed from each lid slot 13. Therefore, in this embodiment, the magazine 10 can accommodate a maximum of four lids CV. Furthermore, by moving the support rail 13a in the vertical direction Z within each through-hole 11h, the lid CV can be raised and lowered in the vertical direction Z within the magazine 10.

[0044] Therefore, in this embodiment, a lid moving mechanism 14 for raising and lowering the lid CV is provided for the magazine 10. The configuration and operation of the lid moving mechanism 14 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.

[0045] The lid moving mechanism 14 has a roller member 141 attached to the magazine body 11 so as to be displaceable in the vertical direction Z. The roller member 141 is arranged so as to be able to move forward and backward relative to a through-hole 11j provided in the top plate 11a. The roller member 141 is connected to the support rail 13a via a connecting portion 142. The connecting portion 142 is configured as a cam mechanism that transmits the forward and backward movement (up and down movement) of the roller member 141 to the support rail 13a while sliding against the lower portion of the roller member 141. That is, at the connecting portion 142, a flat cam 143 having an asymmetrical, approximately triangular or egg-shaped configuration is attached to the magazine body 11 so as to be rotatable about a predetermined rotation axis AX. The flat cam 143 abuts against the lower portion of the roller member 141 while being biased clockwise in FIG. 5 by a biasing member (not shown). The flat cam 143 is connected to a link member 144 connected to the support rail 13a on the opposite side of the contact portion with the roller member 141 across the rotation axis AX.

[0046] 4 and 5(b), when the magazine body 11 moves away from the magazine stop position P1 in the (+X) direction and no external force is acting on the roller member 141, the biasing force from the biasing member causes the flat cam 143 to protrude the roller member 141 from the through hole 11j and to integrally lower the support rail 13a and the link member 144. As a result, the support rail 13a moves to a position directly above the support rail 12a, and the lid CV supported by the support rail 13a is positioned so as to cover the pallet PL supported by the support rail 12a.

[0047] 5(a), when the magazine body 11 moves to the magazine stop position P1, the roller member 141 of the lid moving mechanism 14 engages with the downward protrusion 223 provided on the magazine holding part 220 at the magazine stop position P1. This engagement causes the roller member 141 to enter the through hole 11j against the biasing force, causing the flat cam 143 to rotate counterclockwise in the plane of the paper in FIG. 5 and lifting the support rail 13a and the link member 144 together. Therefore, the support rail 13a moves to a spaced position above the support rail 12a, widening the gap in the vertical direction Z between the support rail 12a and the support rail 13a located above the support rail 12a, allowing the hand 256 of the transfer robot 252 to be inserted between them.

[0048] Next, the retrieval process by the automatic storage device 200 using the magazine 10 configured as described above will be described with reference to FIGS. 7 to 9. In the production management device 300, the system management control unit 310 operates according to a preset program to create a production plan for mounting components PT onto boards using component mounters MC1 to MC3 to produce component-mounted boards. The system management control unit 310 also stores storage information (not shown) that associates the types of components PT stored in the automatic storage device 200 with the storage positions in the automatic storage device 200 of the pallets PL on which the components PT are placed. The system management control unit 310 also issues various instructions to the component mounters MC1 to MC3 in accordance with the production plan to produce component-mounted boards, and monitors the progress of production based on various information sent from the component mounters MC1 to MC3. When the number of remaining components in component mounters MC1 to MC3 becomes low, the system management control unit 310 determines that the pallet PL on which the components PT are placed needs to be retrieval. The system management control unit 310 then issues a movement command to the AGV 400, causing the AGV 400 with the empty magazine 10 loaded thereon to move in front of the opening 211 of the automated storage device 200. Furthermore, if the system management control unit 310 determines that retrieval is necessary, for example, it creates retrieval information such as that shown in FIG.

[0049] FIG. 7 shows an example of outgoing information provided by the production system to the automated storage device. This outgoing information is information for transferring a pallet PL, on which a part PT that is the subject of an outgoing request is placed, from its storage location to the magazine 10. In the figure, "Outgoing Order" indicates the order in which the part PT that is the subject of the outgoing request is to be outgoing. "Part" indicates a code for identifying the part PT that is the subject of the outgoing request. "Pallet ID" is individual information for identifying the pallet PL. "Storage Shelf Information" is information indicating the storage location of the pallet PL. "A" and "B" indicate the pallet storage shelves 241 and 242, respectively, and the numbers following them indicate the coordinate positions (Y coordinate, Z coordinate) of the storage shelves arranged in a matrix in the YZ directions. "Throttle Position Information" is information indicating which of the pallet slots 12 provided in the magazine 10 the pallet PL should be stored in.

[0050] When the automatic storage device 200 receives the retrieval information shown in Figure 7, the storage control unit 230 controls each part of the device as shown in Figure 8 in accordance with the retrieval program that is pre-stored in the memory unit (not shown) of the storage control unit 230.

[0051] Figure 8 is a flowchart showing the retrieval process executed by the automated storage device shown in Figure 3. Figure 9 is a diagram showing a schematic representation of the retrieval operation. When the storage control unit 230 receives the retrieval information in step S101, it waits for an AGV 400 carrying an empty magazine 10 to move in front of the opening 211 of the automated storage device 200. Here, an empty magazine 10 means that, as shown in Figure 9(a), no pallet PL is stored in any of the pallet slots 12, and no lid CV is stored in any of the lid slots 13.

[0052] After the AGV 400 has completed its movement ("YES" in step S102), the storage control unit 230 opens the front door 212 and then issues a carry-in command to the magazine transport mechanism 221. In response to this, the magazine transport mechanism 221 cooperates with the magazine transport mechanism 430 of the AGV 400 to receive the empty magazine 10 and then transports it to the magazine stop position P1 (step S103). Then, when the storage control unit 230 confirms in step S104 that the magazine 10 has been carried in, it fixes the magazine 10 at the magazine stop position P1 using the magazine fixing mechanism 222 (step S105).

[0053] The storage control unit 230 causes the transfer unit 250 to transfer the pallet on which the parts PT to be handed over are placed (hereinafter referred to as the "outgoing pallet PLa") to the magazine 10 (step S106). That is, the transfer robot 252 moves to the position of the pallet storage shelves 241, 242 indicated in the storage shelf information of the handed over information, and removes the outgoing pallet PL with the hand 256. Subsequently, while holding the outgoing pallet PLa with the hand 256, the transfer robot 252 moves to the vicinity of the magazine 10, and the hand 256 delivers the outgoing pallet PLa to the pallet slot 12 (see FIG. 9(b)). During the transfer of the outgoing pallet PLa to the magazine 10, the storage control unit 230 reads the identification code previously attached to the outgoing pallet PLa with the code reading unit 280, and acquires the storage position (step S107). The storage control unit 230 then determines whether the desired pallet PLa to be shipped has been stored in the pallet slot 12 (step S108). If the determination in step S108 is NO, that is, if the pallet PLa to be shipped has not been stored normally, the storage control unit 230 interrupts the shipping process and executes error processing.

[0054] On the other hand, if the process was performed normally ("YES" in step S108), the storage control unit 230 causes the transfer unit 250 to transfer the lid CV to the magazine 10 (step S109). That is, the transfer robot 252 moves to the position of the lid storage shelf 243 and removes the lid CV with the hand 256. Subsequently, the transfer robot 252, while holding the lid CV with the hand 256, moves to the vicinity of the magazine 10 and, as shown in FIG. 9(c), delivers the lid CV to the lid slot 13 above the pallet PLa to be shipped by the hand 256. At this time, the support rail 13a constituting the lid slot 13 is positioned at a distance above the support rail 12a constituting the pallet slot 12. Therefore, the distance in the vertical direction Z between the support rail 12a and the support rail 13a positioned above the support rail 12a is widened. As a result, the hand 256 of the transfer robot 252 can be inserted between them without interfering with the magazine 10 and the pallet PLa to be unloaded, and the lid CV can be stably accommodated.

[0055] When the storage of the pallet PLa to be shipped and the lid CV has been completed in this way, the storage control unit 230 determines whether or not all pallets PLa to be shipped listed in the shipping information have been stored in the magazine 10 (step S110). As long as the determination in step S110 is "NO," the storage control unit 230 returns to step S106 and repeats the transfer of the next pallet PLa to be shipped and the lid CV.

[0056] On the other hand, if the result of step S110 is "YES," that is, if it is confirmed that the pallet PLa to be shipped out, which is included in the shipping information, has been stored in the magazine 10, the storage control unit 230 sends a notification to the system management control unit 310 that all pallets PLa to be shipped out have been stored in the magazine 10, as described above. The storage control unit 230 also checks whether the AGV 400 is waiting in front of the opening 211 of the automated storage device 200 (step S111). If the AGV 400 is waiting, the process proceeds directly to step S113. On the other hand, if it is determined that the AGV 400 is not waiting, the storage control unit 230 requests the system management control unit 310 to move the AGV 400 (step S112), waits for the AGV 400 without the magazine 10 to move in front of the opening 211 of the automated storage device 200, and then proceeds to step S113.

[0057] In step S113, the storage control unit 230 releases the magazine 10 from the magazine locking mechanism 222 at the magazine stop position P1, and then issues a carry-out command to the magazine transport mechanism 221. In response to this command, the magazine transport mechanism 221 cooperates with the magazine transport mechanism 430 of the AGV 400 to carry out the magazine 10 containing the pallet PLa to be removed and the lid CV to the AGV 400 (step S113). At this time, the magazine 10 starts moving from the magazine stop position P1 toward the opening 211. When the magazine 10 disengages from the downward protrusion 223 of the magazine holder 220, the support rail 13a moves to a position directly above the support rail 12a. This positions the lid CV supported by the support rail 13a so as to cover the pallet PLa to be removed, which is supported by the support rail 12a. As a result, even if the magazine 10 is subjected to vibrations or impacts during the carry-out movement, the parts PT will not fly off the pallet PLa to be removed, and the parts PT can be safely removed. The magazine 10 thus carried out is then pulled into the moving body 410 by the magazine transport mechanism 430 of the AGV 400 and mounted on the moving body 410.

[0058] When the magazine 10 has been removed from the automatic storage device 200, the storage control unit 230 notifies the system management control unit 310 of the removal of the magazine 10 and closes the front door 212 (step S113). Upon receiving the notification, the system management control unit 310 moves the AGV 400 carrying the magazine 10 toward the component mounting device MC1 to MC3 that is the component supply target.

[0059] As described above, according to the first embodiment, when a pallet PL on which components PT are placed is stored in the magazine 10 and is then removed from the automatic storage device 200, the lid CV is stored for each pallet PLa to be removed so as to cover the components PT on the pallet PLa. Therefore, even if the magazine 10 is subjected to vibrations or impacts when it is transferred from the magazine stop position P1 to the AGV 400 through the opening 211 or when it is transported by the AGV 400 to the component mounting devices MC1 to MC3, it is possible to effectively prevent the components PT from scattering.

[0060] Furthermore, by using the transfer unit 250 to transfer the lids CV to the magazines 10, the retrieval process can be carried out efficiently and automatically without the involvement of an operator. Moreover, because the type of part PT contained in the magazine 10 is confirmed using the code reading unit 280 before the magazine 10 is retrieved, the desired part PT can be reliably retrieved.

[0061] 7, the number of pallets PLa to be handed over included in the retrieval information is "4," which is the same as the number of pallet slots 12, but this is not limited to this. For example, if the number is three or less, immediately after three pallets PLa to be handed over are stored in the magazine 10, the magazine 10 is promptly handed over from the automated storage device 200. Also, if the number is five or more, immediately after four pallets PLa to be handed over are stored in the magazine 10, the magazine 10 is promptly handed over from the automated storage device 200, and the series of steps (steps S102 to S113) excluding step S101 are also executed for the remaining pallets PLa to be handed over. This allows pallets PLa to be handed over that exceed the number that can be accommodated in the magazine 10 to be continuously and smoothly handed over.

[0062] In addition, in the above embodiment, the pallets PLa to be shipped and the lids CV are alternately transferred to the magazine 10, but all the pallets PLa to be shipped may be transferred to the magazine 10 after all the lids CV have been transferred to the magazine 10.

[0063] Additionally, the lid moving mechanism 14 is configured to raise the support rail 13a to the separated position as the magazine 10 is carried into the magazine stop position P1. This widens the gap between the support rails 12a, 13a in the vertical direction Z. As a result, when inserting or removing the lid CV into or from the support rail 13a, the hand 256 of the transfer robot 252 can be inserted into the magazine 10 without interfering with the magazine 10 or the pallet PLa to be removed, ensuring stable storage of the lid CV. This also applies to the warehousing process described next.

[0064] Fig. 10 is a flowchart showing the warehousing process executed by the automatic storage device shown in Fig. 3. The storage control unit 230 receives warehousing information in step S201. This warehousing information lists "parts," "pallet ID," "storage shelf information," and "throttle position information" in the same order as the warehousing information shown in Fig. 7, indicating the order in which the parts PT that are the subject of the warehousing request will be stored.

[0065] The storage control unit 230 waits for the AGV 400 carrying a magazine 10 containing a pallet on which parts PT to be stored are placed (hereinafter referred to as "pallet PLb to be stored") and a lid CV to move in front of the opening 211 of the automated storage device 200. Here, as shown in FIG. 5(b), for example, within the magazine 10, the lid CV is stored above each pallet PLb to be stored, so that even if the magazine 10 is subjected to shaking or impact during transportation of the magazine 10 or during loading, which will be described next, it is possible to effectively prevent the parts PT from scattering.

[0066] After the AGV 400 has completed its movement ("YES" in step S202), the storage control unit 230 opens the front door 212 and then issues a carry-in command to the magazine transport mechanism 221. In response to this command, the magazine transport mechanism 221 cooperates with the magazine transport mechanism 430 of the AGV 400 to receive the magazine 10 and transport it to the magazine stop position P1 (step S203). Then, upon confirming the completion of the magazine 10 being carried in in step S204, the storage control unit 230 fixes the magazine 10 at the magazine stop position P1 using the magazine fixing mechanism 222 (step S205). At this time, as shown in FIG. 5(a), the support rail 13a has risen to the separated position due to the action of the lid moving mechanism 14, and the distance between the support rails 12a and 13a in the vertical direction Z has increased. In this state, the storage control unit 230 controls the transfer unit 250 to transfer the lid CV from the magazine 10 to the lid storage shelf 243 (step S206). The transfer robot 252 moves to the vicinity of the magazine 10 and receives the lid CV from the lid slot 13 above the pallet PLb to be stored with the hand 256. Subsequently, the transfer robot 252 moves to the position of the lid storage shelf 243 and hands over the lid CV with the hand 256.

[0067] The storage control unit 230 controls the transfer unit 250 to transfer the pallet PLb to be stored from the magazine 10 to the pallet storage shelves 241, 242 (step S207). That is, the transfer robot 252 moves to the vicinity of the magazine 10 and receives the pallet PLb to be stored stored in the pallet slot 12 indicated in the throttle position information with the hand 256. Then, the transfer robot 252, while holding the pallet PLb to be stored, moves to the position of the pallet storage shelves 241, 242 indicated in the storage shelf information of the storage information. Thereafter, the transfer robot 252 delivers the pallet PLb to be stored to the position indicated in the storage shelf information with the hand 256. During the transfer of the pallet PLb to be stored from the magazine 10, the storage control unit 230 reads the identification code previously attached to the pallet PLb to be stored with the code reading unit 280 and acquires its storage position on the storage shelves 241, 242 (step S208). Then, the storage control unit 230 determines whether the desired pallet PLb to be stored has been stored in the pallet storage shelves 241, 242 (step S209). If the determination in step S209 is NO, that is, if the pallet PLb to be stored has not been stored normally, the storage control unit 230 interrupts the storing process and executes error processing.

[0068] On the other hand, if the process was successful ("YES" in step S209), the storage control unit 230 determines whether or not all of the pallets PLb to be stored and the lids CV listed in the storage information have been stored in the storage unit 240 (step S210). While the determination in step S210 is "NO," the storage control unit 230 returns to step S206 and repeats the transfer of the next lid CV and pallet PLb to be stored.

[0069] On the other hand, if step S210 returns "YES," that is, if it is confirmed that the pallet PLb to be stored, which is included in the storage information, has been stored in the magazine 10, the storage control unit 230 sends a storage completion notification of all pallets PLb to be stored and all lids CV to the system management control unit 310, as described above. The storage control unit 230 also checks whether the AGV 400 is waiting in front of the opening 211 of the automated storage device 200 (step S211). If the AGV 400 is waiting, the process proceeds directly to step S213. On the other hand, if it is determined that the AGV 400 is not waiting, the storage control unit 230 requests the system management control unit 310 to move the AGV 400 (step S212), waits for the AGV 400 without the magazine 10 to move in front of the opening 211 of the automated storage device 200, and then proceeds to step S213.

[0070] In step S213, the storage control unit 230 releases the magazine 10 from the magazine stop position P1 by the magazine fixing mechanism 222, and then issues a carry-out command to the magazine transport mechanism 221. In response to this, the magazine transport mechanism 221 cooperates with the magazine transport mechanism 430 of the AGV 400 to carry the empty magazine 10 out to the AGV 400 (step S213). When the removal of the magazine 10 from the automated storage device 200 is complete, the storage control unit 230 notifies the system management control unit 310 of the removal of the magazine 10 and closes the front door 212.

[0071] As described above, in the first embodiment, in the receiving process, as in the outgoing process, when a pallet PL on which parts PT are placed is stored into the automated storage device 200, a lid CV is stored for each pallet PLb to be stored so as to cover the parts PT on the pallet PLb to be stored. Therefore, even if a vibration or impact is applied to the magazine 10 when the AGV 400 transports the magazine 10 containing the pallet PLb to be stored to the automated storage device 200 or when the magazine 10 is carried from the AGV 400 to the magazine stop position P1, the parts PT can be effectively prevented from scattering.

[0072] Furthermore, by having the transfer unit 250 transfer the lids CV from the magazine 10 to the lid storage shelf 243, the storage process can be carried out efficiently without the involvement of an operator. Moreover, because the type of parts PT stored in the magazine 10 is confirmed using the code reading unit 280 before storing the pallet PLb to be stored in the pallet storage shelves 241, 242, the desired parts PT can be stored reliably.

[0073] In addition, in the above embodiment, the pallets PLb to be stored and the lids CV are transferred alternately from the magazine 10 to the storage section 240, but after all the lids CV are transferred to the lid storage shelf 243, all the pallets PLb to be stored may be transferred to the pallet storage shelves 241, 242.

[0074] As described above, in the first embodiment, the support rails 12a and 13a correspond to an example of the "pallet support portion" and the "lid support portion" of the present invention, respectively. The roller member 141 corresponds to an example of the "engagement member" of the present invention. The downward protrusion portion 223 of the magazine holder 220 corresponds to an example of the "engagement mechanism" of the present invention.

[0075] In the first embodiment, all of the components PT are small and relatively low in the vertical direction Z. Considering that the components PT are prone to scattering even when stored in a tray, the lid CV is positioned directly above each pallet PL. Here, as shown in FIG. 11 , for example, when handling components PT that are relatively tall in the vertical direction Z, the tray tends to accommodate the components PTa to a greater depth. Therefore, it is known that components PTa above a certain height will not scatter even without protection by the lid CV. Therefore, in a second embodiment of the present invention, protection by the lid CV may be omitted for pallets PL on which components PTa with a high height in the vertical direction Z (hereinafter simply referred to as "component height") are placed.

[0076] Fig. 12 is a flowchart showing the retrieval process executed in a second embodiment of the automatic storage device according to the present invention. Fig. 13 is a diagram showing another example of retrieval information that the production system provides to the automatic storage device. The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in the following two points. Therefore, the following description will focus on the differences, while the same configurations and operations will be given the same reference numerals and will not be described again.

[0077] The first difference is that information indicating the "protection target" has been added to the application information, as shown in Figure 13. The "protection target" is information (hereinafter referred to as "protection target information") indicating whether the pallet has a relatively low component height and requires a lid CV to prevent components from scattering from the pallet PL (hereinafter referred to as a "protected pallet PLc"), or a pallet has a relatively high component height and does not require protection by a lid CV (hereinafter referred to as an "unprotected pallet PLd"). In Figure 13, a white circle indicates a protected pallet PLc, and an X indicates an unprotected pallet PLd.

[0078] The second difference is that after transferring a pallet PL, the storage control unit 230 determines whether the pallet PL is a protected pallet PLc or an unprotected pallet PLd, and switches between transferring and not transferring a lid CV depending on the result of the determination. More specifically, after determining "YES" in step S108, the storage control unit 230 determines whether the pallet PL is a protected pallet PLc based on the protection target information in the shipping information (step S114). For example, as shown in FIG. 11, if a magazine 10 contains a protected pallet PLc and a lid CV on the top shelf (slot position information = 1), and an unprotected pallet PLd is transferred to the third shelf (slot position information = 3), the storage control unit 230 determines "NO" in step S114, skips the transfer of the lid CV (step S109), and proceeds to step S110.

[0079] On the other hand, in step S114 immediately after the protected pallet PLc is transferred to the top level (slot position information = 1), the storage control unit 230 transfers the lid CV (step S109) as in the first embodiment, and then proceeds to step S110.

[0080] As described above, in the second embodiment, whether or not to transfer and protect the lid CV is switched after transferring the pallet PL. Therefore, it is possible to omit the transfer of the lid CV to the non-protected pallet PLd, which does not require protection, and improve the throughput of the shipping process.

[0081] In this second embodiment, protection target information is included in the shipping information, but this is not a required configuration for the second embodiment. For example, the type of parts PT placed on pallet PL may be obtained based on the pallet ID read in step S107, and whether or not pallet PL is a protection target pallet PLc may be determined based on this. Alternatively, a magazine information acquisition unit that reads magazine information provided in magazine 10 may be provided, and the type of parts PT placed on pallet PL may be obtained based on the magazine information read by the magazine information acquisition unit, and whether or not pallet PL is a protection target pallet PLc may be determined based on this.

[0082] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications other than those described above are possible without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, in the embodiment, the present invention is applied to a production system that uses a magazine 10 that can store a maximum of four pallets PL, that is, a magazine with a maximum capacity of four pallets, but the maximum capacity of the magazine 10 is not limited to "4" and is arbitrary.

[0083] Furthermore, the lid moving mechanism 14 of the magazine 10 uses a so-called cam mechanism to raise and lower the lid support rail 13a, but the raising and lowering may be performed by a mechanism other than a cam mechanism.

[0084] In addition, in the above embodiment, in order to facilitate management of the pallets PL and lids CV, the storage section 240 is configured to have pallet storage shelves 241, 242 and lid storage shelf 243, but these may also be configured to be managed on a shared storage shelf. [Industrial Applicability]

[0085] This invention can be applied to an automatic storage device that stores pallets loaded with parts in a magazine and then retrieves them, an automatic storage system that uses such a device, and general magazines that can be used in automatic storage devices and automatic storage systems. [Explanation of symbols]

[0086] 10...Magazine 11...Magazine body 12a...Support rail (pallet support part) 13a...Support rail (lid support part) 14…Lid moving mechanism 141... Roller member (engagement member) 142...Connection part 200…Automatic storage device 210...Main body 211...Opening 220...Magazine holder 221...Magazine transport mechanism 222...Magazine fixing mechanism 223…Downward protrusion part (engaging mechanism) 230...Storage control unit 231...Shipping control unit 232...Storage control unit 240...Storage Department 241, 242...Pallet storage shelves 243…Lid storage shelf 250...Transfer section 280...Code reader 310...System management control unit 311…Information Management Department 312...Shipping Information Creation Department CV…lid P1: Magazine stop position PL…Palette PLa...Pallet to be shipped PLb: Pallet to be stored PLc: Protected pallet PLd: Non-protected pallets PT...Parts Z: Vertical direction

Claims

1. An automatic storage device that stores pallets on which parts are placed in a magazine and then retrieves them, a main body portion provided with an opening through which the magazine can be loaded and unloaded; a storage unit that stores a lid capable of covering the components from above to prevent the components from scattering inside the main body and the pallet; a magazine holding section that holds the magazine carried into the main body section through the opening at a magazine stop position; a transfer unit that transfers the pallet and the lid between the magazine at the magazine stop position and the storage unit; a storage control unit that controls the transfer unit, The storage control unit controls the transfer unit to transfer the pallet from the storage unit to the magazine at the magazine stop position and to transfer the lid above the pallet in the magazine to cover the parts. An automatic storage device characterized by:

2. The automatic storage device according to claim 1, the magazine holding section has a magazine transport mechanism that transports the magazine between the opening and the magazine stop position, The storage control unit Before the pallet and the lid are transferred to the magazine, the magazine is transported from the opening to the magazine stop position, and After the pallet and the lid are transferred to the magazine, the magazine containing the pallet and the lid is transported from the magazine stop position to the opening. The automatic storage device controls the magazine transport mechanism so as to

3. The automatic storage device according to claim 2, The storage control unit controlling the transfer unit so that the pallet and the lid are transferred to the magazine within a range in which the capacity of the magazine for the pallet and the lid does not exceed a predetermined maximum capacity; An automatic storage device that controls the magazine transport mechanism so that, when the transfer of the pallet and the lid is completed within the range not exceeding the maximum capacity, the magazine containing the pallet and the lid is transported from the magazine stop position to the opening.

4. The automatic storage device according to claim 2 or 3, the magazine holding section has a magazine fixing mechanism that fixes the magazine that has been transported to the magazine stop position, The storage control unit Before the pallet and the lid are transferred to the magazine, the magazine is fixed at the magazine stop position; After the pallet and the lid are transferred to the magazine, the magazine is released from the magazine stop position. The automatic storage device controls the magazine fixing mechanism so as to

5. The automatic storage device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, The storage unit is an automatic storage device having a lid storage shelf for storing the lids and a pallet storage shelf for storing the pallets.

6. The automatic storage device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, When the magazine has a pallet support part that supports the pallet, a lid support part that supports the lid, and a lid moving mechanism that moves the lid support part between a position directly above the pallet support part and a spaced position above the pallet support part, the magazine holding portion has an engagement mechanism that can engage with the lid moving mechanism, The engagement mechanism includes: When the magazine is located at the magazine stop position, the magazine engages with the lid moving mechanism to move the lid support portion to the separated position, thereby widening the gap between the pallet support portion and the lid support portion in the vertical direction; As the magazine moves from the magazine stop position to the opening, the lid support part is moved to the directly above position by disengaging from the lid moving mechanism, thereby narrowing the gap between the pallet support part and the lid support part in the vertical direction. Automatic storage device.

7. The automatic storage device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, When the pallet and the lid are stored in the storage unit from the magazine, The storage control unit controls the transfer unit so that the pallet and the lid are transferred from the magazine at the magazine stop position to the storage unit.

8. The automatic storage device according to any one of claims 1 to 3; an information management unit that manages storage information that associates, for each pallet stored in the storage unit, the type of parts placed on the pallet with the storage position of the pallet in the storage unit; a shipping information creation unit that creates shipping information for transferring the pallet on which the part that is the subject of a shipping request is placed from the storage position to the magazine based on the storage information, The storage control unit controls the transfer unit to transfer the pallet from the storage position in the storage unit to the magazine in accordance with the retrieval information.

9. 9. The automated storage system of claim 8, the storage information includes height information regarding a height of the component in a vertical direction; the shipping information creation unit obtains, for each pallet transferred to the magazine, whether the pallet is a protection target pallet that should be covered with the lid based on the height information of the parts on the pallet, and includes protection target information regarding the protection target pallet in the shipping information; The storage control unit controls the transfer unit so that the lid is transferred above the pallet to be protected only for the pallet to be protected.

10. 9. The automated storage system of claim 8, the automatic storage device has a magazine information acquisition unit that acquires magazine information about the magazine located at the magazine stop position, the delivery information creation unit includes, based on the magazine information, protection target information regarding a protection target pallet that should be covered with the lid among the pallets delivered to the magazine, in the delivery information; The storage control unit controls the transfer unit so that the lid is transferred above the pallet to be protected only for the pallet to be protected.

11. a magazine body that can be carried in and out to a magazine stop position of an automatic storage device that stores a pallet on which parts are placed and a lid that can cover the parts from above to prevent the parts from scattering; a pallet support portion fixed to the magazine body so as to be able to support the pallet; a lid support portion attached to the magazine body above the pallet support portion so as to be capable of supporting the lid and so as to be movable in a vertical direction; a lid moving mechanism that moves the lid support part between a position directly above the pallet support part and a spaced position above the pallet support part, The lid moving mechanism is an engaging member that is displaceably attached to the magazine body, that engages with the automatic storage device and displaces as the magazine body is carried into the magazine stop position, and that is released from the displacement when the engagement with the automatic storage device is released as the magazine body is carried out from the magazine stop position; a connecting portion that connects the engaging member and the lid support portion, and that raises the lid support portion to the separated position as the engaging member is displaced, and lowers the lid support portion to the directly above position as the displacement of the engaging member is released; A magazine comprising:

Images