Transport control system, transport system, and transport control system control method

Abstract

The objective of the present disclosure is to reduce power consumption. A transport device (2) has a plurality of first function units (F1) that are associated with a transport operation for a to-be-transported object. The to-be-transported object includes an external unit (5A) capable of communicating with the transport device (2). The external unit (5A) has a plurality of second function units that are operated by receiving power supply from the transport device (2) in a state of being linked to the transport device (2). A transport control system (1) comprises a determination unit (201) and a power-saving control unit (202). If the determination unit (201) has determined that a power-saving condition is met in a linked state in which the transport device (2) and the external unit (5A) are linked, the power-saving control unit (202) reduces, in comparison to when the power-saving condition is not met, the power supply to at least one target function unit associated with the power-saving condition from among the plurality of first function units (F1) and the plurality of second function units.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a transport control system, a transport system, and a control method for a transport control system, and more particularly to a transport control system including a transport device that transports an object, a transport system, and a control method for a transport control system. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a power-saving automated guided vehicle that reduces power consumption during standby and improves the operating efficiency of the battery.

[0003] When power is supplied from the above-described automatic guided vehicle (transportation device) to an object being transported, the battery of the automatic guided vehicle may be rapidly consumed. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 11-150872 Summary of the Invention

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a transport control system, a transport system, and a control method for a transport control system that can reduce power consumption.

[0006] A transport control system according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a transport device that transports an object. The transport device has a plurality of first functional units related to the transport operation of the object. The transport device is capable of switching between a state in which the object is connected and a state in which the object is not connected. The object includes an external unit that is transported by the transport device while connected to the transport device. The external unit has a plurality of second functional units that operate by receiving power from the transport device while connected to the transport device, and is capable of communicating with the transport device. The transport control system includes a determination unit and a power-saving control unit. The determination unit determines whether a power-saving condition is met when the transport device and the external unit are connected. When the determination unit determines that the power-saving condition is met, the power-saving control unit reduces the power supply to at least one target functional unit related to the power-saving condition, among the plurality of first functional units and the plurality of second functional units, compared to when the power-saving condition is not met. The external unit may include a plurality of types, and any one of the plurality of types of external units may be connected to the transport device. The external unit may include the plurality of second functional parts corresponding to the functions provided by the external unit. The external unit includes a component supply unit that supplies components to the component mounter, and the plurality of second functional units included in the component supply unit include a drive unit for handling the components to be supplied to the component mounter. When the judgment unit judges that the power saving condition is met, the power saving control unit reduces the power supply to at least one target functional unit related to the power saving condition, among the plurality of first functional units and the plurality of second functional units provided in the external unit connected to the conveying device, compared to when the power saving condition is not met. The at least one target function includes the drive unit.

[0007] A transport system according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes the transport control system and the external unit connected to the transport device.

[0008] A control method for a transport control system according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a control method for a transport control system including a transport device that transports a transported object. The transport device has a plurality of first functional units related to a transport operation for transporting the transported object. The transport device is capable of switching between a state in which the transported object is connected and a state in which the transported object is not connected. The transported object includes an external unit that is transported by the transport device while connected to the transport device. The external unit has a plurality of second functional units that operate by receiving power from the transport device while connected to the transport device and is capable of communicating with the transport device. The control method includes a determination step and a power-saving control step. The determination step determines whether a power-saving condition is satisfied when the transport device is connected to the external unit. If it is determined in the determination step that the power-saving condition is satisfied, the power supply to at least one target functional unit related to the power-saving condition among the plurality of first functional units and the plurality of second functional units is reduced compared to when the power-saving condition is not satisfied. The external unit may include a plurality of types, and any one of the plurality of types of external units may be connected to the transport device. The external unit may include the plurality of second functional parts corresponding to the functions provided by the external unit. The external unit includes a component supply unit that supplies components to the component mounter, and the second functional unit includes a drive unit that handles the components to be supplied to the component mounter. If the judgment step determines that the power saving condition is met, the power supply to at least one target functional unit related to the power saving condition, among the plurality of first functional units and the plurality of second functional units provided in the external unit connected to the conveying device, is reduced compared to when the power saving condition is not met, in the power saving control step. The at least one target function includes the drive unit. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic system configuration diagram of an entire system including a transport control system and an external unit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram of the transport control system. [Figure 3]FIG. 3 is a schematic block diagram of an external unit transported by a transport device included in the transport control system. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a transport device and a transported object provided in the transport control system. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a schematic plan view of a component mounting system to which the above-mentioned transport system is applied. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the transport control system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. In the embodiments described below, common elements are designated by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions of the common elements may be omitted. The following embodiment is merely one of various embodiments of the present disclosure. Various modifications to the embodiment are possible depending on the design, etc., as long as the object of the present disclosure is achieved. The figures described in this disclosure are schematic diagrams, and the ratios of the size and thickness of each component in each figure do not necessarily reflect the actual dimensional ratios. The arrows indicating each direction in the figures are merely examples and are not intended to define the directions in which the conveying device 2 should be used. The arrows indicating each direction in the figures are merely for explanatory purposes and do not represent a physical entity.

[0011] (Embodiment) (1) Overview Fig. 1 is a schematic system configuration diagram of an entire system including a conveying device 2 provided in a conveying control system 1 of this embodiment and a conveyed object 5 conveyed by the conveying device 2. Fig. 2 is a schematic block diagram of the conveying device 2 provided in the conveying control system 1, and Fig. 3 is a schematic block diagram of the conveyed object 5. Fig. 4 is a perspective view of a state in which the conveying device 2 is conveying the conveyed object 5.

[0012] The conveying device 2 has a plurality of first functional parts F1 related to the conveying operation of the object 5 to be conveyed, and conveys the object 5 to be conveyed.

[0013] The transported object 5 includes an external unit 5A that can communicate with the transport device 2.

[0014] The external unit 5A has a plurality of second functional parts F2 that operate by receiving power supply from the transport device 2 while being connected to the transport device 2.

[0015] The transport control system 1 includes a determination unit 201 and a power saving control unit 202.

[0016] The determination unit 201 determines whether or not the power saving condition is met in the connected state in which the transport device 2 and the external unit 5A are connected.

[0017] When the judgment unit 201 judges that the power saving condition is met, the power saving control unit 202 reduces the power supply to at least one target functional unit related to the power saving condition among the multiple first functional units F1 and the multiple second functional units F2 compared to when the power saving condition is not met.

[0018] Here, the conveyance device 2 is an autonomous mobile robot (AMR) used for transporting work in facilities such as factories, logistics centers (including distribution centers), offices, stores, schools, and hospitals, but may also be an automatic guided vehicle (AGV). The conveyance device 2 moves by, for example, running on a moving surface G1 (see FIG. 4 ) using one or more wheels. The moving surface G1 is the surface on which the conveyance device 2 moves. When the conveyance device 2 moves within a facility, the moving surface G1 is the floor of the facility, and when the conveyance device 2 moves outdoors, the moving surface G1 is the ground. In the following, an example will be described in which the conveyance device 2 is an automatic conveyance robot that transports a component supply unit or the like that supplies electronic components to a manufacturing device, such as a component mounter that mounts electronic components on a circuit board, in a factory where the manufacturing device is installed. That is, in this embodiment, an example will be described in which the transported object 5 is a component supply unit transported by the conveyance device 2.

[0019] The multiple first function units F1 possessed by the conveying device 2 may include, for example, a traveling function unit F11, a first detection function unit F12, a second detection function unit F13, a display function unit F14, a charging function unit F15, a cooling function unit F16, etc. The traveling function unit F11 provides a traveling function for traveling the conveying device 2. The first detection function unit F12 provides an external detection function for detecting the external situation of the conveying device 2. The second detection function unit F13 provides a monitoring function for monitoring the status of the conveying device 2. The display function unit F14 provides a display function for displaying warning messages and the like. The charging function unit F15 provides a charging function for charging the battery provided in the power supply 21 of the conveying device 2. The cooling function unit F16 provides a cooling function for cooling the inside of the main body 30 of the conveying device 2. In addition, the first functional unit F1 is not limited to the driving function unit F11, the first detection function unit F12, the second detection function unit F13, the display function unit F14, the charging function unit F15, and the cooling function unit F16, and may have other functional units.

[0020] The second function unit F2 of the external unit 5A, which is the transported object 5, may include, for example, a main function unit F21, a first detection function unit F22, a second detection function unit F23, a display function unit F24, etc. The main function unit F21 provides the main function of the external unit 5A. In this embodiment, since the external unit 5A is a component supply unit, the main function unit F21 includes multiple drive units (first to fourth drive units 61 to 64 in this embodiment) for handling electronic components and the like to be supplied to the manufacturing equipment. The configuration of the main function unit F21 may vary depending on the type of the external unit 5A, i.e., the main function of the external unit 5A. The first detection function unit F22 provides an external detection function for detecting the situation outside the transported object 5. The second detection function unit F23 provides a monitoring function for monitoring the status of at least one of the transported object 5 and an item mounted on the transported object 5. The display function unit F14 provides a display function for displaying warnings and the like. The second function unit F2 is not limited to the main function unit F21, the first detection function unit F22, the second detection function unit F23, and the display function unit F24, and may include other function units.

[0021] Furthermore, the connected state in which the conveying device 2 and the external unit 5A are connected is not limited to a state in which the conveying device 2 is connected to the external unit 5A and conveying the external unit 5A, but may also include a state in which the conveying device 2 is stopped while connected to the external unit 5A.

[0022] The power saving conditions are conditions for determining whether or not it is possible to suppress the operation of at least one target functional unit among the plurality of first functional units F1 of the transport device 2 and the plurality of second functional units F2 of the transported object 5. Here, suppressing the operation of the target functional unit means, for example, stopping the supply of power to the target functional unit by turning off a switch connected between the target functional unit and a power source, but it may also mean stopping the operation of the target functional unit while continuing to supply power to the target functional unit, or operating the target functional unit in a power saving mode in which power consumption is suppressed.

[0023] When the determination unit 201 determines that the power saving condition is met in a connected state in which the transport device 2 and the external unit 5A are connected, the power saving control unit 202 reduces the power supply to at least one target functional unit related to the power saving condition compared to when the power saving condition is not met, thereby reducing the power consumption of the transport device 2. Therefore, when the transport device 2 is battery-powered, reducing the power consumption of the transport device 2 can extend the operating time of the transport device 2 and also shorten the charging time for the battery.

[0024] (2) Details Hereinafter, a transfer system A1 including a transfer device 2 provided in a transfer control system 1 according to this embodiment and a transfer target 5 (external unit 5A) transferred by the transfer device 2 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.

[0025] (2.1) Overall configuration of the transport system The transfer system A1 includes a transfer control system 1 and an external unit 5A connected to a transfer device 2.

[0026] The transport system A1 further includes a host system 9 that controls the transport operation of the transport device 2 to transport the transported object 5 (external unit 5A).

[0027] The conveying device 2 and the host system 9 are configured to be able to communicate with each other. In this disclosure, "capable of communication" means that information can be exchanged directly or indirectly via a network NT or a relay device 6, etc., using an appropriate communication method such as wired communication or wireless communication. In this embodiment, the host system 9 and the conveying device 2 are capable of bidirectional communication, and information can be transmitted both from the host system 9 to the conveying device 2 and from the conveying device 2 to the host system 9. Although FIG. 1 shows one conveying device 2, the number of conveying devices 2 may be two or more. Furthermore, the conveying device 2 may convey a plurality of conveyed objects 5, and the plurality of conveyed objects 5 may be of one or more types.

[0028] As shown in FIG. 5, the transfer system A1 of this embodiment is used in a component mounting system B1 including a component mounter 7 that mounts electronic components on a circuit board.

[0029] The component mounter 7 has a component supply unit that supplies components, and a mounting body 8 that includes a mounting head that mounts the components on a board. In this embodiment, the component supply unit is the external unit 5A.

[0030] The component supply unit, which is the external unit 5A, is used to supply components to a mounting body 8 of a component mounter 7 installed in a factory.

[0031] In this embodiment, the transport device 2 transports the component supply unit, which is the external unit 5A, to the installation location of the mounting body 8 of the component mounter 7. In this way, it is possible to construct a component mounting system B1.

[0032] In this embodiment, the transport device 2 receives an instruction from, for example, the higher-level system 9, and moves a component supply unit (external unit 5A) placed at a certain location within a predetermined area to the installation location of the mounting body 8. When the transport device 2 moves the component supply unit into a recess 81 provided in front of the mounting body 8, it becomes possible to supply components from the component supply unit to the mounting body 8.

[0033] (2.2) Conveyor The transport device 2 is an automatic transport robot for transporting the transported object 5 (external unit 5A). In the following description, the transport device 2 is described as a vehicle-type robot that transports the transported object 5 by towing it. Note that the transport device 2 may also be a low-floor vehicle-type robot that supports the transported object 5 by, for example, getting under the transported object 5 and lifting it up.

[0034] In this embodiment, the host system 9 communicates with the transport device 2 via the network NT and the relay device 6, and indirectly controls the movement of the transport device 2.

[0035] The transport device 2 autonomously travels on a flat moving surface G1, which may be, for example, a floor surface. The transport device 2 can travel on the moving surface G1 while holding the transported object 5. This allows the transport device 2 to transport the transported object 5, which is placed in one location, to another location by, for example, pulling or pushing the transported object 5 with the transport device 2.

[0036] As described above, the transport device 2 has a plurality of first functional units F1. In this embodiment, the transport device 2 has, as the first functional units F1, a traveling function unit F11, a first detection function unit F12, a second detection function unit F13, a display function unit F14, a charging function unit F15, and a cooling function unit F16. The transport device 2 also has a control unit 20, a power source 21, a wireless communication unit 22, a first connection unit 23, a gripping unit 24, a connection detection unit 25, and the like.

[0037] The control unit 20 performs overall control of the conveying device 2. The control unit 20 is mainly composed of a computer system having one or more processors and a memory. The functions of the control unit 20 are realized by the processor of the computer system executing a program recorded in the memory of the computer system. The program may be recorded in the memory, or may be provided via a telecommunications line such as the Internet, or may be recorded on a non-transitory recording medium such as a memory card and provided.

[0038] The control unit 20 has functions such as a determination unit 201 and a power saving control unit 202. Note that the determination unit 201 and the power saving control unit 202 merely indicate functions realized by the control unit 20, and do not necessarily indicate actual configurations.

[0039] The determination unit 201 determines whether or not the power saving conditions are met in the connected state in which the external unit 5A is connected.

[0040] When the determination unit 201 determines that the power saving condition is met, the power saving control unit 202 reduces the power supply to at least one target functional unit associated with the power saving condition, among the multiple first functional units F1 and the multiple second functional units F2, compared to when the power saving condition is not met. For example, when the power saving condition is not met, power is supplied to the multiple first functional units F1 and the multiple second functional units F2. On the other hand, when the power saving condition is met, the power saving control unit 202 stops the power supply to at least one target functional unit associated with the power saving condition. Note that when the power saving condition is met, the power saving control unit 202 may reduce the power supply to the target functional unit by stopping the operation of the at least one target functional unit, or may reduce the power supply to the at least one target functional unit by operating the at least one target functional unit in a power saving mode.

[0041] The power supply 21 includes a battery such as a lithium ion battery or a nickel-metal hydride battery. The transport device 2 operates using the electrical energy stored in the battery included in the power supply 21.

[0042] The wireless communication unit 22 is configured to be able to communicate with the host system 9. In this embodiment, the wireless communication unit 22 communicates with one or more relay devices 6 installed within the area where the transport device 2 is operated via wireless communication using radio waves. Therefore, the wireless communication unit 22 and the host system 9 communicate indirectly via at least the network NT and the relay devices 6. Here, each relay device 6 functions as a device (access point) that relays communication between the wireless communication unit 22 and the host system 9. The relay devices 6 communicate with the host system 9 via the network NT. In this embodiment, as an example, wireless communication conforming to standards such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark), Bluetooth (registered trademark), ZigBee (registered trademark), or unlicensed low-power wireless (specified low-power wireless) is adopted for communication between the relay devices 6 and the wireless communication unit 22. Furthermore, the network NT is not limited to the Internet, and may be, for example, a local communication network within the area where the transport device 2 is operated or within the operating company of this area. 2 and 3, the wireless communication unit 22 may be provided in the transport device 2, and the external unit 5A may not be provided with a wireless communication unit. That is, when the external unit 5A and the transport device 2 are connected, the control unit 50 of the external unit 5A can transmit and receive signals to and from the control unit 20 of the transport device 2 via the first connection unit 23 and the second connection unit 52. Therefore, the control unit 50 of the external unit 5A may be configured to be able to communicate with the higher-level system 9 via the wireless communication unit 22 of the transport device 2. That is, the transport device 2 may have the wireless communication unit 22, and the external unit 5A may communicate with the higher-level system 9 via the wireless communication unit 22 of the transport device 2.

[0043] The gripping unit 24 is provided at the rear of the main body 30 of the conveying device 2. The gripping unit 24 is provided so as to be able to grip a gripped portion provided on the conveyed object 5. The gripping unit 24 grips the conveyed object 5, thereby connecting the conveying device 2 and the conveyed object 5. When the conveying device 2 moves with the gripping unit 24 of the conveying device 2 gripping the conveyed object 5, the conveying device 2 moves together with the conveyed object 5, i.e., the conveying device 2 conveys the conveyed object 5. The gripping unit 24 may grip the conveyed object 5, for example, by gripping the gripped portion with an arm, or may grip the conveyed object 5 by holding the gripped portion made of a magnetic material with electromagnetic force.

[0044] The first connection part 23 is electrically connected to the second connection part 52 of the transported object 5 when the gripping part 24 is gripping the transported object 5. When the first connection part 23 is connected to the second connection part 52, power can be supplied from the power source 21 to the power source 51 of the transported object 5, and signals can be exchanged between the control part 20 and the control part 50 of the transported object 5.

[0045] The connection detection unit 25 has, for example, a limit switch that is pressed by the transported object 5 to turn on the contact when the gripping unit 24 is gripping the transported object 5, and detects whether the gripping unit 24 is in a connected state where it is connected to the transported object 5, or in a non-connected state where it is not connected to the transported object 5. The connection detection unit 25 outputs the detection result to the control unit 20.

[0046] Next, we will explain the multiple first functional units F1 included in the transport device 2. In this embodiment, the transport device 2 has, as the first functional units F1, a traveling functional unit F11, a first detection functional unit F12, a second detection functional unit F13, a display functional unit F14, a charging functional unit F15, a cooling functional unit F16, etc.

[0047] The traveling function unit F11 provides a traveling function for traveling the transport device 2. The multiple wheels equipped on the transport device 2 may include a pair of drive wheels W1 and multiple auxiliary wheels. The pair of drive wheels W1 and the multiple auxiliary wheels are arranged on the lower part (underside) of the main body 30 of the transport device 2. In this embodiment, the pair of drive wheels W1 are arranged side by side in the longitudinal direction (left-right direction) of the main body 30, and each of the pair of drive wheels W1 also serves as a steering wheel. The multiple auxiliary wheels are driven wheels that change direction to follow the direction of movement of the transport device 2.

[0048] The traveling function unit F11 has a first drive unit 31 that controls the rotation and steering angle of one of the pair of drive wheels W1 (for example, the right drive wheel W1), and a second drive unit 32 that controls the rotation and steering angle of the other of the pair of drive wheels W1 (for example, the left drive wheel W1). Each of the first drive unit 31 and the second drive unit 32 includes, for example, an electric motor, and indirectly applies the driving force generated by the electric motor to the corresponding drive wheel W1 via a gearbox, a belt, or the like. Note that each of the first drive unit 31 and the second drive unit 32 may be configured to directly apply the driving force to the corresponding drive wheel W1, such as an in-wheel motor.

[0049] The first detection function unit F12 detects the external (surrounding) conditions of the conveyance device 2 and outputs the detection results to the control unit 20. The first detection function unit F12 includes, for example, a LIDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) 33, an ultrasonic sensor 34, an optical sensor 35, a magnetic sensor 36, and the like.

[0050] The LIDAR 33 emits probing light such as near-infrared light, visible light, or ultraviolet light from a light-emitting unit to the outside, and receives the light reflected by the object with a light-receiving unit, thereby measuring the direction in which the object is located and the distance to the object.

[0051] The ultrasonic sensor 34 detects the distance to an object by transmitting ultrasonic waves from a transmitting unit and receiving the waves reflected by the object with a receiving unit. The ultrasonic sensor 34 is used to detect whether or not an object is present that may collide with the conveyance device 2 within a detection range that is closer than the detection range of the LIDAR 33.

[0052] The optical sensor 35 includes, for example, a visible light imaging element, and is used to detect a guide line that indicates the travel route of the conveyance device 2 provided on the moving surface G1.

[0053] The magnetic sensor 36 is used to detect a magnetic tape provided on the moving surface G1. The magnetic tape provided on the moving surface G1 indicates the travel route of the conveying device 2.

[0054] The control unit 20 controls the movement of the conveyance device 2 using the detection result of the first detection function unit F12. When the conveyance device 2 travels using a route guidance method that uses guide lines or magnetic tape provided on the moving surface G1, the control unit 20 controls the traveling function unit F11 to travel along the guide lines or magnetic tape based on the detection result of the optical sensor 35 or the magnetic sensor 36. When the conveyance device 2 travels using an autonomous traveling method, the control unit 20 estimates the current position based on the positions of surrounding objects (targets) detected by the LIDAR 33 and pre-stored map information of the moving surface G1, and creates a route from the current position to the target position. The control unit 20 then controls the traveling function unit F11 to travel along the created route. When the LIDAR 33 or the ultrasonic sensor 34 detects an object present around the conveyance device 2, the control unit 20 controls the traveling function unit F11 to avoid collision with the object.

[0055] The second detection function unit F13 detects the state of the transport device 2 and outputs the detection result to the control unit 20. The second detection function unit F13 includes an acceleration sensor 37 and a temperature sensor , for example.

[0056] The acceleration sensor 37 is an acceleration sensor that can detect acceleration in three axial directions that are orthogonal to each other, and detects the acceleration acting on the main body 30 of the conveyance device 2, for example.

[0057] The temperature sensor 38 has a temperature sensor such as a thermistor, a resistance temperature detector, or an infrared sensor, and detects the temperature inside the main body 30 .

[0058] For example, based on the detection result of the acceleration sensor 37, when the tilt angle of the main body 30 during traveling exceeds a predetermined threshold, the control unit 20 controls the traveling function unit F11 to decelerate.

[0059] Furthermore, when the internal temperature of the main body 30 detected by the temperature sensor 38 exceeds a predetermined threshold temperature, the control unit 20 operates the cooling function unit F16 to lower the internal temperature of the main body 30.

[0060] The display function unit F14 displays the operating status of the transport device 2 or displays a warning based on a control signal from the control unit 20. The display function unit F14 includes, for example, an indicator light 39 such as an LED, a display unit 40 such as a 7-segment LED or LCD display, and an alarm unit 41 that issues an alarm sound. The indicator light 39 and the display unit 40 are arranged in positions visible from outside the main body 30.

[0061] The cooling function unit F16 has a cooling fan 42 provided inside the main body 30. When the cooling fan 42 is driven, air is taken in from the outside of the main body 30 into the inside of the main body 30 and the air inside the main body 30 is expelled to the outside, thereby lowering the temperature inside the main body 30.

[0062] (2.3) External Unit In this embodiment, the external unit 5A (transported object 5) is a component supply unit that supplies components to the component mounter 7. The component supply unit is, for example, a tape supply unit that supplies a reel around which a tape with components attached is wound. The component supply unit may be a tray supply unit that supplies trays on which components are placed, a batch exchange cart that supplies multiple types of components, or the like. Furthermore, the external unit 5A is not limited to a component supply unit, and may be a cart with a basket provided with multiple wheels (a so-called roll box pallet), or the like. Below, a case will be described in which the external unit 5A (transported object 5) is a tape supply unit, which is one type of component supply unit.

[0063] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the external unit 5A has a main body 60. The main body 60 has a rectangular parallelepiped shape and has a tape supply mechanism inside. A plurality of wheels W2 are attached to the bottom surface of the main body 60. Each of the plurality of wheels W2 is a driven wheel that changes direction to follow the direction of movement. When the external unit 5A is connected to the conveying device 2 and the conveying device 2 moves, the external unit 5A is pulled or pushed by the conveying device 2 and moves on the moving surface G1 together with the conveying device 2.

[0064] As described above, the external unit 5A includes a plurality of second functional units F2. The external unit 5A also includes a control unit 50, a power source 51, and a second connection unit 52.

[0065] The control unit 50 performs overall control of the external unit 5A. The control unit 50 is mainly composed of a computer system having one or more processors and a memory. The functions of the control unit 50 are realized by the processor of the computer system executing a program recorded in the memory of the computer system. The program may be recorded in the memory, or may be provided via a telecommunications line such as the Internet, or may be recorded on a non-transitory recording medium such as a memory card and provided.

[0066] The second connection part 52 is electrically connected to the first connection part 23 of the conveying device 2 when the gripping part 24 is gripping the transported object 5. When the second connection part 52 is connected to the first connection part 23, power can be supplied from the power source 21 of the conveying device 2 to the power source 51, and signals can be exchanged between the control part 50 and the control part 20 of the conveying device 2.

[0067] The power supply 51 operates, for example, on power supplied from the power supply 21 of the transport device 2, and has a power supply circuit that supplies operating voltage to the control unit 50, the second function unit F2, etc. In other words, the external unit 5A does not have a power storage unit and operates on power supplied from the transport device 2.

[0068] Next, the multiple second function units F2 included in the external unit 5A will be described. In this embodiment, the external unit 5A has, as the second function units F2, a main function unit F21, a first detection function unit F22, a second detection function unit F23, and a display function unit F24.

[0069] The main functional unit F21 is provided with first to fourth driving units 61 to 64, which are a plurality of (for example, four) actuators for handling components to be supplied to the component mounter .

[0070] The first detection function unit F22 detects the situation outside (around) the external unit 5A and outputs the detection result to the control unit 50. The first detection function unit F12 includes, for example, a LIDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) 65, an ultrasonic sensor 66, and the like.

[0071] The LIDAR 65 measures the direction and distance to an object by emitting probing light such as near-infrared light, visible light, or ultraviolet light from the light-emitting unit to the outside and receiving the light reflected by the object with the light-receiving unit.

[0072] The ultrasonic sensor 66 detects the distance to an object by transmitting ultrasonic waves from a transmitting unit and receiving the waves reflected by the object with a receiving unit. The ultrasonic sensor 66 is used to detect whether or not an object is present that may collide with the external unit 5A within a detection range that is closer than the detection range of the LIDAR 65.

[0073] When the transport device 2 is connected to the external unit 5A, the LIDAR 33 and the ultrasonic sensor 34 mounted on the transport device 2 are obstructed by the external unit 5A and are therefore unable to detect objects present in the direction of the external unit 5A as viewed from the transport device 2. When the transport device 2 is connected to the external unit 5A, with the transport device 2 positioned at the front and the external unit 5A positioned at the rear, the LIDAR 65 and the ultrasonic sensor 66 of the external unit 5A are attached to the rear of the main body 60. The LIDAR 65 and the ultrasonic sensor 66 are arranged so that their detection areas include at least a portion of the area (rear area) that is blocked by the external unit 5A and cannot be detected by the LIDAR 33 and the ultrasonic sensor 34 of the transport device 2 when the transport device 2 is connected to the external unit 5A. When the control unit 50 acquires the detection results of the LIDAR 65 and the ultrasonic sensor 66, it outputs the detection results of the LIDAR 65 and the ultrasonic sensor 66 to the control unit 20, and the control unit 20 uses the detection results of the LIDAR 65 and the ultrasonic sensor 66 to run the conveying device 2.

[0074] The second detection function unit F23 detects the state of the external unit 5A and outputs the detection result to the control unit 50. The second detection function unit F23 includes, for example, an mounted object detection sensor 67 and a coupling detection unit 68. The control unit 50 outputs the detection result of the second detection function unit F23 to the control unit 20 and controls the display of the display function unit F24 based on the detection result of the second detection function unit F23.

[0075] The load detection sensor 67 detects the state of the load (for example, components to be supplied to the component mounter 7) mounted on the external unit 5A. When the load detection sensor 67 detects an abnormality such as the remaining amount of the load or the collapse or fall of the load, the sensor outputs the detection result to the control unit 50.

[0076] The connection detection unit 68 has a limit switch that is pressed by the component mounter 7 to turn on its contacts when the external unit 5A is connected to the component mounter 7, and detects whether the external unit 5A is in a connected state, in which it is connected to the component mounter 7, or a disconnected state, in which it is not connected to the component mounter 7. The connection detection unit 68 outputs the detection result to the control unit 50. Note that the connection detection unit 68 may also be equipped with a proximity sensor that detects the presence of an object in a non-contact manner, and may use the proximity sensor to detect the state in which the external unit 5A is connected to the component mounter 7. Examples of this type of proximity sensor include a high-frequency oscillation type proximity sensor that uses electromagnetic induction, a magnetic proximity sensor that uses a magnet, and a capacitance type proximity sensor that detects changes in capacitance between an object and the sensor.

[0077] The display function unit F24 displays the operating status of the external unit 5A or displays a warning based on a control signal from the control unit 50. The display function unit F24 includes, for example, an indicator light 69 such as an LED, a display unit 70 such as a 7-segment LED or LCD display, and an alarm unit 71 that issues an alarm sound, for example. The indicator light 69 and the display unit 70 are arranged in positions visible from outside the main body 60.

[0078] (2.4) Operation explanation The operation of the transport control system 1 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 6. Note that the flowchart shown in Fig. 6 is merely an example of a control method for the transport control system 1 according to this embodiment, and the order of processes may be changed as appropriate, and processes may be added or omitted as appropriate.

[0079] The control unit 20 of the transport device 2 periodically executes the process of the flowchart shown in FIG.

[0080] The control unit 20 acquires the detection result of the connection detection unit 25, and determines whether or not the external unit 5A is connected to the transport device 2 based on the detection result of the connection detection unit 25 (step ST1).

[0081] When the external unit 5A is connected to the transport device 2, the determination unit 201 determines whether or not the power saving condition is met (step ST2).

[0082] If the power saving condition is not met (step ST2: No), the control unit 20 ends the process.

[0083] If the power saving condition is met (step ST2: Yes), the power saving control unit 202 stops the power supply to the target functional unit related to the power saving condition, thereby reducing the power supply to the target functional unit compared to when the power saving condition is not met (step ST3).

[0084] Here, the power saving conditions may include multiple conditions. In this embodiment, the power saving conditions include four conditions, first to fourth conditions. Therefore, in step ST2, the determination unit 201 determines whether any of the first to fourth conditions is met. If the determination unit 201 determines that any of the first to fourth conditions is met, the power saving control unit 202 reduces the power supply to the target functional unit associated with the met condition among the first to fourth conditions, compared to when the power saving conditions are not met.

[0085] The first condition is a condition that the conveying device 2 is in an inactive state and the external unit 5A is in an inactive state. The conveying device 2 being in an inactive state refers to a state in which the conveying device 2 is not moving, i.e., is in a stopped state. The external unit 5A being in an inactive state may include a state in which the main functional unit F21 of the external unit 5A is stopped. If the external unit 5A is a component supply unit, the external unit 5A being in an inactive state may include a state in which the function of supplying components to the component mounter 7 (main functional unit F21) is stopped. For example, a state in which the first condition is met is a state in which the conveying device 2 is stopped while connected to the external unit 5A, and an operator is performing some kind of work on the external unit 5A or the conveying device 2 (for example, work to mount components on the external unit 5A).

[0086] When the determination unit 201 determines that the first condition is met, the power-saving control unit 202 stops the supply of power to a traveling function unit F11 among the multiple first function units F1 and to a main function unit F21 and a first detection function unit F22 among the multiple second function units F2. The power-saving control unit 202 outputs a control command to the control unit 50 to stop the supply of power to the main function unit F21 and the first detection function unit F22, and the control unit 50 stops the supply of power to the main function unit F21 and the first detection function unit F22 based on the control command from the power-saving control unit 202. That is, the at least one target function unit related to the first condition may include at least one first function unit F1 of a traveling system used for moving the conveyance device 2 among the multiple first function units F1 (traveling function unit F11 in this embodiment). Furthermore, at least one target functional unit associated with the first condition includes at least one second functional unit F2 (in this embodiment, the main functional unit F21 and the first detection functional unit F22) that stops operating when the external unit 5A is in an inoperative state among the multiple second functional units F2. When the first condition is met, the power-saving control unit 202 reduces power supply to the target functional units, namely, the traveling functional unit F11, the main functional unit F21, and the first detection functional unit F22, thereby reducing power consumption of the transport device 2 and the external unit 5A. When the first condition is not met, the power-saving control unit 202 starts power supply to the traveling functional unit F11, the main functional unit F21, and the first detection functional unit F22.

[0087] In addition, when the first condition is met, it is not necessary for the power saving control unit 202 to suppress all power supply to the driving function unit F11, the main function unit F21, and the first detection function unit F22, and it may suppress power supply to some of the driving function unit F11, the main function unit F21, and the first detection function unit F22.

[0088] The second condition is a condition that the transport device 2 is in an operating state and the external unit 5A is in a non-operating state. The transport device 2 being in an operating state means that it is performing a transport operation to transport the external unit 5A, which is the transported object 5, from a first position to a second position, and may also include a state in which it is temporarily stopped during the transport operation. For example, the state in which the second condition is met is a state in which the transport device 2 is in the middle of moving the external unit 5A to the installation location of the component mounter 7.

[0089] When the determination unit 201 determines that the second condition is met, the power-saving control unit 202 stops the power supply to the main functional unit F21 among the multiple second functional units F2. The power-saving control unit 202 outputs a control command to the control unit 50 to stop the power supply to the main functional unit F21, and the control unit 50 stops the power supply to the main functional unit F21 based on the control command from the power-saving control unit 202. That is, the at least one target functional unit related to the second condition includes at least one second functional unit F2 (the main functional unit F21 in this embodiment) among the multiple second functional units F2 that stops operating when the external unit 5A is in an inactive state. When the second condition is met, the power-saving control unit 202 suppresses the power supply to the main functional unit F21, which is the target functional unit, thereby reducing the power consumption of the external unit 5A and thereby reducing the power consumption of the transport device 2. When the second condition is not met, the power-saving control unit 202 starts the power supply to the main functional unit F21.

[0090] Furthermore, even if the second condition is met, if the conveyance device 2 is moving autonomously, the optical sensor 35 and the magnetic sensor 36 for detecting the guide line or magnetic tape do not need to be operated. Therefore, if the second condition is met, the power saving control unit 202 may stop the supply of power to the optical sensor 35 and the magnetic sensor 36, thereby further reducing the power consumption of the conveyance device 2.

[0091] In addition, when the second condition is met, it is not necessary for the power saving control unit 202 to suppress all power supply to the main function unit F21, the optical sensor 35, and the magnetic sensor 36, and it may suppress power supply to some of the main function unit F21, the optical sensor 35, and the magnetic sensor 36.

[0092] The third condition is a condition that the transport device 2 is in a non-operating state and the external unit 5A is in an operating state. The external unit 5A being in an operating state means that the main functional unit F21 of the external unit 5A is operating. In this embodiment, since the external unit 5A is a component supply unit, the state in which the main functional unit F21 is operating means that the main functional unit F21 is performing an operation to supply components to the component mounter 7 or a preparatory operation therefor. For example, the state in which the third condition is met is a state in which the transport device 2 moves the external unit 5A to the installation position of the component mounter 7 and stops, and the external unit 5A is performing an operation to supply components to the component mounter 7 or a preparatory operation therefor.

[0093] When the determination unit 201 determines that the third condition is met, the power-saving control unit 202 stops the power supply to at least one first functional unit F1 of a traveling system used for the movement of the transport device 2, i.e., the traveling function unit F11, among the multiple first functional units F1. Therefore, the at least one target functional unit related to the third condition may include at least one first functional unit F1 of a traveling system used for the movement of the transport device 2, among the multiple first functional units F1. Note that, when the third condition is met, the power-saving control unit 202 stops the power supply to at least one first functional unit F1 of a control system involved in the control of the transport device 2, among the multiple first functional units F1. In other words, the at least one target functional unit related to the third condition may include at least one first functional unit F1 of a control system involved in the control of the transport device 2, among the multiple first functional units F1. The first functional unit F1 of the control system related to the control of the conveyance device 2 includes, for example, the optical sensor 35 and the magnetic sensor 36, which are necessary for traveling using the route guidance method, among the multiple sensors included in the first detection functional unit F12, and the acceleration sensor 37, which is necessary for traveling, among the multiple sensors included in the second detection functional unit F13. When the third condition is met, the power-saving control unit 202 suppresses the power supply to the target functional units, the traveling functional unit F11, the optical sensor 35, the magnetic sensor 36, and the acceleration sensor 37, thereby suppressing the power consumption of the conveyance device 2. When the third condition is not met, the power-saving control unit 202 starts the power supply to the traveling functional unit F11, the optical sensor 35, the magnetic sensor 36, and the acceleration sensor 37. In addition, when the third condition is met, it is not necessary for the power saving control unit 202 to suppress all power supply to the driving function unit F11, the optical sensor 35, the magnetic sensor 36, and the acceleration sensor 37, and it may suppress power supply to some of the driving function unit F11, the optical sensor 35, the magnetic sensor 36, and the acceleration sensor 37.

[0094] The fourth condition is that the transport device 2 is in a charging state in which the built-in battery is being charged. When the transport device 2 is in a charging state, the transport device 2 is stopped and the external unit 5A is also in a non-operating state.

[0095] When the determination unit 201 determines that the fourth condition is met, the power-saving control unit 202 stops the supply of power to at least one first functional unit F1 among the multiple first functional units F1 that is not involved in charging the battery. That is, the at least one target functional unit related to the fourth condition may include at least one first functional unit F1 among the multiple first functional units F1 that is not involved in charging the battery. Here, the first functional unit F1 that is not involved in charging the battery is, for example, a first functional unit F1 used when the conveyance device 2 travels, and may include the travel function unit F11, the optical sensor 35 and magnetic sensor 36 among the first detection function unit F12 that are used in the route guidance method, and the acceleration sensor 37 among the second detection function unit F13. Furthermore, because the external unit 5A is also in a non-operating state in the charging state, the power-saving control unit 202 may further stop the supply of power to the main functional unit F21 of the external unit 5A. When the fourth condition is met, the power-saving control unit 202 suppresses the power supply to the target functional units, namely the traveling function unit F11, the optical sensor 35, the magnetic sensor 36, the acceleration sensor 37, and the main function unit F21, thereby reducing the power consumption of the transport device 2 and the external unit 5A and thereby reducing the power consumption of the transport device 2. When the fourth condition is not met, the power-saving control unit 202 starts the power supply to the traveling function unit F11, the optical sensor 35, the magnetic sensor 36, the acceleration sensor 37, and the main function unit F21. When the fourth condition is met, the power-saving control unit 202 does not necessarily suppress the power supply to all of the traveling function unit F11, the optical sensor 35, the magnetic sensor 36, the acceleration sensor 37, and the main function unit F21, and may suppress the power supply to some of the traveling function unit F11, the optical sensor 35, the magnetic sensor 36, the acceleration sensor 37, and the main function unit F21.

[0096] (3) Variations The above embodiment is merely one of various embodiments of the present disclosure. Various modifications to the above embodiment are possible depending on the design, etc., as long as the object of the present disclosure can be achieved. Furthermore, functions similar to those of the transport control system 1 may be embodied in a control method for the transport control system 1, a computer program, a non-transitory recording medium on which a program is recorded, or the like. A control method for the transport control system 1 according to one aspect includes a determination step and a power-saving control step. The transport control system 1 includes a transport device 2 having multiple first functional units F1 related to a transport operation for transporting a transported object 5. The transported object 5 includes an external unit 5A capable of communicating with the transport device 2. The external unit 5A has multiple second functional units F2 that operate by receiving power from the transport device 2 while connected to the transport device 2. In the determination step, it is determined whether a power-saving condition is satisfied when the transport device 2 is connected to the external unit 5A. In the power-saving control step, when it is determined in the determination step that the power-saving condition is satisfied, the power supplied to at least one target functional unit related to the power-saving condition among the plurality of first functional units F1 and the plurality of second functional units F2 is reduced compared to when the power-saving condition is not satisfied. A (computer) program according to one aspect is a program for causing a computer system to execute the control method for the transport control system 1 described above.

[0097] Modifications of the above embodiment are listed below. The modifications described below can be applied in appropriate combinations.

[0098] The entity that executes the transport control system 1 or the control method for the transport control system 1 in the present disclosure includes a computer system. The computer system is primarily composed of a processor and memory as hardware. The processor executes a program stored in the memory of the computer system to realize the functions of the transport control system 1 or the control method for the transport control system 1 in the present disclosure. The program may be pre-stored in the memory of the computer system, provided via a telecommunications line, or provided in a non-transitory recording medium readable by the computer system, such as a memory card, optical disk, or hard disk drive. The processor of the computer system is composed of one or more electronic circuits, including a semiconductor integrated circuit (IC) or a large-scale integrated circuit (LSI). The integrated circuits, such as ICs and LSIs, are referred to by different names depending on the degree of integration, and include integrated circuits called system LSIs, very large-scale integrations (VLSIs), or ultra-large-scale integrations (ULSIs). Furthermore, field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), which are programmable after the LSI is manufactured, or logic devices that allow the reconfiguration of internal connections or internal circuit partitions of the LSI, can also be used as processors. The electronic circuits may be integrated into one chip or distributed across multiple chips. The chips may be integrated into one device or distributed across multiple devices. The computer system referred to here includes a microcontroller having one or more processors and one or more memories. Therefore, the microcontroller is also composed of one or more electronic circuits including a semiconductor integrated circuit or a large-scale integrated circuit.

[0099] Furthermore, it is not essential for the transport control system 1 that multiple functions are concentrated in one housing, and the components of the transport control system 1 may be distributed across multiple housings. Furthermore, at least some of the functions of the transport control system 1, for example, some of the functions of the transport control system 1, may be realized by the cloud (cloud computing) or the like.

[0100] In the above embodiment, the transport control system 1 is realized by the control unit 20 of the transport device 2, but the transport control system 1 may be provided outside the transport device 2.

[0101] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the power saving conditions include four conditions, the first to fourth conditions, but the power saving conditions may include other conditions and can be changed as appropriate. The power saving conditions may include, for example, a fifth condition that the internal temperature detected by the temperature sensor 38 is equal to or lower than a threshold temperature. If the determination unit 201 determines in step ST2 that the fifth condition is met, the power saving control unit 202 may reduce the power consumption of the transport device 2 by stopping the supply of power to the cooling function unit F16 (i.e., the cooling fan 42), which is the target function unit.

[0102] (summary) The above-described embodiments and the like disclose the following aspects.

[0103] A first aspect of the transport control system (1) includes a transport device (2) that transports a transported object (5). The transport device (2) has a plurality of first functional units (F1) related to the transport operation of the transported object (5). The transported object (5) includes an external unit (5A) that can communicate with the transport device (2). The external unit (5A) has a plurality of second functional units (F2) that operate upon receiving power supply from the transport device (2) while connected to the transport device (2). The transport control system (1) includes a determination unit (201) and a power saving control unit (202). The determination unit (201) determines whether a power saving condition is met while connected to the external unit (5A). When the determination unit (201) determines that the power saving condition is met, the power saving control unit (202) reduces the power supply to at least one target functional unit related to the power saving condition among the plurality of first functional units (F1) and the plurality of second functional units (F2) compared to when the power saving condition is not met.

[0104] According to this aspect, when the determination unit (201) determines that the power saving conditions are met, the power saving control unit (202) reduces the power supply to at least one target functional unit compared to when the power saving conditions are not met, thereby reducing the power consumption of the conveying device (2).

[0105] In the transport control system (1) of the second aspect, in the first aspect, the power saving conditions include a first condition that the transport device (2) is in an inactive state and the external unit (5A) is in an inactive state.

[0106] According to this aspect, when the first condition is met, the power consumption of the transport device (2) can be reduced compared to when the power saving conditions including the first condition are not met.

[0107] In the third aspect of the conveying control system (1), in the second aspect, at least one target functional unit related to the first condition includes, among the multiple first functional units (F1), at least one first functional unit (F1) of a traveling system used for moving the conveying device (2), and among the multiple second functional units (F2), at least one second functional unit (F2) that stops operating when the external unit (5A) is in a non-operating state.

[0108] According to this aspect, when the first condition is met, the power consumption of the conveying device (2) can be reduced by reducing the power supply to at least one first functional unit (F1) of the traveling system and at least one second functional unit (F2) that stops operating when the external unit (5A) is in a non-operating state.

[0109] In the transport control system (1) of the fourth aspect, in any one of the first to third aspects, the power saving condition includes a second condition that the transport device (2) is in an operating state and the external unit (5A) is in a non-operating state.

[0110] According to this aspect, when the second condition is met, the power consumption of the transport device (2) can be reduced compared to when the power saving conditions including the second condition are not met.

[0111] In the fifth aspect of the transport control system (1), in the fourth aspect, at least one target functional unit related to the second condition includes at least one second functional unit (F2) among the multiple second functional units (F2) that stops operating when the external unit (5A) is in a non-operating state.

[0112] According to this aspect, when the second condition is met, the power consumption of the conveying device (2) can be reduced by reducing the power supply to at least one second functional unit (F2) that stops operating when the external unit (5A) is in a non-operating state.

[0113] In the transport control system (1) of the sixth aspect, in any one of the first to fifth aspects, the power saving conditions include a third condition that the transport device (2) is in a non-operating state and the external unit (5A) is in an operating state.

[0114] According to this aspect, when the third condition is met, the power consumption of the transport device (2) can be reduced compared to when the power saving conditions including the third condition are not met.

[0115] In the seventh aspect of the transport control system (1), in the sixth aspect, at least one target functional unit related to the third condition includes, among the multiple first functional units (F1), at least one first functional unit (F1) of a traveling system used for the movement of the transport device (2).

[0116] According to this aspect, when the third condition is met, the power supply to the first functional unit (F1) of at least one traveling system is suppressed, thereby making it possible to suppress the power consumption of the transport device (2).

[0117] In the eighth aspect of the transport control system (1), in the second aspect, the target functional unit includes, among the multiple first functional units (F1), at least one first functional unit (F1) of a control system involved in the control of the transport device (2).

[0118] According to this aspect, when the third condition is met, the power consumption of the conveying device (2) can be reduced by reducing the power supply to the first functional unit (F1) of at least one control system involved in the control of the conveying device (2).

[0119] In the ninth aspect of the transport control system (1), in the sixth aspect, the target functional unit includes, among the multiple first functional units (F1), at least one first functional unit (F1) of a control system involved in the control of the transport device (2).

[0120] According to this aspect, when the first condition is met, the power consumption of the conveying device (2) can be reduced by reducing the power supply to the first functional unit (F1) of at least one control system involved in the control of the conveying device (2).

[0121] In the transport control system (1) of the tenth aspect, in any one of the first to ninth aspects, the power saving condition includes a fourth condition that the transport device (2) is in a charging state where the built-in battery is being charged.

[0122] According to this aspect, when the fourth condition is met, the power consumption of the transport device (2) can be reduced compared to when the power saving conditions including the fourth condition are not met.

[0123] In the eleventh aspect of the transport control system (1), in the tenth aspect, at least one target functional unit associated with the fourth condition includes at least one first functional unit (F1) among the multiple first functional units (F1) that is not involved in charging the battery.

[0124] According to this aspect, when the fourth condition is met, the power consumption of the transport device (2) can be reduced by reducing the power supply to at least one first functional unit (F1) that is not involved in charging the battery.

[0125] In the transport control system (1) of the twelfth aspect, in any one of the first to eleventh aspects, the transport device (2) has a wireless communication unit (22), and the external unit (5A) communicates with the host system (9) via the wireless communication unit (22) of the transport device (2).

[0126] According to this embodiment, even if the external unit (5A) does not have a wireless communication unit, the external unit (5A) can communicate with the upper system (9) via the wireless communication unit (22) of the conveying device (2).

[0127] A transfer system (A1) of a thirteenth aspect includes the transfer control system (1) of any one of the first to twelfth aspects, and an external unit (5A) connected to the transfer device (2).

[0128] According to this aspect, when the determination unit (201) determines that the power saving conditions are met, the power saving control unit (202) reduces the power supply to at least one target functional unit compared to when the power saving conditions are not met, thereby reducing the power consumption of the conveying device (2).

[0129] In the transport system (A1) of the fourteenth aspect, in the thirteenth aspect, the external unit (5A) does not include a power storage unit and operates on power supplied from the transport device (2).

[0130] According to this aspect, when the determination unit (201) determines that the power saving conditions are met, the power saving control unit (202) reduces the power supply to at least one target functional unit compared to when the power saving conditions are not met, thereby reducing the power consumption of the conveying device (2).

[0131] A fifteenth aspect of the control method for a transport control system (1) is a control method for a transport control system (1) including a transport device (2) that transports a transported object (5). The transport device (2) has a plurality of first functional units (F1) related to a transport operation for transporting the transported object (5). The transported object (5) includes an external unit (5A) that can communicate with the transport device (2). The external unit (5A) has a plurality of second functional units (F2) that operate by receiving power supply from the transport device (2) while connected to the transport device (2). The control method includes a determination step and a power-saving control step. The determination step determines whether a power-saving condition is satisfied when the transport device (2) is connected to the external unit (5A). In the power saving control step, if it is determined in the judgment step that the power saving conditions are met, the power supply to at least one target functional unit related to the power saving conditions among the plurality of first functional units (F1) and the plurality of second functional units (F2) is reduced compared to when the power saving conditions are not met.

[0132] According to this aspect, when the power saving condition is met, the power supply to at least one target functional unit is reduced compared to when the power saving condition is not met, thereby reducing the power consumption of the transport device (2).

[0133] Not limited to the above aspects, various configurations (including modified examples) of the transport control system (1) according to the above embodiment can be embodied as a control method for the transport control system (1), a (computer) program, or a non-transitory recording medium on which a program is recorded, etc.

[0134] The configurations according to the second to twelfth aspects are not essential for the transport control system (1) and can be omitted as appropriate. The configuration according to the fourteenth aspect is not essential for the transport system (A1) and can be omitted as appropriate. [Explanation of symbols]

[0135] 1. Transport control system 2. Conveyor equipment 5. Transported object 5A External Unit 201 Judgment Department 202 Power saving control unit A1 Conveyor System F1 1st functional section F2 Second functional section

Claims

1. A transport control system including a transport device that transports an object, the transport device has a plurality of first functional units related to a transport operation of the transported object, the transport device is switchable between a state in which the transported object is coupled and a state in which the transported object is not coupled, the transported object includes an external unit that is connected to the transport device and transported by the transport device, the external unit has a plurality of second functional units that operate by receiving power from the transport device while connected to the transport device, and is capable of communicating with the transport device; The transport control system includes: a determination unit that determines whether a power saving condition is met in a connected state in which the transport device and the external unit are connected; a power-saving control unit that, when the determination unit determines that the power-saving condition is met, reduces the power supply to at least one target functional unit related to the power-saving condition among the plurality of first functional units and the plurality of second functional units, compared to when the power-saving condition is not met; There are multiple types of external units, Any of the plurality of types of external units is connected to the conveying device, the external unit includes the plurality of second functional units corresponding to functions provided by the external unit, the external unit includes a component supply unit that supplies components to the component mounter, the plurality of second functional units included in the component supply unit include a drive unit for handling the components to be supplied to the component mounter, When the determination unit determines that the power saving condition is met, the power saving control unit reduces the power supply to at least one target functional unit related to the power saving condition among the plurality of first functional units and the plurality of second functional units included in the external unit connected to the transport device, compared to when the power saving condition is not met, The at least one target function unit includes the drive unit. Conveyor control system.

2. the power saving condition includes a first condition that the transport device is in an inactive state and the external unit is in an inactive state; The transport control system according to claim 1 .

3. At least one of the target functional units associated with the first condition is Among the plurality of first functional units, at least one first functional unit of a traveling system used for movement of the transport device; At least one second function unit among the plurality of second function units stops operating when the external unit is in a non-operating state. The transport control system according to claim 2 .

4. the power saving condition includes a second condition that the transport device is in an operating state and the external unit is in a non-operating state; The transport control system according to claim 1 .

5. At least one target function unit associated with the second condition is Among the plurality of second functional units, at least one second functional unit that stops operating when the external unit is in a non-operating state is included. The transport control system according to claim 4 .

6. the power saving conditions include a third condition that the transport device is in a non-operating state and the external unit is in an operating state. The transport control system according to claim 1 .

7. At least one target function unit associated with the third condition is Among the plurality of first functional units, at least one first functional unit of a traveling system used for movement of the transport device is included. The transport control system according to claim 6.

8. The target functional unit is Among the plurality of first functional units, at least one first functional unit of a control system related to control of the transport device is included. The transport control system according to claim 2 .

9. The target functional unit is Among the plurality of first functional units, at least one first functional unit of a control system related to control of the transport device is included. The transport control system according to claim 6.

10. the power saving conditions include a fourth condition that the transport device is in a charging state in which a built-in battery is being charged; The transport control system according to claim 1 .

11. At least one target function unit associated with the fourth condition is Among the plurality of first functional units, at least one first functional unit is not involved in charging the battery. The transport control system according to claim 10.

12. the transport device has a wireless communication unit, and the external unit communicates with a host system via the wireless communication unit of the transport device. The transport control system according to claim 1 .

13. A transport control system according to any one of claims 1 to 12; the external unit coupled to the transport device, Conveying system.

14. the external unit does not include a power storage unit and operates on power supplied from the transport device; The transport system of claim 13.

15. A control method for a transport control system including a transport device that transports an object, comprising: the transport device has a plurality of first functional units related to a transport operation for transporting the transported object, the transport device is switchable between a state in which the transported object is coupled and a state in which the transported object is not coupled, the transported object includes an external unit that is connected to the transport device and transported by the transport device, the external unit has a plurality of second functional units that operate by receiving power from the transport device while connected to the transport device, and is capable of communicating with the transport device; a determining step of determining whether a power saving condition is satisfied in a connected state in which the transport device is connected to the external unit; a power-saving control step of suppressing power supply to at least one target functional unit related to the power-saving condition among the plurality of first functional units and the plurality of second functional units, when it is determined in the determination step that the power-saving condition is satisfied, compared to when the power-saving condition is not satisfied; There are multiple types of external units, Any of the plurality of types of external units is connected to the conveying device, the external unit includes the plurality of second functional units corresponding to functions provided by the external unit, the external unit includes a component supply unit that supplies components to the component mounter, the plurality of second functional units included in the component supply unit include a drive unit for handling the components to be supplied to the component mounter, When it is determined in the determination step that the power saving condition is satisfied, in the power saving control step, the power supplied to at least one target functional unit related to the power saving condition among the plurality of first functional units and the plurality of second functional units provided in the external unit connected to the transport device is reduced compared to when the power saving condition is not satisfied, The at least one target function unit includes the drive unit. A control method for a transport control system.

16. The power saving conditions include a first condition that the conveying device is in an inoperative state and the function of the external unit to supply the parts is stopped. The transport control system according to claim 1 .

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