Component conveyance system
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- WO · WO
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- FUJI CORP
- Filing Date
- 2025-02-03
- Publication Date
- 2026-08-06
Smart Images
Figure JP2025003379_06082026_PF_FP_ABST
Abstract
Description
Component Conveying System
[0001] The technology disclosed in this specification relates to a component conveying system. In particular, it relates to a component conveying system comprising an automatically traveling conveying device that automatically conveys components to equipment.
[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a manufacturing system that uses an automated guided vehicle to convey component reels to manufacturing equipment. In the manufacturing system, the automated guided vehicle waits at a waiting area until it receives a conveyance instruction including a traveling route and a stopping location.
[0003] Further, Patent Document 2 discloses, for example, that an automated guided vehicle waits until a plurality of tape feeders are aligned and then conveys the plurality of tape feeders together, thereby operating the automated guided vehicle efficiently.
[0004] Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2019 - 061310, Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2024 - 023909
[0005] In this specification, a technology is provided that can operate an automatically traveling conveying device more efficiently than in the prior art.
[0006] The technology disclosed in this specification is embodied by a component conveying system that conveys components. The component conveying system includes a component storage unit in which the components are temporarily stored, an automatically traveling conveying device that automatically conveys the components stored in the component storage unit to equipment where the components are used, and a detection unit that detects a storage capacity indicating the amount of the components stored in the component storage unit. The automatically traveling conveying device is configured to be capable of executing a standby process of waiting at a standby position until the storage capacity detected by the detection unit exceeds a predetermined target storage capacity, a conveyance process of automatically conveying the components in the component storage unit whose storage capacity exceeds the target storage capacity to the equipment when the storage capacity exceeds the target storage capacity during the execution of the standby process, and a movement process of automatically moving toward the equipment when a predetermined condition is satisfied during the execution of the standby process, regardless of whether the storage capacity exceeds the target storage capacity.
[0007] (Effects of the Invention) In the parts transport system described above, the automated transport device waits until the target amount of parts is stored in the parts storage section through a standby process. Even while the standby process is running, if predetermined conditions are met, it will automatically move toward the equipment. This allows the automated transport device to operate more efficiently. This contributes to the realization of a so-called smart factory and can improve productivity.
[0008] Schematic diagram of the parts transport system in the embodiment. Flowchart of the movement determination process. Flowchart of the movement process.
[0009] The main features of the embodiments described below are listed below. Note that the technical elements described below are independent technical elements that exhibit technical usefulness individually or in various combinations, and are not limited to the combinations described in the claims at the time of filing.
[0010] (Feature 1) In the parts transport system described above, the predetermined conditions may include that the storage capacity is less than the target storage capacity and that no new parts have been added to the parts storage section for more than a predetermined time.
[0011] With this configuration, for example, if an abnormality occurs in the process preceding the storage of parts in the parts storage section, and no new parts are added to the parts storage section for a predetermined time, the automated transport device will move toward the equipment even if the storage volume falls below the target storage volume. This allows the automated transport device to operate more efficiently than, for example, a configuration in which the automated transport device continues to wait until the storage volume exceeds the target storage volume, regardless of whether an abnormality has occurred in the preceding process.
[0012] (Feature 2) In the parts transport system described above, the predetermined conditions may include that the storage capacity is less than the target storage capacity, that it exceeds the minimum storage capacity which is the minimum storage capacity of the parts that the automatic transport device will transport to the equipment, and that no new parts have been added to the parts storage section for more than a predetermined time.
[0013] Even if the storage capacity is below the target capacity and no new parts are added to the parts storage area for a predetermined period of time, if the automated transport system transports parts to the equipment with a storage capacity below the minimum capacity, the number of times the automated transport system moves between the parts storage area and the equipment may increase excessively. As a result, the operational efficiency of the automated transport system may decrease. With this configuration, the automated transport system moves toward the equipment only after the storage capacity exceeds the minimum capacity, thus reducing the number of times the automated transport system moves between the parts storage area and the equipment.
[0014] (Feature 3) In the parts transport system described above, the parts storage unit may be located near the workshop where the parts are prepared. In this case, the preparation of the parts may be carried out by workers working in the workshop, and the prepared parts may be added to the parts storage unit.
[0015] With this configuration, for example, if new parts are not added to the parts storage area for a predetermined period of time due to delays in the worker's preparation of parts, the automated transport device will move towards the equipment. Therefore, compared to a configuration in which the automated transport device remains on standby even if the worker's preparation of parts is delayed, the automated transport device can be operated more efficiently.
[0016] (Feature 4) In the parts transport system described above, the predetermined conditions may include that the storage capacity is less than the target storage capacity, and that the automatic transport device receives a movement instruction to move toward the equipment.
[0017] With this configuration, even if the storage capacity falls below the target capacity while standby processing is being performed, the automated transport system can be moved towards the equipment by a movement command. This allows the automated transport system to operate more efficiently.
[0018] (Feature 5) In the parts transport system described above, the movement instruction may be transmitted to the automatic transport device by the equipment.
[0019] With this configuration, the automated transport device can be moved toward the equipment by movement instructions transmitted from the equipment.
[0020] (Feature 6) In the parts transport system described above, the movement instruction may be input to the automatic transport device by the worker preparing the parts.
[0021] With this configuration, the automated transport device can be moved towards the equipment based on movement instructions input by the worker preparing the parts.
[0022] (Feature 7) In the parts transport system described above, the parts storage section may include a warehouse for temporarily storing the parts, and a parts box adjacent to the warehouse and configured to be transportable by the automated transport device, the parts box capable of accommodating at least the target storage amount of the parts. The parts transport system may further include an equipment line comprising a plurality of equipment including the equipment, and a smart loader that automatically moves the parts between the warehouse and the parts box. In the transport process, the automated transport device may automatically transport the parts box containing the target storage amount of the parts to the equipment.
[0023] With this configuration, for example, parts boxes can be used to simultaneously load a target number of parts onto an automated transport system. This reduces the time required to load parts onto the automated transport system.
[0024] (Example) As shown in Figure 1, the parts transport system 100 of this embodiment comprises a first parts mounting line 11, a second parts mounting line 12, a kitting stand 20, a management device 30, a transport preparation unit 40, a first warehouse 41, a second warehouse 42, a smart loader 50, and an AMR (Autonomous Mobile Robot) 60. The parts transport system 100 is a system that uses the AMR 60 to transport feeders F1 temporarily stored in the first warehouse 41 to the respective parts mounting lines 11 and 12.
[0025] Feeder F1 is, for example, a tape feeder. Feeder F1 can be equipped with a reel (not shown) containing multiple electronic components. Feeder F1 supplies the electronic components (not shown) contained on the reel to each component mounting line 11, 12.
[0026] The first component mounting line 11 is equipped with two component mounting machines 13 and 14, and the second component mounting line 12 is equipped with two component mounting machines 15 and 16. Note that each component mounting line 11 and 12 may be equipped with more component mounting machines, or with other circuit board work equipment such as a solder printing machine and a circuit board inspection machine. Each component mounting machine 13 to 16 is a device that mounts electronic components contained in a feeder F1 onto a circuit board. That is, each component mounting machine 13 to 16 is equipment that uses the feeder F1. Each component mounting machine 13 to 16 is equipped with control units 13C to 16C. Although not shown in the figures, each control unit 13C to 16C is a computer equipped with a CPU and memory consisting of non-volatile memory and volatile memory, and controls the operation of, for example, a component mounting unit (not shown) that mounts electronic components onto a circuit board.
[0027] The kitting stand 20 is a workspace where worker W1 performs tasks related to the feeder F1, and is equipped with a workbench 22. At the kitting stand 20, the old reel (not shown) is removed from the feeder F1 and a new reel (not shown) is attached. This allows new electronic components to be placed in the feeder F1. Worker W1 then places the feeder F1 with the new reel attached in, for example, the first warehouse 41. As will be described later, the feeder F1 placed in the first warehouse 41 is transported to each component mounting machine 13-16. In this way, worker W1 performs preparations at the kitting stand 20 for the use of the feeder F1 in each component mounting machine 13-16. A management device 30 is placed on the workbench 22 of the kitting stand 20.
[0028] The second warehouse 42 is located between the first warehouse 41 and the kitting stand 20. The second warehouse 42 stores used feeders F1 (feeders F1 recovered from each component mounting machine 13-16) that have already supplied electronic components to each component mounting machine 13-16. That is, the reels of the feeders F1 stored in the second warehouse 42 contain either no electronic components or only a small amount. After the worker W1 carries the used feeders F1 stored in the second warehouse 42 to the kitting stand 20, he performs the preparations described above. Each warehouse 41 and 42 is equipped with control units 41C and 42C. Each control unit 41C and 42C is a computer equipped with a CPU and memory consisting of non-volatile memory and volatile memory.
[0029] The transport preparation unit 40 temporarily houses the feeders F1 stored in the first warehouse 41. The feeder magazine 46 is detachably positioned in the transport preparation unit 40. The feeder magazine 46 has a box-like shape and houses multiple feeders F1. The transport preparation unit 40 is equipped with a control unit 40C. When the feeder magazine 46 is positioned in the transport preparation unit 40, it is connected to the control unit 40C for communication. The feeder magazine 46 transmits, for example, the number and type of feeders F1 it houses to the control unit 40C. This allows the control unit 40C to detect the number and type of feeders F1 housed in the feeder magazine 46.
[0030] The smart loader 50 is a device configured to move between the transport preparation unit 40 and each warehouse 41, 42. The smart loader 50 moves, for example, along the first direction D1 to a position opposite the second warehouse 42 and stores the used feeder F1 in the second warehouse 42. Then, the smart loader 50 moves, for example, along the second direction D2 to a position opposite the first warehouse 41 and retrieves the feeder F1 that has been prepared at the kitting stand 20 from the first warehouse 41. Furthermore, the smart loader 50 moves, for example, along the second direction D2 to a position opposite the feeder magazine 46 and stores the feeder F1 retrieved from the first warehouse 41 in the feeder magazine 46 located in the transport preparation unit 40. In this way, the smart loader 50 moves the feeder F1 between each warehouse 41, 42 and the feeder magazine 46. The smart loader 50 is equipped with a control unit 50C. The control unit 50C is a computer comprising a CPU and memory consisting of non-volatile memory and volatile memory, and controls, for example, the movement of the smart loader 50.
[0031] The AMR 60 is a robot that automatically transports feeders F1 between the transport preparation unit 40 and the component mounting lines 11 and 12. As shown by the dashed line in Figure 1, the AMR 60 moves while holding the feeder magazine 46 containing the feeders F1 on its upper surface 64. In this way, multiple feeders F1 can be loaded onto the AMR 60 at once using the feeder magazine 46. This reduces the time required to load the feeders F1 onto the AMR 60. The AMR 60 includes a touchscreen 61 and a control unit 60C. The touchscreen 61 displays various information about the AMR 60 and also accepts operations from the operator. In a modified version, the AMR 60 may have a display that displays various information and an operation unit that accepts operations from the operator separately. The control unit 60C is a computer that includes a CPU and memory composed of non-volatile memory and volatile memory, and controls the movement of the AMR 60, for example.
[0032] The management device 30 includes a display 31. Although not shown in the illustration, the management device 30 is a computer comprising a CPU and memory composed of non-volatile memory and volatile memory. The management device 30 is communicated via wired LAN 4 to the control units 13C to 16C of each component mounting machine 13 to 16, the control unit 40C of the transport preparation unit 40, the control unit 41C of the first warehouse 41, and the control unit 42C of the second warehouse 42. The management device 30 is communicated via wireless LAN 6 to the control unit 50C of the smart loader 50 and the control unit 60C of the AMR 60. The management device 30 receives, for example, the mounting results of electronic components from the control units 13C to 16C of each component mounting machine 13 to 16 via wired LAN 4. The management device 30 receives storage information from the control unit 40C of the transport preparation unit 40 via wired LAN 4, indicating the number, type, etc., of feeders F1 currently stored in the feeder magazine 46. The management device 30 receives storage information from the control units 41C and 42C of each warehouse 41 and 42 via the wired LAN 4, indicating the number, type, etc., of feeders F1 stored in each warehouse 41 and 42. Furthermore, the management device 30 transmits, for example, a movement instruction (described later) to the AMR 60 via the wireless LAN 6.
[0033] The memory of the control device 30 stores, for example, a target capacity TC1 (see S10 in Figure 2), a predetermined time T1 (see S20 in Figure 2), and a minimum capacity MC1 (see S30 in Figure 2). The target capacity TC1 is a predetermined value for determining whether or not to move the AMR 60 toward each component mounting line 11, 12, and is, for example, 80% of the allowable capacity of the feeder magazine 46. The predetermined time T1 is a value for determining whether or not the worker W1 is properly preparing the feeder F1 at the kitting stand 20, and is, for example, 30 minutes. The minimum capacity MC1 is a value for determining whether or not to move the feeder magazine 46 from the transport preparation unit 40 toward each component mounting line 11, 12, and is, for example, 30% of the allowable capacity of the feeder magazine 46. In this embodiment, the target capacity TC1, predetermined time T1, and minimum capacity MC1 are pre-stored in the memory of the management device 30. However, in a modified example, the target capacity TC1, predetermined time T1, and minimum capacity MC1 may be downloaded retrospectively from an external server (not shown), or they may be entered or modified retrospectively by an administrator or the like.
[0034] The control device 30 generates jobs based on production programs received from, for example, a higher-level command device (not shown). Based on the generated jobs, the control device 30 causes, for example, each component mounting machine 13 to 16 to perform the mounting of electronic components. Furthermore, based on, for example, job information, mounting results received from the control units 13C to 16C of each component mounting machine 13 to 16, and storage information received from the control unit 41C of the first warehouse 41, the control device 30 displays preparation instructions, including a feeder F1 to be prepared, on the display 31. The worker W1 prepares a new feeder F1 on the kitting stand 20 based on the preparation instructions displayed on the display 31.
[0035] Referring to Figure 2, the movement determination process executed by the CPU of the management device 30 will be described. The movement determination process is a process by which the management device 30 controls the movement of the AMR 60, and is executed continuously while the component mounting machines 13 to 16 of each component mounting line 11 and 12 are mounting electronic components onto the circuit board. In the following, the management device 30 will be referred to as the entity responsible for each process executed by the CPU of the management device 30.
[0036] In S2, the control device 30 sends a standby instruction to the AMR 60. As a result, the AMR 60 waits at standby position P1 (see Figure 1).
[0037] In S10, the management device 30 compares the storage capacity CC1 indicated by the storage information received from the control unit 40C of the transport preparation unit 40 with the target storage capacity TC1 stored in the memory of the management device 30. If the storage capacity CC1 exceeds the target storage capacity TC1 (YES in S10), the management device skips the processing in S20 to S40 and proceeds to S32.
[0038] In S32, the control device 30 transmits a move instruction to the AMR 60. The move instruction is an instruction to move the AMR 60 from the standby position P1 and includes identification information to identify the component mounting machine that the AMR 60 will move to from among the component mounting machines 13 to 16. Hereinafter, among the component mounting machines 13 to 16, the component mounting machine identified by the identification information included in the move instruction may be referred to as the "target component mounting machine". Upon receiving the move instruction, the AMR 60 mounts a feeder magazine 46 containing feeders F1 exceeding the target capacity TC1 on its top surface 64 and moves to a position facing the target component mounting machine. Furthermore, the AMR 60 takes out the feeder F1 corresponding to the target component mounting machine from the feeder magazine 46 and supplies it to the target component mounting machine. In this way, when the capacity CC1 exceeds the target capacity TC1 (YES in S10), the AMR 60 transports the feeder magazine 46 containing the feeders F1 exceeding the target capacity TC1 to the target component mounting machine. As a result, the feeders F1 exceeding the target capacity TC1 are transported to the target component mounting machine all at once, which reduces the number of times the AMR 60 moves between the transport preparation unit 40 and the target component mounting machine.
[0039] In S10, if the capacity CC1 is less than or equal to the target capacity TC1 (NO in S10), the control device 30 proceeds to S20.
[0040] In S20, the management device 30 receives storage information from the control unit 40C of the transport preparation unit 40 at predetermined intervals and determines whether the storage capacity CC1 has increased within the predetermined time T1 described above. If the storage capacity CC1 has increased within the predetermined time T1 (YES in S20), the management device 30 determines that the worker W1 has properly performed the preparation work and a new feeder F1 has been added to the first warehouse 41, and returns to S10 to compare the storage capacity CC1 with the target storage capacity TC1 again. If the storage capacity CC1 has not increased even after the predetermined time T1 has elapsed (NO in S20), the management device 30 proceeds to S30.
[0041] In S30, the control device 30 compares the capacity CC1 with the minimum capacity MC1 stored in the memory of the control device 30. If the capacity CC1 exceeds the minimum capacity MC1 (YES in S30), the control device 30 proceeds to S32; if the capacity CC1 is less than or equal to the minimum capacity MC1 (NO in S30), it proceeds to S40.
[0042] In S40, the control device 30 determines whether or not it has received a move request from each component mounting machine 13 to 16. Here, a move request is a signal to move the AMR 60 toward one of the component mounting machines 13 to 16, for example, as an emergency response. For example, if an abnormality occurs in component mounting machine 13 on the first component mounting line 11, and the electronic components that were scheduled to be mounted by component mounting machine 13 are to be mounted by component mounting machine 15 on the second component mounting line 12, component mounting machine 15 sends a move request to the control device 30. This allows the AMR 60 to quickly move the feeder F1 attached to component mounting machine 13 to component mounting machine 15. Also, for example, if the number of used feeders F1 in component mounting machine 13 exceeds a threshold number, component mounting machine 13 sends a move request to the control device 30. This allows the AMR 60 to quickly retrieve the used feeders F1 from component mounting machine 13. If the management device 30 has received a move request (YES in S40), it proceeds to S32; otherwise, it returns to S10.
[0043] In S32, as described above, the management device 30 transmits a movement instruction to the AMR 60. Thereby, the AMR 60 moves to the target component mounter. Thus, when the management device 30 receives a movement request from any one of the component mounters 13 to 16 (YES in S40), even if the storage capacity CC1 is less than or equal to the target storage capacity TC1 (NO in S10), the management device 30 transmits a movement instruction to the AMR 60 and moves the AMR 60 to the target component mounter. For this reason, for example, when the above-described emergency response is required, the AMR 60 can quickly move toward the target component mounter in response to the movement request transmitted from the component mounter. Therefore, the AMR 60 can be operated more efficiently.
[0044] In S34, the management device 30 monitors receiving a movement completion notification (see S64 in FIG. 3) from the AMR 60. The management device 30 repeats the process of S34 until it receives a movement completion notification from the AMR 60. When the management device 30 receives a movement completion notification (YES in S34), it returns to S2 again and transmits a standby instruction to the AMR 60. Thereby, the AMR 60 that has moved toward the position facing the target component mounter returns to the standby position P1 again and waits.
[0045] Referring to FIG. 3, the movement process executed by the control unit 60C of the AMR 60 will be described. The movement process is a process for the AMR 60 to move to a position facing the target component mounter. In response to receiving a standby instruction from the management device 30 (S2 in FIG. 2), the control unit 60C of the AMR 60 executes the process of FIG. 3.
[0046] In S50, the control unit 60C determines whether or not it has received a movement instruction from the management device 30. When the control unit 60C receives a movement instruction (YES in S50), it skips the process of S60 and proceeds to S62. When the control unit 60C does not receive a movement instruction (NO in S50), it proceeds to S60.
[0047] In S60, the control unit 60C determines whether to accept a movement operation. The movement operation is an instruction input by the operator W1 via the touch screen 61 of the AMR60. For example, when an electronic component to be preferentially conveyed to the target component mounter is displayed on the display 31, the operator W1 accommodates the feeder F1 carrying the reel containing the electronic component in the feeder magazine 46 and inputs a movement operation. Thereby, according to the instruction of the operator W1, the electronic component displayed on the display 31 can be preferentially conveyed to the target component mounter. In a modification, the operator W1 may input a movement operation via an operation unit (not shown) of the management device 30. In that case, the management device 30 transmits information including the movement operation to the AMR60.
[0048] In S62, the control unit 60C moves the AMR60 toward a position facing the target component mounter.
[0049] In S64, the control unit 60C transmits a movement completion notification to the management device 30. Thereby, the management device 30 can be notified that the AMR60 has moved to a position facing the target component mounter (YES in S34 of FIG. 2).
[0050] (Effect of this embodiment) As described above, in the component conveyance system 100 of this embodiment, while the AMR60 waits until the feeder F1 with the target storage capacity TC1 is accommodated in the feeder magazine 46 by the standby process (S10 in FIG. 2, S50 in FIG. 3), even during the execution of the standby process, for example, when the storage capacity CC1 does not increase within a predetermined time T1 (NO in S20), it automatically moves toward the target component mounter (S32 in FIG. 2, S62 in FIG. 3). Therefore, the AMR60 can be operated more efficiently.
[0051] Furthermore, if the capacity CC1 does not increase within the predetermined time T1 (NO in S20), it is possible, for example, that worker W1 is being replaced by another worker, or that worker W1 is on break and has not properly performed the preparations. In the parts transport system 100 described above, since the AMR 60 moves when the capacity CC1 does not increase within the predetermined time T1 (NO in S20), the AMR 60 can be operated more effectively than in a configuration that continues to wait while comparing the capacity CC1 with the target capacity TC1, regardless of whether the worker is properly performing the preparations or not.
[0052] Furthermore, AMR60 automatically moves toward the target component mounting machine if the capacity CC1 does not increase within a predetermined time T1 (NO in S20), and if the capacity CC1 exceeds the minimum capacity MC1 (YES in S30) (S32 in Figure 2, S62 in Figure 3). For example, if the feeder F1 is not stored in the feeder magazine 46, even if AMR60 automatically moves toward the target component mounting machine, it cannot supply the feeder F1 to the target component mounting machine. In the component transport system 100 described above, AMR60 moves toward the target component mounting machine only after the capacity CC1 exceeds the minimum capacity MC1 (YES in S30), thus reducing the number of times AMR60 moves between the transport preparation unit 40 and the target component mounting machine.
[0053] The correspondence in this embodiment is as follows: Feeder F1 is an example of a "part". Transport preparation unit 40 is an example of a "part storage unit". Part mounting machines 13 to 16 are each an example of "equipment". AMR 60 is an example of an "automatic transport device". Control unit 40C of transport preparation unit 40 is an example of a "detection unit". Kitting stand 20 is an example of a "work area". Feeder magazine 46 is an example of a "part box".
[0054] In Figure 2, if the decision is YES in S10, the process in S62 in Figure 3, which is executed in response to the move instruction in S32 after skipping S20 to S40, is an example of a "transport process". In Figure 2, if the decision is NO in S10, NO in S20, and YES in S30, the process in S62 in Figure 3, which is executed in response to the move instruction in S32, is an example of a "movement process".
[0055] Points to note regarding the component transport system 100 described in the embodiment are described below. The equipment is not limited to component mounting machines 13-16. For example, the equipment may be a solder printing machine. In that case, the AMR 60 may, for example, automatically transport the mask to the solder printing machine.
[0056] The movement determination process in Figure 2 may be performed, for example, by the control unit 60C of AMR 60. In that case, the process in Figure 3 can be omitted. In further modifications, the movement determination process may be performed by the control unit 40C of the transport preparation unit 40, or by the control units 41C and 42C of each warehouse 41 and 42.
[0057] At the kitting stand 20, the feeder F1 may be prepared by a robot rather than by an operator W1. In that case, for example, the smart loader 50 may store the prepared feeder F1 in the first warehouse 41.
[0058] The parts transport system 100 may consist of only one parts mounting machine 13. In that case, the AMR 60 may, for example, directly retrieve the feeder F1 from the first warehouse 41. In this modified example, the parts transport system 100 does not need to include a transport preparation unit 40.
[0059] The control device 30 does not have to perform at least one of the processes S30 and S40 in Figure 2. Also, the control unit 60C of the AMR 60 does not have to perform the process S60 in Figure 3.
[0060] The technical elements described herein or in the drawings demonstrate technical usefulness individually or in various combinations, and are not limited to the combinations described in the claims at the time of filing. Furthermore, the technologies illustrated herein or in the drawings achieve multiple objectives simultaneously, and achieving even one of these objectives constitutes technical usefulness in itself.
[0061] For example, this specification also discloses a technical concept in which "the parts transport system described in claim 1" is changed to "the parts transport system described in any one of claims 1 to 4" in claim 5. Similarly, a technical concept in which "the parts transport system described in claim 1" is changed to "the parts transport system described in any one of claims 1 to 7" in claim 8 is also disclosed.
[0062] 4: Wired LAN 6: Wireless LAN 11: First component mounting line 12: Second component mounting line 13, 14, 15, 16: Component mounting machine 13C, 14C, 15C, 16C: Control unit 20: Kitting stand 22: Workbench 30: Management device 31: Display 40: Transport preparation unit 40C, 41C, 42C, 50C, 60C: Control unit 41: First warehouse 42: Second warehouse 46: Feeder magazine 50: Smart loader AMR: 60 61: Touchscreen 64: Top view 100: Component transport system CC1: Capacity F1: Feeder MC1: Minimum capacity P1: Standby position T1: Scheduled time TC1: Target capacity W1 : Worker
Claims
1. A parts transport system for transporting parts, comprising: a parts storage section for temporarily storing the parts; an automatic transport device for automatically transporting the parts stored in the parts storage section to equipment in which the parts will be used; and a detection unit for detecting the amount of parts stored in the parts storage section, wherein the automatic transport device is configured to perform: a waiting process in which it waits at a waiting position until the amount of parts stored detected by the detection unit exceeds a predetermined target amount; a transport process in which, if the amount of parts stored in the parts storage section exceeds the target amount during the execution of the waiting process, it automatically transports the parts exceeding the target amount to the equipment; and a movement process in which, if predetermined conditions are met during the execution of the waiting process, it automatically moves toward the equipment regardless of whether the amount of parts exceeds the target amount.
2. The parts transport system according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined conditions include that the storage capacity is less than the target storage capacity and that no new parts have been added to the parts storage section for a predetermined period of time.
3. The parts transport system according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined conditions include that the transport capacity is less than the target transport capacity, exceeds the minimum transport capacity which is the minimum transport capacity of the parts that the automated transport device transports to the equipment, and no new parts have been added to the parts transport section for more than a predetermined time.
4. The parts storage unit is located near a workshop where the parts are prepared, the preparation of the parts is performed by workers working in the workshop, and the prepared parts are added to the parts storage unit, according to claim 2 or 3.
5. The parts transport system according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined conditions include the storage capacity being less than the target storage capacity, and the automated transport device receiving a movement instruction to move toward the equipment.
6. The parts transport system according to claim 5, wherein the movement instruction is transmitted to the automated transport device by the equipment.
7. The parts transport system according to claim 5, wherein the movement instruction is input to the automated transport device by the worker preparing the parts.
8. The parts storage unit comprises a warehouse for temporarily storing the parts, and a parts box adjacent to the warehouse and configured to be transportable by the automated transport device, the parts box capable of accommodating at least the target storage amount of the parts, the parts transport system further comprises an equipment line comprising a plurality of equipment including the equipment, and a smart loader for automatically moving the parts between the warehouse and the parts box, the automated transport device, in the transport process, automatically transports the parts box containing the target storage amount of the parts to the equipment, the parts transport system according to claim 1.