JP7602057B2 - Parts storage system and part storage method - Google Patents

Description

This specification discloses technology relating to a parts storage system and a parts storage method.

The electronic component mounting system described in Patent Document 1 includes an exposure time management unit and a mounting line control unit. The exposure time management unit measures the exposure time during which the humidity control target component is exposed to the atmosphere in units of reels, and records the cumulative exposure time. The mounting line control unit compares the exposure time with the exposure limit time set for the humidity control target component, identifies the electronic component mounting device equipped with a reel of the humidity control target component that has exceeded the exposure limit time using location information, and stops the operation by the electronic component mounting device. Note that if the location information registered for the reel of the humidity control target component is information about a dry box in which electronic components are stored in a low humidity environment, the exposure time management unit stops measuring the exposure time for the humidity control target component.

JP 2013-235906 A

However, Patent Document 1 does not mention storing parts subject to humidity control in an automated warehouse. For example, if an operator were to register the time a part requiring humidity control was entered or taken out of the automated warehouse and manage the remaining time that the part can be used in production, the registration process would be cumbersome and operational errors such as missing or incorrect registrations would likely occur.

In light of these circumstances, this specification discloses a parts storage system and a parts storage method that are capable of storing target parts in an automated warehouse while appropriately managing the remaining usable time for the production of target parts that require humidity control.

This specification discloses a parts storage system that includes a management unit and a storage unit. The management unit manages the remaining time from when a target part, which is a part to be mounted on a board and requires humidity control, is exposed to the atmosphere until it reaches a specified time during which it can be used in production. The storage unit stores the target part in an automated warehouse based on the remaining time managed by the management unit so as not to expire the remaining time of the target part.

This specification also discloses a parts storage method including a management process and a storage process. The management process manages the remaining time from when a target part, which is a part to be mounted on a board and requires humidity control, is exposed to the atmosphere until it reaches a specified time during which it can be used in production. The storage process stores the target part in an automated warehouse based on the remaining time managed by the management process so as not to expire the remaining time of the target part.

The above-mentioned parts storage system includes a management unit and a storage unit. This allows the parts storage system to store the target parts in an automated warehouse while appropriately managing the remaining usable time for production of the target parts that require humidity control. What has been described above about the parts storage system also applies to the parts storage method.

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram showing an example of a production facility. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an example of a feeder equipped with a reel. FIG. 2 is a plan view showing an example of a tray pallet equipped with part trays. FIG. 1 is a front view showing an example of an automated warehouse. FIG. 3B is a plan view of the automated warehouse shown in FIG. 3A. FIG. 3B is a front view showing an example of a storage unit of the automated warehouse shown in FIG. 3A. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a control block of the part storage system. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a control procedure by the part storage system. 13 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a selection screen for selecting whether to restrict warehousing of a target part or to execute a bake process; FIG. FIG. 11 is a plan view showing another example of a storage section.

1 shows an example of a production facility to which a component storage system 80 is applied. The production facility shown in Fig. 1 includes a substrate-related work line 10L, a receiving section 20, an automated warehouse 30, shelves 40, a dry box 50, an oven 60, and a component management device 70.

1-1. Substrate work line 10L
In the substrate-related work line 10L, substrate-related work machines 10 perform a predetermined substrate-related work on a substrate 90. There is no limitation on the type and number of substrate-related work machines 10. As shown in Fig. 1, the substrate-related work line 10L of the present embodiment includes a plurality of (five) substrate-related work machines 10, including a printer 10a, a print inspection machine 10b, a component mounting machine 10c, a reflow oven 10d, and a visual inspection machine 10e, and the substrate 90 is transported in the above order by a substrate transport device.

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

The component mounting machine 10c is equipped with a component supplying device that supplies components 91 to be mounted on the board 90. The component supplying device can supply components 91 using, for example, a feeder 22a equipped with a reel 21a shown in FIG. 2A, a tray pallet 22b equipped with a component tray 21b shown in FIG. 2B, or the like. The reel 21a has a carrier tape 21a2 that contains the components 91 wound around its main body 21a1. The feeder 22a holds the reel 21a rotatably. The tip of the carrier tape 21a2 is pulled out to a component removal section provided in the feeder 22a, and the components 91 are sequentially supplied. The reel 21a can supply relatively small components 91, such as chip components.

Components 91 are arranged on the component tray 21b. The component tray 21b can supply relatively large components 91, such as QFP (Quad Flat Package) and BGA (Ball Grid Array). The component tray 21b supplies the components 91 in a state where they are mounted on a tray pallet 22b. The reflow furnace 10d heats the board 90 on which the components 91 are mounted by the component mounting machine 10c, melting the solder and performing soldering. The appearance inspection machine 10e inspects the mounting state of the components 91 mounted on the board 90 by the component mounting machine 10c.

In this way, the substrate-related work line 10L can use multiple (five) substrate-related work machines 10 to transport substrates 90 in sequence and perform production processes including inspection processes to produce substrate products. The substrate-related work line 10L can also be equipped with substrate-related work machines 10 such as a functional inspection machine, a buffer device, a substrate supply device, a substrate reversing device, a shield mounting device, an adhesive application device, and an ultraviolet ray irradiation device, as necessary.

The multiple (five) substrate-related operation machines 10 and the management device 19 that make up the substrate-related operation line 10L are arranged to be able to communicate with each other via a wired or wireless communication unit. The management device 19 controls the multiple (five) substrate-related operation machines 10 of the substrate-related operation line 10L and monitors the operating status of the substrate-related operation line 10L. The management device 19 stores various control data for controlling the multiple (five) substrate-related operation machines 10. The management device 19 transmits control data to each of the multiple (five) substrate-related operation machines 10. In addition, each of the multiple (five) substrate-related operation machines 10 transmits its operating status and production status to the management device 19.

1-2. Arrival section 20
For example, when the reel 21a arrives at the receiving section 20, the receiving operation described below is performed. Then, the reel 21a is, for example, stored in a storage case, loaded onto a transport vehicle, and transported to the automated warehouse 30. After being stored in the automated warehouse 30, the reel 21a is supplied to the substrate-related work line 10L as necessary.

2A, the reel 21a is provided with an identification code 23a that can identify the reel 21a. The identification code 23a can be, for example, a sticker with a one-dimensional code, a two-dimensional code, or a wireless tag. Specifically, when the reel 21a arrives at the receiving section 20, the worker issues the identification information using, for example, a parts management device 70 that manages the parts 91. The worker also uses a barcode reader or the like to read the barcode or the like attached to the reel 21a by the supplier (vendor). The worker can also obtain the product information from a database in which product information related to the reel 21a is registered. The worker uses the parts management device 70 to issue the identification code 23a that includes at least the identification information and the product information.

The worker attaches an identification code 23a, which includes at least identification information, to the surface of the reel 21a, and places the reel 21a in a storage case. The worker loads the storage case containing the reel 21a onto a transport vehicle. For example, the transport vehicle can be towed by the worker. Alternatively, an unmanned transport vehicle capable of automatic travel can be used as the transport vehicle. The transport vehicle can also transport the reel 21a to the automated warehouse 30 without using a storage case. Alternatively, the worker can transport the reel 21a to the automated warehouse 30 without using a transport vehicle.

The worker can attach an identification code 23b that can identify the parts tray 21b to the parts tray 21b in the same manner as the reel 21a. As shown in FIG. 2B, the parts tray 21b is contained in a packaging bag, and the identification code 23b is attached to the packaging bag. The identification code 23b can also be attached to the parts tray 21b. The identification code 23b can be, for example, a sticker printed with a one-dimensional code, a two-dimensional code, or a wireless tag. The transport vehicle or the worker transports the parts tray 21b to the automated warehouse 30 in the same manner as the reel 21a.

As shown in FIG. 2A, feeder 22a is provided with identification code 24a that can identify feeder 22a. As shown in FIG. 2B, tray pallet 22b is provided with identification code 24b that can identify tray pallet 22b. Identification code 23a and identification code 24b can be, for example, a sticker printed with a one-dimensional code, a two-dimensional code, or a wireless tag. At least a part of the work performed by the worker described above can be automated using a conveying device (e.g., a belt conveyor), an actuator (e.g., a robot arm), a parts management device 70, or the like.

1-3. Automated Warehouse 30
When a storage member 21, such as a reel 21a or a parts tray 21b, which stores components 91 to be mounted on a substrate 90, enters through an inlet 30a, the automated warehouse 30 uses a transfer device 35 to move the storage member 21 to a storage section 34 for storage. When a storage member 21 stored in the storage section 34 is to be removed from the warehouse, the automated warehouse 30 uses the transfer device 35 to move the storage member 21 stored in the storage section 34 to a work space 34a adjacent to an outlet 30b, enabling it to be removed from the warehouse. Similarly, the automated warehouse 30 can carry out the inlet/outlet and storage of a storage case which stores at least one storage member 21.

In this way, the automated warehouse 30 can take various forms as long as the storage and retrieval of the storage member 21 or the storage case is automated and the storage member 21 or the storage case can be stored. As shown in Figures 3A and 3B, the automated warehouse 30 of this embodiment is formed, for example, in an octagonal prism shape. The automated warehouse 30 also includes an entrance 30a, an exit 30b, a reading device 31, a control device 32, a display device 33, a storage section 34, a transfer device 35, a humidity adjustment device 36, and a temperature adjustment device 37. The storage member 21 enters the automated warehouse 30 from the entrance 30a and leaves from the exit 30b. In this embodiment, the entrance 30a and the exit 30b are provided in a common opening. The entrance 30a and the exit 30b can also be provided in different openings.

The reading device 31 is provided above the work space 34a adjacent to the entrance 30a. When the storage member 21 is stored in the automated warehouse 30, the reading device 31 reads the identification code (e.g., identification code 23a, identification code 23b) attached to the stored storage member 21 to obtain identification information for identifying the stored storage member 21. The reading device 31 may be a known reading device (e.g., a code reader that reads one-dimensional codes and two-dimensional codes). In addition, if the identification code is a wireless tag, the automated warehouse 30 may be equipped with a wireless device capable of wireless communication with the identification code.

The control device 32 includes a known arithmetic device and storage device, and constitutes a control circuit. The control device 32 is communicatively connected to the reading device 31, the display device 33, the transfer device 35, the humidity adjustment device 36, and the temperature adjustment device 37, and can control them. For example, the control device 32 can control the reading device 31. The control device 32 can also obtain, from the reading device 31, the identification information obtained by the reading device 31.

Furthermore, the control device 32 is configured to be able to communicate with the management device 19 and parts management device 70 shown in FIG. 1 by a wired or wireless communication unit. For example, the management device 19 notifies the control device 32 of the occurrence of a changeover in the substrate-related work line 10L. The management device 19 can also notify the control device 32 of the occurrence of a shortage of the storage members 21 supplied to the substrate-related work line 10L. The management device 19 can also notify the control device 32 of the possibility of a changeover occurring within a specified period. The management device 19 can also notify the control device 32 of the possibility of a shortage of the storage members 21 within a specified period. The control device 32 causes the necessary storage members 21 to be shipped out based on these notifications.

The display device 33 may be a known display device, and displays various information so that the worker can see it. The display device 33 displays, for example, component information showing information about the storage member 21 stored in the storage section 34 in response to the worker's operation. The component information may include, for example, the type, model, and number of components in stock. The component information may also include the type, model, vendor name, remaining number, humidity control level, and expiration date of the parts 91 stored in the storage member 21.

In this embodiment, the display device 33 is configured as a touch panel, and the display device 33 also functions as an input device that accepts various operations by the worker. For example, the worker can use the touch panel (the display device 33 that functions as an input device) to specify the desired storage item 21 to be removed from the automated warehouse 30. In this case, the control device 32 causes the specified storage item 21 to be removed.

What has already been said about the storage member 21 also applies to a storage case that stores at least one storage member 21. In this case, however, when storing the storage member 21 in the storage case, the worker uses a code reader of a mobile terminal or the like to read the identification code attached to the storage case and the identification code attached to the storage member 21. As a result, the identification information identifying the storage case and the identification information identifying the storage member 21 are associated with each other and stored in the storage device of the parts management device 70.

When a storage case is received, the reading device 31 reads the identification code attached to the storage case to obtain identification information that identifies the received storage case. The control device 32 obtains identification information of the storage members 21 stored in the storage case received in the automated warehouse 30 from the correspondence of the identification information stored in the memory device of the parts management device 70. This allows the control device 32 to recognize the storage members 21 stored in the storage case received in the automated warehouse 30.

The storage section 34 may take various forms as long as it can store the storage member 21 or the storage case. As shown in FIG. 3B, the storage section 34 of this embodiment includes a plurality of storage units 34b, which are arranged in a circle when viewed in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction). As shown in FIG. 3C, the storage unit 34b includes, for example, two types of storage spaces, storage space 34b1 and storage space 34b2.

A plurality of storage spaces 34b1 and 34b2 may be provided along the vertical direction (Z-axis direction). For example, the size (width, depth, and height) of storage space 34b1 is set so that storage member 21 can be stored therein. The size (width, depth, and height) of storage space 34b2 is set so that a storage case that stores storage member 21 can be stored therein.

The transfer device 35 is provided inside the multiple storage units 34b when viewed in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction), and grasps and moves the storage member 21 or the storage case. The transfer device 35 may take various forms as long as it can grasp and move the storage member 21 or the storage case. The transfer device 35 may be, for example, a known robot arm (multi-joint robot), a lifting and sliding mechanism, or the like.

In the transfer device 35, the gripper grips the storage member 21 or storage case that is brought into the work space 34a from the entrance 30a when entering the warehouse. The transfer device 35 moves the gripper to a specified storage space and releases the grip of the storage member 21 or storage case by the gripper. This causes the storage member 21 or storage case to be stored in the specified storage space. In addition, in the transfer device 35, the gripper grips the storage member 21 or storage case that is stored in the specified storage space when leaving the warehouse. The transfer device 35 moves the gripper to the work space 34a and releases the grip of the storage member 21 or storage case by the gripper. This makes it possible to remove the storage member 21 or storage case. The storage member 21 or storage case may be brought in and out by a worker or an unmanned transport vehicle.

For example, the components 91 housed in the housing member 21 include resin-sealed components 91. When such components are exposed to the atmosphere for longer than a specified time and absorb moisture from the atmosphere, they may be damaged if they are heated in the reflow furnace 10d shown in FIG. 1 due to the moisture vaporized and volumetric expansion of the components. Such moisture-sensitive components 91 are called MSL (Moisture Sensitivity Level) components, and the time that they can be exposed to the atmosphere (the time that they can be used in production) is specified for each component type.

In this specification, the components 91 mounted on the board 90 that require humidity control are referred to as target components 91t. The automated warehouse 30 of this embodiment is equipped with a humidity control device 36. The humidity control device 36 can maintain the storage section 34 at a predetermined atmospheric humidity (lower than a predetermined humidity specified by the humidity control level of the target components 91t), and the automated warehouse 30 can store the target components 91t at the predetermined atmospheric humidity. Therefore, by storing the target components 91t in the automated warehouse 30, the countdown of the remaining time that the target components 91t can be used in production can be stopped.

The automated warehouse 30 of this embodiment is also equipped with a temperature adjustment device 37. The temperature adjustment device 37 can maintain the storage section 34 at a predetermined ambient temperature (a predetermined temperature specified by the humidity control level of the target parts 91t), and the automated warehouse 30 can store the target parts 91t at the predetermined ambient temperature. Note that the ambient temperature inside the production equipment is often maintained at a predetermined temperature specified by the humidity control level of the target parts 91t. In this case, the automated warehouse 30 can omit the temperature adjustment device 37.

1-4. Shelf 40, dry box 50 and oven 60
The storage members 21 or storage cases can be placed on the shelves 40. Unlike the automated warehouse 30, the shelves 40 are not sealed, and store the storage members 21 or storage cases at the ambient temperature and humidity of the room of the production facility. The shelves 40 can be provided with a storage space similar to the storage section 34 of the automated warehouse 30. The arrangement of the storage space is not limited and can take various forms.

The dry box 50 is equipped with a humidity control unit that maintains the interior of the storage at a predetermined atmospheric humidity, and can store the storage member 21 or storage case at the predetermined atmospheric humidity. The dry box 50 can store the target part 91t at an atmospheric humidity that is specified by the humidity control level of the target part 91t. Therefore, similar to the automated warehouse 30, by storing the target part 91t in the dry box 50, the countdown of the remaining time that the target part 91t can be used for production can be stopped.

In addition, when the remaining time that the target part 91t can be used for production has been exceeded, the remaining time that the target part 91t can be used for production can be restored by drying the target part 91t at a specified ambient temperature for a specified time. The specified ambient temperature, the specified time, and the number of times that the target part 91t can be dried are specified for each humidity control level of the target part 91t.

The oven 60 is equipped with a drying section that dries the interior of the oven to a predetermined atmospheric humidity and maintains it there, and can dry the storage member 21 or storage case to the predetermined humidity and store it at the predetermined atmospheric humidity. The oven 60 can dry and store the target part 91t under conditions specified by the humidity control level of the target part 91t. Therefore, by storing the target part 91t in the oven 60, the remaining usable time of the target part 91t for production can be restored.

1-5. Parts management device 70
The parts management device 70 manages the location of the parts 91. Specifically, the parts management device 70 manages the location of the storage members 21 that store the parts 91. The production facility shown in Fig. 1 includes a warehouse area ZA1, a picking area ZA2, and an off-site setup area ZA3. Compared to the picking area ZA2, the warehouse area ZA1 is an area for storing the parts 91 (storage members 21) for a longer period of time, and includes at least one automated warehouse 30 (one in the figure).

Picking area ZA2 is an area for temporarily storing parts 91 (storage items 21) and is equipped with at least one shelf 40 (two in the figure). Parts 91 (storage items 21) stored in the automated warehouse 30 in warehouse area ZA1 are transported to picking area ZA2. Parts 91 (storage items 21) stored in the automated warehouse 30 in warehouse area ZA1 can also be transported to off-site setup area ZA3.

The off-site setup area ZA3 has at least one shelf 40 (one in the figure), at least one dry box 50 (one in the figure), and at least one oven 60 (one in the figure). In the off-site setup area ZA3, parts 91 (container members 21) transported from the warehouse area ZA1 can be stored in the shelf 40, dry box 50, or oven 60. In the off-site setup area ZA3, parts 91 (container members 21) transported from the picking area ZA2 can also be stored in the shelf 40, dry box 50, or oven 60.

In addition, in the off-site setup area ZA3, for example, reel 21a and feeder 22a are combined to perform supply preparation work so that they can be supplied to substrate-related work line 10L. For example, a worker attaches reel 21a to feeder 22a. At this time, the worker reads identification code 23a attached to reel 21a using, for example, a code reader of a portable terminal. The worker also reads identification code 24a attached to feeder 22a using, for example, a code reader of a portable terminal.

As a result, identification information for identifying reel 21a and identification information for identifying feeder 22a are transmitted to parts management device 70. When parts management device 70 acquires the above identification information, it associates the identification information for reel 21a with the identification information for feeder 22a and stores them in a storage device. In addition, parts management device 70 updates the location information for reel 21a when reel 21a moves, for example.

For example, when a worker moves reel 21a, the worker reads identification code 23a using a code reader on a portable terminal. If the portable terminal has a positioning function, when the portable terminal reads identification code 23a, it transmits location information of reel 21a to parts management device 70. The parts management device 70 updates the location information of reel 21a stored in the storage device to the received location information. In a similar manner, the parts management device 70 can also update the location information of feeder 22a when feeder 22a is moved, for example.

In addition, the worker can also use a code reader on a portable terminal or the like to read the location codes provided in the warehouse area ZA1, the picking area ZA2, and the off-site setup area ZA3. As a result, the location information of the area in which the read location code is provided is transmitted to the parts management device 70. In addition, the worker can also use a code reader on a portable terminal or the like to read the location codes provided in storage devices such as the automated warehouse 30, the shelves 40, the dry boxes 50, and the ovens 60. As a result, the location information of the storage devices in which the read location codes are provided is transmitted to the parts management device 70. In addition, the storage devices can also transmit their location information to the parts management device 70.

In addition, in the off-site setup area ZA3, for example, a release operation is performed as necessary to release the combination of reel 21a and feeder 22a that are no longer used in production on substrate-related work line 10L. For example, a worker removes reel 21a from feeder 22a. The removed reel 21a is stored in a specified storage device, and feeder 22a is stored in a specified storage device. In this case, the correspondence between the identification information of reel 21a and the identification information of feeder 22a stored in the storage device is deleted. In addition, if there is no need to release the combination, reel 21a and feeder 22a are stored in a combined state in the specified storage device. In this case, the correspondence between the identification information of reel 21a and the identification information of feeder 22a stored in the storage device is maintained.

1-6. Parts storage system 80
In this way, the storage member 21 that stores the parts 91 moves from one production facility to another as shown in Fig. 1. Therefore, for example, if an operator were to register the time of entry/exit of a part 91t that requires humidity control every time the part 91t is entered/exited from the automated warehouse 30 and manage the remaining time that the part 91t can be used in production, the registration process would be cumbersome and operational errors such as omissions in registration or incorrect registration would easily occur.

Therefore, in this embodiment, a part storage system 80 is provided. The part storage system 80 includes a management unit 81 and a storage unit 82. The part storage system 80 can also include a selection unit 83. The part storage system 80 can also include a calculation unit 84. The part storage system 80 can also include a sharing unit 85. As shown in FIG. 4, the part storage system 80 of this embodiment includes a management unit 81, a storage unit 82, a selection unit 83, a calculation unit 84, and a sharing unit 85.

The management unit 81, storage unit 82, selection unit 83, calculation unit 84, and shared unit 85 can be provided in various control devices. For example, at least some of the management unit 81, storage unit 82, selection unit 83, calculation unit 84, and shared unit 85 can be provided in the control device 32 of the automated warehouse 30. At least some of the management unit 81, storage unit 82, selection unit 83, calculation unit 84, and shared unit 85 can also be provided in the management device 19.

At least a portion of the management unit 81, storage unit 82, selection unit 83, calculation unit 84, and sharing unit 85 can also be provided in the part management device 70. At least a portion of the management unit 81, storage unit 82, selection unit 83, calculation unit 84, and sharing unit 85 can also be formed on the cloud. As shown in FIG. 4, in this embodiment, the management unit 81 and sharing unit 85 are provided in the part management device 70. The storage unit 82, selection unit 83, and calculation unit 84 are provided in the control device 32 of the automated warehouse 30.

Furthermore, the part storage system 80 executes control according to the flowchart shown in Figure 5. The management unit 81 performs the processes and judgments shown in steps S11 and S12. The storage unit 82 performs the processes and judgments shown in steps S14 to S17, S19 and S20. The selection unit 83 performs the process shown in step S13. The calculation unit 84 performs the process shown in step S18. The sharing unit 85 performs the process shown in step S21.

1-6-1. Management section 81 and storage section 82
The management unit 81 manages the remaining time from when a target component 91t, which is a component 91 mounted on a board 90 and requires humidity control, is exposed to the atmosphere until it reaches a specified time during which it can be used in production. The management unit 81 may take various forms as long as it is capable of managing the remaining time.

As described above, when the target parts 91t are exposed to the atmosphere, they absorb moisture from the atmosphere, and the remaining time decreases. Therefore, the management department 81 may start counting down the remaining time when the packaging of the target parts 91t is opened at the receiving department 20 and a specified operation is performed. For example, the worker attaches an identification code (e.g., the identification code 23a attached to the reel 21a) to the storage member 21 that stores the target parts 91t.

The worker then uses a code reader on a mobile terminal or the like to read the identification code attached to the storage member 21. As a result, identification information identifying the storage member 21 that stores the target part 91t is transmitted to the parts management device 70 and stored in a memory device of the parts management device 70. When the management unit 81 acquires the identification information identifying the storage member 21 that stores the target part 91t, it can start a countdown of the remaining time of the target part 91t stored in the storage member 21.

The worker or the part management device 70 determines whether the part 91 contained in the storage member 21 is a target part 91t, and if it is a target part 91t, stores information indicating that it is a target part 91t (e.g., a flag), identification information, and humidity control level in the storage device of the part management device 70. For example, the worker or the part management device 70 can refer to a database in which item information about the storage member 21 (information about the part 91 contained in the storage member 21) is registered to determine whether the part 91 contained in the storage member 21 is a target part 91t. The worker or the part management device 70 can refer to the database to obtain the identification information and humidity control level of the target part 91t.

In addition, the management unit 81 stops the countdown of the remaining time that the target part 91t can be used for production while the target part 91t is stored in the automated warehouse 30 or the dry box 50. Furthermore, when the target part 91t is stored in the oven 60 or when a baking process is performed in the automated warehouse 30, the management unit 81 resets the remaining time that the target part 91t can be used for production (sets it to the specified time that can be used for production), increments the drying count by one, and stores it in the storage device.

The storage unit 82 causes the automated warehouse 30 to store the target parts 91t so as not to expire the remaining time of the target parts 91t based on the remaining time managed by the management unit 81. The storage unit 82 may take various forms as long as it can cause the automated warehouse 30 to store the target parts 91t so as not to expire the remaining time of the target parts 91t.

Specifically, the storage unit 82 can cause the automated warehouse 30 to store the target parts 91t under predetermined conditions specified by the humidity control level of the target parts 91t. This allows the automated warehouse 30 to properly store the target parts 91t. For example, the storage unit 82 can cause the automated warehouse 30 to store the target parts 91t at or below a predetermined humidity specified by the humidity control level of the target parts 91t.

As described above, the automated warehouse 30 is equipped with a humidity control device 36. The storage unit 82 can drive and control the humidity control device 36 to adjust the atmospheric humidity in the storage unit 34 of the automated warehouse 30 to a predetermined humidity level or lower that is specified by the humidity control level of the target part 91t, thereby allowing the automated warehouse 30 to store the target part 91t.

In addition, the storage unit 82 can store the target parts 91t in the automated warehouse 30 at a predetermined temperature specified by the humidity control level of the target parts 91t. As described above, the automated warehouse 30 is equipped with a temperature control device 37. The storage unit 82 can drive and control the temperature control device 37 to set the ambient temperature of the storage unit 34 of the automated warehouse 30 to the predetermined temperature specified by the humidity control level of the target parts 91t, and can store the target parts 91t in the automated warehouse 30.

Note that the humidity control level differs depending on the type of the target part 91t, and the remaining time (longest time) of the target part 91t differs. In addition, the target part 91t may be exposed to the atmosphere between the time it is taken out of the automated warehouse 30 and the time it is taken back into the automated warehouse 30, and the remaining time of the target part 91t may decrease. Therefore, the management unit 81 can determine whether the remaining time of the target part 91t has expired based on the identification information that identifies the target part 91t, the humidity control level of the target part 91t, the entry time of the target part 91t into the automated warehouse 30, and the exit time of the target part 91t from the automated warehouse 30.

As described above, the automated warehouse 30 is equipped with a reading device 31. The reading device 31 reads the identification code attached to the storage member 21 and obtains identification information for identifying the stored storage member 21. The management unit 81 refers to the storage device of the parts management device 70 and determines whether information (e.g., a flag) indicating that the part 91 stored in the stored storage member 21 is a target part 91t is stored. If information indicating that the part 91t is a target part 91t is stored in the storage device, the management unit 81 determines that the target part 91t has been stored in the automated warehouse 30. In this case, the management unit 81 obtains the identification information and humidity control level from the storage device. If information indicating that the part 91t is a target part 91t is not stored in the storage device, the management unit 81 determines that a normal part 91 that is not a target part 91t has been stored in the automated warehouse 30.

In addition, the control device 32 of the automated warehouse 30 stores the position information, entry/exit information, and storage information of the storage member 21 or storage case in the storage section 34 in the storage device of the automated warehouse 30. The position information includes information indicating the storage location of the storage member 21 or storage case. The entry/exit information includes information indicating the entry time and exit time of the storage member 21 or storage case. The storage information includes information on at least the atmospheric humidity of the ambient temperature and ambient humidity of the storage section 34. The control device 32 stores the position information and entry time in the storage device when the storage member 21 or storage case is entered. The control device 32 stores the storage information in the storage device while the storage member 21 or storage case is in storage. The control device 32 stores the exit time in the storage device when the storage member 21 or storage case is exited.

The management unit 81 can obtain the entry time when the target part 91t entered the automated warehouse 30 and the exit time when the target part 91t exited from the automated warehouse 30 from the entry/exit information stored in the storage device of the automated warehouse 30. The management unit 81 also calculates a first time from the exit time when the target part 91t exited from the automated warehouse 30 to the entry time when the target part 91t enters the automated warehouse 30 again.

The management unit 81 can determine that the remaining time of the target part 91t has expired when the first time is longer than the remaining time of the target part 91t at the time of release (the accumulated time that the target part 91t was exposed to the atmosphere). The management unit 81 can also determine that the remaining time of the target part 91t has not expired when the first time is equal to or less than the remaining time of the target part 91t at the time of release (steps S11 and S12 shown in FIG. 5). The management unit 81 can determine whether the remaining time has expired for each target part 91t.

Furthermore, if the target part 91t is stored in the dry box 50 between the time it leaves the automated warehouse 30 and the time it enters the automated warehouse 30 again, the management unit 81 subtracts the time it was stored in the dry box 50 from the first time. Furthermore, if the target part 91t is stored in the oven 60 between the time it leaves the automated warehouse 30 and the time it enters the automated warehouse 30 again, the management unit 81 calculates the time from the time the target part 91t leaves the oven 60 to the time the target part 91t enters the automated warehouse 30 as the first time.

1-6-2. Selection unit 83
The selection unit 83 allows the user to select, when the remaining time has expired when the target part 91t is to be stored in the automated warehouse 30, an entry restriction that prevents the target part 91t from being stored in the automated warehouse 30, or the execution of a bake process that causes the target part 91t to be stored in the automated warehouse 30 under specified conditions stipulated by the humidity control level of the target part 91t.

The selection unit 83 may take various forms as long as it can select the entry restriction or the execution of the bake process for the target part 91t in the above case. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, the selection unit 83 can display a selection screen on the display device 33 of the automated warehouse 30 to allow the worker to select the entry restriction or the execution of the bake process for the target part 91t (if Yes in step S12 and step S13 shown in FIG. 5). FIG. 6 shows a schematic diagram of a state in which the worker is prompted to select the cancellation of entry (entry restriction) or the bake process along with a display indicating that the time during which the entered target part 91t can be used in production has elapsed.

In addition, the selection unit 83 can also select, for example, the entry restriction or the execution of a bake process for the target part 91t in the control settings of the automated warehouse 30. In addition, if the remaining time has not expired when the target part 91t is entered into the automated warehouse 30, the storage unit 82 allows the entry of the target part 91t and causes the automated warehouse 30 to store the target part 91t (in the case of No in step S12 and step S14 shown in FIG. 5).

When the execution of the bake process is selected, the storage unit 82 executes the bake process (if Yes in step S15 and step S16 shown in FIG. 5). Specifically, the storage unit 82 stores the target part 91t in the automated warehouse 30 under the specified conditions specified in the humidity control level of the target part 91t. For example, the storage unit 82 can store the target part 91t in the automated warehouse 30 for a specified time or more at a specified humidity or less specified in the humidity control level of the target part 91t. As described above, the automated warehouse 30 is equipped with a humidity adjustment device 36. The storage unit 82 drives and controls the humidity adjustment device 36 to make the atmospheric humidity of the storage section 34 of the automated warehouse 30 to a specified humidity or less specified in the humidity control level of the target part 91t, and can store the target part 91t in the automated warehouse 30 for a specified time or more.

The storage unit 82 can also store the target parts 91t in the automated warehouse 30 for a predetermined time or longer at a predetermined temperature specified by the humidity control level of the target parts 91t. As described above, the automated warehouse 30 is equipped with a temperature control device 37. The storage unit 82 can drive and control the temperature control device 37 to set the ambient temperature of the storage unit 34 of the automated warehouse 30 to a predetermined temperature specified by the humidity control level of the target parts 91t, and store the target parts 91t in the automated warehouse 30 for a predetermined time or longer.

If the target parts 91t are not heat-resistant to the bake process due to their packaging condition (stick, tape, tray, etc.), the storage unit 82 can transfer the target parts 91t to a heat-resistant container and perform the bake process. If the target parts 91t are not heat-resistant to the bake process due to their packaging condition, the storage unit 82 can also store the target parts 91t by lowering the ambient temperature of the storage unit 34 to room temperature (e.g., 25°C to 35°C). In this case, the time required for the bake process is longer than that required for bake process at high temperatures (e.g., 100°C or higher).

3B, the storage section 34 in this embodiment is provided in one sealed area, and the target parts 91t stored in the multiple storage units 34b are baked under the same conditions. Therefore, the storage section 82 can store the target parts 91t in the automated warehouse 30 under conditions that allow the target parts 91t with the strictest humidity control level to be baked (below the above-mentioned predetermined humidity, for example, below 5%). In addition, when the production facility has multiple automated warehouses 30, the storage section 82 can assign the automated warehouse 30 that stores the target parts 91t for each humidity control level of the target parts 91t.

7, the storage section 34 can be provided in a plurality of sealed areas (eight in the figure) partitioned by partition members 34c. Each of the plurality (eight) sealed areas is provided with a storage unit 34b. The partition members 34c are provided with an opening/closing section 34d on the side facing the transfer device 35. Note that in the figure, for convenience of illustration, only some of the partition members 34c and some of the opening/closing sections 34d are given reference numbers, and not all of the members are given reference numbers. Also, in the sealed area in which the work space 34a is provided, the storage units 34b are provided on the upper or lower level of the work space 34a.

The opening/closing section 34d is controlled to an open state when the storage member 21 or storage case is loaded or unloaded, allowing the storage member 21 or storage case to be loaded or unloaded. The opening/closing section 34d is controlled to a closed state except when the storage member 21 or storage case is loaded or unloaded. This allows one automated warehouse 30 to store multiple types of target parts 91t with different humidity control levels under different conditions. In addition, one automated warehouse 30 can bake multiple types of target parts 91t with different humidity control levels under different conditions.

When the entry restriction of the target part 91t is selected, the storage unit 82 restricts the entry of the target part 91t (No in step S15 and step S17 shown in FIG. 5). In this case, for example, a worker or an automated guided vehicle transports the target part 91t, which is the entry restricted target part 91t and which is placed in the work space 34a. The storage unit 82 can also perform the bake process without the selection by the selection unit 83.

1-6-3. Calculation unit 84
The calculation unit 84 calculates the time required for the bake process when the bake process is executed to store the target parts 91t in the automated warehouse 30 under the predetermined conditions stipulated by the humidity control level of the target parts 91t. The humidity control level differs depending on the type of the target parts 91t, and the remaining time (longest time) of the target parts 91t differs. Also, the longer the excess time exceeding the remaining time of the target parts 91t, the longer the time required for the bake process is likely to be. Furthermore, the higher the atmospheric humidity of the storage unit 34, the longer the time required for the bake process is likely to be.

The calculation unit 84 calculates the required time for the bake process based on the identification information for identifying the target part 91t, the humidity control level of the target part 91t, the excess time exceeding the remaining time of the target part 91t, and the atmospheric humidity of the storage unit 34 that stores the target part 91t in the automated warehouse 30 (step S18 shown in FIG. 5). Note that the relationship between the excess time and the required time and the relationship between the atmospheric humidity and the required time can be obtained in advance by simulation, verification using an actual machine, etc.

The time required for the bake process calculated by the calculation unit 84 can be used in various controls by the part storage system 80. For example, if the bake process is interrupted midway, it becomes difficult to determine the moisture absorption state of the target part 91t. Therefore, the storage unit 82 can restrict the removal of the target part 91t from the automated warehouse 30 for the period from the start of the bake process until the required time for the bake process has elapsed (step S19 shown in FIG. 5).

In addition, for example, when a target part 91t undergoing baking processing is waiting to be released from the warehouse, there is a demand to know the time remaining until the required time required for the baking processing has elapsed. Therefore, the storage unit 82 can also inform the user of the time remaining until the required time required for the baking processing has elapsed (step S20 shown in FIG. 5). The storage unit 82 can take various forms as long as it can inform the user of the remaining time. For example, the storage unit 82 can display the time remaining until the required time required for the baking processing has elapsed on the display device 33 of the automated warehouse 30.

It is assumed that the target part 91t that has been used in another production facility will be used in the production facility shown in FIG. 1. In this case, the moisture absorption state of the target part 91t is often unknown. Therefore, the storage unit 82 can execute a bake process for the target part 91t that is entering the automated warehouse 30 for the first time, to store the target part 91t in the automated warehouse 30 under the specified conditions that are specified by the humidity control level of the target part 91t. This makes it possible to reset the remaining time that the target part 91t can be used in production (set to the specified time that can be used in production).

In addition, the number of times that baking can be performed on the target part 91t (synonymous with the number of times that drying can be performed as described above) is specified for the target part 91t. Therefore, the storage unit 82 can also allow an operator to input the number of baking processes (number of drying processes) performed before storage. Furthermore, the baking process for the target part 91t that is being stored in the automated warehouse 30 for the first time is not limited to the form in which the part storage system 80 is equipped with a calculation unit 84. The baking process can be performed in the same manner as the baking process described above in any of the forms described above.

1-6-4. Common area 85
As described above, the determination as to whether the part is the target part 91t can be made by the worker or the part management device 70. In addition, the humidity control level of the target part 91t can be acquired by the worker or the part management device 70. For example, for a part 91 that has been determined as a target part 91t by the part management device 70 and for which a humidity control level has been acquired, the worker determines whether the part is a target part 91t or not, and When the management level is obtained and registered in the automated warehouse 30, duplicate work is performed.

The automated warehouse 30 can also acquire the entry time when the target part 91t entered the automated warehouse 30 and the exit time when the target part 91t left the automated warehouse 30. In this case, for example, if an operator registers in the parts management device 70 the entry time when the target part 91t entered the automated warehouse 30 and the exit time when the target part 91t left the automated warehouse 30, the registration process becomes cumbersome and operational errors such as omissions and incorrect registrations are likely to occur.

Therefore, the sharing unit 85 shares predetermined information between the parts management device 70 that manages the target parts 91t and the automated warehouse 30 (step S21 shown in FIG. 5). The predetermined information is preferably at least the identification information and humidity control level of the identification information that identifies the target parts 91t, the humidity control level of the target parts 91t, the entry time of the target parts 91t into the automated warehouse 30, and the exit time of the target parts 91t from the automated warehouse 30.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 1, the parts management device 70 and the automated warehouse 30 are capable of communicating with each other via a wired or wireless communication unit. The sharing unit 85 allows the control device 32 of the automated warehouse 30 to access the specified information owned by the parts management device 70. The sharing unit 85 also allows the parts management device 70 to access the specified information owned by the automated warehouse 30. Furthermore, the sharing unit 85 can also centrally manage the specified information in a database or the like. In this case, the sharing unit 85 allows the parts management device 70 and the automated warehouse 30 to access the specified information stored in the database.

Similarly, it is preferable that information on whether the remaining time of the target part 91t has expired is shared between the part management device 70 and the automated warehouse 30. Also, it is preferable that information on whether a baking process has been performed to store the target part 91t under the specified conditions defined by the humidity control level of the target part 91t is shared between the part management device 70 and the automated warehouse 30. Note that the baking process in this case is not limited to the baking process in the automated warehouse 30. For example, the above baking process includes a baking process in the oven 60.

Furthermore, it is preferable that information as to whether the automated warehouse 30 is capable of storing the target part 91t under the specified conditions stipulated by the humidity control level of the target part 91t is shared between the part management device 70 and the automated warehouse 30. Thus, the sharing unit 85 can cause at least one of the above information to be shared between the part management device 70 and the automated warehouse 30. The sharing unit 85 can also provide information on at least one of the above information. For example, the sharing unit 85 can display at least one of the above information on the display device 33 of the automated warehouse 30.

2. Component storage method What has already been described about component storage system 80 also applies to the component storage method. Specifically, the component storage method comprises a management process and a storage process. The control performed by management unit 81 corresponds to the management process. The control performed by storage unit 82 corresponds to the storage process. The component storage method can also comprise a selection process. The control performed by selection unit 83 corresponds to the selection process. The component storage method can also comprise a calculation process. The control performed by calculation unit 84 corresponds to the calculation process. The component storage method can also comprise a sharing process. The control performed by sharing unit 85 corresponds to the sharing process.

3. Example of Effects of the Embodiment The part storage system 80 includes a management unit 81 and a storage unit 82. As a result, the part storage system 80 can store the target parts 91t that require humidity control in the automated warehouse 30 while appropriately managing the remaining time that the target parts 91t can be used in the production of the target parts 91t. What has been described above about the part storage system 80 can also be said about the part storage method.

30: automated warehouse, 34: storage unit, 70: parts management device,
80: Parts storage system, 81: Management unit, 82: Storage unit, 83: Selection unit,
84: Calculation section, 85: Shared section, 90: Board, 91: Components,
91t: Target part.

Claims (11)

a control unit for controlling the remaining time from when a target component, which is a component to be mounted on a board and requires humidity control, is exposed to the atmosphere until it reaches a specified time during which it can be used in production;
a storage unit that stores the target parts in an automated warehouse based on the remaining time managed by the management unit so as not to expire the remaining time of the target parts;
Equipped with
The automated warehouse is divided into a plurality of sealed areas, and a storage unit for storing the parts is provided in each of the plurality of sealed areas,
The storage unit is a part storage system in the automated warehouse that bakes multiple types of target parts with different humidity control levels under different conditions in units of the sealed area . The part storage system described in claim 1, wherein the storage unit stores the target parts in the automated warehouse under predetermined conditions defined by the humidity control level of the target parts. The parts storage system of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the management unit determines whether the remaining time of the target part has expired based on identification information that identifies the target part, the humidity control level of the target part, the entry time when the target part entered the automated warehouse, and the exit time when the target part was exited from the automated warehouse. The part storage system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a selection unit that allows the user to select whether to implement a warehousing restriction that prevents the target part from being stored in the automated warehouse if the remaining time has expired when the target part is stored in the automated warehouse, or to implement a bake process that stores the target part in the automated warehouse under specified conditions defined by the humidity control level of the target part. A part storage system as described in any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a calculation unit that calculates the required time for the bake process based on identification information for identifying the target part, the humidity control level of the target part, the excess time exceeding the remaining time of the target part, and the atmospheric humidity of a storage section in the automated warehouse that stores the target part, when a bake process is performed to store the target part in the automated warehouse under specified conditions defined by the humidity control level of the target part. The part storage system of claim 5, wherein the storage unit regulates the removal of the target part from the automated warehouse for a period from when the baking process starts until the required time for the baking process has elapsed. A part storage system as described in claim 5 or claim 6, wherein the storage unit indicates the remaining time until the required time for the baking process has elapsed. A part storage system as described in any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the storage unit performs a bake process for the target part entering the automated warehouse for the first time, storing the target part in the automated warehouse under specified conditions defined by the humidity control level of the target part. The parts storage system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising a sharing unit that shares at least the identification information and the humidity control level, among the identification information for identifying the target parts, the humidity control level of the target parts, the entry time of the target parts into the automated warehouse, and the exit time of the target parts from the automated warehouse, between a parts management device that manages the target parts and the automated warehouse. The part storage system of claim 9, wherein the sharing unit causes at least one of the following to be shared between the part management device and the automated warehouse: whether or not the remaining time of the target part has expired; whether or not a bake process has been performed to store the target part under specified conditions defined by the humidity control level of the target part; and whether or not the automated warehouse is capable of storing the target part under specified conditions defined by the humidity control level of the target part. a control step of controlling the remaining time from when a target component, which is a component to be mounted on a board and requires humidity control, is exposed to the atmosphere until it reaches a specified time during which it can be used in production;
a storage step of storing the target parts in an automated warehouse so as not to expire the remaining time of the target parts based on the remaining time managed by the management step;
Equipped with
The storage process is a part storage method in which, in the automated warehouse which is partitioned into a number of sealed areas, each of which is provided with a storage unit for storing the parts, multiple types of the target parts with different humidity control levels are baked under different conditions, on a sealed area basis .

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