Patent Description:
In a manual baggage unloading device in an automatic warehouse described in Patent Literature <NUM>, a manual unloading port is provided on a storage shelf. The manual baggage unloading device unloads a baggage toward a side opposite to a traveling path of a stacker crane through the manual unloading port. A chute is provided at the manual unloading port. A baggage manually extracted from the storage shelf is guided obliquely downward in a slidable manner by the chute.

An automatic warehouse facility described in Patent Literature <NUM> includes a picking cart. The picking cart includes a lifter and a chute. The chute is attached to the lifter, and a lower tip of the chute is provided toward a conveying conveyor. <CIT> discloses a storage container which contain substrates for manufacturing semiconductor elements, comprising two openings.

When an article is received in or delivered from a storage through one opening section, other articles cannot be received in or delivered from the storage until the reception or delivery of the article is completed. Therefore, there is a possibility that work efficiency of reception work or delivery work of the article in the storage is reduced.

In view of such a circumstance, the present specification describes a storage capable of improving the work efficiency of the reception work or delivery work of articles.

The present invention discloses a storage, as defined in appended claim <NUM>.

According to the above storage, the storage includes a first opening section, a second opening section, and a moving section. As a result, the storage can perform reception work or delivery work of an article through the first opening section and reception work or delivery work of an article different from the article through the second opening section in parallel with each other, and thus, work efficiency of the reception work or the delivery work of the article is improved.

As illustrated in <FIG>, storage <NUM> of the present embodiment is provided in board production facility <NUM>. board production facility <NUM> includes board working line <NUM>, arrival section <NUM>, unmanned conveyance vehicle <NUM>, and storage <NUM>. Article <NUM> which has arrived at arrival section <NUM> is conveyed to storage <NUM> by unmanned conveyance vehicle <NUM>. Article <NUM> stored in storage <NUM> is conveyed to board working line <NUM> by unmanned conveyance vehicle <NUM>.

In board working line <NUM>, predetermined board work is performed on board <NUM>. The type and number of board working machines <NUM> constituting board working line <NUM> are not limited. As illustrated in <FIG>, board working line <NUM> of the present embodiment includes multiple (five) board working machines <NUM> including printing machine 10a, printing inspection machine 10b, component mounter 10c, reflow furnace 10d, and appearance inspector 10e, and board <NUM> is conveyed in this order by a board conveyance device.

Printing machine 10a prints solder at mounting positions of multiple components of board <NUM>. The solder printed on board <NUM> has a predetermined viscosity, and the solder functions as a bonding material for bonding board <NUM> and the component mounted on board <NUM>. As illustrated in <FIG>, solder container 21d accommodates solder. As solder container 21d, for example, a bottomed tubular or tubular sealable container can be used.

Printing inspection machine 10b inspects a print state of the solder printed by printing machine 10a. Component mounter 10c mounts the multiple components to board <NUM> on which the solder is printed. Component mounter 10c may be one or multiple component mounters. In a case where multiple component mounters 10c are provided, multiple component mounter 10c can be shared to mount the multiple components on board <NUM>.

Component mounter 10c includes a component supplying device for supplying a component to be mounted on board <NUM>. For example, the component supplying device can supply components using feeder 21b including reel 21a, tray 21c, or the like, as illustrated in <FIG>. A component tape (carrier tape) for accommodating components is wound around reel 21a. Reel 21a is rotatably and detachably provided on feeder 21b. A distal end portion of the component tape is drawn to a component take-out section provided on feeder 21b, and thus, the components are sequentially supplied.

For example, reel 21a can supply a relatively compact component such as a chip component. Components are arranged in tray 21c. For example, tray 21c can supply relatively large components such as a Quad Flat Package (QFP) and a Ball Grid Array (BGA). Reflow furnace 10d heats board <NUM> to which the multiple components are mounted by component mounter 10c, melts the solder, and performs soldering. Appearance inspector 10e inspects the mounting states or the like of the multiple components mounted by component mounter 10c.

In this manner, board working line <NUM> can use multiple (five) board working machines <NUM> to sequentially convey board <NUM> and execute production process including inspection process to produce a board product. It should be noted that board working line <NUM> may include, as required, board working machine <NUM> such as, for example, a function inspector, a buffer device, a board supplying device, a board flipping device, a shield mounting device, an adhesive application device, and an ultraviolet ray irradiation device.

Multiple (five) board working machines <NUM> and management device <NUM> constituting board working line <NUM> are provided so as to be capable of communicating with each other by a wired or wireless communication section. Management device <NUM> controls multiple (five) board working machines <NUM> constituting board working line <NUM>, and monitors an operation situation of board working line <NUM>. Management device <NUM> stores various control data for controlling multiple (five) board working machines <NUM>. Management device <NUM> transmits control data to each of multiple (five) board working machines <NUM>. In addition, each of multiple (five) board working machines <NUM> transmits an operation situation and a production situation to management device <NUM>.

When article <NUM> arrives at arrival section <NUM>, a predetermined landing work is performed. Then, article <NUM> is accommodated in accommodation case <NUM>, mounted on unmanned conveyance vehicle <NUM>, and conveyed to storage <NUM>. After article <NUM> is stored in storage <NUM>, article <NUM> is supplied to board working line <NUM> as required.

As described above, board working line <NUM> includes printing machine 10a that prints solder at the mounting positions of multiple components of board <NUM>. In this case, for example, solder container 21d accommodating the solder corresponds to article <NUM>. In addition, board working line <NUM> includes component mounter 10c for mounting components on board <NUM>. In this case, reel 21a around which a component tape accommodating the component is wound corresponds to article <NUM>.

Moreover, feeder 21b on which reel 21a is rotatably and detachably provided corresponds to article <NUM>. Further, tray 21c on which the components are arranged corresponds to article <NUM>. A holding member for holding the component corresponds to article <NUM>. For example, the holding member includes a suction nozzle, a chuck, or the like. In addition, a holding member accommodating device (for example, a nozzle station) that accommodates the holding member corresponds to article <NUM>.

Article <NUM> is provided with identification code <NUM>. Identification code <NUM> stores identification information for identifying article <NUM>. As identification code <NUM>, for example, a one-dimensional code, a two-dimensional code, a wireless tag, or the like can be used. When article <NUM> arrives at arrival section <NUM>, for example, an operator of arrival section <NUM> issues identification information using an article management device. In addition, the operator reads a barcode or the like provided on article <NUM> by a supplier (vendor) using a barcode reader or the like. Then, the operator can acquire article information of article <NUM> from a database in which article information related to article <NUM> is registered. The operator stores at least the identification information among the identification information and the article information in identification code <NUM> using the article management device.

The operator of arrival section <NUM> attaches at least identification code <NUM> in which the identification information is stored to article <NUM>, and accommodates article <NUM> in accommodation case <NUM>. Accommodation case <NUM> may have any form as long as accommodation case <NUM> can accommodate at least one article <NUM>. Specific code <NUM> is provided in accommodation case <NUM>. Specific code <NUM> stores specific information for specifying accommodation case <NUM>. As specific code <NUM>, for example, a one-dimensional code, a two-dimensional code, a wireless tag, or the like can be used.

When article <NUM> is accommodated in accommodation case <NUM>, the operator reads specific code <NUM> using a reader, and reads identification code <NUM> provided on article <NUM> using the reader. As a result, a correspondence between the specific information specifying accommodation case <NUM> accommodating article <NUM> and the identification information identifying article <NUM> is generated, and the correspondence is transmitted to and stored in a storage section of management device <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates an example of a state in which reel 21a, which is article <NUM>, is accommodated in accommodation case <NUM>. In addition, <FIG> illustrates an example of a state in which feeder 21b, which is article <NUM>, is accommodated in accommodation case <NUM>. Further, <FIG> illustrates an example of a state in which tray 21c, which is article <NUM>, is accommodated (stacked) in accommodation case <NUM>. Tray 21c is stored in a packaging bag, and identification code <NUM> is attached to a packaging bag of tray 21c. In addition, <FIG> illustrates an example of a state in which solder container 21d, which is article <NUM>, is accommodated in accommodation case <NUM>. It should be noted that <FIG> is a plan view schematically illustrating an example of the accommodation state of article <NUM>. In the present specification, a case where article <NUM> is reel 21a is mainly described as an example, but the same can be said for other articles <NUM>.

The operator of arrival section <NUM> mounts accommodation case <NUM> in which article <NUM> is accommodated on unmanned conveyance vehicle <NUM>. Unmanned conveyance vehicle <NUM> is an automatic guided vehicle (AGV) without requiring driving operation by the operator. Unmanned conveyance vehicle <NUM> is not limited to the automatic guided vehicle as long as unmanned conveyance vehicle <NUM> can convey article <NUM> by self-driving. board working line <NUM>, arrival section <NUM>, unmanned conveyance vehicle <NUM>, and storage <NUM> are provided so as to be capable of communicating with each other by a wired or wireless communication section. When article <NUM> is mounted on unmanned conveyance vehicle <NUM>, management device <NUM> transmits a conveyance command to unmanned conveyance vehicle <NUM>. The conveyance command includes a conveyance destination of article <NUM>. Management device <NUM> selects storage <NUM> in which article <NUM> can be stored and determines the conveyance destination. When unmanned conveyance vehicle <NUM> receives the conveyance command, unmanned conveyance vehicle <NUM> conveys article <NUM> to storage <NUM> designated as the conveyance destination.

It should be noted that unmanned conveyance vehicle <NUM> can convey article <NUM> without using accommodation case <NUM>. In addition, the operator can convey article <NUM> without using unmanned conveyance vehicle <NUM>. Further, at least a portion of the work performed by the operator described above can be automated using a conveyance device (for example, belt conveyor or the like), an actuator (for example, a robot arm or the like), an article management device, or the like.

As long as storage <NUM> can store articles <NUM>, storage <NUM> may have any form. As illustrated in <FIG>, for example, storage <NUM> of the present embodiment is formed in an octagonal prism shape. It should be noted that in <FIG>, an upper part of storage <NUM> is opened, and an inside of storage <NUM> is illustrated. Moreover, <FIG> is a schematic view of the inside of storage <NUM> when viewed from arrow IV direction illustrated in <FIG>, and mainly illustrates a positional relationship among first opening section 41a, second opening section 41b, a storage unit (in <FIG>, first storage unit 42t1), and the like.

Storage <NUM> includes first opening section 41a, second opening section 41b, storage section <NUM>, control device 40a, and moving device 40b. Storage <NUM> may further include at least one of acquisition device <NUM>, chute section <NUM>, first accommodation section 47a, and second accommodation section 47b. As illustrated in <FIG>, control device 40a includes moving section <NUM> when viewed as a control block. Control device 40a may further include permission section <NUM>. In addition, storage <NUM> may include work space 40c and display device 40d. As illustrated in <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, storage <NUM> of the present embodiment includes all of the components and devices described above.

As illustrated in <FIG>, first opening section 41a and second opening section 41b are provided on a front face of storage <NUM>. Article <NUM> used in board working machine <NUM> for performing predetermined board work on board <NUM> is received or delivered through first opening section 41a. First opening section 41a is formed in a larger size than article <NUM> so that article <NUM> can be received or delivered. It should be noted that article <NUM> can be received or delivered through first opening section 41a in a state where article <NUM> is accommodated in accommodation case <NUM>. In this case, first opening section 41a is formed in a larger size than that of accommodation case <NUM> so that accommodation case <NUM> can be received or delivered. The above description can be similarly applied to second opening section 41b.

In the present embodiment, acquisition device <NUM> is provided only in first opening section 41a. Acquisition device <NUM> acquires the identification information for identifying article <NUM> by reading identification code <NUM> provided on article <NUM>. As acquisition device <NUM>, a well-known reader (for example, a code reader that reads a one-dimensional code and a two-dimensional code, a wireless reader that performs wireless communication with a wireless tag, or the like) can be used. As illustrated in <FIG>, acquisition device <NUM> is disposed above work space 40c provided in the vicinity of first opening section 41a.

Acquisition device <NUM> can acquire at least the identification information of the identification information and the article information by reading identification code <NUM> provided on article <NUM> when article <NUM> is received through first opening section 41a. It should be noted that acquisition device <NUM> can also acquire the specific information by reading specific code <NUM> provided in accommodation case <NUM> when accommodation case <NUM> accommodating article <NUM> is received through first opening section 41a. In this case, acquisition device <NUM> can acquire the identification information of article <NUM> accommodated in accommodation case <NUM> based on the correspondence between the specific information and the identification information.

Second opening section 41b is an opening section different from first opening section 41a, and when reception work or delivery work of article <NUM> is performed through first opening section 41a, article <NUM> different from article <NUM> can be received or delivered through second opening section 41b. As illustrated in <FIG>, storage <NUM> of the present embodiment includes work space 40c in which the reception work or delivery work of article <NUM> is performed through first opening section 41a, and chute section <NUM> in which the delivery work of article <NUM> can be performed through second opening section 41b. As a result, in storage <NUM> of the present embodiment, when the reception work or the delivery work of article <NUM> is performed through first opening section 41a, article <NUM> different from article <NUM> can be delivered through second opening section 41b.

Chute section <NUM> causes article <NUM> carried out from storage section <NUM> by moving section <NUM> to slide toward second opening section 41b. As illustrated in <FIG>, chute section <NUM> is inclined with respect to a horizontal plane. Accordingly, when article <NUM> is carried out to first upstream position 46a, article <NUM> slides through chute section <NUM> to second downstream position 46b. Article <NUM> which has slid on chute section <NUM> is delivered through second opening section 41b.

Inclination angle θ1 of chute section <NUM> may be an angle at which at least article <NUM> can slide, and can be set in consideration of weight, shape, frictional resistance, and the like of article <NUM>, for example. Inclination angle θ1 of chute section <NUM> can also be set in consideration of inclination angle θ1 of partition section 42b of storage section <NUM> to be described below. In addition, chute section <NUM> can cause accommodation case <NUM> in which article <NUM> is accommodated to slide toward second opening section 41b.

As described above, in storage <NUM> of the present embodiment, acquisition device <NUM> is provided only in first opening section 41a. In addition, first opening section 41a is a reception/delivery opening through which article <NUM> can be received or delivered, and second opening section 41b is a delivery dedicated opening through which article <NUM> can be delivered. Therefore, acquisition device <NUM> is not required for second opening section 41b, and thus, second opening section 41b can be easily downsized as compared with first opening section 41a. In addition, as compared with work space 40c provided in first opening section 41a, it is easy to reduce the space of chute section <NUM> provided in second opening section 41b.

Storage <NUM> of the present embodiment includes chute section <NUM>. Article <NUM> which has slid on chute section <NUM> is delivered through second opening section 41b. Chute section <NUM> does not require a moving mechanism for primarily moving article <NUM>, and, for example, it is easy to reduce the space as compared with a case where a conveyance device such as a belt conveyor is provided instead of chute section <NUM>. In addition, in a case where the above-described conveyance device or chute section <NUM> is not provided, it is necessary for moving device 40b to be described below to convey article <NUM> to second opening section 41b through a gap between storage sections <NUM>. Accordingly, the control of moving device 40b may be complicated. Since storage <NUM> of the present embodiment includes chute section <NUM>, as long as moving device 40b carries out article <NUM> to first position 46a on an upstream side of chute section <NUM>, moving device 40b may have any configuration, and thus, the control of moving device 40b can be simplified.

As long as storage section <NUM> can store article <NUM>, storage section <NUM> may have any form. For example, in a case where article <NUM> is reel 21a, as illustrated in <FIG>, storage section <NUM> may include main body section 42a and partition section 42b. Main body section 42a is formed in an U shape when viewed in a vertical direction (Z-axis direction). Partition section 42b is provided so as to protrude upward at a predetermined angle with respect to main body section 42a, and can store reel 21a. An angle of partition section 42b is set so as to suppress the detachment of reel 21a.

In addition, partition section 42b of the present embodiment is provided in multiple pairs (<NUM>:<NUM> in <FIG>), and can accommodate multiple (<NUM>) reels 21a. Each of the multiple pairs (<NUM> pairs) of partition sections 42b is provided with two partition sections 42b separated from each other so as not to interfere with moving device 40b. In <FIG>, for convenience of illustration, some members are assigned with reference symbols, and not all members are assigned with reference symbols.

As illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, storage section <NUM> of the present embodiment is disposed in a circular shape in the vertical direction (the Z-axis direction). In addition, storage section <NUM> of the present embodiment includes first storage unit 42t1 and second storage unit 42t2, and each of first storage unit 42t1 and second storage unit 42t2 is provided in multiple units along the vertical direction (the Z-axis direction). First storage unit 42t1 is formed wider than second storage unit 42t2, and can store large-sized reel 21a as compared with reel 21a which can be stored in second storage unit 42t2.

As illustrated in <FIG>, first storage units 42t1 are coupled in the vertical direction (the Z-axis direction) by coupling section 42j. In addition, second storage units 42t2 are coupled in the vertical direction (the Z-axis direction) by coupling section 42j. In addition, first storage units 42t1 adjacent to each other are coupled by coupling section 42j, and second storage units 42t2 adjacent to each other are coupled by coupling section 42j. In addition, first storage unit 42t1 and second storage unit 42t2 adjacent to each other are coupled by coupling section 42j.

The type, number, and disposition of the storage units can be appropriately changed. In addition, the shape and size (width, depth, and height) of the storage unit can be set according to article <NUM> to be stored, and storage section <NUM> can store article <NUM> other than reel 21a. In addition, storage section <NUM> can store accommodation case <NUM> accommodating article <NUM>. In addition, article <NUM> or accommodation case <NUM> may be stored in any suitable storage unit, and in a case where board production facility <NUM> includes multiple storages <NUM>, article <NUM> or accommodation case <NUM> may be accommodated in any storage <NUM> as long as storage <NUM> includes a suitable storage unit.

Control device 40a includes a well-known computing device and a storage device, and constitutes a control circuit. Control device 40a is provided so as to be capable of communicating with moving device 40b, acquisition device <NUM>, and display device 40d, and can control them. In addition, control device 40a can store article information on article <NUM>, and can also notify management device <NUM> of the article information. For example, in a case where article <NUM> is reel 21a, the article information may include a component type, the number of components (remaining number), a reel diameter, a type, a supplier (vendor), an expiration date, and the like in the component accommodated in reel 21a.

Moving device 40b moves article <NUM> to predetermined storage section <NUM> when article <NUM> is received through first opening section 41a or second opening section 41b, and moves article <NUM> stored in storage section <NUM> to first opening section 41a or second opening section 41b when article <NUM> is delivered. Moving device 40b of the present embodiment moves article <NUM> from work space 40c provided in first opening section 41a to predetermined storage section <NUM> when article <NUM> is received through first opening section 41a. Moving device 40b moves article <NUM> stored in storage section <NUM> to chute section <NUM> provided in second opening section 41b when article <NUM> is delivered. It should be noted that moving device 40b can move article <NUM> stored in storage section <NUM> to work space 40c provided in first opening section 41a when article <NUM> is delivered.

As illustrated in <FIG>, moving device 40b of the present embodiment is provided inside storage unit (first storage units 42t1 and second storage units 42t2) when viewed in the vertical direction (the Z-axis direction). As long as moving device 40b can move article <NUM>, and moving device 40b may have any form. For example, a robot arm (an articulated robot), a lifting and lowering slide mechanism, and the like can be used for moving device 40b. For example, in a case where article <NUM> is reel 21a, as illustrated in <FIG>, moving device 40b may include lifting and lowering section 40b1 and gripping section 40b2.

Raising/lowering section 40b1 can rotate around an axial line along the vertical direction (Z-axis direction), and can lift or lower gripping section 40b2 along the vertical direction (Z-axis direction). Gripping section 40b2 can move forward or rearward at the same angle as inclination angle θ1 of work space 40c illustrated in <FIG>. In addition, gripping section 40b2 can move forward or rearward at the same angle as inclination angle θ1 of partition section 42b of storage section <NUM>. In addition, gripping section 40b2 can move forward or rearward at the same angle as inclination angle θ1 of chute section <NUM>.

As described above, in storage <NUM> of the present embodiment, inclination angle θ1 of work space 40c provided in first opening section 41a coincides with inclination angle θ1 of partition section 42b of storage section <NUM>. Accordingly, storage <NUM> of the present embodiment can perform an unloading operation at the time of reception when reel 21a is unloaded from work space 40c and a storage operation at the time of reception when unloaded reel 21a is stored in storage section <NUM> by lifting and lowering operations, a rotation operation, a forward movement operation, and a rearward movement operation of moving device 40b.

In storage <NUM> of the present embodiment, inclination angle θ1 of chute section <NUM> coincides with inclination angle θ1 of partition section 42b of storage section <NUM>. Accordingly, storage <NUM> of the present embodiment can perform an unloading operation at the time of delivery when reel 21a is unloaded from the storage unit and a sending operation at the time of deliver at when unloaded reel 21a is sent out to chute section <NUM> by the lifting and lowering operations, the rotating operation, the forward movement operation, and the rearward movement operation of the moving device 40b.

As illustrated in <FIG>, storage <NUM> includes display device 40d. Display device 40d can use a well-known display device, and displays various data so as to be visually recognizable by the operator. For example, display device 40d displays the article information on article <NUM> stored in storage section <NUM> in accordance with an operation of the operator. It should be noted that display device 40d of the present embodiment is configured by a touch panel, and display device 40d also serves as an input device for receiving various operations by the operator.

For example, the operator can designate desired article <NUM> to be delivered from storage <NUM> using a touch panel (display device 40d functioning as an input device). In this case, control device 40a uses moving device 40b to move and deliver designated article <NUM> to work space 40c provided in first opening section 41a or chute section <NUM> provided in second opening section 41b.

In addition, control device 40a can store positional information, reception/delivery information, and storage information of article <NUM> in storage section <NUM>. The positional information indicates a storage location of article <NUM>. The reception/delivery information indicates the date and time of receipt and date and time of delivery of article <NUM>. For example, the storage information includes information such as an ambient temperature of storage section <NUM>, a humidity of storage section <NUM>, and the like. Control device 40a stores the positional information and the reception date and time of article <NUM> when article <NUM> is stored. Control device 40a stores storage information during storage of article <NUM>. Control device 40a stores the delivery date and time of article <NUM> when article <NUM> is delivered.

As illustrated in <FIG>, control device 40a includes moving section <NUM> and permission section <NUM> when viewed as control blocks. Control device 40a executes a control program according to flowcharts illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>. <FIG> illustrates an example of a control procedure in the reception work of article <NUM>, and <FIG> illustrates an example of a control procedure in the delivery work of article <NUM>.

Moving section <NUM> moves article <NUM> to predetermined storage section <NUM> when article <NUM> is received through first opening section 41a or second opening section 41b, and moves article <NUM> stored in storage section <NUM> to first opening section 41a or second opening section 41b when article <NUM> is delivered. Moving section <NUM> of the present embodiment moves article <NUM> to predetermined storage section <NUM> when article <NUM> is received through first opening section 41a, and moves article <NUM> stored in storage section <NUM> to second opening section 41b when article <NUM> is delivered. Moving section <NUM> can move article <NUM> by driving and controlling above-described moving device 40b.

Permission section <NUM> permits the operator to perform the reception work of article <NUM> through first opening section 41a. In a mode in which storage <NUM> includes permission section <NUM>, moving section <NUM> performs the delivery work of article <NUM> different from article <NUM> through second opening section 41b in parallel with the reception work by the operator through first opening section 41a when the reception work of article <NUM> by the operator is permitted by permission section <NUM>.

Specifically, permission section <NUM> prohibits the operator from performing the reception work of article <NUM> through first opening section 41a, for example, when moving device 40b is performing or is scheduled to perform the work in work space 40c. Conversely, permission section <NUM> permits the operator to perform the reception work of article <NUM> through first opening section 41a when moving device 40b is not performing the work in work space 40c and is not scheduled to perform the work.

First front door 41a1 illustrated in <FIG> is provided between first opening section 41a and work space 40c. When the reception work of article <NUM> by the operator through first opening section 41a is prohibited by permission section <NUM>, first front door 41a1 is closed, and thus, interference between the operator and moving device 40b is suppressed. Second front door 41b1 illustrated in <FIG> is provided between second opening section 41b and chute section <NUM>. Second front door 41b1 can be opened when article <NUM> can be delivered from second opening section 41b.

The operator designates desired article <NUM> to be delivered from storage <NUM> using a touch panel (display device 40d functioning as an input device). In the present embodiment, the operator designates reel 21a that is article <NUM>. In addition, the operator uses the touch panel to instruct the opening operation of first front door 41a1. Control device 40a performs the opening operation of first front door 41a1 when the reception work of article <NUM> by the operator is permitted by permission section <NUM> (Step S11 illustrated in <FIG>).

The operator receives article <NUM> at a predetermined position in work space 40c through first opening section 41a (Step S12). When the reception work of article <NUM> is completed, the operator uses the touch panel to instruct the closing operation of first front door 41a1. As a result, control device 40a performs the closing operation of first front door 41a1 (Step S13). The work from the time when the operator instructs the opening operation of first front door 41a1 to the time when the operator instructs the closing operation of first front door 41a1 corresponds to the reception work of article <NUM> by the operator through first opening section 41a (Steps S11 to S13).

When the reception work of article <NUM> described above is performed, moving section <NUM> performs the delivery work of article <NUM> different from article <NUM> through second opening section 41b in parallel with the reception work by the operator through first opening section 41a (Steps S21 to S25 illustrated in <FIG>). First, moving section <NUM> moves gripping section 40b2 to storage section <NUM> in which article <NUM> to be delivered is stored (Step S21). Specifically, lifting and lowering section 40b1 rotates as necessary to lift or lower gripping section 40b2 along the vertical direction (the Z-axis direction) so that gripping section 40b2 reaches reel 21a stored at a desired storage location (pair of partition sections 42b) when gripping section 40b2 moves forward.

Next, gripping section 40b2 moves forward to grip reel 21a stored in the storage location (the pair of partition sections 42b), and moves rearward in a state where reel 21a is gripped (Step S22). After the unloading operation at the time of delivery described above, moving section <NUM> moves gripping section 40b2 to chute section <NUM> (Step S23). Specifically, lifting and lowering section 40b1 rotates as required to lift or lower gripping section 40b2 along the vertical direction (the Z-axis direction) so that reel 21a gripped by gripping section 40b2 reaches first position 46a of chute section <NUM> when gripping section 40b2 moves forward.

Next, gripping section 40b2 moves forward to move reel 21a to first position 46a of chute section <NUM>, the gripping of reel 21a is released, and gripping section 40b2 moves rearward (Step S24). As a result of the above-described sending operation at the time of delivery, reel 21a, which is article <NUM>, slides along chute section <NUM> and reaches second opening section 41b. When article <NUM> can be delivered from second opening section 41b, control device 40a guides the fact that article <NUM> can be delivered using the touch panel, and the opening operation of second front door 41b1 is enabled (Step S25).

When article <NUM> can be delivered from the second opening section 41b and the closing operation of first front door 41a1 is completed (processes illustrated in Steps S13 and S25 are completed), moving section <NUM> moves gripping section 40b2 to work space 40c (Step S14). Specifically, lifting and lowering section 40b1 lifts or lowers gripping section 40b2 along the vertical direction (the Z-axis direction) so that gripping section 40b2 reaches reel 21a received in work space 40c when gripping section 40b2 moves forward. Next, gripping section 40b2 moves forward to grip reel 21a, and moves rearward in a state where reel 21a is gripped (Step S15).

After the above-described unloading operation at the time of reception, moving section <NUM> moves gripping section 40b2 to storage section <NUM> in which article <NUM> is stored (Step S16). Specifically, lifting and lowering section 40b1 rotates as necessary to lift or lower gripping section 40b2 along the vertical direction (the Z-axis direction) so that gripping section 40b2 reaches a predetermined storage location (pair of partition sections 42b of first storage unit 42t1 or second storage unit 42t2) when gripping section 40b2 moves forward. Next, gripping section 40b2 moves forward to insert reel 21a into the storage location (pair of partition sections 42b), the gripping of reel 21a is released, gripping section 40b2 moves rearward (Step S17). As a result of the storage operation at the time of reception described above, reel 21a which is article <NUM> is stored in storage section <NUM>.

As described above, in the present embodiment, when the reception work of article <NUM> by the operator is permitted by permission section <NUM>, moving section <NUM> performs the delivery work of article <NUM> different from article <NUM> through second opening section 41b in parallel with the reception work by the operator through first opening section 41a. Accordingly, in storage <NUM>, it is possible to shorten a time required for the reception work and the delivery work of article <NUM> as compared with, for example, a case where the delivery work of article <NUM> different from article <NUM> is performed after the reception work by the operator through first opening section 41a is completed.

As illustrated in <FIG>, storage <NUM> of the present embodiment includes first accommodation section 47a capable of temporarily accommodating multiple articles <NUM> to be received through first opening section 41a. As long as first accommodation section 47a temporarily can accommodate multiple articles <NUM>, first accommodation section 47a may have any form. <FIG> illustrates an example of first accommodation section 47a. Similar to storage section <NUM>, first accommodation section 47a includes main body section 47a1, and partition sections 47a2 which are provided so as to protrude upward at a predetermined angle with respect to main body section 47a1 to accommodate reel 21a.

Partition section 47a2 of the present embodiment is provided in multiple pairs (<NUM>:<NUM> in <FIG>), and can accommodate multiple (<NUM>) reels 21a. Each of the multiple pairs (<NUM> pairs) of partition sections 47a2 is provided with two partition sections 47a2 separated from each other so as not to interfere with moving device 40b. In <FIG>, for convenience of illustration, some members are assigned with reference symbols, and not all members are assigned with reference symbols. In addition, it is preferable that inclination angle θ1 of partition section 47a2 of first accommodation section 47a coincides with inclination angle θ1 of partition section 42b of storage section <NUM>. As a result, storage <NUM> can obtain the same effect as the case where inclination angle θ1 of chute section <NUM> coincides with inclination angle θ1 of partition section 42b of storage section <NUM>.

In a mode in which storage <NUM> includes first accommodation section 47a, moving section <NUM> can deliver article <NUM> that need to be delivered through second opening section 41b when it is necessary to deliver article <NUM> stored in storage section <NUM> during the reception work of multiple articles <NUM> through first opening section 41a. Specifically, moving section <NUM> temporarily accommodates multiple articles <NUM> to be received through first opening section 41a in first accommodation section 47a, so that, for example, articles <NUM> accommodated in first accommodation section 47a can be stored in storage section <NUM> using, for example, an idling time of storage <NUM>.

In addition, when it is necessary to deliver article <NUM> stored in storage section <NUM> during the reception work of multiple articles <NUM> through first opening section 41a, moving section <NUM> delivers article <NUM> that needs to be delivered through second opening section 41b. At this time, moving section <NUM> can perform the reception work of article <NUM> by the operator through first opening section 41a and the delivery work of article <NUM> through second opening section 41b in parallel with each other in the same manner as described above.

In addition, when it is necessary to deliver article <NUM> stored in storage section <NUM> during the reception work of multiple articles <NUM> through first opening section 41a, moving section <NUM> may preferentially perform the delivery work of article <NUM> requiring the delivery with respect to the reception work of article <NUM> through first opening section 41a. For example, moving section <NUM> can perform the delivery work of multiple articles <NUM> through second opening section 41b while the reception work of one article <NUM> is performed through first opening section 41a. In addition, when it is necessary to deliver article <NUM> stored in storage section <NUM>, moving section <NUM> can stop the reception work of article <NUM>, and can perform the delivery work of article <NUM> using both or one of first opening section 41a and second opening section 41b. In any of the above cases, moving section <NUM> can move article <NUM> by driving and controlling above-described moving device 40b.

As illustrated in <FIG>, storage <NUM> of the present embodiment includes second accommodation section 47b capable of temporarily accommodating multiple articles <NUM> to be delivered through second opening section 41b. As long as second accommodation section 47b can temporarily accommodate multiple articles <NUM>, second accommodation section 47b may have any form. For example, a tray can be used as second accommodation section 47b. The tray can sequentially stack articles <NUM> moved to second opening section 41b.

In a mode in which storage <NUM> includes second accommodation section 47b, moving section <NUM> can move multiple articles <NUM> required for board working machine <NUM> to second accommodation section 47b based on a production plan of a board product, and can deliver multiple articles <NUM> accommodated in second accommodation section 47b through second opening section 41b. For example, the production plan of the board product is stored in management device <NUM>. Based on the production plan of the board product, management device <NUM> indicates article <NUM> (multiple articles <NUM> for which board working machine <NUM> is required) to be delivered to storage <NUM>. Moving section <NUM> drives and controls above-described moving device 40b to move indicated article <NUM>. As a result, storage <NUM> can collectively deliver multiple articles <NUM> required in the production plan.

In the above embodiment, article <NUM> is mainly described as an example of reel 21a. However, for example, article <NUM> may be feeder 21b, tray 21c, solder container 21d, the holding member, the holding member accommodation device described above, or the like. Storage <NUM> can include a storage unit conforming to article <NUM>, and can include a moving device confirming to article <NUM>. In addition, moving device of storage <NUM> can store accommodation case <NUM> in which article <NUM> is accommodated in the storage unit for each accommodation case <NUM>.

Storage <NUM> can also deliver article <NUM> different from article <NUM> through second opening section 41b when the delivery work of article <NUM> is performed through first opening section 41a. Specifically, when gripping section 40b2 carries out reel 21a to be delivered through first opening section 41a to work space 40c, the rear door provided between work space 40c and moving device 40b is closed. Then, control device 40a performs the opening operation of first front door 41a1, and thus, the operator can perform the delivery work of reel 21a through first opening section 41a.

When reel 21a to be delivered through first opening section 41a is carried out to work space 40c, gripping section 40b2 moves to storage section <NUM> in order to acquire reel 21a to be delivered through second opening section 41b. Then, gripping section 40b2 acquires reel 21a delivered through second opening section 41b from storage section <NUM>, and carries out reel 21a to first position 46a of chute section <NUM>. Carried-out reel 21a slides along chute section <NUM> and reaches second opening section 41b.

As described above, storage <NUM> can perform the delivery work of article <NUM> by the operator through first opening section 41a and the delivery work of article <NUM> different from article <NUM> through second opening section 41b in parallel with each other. In this case, permission section <NUM> permits the delivery work of article <NUM> by the operator through first opening section 41a. When the delivery work of article <NUM> by the operator is permitted by permission section <NUM>, moving section <NUM> performs the delivery work of article <NUM> different from article <NUM> through second opening section 41b in parallel with the delivery work by the operator through first opening section 41a.

In addition, storage <NUM> can receive article <NUM> different from article <NUM> through second opening section 41b when the reception work or delivery work of article <NUM> is performed through first opening section 41a. In this case, storage <NUM> can include a second chute section instead of chute section <NUM>. The second chute section causes article <NUM> received through second opening section 41b to slide toward a predetermined position. The predetermined position can be set to a position at which gripping section 40b2 can grip article <NUM> which has slid on the second chute section. It should be noted that in a case where the positioning of article <NUM> which has slid on the second chute section is difficult, storage <NUM> may include a positioning device for positioning article <NUM> at a predetermined position. In addition, storage <NUM> may include a conveyance device which conveys article <NUM> received through second opening section 41b to a predetermined position instead of the second chute section.

In addition, when article <NUM> is received through second opening section 41b, it is necessary to provide acquisition device <NUM> in second opening section 41b. For example, in a case where it is difficult to provide acquisition device <NUM> in second opening section 41b due to convenience of the installation space or the like, for example, a wireless tag or the like may be used as identification code <NUM>. A wireless reader (acquisition device <NUM>) for performing wireless communication with a wireless tag may be provided at a position separated from second opening section 41b.

According to storage <NUM>, first opening section 41a, second opening section 41b, and moving section <NUM> are provided. As a result, storage <NUM> can perform the reception work or the delivery work of article <NUM> through first opening section 41a and the reception work or the delivery work of article <NUM> different from article <NUM> through second opening section 41b in parallel with each other, and thus, the work efficiency of the reception work or the delivery work of article <NUM> is improved.

Claim 1:
A storage (<NUM>) comprising:
a first opening section (41a) through which a first article (<NUM>) used in a board working machine (<NUM>) configured to perform predetermined board work on a board (<NUM>) is received or delivered; and
a second opening section (41b) which is different from the first opening section (41a) and through which a second article (<NUM>) is received or delivered when reception work or delivery work of the first article (<NUM>) is performed through the first opening section (41a),
characterized by
a moving section (<NUM>) configured to move the first and the second articles (<NUM>) to a predetermined storage section (<NUM>) when the first article (<NUM>) is received through the first opening section (41a) and when the second article (<NUM>) is received through the second opening section (41b), and to move the first article (<NUM>) stored in the storage section (<NUM>) to the first opening section (41a) when the first article is delivered and to move the second article (<NUM>) stored in the storage section (<NUM>) to the second opening section (41b) when the second article (<NUM>) is delivered; and
a permission section (<NUM>) configured to permit the reception work of the first article (<NUM>) by an operator through the first opening section (41a),
wherein the moving section (<NUM>) is configured to perform the delivery work of the second article (<NUM>) through the second opening section (41b) in parallel with the reception work by the operator through the first opening section (41a) when the reception work of the first article (<NUM>) by the operator is permitted by the permission section (<NUM>).