Substrate production system

Abstract

The substrate production system comprises: a component assembly machine having a component supply area in which a component supply unit is arranged, which picks up components from the above-mentioned component supply unit and assembles them on the substrate; an equipment table arranged on a substrate production line in which a plurality of substrate production machines including the above-mentioned component assembly machine are arranged, and a component container for accommodating a plurality of the above-mentioned components is installed on the above-mentioned component supply unit; and a conveying device, which conveys the above-mentioned component supply unit on which the above-mentioned component container is installed to the above-mentioned component assembly machine through the above-mentioned equipment table.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This specification relates to a substrate production system that produces substrates using a substrate production line in which a plurality of substrate production machines including a component mounting machine are arranged. Background Art

[0002] The technology for mass-producing electronic circuit boards by assembling components on printed circuit boards is gaining popularity. Multiple substrate production machines are typically arranged to form a substrate production line. The component assembly machines within these machines utilize component feed units equipped with component containers that hold multiple components. A tape feeder, a representative example of a component feed unit, uses a tape reel wound with a carrier tape as the component container.

[0003] Component replenishment operations when components become depleted as production progresses, and production adjustments to change the type of substrates being produced (substrate type), require the installation of component containers (reels) on component supply units (tape feeders). This installation operation has traditionally been performed manually. Alternatively, methods have been implemented to prepare component supply units after the installation operation has been completed and replace them when necessary. Examples of techniques related to the installation and replacement of component supply units are disclosed in Patent Documents 1 and 2.

[0004] Patent Document 1 discloses a reel supply robot that loads reels into a tape feeder installed in a component mounting machine. This enables automatic replacement of reels, eliminating loss of operating time, and the like.

[0005] Furthermore, the component mounting line disclosed in Patent Document 2 includes a unit storage for storing a plurality of component supply units, and a unit replacement device for replacing component supply units installed in a plurality of component mounting machines with the component supply units in the unit storage. This allows component supply units used in any component mounting machine to be moved in and out of the unit storage for replenishment, collection, and other operations, providing a highly user-friendly unit storage.

[0006] Prior art literature

[0007] Patent Literature

[0008] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 5-175686

[0009] Patent Document 2: International Publication No. 2017 / 033268 Summary of the Invention

[0010] Problems to be solved by the invention

[0011] The reel feeding robot of Patent Document 1 is advantageous in that it can automate the manual setup work. However, during the aforementioned production changeover and adjustment work, the reel feeding robot sequentially loads reels onto a plurality of tape feeders, which increases the operation time. This leads to a problem of reduced production efficiency.

[0012] In contrast, the structure of Patent Document 2 stores component supply units after the setup process in a unit storage warehouse. This reduces the time required to replace component supply units during production changeovers and improves production efficiency. However, when the setup process is automated at the setup station to save labor, a transport vehicle is required to transport the component supply units between the separate setup station and the unit storage warehouse. The limitations of this transport vehicle's handling can increase the time required for production changeovers and adjustments. Furthermore, the limited number of component supply units available can lead to inefficient replacement operations.

[0013] Therefore, the problem to be solved in this specification is to provide a substrate production system that makes component replenishment work and product changeover work related to a component mounting machine more efficient and achieves high production efficiency.

[0014] Technical solutions to problems

[0015] This specification discloses a substrate production system comprising: a component assembly machine having a component supply area in which a component supply unit is configured, picking up components from the component supply unit and assembling the components on a substrate; an equipment table arranged on a substrate production line in which a plurality of substrate production machines including the component assembly machine are arranged, and a component container for accommodating a plurality of the components is installed on the component supply unit; and a conveying device for conveying the component supply unit on which the component container is installed to the component assembly machine via the equipment table.

[0016] Effects of the Invention

[0017] In the substrate production system disclosed in this specification, an equipment table is installed within the substrate production line. Therefore, the transport device only needs to move the component supply unit, equipped with component containers, from the equipment table to the component assembly machine over a short distance, enabling quick transport. This improves the efficiency of component replenishment and production changeover operations for the component assembly machine, ultimately achieving higher production efficiency. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] Figure 1 It is a plan view schematically showing the structure of the substrate production system according to the embodiment.

[0019] Figure 2It is a partial cross-sectional plan view schematically showing the structure of the lower portion of the substrate production system.

[0020] Figure 3 This is a side sectional view of the component mounting machine as viewed from the right.

[0021] Figure 4 This is a side sectional view of the equipment table viewed from the right.

[0022] Figure 5 This is a perspective view schematically showing the equipment execution unit of the equipment station.

[0023] Figure 6 This is a perspective view of a feeder transport vehicle that transports a silo-type preliminary storage unit.

[0024] Figure 7 This is a perspective view of a reel transport vehicle that transports reel silos (component storage container silos).

[0025] Figure 8 This is a block diagram showing a control structure of a substrate production system according to an embodiment.

[0026] Figure 9 This is a diagram for explaining a change in the position at which the initial scrap tape is cut from the leading end of the carrier tape.

[0027] Figure 10 This is a diagram showing a list explaining the standards of the storage positions of the tape feeders in the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] 1. Substrate production line 2 and component assembly machine 22

[0029] refer to Figures 1 to 7 The structure of the substrate production system 1 according to the embodiment will be described. The figures are schematic illustrations with portions reduced in scale. Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown in the lower right corner of the figure, the front, back, left, and right directions are determined for convenience. The substrate production system 1 comprises a substrate production line 2 including a component mounting machine 22, an equipment table 3, and a transport device 4 as a minimum configuration. In this embodiment, in addition to the above, the substrate production system 1 further comprises two transport vehicles (a feeder transport vehicle 51 and a reel transport vehicle 55), a waste tape collection device 6, a production change adjustment control unit 7, and a production plan storage unit 71.

[0030] The substrate production line 2 is composed of a plurality of substrate production machines including a component mounting machine 22. For example, Figure 1 and Figure 2The illustrated substrate production line 2 consists of a solder printer 21, a component mounting machine 22, and a substrate inspection machine 23 arranged from left to right. Each of the multiple substrate production machines has a transport conveyor 24 extending horizontally at approximately mid-height. Each transport conveyor 24 is rotationally driven by a conveyor drive unit 25 located below. This allows substrates K to be transported sequentially from the upstream solder printer 21 to the downstream substrate production machine.

[0031] like Figure 3 As shown, the component mounting machine 22 includes a component supply area 221, a mounting head 222, a suction nozzle 223, and a second preliminary storage section 224. The component supply area 221 is located at approximately the middle height of the front side, and the tape feeders 91 currently used in production are arranged in a row. The component supply area 221 is formed using a plate-like member provided with a plurality of slots extending in the front-to-back direction.

[0032] The plurality of tape feeders 91 are inserted into the plurality of slots of the component supply area 221 from the front side and are arranged so as to be attachable and detachable. The tape feeder 91 uses a tape reel 92 (see FIG. 1 ) wound with a carrier tape 93. Figure 5 、 Figure 9 ) to supply components. Carrier tape 93 has multiple cavities arranged in a row along the length of the tape. Components are stored in each cavity. Tape feeder 91 is a form of component supply unit, and reel 92 is a form of component storage container.

[0033] Labels displaying individual identification codes are attached to the tape feeder 91 and the tape reel 92. These labels are read by the component mounting machine 22, the equipment station 3, and the like to identify the tape feeder 91 and the tape reel 92. However, this is not limiting; the individual identification codes of the tape feeder 91 and the tape reel 92 may also be stored in a built-in memory of the tape feeder 91. In this configuration, when the tape feeder 91 is installed in the component mounting machine 22 or the equipment station 3 and communicatively connected thereto, the individual identification code is transmitted for identification.

[0034] The component assembly machine 22 has an assembly head 222 near the upper portion of its interior. The assembly head 222 is driven by a horizontal drive mechanism (not shown) to move horizontally in two directions. The assembly head 222 holds one or more suction nozzles 223 in a manner that allows them to be raised and lowered. A transport conveyor 24 traverses the rear side of the component assembly machine 22 at approximately mid-height. The transport conveyor 24 carries the substrate K, printed with cream solder by the solder printer 21, into the component assembly machine 22.

[0035] In this way, the assembly head 222 moves above the tape feeder 91, the suction nozzle 223 descends, picks up the component from the tape feeder 91, and then rises. Next, the assembly head 222 moves above the substrate K, and the suction nozzle 223 descends to mount the component on the solder paste on the substrate K. If this picking and mounting operation is repeated, the components in the tape feeder 91 will be consumed and the tape feeder 91 will be out of components. In this component replenishment operation, the tape feeder 91 is replaced instead of the tape reel 92. In addition, in the production change adjustment operation when the substrate type of the substrate K is changed, in many cases, multiple tape feeders 91 are replaced.

[0036] The component assembly machine 22 has a second preliminary storage section 224 below the component supply area 221 on the front side. The second preliminary storage section 224 is composed of an upper layer and a lower layer, each having a structure similar to that of the component supply area 221. The second preliminary storage section 224 can accommodate multiple tape feeders 91 not currently used in production on the upper and lower layers. The tape feeders 91 stored in the second preliminary storage section 224 are in a state of being ready for use after the tape reels 92 are installed, and are used for component replenishment operations and production changeover operations. Alternatively, the second preliminary storage section 224 can have a single layer or a structure with three or more layers.

[0037] 2. Equipment Station 3

[0038] The equipment station 3 is provided in the substrate production line 2, specifically, on the left side of the solder printer 21. However, the equipment station 3 is not limited thereto, and may also be provided between the solder printer 21 and the component mounting machine 22, on the right side (downstream side) of the component mounting machine 22. Figure 4 As shown, the equipment table 3 is formed with its front-to-back dimensions smaller at the bottom and larger at the top, with a space provided in the lower rear portion. This space houses a transport conveyor 24 and a conveyor drive unit 25. The transport conveyor 24 receives substrates K on the left side of the equipment table 3 and delivers them to the transport conveyor 24 of the solder printer 21. The equipment table 3 includes an equipment execution unit 31, a preliminary storage unit loading and unloading unit 32, a silo receiving unit 33, a silo discharging unit 34, a reel discarding unit 35, a sorting unit 36, and a first preliminary storage unit 37.

[0039] The equipment execution unit 31 is arranged near the front right side of the upper portion of the equipment platform 3 in the front-back direction (see Figure 1 、 Figure 4 ). The equipment execution unit 31 is composed of Figure 5 The feeder holding unit 311 shown in the figure and the working robot (not shown) are composed of the following components. When the working robot starts the installation operation, it holds the tape feeder 91 to be operated on the feeder holding unit 311. The working robot then rotatably installs the tape reel 92 at a predetermined position approximately in the center of the tape feeder 91.

[0040] The working robot then pulls carrier tape 93 from reel 92 and performs the predetermined loading operation. As a result, carrier tape 93 is driven by sprocket 911 and pulled out, ready for delivery to component supply position 912. In other words, tape feeder 91 is now ready for use. During the loading operation of carrier tape 93, a portion of the leading end of carrier tape 93 is cut as needed (details will be described later).

[0041] In addition, the working robot holds the tape feeder 91 recovered from the component supply area 221 of the component assembly machine 22 in the feeder holding portion 311 and performs the removal operation of removing the tape reel 92. The working robot is composed of, for example, an arm-type robot with a movable arm. In addition, the working robot can also be composed of a combination of a moving mechanism that moves the tape feeder 91 and the tape reel 92. The equipment execution unit 31 is controlled by the equipment control unit 72 (see Figure 8 ).

[0042] The preparatory storage unit loading and unloading section 32 is arranged near the rear right side of the upper part of the equipment table 3. The preparatory storage unit loading and unloading section 32 is a portion where the silo type preparatory storage unit 95 is installed so that it can be loaded and unloaded. The silo type preparatory storage unit 95 is formed in a box shape with an opening (see Figure 6 The silo type preliminary storage section 95 stores a plurality of tape feeders 91 in an array. The tape feeders 91 can be transferred in both directions between the silo type preliminary storage section 95 disposed in the preliminary storage section loading and unloading section 32 and the equipment execution section 31.

[0043] The hopper receiving section 33 is located on the left side of the pre-accommodation section loading and unloading section 32. The hopper receiving section 33 is a portion for receiving the reel hopper 96 (component container hopper). The reel hopper 96 is composed of a circular bottom plate and a spindle extending upward from the center of the bottom plate (see Figure 7 The reel bin 96 is inserted into the center hole of the reel 92 to accommodate the plurality of reels 92 stacked in the vertical direction. The reels 92 can be transferred from the reel bin 96 disposed on the bin receiving portion 33 toward the equipment execution portion 31.

[0044] The silo delivery unit 34 is located near the rear left side of the upper portion of the equipment platform 3 and on the left side of the silo receiving unit 33. The silo delivery unit 34 is a portion that delivers the tape reel silo 96. The tape reel 92 can be transferred from the equipment execution unit 31 to the tape reel silo 96 located in the silo delivery unit 34 via the partitioning unit 36. The silo receiving unit 33 and the silo delivery unit 34 form a silo loading and unloading unit having two positions for loading and unloading the tape reel silo 96. In addition, the silo receiving unit 33 and the silo delivery unit 34 can also be simplified to a silo loading and unloading unit having only one position.

[0045] The tape reel discarding section 35 is arranged at the front side of the silo delivery section 34. The tape reel discarding section 35 is a section for recovering the empty tape reels 92 in which the components are exhausted and the carrier tape 93 is gone. The distinguishing section 36 is arranged near the left side of the rear side of the equipment execution section 31. The distinguishing section 36 distinguishes the tape reels 92 removed by the equipment execution section 31. That is, the distinguishing section 36 transports the tape reels 92 in which there are still components remaining and the carrier tape 93 is not used up to the silo delivery section 34 and stores them in the tape reel silo 96. In addition, the distinguishing section 36 transports the empty tape reels 92 to the tape reel discarding section 35. The distinguishing section 36 is controlled by the distinguishing control section 73 (refer to Figure 8 ).

[0046] The first preliminary storage section 37 is arranged at a smaller lower portion in the front-back direction of the equipment table 3 (see Figure 2 、 Figure 4 The first preliminary storage section 37 is composed of an upper layer and a lower layer having a structure similar to that of the second preliminary storage section 224 of the component assembly machine 22. The first preliminary storage section 37 can accommodate a plurality of tape feeders 91 not currently used in production in the upper layer and the lower layer, respectively. Alternatively, the first preliminary storage section 37 may have a different structure from the second preliminary storage section 224.

[0047] 3. Transport device 4

[0048] The transport device 4 performs various transport operations, typified by the transport of the tape feeder 91 on which the tape reel 92 is mounted via the equipment table 3 to the component mounting machine 22. Figure 1 As indicated by an arrow M1 , the transport device 4 moves from the front side of the equipment table 3 to the front side of the component mounting machine 22 .

[0049] To describe in detail, guide rails and contactless power supply units are provided on the front surface of each substrate production machine constituting the substrate production line 2 and the front surface of the equipment table 3. On the other hand, the transport device 4 has a snap-fitting portion and a contactless power receiving portion on the rear surface, and a moving motor inside. The snap-fitting portion of the transport device 4 engages with the guide rail to guide the movement of the transport device 4. The contactless power receiving portion of the transport device 4 receives power from the contactless power supply unit and supplies power to the moving motor. As a result, the transport device 4 is driven by the moving motor and moves in the left and right directions. The transport device 4 is not limited to the above-mentioned structure. For example, it may also have a structure of a transport vehicle that has a battery and moves on its own.

[0050] like Figure 3 As shown by the dotted arrow, the conveying device 4 has a function of transferring the tape feeder 91 between the component supply area 221 and the second preliminary storage section 224 of the component mounting machine 22. Figure 4As indicated by the dotted arrow, the transport device 4 has the function of transferring the tape feeder 91 between the equipment execution unit 31 and the first preliminary storage unit 37 of the equipment table 3. The transport device 4 also has the function of moving the received tape feeder 91 while holding it in the device, and the function of raising and lowering the tape feeder 91 in the device.

[0051] Therefore, the conveying device 4 can carry out the conveying action of conveying the tape feeder 91 between the above-mentioned various locations. The conveying device 4 is controlled by the production change adjustment control unit 7 (see Figure 8 ) In addition, the applicant of the present application disclosed a detailed structural example of the transport device 4 in Patent Document 2 under the name of “Replacement Robot”.

[0052] 4. Feeder transport vehicle 51 and reel transport vehicle 55

[0053] Feeder transport vehicle 51 as Figure 6 As shown, the vehicle travels with the magazine-type preliminary storage unit 95 mounted thereon. Figure 6 Although omitted, the silo type preliminary storage section 95 stores a plurality of tape feeders 91 in an array. The feeder transport vehicle 51 transports the silo type preliminary storage section 95 between the preliminary storage section loading and unloading section 32 of the equipment station 3 and the feeder storage warehouse 53 (see Figure 1 The feeder transport vehicle 51 has a roller device 52 on its upper surface for automatically replacing the hopper-type preliminary storage unit 95.

[0054] If the number of tape feeders 91 on the equipment table 3 is insufficient, the feeder transport vehicle 51 can automatically replenish the insufficient tape feeders 91 from the feeder storage warehouse 53. Furthermore, the feeder transport vehicle 51 can automatically store excess tape feeders 91 on the equipment table 3 in the feeder storage warehouse 53. Furthermore, by transporting multiple tape feeders 91 stored in the silo-type preliminary storage section 95, the feeder transport vehicle 51 can improve transport efficiency. Furthermore, the feeder transport vehicle 51 can also transport more than one tape feeder 91 without using the silo-type preliminary storage section 95.

[0055] like Figure 7 As shown, the reel transport vehicle 55 travels while carrying a plurality of reel magazines 96 (component container magazines). Figure 7 In the example, one reel bin 96 is fully loaded with reels 92, and the other reel bins 96 are empty. The reel transport vehicle 55 transports the reel bins 96 between the bin receiving unit 33 and the bin delivery unit 34 of the equipment station 3 and the reel storage warehouse 57 (see Figure 1 The reel transport vehicle 55 has an annular conveyor device 56 on its upper surface for adjusting the position of the reel bin 96 and automating the reloading.

[0056] The reel transport vehicle 55 can automatically replenish the reels 92 required on the equipment table 3 from the reel storage warehouse 57. In addition, the reel transport vehicle 55 can automatically store the unused reels 92 generated on the equipment table 3 in the reel storage warehouse 57. Moreover, the reel transport vehicle 55 can improve the transport efficiency by transporting the reels when the reel bin 96 is loaded with a plurality of reels 92. In addition, the reel transport vehicle 55 can also be configured to transport more than one reel 92 without using the reel bin 96. The feeder transport vehicle 51 and the reel transport vehicle 55 are controlled by the production change adjustment control unit 7 (refer to Figure 8 ).

[0057] The feeder transport vehicle 51 and the reel transport vehicle 55 can each be multiple stations. Furthermore, the travel paths of the feeder transport vehicle 51 and the reel transport vehicle 55 can be modified to have a double track, a loop, or the like. Furthermore, the feeder transport vehicle 51 and the reel transport vehicle 55 can have the same shape, and the silo-type preliminary storage unit 95 and the reel silo 96 can be carried and transported together. Furthermore, the feeder storage warehouse 53 and the reel storage warehouse 57 can be a shared storage warehouse.

[0058] 5. Waste tape recovery device 6

[0059] The waste tape recovery device 6 recovers the initial waste tape of the carrier tape 93. The initial waste tape is generated during the loading operation when the equipment execution unit 31 of the equipment station 3 installs the tape reel 92 on the tape feeder 91. In addition, the waste tape recovery device 6 also recovers the waste tape generated after the component mounting machine 22 uses the carrier tape 93. In addition, the component mounting machine 22 is equipped with a tape cutting unit that cuts the used carrier tape 93 into a predetermined length to form waste tape. Figure 1 As shown, the waste tape collecting device 6 is composed of a collecting box 61 , a waste tape conveyor 62 , and a collecting slope 63 .

[0060] The collection box 61 is placed at a predetermined location near the left side of the upper portion of the equipment table 3. The collection box 61 is shaped like a box with an upper opening. The collection box 61 stores and collects the initial waste tape and waste tape. The collection box 61 is removed from the predetermined location by an operator, and the initial waste tape and waste tape inside are discarded.

[0061] like Figure 3 As shown, the waste tape conveyor 62 starts from the upper front portion of the second preliminary storage section 224 of the component mounting machine 22. At the starting point of the waste tape conveyor 62, waste tape is placed after passing through the tape cutting section of the component mounting machine 22. The waste tape conveyor 62 extends from the starting point through the front side of the solder printer 21 to the upper front portion of the first preliminary storage section 37 of the equipment table 3 (see FIG. Figure 4). In addition, the waste tape conveyor 62 is bent at the left front side of the equipment table 3 and extends along the left side of the equipment table 3 to the recovery box 61 (refer to Figure 1 The waste tape conveyor 62 is operated in conjunction with the component mounting machine 22 when the component mounting machine 22 is in operation, and conveys the waste tape to the collection box 61 for collection.

[0062] The recovery ramp 63 is formed into a slope with its upper starting point located within the equipment execution unit 31 and its lower end point located above the recovery box 61. The recovery ramp 63 comprises an inclined bottom surface and two side surfaces, or is formed into an inclined cylindrical shape. Initial waste tape is placed at the upper starting point of the recovery ramp 63 by the working robot of the equipment execution unit 31. The initial waste tape slides down the slope of the recovery ramp 63 and falls into the recovery box 61 for collection.

[0063] The structure of the waste tape recovery device 6 described above reduces the operator's effort in discarding waste tapes, compared to discarding waste tapes separately at the equipment station 3 and the component assembly machine 22. Furthermore, the reel discarding unit 35 is located near the collection box 61, allowing the operator to discard empty reels 92 along with the waste tapes, further reducing the operator's effort. Alternatively, the collection ramp 63 may be omitted, and the operating robot of the equipment execution unit 31 may drop the initial waste tapes into the collection box 61.

[0064] 6. Control Structure of Substrate Production System 1

[0065] Next, refer to Figure 8 The control structure of the substrate production system 1 is described. Figure 8 As shown, the substrate production system 1 includes a production changeover control unit 7. The production changeover control unit 7 is communicatively connected to a production management device 79. The production management device 79 is communicatively connected to a line control unit 78. The line control unit 78 is also communicatively connected to various substrate production machines, including the component mounting machine 22.

[0066] The production management device 79 manages the production plan and production progress status of substrates K. The production plan includes information such as the type of substrates K to be produced, the production quantity, and the production sequence. The line control unit 78 controls the operation of the substrate production line 2 based on the production plan received from the production management device 79. Furthermore, the line control unit 78 sequentially transmits the production progress status of the substrate production line 2 to the production management device 79. The production progress status includes, for example, information such as the actual production history of the number of substrates K produced by the component mounting machine 22 and the number of components consumed.

[0067] The production changeover control unit 7 obtains the production plan for substrates from the production management device 79 and stores it in the production plan storage unit 71. Furthermore, the production changeover control unit 7 appropriately obtains the production progress status of the line control unit 78 via the production management device 79. Based on the production plan and production progress status, the production changeover control unit 7 performs control related to the production changeover of the tape feeder 91. The production changeover control unit 7 controls the transport operation of the conveyor device 4 and the travel and reel transport operations of the feeder transport vehicle 51 and the reel transport vehicle 55. Furthermore, the production changeover control unit 7 issues instructions to the equipment control unit 72 and the classification control unit 73 of the equipment station 3, and transmits necessary information.

[0068] The equipment control unit 72 controls the progress of the tape reel 92 loading and unloading operations in the equipment execution unit 31. The equipment control unit 72 can improve operational efficiency based on information received from the production changeover control unit 7. For example, the equipment control unit 72 receives information on the arrangement positions of the plurality of tape feeders 91 in the hopper-type preliminary storage unit 95 and the order in which the plurality of tape reels 92 are placed in the reel hopper 96. This allows the tape feeders 91 and reels 92 to be selected for operation to be selected quickly and accurately.

[0069] The differentiation control unit 73 controls the differentiation operation of the differentiation unit 36. The differentiation control unit 73 can perform differentiation without error based on the information received from the production change adjustment control unit 7. For example, the differentiation control unit 73 can determine that the tape reel 92 removed from the corresponding tape feeder 91 is empty based on the information that the tape feeder 91 is recovered from the component supply area 221 due to exhaustion of components. Thus, the differentiation unit 36 can correctly convey the empty tape reel 92 to the tape reel disposal unit 35. In addition, the differentiation control unit 73 can determine that the tape reel 92 removed from the corresponding tape feeder 91 is not used up based on the information that the tape feeder 91 is recovered from the component supply area 221 during the production change adjustment operation associated with the change of substrate type. Thus, the differentiation unit 36 can correctly convey the unused tape reel 92 to the hopper delivery unit 34.

[0070] 7. Equipment Operation (including description of initial scrap tape)

[0071] Next, refer to Figure 9 The mounting operation at the mounting station 3 will be described. Figure 9 In the figure, the carrier tape 93 is exaggeratedly drawn to be thicker than it actually is. Based on the instructions and information received from the production change control unit 7, the equipment control unit 72 determines the tape feeder 91 and the tape reel 92 to be operated, and issues an instruction to the equipment execution unit 31.

[0072] In response to the command, the equipment execution unit 31 holds the tape feeder 91, which does not have a tape reel 92 installed, in the feeder holding unit 311. The tape feeder 91, which does not have a tape reel 92 installed, is supplied from the hopper-type preliminary storage unit 95, or is stored in the first preliminary storage unit 37 or the second preliminary storage unit 224 and brought to the equipment execution unit 31 by the conveyor device 4. Next, the equipment execution unit 31 removes the tape reel 92 from the reel hopper 96 and installs it on the tape feeder 91.

[0073] Then, the equipment execution unit 31 pulls out the carrier tape 93 from the reel 92 and performs a predetermined loading operation. At this time, the equipment execution unit 31 cuts off a portion of the front end side of the carrier tape 93. Figure 9 As shown, the front end portion of carrier tape 93 is composed of base tape 931 , cover tape 932 , adhesive seal 933 , and seal gripper 934 .

[0074] The base tape 931 has chambers for accommodating components arranged in a row along its length. Several chambers on the front end are empty chambers, devoid of components. A cover tape 932 is affixed to the upper surface of the base tape 931, covering the chambers. The cover tape 932 extends forward of the front end of the base tape 931. An adhesive seal 933 is affixed near the front end of the cover tape 932 and extends forward of the front end of the cover tape 932. A seal gripper 934 is affixed to the front end of the adhesive seal 933.

[0075] As the cutting position C1 of the carrier tape 93, the front end position of the base tape 931 can be exemplified (see Figure 9 The cutting process generates initial waste tape located closer to the front end than the cutting position C1. The equipment execution unit 31 places the initial waste tape at the starting point above the recovery slope 63. The initial waste tape then slides down the recovery slope 63 and is collected in the recovery box 61. The tape feeder 91, which is equipped with a tape reel 92 and ready for use, is then unloaded from the equipment execution unit 31 by the conveyor device 4.

[0076] 8. Operation and function of substrate production system 1

[0077] Next, refer to Figure 10 The overall operation and function of the substrate production system 1 will be described. The production change adjustment control unit 7 prioritizes the production change adjustment of the tape feeder 91 scheduled to be used in production and postpones the production change adjustment of the tape feeder 91 scheduled not to be used in production. The production change adjustment control unit 7 also prioritizes the production change adjustment of the tape feeder 91 scheduled to be used earlier. Examples of five cases of determining the standard of the storage position of the tape feeder 91 corresponding to the scheduled use, non-use and use period are as follows: Figure 10 shown.

[0078] The tape feeder 91 scheduled for use earliest in production, in other words, the one with the highest priority, is the tape feeder 91 required for component replenishment when a component of the type of substrate currently being produced runs out. The production changeover control unit 7 can determine the necessity of a tape feeder 91 for component replenishment based on the production plan and production progress. The production changeover control unit 7 instructs the equipment control unit 72 to equip the tape feeder 91 for component replenishment before component exhaustion actually occurs. Upon receiving the instruction, the equipment control unit 72 controls the execution of the equipping operation.

[0079] Furthermore, the production changeover control unit 7 issues a command to the transport device 4 to move the tape feeder 91 used for component replenishment to the upper level of the second preliminary storage section 224, which is closest to the component supply area 221 in the preliminary storage section. Upon receiving the command, the transport device 4 transports the corresponding tape feeder 91 from the equipment table 3 and stores it in the upper level of the second preliminary storage section 224. Furthermore, if the component supply is actually depleted, the transport device 4 transports the tape feeder 91 from the upper level of the second preliminary storage section 224 to the component supply area 221 and inserts it into the slot. This minimizes the distance the tape feeder 91 must be transported, thereby minimizing the time required for component replenishment.

[0080] The tape feeder 91 with the second highest priority is the tape feeder 91 used for production changeover, which is required when production of the currently produced substrate type is completed and production is shifted to the next substrate type. The production changeover control unit 7 can determine the necessity of the tape feeder 91 used for production changeover based on the production plan. The production changeover control unit 7 instructs the equipment control unit 72 to set up the tape feeder 91 for production changeover before the actual production changeover operation. Upon receiving the instruction, the equipment control unit 72 controls the execution of the set-up operation.

[0081] Then, the production change control unit 7 issues a command to the transport device 4 to temporarily move the tape feeder 91 for production change to the lower level of the second preliminary storage section 224, which is located in the second proximity component supply area 221. Receiving the command, the transport device 4 temporarily moves the tape feeder 91 from the equipment table 3 and stores it in the lower level of the second preliminary storage section 224.

[0082] Thereafter, at a predetermined timing determined based on the production plan, or in other words, at the time when a production changeover operation is required, the production changeover control unit 7 issues a command to the transport device 4 to move the tape feeder 91 used for the production changeover to the component supply area 221. Receiving the command, the transport device 4 transports the tape feeder 91 from the lower level of the second preliminary storage section 224 to the component supply area 221 and inserts it into the slot. The lower level of the second preliminary storage section 224 has a similar structure to the component supply area 221, and therefore can accommodate all the tape feeders 91 used in the production changeover operation. Consequently, the distance the tape feeder 91 needs to be transported during the production changeover operation is shortened, reducing operation time.

[0083] The tape feeder 91 with the third highest priority is a tape feeder 91 used for production changeover corresponding to the type of substrate to be produced next or after that. After the setup operation is completed, the tape feeder 91 with the third highest priority is transported from the setup execution unit 31 to the first preliminary storage unit 37 below it by the transport device 4 and temporarily stored.

[0084] Afterward, when production of the currently-in-progress substrate type is completed, the next substrate type changes to the currently-in-progress substrate type, and the next substrate type changes to the next substrate type. At this point, the transport device 4 first transports the tape feeder 91 in the lower layer of the second preliminary storage section 224 to the component supply area 221 during the production changeover. The transport device 4 then transports the tape feeder 91 corresponding to the next substrate type, stored in the first preliminary storage section 37, to the empty space in the lower layer of the second preliminary storage section 224 for storage. This transport operation can be performed during idle time.

[0085] Here, the equipment table 3 is installed on the substrate production line 2. Therefore, the transport device 4 only needs to move a short distance when transporting the tape feeder 91 from the equipment table 3 to the component mounting machine 22. Therefore, compared with the conventional structure in which the equipment table is installed separately from the substrate production line, the transport device 4 can transport the tape feeder 91 over a short distance and in a shorter time.

[0086] In addition, the tape feeder 91 installed on the tape reel 92 that is not scheduled to be used in the component assembly machine 22 is recovered from the component supply area 221 by the conveying device 4. The production change adjustment control unit 7 determines the future operation of the recovered tape feeder 91. For example, for a tape feeder 91 whose tape reel 92 has not been used up and is expected to be reused if the actual production history is taken into consideration, the production change adjustment control unit 7 issues an instruction to the conveying device 4 to maintain the installation state of the tape reel 92. The conveying device 4 that receives the instruction conveys the tape feeder 91 recovered from the component assembly machine 22 to the first preliminary storage section 37 and stores it. At this time, the conveying device 4 only needs to move a short distance, so it can be transported in a short time.

[0087] Furthermore, for a tape feeder 91 whose tape reel 92 has not been used up and for which it is unclear whether the reel 92 will be used again, the production change adjustment control unit 7 issues an instruction to the transport device 4 and the equipment control unit 72 to remove the tape reel 92. Receiving the instruction, the transport device 4 transports the collected tape feeder 91 to the equipment execution unit 31. The equipment execution unit 31 removes the unused tape reel 92 from the tape feeder 91 under the control of the equipment control unit 72.

[0088] Thereafter, the tape feeder 91 is reused for the equipment operation of other tape reels 92. The tape feeder 91 can be efficiently reused due to the short distance and short time of transportation between the equipment table 3 and the component assembly machine 22. In contrast, in the existing structure, a transport vehicle is used to transport the tape feeder 91 between the substrate production line and the equipment table, which are separated, so there are restrictions on the transportation operation. That is, the transport vehicle usually waits until the plurality of tape feeders 91 are ready in order to transport the plurality of tape feeders 91 in a centralized and efficient manner, making it difficult to reuse the tape feeder 91 efficiently. Therefore, according to this embodiment, the number of tape feeders 91 to be prepared can be reduced compared to the prior art.

[0089] Furthermore, after the tape reels 92 have been removed, tape feeders 91 that are no longer needed for reuse are transported to the silo-type preliminary storage section 95 of the preliminary storage section loading and unloading section 32, where they are transported by the feeder transport vehicle 51 and stored in the feeder storage warehouse 53. Furthermore, if there is vacant space in the first preliminary storage section 37 or the second preliminary storage section 224, tape feeders 91 from which the tape reels 92 have been removed can be stored. Meanwhile, unused tape reels 92 are transported by the partitioning section 36 to the reel silo 96 of the silo delivery section 34, where they are transported by the reel transport vehicle 55 and stored in the reel storage warehouse 57.

[0090] Then, regarding the tape feeder 91 that was collected while the reel 92 was empty, the production change control unit 7 issues a command to the transport device 4 and the equipment control unit 72 to remove the empty reel 92. Receiving the command, the transport device 4 transports the collected tape feeder 91 to the equipment execution unit 31. The equipment execution unit 31 removes the empty reel 92 from the tape feeder 91 under the control of the equipment control unit 72.

[0091] Thereafter, the tape feeder 91 is used repeatedly by being equipped with another tape reel 92, or is stored in the feeder storage warehouse 53 by the feeder transport vehicle 51. In addition, the empty tape reel 92 is conveyed to the tape reel disposal unit 35 by the partitioning unit 36 and discarded.

[0092] The operation of the transport device 4 described above will be summarized. The transport device 4 temporarily transports the tape feeder 91, on which the tape reel 92 is mounted, to the second preliminary storage section 224 via the equipment table 3. At a predetermined timing based on the production plan, the tape feeder 91, on which the tape reel 92 is mounted, is transported from the second preliminary storage section 224 to the component supply area 221.

[0093] Furthermore, based on the production plan, the conveying device 4 preferentially conveys and stores the tape feeders 91 equipped with the tape reels 92 that are not scheduled to be used in production in the first preliminary storage section 37, and preferentially conveys and stores the tape feeders 91 equipped with the tape reels 92 that are scheduled to be used in production in the second preliminary storage section 224. Furthermore, based on the production plan, the conveying device 4 preferentially conveys and stores the tape feeders 91 equipped with the tape reels 92 that are scheduled to be used in production later in the first preliminary storage section 37, and preferentially conveys and stores the tape feeders 91 equipped with the tape reels 92 that are scheduled to be used in production earlier in the second preliminary storage section 224.

[0094] In the substrate production system 1 of the embodiment, the equipment table 3 is installed on the substrate production line 2. Therefore, the transport device 4 can move the tape feeder 91 (component supply unit) equipped with the tape reel 92 (component storage container) from the equipment table 3 to the component assembly machine 22 only a short distance, enabling a short transport time. As a result, the component replenishment and production changeover operations of the component assembly machine 22 can be made more efficient, resulting in higher production efficiency. In addition, the short transport time makes it more efficient to reuse the tape feeder 91, thereby alleviating the constraints on the reserve number of tape feeders 91.

[0095] 9. Application and Variation of Implementation Methods

[0096] In addition, the usage of the first preliminary storage portion 37 and the second preliminary storage portion 224 is not limited to the above description. Figure 10 The standards shown can be modified as appropriate based on the storage capacity of each reserve storage section, the reserve quantity margin of the tape feeder 91, and other factors. Furthermore, the combination of the component supply unit and the component storage container is not limited to the tape feeder 91 and reel 92 combination described in the embodiment; for example, a stick feeder and a component storage rod combination is also possible. Furthermore, the structure of the substrate production line 2 can be modified in various ways. Furthermore, the embodiment can also be applied and modified in various ways.

[0097] Description of Reference Numerals

[0098] 1: Substrate production system 2: Substrate production line 22: Component assembly machine 221: Component supply area 222: Assembly head 223: Suction nozzle 224: Second preliminary storage section 3: Equipment table 31: Equipment execution section 32: Preparatory storage section loading and unloading section 33: Bin receiving section 34: Bin delivery section 35: Reel discarding section 36: Sorting section 37: First preliminary storage section 4: Transport device 51: Feeder transport vehicle 53: Feeder storage warehouse 55: Reel transport vehicle 57: Reel storage warehouse 6: Waste tape recovery device 61: Recovery box 62: Waste tape conveyor 63: Recovery ramp 7: Production change adjustment control section 71: Production plan storage section 72: Equipment control section 73: Sorting control section 78: Line control section 79: Production management device 91: Tape feeder 92: Reel 93: Carrier tape 95: Bin-type preliminary storage section 96: Reel bin K: Substrate

Claims

1. A substrate production system comprising: A component mounting machine having a component supply area in which a component supply unit is arranged, picking up components from the component supply unit and mounting the components on a substrate; An equipment station is provided on a substrate production line in which a plurality of substrate production machines including the component mounting machine are arranged, and a component container for accommodating a plurality of the components is installed on the component supply unit; and A transport device transports the component supply unit on which the component container is installed to the component mounting machine via the equipment table, The substrate production system includes a production plan storage unit that stores a production plan for the substrate. The transport device collects the component supply unit equipped with the component container not to be used in production from the component supply area and transports the collected component to the equipment station based on the production plan. The equipment station removes the component container from the recovered component supply unit.

2. The substrate production system according to claim 1, wherein: The equipment table includes a partitioning portion that partitions the component containers removed from the component supply unit into empty component containers and component containers in which components remain.

3. A substrate production system comprising: A component mounting machine having a component supply area in which a component supply unit is arranged, picking up components from the component supply unit and mounting the components on a substrate; An equipment station is provided on a substrate production line in which a plurality of substrate production machines including the component mounting machine are arranged, and a component container for accommodating a plurality of the components is installed on the component supply unit; and A transport device transports the component supply unit on which the component container is installed to the component mounting machine via the equipment table, The substrate production system includes a preliminary storage section, which is provided on at least one of the substrate production line and the equipment station and stores the component supply units not used in current production. The equipment table includes a preliminary storage section attachment and detachment section in which a hopper-type preliminary storage section capable of accommodating a plurality of the component supply units is detachably provided.

4. A substrate production system comprising: A component mounting machine having a component supply area in which a component supply unit is arranged, picking up components from the component supply unit and mounting the components on a substrate; An equipment station is provided on a substrate production line in which a plurality of substrate production machines including the component mounting machine are arranged, and a component container for accommodating a plurality of the components is installed on the component supply unit; and A transport device transports the component supply unit on which the component container is installed to the component mounting machine via the equipment table, The substrate production system comprises: a production plan storage unit for storing the production plan of the substrate; and A preliminary storage section is provided on at least one of the substrate production line and the equipment station, and stores the component supply units not used in the current production. The transport device temporarily transports the component supply unit on which the component container is installed via the equipment table to the preliminary storage section. The transport device transports the component supply unit in which the component container is installed from the preliminary storage section to the component supply area at a predetermined timing determined based on the production plan.

5. The substrate production system according to claim 4, wherein: The preliminary storage section includes a first preliminary storage section provided on the equipment table and a second preliminary storage section provided on the component mounting machine. Based on the production plan, the conveying device will give priority to conveying and accommodating the component supply unit equipped with the component container scheduled not to be used in production to the first preliminary accommodating section, and will give priority to conveying and accommodating the component supply unit equipped with the component container scheduled to be used in production to the second preliminary accommodating section.

6. The substrate production system according to claim 4, wherein: The preliminary storage section includes a first preliminary storage section provided on the equipment table and a second preliminary storage section provided on the component mounting machine. Based on the production plan, the conveying device will give priority to conveying and accommodating the component supply unit equipped with the component container scheduled to be used later in production in the first preliminary accommodating section, and will give priority to conveying and accommodating the component supply unit equipped with the component container scheduled to be used earlier in production in the second preliminary accommodating section.

7. A substrate production system comprising: A component mounting machine having a component supply area in which a component supply unit is arranged, picking up components from the component supply unit and mounting the components on a substrate; An equipment station is provided on a substrate production line in which a plurality of substrate production machines including the component mounting machine are arranged, and a component container for accommodating a plurality of the components is installed on the component supply unit; and A transport device transports the component supply unit on which the component container is installed to the component mounting machine via the equipment table, The equipment table includes a magazine loading and unloading section in which a component container magazine capable of storing a plurality of the component containers is detachably installed.

8. The substrate production system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein: The substrate production system includes a transport vehicle configured to transport at least one of the component container and the component supply unit between the equipment stage and the storage warehouse.

9. A substrate production system comprising: A component mounting machine having a component supply area in which a component supply unit is arranged, picking up components from the component supply unit and mounting the components on a substrate; An equipment station is provided on a substrate production line in which a plurality of substrate production machines including the component mounting machine are arranged, and a component container for accommodating a plurality of the components is installed on the component supply unit; and A transport device transports the component supply unit on which the component container is installed to the component mounting machine via the equipment table, The component storage container is a reel on which a carrier tape for storing a plurality of components is wound. The component supply unit is a tape feeder that pulls out and delivers the carrier tape from the tape reel. The substrate production system includes a waste tape collecting device that collects initial waste tape generated when the equipment table sets the tape reel on the tape feeder.

10. The substrate production system according to claim 9, wherein: The waste tape collecting device collects waste tapes generated by the component mounting machine after the carrier tapes have been used.

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