Component replenishment operation support device, component replenishment operation support method, component replenishment operation support program and recording medium

Abstract

The following suitability prediction is performed: based on the production plan (931), it is predicted whether a component exhaustion error will occur when a component replenishment operation is performed under replenishment conditions (Cy, Q) including a replenishment cycle (Cy) and a replenishment number (Q) (replenishment number), wherein the replenishment cycle (Cy) is a cycle for performing a component replenishment operation (pre-placement operation / splicing operation) performed by an operator for assembling a component supply tape (TP) on a tape feeder (F), and the replenishment number (Q) (replenishment number) is the number of components (P) to be the target of the component replenishment operation (in other words, the number of component supply tapes (TP)) (steps S101 to S111). Therefore, based on the result of the suitability prediction, it is possible to determine whether the replenishment cycle (Cy) and the replenishment number (Q) of the component replenishment operation are suitable. In this way, it is possible to easily determine whether the replenishment cycle (Cy) and the replenishment number (Q) of the component replenishment operation are suitable, thereby contributing to improvement of work efficiency.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a technology for supporting a component replenishment operation performed by an operator for mounting components on a component mounting machine in a substrate production system that uses a component mounting machine that mounts mounted components on the substrate using a mounting head. Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a component mounting machine is known that includes multiple feeders and mounts components fed from each feeder onto a substrate using a mounting head. For example, in the case of a tape feeder, a tape containing multiple components is attached to the feeder, and the feeder then supplies the components within the assembled feeder. In this component mounting machine, as described in Patent Document 1, as component mounting progresses, the number of components mounted on the feeder decreases, and the operator needs to mount components on the feeder accordingly.

[0003] Prior art literature

[0004] Patent Literature

[0005] Patent Document 1: WO2018 / 135446 Summary of the Invention

[0006] Problems to be solved by the invention

[0007] The operator needs to regularly and repeatedly perform this component replenishment operation for assembling components on the feeder. At this time, the longer the cycle (replenishment cycle) for executing the component replenishment operation, the more the operator's workload will be reduced. However, if the replenishment cycle is too long, a component exhaustion error will occur during this period. Therefore, the replenishment cycle is preferably as long as possible within the range that does not cause a component exhaustion error. In addition, the number of components that become the object of the component replenishment operation (the number of replenishments) is preferably converging within a certain range in each component replenishment operation. However, it is necessary to ensure in each component replenishment operation that the number of replenishments is such that no component exhaustion error will occur during the replenishment cycle. Due to this situation, sometimes the operator cannot simply judge whether the replenishment cycle and the number of replenishments are appropriate for the operator's operating efficiency, and it is difficult to achieve an improvement in operating efficiency.

[0008] The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a technology that can easily determine whether the replenishment cycle and the replenishment quantity of a component replenishment operation are appropriate, thereby contributing to improvement of operation efficiency.

[0009] Technical solutions to problems

[0010] The component replenishment operation support device involved in the present invention comprises: a storage unit for storing a production plan used in a substrate production system, wherein the substrate production system produces substrates with components mounted thereon by causing a component mounting machine to operate according to the production plan, the component mounting machine supplies components to be assembled to the feeder through a feeder while mounting the components on the substrate through a mounting head; and a calculation unit for performing the following suitability prediction: based on the production plan, it is predicted whether a component depletion error will occur in the substrate production system in which components assembled to the feeder are exhausted and the supply of components by the feeder is interrupted when a component replenishment operation is performed under replenishment conditions including a replenishment cycle and a replenishment number, the replenishment cycle being a cycle of executing a component replenishment operation performed by an operator for assembling components on the feeder, and the replenishment number being the number of components that are the objects of the component replenishment operation.

[0011] The component replenishment operation support method involved in the present invention includes the following steps: obtaining a production plan used in a substrate production system, wherein the substrate production system produces a substrate with components mounted thereon by causing a component mounting machine to operate according to the production plan, wherein the component mounting machine supplies components to be assembled to the feeder through a feeder while mounting the components on the substrate through a mounting head; and performing the following suitability prediction through calculation: predicting based on the production plan whether a component depletion error in which components assembled to the feeder are exhausted and component supply by the feeder is interrupted will occur in the substrate production system when a component replenishment operation is performed under replenishment conditions including a replenishment cycle and a replenishment number, wherein the replenishment cycle is a cycle of executing a component replenishment operation performed by an operator for assembling components on the feeder, and the replenishment number is the number of components that are the objects of the component replenishment operation.

[0012] The component replenishment operation support program involved in the present invention enables a computer to execute the following processes: obtaining a production plan used in a substrate production system, wherein the substrate production system produces substrates with components mounted thereon by causing a component mounting machine to operate according to the production plan, wherein the component mounting machine supplies components to be assembled to the feeder through a feeder while mounting the components on the substrate through a mounting head; and executing the following suitability prediction: predicting based on the production plan whether a component depletion error will occur in the substrate production system when a component replenishment operation is performed under replenishment conditions including a replenishment cycle and a replenishment number, wherein the replenishment cycle is a cycle of executing a component replenishment operation performed by an operator for assembling components on the feeder, and the replenishment number is the number of components that are the objects of the component replenishment operation.

[0013] The recording medium according to the present invention records the component replenishment work support program in a computer-readable format.

[0014] In the present invention (component replenishment operation support device, component replenishment operation support method, component replenishment operation support program and recording medium) constructed in this way, a prediction of whether a component depletion error will occur when a component replenishment operation is performed under replenishment conditions including a replenishment cycle and a replenishment number is performed based on a production plan, wherein the replenishment cycle is a cycle of a component replenishment operation performed by an operator for assembling components on a feeder, and the replenishment number is the number of components that are the objects of the component replenishment operation. Therefore, based on the result of the prediction of the suitability, it is possible to determine whether the replenishment cycle and the replenishment number of the component replenishment operation are appropriate. In this way, it is possible to simply determine whether the replenishment cycle and the replenishment number of the component replenishment operation are appropriate, thereby contributing to the improvement of operating efficiency.

[0015] Alternatively, the component replenishment work support device may be configured such that the computing unit performs suitability prediction based on the results of a simulation that calculates the status of the component mounter operating according to the production plan at each predetermined time interval. With this configuration, suitability prediction can be performed based on the status of the component mounter that changes over time.

[0016] Alternatively, the component replenishment operation support device may be configured such that the calculation unit calculates, through simulation, the time required for component replenishment operations required to avoid component out-of-service errors, and determines whether the component replenishment operations can be performed before the required time by executing the component replenishment operations in the replenishment cycle indicated by the replenishment conditions, thereby performing a adequacy prediction. With this configuration, the time required for component replenishment operations can be calculated based on the state of the component mounting machine that changes over time, allowing for accurate adequacy prediction.

[0017] Alternatively, the component replenishment operation support device may be configured to update the required operation time based on the number of components replenished each time a component replenishment operation is performed during the simulation. With this configuration, even when the number of components replenished fluctuates, the required operation time can be accurately calculated to perform a adequacy prediction.

[0018] Alternatively, the component replenishment operation support device may be configured such that the computing unit performs a suitability prediction for each of a plurality of replenishment conditions, each with a different combination of replenishment cycle and replenishment number, thereby determining an appropriate replenishment condition from among the plurality of replenishment conditions that prevents the occurrence of a component out-of-service error. In this configuration, the appropriate replenishment condition is determined from among the plurality of replenishment conditions (replenishment cycle, replenishment number). Therefore, by performing the component replenishment operation in accordance with the appropriate replenishment condition, the occurrence of a component out-of-service error can be effectively suppressed.

[0019] Alternatively, the component replenishment operation support device may be configured such that the calculation unit generates multiple replenishment conditions by varying the replenishment cycle within a range that does not exceed the maximum replenishment cycle, and by varying the replenishment number within a range that does not exceed the maximum replenishment number. This configuration allows the replenishment cycle and the replenishment number to fall within appropriate ranges.

[0020] Alternatively, the component replenishment operation support device may be configured such that the calculation unit selects, from among the appropriate replenishment conditions, an appropriate replenishment condition that satisfies the requirement that the replenishment cycle is an integer multiple of a predetermined set time. In this configuration, by setting the predetermined set time to, for example, 10 minutes, 20 minutes, or 30 minutes, the component replenishment operation can be performed with clearly defined replenishment cycles.

[0021] Alternatively, the component replenishment work support device may be configured such that the calculation unit sets the time input by the operator as the predetermined set time. In this configuration, the operator can perform the component replenishment work in a replenishment cycle that is efficient for the operator.

[0022] Alternatively, the component replenishment operation support device may further include a user interface for displaying information to the operator, and the calculation unit may display the appropriate replenishment conditions on the user interface. In this configuration, the operator can easily confirm the appropriate replenishment conditions through the display on the user interface.

[0023] Alternatively, the component replenishment operation support device may be configured such that, when multiple suitable replenishment conditions exist, the calculation unit selects the suitable replenishment condition with the longest replenishment period from among the multiple suitable replenishment conditions as a recommended replenishment condition, and displays the recommended replenishment condition on the user interface. This configuration reduces the frequency of component replenishment operations, thereby reducing the workload on the operator.

[0024] Alternatively, the component replenishment operation support device may be configured such that the calculation unit associates multiple replenishment conditions with respective suitability prediction results and displays them on a user interface. In this configuration, the operator can easily confirm whether each suitable replenishment condition is suitable through the display on the user interface.

[0025] Alternatively, the component replenishment operation support device may be configured such that, upon receiving a selection operation by an operator, the user interface receives a selection operation, and when a result of a predicted suitability of a replenishment condition selected by the operator from among a plurality of replenishment conditions displayed on the user interface indicates the occurrence of a component out-of-service error, the calculation unit causes the user interface to display the occurrence status of the component out-of-service error. In this configuration, the occurrence status of the component out-of-service error when the component replenishment operation is performed using the selected replenishment condition can be easily confirmed through the display on the user interface.

[0026] Alternatively, the component replenishment operation support device may be configured such that, in a component mounting machine, a plurality of feeders are arranged to supply components to be stored in a component storage member to be assembled, and the components supplied from the component storage member by the feeders are mounted on a substrate via a mounting head, and the component replenishment operation is performed by an operator to assemble the component storage member to the feeders. In this configuration, it is possible to improve the efficiency of the operation (component replenishment operation) for assembling component storage members to the plurality of feeders. Furthermore, in this configuration, various specific operations exemplified below can be performed during the component replenishment operation.

[0027] That is, the component replenishment operation support device can also be constructed as follows: multiple feeders include a first type of feeder that can assemble multiple component storage components. When the components stored in one of the multiple component storage components are exhausted, the first type of feeder starts to supply components stored in other component storage components. The component replenishment operation includes the following pre-placement operation: when the components stored in one component storage component are exhausted, a new component storage component is assembled on the first type of feeder.

[0028] In addition, the component replenishment operation support device can also be constructed so that the multiple feeders include a second type of feeder that can assemble a single component storage component, and the component replenishment operation includes the following temporary placement operation: the component storage component intended to be assembled on the second type of feeder is taken out from the storage warehouse of the component storage component, and transported to a temporary placement rack arranged closer to the component installation machine than the storage warehouse.

[0029] In addition, the component replenishment operation support device can also be constructed as follows: the component mounting machine is provided with multiple feeder mounting parts that can respectively assemble feeders, and the feeders perform the supply of components from the component storage member when assembled to the feeder mounting parts, and the component replenishment operation includes the following feeder mounting operation: in the process of the feeder assembled to one feeder mounting part among the multiple feeder mounting parts performing the supply of components from the component storage member, a feeder equipped with a component storage member that stores the same type of components as the component storage member of the feeder assembled to one feeder mounting part is installed on other feeder mounting parts different from one feeder mounting part.

[0030] In addition, the component replenishment operation support device can also be configured so that the component replenishment operation includes the following feeder replacement operation: after there are no more components in the component storage structure assembled by the feeder of a feeder mounting part, the feeder is removed from the feeder mounting part and the feeder of the other feeder mounting part is installed on the feeder mounting part.

[0031] Effects of the Invention

[0032] According to the present invention, it is possible to easily determine whether the replenishment cycle and the replenishment quantity of a component replenishment operation are appropriate, thereby contributing to improvement of operation efficiency. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0033] Figure 1 This is a block diagram showing an example of a substrate production system that produces substrates on which components are mounted.

[0034] Figure 2 It is a plan view schematically showing an example of a component mounting machine included in the substrate production system.

[0035] Figure 3 This is a side view schematically showing an example of the structure and operation of the tape feeder.

[0036] Figure 4 This is a diagram schematically showing an example of a component supply reel and a reel holder that holds the component supply reel.

[0037] Figure 5 This is a diagram showing an example of simulation parameters required to execute a simulation.

[0038] Figure 6 This is a diagram showing an example of the calculation contents of the component margin simulation.

[0039] Figure 7 This is a diagram showing an example of a component burnout graph showing the timing at which a component burnout error occurs.

[0040] Figure 8 This is a diagram showing an example of the time period during which assembly work can be performed.

[0041] Figure 9 This is a diagram showing an example of the execution result of suitability prediction.

[0042] Figure 10A This is a diagram showing an example of an operation screen displayed on a display of a user interface.

[0043] Figure 10B This is a diagram showing an example of an operation screen displayed on a display of a user interface.

[0044] Figure 10CThis is a diagram showing an example of an operation screen displayed on a display of a user interface.

[0045] Figure 10D This is a diagram showing an example of an operation screen displayed on a display of a user interface.

[0046] Figure 11 This is a flowchart showing the contents executed by the calculation unit according to the component replenishment work support program.

[0047] Figure 12 This is a flowchart showing a modified example of the content executed by the calculation unit according to the component replenishment work support program.

[0048] Figure 13 This is a block diagram showing a modified example of a substrate production system for producing substrates on which components are mounted.

[0049] Figure 14 This is a diagram schematically showing assignments being handed in. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0050] Figure 1 1 is a block diagram showing an example of a substrate production system for producing substrates on which components are mounted. The substrate production system 1 comprises a plurality of (in Figure 1 3) component mounting machines 2, by sequentially conveying substrates B ( Figure 2 ), while using each component mounting machine 2 to mount components P on the substrate B ( Figure 2 ) to produce substrates. Multiple component mounters 2 arranged in series constitute a single production line 11. However, the number of production lines 11 provided in the substrate production system 1 is not limited to one; multiple production lines are also possible. The substrate production system 1 includes a component storage 41. Components P removed from the component storage 41 and mounted on component mounters 2 are then mounted on substrates B.

[0051] The substrate production system 1 also includes a server computer 9 that controls the mounting of components P onto substrates B by each component mounting machine 2. In particular, the server computer 9 of this embodiment can support the component replenishment work performed by an operator to attach components P to the component mounting machine 2 (specifically, the tape feeder F described later). The server computer 9 includes a computing unit 91, which is a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), and a storage unit 93, which is a storage device such as a memory or an HDD (Hard Disk Drive).

[0052] The storage unit 93 stores the production plan 931 and the substrate data 932. Figure 5As shown, the production plan 931 indicates the type Bk(n) and number Bn(n) of substrates to be produced (n = 1, 2, 3, ...). The substrate data 932 indicates, for each substrate type Bk(n), the type and number of components P required to produce one substrate B with components P mounted thereon. Furthermore, the storage unit 93 stores a component replenishment operation support program 933. This component replenishment operation support program 933 defines operations for supporting the operator's component replenishment operation.

[0053] The calculation unit 91 controls each component mounting machine 2 based on the production plan 931 and the board data 932, thereby producing a predetermined number Bn(n) of boards of each board type Bk(n) at a time. Furthermore, the calculation unit 91 supports the operator's component replenishment work by executing the calculations specified in the component replenishment work support program 932.

[0054] The server computer 9 also includes a user interface 95. The user interface 95 includes output devices such as a display that displays information to the user, and input devices such as a keyboard and a mouse that accept user input operations. The input and output devices of the user interface 95 may be integrated into a touch panel display rather than being separate components.

[0055] The server computer 9 also includes an input / output unit 97. The input / output unit 97 communicates with each component mounting machine 2 and reads information recorded on the recording medium 12 and stores it in the storage unit 93. In particular, in this embodiment, the input / output unit 97 reads a component replenishment operation support program 933 recorded on the recording medium 12 in a manner readable by the server computer 9 and stores it in the storage unit 93. Examples of the recording medium 12 include a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory device. Furthermore, the input / output unit 97 can store the component replenishment operation support program 933 downloaded from an external computer, etc., in the storage unit 93.

[0056] Figure 2 This is a top view schematically showing an example of a component mounting machine included in a substrate production system. The figure shows an XYZ rectangular coordinate system consisting of a Z direction parallel to the vertical direction, and an X direction and a Y direction parallel to the horizontal direction. The component mounting machine 2 includes a pair of conveyors 21, which carry the components from the upstream side in the X direction (substrate conveying direction) to the working position ( Figure 2 The substrate B is mounted with components P, and the substrate B with components P mounted thereon (substrate B on which components are mounted) is moved out from the working position to the downstream side in the X direction by the conveyor 21.

[0057] The component mounting machine 2 is provided with a pair of Y-axis rails 221 extending in the Y direction, a Y-axis ball screw 222 extending in the Y direction, and a Y-axis motor 223 that rotationally drives the Y-axis ball screw 22. An X-axis rail 224 is fixed to the nut of the Y-axis ball screw 222, supported movably in the Y direction by the pair of Y-axis rails 221. An X-axis ball screw 225 extending in the X direction and an X-axis motor 226 that rotationally drives the X-axis ball screw 225 are mounted on the X-axis rails 224. The head unit 23 is fixed to the nut of the X-axis ball screw 225, supported movably in the X direction by the X-axis rails 224. Therefore, the head unit 23 can be moved in the Y direction by rotating the Y-axis ball screw 222 using the Y-axis motor 223, or can be moved in the X direction by rotating the X-axis ball screw 225 using the X-axis motor 226.

[0058] Two component supply sections 24 are arranged in the X direction on both sides of the Y direction of a pair of conveyors 21, and a feeder mounting trolley 25 is installed in a manner that can be loaded and unloaded relative to each component supply section 24. A plurality of belt feeders F arranged in the X direction are installed in a manner that can be loaded and unloaded on the feeder mounting trolley 25. In other words, in each component supply section 24, a plurality of feeder placement positions L (m) are arranged in the X direction, and the belt feeder F is installed in a manner that can be loaded and unloaded at the feeder placement position L (m). In addition, a component supply reel R ( Figure 4 ), and the feeder mounting carriage 25 holds these component supply reels R. The component supply tape TP stores small chip components P such as integrated circuits, transistors, and capacitors at predetermined intervals. Each tape feeder F intermittently feeds the component supply tape TP pulled from the component supply reel R to the conveyor 21 side, thereby supplying the components in the component supply tape TP to the component supply position 30 (component supply operation).

[0059] The head unit 23 includes a plurality (four) of mounting heads 231 arranged in the X direction. Each mounting head 231 has an elongated shape extending in the Z direction (vertical direction) and can suck and hold components P using a suction nozzle attached to its lower end in a snap-on manner. Specifically, the mounting head 231 moves above the tape feeder F and sucks the components P supplied to the component supply position 30 by the tape feeder F. The mounting head 231 then moves above the substrate B in the working position and releases suction on the components P, thereby mounting the components P on the substrate B. In this way, the mounting head 231 performs component mounting, removing the components P supplied to the component supply position 30 by the tape feeder F from the component supply tape TP and mounting them on the substrate B.

[0060] In addition, two types of tape feeders F (Fa, Fb) can be installed with respect to the component mounting machine 2. With respect to the tape feeder Fa, two component supply tapes TP can be installed at the same time, and with respect to the tape feeder Fb, a single component supply tape TP can be installed. For example, Figure 2 In the example, the two component supply sections 24 on the arrow side of the Y direction are installed with a belt feeder Fa via a feeder mounting trolley 25, and the two component supply sections 24 on the opposite side of the arrow in the Y direction are installed with a belt feeder Fb via a feeder mounting trolley 25.

[0061] The details of the work performed by the operator to assemble components P onto the tape feeder F differ between the tape feeder Fa and the tape feeder Fb. Specifically, the operator performs a splicing operation on the tape feeder Fb. Specifically, when the number of components P (remaining quantity) stored in a single component supply tape TP mounted on the tape feeder Fb falls below a predetermined threshold, the user interface 95 of the server computer 9 notifies the operator of a remaining quantity warning. Upon confirming the remaining quantity warning, the operator performs a splicing operation by connecting a new component supply tape TP to the component supply tape TP mounted on the tape feeder Fb (i.e., the component supply tape TP whose number of stored components P falls below the threshold), thereby replenishing the components P to the tape feeder Fb.

[0062] On the other hand, for the tape feeder Fa, the operator performs a different operation from the splicing operation. Specifically, if the following Figure 3 and Figure 4 As described above, when the components P stored in one of the two component supply tapes TP are exhausted, the tape feeder Fa starts supplying the components P stored in the other component supply tape TP. Therefore, the operator removes the next component supply tape TP and attaches the new component supply tape TP to the tape feeder Fa, thereby replenishing the components P to the tape feeder Fa.

[0063] Figure 3 This is a side view schematically illustrating an example of the structure and operation of a tape feeder. In this figure and the following figures, the forward feed direction Df (parallel to the Y direction) in which the tape feeder Fa delivers the carrier tape TP is appropriately indicated. The side indicated by the arrow in the forward feed direction Df is designated as the "front" of the forward feed direction Df, while the side opposite the arrow in the forward feed direction Df is designated as the "rear" of the forward feed direction Df. Furthermore, the reverse feed direction Db, which is opposite to the forward feed direction Df, is appropriately indicated. To distinguish the two carrier tapes TP that can be mounted on the tape feeder Fa, the carrier tapes are appropriately labeled TP1 and TP2 in this figure and the following figures.

[0064] The tape feeder Fa includes a feeder body 31 as a mechanical structure and feed motors Mf and Mb that drive the feeder body 31. The feeder body 31 has a flat shell 32 that is thin in the X direction and long in the positive feed direction Df. At the rear end of the shell 32 in the positive feed direction Df, a tape insertion port 33a (indicated by a dotted line) extending in the Z direction opens, and a component supply position 30 is provided on the upper surface of the shell 32 in the front of the positive feed direction Df. A tape conveying path 33b is provided in the feeder body 31, extending from the tape insertion port 33a to the component supply position 30. The feeder body 31 receives the driving force of the feed motors Mf and Mb and feeds the carrier tape TP inserted from the tape insertion port 33a to the tape conveying path 33b in the positive feed direction Df, thereby supplying components P to the component supply position 30.

[0065] Specifically, the feeder body 31 includes a sprocket 34 within the housing 32, positioned above the tape conveyor path 33b and adjacent to the tape insertion port 33a, and a gear 35 that transmits the driving force of the feed motor Mb to the sprocket 34. The sprocket 34 rotates in response to the driving force generated by the feed motor Mb. Furthermore, the feeder body 31 includes a tape support member 36 that is detachably mounted relative to the housing 32. The tape support member 36 faces the sprocket 34 from below and clamps the carrier tape TP between the sprocket 34, thereby engaging the carrier tape TP with the sprocket 34. As a result, the sprocket 34 rotates while engaging with the carrier tape TP, thereby feeding the carrier tape TP in the forward feed direction Df. Furthermore, the feeder body 31 includes a sprocket 37 within the housing 32, positioned at its front end and adjacent to the tape conveyor path 33b from below, and a gear 38 that transmits the driving force of the feed motor Mf to the sprocket 37. The sprocket 37 rotates in response to the driving force generated by the feed motor Mf. Therefore, the sprocket 37 can intermittently convey the carrier tape TP in the forward feed direction Df by intermittently rotating while being engaged with the carrier tape TP.

[0066] The feeder main body 31 also includes a cutter that contacts the component supply tape TP upstream of the component supply position 30 in the forward feed direction Df. This cutter cuts the cover tape of the component supply tape TP, which is intermittently fed in the forward feed direction Df, in the center and winds it up to both sides, thereby exposing the components P supplied to the component supply position 30. This structure for exposing the components P is similar to the structure described in, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-053320.

[0067] Step S11 corresponds to the state in which the tape feeder Fa is being used for component mounting by the mounting head 231. Specifically, carrier tape TP1 is inserted along the tape conveyor path 33b in the feeder body 31, and the sprocket 37 intermittently conveys carrier tape TP1 in the forward feed direction Df, thereby supplying components P to be mounted on the substrate B to the component supply position 30. Furthermore, in step S11, the leading end of carrier tape TP2, which follows carrier tape TP1 and is used for component mounting, is mounted between the sprocket 34 and the tape support member 36. Thus, the next carrier tape TP2 to be used is placed on standby at the rear end of the feeder body 31.

[0068] As shown in step S12, when the components P in carrier tape TP1 are exhausted and the tape feeder Fa discharges carrier tape TP1 in the forward feed direction Df, loading is performed as shown in step S13. Specifically, sprocket 34 begins rotating, feeding carrier tape TP2 in the forward feed direction Df toward component supply position 30, causing the front end of carrier tape TP2 to engage with sprocket 37. Next, in step S14, when the operator removes tape support member 36 from housing 32, carrier tape TP2 detaches from sprocket 34 and falls onto tape conveyor path 33b. This allows sprocket 37 to intermittently feed carrier tape TP2 in the forward feed direction Df, supplying the components P in carrier tape TP2 to component supply position 30. Furthermore, after step S14, the operator can reattach tape support member 36 to housing 32, allowing the carrier tape TP following carrier tape TP2 for component loading to be installed between sprocket 34 and tape support member 36 and placed on standby.

[0069] In the component mounting machine 1 using this tape feeder Fa, the carrier tape TP currently in use is inserted into the feeder main body 31 along the tape conveyor path 33b, while the carrier tape TP to be used next is on standby above the tape conveyor path 33b. Furthermore, by performing steps S12 to S14 each time the carrier tape TP runs out, the waiting carrier tape TP can be inserted (loaded) into the feeder main body 31 along the tape conveyor path 33b for the next use.

[0070] Figure 4 2 is a diagram schematically showing an example of a component supply reel and a reel holder for holding the component supply reel. The reel holder 251 is provided on the feeder mounting carriage 25 corresponding to each tape feeder F. Figure 4 In FIG, the component supply reel R and the like are shown through the reel holder 251 .

[0071] The reel holder 251 can hold the component supply reel R in both the operating position Hu and the standby position Hw, which is located behind the operating position Hu in the positive feed direction Df. Furthermore, the component supply tape TP of the component supply reel R held in the operating position Hu is loaded onto the tape feeder Fa and used for component supply during component mounting. Meanwhile, the component supply tape TP of the component supply reel R held in the standby position Hw is mounted between the sprocket 34 and the tape support member 36 of the tape feeder Fa. In this way, two component supply tapes TP can be mounted on one tape feeder Fa.

[0072] In this structure, when the components P on the component supply tape TP of the component supply reel R arranged at the use position Hu, which is mounted on the two component supply tapes TPp of the tape feeder Fa, are exhausted, the component supply tape TP on the component supply reel R arranged at the standby position Hw is loaded and used for component mounting. In this way, after the component supply tape TP on one of the two component supply reels R is exhausted, the operator can mount the component supply tape TP on the other component supply reel R taken out from the component storage (not shown) on the tape feeder Fa and put it on standby. Specifically, the operator performs the following process:

[0073] Remove the component supply reel R that has been depleted of components P from the use position Hu,

[0074] Move the component supply reel R used in component mounting from the standby position Hw to the use position Hu,

[0075] · Place another component supply reel R at the standby position Hw,

[0076] The leading end of the component supply tape TP pulled out from another component supply reel R is mounted between the sprocket 34 and the tape support member 36.

[0077] Another component supply reel R can be mounted on the tape feeder Fa. In this specification, the operation of mounting the component supply tape TP pulled out from the component supply reel R arranged at the standby position Hw on the tape feeder Fa is appropriately referred to as "pre-placement operation."

[0078] Next, the details of the component replenishment operation support executed by the server computer 9 according to the component replenishment operation support program 933 will be described. In this component replenishment operation support, the computing unit 91 of the server computer 9 simulates the operation of the component mounting machine 2 producing the component-mounted substrate B according to the production plan 931.

[0079] Figure 5 This is a diagram showing an example of simulation parameters required to execute the simulation. Figure 5In the figure, for each board type Bk(n), information (component information) required for components P to be mounted on the tape feeder F in order to produce Bn(n) component-mounted boards B of board type Bk(n) is shown. This component information associates the feeder placement position L(m), component ID Pid(m), component name (Pa, Pb, ..., etc.), required component quantity Pn(m), and mounting cycle Pcy(m) with each other (m = 1, 2, 3, 4, ...). Figure 5 Among the simulation parameters, the substrate type Bk(n), production quantity Bn(n), and production sequence n are specified by the production plan 931, and the component information is specified by the substrate data 932. Therefore, the calculation unit 91 creates simulation parameters by integrating the production plan 931 and the substrate data 932.

[0080] As mentioned above, the feeder placement position L(m) is the location where the tape feeder F is installed. The component ID Pid(m) is an identifier used to identify the component P stored on the component supply tape TP attached to the tape feeder F installed at the feeder placement position L(m). The required component quantity Pn(m) represents the number of components P supplied by the tape feeder F at the feeder placement position L(m) to produce Bn(n) component-mounted substrates B of the substrate type Bk(n). The mounting cycle Pcy(m) represents the cycle for mounting components P supplied by the tape feeder F at the feeder placement position L(m) onto substrates B to produce component-mounted substrates B of the substrate type Bk(n). The mounting cycle Pcy(m) is the value obtained by dividing the cycle time required to produce one component-mounted substrate B of the substrate type Bk(n) by the required component quantity Pn(m). Parameters with the same suffix "m" within parentheses correspond to each other. That is, in order to produce Bn(n) component-mounted substrates B of substrate type Bk(n), the tape feeder F assembled to the feeder placement position L(m) supplies components P of component ID DPid(m) with a mounting cycle Pcy(m).

[0081] The calculation unit 91 performs a simulation that calculates the number of components P loaded onto the component supply tape TP of each tape feeder F operating according to the production plan 931 (and the substrate data 932) every time a predetermined time period (e.g., 1 second) has passed. In other words, this simulation is a component remaining quantity simulation that calculates the temporal variation in the remaining quantity of components P loaded onto each tape feeder F. The component remaining quantity simulation calculates the temporal variation in the remaining quantity of components P by subtracting the number of components P consumed (calculated by multiplying the predetermined time period by the mounting cycle Pcy(m)) from the number of components P every time a predetermined time period has passed (remaining quantity calculation). This remaining quantity calculation is performed for each tape feeder F at each feeder placement position L(n).

[0082] Figure 6 This is a diagram showing an example of the calculation contents of component margin simulation. Figure 6 In FIG, the relationship between the trolley ID 25 (l) (l = 1, 2, 3, 4) for identifying the feeder installation trolley 25 and the feeder placement position L (m) of the feeder installation trolley 25 is shown. Furthermore, the feeder placement position L (m), feeder ID Fid (m), reel ID (R11, R12, etc.), component ID Pid (m), total remaining quantity Prt (m) and warning remaining quantity Pre (m) are shown in correspondence with each other. Figure 5 Similarly, the parameters having the same suffix "m" in the brackets correspond to each other.

[0083] Feeder ID Fid(m) is an identifier for identifying the tape feeder F. Reel ID (R11, R12, etc.) identifies the component supply reel R that holds the component supply tape TP that stores the component P with component ID Pid(m). Total remaining quantity Prt(m) is the number of components P stored in the component supply tape TP attached to the tape feeder F installed at the feeder placement position L(m). For a tape feeder Fa equipped with two component supply tapes TP, the total number of components P stored in the two component supply tapes TP is the total remaining quantity Prt(m). For a tape feeder Fb equipped with a single component supply tape TP, the total number of components P stored in the single component supply tape TP is the total remaining quantity Prt(m).

[0084] The warning margin Pre(m) indicates the timing for issuing a margin warning to the operator. Specifically, when the total remaining quantity Prt(m) of components P loaded onto the tape feeder F installed at feeder placement position L(m) falls below the warning margin Pre(m), the margin warning is issued to the operator. For a tape feeder Fa equipped with two component supply tapes TP, the total remaining quantity Prt(m) at which the number of components P stored in one of the two component supply tapes TP reaches zero, allowing pre-placement work to proceed, i.e., the number of components P stored in the other component supply tape TP, becomes the warning margin Pre(m). On the other hand, for a tape feeder Fa equipped with a single component supply tape TP, the threshold value mentioned above becomes the warning margin Pre(m). Thus, the warning margin Pre(m) indicates the timing for notifying the operator of the execution of the pre-placement work on the tape feeder Fa and the splicing work on the tape feeder Fb.

[0085] The calculation unit 91 calculates the Figure 6 The total margin Prt(m) of the feeder is used to calculate the time variation of the number of components P (total margin Prt(m)) assembled to the tape feeder F installed at each feeder placement position L(n). As a result, it is possible to obtain Figure 7 Component depletion diagram shown.

[0086] Figure 7 It is a diagram of an example of a component depletion chart showing the timing of component depletion errors. In this figure, the result obtained by obtaining the component depletion timing Te(m, k) at which the component P of the component Pid(m) assembled to the belt feeder F installed at the feeder placement position L(m) becomes zero based on the component margin simulation is shown. At the timing marked with a circle, the component P of the component ID Pid(m) becomes zero. In the component margin simulation, calculations are performed on the premise that the operation of assembling a new component supply tape TP to the corresponding belt feeder F is performed at the component depletion timing Te(m, k) (k=1, 2, 3, 4, ...). That is, the component depletion timing Te shown in the component depletion chart indicates the time required to perform the assembly operation (pre-placement operation or splicing operation) of the component supply tape TP in order to avoid component depletion errors. Moreover, the calculation unit 91 calculates the component supply tape TP based on the timing at which the component Pid(m) is assembled. Figure 7 The result of the component exhaustion chart obtained in the calculation is used to calculate the time period during which the operator can perform the assembly work (assembly workable time period) ( Figure 8 ).

[0087] By the way, in Figure 7 In the table, the component out error occurrence timing is shown corresponding to component Pid(m). However, a graph showing the component out error occurrence timing corresponding to feeder placement position L(m) or feeder ID Fid(m) can also be obtained. Even in this case, the following control can be performed in the same manner.

[0088] Figure 8 This is a diagram showing an example of the time period during which assembly work can be performed. Figure 8 In the figure, the assembly operation time period Tw for the feeder IDFid(m) is shown. The end time of the assembly operation time period Tw is set to the above-mentioned component exhaustion timing Te(m, k). On the other hand, the start time Ts(m, k) of the assembly operation time period Tw is set to the timing when the total number of components P assembled on the feeder IDFid(m) becomes less than the warning margin Pre(m) just before the component exhaustion timing Te(m, k), that is, the timing when the pre-placement operation or splicing operation can be performed. In addition, Figure 8 In FIG. 1 , the assembling workable time period Tw(m, k) of each feeder IDFid(m, k) is shown in order of the start time Ts(m, k) from the earliest to the latest.

[0089] The calculation unit 91 is based on Figure 8Based on the calculation result of the available assembly time period Tw, a prediction is made as to whether a component out-of-line error will occur when the assembly operation on the component supply tape TP is performed under specified replenishment conditions. Specifically, the operator patrols the production line 11 of the substrate production system 1 at a specified replenishment cycle, performing assembly operations on the component supply tape TP on the tape feeder F of the component mounting machine 2 (component replenishment operations). Therefore, the calculation unit 91 performs the following suitability prediction: it predicts whether a component out-of-line error will occur when the component replenishment operation is performed under the replenishment conditions, which are a combination of the component replenishment cycle (replenishment cycle) and the number of component supply tapes TP on which the assembly operation is performed in one component replenishment operation (replenishment number of tapes).

[0090] Figure 9 This is a diagram showing an example of the execution result of the suitability prediction. Figure 9 In the figure, the ○ mark indicates that the component exhaustion error will not occur if the component is replenished under the corresponding replenishment conditions, and the × mark indicates that the component exhaustion error will occur if the component is replenished under the corresponding replenishment conditions. Figure 9 In the figure, the horizontal axis represents the replenishment cycle Cy (minutes), the vertical axis represents the number of replenishment bars Q, and each grid represents a replenishment condition (a combination of the replenishment cycle Cy and the number of replenishment bars Q). In addition, in the suitability prediction, it is predicted whether a component exhaustion error will occur when a component replenishment operation is performed under each replenishment condition (Cy, Q). In particular, if Figure 9 As shown, the calculation unit 91 performs suitability prediction for each of a plurality of replenishment conditions (Cy, Q) that are different in at least one of the replenishment cycle Cy and the number of replenished items Q.

[0091] In the suitability prediction, the operation unit 91 determines whether a component exhaustion error has occurred based on the standard operation time required for each operation performed in the component replenishment operation. Specifically, when the standard operation time of the collection and transportation operation is set to Sa (seconds), and the standard operation time of the assembly operation is set to Sb (seconds), the operation of sequentially assembling Q component supply belts TP on the belt feeder F is simulated to determine whether the component replenishment operation for assembling Q component supply belts TP can be completed within the replenishment cycle Cy. Here, the standard operation time Sa of the collection and transportation operation is the time required to take the component supply belt TP, which is the object of the component replenishment operation, out of the component storage 41 to the transport trolley and transport the transport trolley to the component mounting machine 2, and the standard operation time Sb of the assembly operation is the time required for the assembly operation of one component supply belt TP. In addition, using Figure 11 Describe the details of the prediction.

[0092] If the component replenishment operation can be completed within the replenishment cycle Cy, a component out-of-service error is determined not to have occurred (marked with a circle). On the other hand, if the component replenishment operation cannot be completed within the replenishment cycle Cy, a component out-of-service error is determined to have occurred (marked with an arrow). In this way, for each of the multiple replenishment conditions (Cy, Q), whether a component out-of-service error will occur is predicted.

[0093] In addition, Figure 9 In the example, under the replenishment conditions (Cy, Q) where the replenishment cycle Cy is less than 5 minutes, component out-of-service errors are predicted to occur in all cases. This is because the standard operation time Sa for the collection and transport operation is 5 minutes. Furthermore, under the replenishment conditions (Cy, Q) where the number of supply belts Q is 21 or more, component out-of-service errors are predicted to occur in all cases. This is because the number of supply belts Q exceeds the maximum number of component supply belts TP that can be loaded on a transport cart (20).

[0094] The calculation unit 91 is based on Figure 9 The results of the suitability prediction are shown, and a single supply condition is determined from among the multiple supply conditions predicted for actual component supply. At this point, the calculation unit 91 displays an operation screen on the display of the user interface 95 and determines the supply condition based on the operator's input on the operation screen.

[0095] Figures 10A to 10D 1 is a diagram showing an example of an operation screen displayed on a display of a user interface. Figure 10A On the screen, the operator can input whether or not to have the calculation unit 91 automatically select the optimal replenishment condition (optimal condition) from multiple replenishment conditions (Cy, Q). Specifically, when the operator selects the "Automatically select optimal condition" checkbox, the calculation unit 91 automatically selects the optimal condition. Furthermore, when the operator selects the automatic selection, the operator can select whether or not to set the time interval for the replenishment cycle Cy.

[0096] For example, when the operator performs an input operation to check the box of "Time interval for automatic selection" and selects the time interval of "5 minutes" from the drop-down menu, the operation unit 91 selects a replenishment condition (Cy, Q) that satisfies the optimal selection conditions of the maximum replenishment cycle Cy and the maximum number of replenishment bars Q from the replenishment conditions (Cy, Q) in which the replenishment cycle Cy predicted in the suitability prediction as a multiple of 5 minutes does not cause the component depletion error as the optimal condition. Figure 9 In the example, the calculation unit 91 selects the replenishment condition (30 minutes, 20 bars) in which the replenishment cycle Cy is 30 minutes (a multiple of 5 minutes) and the number of bars Q to be replenished is 20 as the optimal condition, and displays the result. Figure 10BIn addition, if there is no supply condition (Cy, Q) that satisfies both the maximum supply cycle Cy and the maximum number of supply bars Q, a supply condition (Cy, Q) in which the supply cycle Cy is the maximum may be selected as the optimal condition regardless of the number of supply bars Q.

[0097] On the other hand, in the case of automatic selection, the time interval of the replenishment cycle Cy is not set. Figure 10A When the "OK" button is pressed on the screen, among the supply conditions (Cy, Q) predicted in the suitability prediction that the component exhaustion error will not occur, a supply condition (Cy, Q) that satisfies the optimal selection conditions of the maximum supply cycle Cy and the maximum number of supply bars Q is selected as the optimal condition. Figure 9 In the example, the calculation unit 91 selects the replenishment condition (31 minutes, 20 bars) in which the replenishment cycle Cy is 31 minutes and the number of bars Q is 20 as the optimal condition, and displays the result. Figure 10C In addition, if there is no supply condition (Cy, Q) that satisfies both the maximum supply cycle Cy and the maximum number of supply bars Q, a supply condition (Cy, Q) in which the supply cycle Cy is the maximum may be selected as the optimal condition regardless of the number of supply bars Q.

[0098] If the check box of "Time interval for automatic selection" is not checked, the calculation unit 91 will Figure 9 The results of the suitability predictions for the multiple replenishment conditions (Cy, Q) are displayed on the display of the user interface 95. Furthermore, the operator can perform an input operation to select any one of the multiple replenishment conditions (Cy, Q). Furthermore, the calculation unit 91 displays the details (replenishment cycle Cy and number of replenishment items Q) of the replenishment condition (Cy, Q) selected by the operator through the input operation.

[0099] At this time, the operator may select a replenishment condition (Cy, Q) that is predicted to cause a component exhaustion error in the suitability prediction. In this case, the calculation unit 91 displays a display indicating the occurrence of the component exhaustion error. Figure 10D This screen displays the details of the selected supply condition (Cy, Q), the date and time when the component exhaustion error occurred, and the component ID.

[0100] Figure 11 This is a flowchart showing the contents of the operation performed by the calculation unit according to the component supply operation support program. The above-mentioned operation is performed by the calculation unit 91 according to the component supply operation support program 933. Figure 11 Explain this in detail.

[0101] In step S101, the calculation unit 91 performs component margin simulation based on the production plan 931 and the substrate data 932 to obtain Figure 7 The time when the component exhaustion error occurs is shown in the example. In step S102, the number of supply bars Q and the supply cycle Cy are reset to the initial values. Thus, the number of supply bars Q is set to 1 and the supply cycle Cy is set to 1 minute. Figure 9 The lower left supply condition is (1, 1).

[0102] In step S103, the component supply tapes TP to be installed on the tape feeder F are sorted in descending order of the time at which a component exhaustion error occurred on the tape feeder F. Then, in step S104, the calculation unit 91 simulates installing the component supply tapes TP from the beginning of the sorted order up to the replenishment number Q as the target component supply tapes TP on the tape feeder F. In this simulation, after the standard operation time Sa (seconds) for the collection and handling operation has elapsed, the installation operation of the target component supply tapes TP begins. At this time, the component supply tapes TP with the earliest start time Ts of the available installation time period Tw are installed on the tape feeder F in sequence. Furthermore, it is assumed that the standard operation time Sb (seconds) required for the installation operation of the component supply tapes TP is required. Under these conditions, the simulation of installing the target component supply tapes TP one by one is performed until the replenishment cycle Cy has elapsed.

[0103] When the replenishment cycle Cy has elapsed in step S105, a determination is made in step S106 as to whether the assembly operation of the component supply tape TP for the replenishment number Q has been completed. If the assembly operation is not completed ("No" in step S106), it is determined that a component exhaustion error will occur under the replenishment conditions (Cy, Q), and the result of the appropriateness determination is recorded as "X" (step S107).

[0104] On the other hand, if the assembly work is completed (if "YES" in step S106), it is determined whether a component out error has occurred in a tape feeder F other than the tape feeder F to be assembled with the target component supply tape TP of the Q strip (step S108). If a component out error has occurred (if "YES" in step S108), the result of the appropriateness determination is recorded as "X" (step S107).

[0105] If a component out-of-system error has not occurred ("No" in step S108), a determination is made in step S109 as to whether production plan 931 has been completed. If production plan 931 has not been completed ("No" in step S109), the process returns to step S104. On the other hand, if production plan 931 has been completed ("Yes" in step S109), a determination is made as to whether a component out-of-system error has been recorded ("X" mark) under the current supply conditions (Cy, Q) (step S110). If a component out-of-system error has not been recorded ("X" mark) (step S110), the result of the appropriateness determination is recorded as "○" (step S111), and the process proceeds to step S112. On the other hand, if a component out-of-system error has been recorded ("X" mark) (step S110), the process proceeds directly to step S112.

[0106] In step S112, a determination is made as to whether the number of supply lines Q in the supply condition (Cy, Q) exceeds the maximum operable number of lines. This maximum operable number can be set, for example, to the maximum number of lines that can be loaded on a transport trolley, or to a number corresponding to an operator's input operation on the user interface 95. If the number of supply lines Q is less than the maximum operable number ("No" in step S112), the number of supply lines Q in the supply condition (Cy, Q) is incremented by one (step S113), and the process returns to step S103. Steps S103 to S111 are repeated in this manner until a "Yes" result is obtained in step S112.

[0107] If the number of replenishment lines Q exceeds the maximum operable number (if "Yes" is determined in step S112), a determination is made as to whether the replenishment cycle Cy of the replenishment condition (Cy, Q) exceeds the maximum replenishment cycle (step S114). The maximum replenishment cycle is set to a cycle corresponding to the operator's input operation on the user interface 95. If the replenishment cycle Cy is less than the maximum replenishment cycle, the replenishment cycle Cy of the replenishment condition (Cy, Q) is incremented by a predetermined time (e.g., 1 minute) (step S115), and the process returns to step S103. Steps S103 to S113 are repeated in this manner until "Yes" is determined in step S114.

[0108] Then, when the replenishment cycle Cy exceeds the maximum replenishment cycle (in the case of "Yes" in step S114), Figure 11 The flowchart ends. Thus, we get Figure 9 The results of the exemplified appropriateness predictions.

[0109] In the embodiment described above, the following adequacy prediction is performed: Based on the production plan 931, a prediction is made as to whether a component exhaustion error will occur when a component replenishment operation is performed under replenishment conditions (Cy, Q) including a replenishment cycle Cy, which is the period during which the operator performs the component replenishment operation (pre-placement operation / splicing operation) for assembling the component supply tape TP on the tape feeder F, and a replenishment number Q (replenishment number) which is the number of components P to be replenished (in other words, the number of component supply tapes TP) (steps S101 to S111). Therefore, based on the results of this adequacy prediction, it is possible to determine whether the replenishment cycle Cy and the number of replenishment tapes Q of the component replenishment operation are appropriate. This makes it possible to easily determine whether the replenishment cycle Cy and the number of replenishment tapes Q of the component replenishment operation are appropriate, thereby contributing to improved operational efficiency.

[0110] Furthermore, the calculation unit 91 performs suitability prediction based on the results of a simulation (component remaining quantity simulation) that calculates the state of the component mounting machine 2 (the component remaining quantity of the tape feeder F) operating according to the production plan 931 every time a predetermined time passes. With this configuration, suitability prediction can be performed based on the state of the component mounting machine 2 that changes over time.

[0111] Furthermore, the calculation unit 91 calculates the component exhaustion timing Te (the time required for the operation) at which the component replenishment operation is required to avoid a component exhaustion error through simulation (step S101). The calculation unit 91 then determines whether the component replenishment operation can be performed before the component exhaustion timing Te by executing the component replenishment operation according to the replenishment cycle Cy indicated by the replenishment condition (Cy, Q), thereby performing a adequacy prediction (steps S103 to S111). With this configuration, the component exhaustion timing Te at which the component replenishment operation is required can be determined based on the changing state of the component mounting machine over time, allowing for accurate adequacy prediction.

[0112] Furthermore, the calculation unit 91 performs suitability prediction for each of a plurality of supply conditions (Cy, Q) with different combinations of the supply cycle Cy and the number of supply bars Q, thereby obtaining a suitable supply condition (the supply condition (Cy, Q) marked with a circle) that does not cause a component exhaustion error from among the plurality of supply conditions (Cy, Q). Figure 9 In this configuration, the appropriate replenishment condition (Cy, Q) is obtained from a plurality of replenishment conditions (Cy, Q). Therefore, by executing the component replenishment operation according to the appropriate replenishment condition (Cy, Q), the occurrence of component depletion errors can be effectively suppressed.

[0113] Furthermore, the calculation unit 91 generates a plurality of replenishment conditions (Cy, Q) by changing the replenishment cycle Cy within a range that does not exceed the maximum replenishment cycle (steps S114 and S115), and by changing the number of replenishment bars Q within a range that does not exceed the maximum number of replenishment bars (steps S112 and S113). This configuration allows the replenishment cycle Cy and the number of replenishment bars Q to fall within appropriate ranges.

[0114] In addition, the calculation unit 91 selects a condition that satisfies the replenishment cycle Cy for a predetermined set time ( Figure 10A In this configuration, by setting the specified set time to, for example, 10 minutes, 20 minutes, or 30 minutes, the component replenishment operation can be performed with clearly defined replenishment cycles Cy.

[0115] In addition, the calculation unit 91 sets the time input by the operator as a predetermined set time ( FIG. 10 ). In this configuration, the operator can perform the component replenishment work in a replenishment cycle Cy that is efficient for the operator.

[0116] In addition, a user interface 95 is provided to display information to the operator, and the calculation unit 91 displays the appropriate supply condition (Cy, Q) on the user interface 95 ( Figure 10B In this configuration, the operator can easily confirm the appropriate replenishment conditions (Cy, Q) through the display of the user interface 95.

[0117] In addition, when there are multiple appropriate replenishment conditions (Cy, Q), the calculation unit 91 selects the appropriate replenishment condition (31 minutes, 20 items) with the longest replenishment cycle Cy from the multiple appropriate replenishment conditions (Cy, Q) as the recommended replenishment condition, and displays the recommended replenishment condition on the user interface 95 ( Figure 10C ). In this configuration, the execution frequency of the component replenishment operation can be suppressed, thereby reducing the workload of the operator.

[0118] In addition, the calculation unit 91 associates a plurality of replenishment conditions (Cy, Q) with the results of the respective suitability predictions and displays them on the user interface 95 ( Figure 9 In this configuration, the operator can easily confirm whether each replenishment condition (Cy, Q) is appropriate through the display of the user interface 95.

[0119] Furthermore, the user interface 95 receives a selection operation (input operation) performed by the operator. If the result of the suitability prediction of the replenishment condition (Cy, Q) selected by the operator from among the plurality of replenishment conditions (Cy, Q) displayed on the user interface 95 indicates the occurrence of a component exhaustion error, the calculation unit 91 displays the occurrence status of the component exhaustion error on the user interface 95 ( Figure 10D In this configuration, the occurrence of a component depletion error when the component replenishment operation is performed under the selected replenishment conditions (Cy, Q) can be easily confirmed through the display of the user interface 95 .

[0120] Thus, in the above-mentioned embodiment, the substrate production system 1 is equivalent to an example of the “substrate production system” of the present invention, the recording medium 12 is equivalent to an example of the “recording medium” of the present invention, the component mounting machine 2 is equivalent to an example of the “component mounting machine” of the present invention, the mounting head 231 is equivalent to an example of the “mounting head” of the present invention, the server computer 9 is equivalent to an example of the “component replenishment operation support device” of the present invention, the operation unit 91 is equivalent to an example of the “operation unit” of the present invention, the storage unit 93 is equivalent to an example of the “storage unit” of the present invention, the production plan 931 is equivalent to an example of the “production plan” of the present invention, the component replenishment operation support program 933 is equivalent to an example of the “component replenishment operation support program” of the present invention, and the user interface 95 is equivalent to an example of the “component replenishment operation support program” of the present invention. is equivalent to an example of a “user interface” of the present invention, substrate B is equivalent to an example of a “substrate” of the present invention, replenishment cycle Cy is equivalent to an example of a “replenishment cycle” of the present invention, number of replenishment strips Q is equivalent to an example of a “replenishment number” of the present invention, replenishment condition (Cy, Q) is equivalent to an example of a “replenishment condition” of the present invention, belt feeder F is equivalent to an example of a “feeder” of the present invention, belt feeder Fa is equivalent to an example of a “first feeder” of the present invention, component P is equivalent to an example of a “component” of the present invention, component supply belt TP is equivalent to an example of a “component storage member” of the present invention, component exhaustion timing Te is equivalent to an example of a “time required for operation” of the present invention, component remainder simulation is equivalent to an example of a “simulation” of the present invention, and in Figure 9 The supply condition (Cy, Q) marked with a circle in the figure is an example of an “appropriate supply condition”. Figure 9 The "32 minutes" in the example corresponds to the "maximum replenishment period" of the present invention. Figure 9 The "20" in the example is equivalent to the "maximum number of supplies" of the present invention. Figure 9 The medium replenishment condition (31 minutes, 20 items) corresponds to an example of the "recommended replenishment condition" of the present invention, and the time displayed in the pull-down menu on the operation screen of FIG. 10 corresponds to an example of the "set time" of the present invention.

[0121] In addition, the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiment, and various changes can be made to the above-mentioned embodiment as long as they do not deviate from the main purpose. For example, in the assembly operation (pre-placement operation, splicing operation) of the component supply tape TP in the above-mentioned embodiment, it is assumed that the new component supply tape TP taken out from the component storage 41 is assembled on the tape feeder F. Therefore, for example, Figure 7 The tape feeder F is equipped with a component supply tape TP for storing the same number of components P at the multiple component exhaustion timings Te(m, 1), Te(m, 2), Te(m, 3), ... shown.

[0122] On the other hand, there are cases where a used component supply belt TP is used. In this case, the number of components P stored in the component supply belt TP mounted on the tape feeder F changes according to the component exhaustion timing Te. Figure 11 The generation time of the component exhaustion timing Te calculated in step S101 of the flowchart becomes unusable after the component supply tape TP is assembled according to the component exhaustion timing Te. Therefore, in this case, it is possible to perform Figure 12 Flowchart of the process.

[0123] Figure 12 This is a flowchart showing a modified example of the content executed by the calculation unit according to the component replenishment work support program. Figure 12 and Figure 11 The difference lies in the execution content of step S104 and the presence or absence of step S201. Here, the description will focus on these differences, and the common parts are marked with corresponding numbers and the description is omitted.

[0124] exist Figure 12 In step S104 of the flowchart, when assembling a used component supply tape TP, a simulation is performed under the condition that the number of components P corresponding to the usage history of the component supply tape TP is assembled on the tape feeder F. Then, based on this condition, a component remaining quantity simulation is executed based on the production plan 931 and the board data 932, and the component exhaustion timing Te is calculated (step S201).

[0125] In this way, Figure 12 In the example shown in FIG2 , a component remaining quantity simulation (step S201) is performed each time a component replenishment operation (step S104) is executed, and the component exhaustion time Te (the time required for the operation) is updated based on the number of components replenished during the component replenishment operation. With this configuration, even when the number of components replenished during the component replenishment operation fluctuates, the component exhaustion time Te can be accurately determined to perform a suitability prediction.

[0126] In addition, in the above embodiment, as the component replenishment operation, the assembly operation (pre-placement operation, splicing operation) of the component supply tape TP to the tape feeder F is performed. However, the operation that can be performed as the component replenishment operation is not limited to this. Figure 13 To illustrate this point.

[0127] Figure 13 1 is a block diagram showing a modified example of a substrate production system for producing substrates on which components are mounted. Figure 13 In a modified example, the substrate production system 1 includes a temporary placement rack 43 disposed adjacent to each component mounting machine 2, and components P to be mounted on the component mounting machine 2 can be placed on the temporary placement rack 43. Thus, the temporary placement rack 43 is provided closer to the component mounting machine 2 than the component storage 41, and the operator can place the components P on standby on the temporary placement rack 43.

[0128] In particular, for the tape feeder Fb (second type feeder), it is preferable to place the component supply tape TP on the temporary placement rack 43 before the splicing operation. Therefore, when the remaining quantity warning is issued for the tape feeder Fb, the splicing operation can be performed simply on the component supply tape TP waiting on the temporary placement rack 43, which allows the splicing operation to be performed simply and quickly.

[0129] Therefore, the operation unit 91 performs the temporary placement operation of taking out the component supply belt TP from the component storage 41 and transporting it to the temporary placement rack 43 as a component replenishment operation, thereby supporting the component replenishment operation. In this case, in step S104, the simulation is performed in a manner including the execution of the temporary placement operation. The temporary placement operation is performed along with the transportation operation, so in this simulation, the standard operation time of the temporary placement operation can be included in the standard operation time Sa (seconds) of the above-mentioned collection and transportation operation, without being set separately. The execution timing of the temporary placement operation is set to be earlier than the timing of notifying the remaining quantity warning for the belt feeder F that is the object of the splicing operation. For example, it is possible to configure the temporary placement operation to be performed in the component replenishment operation before the component replenishment operation of the splicing operation is performed.

[0130] Furthermore, during the component replenishment operation, operations related to alternate component replenishment can also be performed. Figure 14 This is a diagram schematically showing the assignment being handed in. Figure 14 In the figure, the tape feeders Fb with diagonal hatching are the tape feeders Fb that are supplying components P. In step S21, the tape feeders Fb are installed at the five feeder placement positions L(1) to L(5), and the tape feeders Fb at the feeder placement positions L(2) and L(3) supply components P. In addition, the tape feeders Fb at the feeder placement positions L(1) to L(4) are equipped with component supply tapes TP that store components P of the same type.

[0131] In step S22, the operator carries out the replacement tape feeders Fb from the component storage 41 and installs them at the feeder placement positions L(6) and L(7). The component supply tapes TP of the tape feeders Fb installed at these feeder placement positions L(6) and L(7) and the component supply tapes TP of the tape feeders Fb installed at the feeder placement positions L(1) to L(4) store the same type of components P.

[0132] In step S23, the number of components P stored in the component supply tape TP of the tape feeders Fb mounted at the feeder placement positions L(2) and L(3) becomes zero. Consequently, the supply of components P by the tape feeders Fb at the feeder placement positions L(2) and L(3) ends, and the supply of components P by the tape feeders Fb at the feeder placement positions L(1) and L(4) begins.

[0133] In step S24, the operator removes the tape feeders Fb from the feeder placement positions L(2) and L(3) and replaces the tape feeders Fb from the feeder placement positions L(6) and L(7) to the feeder placement positions L(2) and L(3). The operator then carries the tape feeders Fb for replacement out of the component storage 41 and installs them in the feeder placement positions L(8) and L(9).

[0134] Thus, when the number of components P stored in the component supply tape TP of the tape feeders Fb mounted at the feeder placement positions L(1) and L(4) reaches zero, the tape feeders Fb mounted at the feeder placement positions L(2) and L(3) can start supplying components. Furthermore, the operator can remove the tape feeders Fb from the feeder placement positions L(1) and L(4) and replace the tape feeders Fb from the feeder placement positions L(8) and L(9) to the feeder placement positions L(1) and L(4).

[0135] Therefore, the calculation unit 91 carries out the alternate installation operation (step S22) of transporting the alternate tape feeder Fb from the component storage 41 and installing it at the feeder placement positions L(6) and L(7), and the alternate replacement operation of replacing the tape feeder Fb from the feeder placement positions L(6) and L(7) to the feeder placement positions L(2) and L(3) as the component replenishment operation, thereby supporting the component replenishment operation. In this case, in step S104, the simulation is executed in a manner including the execution of the alternate installation operation or the alternate replacement operation. In this case, it is sufficient to set the standard operation time for each of the alternate installation operation and the alternate replacement operation to execute the simulation.

[0136] The timing for executing the alternating mounting operation is set after the remaining quantity warning is issued for the tape feeders Fb at the feeder placement positions L(2) and L(3). In addition, the alternating replacement operation is set before the remaining quantity warning is issued for the feeder placement positions L(1) and L(4) that start supplying components P after the tape feeders Fb at the feeder placement positions L(2) and L(3).

[0137] That is, in this modification, an alternating installation operation (feeder installation operation) is included in the component replenishment operation (step S22), and in this alternating installation operation (feeder installation operation), in the process of the belt feeder Fb assembled to one feeder placement position L(2) among a plurality of feeder placement positions L(1), L(2), ... (feeder installation parts) executing the supply of components P from the component supply tape TP, the belt feeder Fb equipped with the component supply tape TP for storing the same type of components P as the component supply tape TP of the belt feeder Fb assembled to one feeder placement position L(2) is installed at another feeder placement position L(6) different from one feeder placement position L(2).

[0138] Furthermore, an alternating replacement operation (feeder replacement operation) is included in the component replenishment operation. In this alternating replacement operation (feeder replacement operation), after there are no more components P in the component supply tape TP of the tape feeder Fb assembled to one feeder placement position L(2), the tape feeder Fb is removed from one feeder placement position L(2) and the tape feeder Fb of the other feeder placement position L(6) is mounted to one feeder placement position L(2).

[0139] Furthermore, the method for setting the standard operation time can be modified in various ways. For example, the standard operation time for each operation can be set to the average of the actual results obtained by measuring the time required for each operation during the substrate production process. Alternatively, the standard operation time can be set to a value input by the operator.

[0140] In the above embodiment, the standard operation times for the splicing operation and the pre-placement operation are each set to Sb (seconds). However, these standard operation times may be set to different times.

[0141] In addition, it is assumed that the production plan 931 is changed every day. Therefore, Figure 11 or Figure 12 The flow chart can be executed every day before substrate production starts.

[0142] In addition, the type of feeder is not limited to a tape feeder, and may be a rod feeder or a tray feeder.

[0143] Label Description

[0144] 1…Substrate production system

[0145] 12…Recording medium

[0146] 2…Component mounting machine

[0147] 231…Mounting head

[0148] 9…Server computer (component supply operation support device)

[0149] 91…Calculation unit

[0150] 93…Storage

[0151] 931…Production Plan

[0152] 933…Component Supply Operation Support Program

[0153] 95…User Interface

[0154] B…Substrate

[0155] Cy…Supply cycle

[0156] Q…Supply Bars (Supply Quantity)

[0157] (Cy, Q) ... supply conditions are equivalent to an example of the "supply conditions" of the present invention

[0158] F...Belt feeder (feeder)

[0159] Fa…belt feeder (the first type of feeder)

[0160] P...Component

[0161] TP...Component supply tape (component storage member)

[0162] Te…Component exhaustion timing (time required for operation)

Claims

1. A component replenishment operation support device comprising: a storage unit that stores a production plan used in a substrate production system, wherein the substrate production system produces substrates with components mounted thereon by causing a component mounting machine to operate according to the production plan, the component mounting machine mounting the components on the substrate using a mounting head while supplying the components to be mounted on the feeder via a feeder; and The operation unit performs the following suitability prediction: based on the production plan, it predicts whether a component depletion error, in which components mounted on the feeder are depleted and component supply by the feeder is interrupted, will occur in the substrate production system when a component replenishment operation is performed under replenishment conditions including a replenishment cycle and a replenishment number, wherein the replenishment cycle is a cycle of executing the component replenishment operation performed by an operator for mounting components on the feeder, and the replenishment number is the number of components that are the objects of the component replenishment operation, The calculation unit generates a plurality of the replenishment conditions by changing the replenishment cycle within a range where the replenishment cycle does not exceed a maximum replenishment cycle and changing the replenishment number within a range where the replenishment number does not exceed a maximum replenishment number. The calculation unit performs the suitability prediction for each of the plurality of replenishment conditions having different combinations of the replenishment cycle and the replenishment number, thereby obtaining an appropriate replenishment condition that does not cause the element depletion error from among the plurality of replenishment conditions.

2. The component replenishment operation support device according to claim 1, wherein: The calculation unit executes the suitability prediction based on a result of executing a simulation that calculates a state of the component mounting machine operating according to the production plan every time a predetermined time elapses.

3. The component replenishment operation support device according to claim 2, wherein: The operation unit calculates the time required for the component replenishment operation to avoid the component depletion error through the simulation, and determines whether the component replenishment operation can be performed before the time required for the operation by performing the component replenishment operation in the replenishment cycle shown by the replenishment condition, thereby performing the suitability prediction.

4. The component replenishment operation support device according to claim 3, wherein: In the simulation, each time the component replenishment operation is performed, the operation required time is updated according to the replenishment number of the component replenishment operation.

5. The component replenishment operation support device according to claim 1, wherein: The calculation unit selects the appropriate replenishment condition that satisfies the condition that the replenishment cycle is an integral multiple of a predetermined set time from the appropriate replenishment conditions.

6. The component replenishment operation support device according to claim 5, wherein: The calculation unit sets the time input by the operator as the predetermined set time.

7. The component replenishment work support device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein: The component replenishment operation support device further includes a user interface that displays information to the operator. The calculation unit displays the appropriate replenishment condition on the user interface.

8. The component replenishment work support device according to claim 7, wherein: When there are a plurality of the appropriate replenishment conditions, the calculation unit selects the appropriate replenishment condition with the longest replenishment period from among the plurality of the appropriate replenishment conditions as a recommended replenishment condition, and displays the recommended replenishment condition on the user interface.

9. The component replenishment operation support device according to claim 7, wherein: The calculation unit associates the plurality of replenishment conditions with the respective suitability prediction results and displays the results on the user interface.

10. The component replenishment work support device according to claim 7, wherein: The user interface receives a selection operation performed by the operator, When the result of the suitability prediction of the replenishment condition selected by the operator from the plurality of replenishment conditions displayed on the user interface indicates the occurrence of the component depletion error, the calculation unit displays the occurrence status of the component depletion error on the user interface.

11. The component replenishment work support device according to any one of claims 1 to 6 and 8 to 10, wherein: In the component mounting machine, a plurality of the feeders are arranged to supply components stored in the assembled component storage member, and the components supplied from the component storage member by the feeders are mounted on the substrate through the mounting head. The component replenishing operation is an operation performed by the operator in order to attach the component storage member to the feeder.

12. The component replenishment work support device according to claim 11, wherein: The plurality of feeders include a first type of feeder capable of assembling a plurality of the component receiving members, When the components stored in one of the plurality of component storage members are exhausted, the first type feeder starts to supply components stored in other component storage members. The component replenishment operation includes a pre-placement operation of assembling a new component storage member to the first type feeder when the components stored in the one component storage member are exhausted.

13. The component replenishment operation support device according to claim 11, wherein: The plurality of feeders include a second type of feeder capable of assembling a single component receiving member, The component replenishment operation includes a temporary placement operation of taking out the component storage member to be mounted on the second type feeder from a storage warehouse of the component storage member and conveying it to a temporary placement rack arranged closer to the component mounting machine than the storage warehouse.

14. The component replenishment work support device according to any one of claims 11, wherein: The component mounting machine is provided with a plurality of feeder mounting parts capable of mounting the feeders, respectively, and the feeders supply components from the component storage member in a state mounted on the feeder mounting parts. The component replenishment operation includes the following feeder installation operation: during the process of supplying the feeder actuator component assembled on one of the multiple feeder mounting parts from the component storage component, the feeder equipped with the component storage component that stores components of the same type as the component storage component of the feeder assembled on the one feeder mounting part is installed on other feeder mounting parts different from the one feeder mounting part.

15. The component replenishment operation support device according to claim 14, wherein: The component replenishment operation includes the following feeder replacement operation: after there are no more components in the component storage structure assembled with the feeder of the one feeder mounting part, the feeder is removed from the one feeder mounting part, and the feeder of the other feeder mounting part is installed on the one feeder mounting part.

16. A component replenishment operation support method, wherein: Including the following steps: Obtaining a production plan for use in a substrate production system, the substrate production system producing substrates with components mounted thereon by operating a component mounting machine according to the production plan, the component mounting machine mounting the components on the substrate using a mounting head while feeding the components to be mounted on the feeder via a feeder; The following suitability prediction is performed by calculation: based on the production plan, it is predicted whether a component exhaustion error, in which components mounted on the feeder are exhausted and component supply by the feeder is interrupted, will occur in the substrate production system when a component replenishment operation is performed under replenishment conditions including a replenishment cycle and a replenishment number, wherein the replenishment cycle is a cycle in which the component replenishment operation performed by an operator for mounting components on the feeder is performed, and the replenishment number is the number of components that are the targets of the component replenishment operation; The plurality of replenishment conditions are generated by changing the replenishment period within a range where the replenishment period does not exceed a maximum replenishment period, and changing the replenishment number within a range where the replenishment number does not exceed a maximum replenishment number; and By performing the suitability prediction for each of the plurality of supply conditions having different combinations of the supply cycle and the supply number, an appropriate supply condition in which the element depletion error does not occur is obtained from among the plurality of supply conditions.

17. A component replenishment operation support program product, comprising the component replenishment operation support program, wherein the component replenishment operation support program causes a computer to execute the following steps: Obtaining a production plan for use in a substrate production system, the substrate production system producing substrates with components mounted thereon by operating a component mounting machine according to the production plan, the component mounting machine mounting the components on the substrate using a mounting head while feeding the components to be mounted on the feeder via a feeder; The following suitability prediction is performed: based on the production plan, a prediction is made as to whether a component exhaustion error, in which components mounted on the feeder are exhausted and component supply by the feeder is interrupted, will occur in the substrate production system when a component replenishment operation is performed under replenishment conditions including a replenishment cycle and a replenishment number, wherein the replenishment cycle is a cycle in which the component replenishment operation performed by an operator for mounting components on the feeder is performed, and the replenishment number is the number of components to be subjected to the component replenishment operation; Generating a plurality of replenishment conditions by changing the replenishment period within a range where the replenishment period does not exceed a maximum replenishment period, and changing the replenishment number within a range where the replenishment number does not exceed a maximum replenishment number; and By performing the suitability prediction for each of the plurality of supply conditions having different combinations of the supply cycle and the supply number, an appropriate supply condition in which the element depletion error does not occur is obtained from among the plurality of supply conditions.

18. A computer-readable recording medium having a component replenishment operation support program recorded thereon, wherein the component replenishment operation support program, when executed by a processor of a computer, implements the steps of the component replenishment operation support method according to claim 16.

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