Component supply method and management device

Abstract

A component supply method is used in a component mounting system including a component mounter, a storage unit, and a transfer device. The component mounter picks up components from feeders and mounts them; the storage unit temporarily stores the feeders containing the components used in the component mounter; the transfer device transfers the feeders between the storage unit and the component mounter. In this method, the available quantity of the storage unit capable of accommodating the feeders is obtained, and based on the available quantity of the storage unit, a plurality of feeders to be prepared at each predetermined regular supply time are determined, and the plurality of feeders are supplied to the storage unit together at each regular supply time.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This specification discloses a component supply method and a management device. Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a component mounting system has been proposed, which includes: a component mounting line including a plurality of component mounters arranged in a substrate conveyance direction and a feeder storage for storing a plurality of feeders that can be detached from and attached to each component mounter; and a replacement robot that moves along the component mounting line (for example, refer to Patent Document 1). In the component mounting system, an operator or an unmanned transport vehicle supplies or retrieves feeders to / from the storage area (slot) of the feeder storage. The replacement robot automatically replaces feeders between the feeder storage and each component mounter. In addition, a supply area for supplying components and a storage area different from the feeder storage for temporarily storing feeders are provided in the component mounter, and the replacement robot can also replace feeders between the supply area and the storage area.

[0003] Prior Art Documents

[0004] Patent Document 1: International Publication No. 2017 / 0033268 Summary of the Invention

[0005] Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] By providing a storage area on the component mounting line, it is possible to supply in advance to the storage area feeders to be used in subsequent production. Thus, even if there are fluctuations in the supply of feeders to the storage area, the storage area functions as a buffer and production can continue. However, in Patent Document 1, there is no mention of at what timing and how many feeders an operator who prepares the feeders to be supplied should prepare, and there is still room for improvement.

[0007] The main object of the present disclosure is to provide a component supply method and a management device capable of efficiently preparing feeders and supplying feeders to a storage unit.

[0008] Technical Means for Solving the Problems

[0009] The present disclosure employs the following means to achieve the above main object.

[0010] The component supply method of the present invention is used in a component mounting system including a component mounter, a storage unit, and a transfer device, for supplying feeders to the storage unit. The component mounter picks up components from the feeder and mounts them; the storage unit temporarily stores feeders containing components used in the component mounter; and the transfer device transfers the feeders between the storage unit and the component mounter.

[0011] In the above-described component supply method,

[0012] obtain the available quantity of the storage unit that can accommodate the above-described feeder,

[0013] Based on the available quantity of the storage unit, determine the multiple feeders to be prepared at each predetermined regular supply time,

[0014] Supply the multiple feeders to the storage unit together at each of the above-described regular supply times.

[0015] In the component supply method of the present disclosure, based on the available quantity of the storage unit, determine the multiple feeders to be prepared at each predetermined regular supply time, and supply the multiple feeders to the storage unit together at each regular supply time. Thus, the operator can centrally prepare the feeders in a quantity corresponding to the available status of the storage unit. Therefore, compared with the case where the feeder preparation operations occur sporadically according to the usage time of the components, the feeder preparation operations can be performed efficiently. In addition, since the multiple feeders prepared at each regular supply time are supplied to the storage unit together, the feeder supply can be performed efficiently. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] Figure 1 is a schematic structural diagram of a component mounting system.

[0017] Figure 2 is a schematic structural diagram of a component mounter and a feeder.

[0018] Figure 3 is a schematic structural diagram of a feeder.

[0019] Figure 4 is a schematic structural diagram of a loader.

[0020] Figure 5 is a block diagram showing the electrical connection relationship of the component mounting system.

[0021] Figure 6 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a production plan.

[0022] Figure 7 is an explanatory diagram showing the content of the operations performed by the operator regarding the preparation, supply, and recovery of the feeder 30.

[0023] Figure 8 is a flowchart showing an example of a supply plan generation process.

[0024] Figure 9 is a flowchart showing an example of a component demand time calculation process.

[0025] Figure 10It is an explanatory diagram showing an example of preparing a component list.

[0026] Figure 11 It is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a component exhaustion list.

[0027] Figure 12 It is a flowchart showing an example of replenishment timing calculation processing.

[0028] Figure 13 It is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a required timing list.

[0029] Figure 14 It is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a replenishment list and a recovery list. Detailed implementation mode

[0030] Next, a mode for implementing the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0031] Figure 1 It is a schematic structural diagram of a component mounting system. Figure 2 It is a schematic structural diagram of a component mounter and a feeder table. Figure 3 It is a schematic structural diagram of a feeder. Figure 4 It is a schematic structural diagram of a loader. Figure 5 It is a block diagram showing the electrical connection relationship of the component mounting system. In addition, in Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 4 the left - right direction is set as the X - axis direction, the front - rear direction is set as the Y - axis direction, and the up - down direction is set as the Z - axis direction.

[0032] The component mounting system 10 is a system for manufacturing a substrate S on which components are mounted. As Figure 1 shown, it includes: a printing device 12, a printing inspection device 14, a plurality (5 units) of component mounters 20, a mounting inspection device (not shown), a loader 50, a plurality (2 units) of feeder storage warehouses 60, and a management device 80 for managing the entire system. The printing device 12 prints solder on the surface of the substrate S. The printing inspection device 14 inspects the state of the solder printed by the printing device 12. The component mounter 20 picks up components supplied from the feeder 30 using a suction nozzle (pick - up part) and mounts them on the substrate S. The mounting inspection device inspects the mounting state of the components mounted by the component mounter 20. The printing device 12, the printing inspection device 14, the plurality of component mounters 20, and the mounting inspection device are arranged in order from upstream along the conveyance direction of the substrate S to form a production line.

[0033] As Figure 2As shown, the component mounter 20 includes: a mounting portion 21 for mounting a feeder 30; a substrate conveying device 22 for conveying a substrate S in the X-axis direction; a head 25 for picking up components from the feeder 30 and mounting them on the substrate S; a head moving device 24 for moving the head 25 in the horizontal direction (XY-axis direction); and a mounting control device 29 (see Figure 5 ). Although not shown, the head 25 has: a nozzle for adsorbing components; and a lifting device for lifting the nozzle. The head moving device 24 has a slider 24a on which the head 25 is mounted, and moves the slider 24a in the horizontal direction (XY-axis direction).

[0034] As Figure 3 shown, the feeder 30 is a cassette-type tape feeder, and includes: a tape reel 32, a tape feeding mechanism 33, a connector 35, and a feeder control device 39 (see Figure 5 ). The tape reel 32 winds a tape containing components. The components are protected by a film covering the surface of the tape. The tape feeding mechanism 33 pulls out the tape from the tape reel 32 and sends it to the component supply position. By peeling off the film near the component supply position, the components contained in the tape are exposed at the component supply position and picked up by the head 25 (nozzle). The feeder control device 39 is composed of a known CPU, ROM, RAM, etc., and outputs a drive signal to the tape feeding mechanism 33 (feeding motor).

[0035] The mounting portion 21 is provided on the front side (front part) of the component mounter 20, and has two upper and lower regions where the feeder 30 can be set. The upper region is a supply region 21A where the feeder 30 can supply components to a position (component supply position) where the head 25 can pick them up, and the lower region is a buffer region 21B for temporarily storing the feeder 30. Feeder tables 40 are provided in the respective regions 21A and 21B. As Figure 2 shown, the feeder tables 40 in the respective regions 21A and 21B have a plurality of slots 42 for detaching and attaching the feeder 30 and a plurality of connectors 45 electrically connected to the connectors 35 of the feeder 30 respectively assembled in the corresponding slots 42. A feeder 30 containing components used in the operation (production) being executed is assembled in the supply region 21A. In addition, when there are empty slots 42 in the supply region 21A, a preparatory feeder 30 for supplying the same components in place of the feeder 30 whose components have been exhausted during production or a feeder 30 containing components used in the operations to be executed after the next time is also assembled. The buffer region 21B is used for temporarily storing the feeder 30 containing components used in the operations to be executed after the next time or temporarily storing the used-up feeder 30.

[0036] In addition, the component mounter 20 is also equipped with a marking camera 26, a component camera 27, etc. The marking camera 26 takes a top view of the fiducial marks attached to the substrate S in order to detect the position of the substrate S. The component camera 27 takes a bottom view of the components adsorbed on the nozzle in order to detect adsorption errors or adsorption deviations.

[0037] The mounting control device 29 is composed of a well-known CPU 29a, ROM 29b, HDD 29c, RAM 29d, etc. The mounting control device 29 inputs image signals and the like from the marking camera 26 and the component camera 27. In addition, the mounting control device 29 outputs drive signals to the substrate conveying device 22, the head 25, the head moving device 24, etc.

[0038] In addition, the mounting control device 29 is communicably connected to the feeder control device 39 of the feeder 30 assembled on the feeder table 40 via connectors 35 and 45. When the feeder 30 is assembled, the mounting control device 29 receives feeder information such as the feeder ID, component type, and remaining number of components included in the feeder control device 39 of the feeder 30 from the feeder control device 39. In addition, the mounting control device 29 sends the received feeder information and the mounting position (slot number) where the feeder 30 is assembled to the management device 80.

[0039] The CPU 29a of the mounting control device 29 executes a mounting process for mounting components on the substrate S. The CPU 29a moves the head 25 above the component supply position of the feeder 30 through the head moving device 24. Next, the CPU 29a lowers the nozzle through the lifting device to adsorb the component with the nozzle. The CPU 29a moves the component adsorbed on the nozzle above the component camera 27 using the head moving device 24, and takes a picture of the component using the component camera 27. The CPU 29a processes the captured image of the component to measure the adsorption deviation amount of the component, and corrects the mounting position of the component on the substrate S. Then, the CPU 29a moves the component adsorbed on the nozzle above the corrected mounting position using the head moving device 24, and lowers the nozzle through the lifting device to mount the component on the substrate S.

[0040] Each of the multiple feeder storage units 60 is a storage location assembled on the production line for temporarily storing multiple feeders 30. In the present embodiment, one feeder storage unit 60 stores the feeders 30 to be used in each component mounter 20, and the other feeder storage unit 60 stores the feeders 30 that have been used in each component mounter 20 and are no longer in use. Each feeder storage unit 60 is provided with a feeder stage having a plurality of slots 42 and connectors 45 that are the same as those of the feeder stage 40 of the component mounter 20. When a feeder 30 is assembled to the connector 45 in the feeder storage unit 60, feeder information such as the feeder ID, component type, and remaining number of components included in the feeder 30 and the assembly position (slot number) where the feeder 30 is assembled are sent to the management device 80.

[0041] As Figure 1 shown, the loader 50 moves along the production line in front of the component mounting system 10 (production line), takes out the feeders 30 to be used from the feeder storage unit 60 and supplies them to each component mounter 20, or retrieves the feeders 30 that have been used from each component mounter 20 and transports them to the feeder storage unit 60. As Figure 4 shown, the loader 50 includes: a loader moving device 51, a feeder transfer device 53, and a loader control device 59 (refer to Figure 5)。The loader moving device 51 moves the loader 50 along the guide rail 18 disposed in the front of the production line. The loader moving device 51 includes: an X-axis motor 52a that drives a driving belt for moving the loader 50; and a guide roller 52b that rolls on the guide rail 18 to guide the movement of the loader 50. The feeder transfer device 53 transfers the feeder 30 between the component mounter 20 and the loader 50 at a position where the loader 50 faces any one of the component mounters 20, or transfers the feeder 30 between the feeder storage 60 and the loader 50 at a position where the loader 50 faces the feeder storage 60. The feeder transfer device 53 includes a Y-axis slider 55 and a Z-axis motor 56a that moves the Y-axis slider 55 along the Z-axis guide rail 56b. The Y-axis slider 55 includes a clamping portion 54 that clamps the feeder 30 and a Y-axis motor 55a that moves the clamping portion 54 along the Y-axis guide rail 55b. The Y-axis slider 55 moves up and down by driving the Z-axis motor 56a. The feeder transfer device 53 makes the Y-axis slider 55 face the feeder table 40 in the supply area 21A of the component mounter 20 or the feeder table 40 in the feeder storage 60 by raising the Y-axis slider 55. In this state, the feeder 30 is clamped by the clamping portion 54 and moved along the Y-axis direction by the Y-axis slider 55, so as to transfer the feeder 30 relative to the supply area 21A or the feeder storage 60. In addition, the feeder transfer device 53 makes the Y-axis slider 55 face the buffer area 21B of the component mounter 20 by lowering the Y-axis slider 55. In this state, the feeder 30 is clamped by the clamping portion 54 and moved along the Y-axis direction by the Y-axis slider 55, so as to transfer the feeder 30 relative to the buffer area 21B. The loader control device 59 is composed of a known CPU, ROM, RAM, etc., inputs signals from a position sensor 57 that detects the traveling position and a monitoring sensor 58 that detects the presence or absence of obstacles around, and outputs drive signals to the loader moving device 51 and the feeder transfer device 53.

[0042] The management device 80 is a general-purpose computer, such as Figure 5 shown, and includes a CPU 81, a ROM 82, an HDD 83 (storage device), and a RAM 84. The management device 80 is electrically connected to input devices 85 such as a keyboard and a mouse and a display 86. Production plans, feeder holding information, operation information, status information, etc. are stored in the HDD 83. These information are managed in units of the component mounters 20. Here, the production plan is a plan that determines in which order which components are to be installed in each component mounter 20 and how many substrates S (products) are to be manufactured (produced) by such installation. As Figure 6As shown, the production plan includes the production quantity of each job, the components required for production (required components), and the production start time. The feeder holding information is information related to the feeder 30 held by each component mounter 20 and the feeder storage 60. The feeder holding information includes feeder information such as the feeder ID, component type, remaining component quantity, etc., the devices holding the feeder 30 (which component mounter 20 and which feeder storage 60), and location information such as the mounting position (slot number) of the feeder 30. The job information is information related to the mounting process (job) to be performed by each component mounter 20. This job information includes the type of substrate to be produced, the type of component to be mounted, the mounting position of each component, and the configuration position (configuration position information) of the components to be arranged in the supply area 21A for each job. The status information is information indicating the operation status of each component mounter 20. This status information includes in production, in changeover adjustment, abnormal occurrence, etc.

[0043] The management device 80 is connected to the mounting control device 29 by wire in a communicable manner, and exchanges various information with each component mounter 20 of the component mounting system 10. The management device 80 receives the operation status from each component mounter 20 and updates the status information to the latest information. In addition, the management device 80 is connected to the feeder control device 39 of the feeder 30 on the feeder table 40 mounted on each component mounter 20 via the mounting control device 29 in a communicable manner. When the feeder 30 is removed from the component mounter 20 or the feeder storage 60, or when the feeder 30 is mounted on the component mounter 20 or the feeder storage 60, the management device 80 receives the disassembly / assembly status from the corresponding component mounter 20 or feeder storage 60 and updates the feeder holding information to the latest information. In addition, the management device 80 is connected to the loader control device 59 by wireless in a communicable manner, and exchanges various information with the loader 50. In addition, the management device 80 is also connected to the control devices of the printing device 12, the printing inspection device 14, and the mounting inspection device in a communicable manner, and also exchanges various information from the corresponding devices.

[0044] In the component mounting system 10 configured in this way, the operations related to the production of the substrate S are automated, and operations such as the preparation of the feeder 30 containing the required components for production, the replenishment to the feeder storage 60, the recovery of the used-up feeder 30, and various maintenance operations are performed by the operator at their respective appropriate times.

[0045] Figure 7It is an explanatory diagram showing the content of the operations performed by the operator regarding the preparation, replenishment, and recycling of the feeder 30. As shown in the figure, the operations performed by the operator include picking operation, equipment operation, feeder replenishment operation, feeder recycling operation, disassembly operation, etc. The picking operation is performed by transporting the reel containing the required components from the component rack to the external preparation area 101 in the component warehouse 100. The equipment operation is performed by preparing the feeder 30 that houses the reel (required components) transported to the external preparation area 101. The pallet transfer operation is performed by assembling the prepared feeder 30 on the same pallet as the feeder table 40 in the external preparation area 101. The feeder replenishment operation is performed by transporting the prepared feeder 30 together with the pallet and replenishing it to the feeder storage 60. The feeder 30 replenished to the feeder storage 60 is transported to the corresponding component mounter 20 by the loader 50 and temporarily stored in the buffer 21B of the corresponding component mounter 20. Also, the feeder 30 temporarily stored in the buffer area 21B is transferred to the supply area 21A by the loader 50 and used for production before the operation using the feeder 30 is executed. Additionally, in this embodiment, after the feeder 30 is replenished to the feeder storage 60 through the feeder replenishment operation, it is transferred to the buffer 21B of each component mounter 20 by the loader 50, but it can also be directly replenished to the buffer 21B through the feeder replenishment operation.

[0046] The feeder recycling operation is performed by retrieving the used feeder 30 from the feeder storage 60, placing it on the pallet, and transporting it to the recycling area 102. The feeder recycling operation is basically executed in the return of the replenishment based on the feeder replenishment operation. The disassembly operation is performed by removing the used feeder 30 from the pallet and removing the reel (components) from the used feeder 30. Additionally, in the case where there is a feeder 30 among the used feeders 30 that houses the required components for future production, the operator can also transport the corresponding feeder 30 to the external preparation area 101 as the feeder 30 to be replenished and assemble it on the pallet.

[0047] Moreover, these operations are not limited to being all performed by the operator, and a part of the operations can also be automated. For example, the pallet replenishment operation and the pallet recycling operation can also be performed by an automated guided vehicle (AGV). In this embodiment, the pallet replenishment operation (including the pallet recycling operation performed in the return of the pallet replenishment operation) is periodically performed (periodic replenishment) at a predetermined time interval (e.g., 30 minutes).

[0048] Next, the operation for generating a replenishment plan for replenishing (including preparation and recycling) the feeder 30 will be described. Figure 8It is a flowchart showing an example of the replenishment plan generation process executed by the CPU 81 of the management device 80.

[0049] When executing the replenishment plan generation process, the CPU 81 first calculates the required time of each component used in the plurality of component mounters 20 of the component mounting system 10 (step S100). This process is carried out by executing Figure 9 the component required time calculation process shown in the example. In the component required time calculation process, the CPU 81 first extracts a job to be processed (target job) from the production plan (step S200). Next, the CPU 81 extracts the required components in the target job (step S210). In Figure 6 the production plan, if the CPU 81 extracts JobA as the job to be processed, it extracts PartA to PartN as the required components. When the CPU 81 has extracted the required components from the target job, it extracts the production start time of the target job, and generates a preparation component list with the extracted production start time as the replenishment deadline for the required components (step S220). Figure 10 It is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the preparation component list. As shown in the figure, the preparation component list is a list obtained by associating the component name (component category) of the required component with its replenishment deadline. Each component in the preparation component list is arranged in ascending order of the replenishment deadline.

[0050] Next, the CPU 81 predicts the exhaustion of components during production (step S230), and generates a component exhaustion list with the component exhaustion prediction time as the replenishment deadline (step S240). The prediction of component exhaustion can be carried out by comparing the production quantity of the job in progress with the remaining quantity of components used in the job based on the above production plan and feeder inventory information. Figure 11 It is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the component exhaustion list. As shown in the figure, the component exhaustion list is a list obtained by associating the component name (component category) of the component predicted to be exhausted with its replenishment deadline (component exhaustion prediction time). Each component in the component exhaustion list is arranged in ascending order of the replenishment deadline.

[0051] When the CPU 81 has generated a preparation component list and a component exhaustion list for the target job, it determines whether lists have been generated for all jobs included in the production plan (step S250). When the CPU 81 determines that there is a job in the production plan for which a list has not been generated, it returns to step S200 and repeatedly performs the processes of steps S210 to S240 of extracting the next target job and generating a changeover adjustment list and a component exhaustion list for the next target job. On the other hand, when the CPU 81 determines that there is no job in the production plan for which a list has not been generated, it generates a required time list obtained by merging the generated preparation component list and component exhaustion list (step S260), and ends the component required time calculation process.

[0052] Returning to the supply plan generation process, the CPU 81 then calculates the supply time of each component (step S110). This process is executed by Figure 12It is carried out by the replenishment time calculation process. In the replenishment time calculation process, the CPU 81 first sorts the required time list generated in step S100 in descending order of the replenishment deadline (step S300). Next, the CPU 81 sequentially extracts one component to be processed (target component) from the beginning of the required time list (in the order of descending replenishment deadline) (step S310). And the CPU 81 determines whether there is a replenishable slot in the regular replenishment times at regular time intervals before the replenishment deadline of the target component that can replenish the feeder 30 housing the target component (step S320). This process is carried out as follows: when assuming the components whose replenishment deadlines arrive before the replenishment deadline of the target component among the components of the required time list as replenished components, it is determined whether the value obtained by subtracting the number of feeders 30 housing the replenished components from the maximum accommodation number of the feeders 30 in each feeder storage 60 and each buffer area 21B is greater than the threshold value. For example, in two feeder storages 60, there are slots 42 for a maximum of 44 mountable feeders 30 respectively, and in each buffer area 21B of five component mounters 20, there are slots 42 for a maximum of 32 mountable feeders 30 respectively. In this case, the maximum accommodation number is 248 (44×2 + 32×5). The threshold value can be set to, for example, the accommodation number of one feeder storage 60. Thus, by loading and unloading the feeder table 40 (tray) with respect to the feeder storage 60, the feeder 30 can be replenished or retrieved in units of trays. In addition, the threshold value can also be set to 0, and each time one feeder 30 is replenished with respect to the feeder storage 60. In the present embodiment, since the replenishment of the feeder 30 (component) is carried out with respect to the feeder storage 60, during the replenishment process, it is necessary to ensure an empty slot in the feeder storage 60. However, even if the feeder storage 60 is full, as long as there is an empty slot in the buffer area 21B of each component mounter 20, an empty slot can be ensured in the feeder storage 60 by the loader 50 transferring the feeder 30 located in the feeder storage 60 to the empty slot in the buffer area 21B.

[0053] When the CPU 81 determines that there is a replenishable slot at the upcoming regular replenishment time, it proceeds to step S340. On the other hand, when the CPU 81 determines that there is no replenishable slot at the upcoming regular replenishment time, it adds a recycling list to ensure a replenishable slot (step S330). This process is carried out by extracting the used feeders 30 (components) from the feeders 30 (components) located in the feeder storage 60 and each buffer area 21B based on the job information and the feeder possession information and adding them to the recycling list. In addition, when the used feeder 30 added to the recycling list is located in the buffer area 21B, the loader 50 transfers the used feeder 30 to the feeder storage 60.

[0054] Next, the CPU 81 determines whether the target component can catch up with the replenishment at the upcoming regular replenishment time (step S340). This process is carried out by determining whether the number of components with the same replenishment time as the regular replenishment time that is the determination target in step S340 among the components with the replenishment time set in step S350 or S380 described below reaches the maximum accommodation number of trays used in the feeder replenishment operation (for example, 32). If the number of these components does not reach the maximum accommodation number of trays, the CPU 81 determines that it can catch up with the replenishment at the upcoming regular replenishment time. On the other hand, if the number of these components reaches the maximum accommodation number of trays, the CPU 81 cannot further assemble a new feeder 30 on the tray, so it determines that it cannot catch up with the replenishment at the upcoming regular replenishment time.

[0055] When the CPU 81 determines that it can catch up with the replenishment at the upcoming regular replenishment time, it sets the upcoming regular replenishment time as the replenishment time of the target component, and if there is an addition in the recycling list in step S330, it sets the regular replenishment time as the recycling time of the added recycling list (step S350). On the other hand, when the CPU 81 determines that it cannot catch up with the replenishment at the upcoming regular replenishment time, it searches for a regular replenishment time that can catch up with the replenishment by tracing back to the previous regular replenishment time each time until it finds a regular replenishment time that can catch up with the replenishment (steps S360, 370). And when the CPU 81 finds a regular replenishment time that can catch up with the replenishment, it sets the regular replenishment time as the replenishment time of the target component, and if there is an addition in the recycling list in step S330, it sets the regular replenishment time as the recycling time of the added recycling list (step S380).

[0056] When the replenishment time of the target component is set in this way, the CPU 81 determines whether there is a component for which the replenishment time has not been set in the required time list (step S390). When the CPU 81 determines that there is a component for which the replenishment time has not been set in the required time list, it returns to step S310 and repeatedly performs the processes of steps S310 to S380 of extracting the next target component and setting its replenishment time. On the other hand, when the CPU 81 determines that there is no component for which the replenishment time has not been set in the required time list, the replenishment time calculation process ends accordingly.

[0057] Returning to the replenishment plan generation process, the CPU 81 then calculates the preparation time (preparation start time or preparation end time) for each component set with the replenishment time in order to catch up with the replenishment time (step S120), outputs the calculated preparation time as a list to the display 86 or a portable information terminal (not shown) carried by the operator (step S130), and ends the replenishment plan generation process. The operator prepares the feeder 30 containing the required components according to the indicated preparation time, and when the regular replenishment time arrives, replenishes the prepared feeder 30 to the feeder storage 60 in units of trays. In addition, when there is a used feeder 30 to be recycled in the recycling list, the operator returns to recycle the feeder 30. Thus, the replenishment and recycling of the feeder 30 can be performed efficiently. In addition, by replenishing the feeder 30 used in future production in advance on a regular basis, even if there are fluctuations in the replenishment of the feeder 30, the feeder storage 60 and the buffer area 21B can function as buffer parts, and the execution (production) of the operation can be continued.

[0058] Here, the correspondence between the main elements of this embodiment and the main elements described in the claims will be described. That is, the component mounting system 10 of this embodiment corresponds to the component mounting system of the present disclosure, the component mounter 20 corresponds to the component mounter, the feeder storage 60 and the buffer area 21B of the component mounter 20 correspond to the storage unit, and the loader 50 corresponds to the transfer device.

[0059] In addition, it goes without saying that the present disclosure is not limited to any of the above embodiments, and can be implemented in various ways as long as it belongs to the technical scope of the present disclosure.

[0060] For example, in the above embodiment, the CPU 81 extracts components in order from the one with the later replenishment deadline in the required time list and sets their replenishment times, but it is also possible to extract components in order from the one with the earlier replenishment deadline and set their replenishment times.

[0061] In addition, in the above-described embodiment, as a storage location for temporarily storing the feeder 30, the component mounting system 10 includes a feeder storage magazine 60 and a buffer area 21B of the component mounter 20. However, the component mounting system 10 may include only one of the feeder storage magazine 60 and the buffer area 21B. Further, in the case where only the buffer area 21B is provided as the storage location for the feeder 30, an operator or an automated guided vehicle may directly supply the feeder 30 to the buffer area 21B.

[0062] As described above, the component supply method of the present disclosure is used in a component mounting system including a component mounter, a storage unit, and a transfer device, for supplying a feeder to the storage unit, the component mounter picking up and mounting components from the feeder; the storage unit temporarily storing the feeder containing the components used in the component mounter; the transfer device transferring the feeder between the storage unit and the component mounter, and in the component supply method, obtaining the available quantity of the storage unit capable of accommodating the feeder, and based on the available quantity of the storage unit, determining a plurality of feeders to be prepared at each predetermined regular supply time, and supplying the plurality of feeders to the storage unit together at each of the regular supply times.

[0063] In the component supply method of the present disclosure, an operator can centrally prepare the feeders in a quantity corresponding to the available status of the storage unit, and thus can efficiently prepare the feeders as compared with the case where the feeder preparation operations occur scattered according to the usage time of the components. Further, since the plurality of feeders prepared at each regular supply time are supplied to the storage unit together, the feeder supply can be efficiently performed.

[0064] In such a component storage method of the present disclosure, it may also be to obtain the usage time of each component of the components used in the component mounter, and based on the available quantity of the storage unit and the usage time of each of the components, determine the plurality of feeders to be prepared in such a manner that the feeder containing the component to be replenished is supplied at a supply time earlier than the usage time of the component to be replenished among the regular supply times. In this way, it is possible to more reliably catch up with the usage time of the component by supplying the feeder, and it is possible to prevent the interruption of production.

[0065] In this case, it may also be to determine the plurality of feeders to be prepared in such a manner that the feeder containing the component to be replenished is preferentially supplied at a supply time close to the usage time of the component to be replenished among the regular supply times. In this way, it is possible to suppress the situation where the available quantity of the storage unit becomes small because the component with a later usage time is replenished first and the component with an earlier usage time cannot be stored in the storage unit.

[0066] In addition, in the component supply method of the present disclosure, it may also be that when the available quantity in the storage unit is insufficient, based on using the used feeder in the feeder stored in the storage unit as the recycling target, the plurality of feeders to be prepared are determined, and at the regular supply time, together with the supply of the plurality of feeders, the feeder serving as the recycling target is recycled. In this way, the available quantity in the storage unit can be increased, and more unused components (feeders) can be stored.

[0067] In addition, in the component supply method of the present disclosure, it may also be that the plurality of feeders assembled in the plurality of slots of the tray are supplied together with the tray, and the plurality of feeders to be prepared are determined within the range of the number of slots of the tray. In this way, the supply of components (feeders) can be carried out more efficiently.

[0068] In addition, the present disclosure is not limited to the manner of the component supply method, and can also be set as the manner of a management device that manages the supply of feeders to the storage unit.

[0069] Industrial applicability

[0070] The present disclosure can be applied to the manufacturing industry such as component mounting systems and management devices.

[0071] Explanation of reference numerals

[0072] 10, component mounting system; 12, printing device; 14, printing inspection device; 18, guide rail; 20, component mounter; 21, assembled part; 21A, supply area; 21B, buffer area; 22, substrate conveying device; 24, head moving device; 24a, slider; 25, head; 26, marking camera; 27, part camera; 29, mounting control device; 29a, CPU; 29b, ROM; 29c, HDD; 29d, RAM; 30, feeder; 32, tape reel; 33, tape feeding mechanism; 35, connector; 39, feeder control device; 40, feeder table; 42, slot; 45, connector; 50, loader; 51, loader moving device; 52a, X-axis motor; 52b, guide roller; 53, feeder transfer device; 54, clamping part; 55, Y-axis slider; 55a, Y-axis motor; 55b, Y-axis guide rail; 56a, Z-axis motor; 56b, Z-axis guide rail; 57, position sensor; 58, monitoring sensor; 59, loader control device; 60, feeder storage; 80, management device; 81, CPU; 82, ROM; 83, HDD; 84, RAM; 85, input device; 86, display; 100, component warehouse; 101, external preparation area; 102, recycling area.

Claims

1. A component replenishment method is used in a component mounting system including a component mounter, a storage unit, and a transfer device, and is used to replenish the feeder to the storage unit. The component mounter picks up components from the feeder and mounts them; the storage unit temporarily stores the feeder containing the components used in the component mounter; the transfer device transfers the feeder between the storage unit and the component mounter; the feeder is a cassette-type tape feeder, the component mounter is provided with a feeder table having a plurality of slots for inserting the feeder, and the storage unit is provided with a feeder table having the same plurality of slots as the feeder table of the component mounter. Among them, The component replenishment method includes the following steps: Replenish the feeder at a predetermined regular replenishment time at every predetermined time interval. Obtain the number of available slots in the storage unit at the regular replenishment time that can replenish the target feeder containing the target component before the replenishment deadline of the target component. Determine whether the target component can catch up with the replenishment at the upcoming regular replenishment time based on the obtained number of available slots, and set the upcoming regular replenishment time as the replenishment time of the target feeder when it is determined that it can catch up, thereby determining the plurality of feeders corresponding to the available slots to be prepared at each predetermined regular replenishment time. Obtain the usage time of each component used in the component mounter. Based on the number of available slots and the usage time of each component, determine the plurality of feeders corresponding to the available slots to be prepared in such a way that the target feeder is replenished at a replenishment time earlier than the usage time of the target component of the target feeder at the regular replenishment time. Replenish the plurality of feeders to the storage unit together at each regular replenishment time.

2. The component replenishment method according to claim 1, wherein Determine the plurality of feeders corresponding to the available slots to be prepared in such a way that the feeder containing the component as the replenishment target is preferentially replenished at a replenishment time close to the usage time of the component as the replenishment target at the regular replenishment time.

3. The component replenishment method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein When the number of available slots in the storage unit is insufficient, determine the plurality of feeders corresponding to the available slots based on taking the used-up feeder stored in the storage unit as the recycling target. At the regular replenishment time, recycle the feeder as the recycling target together with the replenishment of the plurality of feeders.

4. A management device is used in a component mounting system, and the component mounting system includes: a component mounter that picks up components from a feeder and mounts them; a storage unit that temporarily stores the feeder containing the components used in the component mounter; and a transfer device that transfers the feeder between the storage unit and the component mounter. The feeder is a cassette-type tape feeder. The component mounter is provided with a feeder table having a plurality of slots into which the feeders are inserted. The storage unit is provided with a feeder table having the same plurality of slots as the feeder table of the component mounter. Among them, The management device is configured to replenish the feeders at a predetermined regular replenishment time at predetermined time intervals, obtain the number of available slots in the storage unit that can replenish the target feeder accommodating the target component at the regular replenishment time that is about to arrive before the replenishment deadline of the target component, determine whether the target component can catch up with the replenishment at the upcoming regular replenishment time based on the obtained number of available slots, and set the upcoming regular replenishment time as the replenishment time of the target feeder when it is determined that the target component can catch up, thereby determining the plurality of feeders corresponding to the available slots to be prepared at each predetermined regular replenishment time, obtain the usage time of each component used in the component mounter, determine the plurality of feeders corresponding to the available slots to be prepared in such a way that the target feeder is replenished at a replenishment time earlier than the usage time of the target component of the target feeder among the regular replenishment times based on the number of available slots and the usage time of each component, supply the plurality of feeders to the storage unit together at each regular replenishment time.

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