Changeover adjustment device and component installation system

Abstract

The changeover adjustment device (2) includes a pallet transport unit (26) that transfers a pallet (P) (transport pallet) carrying a suction nozzle (N) (used component) taken from the pallet storage warehouse (22) (component storage warehouse) to a substrate conveyor (31) of the component mounting machine (3). Therefore, the suction nozzle (N) used by the component mounting machine (3) can be accurately dispatched to the component mounting machine (3).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a technique for adjusting the components used by a component mounting machine that performs component mounting to a substrate relative to the component mounting machine. Background Technology

[0002] In component mounting machines, suction nozzles are used to pick up components during component mounting onto a substrate. Furthermore, different nozzles are used depending on the size and shape of the component being picked up. Therefore, when the type of substrate on which components are mounted using the component mounting machine changes, it is necessary to appropriately adjust the suction nozzles relative to the component mounting machine. Patent Document 1 discloses a suction nozzle management device that prepares suction nozzles in a suction nozzle tray. By using this suction nozzle management device, the operation required for changeover adjustments can be simplified.

[0003] Existing technical documents

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] Patent document 1: Japanese Patent No. 6129201. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0007] However, for components such as nozzles used in component mounting, it is required that the component be precisely shipped to the component mounting machine that uses it in order to perform component mounting. In contrast, in Patent Document 1, the nozzle (useful component) is simply prepared in the nozzle tray, which is not sufficient to meet this requirement.

[0008] The present invention was made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and its object is to enable the accurate dispatching of the components used by the component mounting machine to the component mounting machine.

[0009] Methods for solving problems

[0010] The changeover adjustment apparatus of the present invention comprises: a pallet transport unit arranged in parallel with a substrate conveyor having a substrate transport conveyor and a substrate mounting machine having substrate mounting components supported on the substrate conveyor, wherein the pallet transport unit performs the handover of transport pallets between the pallet transport unit and the substrate conveyor; and a component storage warehouse storing components used by the component mounting machine that are different from components and substrates, wherein the pallet transport unit hands over a transport pallet containing the components taken from the component storage warehouse to the substrate conveyor.

[0011] In this invention (changeover adjustment device), a pallet transport unit is included to transfer a transport pallet carrying a component taken from the component storage warehouse to the substrate conveyor of the component mounting machine. Therefore, the component to be used by the component mounting machine can be accurately dispatched from the warehouse.

[0012] Alternatively, the changeover adjustment device can be configured to include a transfer head that loads usable components retrieved from the component storage warehouse onto a transport pallet, and a pallet transport unit that transfers the transport pallet loaded with the usable components onto a substrate conveyor. In this configuration, the usable components retrieved from the component storage warehouse are loaded onto the transport pallet by the transfer head, and the transport pallet is then transferred by the pallet transport unit to the substrate conveyor of the component mounting machine. This ensures that usable components used by the component mounting machine are accurately retrieved from the warehouse.

[0013] Alternatively, the changeover adjustment device can be configured to include a component removal section that retrieves and supports components from a component storage warehouse, and a transfer head that places the components supported on the component removal section onto a transport pallet. In this configuration, the components retrieved from the component storage warehouse by the component removal section are supported on the component removal section. Furthermore, the components supported on the component removal section are placed onto a transport pallet by the transfer head, and the transport pallet is transferred by a pallet transport section to the substrate conveyor of the component mounting machine. In this way, the components used by the component mounting machine can be accurately retrieved from the warehouse.

[0014] Alternatively, the changeover adjustment device can be configured such that: a component storage warehouse holds multiple storage trays, each containing a component for use; a component retrieval unit supports storage trays retrieved from the component storage warehouse and transport trays retrieved from the tray transport unit; and a transfer head moves the component for use from the storage trays supported by the component retrieval unit to the transport trays. In this structure, the storage trays containing the component for use are stored in the component storage warehouse, and the storage trays retrieved from the component storage warehouse by the component retrieval unit are supported by the component retrieval unit. Furthermore, the component for use placed on the storage trays supported by the component retrieval unit is transferred by the transfer head to the transport tray, which is then transferred by the tray transport unit to the substrate conveyor of the component mounting machine. This allows for the accurate retrieval of the component for use by the component mounting machine.

[0015] Alternatively, the changeover adjustment device can be configured such that the component removal section has a support conveyor that supports storage pallets retrieved from the component storage warehouse and transport pallets retrieved from the pallet transport section, and an elevator that moves the support conveyor in the vertical direction. In this structure, the transfer head simply moves the components to be used from the storage pallets supported on the support conveyor to the transport pallets, thus simplifying the operation of the transfer head. Moreover, by having such a support conveyor and elevator, it can be configured as follows.

[0016] In other words, the changeover adjustment device can be configured such that, in a component storage warehouse, multiple storage pallets are arranged vertically, and the component retrieval unit, using a lift to align one of the storage pallets with the support conveyor, retrieves that one storage pallet from the component storage warehouse and delivers it to the support conveyor. In this configuration, the desired storage pallet can be precisely retrieved from the multiple storage pallets stored in the component storage warehouse and delivered to the support conveyor.

[0017] Alternatively, the changeover adjustment device can be configured such that, with the part removal unit using a lift to align the height of the pallet transport unit and the support conveyor, it retrieves a transport pallet from the pallet transport unit and delivers it to the support conveyor. In this configuration, the transport pallet can be accurately retrieved from the pallet transport unit and delivered to the support conveyor.

[0018] Alternatively, the changeover adjustment device can be configured such that: the pallet transport unit has a transfer conveyor arranged adjacent to the component removal unit and an outbound conveyor arranged in parallel with the substrate conveyor and positioned between the transfer conveyor and the substrate conveyor; the outbound conveyor transports transport pallets from the transfer conveyor to the substrate conveyor; and the transfer conveyor shifts between a first position for transferring transport pallets with the outbound conveyor and a second position for transferring transport pallets with the component removal unit. In this configuration, the transfer conveyor transports transport pallets carrying used components from the component removal unit to the outbound conveyor. Furthermore, the transfer conveyor shifts between the first and second positions. Therefore, the transfer conveyor can be shifted to positions suitable for transferring transport pallets with the component removal unit and with the outbound conveyor, respectively, thus accurately performing the transfer of transport pallets.

[0019] Furthermore, the changeover adjustment device can be configured to include a maintenance unit that performs maintenance on the components being transported from the component removal section by the transfer head. In this configuration, maintenance on the components can be performed within the changeover adjustment device, ensuring that the components are maintained in a suitable condition.

[0020] Alternatively, the changeover adjustment device can be configured to include a door for opening and closing the parts storage area. In this configuration, the operator can access the parts storage area by opening the door and appropriately perform tasks such as replenishing the parts stored in the storage area.

[0021] The component mounting system of the present invention includes: the changeover adjustment device described above; and a component mounting machine having a substrate conveyor for transporting substrates, wherein a mounting head is used to mount components to substrates supported on the substrate conveyor, the pallet transport section of the changeover adjustment device and the substrate conveyor of the component mounting machine are arranged in parallel to perform pallet exchange, and the component mounting machine retrieves the components to be used by taking out the components from the transport pallets transported from the changeover adjustment device. Therefore, the components to be used by the component mounting machine can be accurately dispatched from the component mounting machine.

[0022] The transport pallet of the present invention comprises: a component holding section for holding a component that is different from the component and substrate and is used by a substrate conveyor having a substrate conveyor and a component mounting machine supporting substrate mounting components on the substrate conveyor; and a base having a mounting surface for placement on the substrate conveyor. By using this transport pallet, a transport pallet containing the component can be transported from a changeover adjustment device to the substrate conveyor of the component mounting machine, thereby releasing the component to the component mounting machine. Therefore, it is possible to accurately release the component used by the component mounting machine to the component mounting machine.

[0023] Invention Effects

[0024] According to the present invention, it is possible to accurately dispatch the components used by the component mounting machine to the component mounting machine. Attached Figure Description

[0025] Figure 1 This is a block diagram illustrating an example of the component mounting system involved in the present invention.

[0026] Figure 2A This is a top view schematically showing the structure of the production change adjustment device.

[0027] Figure 2B This is a side view schematically showing the structure of the production change adjustment device.

[0028] Figure 2C This diagram schematically illustrates an example of outbound preparation performed by a production changeover adjustment device.

[0029] Figure 2D This diagram schematically illustrates an example of a nozzle being dispensed from the warehouse during a production changeover adjustment process.

[0030] Figure 3 This is a top view schematically illustrating an example of a component mounting machine.

[0031] Figure 4A This is a partial cross-sectional view schematically showing the structure of the tray.

[0032] Figure 4B This is a partial cross-sectional view schematically showing the structure of the tray.

[0033] Figure 4C This diagram schematically illustrates the structure and operation of the tray operating section of a component mounting machine.

[0034] Figure 4D This is a schematic diagram illustrating the structure and operation of the tray operating section of a component mounting machine.

[0035] Figure 5A This is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of a pallet transport pattern that can be performed by a substrate production line.

[0036] Figure 5B This is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of a pallet transport pattern that can be performed by a substrate production line.

[0037] Figure 5C This is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of a pallet transport pattern that can be performed by a substrate production line.

[0038] Figure 5D This is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of a pallet transport pattern that can be performed by a substrate production line.

[0039] Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of a method for creating instructions for a changeover adjustment device.

[0040] Figure 7 It is shown in Figure 6 The flowchart is the first example of the outbound plan determined in the flowchart.

[0041] Figure 8A This is a diagram illustrating an example of nozzle holding information for a component mounting machine.

[0042] Figure 8B This is a diagram illustrating an example of the information regarding the intended use of a nozzle on a component mounting machine.

[0043] Figure 8C This is a diagram showing the first example of nozzle information for the nozzle representing the nozzle of the object being shipped to the component mounting machine.

[0044] Figure 9 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of a method for creating instructions for a changeover adjustment device and a component mounting machine.

[0045] Figure 10 It is shown in Figure 9 The flowchart shows the second example of the outbound plan determined in the flowchart.

[0046] Figure 11 It is shown in Figure 9 The flowchart shows the first example of the recycling scheme determined in the flowchart.

[0047] Figure 12A This is a diagram showing a second example of outbound object nozzle information representing the outbound object nozzle of the component mounting machine.

[0048] Figure 12B This is a diagram showing an example of recycling object nozzle information from a component mounting machine.

[0049] Figure 13 It is shown in Figure 9 The flowchart for the third example of the outbound plan determined in the flowchart.

[0050] Figure 14 It is shown in Figure 9 The flowchart in the second example is the flowchart of the recycling scheme implemented.

[0051] Figure 15A This is a flowchart illustrating the fourth example of the decision-making process for the outbound plan.

[0052] Figure 15B It is shown that... Figure 15A The flowchart illustrates an example of how the outbound plan determines the corresponding recycling plan.

[0053] Figure 16 This is a flowchart illustrating the first example of production line changeover management for managing changeover adjustments on each substrate production line of a component mounting system.

[0054] Figure 17 This is a flowchart illustrating the first example of instruction receiving and processing performed by the production changeover adjustment device.

[0055] Figure 18A This is a flowchart illustrating the first example of instruction receiving and processing performed by a component mounting machine.

[0056] Figure 18B This is a flowchart illustrating a second example of instruction receiving and processing performed by a component mounting machine.

[0057] Figure 19 This is a flowchart illustrating a second example of production line changeover management for each substrate production line in a component mounting system.

[0058] Figure 20 This is a flowchart illustrating a second example of instruction receiving and processing performed by the production changeover adjustment device.

[0059] Figure 21 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of maintenance preparation performed by the production changeover adjustment device.

[0060] Figure 22 This is a flowchart illustrating the fifth example of a decision-making process for an outbound shipment plan.

[0061] Figure 23 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of detailed condition management for outbound procedures.

[0062] Figure 24 This is a top view schematically showing a modified example of the production change adjustment device.

[0063] Figure 25 This diagram schematically illustrates the use of support pins in a component mounting machine.

[0064] Figure 26 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the outbound control of support pins. Detailed Implementation

[0065] Figure 1 This is a block diagram illustrating an example of the component mounting system according to the present invention. The component mounting system 1 includes multiple substrate production lines L arranged side-by-side. Each substrate production line L includes a changeover adjustment device 2 and multiple component mounting machines 3 arranged in a straight line in the X direction, parallel to the horizontal direction. Substrates are sequentially fed into the multiple component mounting machines 3 by transporting substrates in the X direction, and components are mounted onto the substrates at each component mounting machine 3, thereby producing substrates with mounted components. Thus, the X direction is the direction in which substrates are transported in the substrate production line L. Furthermore, in Figure 1 The diagram shows the forward X1 and the reverse X2, which are opposite to the forward X1, during substrate production.

[0066] Furthermore, the component mounting system 1 includes a server computer 100 that manages the substrate production line L. This server computer 100 includes a computing unit 110, a user interface (UI) 120, a communication unit 130, and a storage unit 140. The computing unit 110 is, for example, a processor composed of a CPU (Central Processing Unit) that performs calculations within the server computer 100. The UI 120 includes input devices such as a mouse and keyboard, and output devices such as a display, allowing operators to input data into the server computer 100 and to view data output from the server computer 100 using the output devices. The communication unit 130 communicates with the changeover adjustment device 2 and the component mounting machine 3 of each substrate production line L. The storage unit 140 is a storage device such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or SSD (Solid State Drive) that stores data and programs used by the server computer 100.

[0067] Figure 2A This is a schematic top view showing the structure of the production change adjustment device. Figure 2B This is a schematic side view illustrating the structure of the production changeover adjustment device. Figure 2A and Figure 2B The diagram shows the X-direction, the Y-direction (parallel to the horizontal and orthogonal to the X-direction), and the Z-direction (parallel to the vertical). For example... Figure 2B As shown, the production changeover adjustment device 2 includes a controller 200 that controls the entire control device. The controller 200 has a processor such as a CPU or a computing device such as an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), and a storage device such as an HDD or SSD. It performs communication with the server computer 100 and the component mounting machine 3, and controls the actions in the production changeover adjustment device 2, which will be described later.

[0068] The production changeover adjustment device 2 includes a main housing 211 and a secondary housing 212 adjacent to the main housing 211 in the Y direction. The controller 200 is disposed inside the main housing 211. The main housing 211 and the secondary housing 212 are interconnected, and the pallet P (described later) can be moved between the main housing 211 and the secondary housing 212.

[0069] Furthermore, the changeover adjustment device 2 includes a pallet storage container 22 disposed within the main housing 211. The pallet storage container 22 has a plurality of storage slits 221 arranged in the Z direction, storing pallets P inserted into each storage slit 221. In other words, the pallet storage container 22 can store a plurality of pallets P arranged in the Z direction. The pallet storage container 22 has openings on both sides in the Y direction, through which pallets P can be inserted into and removed from the storage slits 221. The pallets P can hold suction nozzles used by the component mounting machine 3, as described later. In contrast, the pallet storage container 22 can store both pallets P with suction nozzles and empty pallets P without suction nozzles.

[0070] In addition, a door 211A is provided on the main housing 211 corresponding to the pallet storage 22, through which the pallet storage 22 can be opened and closed. Therefore, by opening the door 211A, the operator can perform operations such as inserting pallet P into the pallet storage 22 and taking pallet P out of the pallet storage 22.

[0071] Furthermore, the production changeover adjustment device 2 includes a pallet removal section 23 disposed within the main housing 211. This pallet removal section 23 is disposed in the Y direction between the pallet storage unit 22 and the sub-housing unit 212. The pallet removal section 23 has storage conveyors 24s and transport conveyors 24c arranged in the Y direction. The storage conveyors 24s are disposed adjacent to the pallet storage unit 22, and the transport conveyors 24c are disposed adjacent to the sub-housing unit 212. Each of the storage conveyors 24s and the transport conveyors 24c has a pair of belt conveyors 241 arranged side-by-side in the Y direction. Each of the storage conveyors 24s and the transport conveyors 24c drives the pallet P in the Y direction by supporting the pallet P with the belt conveyors 241 and rotating the belt conveyors 241. The rotation of these belt conveyors 241 is controlled by a controller 200.

[0072] Additionally, the pallet retrieval unit 23 includes a pallet puller 243 disposed between a pair of belt conveyors 241 of the storage conveyor 24s. This pallet puller 243 has a hook that moves forward and backward in the Y direction, enabling it to pull pallet P from the pallet storage unit 22. The forward and backward movement of the hook of the pallet puller 243 is controlled by a controller 200.

[0073] Additionally, the pallet removal unit 23 includes a support frame 231 supporting the storage conveyor 24s, the transport conveyor 24c, and the pallet puller 243, and a lift 233 that drives the support frame 231 in the Z direction. Furthermore, as the lift 233 raises and lowers the support frame 231, the storage conveyor 24s, the transport conveyor 24c, and the pallet puller 243 also rise and fall. The raising and lowering of the lift 233 is controlled by the controller 200. It should be noted that... Figure 2B In the diagram, the storage conveyor 24s, the transport conveyor 24c, the pallet puller 243, and the support frame 2 are shown by solid and dashed lines respectively, but the diagram does not show that there are two sets of them, but rather that they can be located in multiple positions.

[0074] Additionally, the changeover adjustment device 2 includes a transfer unit 25 disposed within the main housing 211. The transfer unit 25 includes a transfer head 251 and a head drive mechanism 253 that drives the transfer head 251 in the X, Y, and Z directions, respectively. A pneumatic chuck 252 is mounted at the lower end of the transfer head 251, and the transfer head 251 performs the gripping and releasing of the suction nozzle by opening and closing the pneumatic chuck 252. This transfer head 251 can perform the removal and placement of suction nozzles on the pallet P supported on the storage conveyor 24s or the transport conveyor 24c. The drive of the transfer head 251 by the head drive mechanism 253 and the gripping / releasing of the suction nozzles by the pneumatic chuck 252 of the transfer head 251 are controlled by a controller 200. Furthermore, a camera 255 is mounted on the transfer head 251, and the controller 200 can identify, for example, the suction nozzle removed from the transfer head 251 based on images captured by the camera 255.

[0075] The changeover adjustment device 2 includes a pallet transport section 26 disposed within the sub-housing 212. The pallet transport section 26 has two outbound conveyors 27 disposed on both sides in the X direction and a transfer conveyor 28 disposed between these outbound conveyors 27. The sub-housing 212 and each outbound conveyor 27 are provided with openings 212A facing the X direction, and the ends of each outbound conveyor 27 protrude from the openings 212A to the outside of the sub-housing 212.

[0076] Each outbound conveyor 27 has a pair of belt conveyors 271 arranged side-by-side in the X direction. Each outbound conveyor 27 drives the pallet P in the X direction by supporting the pallet P with the belt conveyor 271 and rotating the belt conveyor 271. Therefore, the outbound conveyor 27 can transport the pallet P out of or into the opening 212A using the belt conveyor 271. The rotation of the belt conveyor 271 is controlled by the controller 200.

[0077] The transfer conveyor 28 has a pair of belt conveyors 281 arranged side by side, which drive the pallet P by supporting the pallet P with the belt conveyors 281 and rotating the belt conveyors 281. This transfer conveyor 28 is capable of... Figure 2A The rotation is between the solid line (R1) and the dashed line (R2). Here, rotation position R2 is equivalent to causing rotation position R1 to rotate between... Figure 2A The pallet conveyor 26 has rotated 90 degrees clockwise. That is, the pallet transport unit 26 has a rotary drive unit 261 that rotates the transfer conveyor 28, allowing the transfer conveyor 28 to selectively occupy either a rotational position R1 or a rotational position R2. When the transfer conveyor 28 is in rotational position R1, it can drive the pallet P in the X direction and transfer the pallet P to the outbound conveyor 27 adjacent to it in the X direction. Conversely, when the transfer conveyor 28 is in rotational position R2, it can drive the pallet P in the Y direction and transfer the pallet P to the transport conveyor 24c (pallet take-out unit 23) adjacent to it in the Y direction. It should be noted that the rotation of the belt conveyor 281 and the drive of the belt conveyor 281 by the rotary drive unit 261 are controlled by the controller 200.

[0078] It should be noted that when the transfer conveyor 28 is in the rotating position R1, the outbound conveyor 27, the transfer conveyor 28, and the outbound conveyor 27 arranged in a straight line can be used to transport the substrate B (described later). Therefore, the supply of substrate B to the component mounting machine 3 can be performed via the outbound conveyor 27, the transfer conveyor 28, and the outbound conveyor 27 of the changeover adjustment device 2.

[0079] Additionally, the tray removal unit 23 includes an inspection unit 291 and a cleaning unit 292 disposed within the main housing 211. The inspection unit 291 inspects the condition of the suction nozzle. Specifically, the appearance of the suction nozzle can be inspected by taking pictures with a camera, or the blockage of the suction nozzle can be checked based on the airflow supplied to the suction nozzle. The cleaning unit 292 can clean the suction nozzle, for example, by ultrasonic cleaning. The transfer of the suction nozzle to the inspection unit 291 and the cleaning unit 292 is performed by the transfer head 251. Specifically, the transfer head 251 transfers the suction nozzle N between the tray P supported on the storage conveyor 24s or the transport conveyor 24c and the inspection unit 291 or the cleaning unit 292.

[0080] Furthermore, the changeover adjustment device 2 includes a display 297 and a reader 298 mounted on the outer wall of the main housing 211. The display 297, under the control of the controller 200, displays various information to the operator, such as the type and number of nozzles stored in the pallet storage 22. The reader 298 is an optical scanner that reads the pallet ID attached to the pallet P for identification. For example, the operator uses the reader 298 to read the pallet ID of the pallet P that is being stored in the pallet storage 22 after the door 211A is opened. The pallet ID read by the reader 298 is then sent to the controller 200. Thus, the controller 200 can confirm the pallet P that has been stored in the pallet storage 22.

[0081] Figure 2C This diagram schematically illustrates an example of outbound preparation performed by a production changeover adjustment device. Figure 2C The actions of each step are executed under the control of the controller 200. In step S11, the storage conveyor 24s is positioned at the same height as the pallet P, which is the object being retrieved from the pallet storage 22. The pallet P is an empty pallet P without a suction nozzle.

[0082] In step S12, for the empty pallet P that becomes the object, the pallet puller 243 pulls the pallet P onto the storage conveyor 24s, and the storage conveyor 24s and the transport conveyor 24c cooperate to transport the pallet P from the storage conveyor 24s to the transport conveyor 24c. In this way, the empty pallet P is supported on the transport conveyor 24c.

[0083] Then, steps S13, S14, and S15 are performed to sequentially load the nozzles that will be shipped onto the empty pallet P. That is, the storage conveyor 24s is positioned at the same height as the pallet P containing the nozzles that will be shipped (step S13). Then, the pallet puller 243 pulls the pallet P onto the storage conveyor 24s. Thus, the pallet P on the transport conveyor 24c and the pallet P on the storage conveyor 24s are adjacent in the Y direction. Then, the transfer head 251 moves the nozzles that will be shipped from the pallet P on the storage conveyor 24s to the pallet P on the transport conveyor 24c. Next, the storage conveyor 24s returns the pallet P with the nozzles removed to the pallet storage 22 (step S15). Steps S13, S14, and S15 are repeated until all the nozzles that will be shipped are loaded onto the pallet P on the transport conveyor 24c. And, once all the nozzles have been loaded, the process is completed. Figure 2D Steps S16~S19.

[0084] Figure 2D This diagram schematically illustrates an example of a nozzle being dispensed from the warehouse during a production changeover adjustment process. Figure 2D Each step of the process is executed under the control of the controller 200. In step S16, with the transfer conveyor 28 in the rotating position R2, the transport conveyor 24c transports the pallet P to the transfer conveyor 28. In step S17, the transfer conveyor 28 retrieves the pallet P from the transport conveyor 24c. In step S18, the transfer conveyor 28 rotates from the rotating position R2 to the rotating position R1. With the transfer conveyor 28 in the rotating position R1, the transfer conveyor 28 transports the pallet P to the outbound conveyor 27. Then, the outbound conveyor 27 delivers the pallet P retrieved from the transfer conveyor 28 to the component mounting machine 3, thereby removing the suction nozzle placed on the pallet P (step S19).

[0085] It should be noted that by performing steps S16 to S19 in reverse order, the pallet P transported from the component mounting machine 3 can be transported to the transport conveyor 24c. Furthermore, by positioning the transport conveyor 24c and the storage conveyor 24s at the same height as the empty storage slit 221 in the pallet storage warehouse 22 and using the transport conveyor 24c and the storage conveyor 24s to transport the pallet P into the storage slit 221, the pallet P can be retrieved into the storage slit 221.

[0086] Figure 3 This is a schematic top view illustrating an example of a component mounting machine. The component mounting machine 3 is transported from the upstream side in the X direction (substrate transport direction) to the working position (…). Figure 3The component mounting machine 3 is used to mount components onto substrate B (at the position of substrate B) and transport the substrate B with mounted components from the working position downstream in the X direction. The component mounting machine 3 includes a controller 300 that controls the entire control system. The controller 300 has a processor such as a CPU or an FPGA, and a storage device such as an HDD or SSD, and performs communication with the server computer 100 and the component mounting machine 3, as well as control of the operations within the component mounting machine 3 (described later). The component mounting machine 3 includes a substrate conveyor 31 that transports substrate B in the X direction. The substrate conveyor 31 has a pair of belt conveyors 311 arranged side-by-side in the X direction, and transports the substrate B placed on the upper surface of each belt conveyor 311 in the X direction by rotating each belt conveyor 311. The substrate conveyor 31 performs the transport of substrate B into the working position and the transport of substrate B from the working position.

[0087] The component mounting machine 3 includes a pair of Y-axis rails 321 extending in the Y direction, a Y-axis ball screw 322 extending in the Y direction, and a Y-axis motor 323 that drives the rotation of the Y-axis ball screw 322. An X-axis rail 324 extending in the X direction is supported on the pair of Y-axis rails 321 and fixed to a nut on the Y-axis ball screw 322 in a manner allowing movement in the Y direction. An X-axis ball screw 325 extending in the X direction and an X-axis motor 326 that drives the rotation of the X-axis ball screw 325 are mounted on the X-axis rail 324. The head unit 33 is supported on the X-axis rail 324 in a manner allowing movement in the X direction and fixed to a nut on the X-axis ball screw 325. Therefore, the head unit 33 can be moved in the Y direction by rotating the Y-axis ball screw 322 using the Y-axis motor 323, or the head unit 33 can be moved in the X direction by rotating the X-axis ball screw 325 using the X-axis motor 326.

[0088] Two component supply sections 34 are arranged in the X direction on both sides of the substrate conveyor 31 in the Y direction. Each component supply section 34 is equipped with a feeder mounting trolley 35 that can be detached. Multiple belt feeders 36 arranged in the X direction are detachably mounted on the feeder mounting trolley 35. Each belt feeder 36 is equipped with a component supply belt, which holds small chip components such as integrated circuits, transistors, and capacitors at predetermined intervals. A component supply position 361 is provided at the top of each belt feeder 36. Each belt feeder 36 supplies components from the component supply belt to the component supply position 361 by intermittently feeding the component supply belt towards the substrate conveyor 31.

[0089] The head unit 33 has a plurality of mounting heads 331 arranged in the X direction. Each mounting head 331 has an elongated shape extending in the Z direction (vertical direction) and can be used to pick up / hold components by means of a suction nozzle N that is attached to its lower end in a snap-fit ​​manner. That is, the mounting head 331 moves upward toward the belt feeder 36 and picks up the components supplied to the component supply position 361 with the suction nozzle N. Then, the mounting head 331 moves upward toward the substrate B at the working position and releases the suction nozzle N from the components, thereby mounting the components onto the substrate B. In this way, the mounting head 331 performs component mounting, which removes the components supplied by the belt feeder 36 to the component supply position 361 from the component supply belt and mounts them onto the substrate B.

[0090] Furthermore, a camera 333 is installed in the head unit 33 to capture images of the area below. This camera 333 captures images of, for example, the reference mark attached to the substrate B, the tray ID attached to the tray P (described later), etc., and sends them to the controller 200.

[0091] Furthermore, the component mounting machine 3 includes a nozzle storage unit 37 disposed between the substrate conveyor 31 and the component supply unit 34. The nozzle storage unit 37 has multiple nozzle receiving holes 371, through which a nozzle N is inserted by its lower end into the nozzle receiving hole 371 to receive the nozzle. Moreover, the nozzle storage unit 37 has a gate that opens and closes all the nozzle receiving holes 371 simultaneously. By closing the gate relative to the nozzle receiving holes 371, the nozzle storage unit 37 prevents the nozzle N from being removed from or inserted into the nozzle receiving holes 371. On the other hand, by opening the gate relative to the nozzle receiving holes 371, the nozzle storage unit 37 allows the nozzle N to be removed from or inserted into the nozzle receiving holes 371.

[0092] By pressing the lower end of the mounting head 331 (without the nozzle N engaged) into the nozzle storage hole 371 of the nozzle reservoir 37, the nozzle N engages with the mounting head 331. This engagement is maintained by the elastic force of a spring, such as a leaf spring. Furthermore, by raising the mounting head 331 with the gate of the nozzle reservoir 37 open, the nozzle N engaged with the mounting head 331 is removed from the nozzle storage hole 371 (nozzle installation). Conversely, by lowering the nozzle N, engaged with the lower end of the mounting head 331, into the nozzle storage hole 371 with the gate of the nozzle reservoir 37 open, the nozzle N is inserted into the nozzle storage hole 371. Next, by closing the gate of the nozzle storage 37, the mounting head 331 is raised, and the lower end of the mounting head 331 disengages from the nozzle N held in the nozzle receiving hole 371, thus removing the nozzle N from the mounting head 331 (nozzle removal). By performing this combination of nozzle installation and nozzle removal, the nozzle N mounted on the mounting head 331 can be replaced.

[0093] Additionally, the component mounting machine 3 receives a pallet P from the changeover adjustment device 2 that was previously being shipped out of the machine. The component mounting machine 3 is equipped with a pallet operation unit 38 that performs operations on the pallet P. Next, regarding the pallet P and the pallet operation unit 38, and using... Figures 4A-4D Let me explain in detail.

[0094] Figure 4A and Figure 4B This is a partial cross-sectional view schematically showing the structure of the pallet. The pallet P has a rectangular base plate 41 when viewed from above in the Z direction. The base plate 41 has a storage plate portion 41A with multiple suction nozzle storage holes 411 and conveyor mounting portions 41B located on both sides of the storage plate portion 41A in the Y direction. The suction nozzle storage holes 411 penetrate the base plate 41 in the Z direction and hold suction nozzles N inserted from above. The storage plate portion 41A has a greater thickness than the conveyor mounting portion 41B and protrudes downward beyond the conveyor mounting portion 41B. Furthermore, the bottom surface of each conveyor mounting portion 41B is a horizontal mounting surface 41C. With the mounting surface 41C resting on the upper surface of the aforementioned belt conveyors 241, 271, 281, or 311, the pallet P is transported by the belt conveyors 241, 271, 281, or 311.

[0095] Furthermore, the tray P has a gate 43 mounted on the upper surface of the base plate 41. The gate 43 has multiple engaging portions 431 corresponding to multiple suction nozzle receiving holes 411 respectively. The gate 43 is movable relative to the base plate 41 in the X direction and is selectively positioned in an engaging position where the engaging portions 431 engage with the suction nozzle N housed in the suction nozzle receiving hole 411 from above. Figure 4A The gate 43 is in the engaged position, and the engaging part 431 is in the disengaged position, separating the suction nozzle N from the suction nozzle receiving hole 411. Furthermore, when the gate 43 is in the engaged position, the suction nozzle N is prevented from being removed from the suction nozzle receiving hole 411 by the engaging part 431 (that is, the gate 43 is closed). On the other hand, when the gate 43 is in the disengaged position, the suction nozzle N is allowed to be removed from the suction nozzle receiving hole 411 (that is, the gate 43 is open).

[0096] Figure 4C and Figure 4D This diagram schematically illustrates the structure and operation of the tray operating unit of a component mounting machine. The tray operating unit 38 includes a stop 381, an opening / closing cylinder 382 mounted on the stop 381, and a lifting cylinder 383 supporting the stop 381 and the opening / closing cylinder 382. Furthermore, the lifting cylinder 383 raises and lowers the stop 381 and the opening / closing cylinder 382 together, positioning them at a position overlapping the passage path of the tray P. Figure 4C and Figure 4DThe position of the tray P moves between the position of the tray P and the position of the tray P retracting downward from the passage path of the tray P. It should be noted that the passage path of the tray P is the path through which the tray P is transported in the X direction by the substrate conveyor 31.

[0097] In this structure, by retracting the stop 381 and the opening / closing cylinder 382 from the passage path of the pallet P, the pallet P can be transported in the X direction using the substrate conveyor 31. Conversely, by positioning the stop 381 within the passage path of the pallet P, the stop 381 can abut against the pallet P from its downstream side in the X direction, thus stopping the pallet P. Furthermore, the pallet operating unit 38 includes a single-axis robot 384 that drives the lifting cylinder 383 in the X direction. This single-axis robot 384 can be, for example, composed of a linear motor or a ball screw. When the single-axis robot 384 drives the lifting cylinder 383 in the X direction, the stop 381 and the opening / closing cylinder 382, ​​supported by the lifting cylinder 383, move in the X direction. Therefore, the position at which the pallet P is stopped using the stop 381 can be changed by the single-axis robot 384.

[0098] With the stop 381 abutting against the tray P, the gate 43 can be operated using the opening / closing cylinder 382. That is, by using the opening / closing cylinder 382 to drive the gate 43 in the X direction, the gate 43 can be positioned in the engaged position. Figure 4C The position of gate 43) and the separation position ( Figure 4D The gate 43 can be positioned at any of the following positions. It should be noted that the opening / closing cylinder 382 can, for example, use magnetic force to hold and drive the gate 43. Based on this tray P, similar to the aforementioned nozzle storage 37, the installation and removal of the nozzle N relative to the mounting head 331 can be performed.

[0099] In other words, by pressing the lower end of the mounting head 331 (without the nozzle N engaged) into the nozzle N held in the nozzle receiving hole 411 of the tray P, the nozzle N engages with the mounting head 331. Furthermore, by raising the mounting head 331 with the gate 43 of the tray P open (i.e., in the disengaged position), the nozzle N engaged with the mounting head 331 is removed from the nozzle receiving hole 411 of the tray P (nozzle installation). On the other hand, by lowering the nozzle N, which is engaged with the lower end of the mounting head 331, into the nozzle receiving hole 411 of the tray P with the gate 43 open, the nozzle N is inserted into the nozzle receiving hole 411. Then, by closing the nozzle receiving hole 411 of the tray P (i.e., in the engaged position), the mounting head 331 is raised, and the lower end of the mounting head 331 disengages from the nozzle N held in the nozzle receiving hole 411, thus removing the nozzle N from the mounting head 331 (nozzle removal). In such a component mounting machine 3, the movement of the nozzle N between the nozzle storage 37 and the tray P can be performed through the cooperation of the mounting head 331 and the tray operation unit 38.

[0100] In such a structure, such as Figure 1 As shown, the outbound conveyor 27 of the changeover adjustment device 2 belonging to the same substrate production line L and the substrate conveyors 31 of each component mounting machine 3 are arranged in a straight line to form a transport line. Therefore, the pallets P transported out of the changeover adjustment device 2 from the outbound conveyor 27 can be sequentially transported into multiple component mounting machines 3. Specifically, the following can be performed. Figures 5A-5D The following are the transport modes shown. It should be noted that the transport modes shown below are only a part of all transport modes that can be performed by the substrate production line L. In the substrate production line L, pallets P can be transported in other transport modes.

[0101] Figures 5A-5D This diagram schematically illustrates an example of a pallet transport pattern that can be executed by a substrate production line. It should be noted that... Figures 5A-5D In the diagram, the adjacent outbound conveyor 27 and substrate conveyor 31 are simply described as a pair of belt conveyors, and the two adjacent substrate conveyors 31 are simply described as a pair of belt conveyors.

[0102] exist Figure 5A In the transport mode, one pallet P is transported to each of the multiple component mounting machines 3. That is, pallets P are transported sequentially from the downstream side in the X direction among the multiple component mounting machines 3 arranged in a row in the X direction. Specifically, in steps S21 and S22, pallets P are transported from the changeover adjustment device 2 to the downstream component mounting machine 3 among the multiple component mounting machines 3. Next, in steps S23 and S24, pallets P are transported from the changeover adjustment device 2 to the downstream component mounting machine 3 in the X direction among the component mounting machines 3 that have not yet received pallets P. By repeatedly transporting pallets P in the same manner, as shown in step S25, pallets P are transported to each of the multiple component mounting machines 3.

[0103] exist Figure 5B In the transport mode, the number of pallets P is less than the number of component mounting machines 3 that become the destination of pallet P, so one pallet P is transported to two component mounting machines 3. Specifically, in step S31, pallet P is transported from the changeover adjustment device 2 to the odd-numbered component mounting machine 3 upstream in the X direction. In the next step S32, each pallet P is transported from the odd-numbered component mounting machine 3 downstream in the X direction, thereby being transported to the even-numbered component mounting machine 3.

[0104] exist Figure 5CIn the transport mode, the number of pallets P is less than the number of component mounting machines 3 that become the transport destination of pallet P, and one pallet P is transported to multiple component mounting machines 3 in sequence. Specifically, the pallet P transported from the changeover adjustment device 2 to the downstream side in the X direction is transported sequentially from the component mounting machine 3 on the upstream side in the X direction among the multiple component mounting machines 3 (steps S41 to S45).

[0105] exist Figure 5D In this transport mode, the number of pallets P is less than the number of component mounting machines 3 that become the destination of pallet P, and one pallet P is transported sequentially to multiple component mounting machines 3. Specifically, pallet P is transported to the downstream component mounting machine 3 in the X direction among the multiple component mounting machines 3 (steps S51, S52). Then, pallets P are transported sequentially starting from the downstream component mounting machine 3 in the X direction (steps S52~S55).

[0106] It should be noted that the above describes the situation of transporting pallet P from the changeover adjustment device 2 to the component mounting machine 3. However, by transporting pallet P from each component mounting machine 3 to the changeover adjustment device 2, it is also possible to retrieve the pallet P transported to the component mounting machine 3 back to the changeover adjustment device 2.

[0107] In each substrate production line L of the aforementioned component mounting system 1, the changeover adjustment device 2 can load the nozzles N used for component mounting on substrate B onto the tray P and dispense them onto the component mounting machine 3. The component mounting machine 3 can retrieve the nozzles N dispensed from the changeover adjustment device 2 by using the mounting head 331. During this retrieval operation, the nozzles N on the tray P can be moved towards the nozzle storage 37 or assembled onto the mounting head 331. Therefore, in this embodiment, by dispensing the nozzles N from the changeover adjustment device 2 to the component mounting machine 3, the nozzles N used in component mounting are changedover adjusted to the component mounting machine 3. In particular, this changeover adjustment is managed by sending instructions from the server computer 100 to the changeover adjustment device 2.

[0108] Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of a method for creating instructions for a changeover adjustment device. Figure 7 It is shown in Figure 6 The flowchart is the first example of the outbound plan determined in the flowchart. Figure 6 and Figure 7 The flowcharts are executed individually by the server computer 100 for each of the multiple substrate production lines L.

[0109] exist Figure 6 In step S61 of the instruction creation process, the outbound plan decision is executed. Figure 7As will be described later, the outbound process can be executed in multiple modes, but here we will explain the basic mode of outbounding the component mounting machine 3 with a insufficient number of nozzles N relative to the execution of component mounting.

[0110] exist Figure 7 In step S101, the processing unit 110 of the server computer 100 allocates trays P used for the dispatch of nozzles N to multiple component mounting machines 3. Here, we will use an example where the number of trays P available for dispatching nozzles N is equal to or greater than the number of component mounting machines 3 destined for dispatching nozzles N, and one tray P is allocated to each component mounting machine 3. Therefore, the transport of trays P to component mounting machines 3 can be achieved through the above-described... Figure 5A The delivery mode is executed. However, when the number of pallets P is small, one pallet P can be allocated to two or more component mounting machines 3, through the above-mentioned... Figures 5B-5C Pallets P are transported using various delivery modes, such as [list of modes].

[0111] exist Figure 7 In step S102, the arithmetic unit 110 confirms the nozzle N held by the component mounting machine 3 and the nozzle N that the component mounting machine 3 is scheduled to use in subsequent component mounting. Specifically, Figure 8A The information shown includes the nozzle and Figure 8B The information on the intended use of the suction nozzle shown is generated by the arithmetic unit 110 and stored in the storage unit 140.

[0112] Figure 8A This is a diagram showing an example of nozzle holding information for a component mounter. In this diagram, multiple component mounters 3 are distinguished by different reference numerals 3(1) to 3(4), and the same description will be used hereinafter as appropriate. Here, "holding nozzles" refers to the nozzles N currently stored in the nozzle storage 37 of the component mounter 3 and the nozzles N mounted on the mounting head 331 of the component mounter 3. The nozzle holding information shows the type Nk of the nozzle N, the nozzle ID of the nozzle N, the adsorption rate of the nozzle N, and the number of taps of the nozzle N for each nozzle N held by the component mounter 3. The nozzle ID is an identifier assigned to the nozzle N for identification. That is, the arithmetic unit 110 identifies the nozzle ID of the nozzle N held by the component mounter 3 by managing the nozzle IDs of the nozzles N that are retrieved / retrieved relative to the component mounter 3. The adsorption rate is the success rate of adsorption of components using the nozzle N, and the number of taps is the number of times components are mounted on the substrate B using the nozzle N. In other words, the arithmetic unit 110 collects the adsorption rate and the number of taps from the component mounting machine 3 via the communication unit 130. It should be noted that the adsorption rate and the number of taps are measured in the component mounting machine 3, and are reset, for example, whenever the nozzle N is cleaned.

[0113] Figure 8BThis diagram illustrates an example of planned nozzle information for a component mounting machine. This planned nozzle information shows the type Nk of each nozzle N held by the component mounting machine 3. Specifically, a production plan indicating the type and quantity of component mounting substrates (substrate B with components mounted) produced on the substrate production line L is stored in the storage unit 140. The calculation unit 110 obtains the planned nozzle information by calculating the nozzle N used by each component mounting machine 3 in the subsequent production of component mounting substrates (substrate production) based on the production plan.

[0114] In step S103, the calculation unit 110 determines, for each component mounting machine 3, the insufficient number of nozzles N relative to the execution of substrate production by obtaining the difference between the nozzle N indicated in the predetermined nozzle usage information and the nozzle N indicated in the stored nozzle information. In other words, the nozzle N shown in the predetermined nozzle usage information but not shown in the stored nozzle information becomes the insufficient number of nozzles N.

[0115] In step S104, the calculation unit 110 determines the insufficient quantity of nozzles N identified by the component mounting machine 3 as outbound nozzles to be shipped out of the component mounting machine 3, and generates outbound nozzle information. Figure 8C ). Figure 8C This diagram illustrates a first example of outbound nozzle information, representing the nozzles that are to be shipped to the component mounting machine. The outbound nozzle information, for each component mounting machine 3, shows the pallet ID of the pallet P transported to the component mounting machine 3, and the type Nk and nozzle ID of the nozzle N shipped to the component mounting machine 3 from that pallet P. This determines the outbound scheme for the nozzle N.

[0116] exist Figure 6 In step S62, according to the outbound object nozzle information obtained in step 104, the calculation unit 110 generates an outbound preparation instruction for the changeover adjustment device 2 to execute the outbound preparation of the tray P carrying the nozzle N, and saves it to the storage unit 140.

[0117] Figure 9 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of a method for creating instructions for a changeover adjustment device and a component mounting machine. Figure 10 It is shown in Figure 9 The flowchart for the second example of the outbound plan determined in the flowchart is as follows. Figure 11 It is shown in Figure 9 The flowchart shows the first example of the recycling scheme determined in the flowchart. Figure 9 , Figure 10 and Figure 11 The flowcharts are executed individually by the server computer 100 for each of the multiple substrate production lines L.

[0118] exist Figure 9In step S71 of the instruction creation process, the outbound plan decision is executed. Figure 10 Here, we will explain the decision-making process for the selection and replacement mode of sending out the insufficient number of nozzles N relative to the execution of component installation and the nozzles N to be replaced for maintenance to the component installation machine 3.

[0119] exist Figure 10 In this case, steps S101 to S103 are performed on each component mounting machine 3 in the same manner as in the example above. That is, tray P is allocated to multiple component mounting machines 3 (step S101). Then, based on the results of confirming the presence of nozzles and the nozzles to be used in step S102, the insufficient number of nozzles N is confirmed.

[0120] In the next step S105, the computing unit 110 determines the available time (operation time) for each component mounting machine 3 to retrieve the nozzles N that have been shipped from the changeover adjustment device 2, based on the production plan. Specifically, the operation time allocated to the retrieval operation is determined within the range that the next substrate production can begin at a predetermined time determined by the production plan.

[0121] In step S106, the calculation unit 110 determines the number of nozzles N that the component mounting machine 3 can collect within the operating time determined in step S105 (the number that can be collected), and calculates the number obtained by subtracting the number of insufficient nozzles identified in step S103 from the number that can be collected (the number that can be maintained). Then, the calculation unit 110 selects the nozzles N with the number of maintainable nozzles from the nozzles N held by the component mounting machine 3 based on a priority criterion (adsorption rate or number of taps) as the nozzles to be maintained. If the adsorption rate is used as the priority criterion, the nozzles to be maintained are selected starting from the nozzles N with the lowest adsorption rate. Alternatively, if the number of taps is used as the priority criterion, the nozzles to be maintained are selected starting from the nozzles N with the highest number of taps.

[0122] In step S107, the calculation unit 110 determines the insufficient nozzles N identified by the component mounting machine 3 and the nozzles N selected as maintenance targets (in other words, the nozzles N of the same type as the maintenance target nozzles that are replaced with the maintenance target nozzles) as outbound nozzles to be shipped out of the component mounting machine 3, and generates outbound nozzle information. Figure 12A ). Figure 12A This is a second example of a diagram showing the outgoing object nozzle information for the component mounting machine. Figure 12A In the outbound object nozzle information, with Figure 8CCompared to the information on the nozzles to be shipped, a status has been added. In this status, "Added" indicates nozzles N shipped from the changeover adjustment device 2 to the component mounting machine 3 to compensate for insufficient nozzles N in the component mounting machine 3; "Replacement" indicates nozzles N shipped from the changeover adjustment device 2 to the component mounting machine 3 to replace nozzles N returned from the component mounting machine 3 to the changeover adjustment device 2 as maintenance-related nozzles. However, this status may not necessarily be included in the information on the nozzles to be shipped. This determines the shipping plan for nozzle N.

[0123] exist Figure 9 In step S72, execute Figure 11 The recycling plan determines (selection of replacement mode). In Figure 11 In step S201, the calculation unit 110 confirms the nozzle N selected as the maintenance target nozzle in step S106 for each component mounting machine 3. Then, in step S202, the calculation unit 110 determines the nozzle N selected as the maintenance target nozzle as the recycling target nozzle to be recycled from the component mounting machine 3 to the changeover adjustment device 2, and generates recycling target nozzle information. Figure 12B ). Figure 12B This diagram illustrates an example of information regarding the recyclable nozzles from the component mounting machine. The recyclable nozzle information, for each component mounting machine 3, shows the tray ID of the tray P used for recycling the nozzles N, the type Nk of the nozzles N recycled from the component mounting machine 3, and the nozzle ID. It should be noted that the tray P used for recycling the nozzles N is a tray P transported to the component mounting machine 3 for the purpose of retrieving the nozzles N from the warehouse. This determines the recycling scheme for the nozzles N.

[0124] exist Figure 9 In step S73, based on the outbound object nozzle information obtained in step 107, the calculation unit 110 generates an outbound preparation instruction for instructing the changeover adjustment device 2 to prepare for the outbound shipment of the tray P containing the nozzle N, and saves it to the storage unit 140. Furthermore, in step S73, based on the return object nozzle information obtained in step S202, the calculation unit 110 generates a return instruction for returning the nozzle N from the component mounting machine 3 to the changeover adjustment device 2, and saves it to the storage unit 140.

[0125] Figure 13 It is shown in Figure 9 The flowchart for the third example of the outbound plan determined in the flowchart is shown below. Figure 14 It is shown in Figure 9 The flowchart in the second example is the flowchart of the recycling scheme implemented. Figure 13 and Figure 14The flowcharts are executed individually by the server computer 100 for each of the multiple substrate production lines L.

[0126] exist Figure 9 In step S71 of the instruction creation process, the outbound plan decision is executed. Figure 13 Here, we will explain the decision-making process for a full replacement mode in which the insufficient number of nozzles N relative to the execution of component mounting and all the nozzles N held by the component mounting machine 3 are replaced for maintenance.

[0127] exist Figure 13 In this case, steps S101 to S103 are performed on each component mounting machine 3 in the same manner as in the example above. That is, tray P is allocated to multiple component mounting machines 3 (step S101). Then, based on the results of confirming the presence of nozzles and the nozzles to be used in step S102, the insufficient number of nozzles N is confirmed.

[0128] In the next step S108, the calculation unit 110 selects all the nozzles N held by the component mounting machine 3 as nozzles to be maintained. Then, in step S109, the calculation unit 110 determines the nozzles N that are insufficient in the component mounting machine 3 and the nozzles N selected as nozzles to be maintained (in other words, the nozzles N of the same type as the maintenance nozzles that are replaced with the maintenance nozzles) as nozzles to be shipped out to the component mounting machine 3, and generates the information of the nozzles to be shipped out in the same way as above.

[0129] exist Figure 9 In step S72, execute Figure 14 The recycling plan is determined (full replacement mode). In Figure 14 In step S201, the calculation unit 110 confirms the nozzles N selected as maintenance targets in step S108 for each component mounting machine 3. Then, in step S202, the calculation unit 110 determines the nozzles N selected as maintenance targets as the recycling targets to be recycled from the component mounting machine 3 to the changeover adjustment device 2, and generates recycling target nozzle information in the same manner as described above. In this way, the recycling plan for nozzle N is determined.

[0130] exist Figure 9 In step S73, based on the outbound object nozzle information obtained in step 109, the calculation unit 110 generates an outbound preparation instruction for instructing the changeover adjustment device 2 to prepare for the outbound shipment of the tray P containing the nozzle N, and saves it to the storage unit 140. Furthermore, in step S73, based on the return object nozzle information obtained in step S202, the calculation unit 110 generates a return instruction for returning the nozzle N from the component mounting machine 3 to the changeover adjustment device 2, and saves it to the storage unit 140.

[0131] As described above, the outbound process can be executed in three modes: basic mode, selected replacement mode, and full replacement mode. It can be configured to execute only one of these modes, or it can be configured to execute the mode selected by the operator through UI120. The latter can be configured, for example, as follows.

[0132] Figure 15A This is a flowchart illustrating the fourth example of the decision-making process for the outbound delivery plan. Figure 15B It is shown that... Figure 15A The flowchart illustrates an example of how the outbound plan determines the corresponding recycle plan. Figure 15A In the outbound plan decision (hybrid mode), in step S121, it is determined whether the mode selected by the operator is the basic mode. If the basic mode is selected (if "yes" in step S121), the basic mode is executed (step S122); if the basic mode is not selected (if "no" in step S121), proceed to step S123.

[0133] In step S123, it is determined whether the mode selected by the operator is the selection replacement mode. If the selection replacement mode is selected (if "yes" in step S123), the selection replacement mode is executed (step S124). If the selection replacement mode is not selected (if "no" in step S123), proceed to step S125 and execute the full replacement mode.

[0134] exist Figure 15B In the recycling scheme decision (mixed mode), in step S221, it is determined whether the mode selected by the operator is the basic mode. Furthermore, if the basic mode is selected (if "yes" is selected in step S221), the process ends. Figure 15B The flowchart shows that if the basic mode is not selected (if "No" is selected in step S221), proceed to step S223.

[0135] In step S223, it is determined whether the mode selected by the operator is the selection replacement mode. If the selection replacement mode is selected (if "yes" in step S223), the selection replacement mode is executed (step S224). If the selection replacement mode is not selected (if "no" in step S223), proceed to step S225 and execute the full replacement mode.

[0136] As described above, prepare the outbound shipment for the changeover adjustment device 2 and the return shipment for the component mounting machine 3. Next, the process of sending these instructions to the changeover adjustment device 2 or the component mounting machine 3 to execute the actions corresponding to the instructions will be explained.

[0137] Figure 16This is a flowchart illustrating the first example of production line changeover management in each substrate production line of the management component mounting system. Figure 16 The flowchart is executed under the control of the arithmetic unit 110 of the server computer 100. In step S301, the arithmetic unit 110 predicts the completion time of the substrate production process in progress for each of the multiple substrate production lines L.

[0138] In step S302, the calculation unit 110 generates instructions (outbound preparation instructions / return instructions) for substrate production that are scheduled to be executed after the ongoing substrate production for each of the multiple substrate production lines L. The generation of these instructions can be performed in the basic mode, the selective replacement mode, or the full replacement mode described above. Therefore, when the instructions are generated in the basic mode, an outbound preparation instruction is generated; when the instructions are generated in the selective replacement mode or the full replacement mode, both an outbound preparation instruction and a return instruction are generated. Furthermore, in step S302, the timing for sending each instruction is determined based on the expected completion time of substrate production. For example, the calculation unit 110 calculates the preparation time required for outbound preparation in the changeover adjustment device 2 based on the outbound preparation content, and sets the instruction sending time to a time earlier than the expected completion time of substrate production, which is the preparation time plus a margin time.

[0139] Then, if the current time is the instruction sending time (step S303), the arithmetic unit 110 sends the instruction (outbound preparation instruction / recovery instruction) generated in step S302 to the target device (changeover adjustment device 2 / component mounting machine 3) (step S304). Then, steps S303 and S304 are repeated until all instructions generated in step S302 have been sent ("Yes" in step S305).

[0140] Figure 17 This is a flowchart illustrating a first example of instruction receiving and processing performed by the changeover adjustment device. If the controller 200 of the changeover adjustment device 2 receives an outbound preparation instruction from the server computer 100 ("Yes" in step S401), it places the suction nozzles N represented by the outbound preparation instruction onto the pallet P represented by the outbound preparation instruction (step S402). Then, if all the suction nozzles N represented by the outbound preparation instruction are placed onto the pallet P and the outbound preparation is completed ("Yes" in step S403), the process proceeds to step S404. It should be noted that the specific actions performed by the changeover adjustment device 2 for outbound preparation are... Figure 2C As shown in steps S11 to S15.

[0141] In step S404, the controller 200 determines, based on the operating status received from the component mounting machine 3, whether the tray P, which has been prepared for shipment and carries the suction nozzle N, can be transported from the changeover adjustment device 2 to the component mounting machine 3 of the substrate production line L to which the changeover adjustment device 2 belongs. Specifically, the controller 200 confirms whether the component mounting machine 3, the destination of the tray P, can accept the tray P based on the operating status (component mounting in progress / component mounting completed / substrate shipment completed, etc.). If it can accept the tray P, it is determined that the tray P can be transported to the component mounting machine 3 ("Yes" in step S404), and the tray P is transported from the changeover adjustment device 2 to the component mounting machine 3. Specifically, as described above, the tray P, which has been prepared for shipment and carries the suction nozzle N, is transported from the outbound conveyor 27 of the changeover adjustment device 2 to the substrate conveyor 31 of the component mounting machine 3 and then into the component mounting machine 3. It should be noted that the specific action performed by the changeover adjustment device 2 for the shipment of the suction nozzle N is... Figure 2D As shown in steps S16 to S19.

[0142] Figure 18A This is a flowchart illustrating a first example of instruction receiving processing performed by the component mounting machine. If a tray P is brought into the component mounting machine 3 (yes in step S501), the controller 300 of the component mounting machine 3 stops the tray P at a predetermined tray stop position (step S502). In step S503, the controller 300 determines whether a retrieval instruction has been received from the server computer 100. If no retrieval instruction has been received (no in step S503), the controller 300 uses the mounting head 331 to perform a retrieval (retrieval action) of the nozzle N placed on the tray P. On the other hand, if a retrieval instruction has been received (yes in step S503), the controller 300 performs a movement action and a retrieval action, using the mounting head 331 to move the retrieval target nozzle in the nozzle N held by the component mounting machine 3 from the nozzle storage 37 to the tray P. It should be noted that the movement action and the retrieval action are performed in parallel. Specifically, when the mounting head 331 moves the nozzle N from the tray P to the nozzle storage 37 for the retrieval action, it retrieves the desired nozzle from the nozzle storage 37 and moves it back to the tray P. In other words, the retrieval action is performed on the outward journey from the tray P to the nozzle storage 37, and the movement action is performed on the return journey from the nozzle storage 37 to the tray P.

[0143] Thus, when the retrieval action in step S504 or the retrieval and movement action in step S505 is completed, the tray P is removed from the component mounting machine 3 (step S506). At this time, for example, in Figure 5AWhen the delivery mode is executed, the destination of the pallet P from the component mounting machine 3 becomes the changeover adjustment device 2. Figures 5B-5D When the delivery mode is executed, the destination of the pallet P from the component mounting machine 3 becomes the changeover adjustment device 2 or another component mounting machine 3.

[0144] Figure 18B This is a flowchart illustrating a second example of instruction receiving and processing performed by a component mounting machine. Here, the main focus is on... Figure 18A The difference in the first example is that the common parts are labeled with corresponding reference numerals while the description is appropriately omitted. As a premise of this second example, when the server computer 100 sends the outbound preparation instruction to the changeover adjustment device 2, it also sends the pallet information related to the pallet P that is the object of the outbound preparation instruction to the component mounting machine 3 in advance. This pallet information shows the pallet stopping position of the pallet P that is the object of the outbound preparation instruction in the component mounting machine 3 and the configuration (in other words, the position) of the nozzle N in the pallet P, which are associated with the pallet ID.

[0145] If a tray P is brought into the component mounting machine 3 ("Yes" in step S501), the controller 300 of the component mounting machine 3 temporarily stops the tray P (step S507), and reads the tray ID based on an image of the tray ID obtained by the camera 333 capturing the tray P. Then, the controller 300 adjusts the position of the stop member 381 using the single-axis robot 384 according to the tray stop position indicated by the tray ID, and starts transporting the tray P using the substrate conveyor 31. Thus, the tray P comes into contact with the adjusted stop member 381 and stops at the tray stop position indicated by the tray ID (step S503). In addition, during the retrieval operations in steps S504 and S505, the controller 300 retrieves the nozzles N based on the configuration of the nozzles N in the tray P indicated by the tray ID, while identifying the type of nozzle N.

[0146] Figure 19 This is a flowchart illustrating a second example of production line changeover management for each substrate production line in a component mounting system. Figure 19 The flowchart is executed under the control of the arithmetic unit 110 of the server computer 100. Here, we will mainly explain the process... Figure 16 The difference in the first example is that the common parts are labeled with corresponding figure references while the descriptions are appropriately omitted.

[0147] exist Figure 19In the second example, after the calculation unit 110 receives the production instructions for each substrate production line L, it checks whether a queue-jumping request from the operator has been input into the UI120. This queue-jumping request is independent of the outbound preparation instruction generated in step S302, and may be due to an emergency reason such as a damaged nozzle N requiring a specific nozzle N to be shipped from the changeover adjustment device 2 to the component mounting machine 3. If a queue-jumping request exists even though the outbound preparation instruction generated in step S302 has not been sent ("Yes" in step S306), the calculation unit 110 sends an instruction to the changeover adjustment device 2 to ship the nozzle N represented by the queue-jumping request, and the changeover adjustment device 2 ships the target nozzle N according to the instruction (step S307).

[0148] Then, in step S308, the calculation unit 110 confirms whether the nozzle N dispatched according to the queue-jumping request is a nozzle N scheduled for dispatch according to the dispatch preparation instruction generated in step S302. Specifically, the confirmation in step S308 can be performed based on whether the nozzle ID of the former nozzle N and the nozzle ID of the latter nozzle N are consistent. Furthermore, if the nozzle N dispatched according to the queue-jumping request is a nozzle N scheduled for dispatch according to the dispatch preparation instruction (if "yes" in step S308), the calculation unit 110 determines that a dispatch preparation instruction needs to be generated again and returns to step S302; on the other hand, if this is not the case (if "no" in step S308), it proceeds to step S303.

[0149] Figure 20 This is a flowchart illustrating a second example of instruction receiving and processing performed by the production changeover adjustment device. Here, the main focus is on... Figure 17 The difference in the first example is that, regarding the common parts, corresponding reference numerals are used while the descriptions are appropriately omitted. Figure 20 In the second example, if the controller 200 receives an outbound preparation instruction ("Yes" in step S401), it confirms whether there is a recycling object nozzle that should be recycled from the component installation machine 3, which is the outbound destination of the nozzle N that is the object of outbound preparation corresponding to the outbound preparation instruction (step S406). Specifically, the presence or absence of a recycling object nozzle can be confirmed based on whether a maintenance object nozzle is present among the nozzles N that are the objects of outbound preparation.

[0150] If there is no recycling nozzle (if "No" is stated in step S406), proceed to step S402. On the other hand, if there is a recycling nozzle (if "Yes" is stated in step S406), before the start of outbound preparation (steps S402-403), the changeover adjustment device 2 transports the empty recycling tray P to the component mounting machine 3 containing the recycling nozzle (step S407). Then, before the nozzle N is outbound from the changeover adjustment device 2, the component mounting machine 3, which has transported the recycling tray P, loads the recycling nozzle onto the tray P and transports it to the changeover adjustment device 2.

[0151] As described above, when the arithmetic unit 110 sends a recycling command to the component mounting machine 3, the recycling nozzle is recycled from the component mounting machine 3 to the changeover adjustment device 2. Therefore, the changeover adjustment device 2 can also be configured to perform... Figure 21 The flowchart shown is presented here. Figure 21 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of maintenance preparation performed by the changeover adjustment device. In step S601, the controller 200 of the changeover adjustment device 2 confirms whether the tray P containing the suction nozzle for the object to be retrieved has been retrieved from the component mounting machine 3 to the changeover adjustment device 2. If retrieval is confirmed ("Yes" in step S601), the controller 200 displays a screen instructing the operator to perform maintenance on the display 297 (step S602).

[0152] Thus, the operator can input maintenance execution instructions into UI120. In addition, if an execution instruction is input into UI120, the transfer head 251 of the changeover adjustment device 2 moves the nozzle to be maintained from the tray P retrieved from the component mounting machine 3 to the cleaning unit 292, and performs maintenance on the nozzle.

[0153] Figure 22 This is a flowchart illustrating the fifth example of a warehouse dispatch plan decision. Here, the explanation focuses on the differences from the dispatch plan decisions described above, omitting descriptions of common parts by using corresponding reference numerals. Figure 22 In this case, steps S101 to S103 are performed on each component mounting machine 3 in the same manner as in the example above. That is, tray P is allocated to multiple component mounting machines 3 (step S101). Then, based on the results of confirming the presence of nozzles and the nozzles to be used in step S102, the insufficient number of nozzles N is confirmed.

[0154] In the next step S111, the calculation unit 110 confirms whether there are two component mounting machines 3 that can be converted to use the same nozzle N among the multiple component mounting machines 3 belonging to the same substrate production line L as the changeover adjustment device 2 that is preparing for shipment. Specifically, it confirms whether there is a nozzle N that meets the conversion condition of "a nozzle N (convertible nozzle) that is a nozzle that is retained in one of the multiple component mounting machines 3 but is not a nozzle that is intended to be used in another component mounting machine 3 but is not a nozzle that is retained in another component mounting machine 3".

[0155] If a nozzle N that meets the conversion criteria exists (in the case of "Yes" in step S111), it is determined that the nozzle N used by other component mounting machines 3 should not be shipped from the changeover adjustment device 2, but rather moved from one component mounting machine 3 to another (step S112). It should be noted that the movement of nozzle N from one component mounting machine 3 to another is performed using a tray P. This tray P can be the same tray used for shipping to one component mounting machine 3. Then, in step S112, when determining the nozzle to be shipped to another component mounting machine 3, the nozzle N remaining after removing the nozzles that meet the conversion criteria from the insufficient number of nozzles N identified for other component mounting machines 3 is determined as the nozzle to be shipped.

[0156] In the above-mentioned outbound plan decision, the detailed conditions of the outbound plan, such as the position of the suction nozzle N placed on the pallet P and the stopping position (pallet stopping position) of the pallet P in the component mounting machine 3 that becomes the outbound destination, can be managed as follows. Figure 23 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of detailed condition management for outbound procedures. Figure 23 The flowchart is executed by the arithmetic unit 110 of the server computer 100, which takes the nozzle N, which is determined to be the nozzle to be shipped in the above-mentioned shipping plan decision, as the object, and determines the details of the best shipping plan while changing the detailed conditions of the shipping plan.

[0157] In step S701, the calculation unit 110 confirms the outbound object nozzle. In step S702, the variable representing the stop position variable Vs, which indicates the position of the tray P used for outbound object nozzles in the component mounting machine 3 at the outbound destination, is reset. In step S703, the stop position variable Vs is incremented by 1. Here, different stop position variables Vs represent different stop positions of the tray P. Furthermore, the variable representing the change in the position of each outbound object nozzle configured on the tray P, namely the nozzle configuration variable Va, is reset. In step S705, the nozzle configuration variable Va is incremented by 1. Here, different nozzle configuration variables Va represent different configurations of nozzles N relative to the tray P; in other words, they represent different combinations of configuration schemes for nozzles N.

[0158] In step S706, the calculation unit 110 predicts the time (action time) required for the component mounting machine 3 to retrieve the nozzle N from the tray P when the tray P, which carries the nozzle N in the configuration represented by the nozzle configuration variable Va, stops at the position represented by the stop position variable Vs in the component mounting machine 3 at the outbound destination. The calculations in steps S705 to S706 are repeated until the nozzle configuration variable Va reaches the predetermined value Vax. Furthermore, the calculations in steps S703 to S707 are repeated until the stop position variable Vs reaches the predetermined value Vsx.

[0159] Thus, the operation time of the picking action is predicted for each of the multiple combinations of different configurations of the nozzle N relative to the tray P or the stopping position of the tray P. Then, in step S709, the calculation unit 110 determines the optimal combination of the nozzle N configuration and the stopping position of the tray P with the shortest operation time from these combinations, and decides to configure the nozzle N according to the configuration represented by the optimal combination and stop the tray P at the stopping position. This decision is sent from the server computer 100 to the changeover adjustment device 2 and the component mounting machine 3. The changeover adjustment device 2 prepares for outbound shipment by configuring the nozzle N on the tray P according to the configuration represented by the optimal combination, and the component mounting machine 3 stops the tray P at the position represented by the optimal combination.

[0160] In the production changeover adjustment device 2 of the above-described embodiment, a pallet transport unit 26 is provided to transfer a pallet P (transport pallet) carrying a suction nozzle N (used component) taken from the pallet storage 22 (component storage) to the substrate conveyor 31 of the component mounting machine 3. Therefore, the suction nozzle N used by the component mounting machine 3 can be accurately dispatched to the component mounting machine 3.

[0161] Additionally, a transfer head 251 is provided for placing the suction nozzles N taken from the pallet storage 22 onto the pallet P. The pallet transport unit 26 transfers the pallet P, on which the suction nozzles N are placed, to the substrate conveyor 31. In other words, the suction nozzles N taken from the pallet storage 22 are placed onto the pallet P by the transfer head 251, and the pallet P is then transferred to the substrate conveyor 31 by the pallet transport unit 26. In this way, the suction nozzles N used by the component mounting machine 3 can be accurately dispatched to the component mounting machine 3.

[0162] Additionally, a pallet take-out section 23 (component take-out section) is provided, which retrieves and supports the suction nozzle N from the pallet storage unit 22. A transfer head 251 places the suction nozzle N supported on the pallet take-out section 23 onto the pallet P. In this structure, the suction nozzle N retrieved from the pallet storage unit 22 by the pallet take-out section 23 is supported on the pallet take-out section 23. Furthermore, the suction nozzle N supported on the pallet take-out section 23 is placed onto the pallet P by the transfer head 251, and the pallet P is transferred to the substrate conveyor 31 of the component mounting machine 3 by the pallet transport section 26. This ensures that the suction nozzle N used by the component mounting machine 3 can be accurately retrieved from the pallet storage unit 3.

[0163] Furthermore, the pallet storage unit 22 stores multiple pallets P (storage pallets), each containing a suction nozzle N. The pallet retrieval unit 23 supports pallets P (storage pallets) retrieved from the pallet storage unit 22 and pallets P (transport pallets) retrieved from the pallet transport unit 26. The transfer head 251 moves the suction nozzle N from one pallet P (storage pallet) supported on the pallet retrieval unit 23 to another pallet P (transport pallet). In other words, the pallet P (storage pallet) containing the suction nozzle N is stored in the pallet storage unit 22, and the other pallet P (storage pallet) retrieved from the pallet storage unit 22 by the pallet retrieval unit 23 is supported on the pallet retrieval unit 23. The suction nozzle N on the pallet P (storage pallet) supported on the pallet retrieval unit 23 is transferred by the transfer head 251 to the other pallet P (transport pallet), which is then transferred by the pallet transport unit 26 to the substrate conveyor 31 of the component mounting machine 3. In this way, the nozzle N used by the component mounting machine 3 can be accurately dispensed to the component mounting machine 3.

[0164] Furthermore, the pallet retrieval unit 23 includes a storage conveyor 24s that supports pallets P (storage pallets) retrieved from the pallet storage unit 22, a transport conveyor 24c that supports pallets P (transport pallets) retrieved from the pallet transport unit 26, and a lift 233 that moves these conveyors 24s and 24c (support conveyors) in the Z direction. In this structure, the transfer head 251 can move the suction nozzle N from one pallet P supported on one of the conveyors 24s and 24c to the other pallet P, thus simplifying the operation of the transfer head 251. Moreover, by having such conveyors 24s and 24c and lift 233, the following configuration is possible.

[0165] In other words, in the pallet storage unit 22, multiple pallets P (storage pallets) are arranged in the Z direction. Correspondingly, the pallet retrieval unit 23, using the elevator 233 to bring one pallet P from the pallet storage unit 22 to the same height as the conveyors 24s and 24c, retrieves that one pallet P from the pallet storage unit 22 and delivers it to the storage conveyor 24s. In this configuration, it is possible to precisely retrieve the desired pallet P from the multiple pallets P stored in the pallet storage unit 22 and deliver it to the storage conveyor 24s.

[0166] Furthermore, when the pallet removal unit 23 uses the elevator 233 to align the height of the pallet transport unit 26 and the conveyors 24s and 24c, it retrieves the pallet P from the pallet transport unit 26 and hands it over to the transport conveyor 24c. In this configuration, the pallet P can be accurately retrieved from the pallet transport unit 26 and handed over to the transport conveyor 24c.

[0167] Additionally, the pallet transport unit 26 includes a transfer conveyor 28 arranged adjacent to the pallet removal unit 23 and an outbound conveyor 27 arranged in parallel with the substrate conveyor 31 of the component mounting machine 3 and positioned between the transfer conveyor 28 and the substrate conveyor 31. The outbound conveyor 27 transports pallets P from the transfer conveyor 28 to the substrate conveyor 31. The transfer conveyor 28 shifts between a rotational position R1 (first position) for transferring pallets P to the outbound conveyor 27 and a rotational position R2 (second position) for transferring pallets P to the pallet removal unit 23. In this configuration, the transfer conveyor 28 transports the pallet P, which carries the suction nozzle N, from the pallet removal unit 23 to the outbound conveyor 27. Furthermore, the transfer conveyor 28 shifts between the rotational positions R1 and R2. Therefore, the transfer conveyor 28 can be moved to a position suitable for the transfer of pallet P with the pallet take-out section 23 and the transfer of transport pallet with the outbound conveyor 27, thus accurately performing the transfer of pallet P.

[0168] In addition, an inspection unit 291 and a cleaning unit 292 (maintenance unit) are provided for maintaining the nozzles N transported from the tray removal section 23 by the transfer head 251. In this structure, maintenance of the nozzles N can be performed in the changeover adjustment device 2, and the nozzles N can be kept in a suitable state.

[0169] Additionally, a door 211A is provided for opening and closing the pallet storage compartment 22. In this structure, the operator can approach the pallet storage compartment 22 by opening the door 211A and can appropriately perform tasks such as replenishing the suction nozzle N stored in the pallet storage compartment 22.

[0170] Furthermore, the pallet P (transport pallet) includes a storage plate portion 41A (component holding portion) for holding the nozzle N and a conveyor mounting portion 41B (base portion) having a mounting surface 41C placed on the substrate conveyor 31. By using the pallet P, the pallet P carrying the nozzle N in the changeover adjustment device 2 can be transported to the substrate conveyor 31 of the component mounting machine 3, thereby releasing the nozzle N to the component mounting machine 3. Therefore, the nozzle N used by the component mounting machine 3 can be accurately released to the component mounting machine 3.

[0171] Thus, in the above embodiments, the component mounting system 1 corresponds to an example of the "component mounting system" of the present invention, the changeover adjustment device 2 corresponds to an example of the "changeover adjustment device" of the present invention, the door 211A corresponds to an example of the "door" of the present invention, the pallet storage warehouse 22 corresponds to an example of the "component storage warehouse" of the present invention, the pallet removal unit 23 corresponds to an example of the "component removal unit" of the present invention, the elevator 233 corresponds to an example of the "elevator" of the present invention, the storage conveyor 24s and the transport conveyor 24c correspond to an example of the "support conveyor" of the present invention, the transfer head 251 corresponds to an example of the "transfer head" of the present invention, the pallet transport unit 26 corresponds to an example of the "pallet transport unit" of the present invention, the outbound conveyor 27 corresponds to an example of the "outbound conveyor" of the present invention, and the handover... The conveyor 28 corresponds to an example of the "transfer conveyor" of the present invention; the inspection unit 291 and the cleaning unit 292 correspond to an example of the "maintenance unit" of the present invention; the component mounting machine 3 corresponds to an example of the "component mounting machine" of the present invention; the substrate conveyor 31 corresponds to an example of the "substrate conveyor" of the present invention; the storage plate part 41A corresponds to an example of the "component holding part" of the present invention; the conveyor mounting part 41B corresponds to an example of the "base" of the present invention; the mounting surface 41C corresponds to an example of the "mounting surface" of the present invention; the substrate B corresponds to an example of the "substrate" of the present invention; the tray P corresponds to an example of the "transport tray" or "storage tray" of the present invention; the rotation position R1 corresponds to an example of the "first position" of the present invention; and the rotation position R2 corresponds to an example of the "second position" of the present invention.

[0172] It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments. Various modifications can be made to the above content without departing from its spirit. For example, the structure of the production adjustment device 2 can be appropriately modified. Specifically, for example, it can also be... Figure 24 The production change adjustment device will be deformed as shown.

[0173] Figure 24 This is a top view schematically showing a modified example of the production change adjustment device. Figure 24 Production change adjustment device 2 and Figure 2AThe main difference in the production changeover adjustment device lies in the structure related to the displacement of the transfer conveyor 28 of the pallet transport section 26. Therefore, the description will primarily focus on this difference, with common parts appropriately omitted by using corresponding reference numerals in the accompanying drawings. Figure 24 In the example, with Figure 2A Compared to the previous example, the orientation of the main housing 211 and the structure it houses differs by 90 degrees. Furthermore, the displacement direction of the transfer conveyor 28 of the pallet transport section 26 is not the rotational direction but the Y-direction. That is, the transfer conveyor 28 moves between a position R1 aligned with the outbound conveyor 27 and a position R2 aligned with the transport conveyor 24c. Moreover, the transfer conveyor 28 transfers pallet P between itself and the outbound conveyor 27 at position R1, and between itself and the transport conveyor 24c at position R2.

[0174] Alternatively, the configuration of the changeover adjustment device 2 in the substrate production line L can be appropriately modified. That is, the changeover adjustment device 2 does not necessarily need to be located at the end of the substrate production line L. Specifically, the changeover adjustment device 2 has outbound conveyors 27 on both sides of the transfer conveyor 28 in the Y direction, thus enabling the pallet P to be transported to both sides in the Y direction. Therefore, the changeover adjustment device 2 can be configured between two component mounting machines 3 arranged in the Y direction. Conversely, if the changeover adjustment device 2 is configured at the end of the substrate production line L, one of the two outbound conveyors 27 of the changeover adjustment device 2 may not be necessary.

[0175] In addition, it is possible to ship out other components such as the support pin mounting machine 3, which are other than the nozzle N. Figure 25 This diagram schematically illustrates the use of support pins in a component mounting machine. Figure 26 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the outbound control of support pins. For example... Figure 25 As shown, the component mounting machine 3 has a horizontally supported support plate 39, and a support pin BP is disposed on the upper surface of the support plate 39. Furthermore, the substrate B on the substrate conveyor 31 is supported from below by the support pin BP.

[0176] On the other hand, Figure 26 In the preparation for the release of support pins, the calculation unit 110 checks whether there is a shortage of support pins BP for each component mounting machine 3 (step S801). Furthermore, if there is a component mounting machine 3 with a shortage of support pins BP (if "yes" is stated in step S802), the calculation unit 110 designates that component mounting machine 3 as the recipient of support pins BP and assigns it a pallet P (step S803). Moreover, the calculation unit 110 determines the number of support pins BP to be released to that component mounting machine 3 (step S804), issues a pin release command to the changeover adjustment device 2 to load the specified number of pallets P onto pallets P and release them to the designated component mounting machine 3 (step S805).

[0177] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0178] 1… Component mounting system

[0179] 2…Production Changeover Adjustment Device

[0180] 211A… door

[0181] 22… Pallet Storage Warehouse (Component Storage Warehouse)

[0182] 23…Tray Removal Section (Component Removal Section)

[0183] 233…lift

[0184] 24s… Storage conveyor (support conveyor)

[0185] 24c… Conveyor (Support Conveyor)

[0186] 251…Transfer Head

[0187] 26… Pallet Shipping Department

[0188] 27…Outbound Conveyor

[0189] 28… handover conveyor

[0190] 291…Inspection Unit (Maintenance Department)

[0191] 292… Cleaning Unit (Maintenance Department)

[0192] 3… Component mounting machine

[0193] 31…Substrate conveyor

[0194] 41A…Storage panel section (component holding section)

[0195] 41B… Conveyor mounting section (base)

[0196] 41C… mounting surface

[0197] B…Substrate

[0198] P… pallet (delivery pallet, storage pallet)

[0199] R1… Rotation position (first position)

[0200] R2… Rotation position (second position).

Claims

1. A production changeover adjustment device, comprising: A pallet transport unit is arranged in parallel with the substrate conveyor of a component mounting machine. The pallet transport unit performs the transfer of transport pallets between itself and the substrate conveyor. The component mounting machine has the substrate conveyor for transporting substrates and for mounting components on substrates supported on the substrate conveyor. A component storage facility stores components used by the component mounting machine that are different from the components and the substrate. The pallet transport unit hands over the transport pallet containing the used components taken from the component storage warehouse to the substrate conveyor.

2. The production change adjustment device according to claim 1, wherein, The changeover adjustment device also includes a transfer head for placing the used parts retrieved from the parts storage warehouse onto the transport pallet. The pallet transport unit transfers the transport pallet, in which the component being used is placed, to the substrate conveyor by the transfer head.

3. The production change adjustment device according to claim 2, wherein, The production changeover adjustment device also includes a component removal section for retrieving and supporting the components in use from the component storage warehouse. The transfer head places the used component, which is supported on the component removal section, onto the transport tray.

4. The production change adjustment device according to claim 3, wherein, The component storage facility holds multiple storage trays, each containing one of the components in use. The component removal section supports the storage pallet retrieved from the component storage unit and the transport pallet retrieved from the pallet transport section. The transfer head moves the used component from the storage tray supported on the component removal section to the transport tray.

5. The production change adjustment device according to claim 4, wherein, The component removal unit includes: a support conveyor for supporting the storage pallet retrieved from the component storage warehouse and the transport pallet retrieved from the pallet transport unit; and a lift for moving the support conveyor in the vertical direction.

6. The production change adjustment device according to claim 5, wherein, In the component storage warehouse, the plurality of storage trays are arranged in a vertical direction. The component removal unit retrieves one storage pallet from the component storage warehouse and delivers it to the support conveyor when the height of one of the multiple storage pallets is aligned with the height of the support conveyor using the elevator.

7. The production change adjustment device according to claim 5 or 6, wherein, The component removal unit retrieves the transport pallet from the pallet transport unit and delivers it to the support conveyor when the height of the pallet transport unit is aligned with the height of the support conveyor using the elevator.

8. The production change adjustment device according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein, The pallet transport unit includes: a transfer conveyor disposed adjacent to the component removal unit; and an outbound conveyor arranged in parallel with the substrate conveyor and disposed between the transfer conveyor and the substrate conveyor. The outbound conveyor transports the transport pallet from the transfer conveyor to the substrate conveyor. The handover conveyor shifts between a first position where it hands over the transport pallet to the outbound conveyor and a second position where it hands over the transport pallet to the component removal unit.

9. The production change adjustment device according to any one of claims 3 to 6, wherein, The changeover adjustment device also includes a maintenance unit for performing maintenance on the used component that is transported from the component removal unit by the transfer head.

10. The production change adjustment device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein, The production changeover adjustment device also has the function of opening and closing the door of the component storage warehouse.

11. A component mounting system, comprising: The changeover adjustment device according to any one of claims 1 to 10; and A component mounting machine includes a substrate conveyor for transporting substrates, and a mounting head for mounting components onto the substrates supported on the substrate conveyor. The pallet transport unit of the changeover adjustment device and the substrate conveyor of the component mounting machine are arranged in a straight line to facilitate the handover of the transport pallets. The component mounting machine retrieves the component by taking it from the transport tray delivered from the changeover adjustment device.

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