Transport control device and transport control method

Abstract

The conveyance control device includes a determination unit and a control unit. The determination unit determines whether or not a predetermined condition relating to the conveyance of a device is satisfied with respect to a conveyance device that conveys the device used in a substrate work machine that produces a product substrate by performing a predetermined substrate work on a substrate. When the determination unit determines that the predetermined condition is satisfied, the control unit makes it possible for the operator to operate an instruction button that is a region displayed on the operation screen that the operator can operate and that instructs the conveyance device to the next operation.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This specification discloses technologies related to handling control devices and handling control methods. Background Technology

[0002] In the material supply support device described in Patent Document 1, the outbound operator performs outbound operations according to outbound instructions displayed on the touch panel of a portable terminal. Furthermore, when the outbound operation is completed, the operator reports the completion of the operation by operating the touch panel or pressing a button on the automated guided vehicle (AGV). Upon reporting the completion of the operation, the AGV begins moving towards the manufacturing equipment based on transport instructions. Existing technical documents Patent documents

[0003] Patent document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-061310. Summary of the Invention The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0004] If the operator can always instruct the transport device to perform the next action via the control screen, it is possible to instruct the transport device to perform the next action even before the operator has performed the necessary operations. In this case, the transport device may perform inappropriate transport operations, such as not transporting any equipment, thereby reducing the efficiency of the equipment transport operation.

[0005] In view of the above, this specification discloses a handling control device and a handling control method, which, when the specified conditions related to the handling of the equipment are met, allows the operator to operate the screen to instruct the handling device to perform the next action. Methods for solving problems

[0006] This specification discloses a transport control device comprising a judgment unit and a control unit. The judgment unit determines whether the transport device of an equipment used in a substrate plating machine meets specified conditions related to the transport of the equipment, wherein the substrate plating machine performs specified substrate plating operations to produce product substrates. When the judgment unit determines that the specified conditions are met, the control unit is configured to allow an operator to operate an indicator button, which is an area displayed on an operation screen operable by the operator, and instructs the transport device to perform the next action.

[0007] Furthermore, this specification discloses a handling control method comprising a judgment step and a control step. The judgment step determines whether the handling device of the equipment used in a substrate forming machine meets specified conditions related to the handling of the equipment, wherein the substrate forming machine performs specified substrate forming operations to produce product substrates. The control step, when determined by the judgment step to meet the specified conditions, enables an operator to operate an indicator button, which is an area displayed on an operation screen operable by the operator, and instructs the handling device to perform the next action.

[0008] Furthermore, this specification also discloses a technical concept for changing "the handling control device according to claim 2" to "the handling control device according to any one of claims 2 to 4" in claim 5 of the original claims (hereinafter referred to as the original claims). In addition, this specification also discloses a technical concept for changing "the handling control device according to claim 2" to "the handling control device according to any one of claims 2 to 5" in claim 6 of the original claims.

[0009] Furthermore, this specification also discloses a technical concept for changing "the handling control device according to claim 1" to "the handling control device according to any one of claims 1 to 6" in claim 7 of the original claims. In addition, this specification also discloses a technical concept for changing "the handling control device according to claim 1" to "the handling control device according to any one of claims 1 to 7" in claim 8 of the original claims. The effects of the invention

[0010] According to the aforementioned handling control device, under the condition that the specified conditions related to equipment handling are met, the operator can operate the control screen and press the indicator buttons to instruct the handling device to perform the next action. The same applies to the handling control method as described above. Attached Figure Description

[0011] Figure 1 This is a plan view showing an example of the structure of the production equipment. Figure 2 It is shown Figure 1 A three-dimensional diagram of the structure of a replacement system and component installation machine. Figure 3 This is a plan view illustrating an example of a feeder replacement operation between a moving device and a component supply device of a component mounting machine. Figure 4 This is a block diagram illustrating an example of a control block for a transport control device. Figure 5This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the control steps of a transport control device. Figure 6 This is a perspective view showing an example of a feeder bin mounted on a conveying device. Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram showing an example of the operation screen before the "Complete" button is pressed. Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram showing an example of the operation screen after the "Complete" button is pressed. Detailed Implementation

[0012] 1. Implementation Method 1-1. Example of the structure of production equipment The conveying control device 100 described in this embodiment can be applied to production equipment. For example... Figure 1 As shown, the production equipment includes a production line WL0, a work area 70, a conveying device 80, and an automated warehouse AS0. The production line WL0 includes at least one (four in this figure) component mounting machine 10, a replacement system 30, a moving device 40, a storage device 50, and a production line management device 60. The four component mounting machines 10 are arranged along... Figure 2 The transport direction (X direction) of the substrate 90 shown is configured. The component mounting machine 10 is included in a substrate mounting machine WM0 that performs prescribed substrate mounting operations on the substrate 90 to produce a product substrate 900. The substrate mounting operations of the component mounting machine 10 include substrate 90 loading and unloading operations, component 91 feeding operations, pick-up operations, and mounting operations. For example, a detachable cassette feeder 20 is provided on the component mounting machine 10.

[0013] On the substrate loading side of production line WL0 ( Figure 1 (As shown in the attached diagram on the left) A storage device 50 for storing the feeder 20 is provided. Furthermore, the production line WL0 is equipped with a replacement system 30 and a moving device 40, which perform feeding, replacement, and recycling operations on the feeder 20. In addition, the structure of the production line WL0 can be appropriately added to or modified, for example, depending on the type of product substrate 900 to be produced. Specifically, substrate handling machines WM0, such as solder printers, solder inspection machines, reflow ovens, and visual inspection machines, can be appropriately installed on the production line WL0. In this way, the production line WL0 can use various substrate handling machines WM0 to sequentially transport the substrate 90 and perform production processes, including inspection, to produce product substrate 900.

[0014] The substrate processing machine WM0 constituting the production line WL0 is configured to input and output various data to the production line management device 60 via a network. For example, the storage device 50 has multiple slots. The storage device 50 stores the feeders 20 equipped in the multiple slots. The feeders 20 equipped in the slots of the storage device 50 are in a state where they can communicate with the production line management device 60. Thus, the slots of the storage device 50 are associated with the identification information of the feeders 20 equipped in those slots, and this information is recorded in the production line management device 60.

[0015] Furthermore, the production line management device 60 monitors the operation status of the production line WL0 and provides unified control over the component mounting machine 10, substrate handling machine WM0, changeover system 30, moving device 40, and storage device 50. The production line management device 60 stores various data used to control the substrate handling machine WM0, changeover system 30, moving device 40, and storage device 50. For example, when the component mounting machine 10 performs the component 91 mounting process, the production line management device 60 sends out various data such as production programs.

[0016] 1-2. Structural Example of Component Mounting Machine 10 like Figure 2 As shown, each of the four component mounting machines 10 includes a substrate transport device 11, a component supply device 12, and a head drive device 13. In this specification, the transport direction of the substrate 90 is defined as the X direction. Furthermore, the direction orthogonal to the X direction in the horizontal plane is defined as the Y direction. Moreover, the vertical direction orthogonal to both the X and Y directions is defined as... Figure 2 The vertical direction of the attached diagram is set as the Z direction.

[0017] The substrate transport device 11 is composed of, for example, a belt conveyor and a positioning device. The substrate transport device 11 transports the substrates 90 sequentially along the transport direction (X direction) and positions the substrates 90 at a predetermined position inside the machine. After the mounting process of the component mounting machine 10 is completed, the substrate transport device 11 removes the substrates 90 from the outside of the component mounting machine 10.

[0018] The component supply device 12 supplies components 91 to be mounted onto the substrate 90. The component supply device 12 includes a first slot 12a and a second slot 12b for equipping multiple feeders 20. In this embodiment, the first slot 12a is positioned above the front side of the component mounting machine 10 and holds the equipped feeders 20 in a position that allows them to operate. The feeders 20 equipped in the first slot 12a are controlled to operate during the mounting process of the component mounting machine 10, and the take-out portion, located at a predetermined position on the upper part of the feeder 20, supplies the components 91. Thus, the first slot 12a can hold the feeders 20 used in the production of the product substrate 900.

[0019] In this embodiment, the second slot 12b is positioned below the first slot 12a and stores the equipped feeder 20. Specifically, the second slot 12b is intended to hold the feeder 20 that is intended to be used in the production of the product substrate 900. Furthermore, the second slot 12b temporarily holds feeders 20 that are no longer needed in the production of the product substrate 900. Moreover, the replacement of the feeder 20 between the first slot 12a and the second slot 12b is performed by the moving device 40.

[0020] like Figure 2 As shown, the feeder 20 includes a feeder body 21 and a drive unit 22. In this embodiment, the feeder body 21 is formed in a flat, box-like shape. The feeder body 21 detachably (replaceably) holds a reel 23 on which a carrier tape for housing an element 91 to be mounted to the substrate 90 is wound. The drive unit 22 includes a toothed reel 22a that engages with a feed hole provided on the carrier tape. The drive unit 22 rotates the toothed reel 22a, thereby feeding the carrier tape.

[0021] The feeder 20 controls the operation of the drive unit 22 via the control device of the component mounting machine 10. When the feeder 20 is installed in the first slot 12a of the component mounting machine 10, it receives power from the component mounting machine 10 via a connector and is able to communicate with the component mounting machine 10. Thus, the component mounting machine 10 can detect the feeding and retrieval of the feeder 20 in the first slot 12a. The same applies to the second slot 12b as to the first slot 12a.

[0022] The feeder 20, equipped in the first slot 12a, controls the feeding action of the carrier tape containing the component 91 based on control commands issued by the component mounting machine 10. As a result, the take-out part provided on the upper part of the feeder 20 supplies the component 91 in a manner that allows it to be picked up by the holding member of the mounting head 13b.

[0023] The head drive device 13 moves the moving stage 13a horizontally (in the X and Y directions) via a linear motion mechanism. A mounting head 13b is replaceably (removably) fixed to the moving stage 13a via a clamping member. The mounting head 13b moves integrally with the moving stage 13a in the X and Y directions via the linear motion mechanism of the head drive device 13. The mounting head 13b uses a holding member to pick up the component 91 supplied by the component supply device 12. The holding member may be, for example, a suction nozzle that uses supplied negative pressure gas to adsorb the component 91, or a chuck that holds the component 91.

[0024] The mounting head 13b holds the component in a position that allows it to move along the Z-direction and rotate about a Q-axis parallel to the Z-direction. The mounting head 13b adjusts the position and angle of the holding component according to the orientation of the picked-up component 91. Furthermore, the mounting head 13b mounts the component 91 to the mounting position on the substrate 90 specified by the production process. The total time required for the predetermined number of pick-up and release cycles of the component 91, plus the time required for the loading and unloading of the substrate 90, corresponds to the cycle time for each substrate 90.

[0025] Furthermore, the retaining member provided on the mounting head 13b can be appropriately changed depending on the type of component 91 during the mounting process of mounting the component 91 onto the substrate 90. For example, when the nozzle used in the mounting process to be performed is not mounted on the mounting head 13b, the component mounting machine 10 mounts the nozzle housed in the nozzle station onto the mounting head 13b. The nozzle station can be detachably mounted in a designated position inside the component mounting machine 10 or on the feeder 20.

[0026] 1-3. Structural Examples of Replacing System 30 and Mobile Device 40 like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the replacement system 30 includes a first track 31 and a second track 32, which together form the travel path 30R of the moving device 40. The first track 31 extends along the transport direction (X direction) of the substrate 90 and is disposed between the first slot 12a and the second slot 12b in the vertical direction (Z direction).

[0027] The second track 32 extends along the transport direction (X direction) of the substrate 90 and is positioned below the second slot 12b in the vertical direction (Z direction). The first track 31 and the second track 32 extend across approximately the entire area of ​​the transport direction (X direction) of the substrate 90 in the production line WL0. The transport direction (X direction) of the substrate 90 corresponds to the configuration direction of the four component mounting machines 10.

[0028] The mobile device 40 is configured to travel on a path 30R formed by the first track 31 and the second track 32. For example, the mobile device 40 receives power from the power supply unit via a power receiving unit positioned opposite the power supply unit on the first track 31, using a contactless power supply method. The power received by the power receiving unit is used for the movement and prescribed operations of the mobile device 40 via a power receiving circuit. Furthermore, the mobile device 40 detects its position (current position) on the path 30R, for example, using a position detection device. The position detection device can detect the position using, for example, optical detection or detection using electromagnetic induction.

[0029] The aforementioned prescribed operation includes a replacement operation whereby the component mounting machine 10 or other equipment DD0 used in the substrate mounting machine WM0 is replaced between the moving device 40 and the substrate mounting machine WM0. In the embodiment, the moving device 40 uses the feeder 20, which supplies components 91 to be mounted on the substrate 90, as the equipment DD0, and performs the feeder 20 replacement operation between the moving device 40 and the component mounting machine 10, which is the substrate mounting machine WM0. Alternatively, the moving device 40 may also use the feeder 20 as the equipment DD0 and perform the feeder 20 replacement operation between the moving device 40 and the storage device 50.

[0030] The moving device 40 of this embodiment transports the feeder 20 from the storage device 50 to the first slot 12a or the second slot 12b of the component mounting machine 10 to supply the feeder 20. Furthermore, the moving device 40 performs feeder 20 replacement operations between itself and the first slot 12a or the second slot 12b of the component mounting machine 10. Moreover, the moving device 40 transports the feeder 20 that is no longer needed from the component mounting machine 10 to the storage device 50 to perform feeder 20 recycling operations.

[0031] like Figure 3 As shown, the moving device 40 includes at least one (two in this figure) holding part 41 and a control device 42. In the embodiment, each of the two holding parts 41 can simultaneously clamp multiple (two in this figure) feeders 20, thus holding multiple (two) feeders 20 simultaneously. Furthermore, each of the two holding parts 41 can move independently along the mounting / removing direction of the feeder 20 (the Y direction in this embodiment) via, for example, a direct-drive mechanism, thus enabling multiple (two) feeders 20 to move simultaneously along the Y direction.

[0032] Furthermore, the two holding parts 41 can move integrally in the vertical direction (Z direction) via a linear motion mechanism, for example, allowing multiple (four) feeders 20 to move simultaneously in the Z direction. It should be noted that the moving device 40 may also include multiple (four) holding parts 41. In this case, each of the multiple (four) holding parts 41 clamps one feeder 20, enabling the multiple (four) feeders 20 to move independently in the Y and Z directions. Moreover, the type of holding part 41 is not limited to clamping mechanisms or linear motion mechanisms; various types can be used. For example, the holding part 41 may also have a protrusion that can engage with a hole provided in the feeder 20. In this case, the feeder 20 is held by engaging the protrusion of the holding part 41 with the hole of the feeder 20.

[0033] The control device 42 is equipped with a known arithmetic and storage device and constitutes a control circuit. The control device 42 is communicatively connected to the four component mounting machines 10, the replacement system 30, the storage device 50, and the production line management device 60. The control device 42 controls the movement of the moving device 40 and the operation of the two holding parts 41. With this structure, the moving device 40 can move along the first track 31 and the second track 32 to a predetermined position and perform a feeder 20 replacement operation at the stop position.

[0034] It should be noted that, not limited to the feeder 20, the storage device 50 can store the equipment DD0 used in the substrate mounting machine WM0. For example, when the substrate mounting machine WM0 is a component mounting machine 10, the equipment DD0 includes a tray unit for receiving a tray on which a plurality of components 91 are arranged, and a wafer component supply device capable of supplying wafer components. In addition, the equipment DD0 includes a holding component supply device (a nozzle station when the holding component is a nozzle) capable of supplying holding components (nozzles, chucks, etc.). When the substrate mounting machine WM0 is a solder printer for printing solder onto a substrate 90, the equipment DD0 includes a solder printing mask and a solder receiving container for receiving solder.

[0035] Thus, the storage device 50 can hold the equipment DD0 intended for use in the production of the product substrate 900, or can temporarily hold the equipment DD0 that is no longer needed in the production of the product substrate 900. Furthermore, not limited to the feeder 20, the moving device 40 can supply the equipment DD0 that has been moved into the storage device 50 to the first slot 12a or the second slot 12b, and can retrieve the equipment DD0 that is no longer needed in the production of the product substrate 900 from the first slot 12a or the second slot 12b back to the storage device 50.

[0036] Furthermore, the substrate mounting machine WM0 is not limited to the component mounting machine 10, and can include a first slot 12a and a second slot 12b, and the equipment DD0 to be held is not limited to the feeder 20. That is, the substrate mounting machine WM0 includes: a first slot 12a, which can hold the equipment DD0 used in the production of the product substrate 900; and a second slot 12b, which can either hold the equipment DD0 that is intended to be used in the production of the product substrate 900, or temporarily hold the equipment DD0 that is no longer needed in the production of the product substrate 900.

[0037] 1-4. Structural examples of the work area 70, the handling device 80, and the automated warehouse AS0 In work area 70, operators can perform various tasks related to equipment DD0 supplied to and retrieved from production line WL0. Specifically, such as... Figure 1As shown, the work area 70 of the embodiment includes a workbench 71, a feeder bracket 72, a tray rack 73, and a portable terminal 74. Furthermore, in the work area 70, the operator performs tasks such as assembling, preparing, mounting, moving, and organizing the equipment DDO.

[0038] For example, when equipment DD0 is feeder 20, the operator can equip the feeder 23 with a specified reel 23 to supply the production line WL0. Specifically, the operator can equip the feeder 20 with the specified reel 23 at workbench 71 (assisting operation) and, for example, place the feeder 20 in a feeder holder 72 for temporary storage (preparation operation). The reel 23 and feeder 20 can be obtained by the operator, for example, from automated warehouse AS0. In this case, the operator can place the obtained feeder 20 in the feeder holder 72. Similarly, the operator can place the obtained reel 23 in a reel rack 73 for temporary storage.

[0039] Furthermore, the operator can remove the feeder 20 from the feeder holder 72 and the reel 23 from the reel holder 73 to perform the corresponding operations. Specifically, the operator can use, for example, the reading device 74a of the portable terminal 74 to read the identification code attached to the reel 23. Similarly, the operator can use the reading device 74a of the portable terminal 74 to read the identification code attached to the feeder 20. Thus, the identification information of the reel 23 and the identification information of the feeder 20 are sent to the production management system MS2, which manages the production of the product substrate 900. The production management system MS2 can also manage various production information related to the production of the product substrate 900.

[0040] For example, when the production management system MS2 obtains the aforementioned identification information, it establishes a correspondence between the identification information of the reel 23 and the identification information of the feeder 20 and stores it in a storage device. Furthermore, the production management system MS2 can also update the location information of the feeder 20 when the feeder 20 moves. For example, when the feeder 20 is mounted in the slot of the feeder bracket 72 and is powered via a connector, the feeder bracket 72 can also communicate with the feeder 20 to obtain the location information of the feeder 20 and send the obtained location information to the production management system MS2. The production management system MS2 can use the received location information of the feeder 20 to update the location information of the feeder 20. The location information includes the upper, middle, and lower storage areas of the feeder bracket 72, slot numbers, etc.

[0041] It should be noted that the reel 23 and feeder 20 can also be obtained from the automated warehouse AS0 by a handling device 80 such as an AGV (Automated Guided Vehicle) or an AMR (Autonomous Mobile Robot). The automated warehouse AS0 storing the reel 23 can also automate the inbound and outbound processes of the reel 23, facilitating the handover of the reel 23 between it and the handling device 80. Similarly, the automated warehouse AS0 storing the feeder 20 can also automate the inbound and outbound processes of the feeder 20, facilitating the handover of the feeder 20 between it and the handling device 80.

[0042] Furthermore, when the conveying device 80 arrives at the work area 70, the operator can mount the feeder 20, equipped with a reel 23 and disposed on the feeder bracket 72, onto the conveying device 80 (mounting operation). For example, the conveying device 80 is provided with a feeder compartment FM0 for mounting the feeder 20. The feeder compartment FM0 is provided with multiple slots, and the operator can place the feeder 20 equipped with a reel 23 into the slots of the feeder compartment FM0.

[0043] Thus, when the feeder 20 is mounted on the conveying device 80, the conveying device 80 can transport the feeder 20 equipped with the reel 23 to the storage device 50 of the production line WL0. Alternatively, the operator can also mount the prescribed reel 23 onto the feeder 20 on the workbench 71 (matching operation) and store the feeder 20 equipped with the reel 23 in the feeder compartment FM0 provided on the conveying device 80 (mounting operation). That is, preparation work can be omitted.

[0044] Furthermore, the conveying device 80 can, for example, transport feeders 20 that are no longer needed in the production of the product substrate 900 from the storage device 50 of the production line WL0 to the work area 70. In the work area 70, the operator removes the feeders 20 that are no longer needed in the production of the product substrate 900 from the conveying device 80 (removal operation). For example, the operator can remove a specified feeder 20 from the feeder bin FM0. The operator can also remove the feeder 20 along with the feeder bin FM0.

[0045] Furthermore, the operator can organize (organize) the feeders 20 that are no longer needed in the production of the product substrate 900 as needed. Specifically, the operator removes the reel 23 from the feeder 20. The removed reel 23 can be transported by the handling device 80 to the automated warehouse AS0 and stored there. In this case, the correspondence between the identification information of the reel 23 and the identification information of the feeder 20 stored in the storage device is deleted. Alternatively, if no organizing operation is required, the reel 23 and the feeder 20 are stored in their equipped state, for example, in the feeder holder 72. In this case, the correspondence between the identification information of the reel 23 and the identification information of the feeder 20 stored in the storage device is maintained.

[0046] Furthermore, the operation of the transport device 80 is managed by the transport management system MS1. Specifically, the transport management system MS1 is configured to communicate with the transport device 80 via a network. For example, the transport management system MS1 can determine the location of the transport device 80 by communicating with it. Specifically, the transport management system MS1 receives signals sent from the transport device 80 at multiple access points and identifies the relative positions of the multiple access points and the transport device 80 based on the signal strength, time difference of arrival, etc.

[0047] Furthermore, when the transport device 80 is an unmanned transport vehicle, it can move on a magnetic tape marked with reference markers. The transport device 80 can identify its own position by recognizing the reference markers. Moreover, when the transport device 80 is an autonomous walking transport robot, it can also use various detection devices such as cameras and laser sensors to identify its own position. In either case, the transport management system MS1 can obtain location information related to the transport device 80's own position to determine its location.

[0048] Furthermore, the material handling management system MS1 is configured to communicate with the production management system MS2 via a network. Thus, the material handling management system MS1 can obtain the production progress status of the product substrate 900 from the production management system MS2. And, based on the production progress status of the product substrate 900, it can determine the material handling device 80 of the material handling equipment DD0 and deliver the material handling device 80.

[0049] 1-5. Structural Examples of the Handling Control Device 100 like Figure 1As shown, the portable terminal 74 has an operation screen 74b. The operation screen 74b is, for example, composed of a touch panel, allowing the operator to obtain various information, including work instructions, and to operate the operation screen 74b to issue various notifications and instructions. For example, the operator can use the operation screen 74b to instruct the conveying device 80, which has arrived at the work area 70, to perform the next action.

[0050] However, even when the operator can always instruct the transport device 80 to perform the next action via the operation screen 74b, it is possible that the operator instructs the transport device 80 to perform the next action without performing the necessary operation. In this case, for example, the transport device 80 may perform an inappropriate transport operation without transporting any equipment DD0, thereby reducing the efficiency of the transport operation of equipment DD0.

[0051] Therefore, a transport control device 100 is provided in the embodiment. Thus, when the specified conditions related to the transport of equipment DD0 are met, the operator can operate the operation screen 74b to instruct the transport device 80 to perform the next action. Specifically, the transport control device 100 includes a judgment unit 101 and a control unit 102. The judgment unit 101 and the control unit 102 can be provided in various control devices, management devices, etc. For example, at least one of the judgment unit 101 and the control unit 102 can be provided in a transport management system MS1. At least one of the judgment unit 101 and the control unit 102 can also be provided in a production management system MS2.

[0052] At least one of the judgment unit 101 and the control unit 102 may also be provided in the production line management device 60. At least one of the judgment unit 101 and the control unit 102 may also be formed in the cloud. For example... Figure 4 As shown, the judgment unit 101 and control unit 102 of the embodiment are provided in the transport management system MS1. Furthermore, the transport control device 100 is configured according to... Figure 5 The control is performed using the flowchart shown. The judgment unit 101 performs the processing shown in step S11. The control unit 102 performs the processing and judgment shown in steps S12 to S15. It should be noted that the items described in this specification can be appropriately selected and used. Furthermore, the items described in this specification can be appropriately combined.

[0053] 1-5-1. Judgment Unit 101 The judgment unit 101 determines whether the transport device 80 of the equipment DD0 used in the transport board handling machine WM0 meets the specified conditions related to the transport of equipment DD0. Figure 5Step S11 is shown. As previously described, various methods can be used for the substrate mounting machine WM0, the equipment DD0, and the transport device 80. This specification uses the transport device 80, which transports the feeder 20 used in the component mounting machine 10, as an example. Similarly, the specified conditions can be any conditions related to the transport of the equipment DD0, and various methods can be used.

[0054] In this specification, at least one of the operations of mounting or removing equipment DD0 is referred to as an object operation. A mounting operation refers to the operation by which an operator mounts equipment DD0 onto the transport device 80. Furthermore, a removal operation refers to the operation by which an operator removes equipment DD0, which is no longer needed in the production of the product substrate 900, from the transport device 80. For example, if the next action is instructed to the transport device 80 before a mounting operation has been performed when it arrives at the operator's work area 70, the transport device 80 may perform an inappropriate transport operation without moving any equipment DD0.

[0055] Furthermore, consider a scenario where the transport device 80 carrying equipment DD0, which is no longer needed in the production of the product substrate 900, arrives at the work area 70. In this case, if the transport device 80 is instructed to perform the next action before any removal operation has been carried out, an inappropriate transport operation may occur, whereby the transport device 80 is redeployed to the work area 70 to remove equipment DD0. In either case, the efficiency of the equipment DD0 transport operation may decrease.

[0056] Therefore, the judgment unit 101 can determine that the prescribed conditions are met when the transport device 80 arrives at the operator's work area 70 and the object operation is completed. In other words, the judgment unit 101 can determine that the prescribed conditions are not met when the transport device 80 arrives at the operator's work area 70 but the object operation is not completed. As mentioned above, the transport management system MS1 can determine the location of the transport device 80 through various methods, and the judgment unit 101 can determine whether the transport device 80 has arrived at the operator's work area 70. It should be noted that the work area 70 can be arbitrarily set according to the operation to be performed by the operator.

[0057] Additionally, as previously mentioned, for example, the equipment DD0 includes a feeder 20 equipped with a reel 23. In this case, for example, the mounting operation includes the operation of mounting the reel 23 onto the feeder 20 (matching operation) and the operation of storing the feeder 20 equipped with the reel 23 in the feeder compartment FM0 provided on the conveying device 80. Figure 6 As shown, the conveying device 80 can enter below the conveying trolley 81 and connect to the conveying trolley 81, and can pull the connected conveying trolley 81. The feeder bin FM0 is formed as a box-shaped cuboid with one side open, and is provided on the platform of the conveying trolley 81.

[0058] The operator stores the feeder 20 equipped with a reel 23 from the opening into the feeder compartment FM0 and places it in the slot. Alternatively, as mentioned above, the operator may also place the feeder 20 equipped with a reel 23 onto the feeder holder 72 (preparation operation). In this case, the loading operation includes storing the feeder 20 equipped with a reel 23 and placed on the feeder holder 72 into the feeder compartment FM0 provided on the conveying device 80.

[0059] Furthermore, for example, the removal operation includes the removal of feeders 20 that are no longer needed in the production of the product substrate 900 from the feeder compartment FM0 provided in the conveying device 80. For example, the operator can remove a specified feeder 20 from the feeder compartment FM0. Alternatively, the operator can remove the feeder 20 together with the feeder compartment FM0.

[0060] Furthermore, the completion of the task can be confirmed through various methods. For example, the judgment unit 101 can determine that the specified conditions are met when the operator operates the completion button BT2, and the completion button BT2 is the area displayed on the operation screen 74b, and notify that the task is completed. Figure 7 An example of operation screen 74b is shown. In operation screen 74b shown in this figure, the target operation is to equip the reel 23 to the feeder 20 (matching operation) and to store the feeder 20 equipped with the reel 23 in the feeder compartment FM0 provided on the conveying device 80.

[0061] In the operation screen 74b shown in the figure, the aforementioned object operation uses text information such as "Please set the feeder in the feeder compartment" and is also guided by icons. Specifically, the icon of the matched component on the left side of the figure is a schematic diagram of the reel 23 and the feeder 20, showing the matching operation of equipping the reel 23 with the feeder 20. In addition, the icon of the feeder compartment on the right side of the figure is a schematic diagram of the feeder compartment FM0 containing the feeder 20, showing the aforementioned loading operation. Furthermore, the OK icon is the completion button BT2, which the operator operates when the loading operation is completed. As a result, the determination unit 101 determines that the object operation is completed and meets the prescribed conditions.

[0062] For example, a battery-powered transport device 80 can also supply power to the feeder compartment FM0 via a transport trolley 81. Furthermore, a battery-powered transport trolley 81 can also supply power to the feeder compartment FM0. In these cases, when the feeder 20 is installed in the slot of the feeder compartment FM0, the feeder 20 is powered from the feeder compartment FM0 via a connector, and the transport device 80 communicates with the feeder 20 to identify that the feeder 20 is installed. Conversely, when the feeder 20 is removed from the feeder compartment FM0, the transport device 80 cannot communicate with the feeder 20, but can still identify that the feeder 20 has been removed.

[0063] In other words, the aforementioned mechanism is the detection mechanism DM0, which detects the completion of the task. Furthermore, when the feeder 20 is moved out along with the feeder compartment FM0, the assembly / disassembly sensor that detects the assembly / disassembly of the feeder compartment FM0 is the detection mechanism DM0. Thus, the judgment unit 101 can also determine that the predetermined conditions are met when the detection mechanism DM0 detects that the task is completed. Therefore, the judgment unit 101 can identify the completion of the task. It should be noted that the judgment unit 101 can also determine that the predetermined conditions are met when the operator operates the completion button BT2 and the detection mechanism DM0 detects that the task is completed. In this case, the judgment unit 101 can identify the completion of the task through various means.

[0064] Furthermore, for example, the feeder compartment FM0 has multiple slots, and the conveying device 80 can carry multiple feeders 20. If the target operation has been completed for all the multiple devices DD0 to be conveyed, and the determination unit 101 determines that the specified conditions are met, the conveying of the devices DD0 that have completed the target operation will be delayed because of the devices DD0 that have not completed the target operation. The higher the urgency of conveying the devices DD0 that have completed the target operation, the more problematic the conveying delay becomes.

[0065] Therefore, the determination unit 101 can determine that the specified conditions are met if at least one of the multiple devices DD0 has completed the object operation. This avoids delays in the handling of devices DD0 that have completed the object operation due to devices DD0 that have not completed the operation. It should be noted that the above method tends to increase the number of deliveries by the handling device 80. Therefore, the number of devices DD0 handled by the handling device 80 at one time can also be set based on the urgency of handling the devices DD0. Specifically, the higher the urgency of handling the devices DD0, the fewer devices DD0 should be handled by the handling device 80 at one time.

[0066] In addition, the operation screen 74b can also guide various information. For example, the production management system MS2 can generate a list of equipment DD0 that the operator should prepare, and guide the information related to equipment DD0 in the order that the operator needs to prepare the equipment DD0 in the operation screen 74b. Figure 7 In the example shown, the system displays icons, unit production identification information, item identification information, equipment identification information, equipment name, scheduled usage date and time, and location. As mentioned earlier, the icons indicate the target operation. The icons for unit production identification information W1 and W4 indicate that the operator needs to perform the aforementioned loading operation. The icons for unit production identification information W2 and W3 indicate that the operator needs to perform the aforementioned preparation operation.

[0067] Unit production identification information refers to information that identifies a unit of production. The production plan for product substrate 900 specifies the sequence of multiple unit productions. For example, when the type of product substrate 900 being produced changes, a new unit production is set in the production plan. Furthermore, even if the type of product substrate 900 being produced is the same, a new unit production is set in the production plan when the production batch changes. This diagram illustrates that the unit productions represented by unit production identification information W1 to unit production identification information W4 will proceed in this sequence.

[0068] Item identification information refers to information that identifies the item MD0 supplied from device DD0. For example, when device DD0 is feeder 20, item MD0 corresponds to component 91. This diagram illustrates that items MD0, represented by item identification information PID1 to PID4, must be supplied in this order. Device identification information refers to information that identifies device DD0, and this diagram illustrates that operators must prepare devices DD0, represented by device identification information DID1 to DID4, in this order.

[0069] The equipment name refers to the name of equipment DD0. This diagram shows the names of equipment DD0 represented by equipment identification information DID1 to DID4, in that order, from equipment name DNM1 to equipment name DNM4. The scheduled date and time of use refers to the scheduled date and time when equipment DD0 will be used on production line WL0. This diagram shows equipment DD0, represented by equipment identification information DID1 to DID4, being used on dates and times D1 to D4 in that order. Dates and times D1 to D4 are expressed in month, day, hour, and minute. The location refers to the location of equipment DD0. This diagram shows equipment DD0, represented by equipment identification information DID1 to DID4, located at locations A1 to A4 in that order.

[0070] Furthermore, the production management system MS2 can display the remaining production time at the top of the operation screen 74b. The remaining production time refers to the time that production of the product substrate 900 can continue, and it decreases as the items MD0 supplied by the slave equipment DD0 are consumed. The remaining production time can be set for the equipment DD0 that the operator should prepare first (…). Figure 7 The diagram shows the production time available for equipment DD0 (represented by equipment identification information DID1). In this diagram, the remaining production time for equipment DD0 (represented by equipment identification information DID1) is expressed in hours (H1), minutes (M1), and seconds (S1). When the operator completes the preparation work for equipment DD0 (represented by equipment identification information DID2 in this diagram), the production management system MS2 can display the remaining production time for the next equipment DD0 that the operator should prepare (represented by equipment identification information DID2 in this diagram).

[0071] Furthermore, the production management system MS2 stops displaying information related to equipment DD0 represented by equipment identification information DID1, which has completed preparation work, and instead displays information related to equipment DD0 represented by equipment identification information DID2 to DID4. Moreover, the production management system MS2 can display information related to equipment DD0 that the operator should prepare after equipment DD0 represented by equipment identification information DID4 at the bottom level.

[0072] In this way, the production management system MS2 can guide the information related to equipment DD0 and the available production time according to the order in which the operator needs to prepare the equipment DD0. This allows the operator to confirm both the information related to the equipment DD0 to be prepared and the available production time. Therefore, the operator can obtain the information related to equipment DD0 while focusing on the available production time and perform the preparation work for equipment DD0.

[0073] 1-5-2. Control Unit 102 When the determination unit 101 determines that the specified conditions are met ( Figure 5 When "Yes" is indicated in step S11, the control unit 102 is configured to allow the operator to operate the indicator button BT1 (step S12). In other words, if the judgment unit 101 determines that the specified conditions are not met (when "No" is indicated in step S11), the control unit 102 is configured to prevent the operator from operating the indicator button BT1 (step S13). In this case, the control of the transport control device 100 is temporarily terminated. Furthermore, the control of the transport control device 100 is repeatedly executed according to a predetermined control cycle.

[0074] The indicator button BT1 is a button displayed on the operation screen 74b that can be operated by the operator and indicates the next action to the conveying device 80. The indicator button BT1 only needs to be able to indicate the next action to the conveying device 80; its shape and the content of the instruction given to the conveying device 80 are not limited. Similarly, the control unit 102 can be configured to allow the operator to operate the indicator button BT1 as long as the judgment unit 101 determines that the specified conditions are met; various methods can be used.

[0075] For example, if the judgment unit 101 determines that the specified conditions are not met (when it is "No" in step S11), the control unit 102 may be configured not to respond even if the operator operates the indicator button BT1. Furthermore, if the judgment unit 101 determines that the specified conditions are not met, the control unit 102 may guide the operator to refrain from operating the indicator button BT1 through display-based guidance, sound guidance, etc., on the operation screen 74b, until the specified conditions are met (until the task is completed).

[0076] Furthermore, the control unit 102 can be configured to instruct the transport device 80 to perform the next action when the determination unit 101 determines that the specified conditions are met ("yes" in step S11) and the operator operates the indicator button BT1. The control unit 102 can also guide the operator to indicate that the operation of the indicator button BT1 is possible when the determination unit 101 determines that the specified conditions are met, using the same guidance as described above.

[0077] In addition, the control unit 102 can also guide the operator to the fact that the operation is possible when the judgment unit 101 determines that the specified conditions are met (when "yes" is in step S11). Figure 7 This figure shows an example of an operation screen 74b before the operator operates the completion button BT2. The indicator button BT1 shown in this figure has text information indicating "Depart the transport device" as the next action instruction for the transport device 80, and a rectangular area surrounding the text information. The rectangular area is shown in gray, and the outline of the rectangle and the text information are shown in white. Additionally, for clarity, the gray rectangular area is represented by a dashed rectangle in this figure.

[0078] Figure 8An example of an operation screen 74b after the operator operates the completion button BT2 is shown. As mentioned earlier, the judgment unit 101 can determine that the specified conditions are met when the operator operates the completion button BT2. Therefore, in this case, the control unit 102 is configured to allow the operator to operate the indicator button BT1. In the indicator button BT1 shown in this figure, the rectangular area is displayed in green, and the outline of the rectangle and the text information are displayed in white. For ease of illustration, the green rectangular area is represented by a solid rectangle in this figure.

[0079] As mentioned earlier, the indicator button BT1 only needs to be able to instruct the conveying device 80 to perform the next action; the content of the instruction instructing the conveying device 80 is not limited. For example, Figure 8 As shown, the indicator button BT1 is operated when the operator starts the transport device. In this mode, when the operator operates the indicator button BT1 (when "Yes" is selected in step S14), the control unit 102 causes the transport device 80 to move towards the destination (step S15).

[0080] Specifically, when the transport management system MS1 receives an instruction from the portable terminal 74 to dispatch the transport device 80, it sends information related to the destination (or, if necessary, the destination and route) and a departure instruction to the transport device 80. Upon receiving the departure instruction, the transport device 80 will depart towards the destination. Furthermore, if the control unit 102 dispatches the transport device 80 towards the destination, the control of the transport control device 100 temporarily terminates. The control of the transport control device 100 is then repeatedly executed according to a predetermined control cycle. Additionally, if the operator does not operate the instruction button BT1 (if "No" is selected in step S14), the control of the transport control device 100 returns to the judgment shown in step S14, and the control unit 102 remains in standby mode until the operator operates the instruction button BT1.

[0081] 1-5-3. Other In this specification, the device DD0 is described using feeder 20 as an example. However, device DD0 is not limited to feeder 20. As mentioned above, device DD0 can also be a tray unit, a wafer component supply device, a holding component supply device, a mask, a solder receiving container, etc.

[0082] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the work area 70 is located in an external preparation area separate from the substrate mounting machine WM0. However, the work area 70 can be located in any location. For example, the production line WL0 can omit the changeover system 30 and the moving device 40. In this case, the operator needs to perform the supply, changeover, and recycling operations of the equipment DD0. Therefore, the work area 70 can be located near the storage device 50, the substrate mounting machine WM0, etc. Even in this case, the operator can still perform the matching, preparation, mounting, removal, and sorting operations of the equipment DD0 in the work area 70.

[0083] 2. Handling control methods The same applies to the transport control method as described above regarding the transport control device 100. Specifically, the transport control method includes a judgment step and a control step. The judgment step corresponds to the control performed by the judgment unit 101. The control step corresponds to the control performed by the control unit 102. Furthermore, repeated descriptions are omitted in this specification.

[0084] 3. An example of the effect of the implementation method According to the transport control device 100, under the specified conditions related to the transport of equipment DD0, the operator can operate the operation screen 74b and operate the indicator button BT1 to instruct the transport device 80 to perform the next action. The same applies to the transport control method as described above for the transport control device 100. Symbol Explanation

[0085] 20: Feeder; 23: Tape; 70: Working area; 74b: Operation screen. 80: Handling device; 90: Substrate; 91: Component; 900: Product substrate; 100: Transport control device; 101: Judgment unit; 102: Control unit. DD0: Equipment, DM0: Testing Agency, FM0: Feeder Bin BT1: Indicator button, BT2: Complete button, WM0: Substrate processing machine.

Claims

1. A handling control device, comprising: The judgment unit determines whether the transport device of the equipment used in the substrate plating machine meets the specified conditions related to the transport of the equipment, and the substrate plating machine performs specified substrate plating operations on the substrate to produce a product substrate; and The control unit, when the determination unit determines that the specified conditions are met, is configured to allow the operator to operate the indicator button, which is an area displayed on the operation screen that the operator can operate and indicates the next action to the conveying device.

2. The handling control device according to claim 1, wherein, When the transport device arrives at the operator's work area and the object operation is completed, the determination unit determines that the specified conditions are met. The object operation is at least one of the following operations: the operator loading the equipment onto the transport device and the operator removing the equipment that is no longer needed in the production of the product substrate from the transport device.

3. The handling control device according to claim 2, wherein, When the operator presses the "Complete" button, the determination unit determines that the specified conditions are met. The "Complete" button is the area displayed on the operation screen, and the operator notifies the user that the task has been completed.

4. The handling control device according to claim 2 or 3, wherein, If the inspection agency detects that the object operation has been completed, the determination unit determines that the specified conditions are met, and the inspection agency performs inspection on the completion of the object operation.

5. The handling control device according to claim 2, wherein, The transport device can carry multiple of the aforementioned devices. If the object operation is completed for at least one of the plurality of said devices, the determination unit determines that the specified conditions are met.

6. The handling control device according to claim 2, wherein, The device is equipped with a feeder with a reel wound with a carrier tape for housing components to be mounted onto the substrate. The loading operation is as follows: the reel is fitted onto the feeder, and the feeder equipped with the reel is stored in the feeder compartment provided on the conveying device.

7. The handling control device according to claim 1, wherein, If the determination unit determines that the specified conditions are met, the control unit changes the display color of the indicator button on the operation screen and guides the user to the fact that the operation can be performed by the operator.

8. The handling control device according to claim 1, wherein, The indicator button is activated when the operator starts the conveying device. When the operator operates the instruction button, the control unit causes the transport device to move toward its destination.

9. A material handling control method, comprising: In the judgment process, for the handling device of the equipment used in the substrate forming machine, it is determined whether the specified conditions related to the handling of the equipment are met, and the substrate forming machine performs specified substrate forming operations on the substrate to produce product substrates; and In the control process, if the judgment process determines that the specified conditions are met, the operator is allowed to operate the indicator button, which is an area displayed on the operation screen that the operator can operate and indicates the next action to the conveying device.

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