Production system and handling preparation method

Abstract

A production system includes: one or more installation lines equipped with installation devices for installing components using component supply units; a warehouse for storing component supply units; a transfer device for transferring component supply units within the warehouse; and an unmanned transport vehicle for transporting component supply units between the installation lines and predetermined locations within the warehouse. The production system includes a control unit that acquires information related to the state of the installation lines and, after confirming that the installation lines, which are the destinations for the component supply units, are in a receptive state for receiving component supply units as transport objects, performs the following transport preparation control: controlling the transfer device to concentrate the component supply units to be transported to the installation lines to predetermined locations.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This manual discloses the production system and handling preparation methods. Background Technology

[0002] Previously, a production system (installation system) has been proposed, comprising: multiple installation lines with mounting devices for mounting components onto a substrate arranged side by side; a warehouse for storing supply components (feeders); and an unmanned transport vehicle for transporting the components between the installation lines and the warehouse (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In this system, after confirming that the components are ready to be received on the installation line, the unmanned transport vehicle loaded with the components to be transported to that installation line begins to move. Existing technical documents Patent documents

[0003] Patent document 1: International Publication No. 2022 / 168165. Summary of the Invention The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0004] In the above system, if the unit receiving preparation is not made in the installation line, unit transfer waiting will occur. If the transfer waiting time is long, not only will the transfer efficiency be reduced, but the transfer to other installation lines will also be delayed. To address this, it is possible to return units that are scheduled to be transferred to the installation line to their original storage location, while concentrating the units that should be transferred to other installation lines. However, the time spent concentrating the units to the installation line that is scheduled to be transferred is wasted.

[0005] The main objective of this disclosure is to minimize wasted time, thereby enabling efficient handling of component supply units. Methods for solving problems

[0006] To achieve the aforementioned main objectives, the following means were employed in this disclosure.

[0007] The production system disclosed herein includes: one or more assembly lines equipped with assembly devices for assembling components using component supply units; a warehouse for storing the component supply units; a transfer device for transferring the component supply units within the warehouse; and an automated guided vehicle (AGV) for transporting the component supply units between the assembly lines and predetermined locations within the warehouse. The purpose of the production system is to include a control unit that acquires information related to the status of the installation line. After confirming that the installation line, which is the destination of the component supply unit, is in a receptive state to receive the component supply unit as the object of transportation, the control unit performs the following transportation preparation control: controlling the transfer device to concentrate the component supply units that need to be transported to the installation line to the designated position.

[0008] In the production system of this disclosure, information related to the status of the assembly line is acquired. After confirming that the assembly line, which is the destination for the component supply units, is in an acceptable state for receiving component supply units, the transfer device is controlled to concentrate the component supply units that need to be transferred to the assembly line to a designated location. This prevents situations where component supply units cannot be transferred even though they have been concentrated to the designated location because the assembly line is not in an acceptable state. Therefore, it minimizes the time wasted due to frequent operations of waiting for component supply units to be transferred and returning component supply units concentrated in designated locations to other storage locations, thereby efficiently transferring component supply units. Attached Figure Description

[0009] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the production system 10. Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the installation line 20, the automated warehouse 50, and the unmanned transport vehicle 70. Figure 3 This is a schematic structural diagram of the mounting device 30. Figure 4 This is a block diagram showing the control-related structure of the production system 10. Figure 5 This is an explanatory diagram showing an example of feeder information 82a. Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of feeder handling and related processing. Figure 7 This is a flowchart illustrating a modified example of the feeder handling process. Figure 8 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of a specified corresponding process. Figure 9 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of feeder storage processing. Detailed Implementation

[0010] The embodiments of this disclosure will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Figure 1 This is a summary structure diagram of production system 10. Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the installation line 20, the automated warehouse 50, and the unmanned transport vehicle 70. Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the installation device 30. Figure 4 This is a block diagram showing the control-related structure of the production system 10. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the left-right direction (X-axis), front-back direction (Y-axis), and up-down direction (Z-axis) are set as follows: Figure 2 , Figure 3 As shown.

[0011] The production system 10 includes: one or more assembly lines 20 (20A, 20B) that use feeders 32 to install components; an automated warehouse 50 for storing the feeders 32; an automated guided vehicle 70 for moving the feeders 32 between the assembly lines 20 and the automated warehouse 50; and a management device 80 for managing the entire system. Additionally, Figure 2 Only one mounting line 20 is shown, but as Figure 1 As shown, there are multiple installation lines 20 (two in this embodiment). In addition, the production system 10 includes: an installation area 12 with installation lines 20, a warehouse area 14 with automated warehouse 50, and a work area 16 where operators M perform various operations such as assembling feeders 32 and reels R.

[0012] The mounting line 20 includes a printing apparatus 22, a printing inspection apparatus 24, a buffer station 26, multiple mounting devices 30, and a mounting inspection apparatus 28. These apparatuses are arranged side-by-side along the transport direction (X-axis direction) of the substrate S. Additionally, the mounting line 20 includes a loader 45 that can move along the X-axis direction between the buffer station 26 and each mounting device 30, and a line control device 40 that controls the entire mounting line 20. Furthermore, the mounting line 20 may also include a reflow soldering apparatus for reflow soldering the substrate S on which components are mounted. Each mounting line 20 (20A, 20B) has the same structure, but in this embodiment, as long as it includes at least a buffer station 26, one or more mounting devices 30, and a loader 45, it can have different structures.

[0013] The printing apparatus 22 prints solder onto the substrate S by pressing solder into the pattern holes formed on the screen mask. The printing inspection apparatus 24 inspects the state of the solder printed on the substrate S. The mounting apparatus 30 mounts the components supplied by the feeder 32 onto the substrate S. The mounting inspection apparatus 28 inspects the mounting state of the components mounted on the substrate S.

[0014] The mounting device 30 includes: a substrate transport device 31 for transporting the substrate S; multiple feeders 32 for supplying components; a head 33 for mounting the substrate S by picking up components by moving a pick-up member such as a nozzle along the Z-axis; a moving mechanism 34 for moving the head 33 along the XY-axis; and a control unit (not shown) composed of a CPU, ROM, RAM, etc. The feeders 32 are configured as belt feeders, each equipped with a reel R wound with a belt holding components at predetermined intervals. Components are supplied by rotating the reel R to feed the belt. The feeders 32 are detachable from the multiple slots formed on the front surface of the mounting device 30 and are held side-by-side along the X-axis. The mounting device 30 has two regions, one above the other, each with multiple slots. The upper region is where the feeders 32 can supply components to the head 33. The lower region is where the feeders 32 are temporarily stored.

[0015] Although detailed illustrations are omitted, the loader 45 includes: a loader body that houses one or more feeders 32 and is movable; a moving mechanism for moving the loader body; a transfer mechanism for transferring the feeders 32 between the buffer station 26, each mounting device 30, and the loader body; and a control unit composed of a CPU, ROM, RAM, etc. The loader 45 removes used feeders 32 from the mounting device 30 and returns them to the buffer station 26, or removes planned feeders 32 from the buffer station 26 and supplies them to the mounting device 30.

[0016] Buffer station 26 is provided as an in-line storage facility for the feeders 32 within the installation line 20, and is also called the receiving section or temporary storage facility for the feeders 32. In buffer station 26, the loader 45 and the automated guided vehicle 70 can automatically retrieve and place the feeders 32. Furthermore, buffer station 26 is divided into multiple buffer sections arranged side-by-side, such as first buffer section 26a and second buffer section 26b.

[0017] The line control device 40 includes: a control unit 41 composed of a CPU, ROM, RAM, etc.; a storage unit 42 storing various information such as an HDD or SSD; and a communication unit 43 for communicating with various devices within the mounting line 20 and the management device 80. The storage unit 42 stores feeder information 42a related to the feeders 32 within the mounting line 20, and production information 42b related to the production of the substrate S. Details of the feeder information 42a will be described later; it includes information indicating the usage status and configuration position of the feeders 32, such as the configuration position of each feeder 32, the feeder ID as identification information, the type of components contained in the feeder 32 (reel R), and the remaining quantity of components. The production information 42b includes the type of substrate to be produced, the production quantity of the substrate S, the solder printing position on the substrate S, the type and quantity of components to be mounted on the substrate S, the mounting position, and the mounting sequence, and stores information sent from the management device 80, for example.

[0018] Furthermore, the line control device 40 outputs various command signals to each device within the mounting line 20 based on production information 42b to perform production, and inputs information related to the production status from each device. Based on feeder information 42a and production information 42b, the line control device 40 controls the loader 45 to retrieve feeders 32 from the buffer station 26 and supply them to each mounting device 30, or to retrieve feeders 32 from each mounting device 30 and return them to the buffer station 26. Additionally, the line control device 40 inputs the operating status of the loader 45 and the status of the buffer stations 26 (each buffer section 26a, 26b). The line control device 40 sends information such as the production status of the mounting line 20, the operating status of the loader 45, the status of the buffer station 26, and feeder information 42a to the management device 80. Furthermore, based on feeder information 42a and production information 42b, the line control device 40 monitors which feeders 32 need to be supplied (replaced) due to component depletion and which feeders 32 need to be supplied due to substrate type changes. The line control device 40 generates a preparation list requiring the preparation (handling) of these feeders 32 and sends it to the management device 80. The preparation list includes information such as the type of component, the start time of use associated with component depletion, and the switching of substrate type. Alternatively, the management device 80 can also generate a preparation list based on information received from the mounting line 20.

[0019] The automated guided vehicle 70 moves automatically between the installation area 12 and the warehouse area 14, carrying feeders 32 for planned transport and feeders 32 after use. While detailed illustrations are omitted, the automated guided vehicle 70 includes a vehicle body, a battery, motors driving the wheels, a transfer device, obstacle detection sensors, speed sensors for detecting movement speed, position sensors for detecting its own position, and a control unit composed of a CPU, ROM, RAM, etc. The automated guided vehicle 70 can be configured as an AMR (Autonomous Mobile Robot) that moves along a path determined by the surrounding environment, using battery power to drive the motors. Alternatively, the automated guided vehicle 70 can also be an AGV (Automatic Guided Vehicle) that moves along a pre-defined path. Furthermore, the automated guided vehicle 70 transports multiple (e.g., 20 or 30) feeders 32 housed in hoppers 35, which are designated housing components. The first buffer section 26a and the second buffer section 26b of the aforementioned buffer station 26 each house one hopper 35. For this purpose, each buffer section of the unmanned transport vehicle 70 and the buffer station 26 is equipped with multiple rollers for taking out and putting into the hopper 35.

[0020] The loader 45 of the installation line 20 retrieves and places feeders 32 into the hoppers 35 of one of the buffer sections 26a and 26b, and returns used feeders 32 to the hoppers 35 of one of the buffer sections. Meanwhile, the other buffer section is left idle. Furthermore, when the automated guided vehicle 70 transports feeders 32 from the automated warehouse 50 to the installation line 20, it transports multiple feeders 32 along with their hoppers 35 and places them into the other, now-idle buffer section. The automated guided vehicle 70 then removes the multiple feeders 32 returned to one buffer section along with their hoppers 35 and transports them to the automated warehouse 50. Thus, in this embodiment, the transport of feeders 32 between the warehouse area 14 (automated warehouse 50) and the installation area 12 (each installation line 20) is carried out using hoppers 35. However, this is not a limitation; feeders 32 can also be transported without using hoppers 35.

[0021] Automated warehouse 50 has multiple storage vaults 51 and buffer stations 53. They are arranged in a predetermined direction (e.g., Figure 2 The automated warehouse 50 is arranged side-by-side (with the X-axis as the center). Additionally, the automated warehouse 50 includes a loader 55 capable of moving along a predetermined direction between each storage unit 51 and the buffer station 53, and a warehouse control device 60 for controlling the entire automated warehouse 50. The feeders 32 are detachable from a plurality of slots formed on the front surface of the storage unit 51 and are held in a plurality of parallel arrangement along the X-axis. The storage unit 51 has two areas, one above the other, with multiple slots for the detachable feeders 32.

[0022] In addition, each storage compartment 51 has a status bar 52a above the area where the feeder 32 is stored, and multiple slot LEDs 52b are provided below each slot. The status bar 52a is a strip-shaped LED light that extends along the X-axis, and uses different colors to indicate to the storage compartment 51 whether it is storing feeders 32 with a usage plan or feeders 32 that have been used up and have no usage plan. Alternatively, the storage compartment 51 can also store feeders 32 with a usage plan whose lighting color differs from that of the status bar 52a. The slot LEDs 52b are rectangular LED lights with the same width as the feeder 32, and use different colors to indicate whether the feeder 32 in each slot has a usage plan or no usage plan. Furthermore, the slot LEDs 52b are off when the feeder 32 is not installed in the slot. The status bar 52a and slot LED 52b indicate planned usage by illuminating with a first lighting color (e.g., green) and indicate no planned usage by illuminating with a second lighting color (e.g., blue). Operator M can confirm the lighting colors of the status bar 52a and slot LED 52b to install feeders 32 with planned usage into the slots of the storage unit 51, or remove used feeders 32 from the slots of the storage unit 51. Alternatively, an LED that illuminates in the same way as the slot LED 52b can be installed on the feeder 32 instead of in the slot.

[0023] Buffer station 53 is constructed similarly to buffer station 26 of installation line 20, and is divided into two sections: a first buffer section 53a and a second buffer section 53b, each capable of accommodating a hopper 35. Above the first buffer section 53a and the second buffer section 53b are corresponding status bars 54. Like status bar 52a, status bars 54 are strip-shaped LEDs, and different colors indicate whether a usage plan is in effect.

[0024] The loader 55 is configured similarly to the loader 45 of the installation line 20, retrieving feeders 32 from the storage 51 and concentrating them in the buffer station 53, or retrieving feeders 32 from the buffer station 53 and returning them to the storage 51. For example, the loader 55 retrieves and places feeders 32 into the hopper 35 of one of the buffer sections 53a and 53b, concentrating the feeders 32 to be transported into the hopper 35 of that buffer section. The automated guided vehicle 70 moves multiple feeders 32 from the concentrated buffer section along with the hopper 35 and transports them to the installation line 20, moving them into the buffer station 26. Alternatively, the automated guided vehicle 70 moves multiple feeders 32 from the installation line 20 along with the hopper 35 and transports them to the automated warehouse 50, moving them into an idle buffer section. In buffer station 53, for example, the status bar 54 of the buffer section where the feeders 32, which are the objects to be transported, are concentrated is lit in the first illuminated color, and the status bar 54 of the buffer section where the recycled silo 35 is moved in is lit in the second illuminated color. Operator M usually takes out and puts in the feeders 32 in the storage silo 51, but can also check the illuminated color of the status bar 54 to take out and put in the feeders 32 in the buffer station 53.

[0025] The warehouse control device 60 includes: a control unit 61 composed of a CPU, ROM, RAM, etc.; a storage unit 62 storing various information such as an HDD or SSD; and a communication unit 63 communicating with various devices and the management device 80 within the automated warehouse 50. The storage unit 62 stores feeder information 62a and the like related to the feeders 32 located within the automated warehouse 50. Based on setting instructions from the operator M via the management device 80, the control unit 61 illuminates the status bars 52a of each storage compartment 51. Furthermore, when a feeder 32 is installed in a slot, the control unit 61 obtains whether there is a usage plan through communication with the management device 80 and illuminates the slot LED 52b.

[0026] In work area 16, operator M performs various operations related to feeder 32. For example, to prepare feeder 32 for use in installation device 30, operator M performs the following operations: retrieves a reel R containing the required components from the reel warehouse (not shown), transports it to work area 16, and assembles it onto feeder 32. At this time, operator M uses a portable terminal P to read the feeder ID (barcode) of feeder 32 and the reel ID of reel R. Information regarding the combination of feeder 32 and reel R is then sent to management device 80. Additionally, operator M transports the prepared feeder 32 to warehouse area 14 and installs it in storage 51 of automated warehouse 50. Furthermore, operator M performs the following operations: retrieves a used feeder 32 that has been returned to automated warehouse 50 from storage 51, transports it to work area 16, and removes reel R from feeder 32. Operator M returns the reel R containing residual components to the reel warehouse after removal.

[0027] The management device 80 includes: a control unit 81 composed of a CPU, ROM, RAM, etc.; a storage unit 82 for storing various information, such as an HDD or SSD; and a communication unit 83 for communicating with the line control devices 40 of each assembly line 20, the warehouse control device 60 of the automated warehouse 50, the unmanned transport vehicle 70, and the portable terminal P. Additionally, the management device 80 includes an input unit 86 such as a keyboard and mouse, and a display unit 88 such as a monitor. The storage unit 82 stores feeder information 82a, production information 82b (which is the same as production information 42b), etc. The control unit 81 outputs production instructions to the line control devices 40 of each assembly line 20 based on the production information 82b.

[0028] Figure 5 This is an explanatory diagram showing an example of feeder information 82a. Feeder information 82a, as information related to the configuration location of the feeder 32, includes information about which location (slot) of the feeder 32 is located in the automated warehouse 50 and each mounting line 20. Additionally, feeder information 82a includes the feeder ID, the type of components stored in the feeder 32 (reel R), and the remaining quantity of components, and may also include the reel ID. The control unit 81 updates the feeder information 82a in real time through communication with the line control device 40 and the warehouse control device 60. Furthermore, feeder information 42a for each mounting line 20 includes information from feeder information 82a corresponding to its own mounting line 20. Feeder information 62a for the automated warehouse 50 includes information from feeder information 82a corresponding to the automated warehouse 50.

[0029] Additionally, the management device 80, based on the feeder 32 preparation list received from the installation line 20, outputs instructions to the automated warehouse 50 to centralize the feeders 32 required by any installation line 20. Upon receiving the instructions, the automated warehouse 50 controls the loader 55 to centralize the feeders 32 into a hopper 35 of a buffer section in the buffer station 53. Once centralization is complete, the loader sends this information to the management device 80. The management device 80 confirms the status of the installation line 20, the automated warehouse 50, and the automated guided vehicle 70, and outputs instructions to the automated guided vehicle 70 to move feeders 32 from the automated warehouse 50 to the installation line 20 and to move feeders 32 from the installation line 20 to the automated warehouse 50.

[0030] Next, the operation of the production system 10 of this embodiment, as configured as described, will be explained, particularly the handling when the feeder 32 is automatically transported to the installation line 20, which is the destination for transport. Figure 6 In the feeder handling process shown, the control unit 81 acquires information related to the status of each installation line 20 at predetermined intervals (S100), and determines whether there is an installation line 20 in an acceptable state that can receive the feeder 32 based on the acquired information (S110). For example, the control unit 81 determines that an installation line 20 in an acceptable state is one where the buffer section of one of the buffer stations 26 is idle and no abnormal stop of the loader 45 has occurred. When the control unit 81 determines that there is no installation line 20 in an acceptable state, it returns to S100.

[0031] On the other hand, when the control unit 81 determines that there is an assembly line 20 in an acceptable state, it obtains a preparation list of the feeders 32 of the assembly line 20 in an acceptable state (S120). Although not shown, the preparation list includes information such as the type and quantity of components required for the feeders 32 for each assembly line 20, and the start time of use of the feeder 32. Next, the control unit 81 determines the assembly line 20 as the transport destination from the assembly lines 20 in an acceptable state (S130). For example, the control unit 81 determines the assembly line 20 with the earliest feeder 32 to be used from the assembly lines 20 in an acceptable state as the transport destination based on the preparation list. Alternatively, the control unit 81 may determine the assembly line 20 with the largest number of required feeders as the transport destination based on the preparation list.

[0032] If the control unit 81 determines the transport destination in S130, it instructs the automated warehouse 50 to concentrate the feeders 32 that are the transport objects based on the preparation list of the installation line 20, which is the transport destination (S140), and waits for the loader 55 of the automated warehouse 50 to finish concentrating the feeders 32 (S150). In S140, the control unit 81 sends the preparation list of the installation line 20, which is the transport destination, to the automated warehouse 50. Upon receiving the preparation list, the warehouse control device 60 (control unit 61) controls the loader 55 to concentrate the feeders 32.

[0033] If the control unit 81 determines in S150 that the feeding of feeders 32 has ended, it re-checks the status of the installation line 20, which is the destination for transport (S160), and determines whether it is in an acceptable state (S170). Furthermore, since it was determined to be in an acceptable state in S110, in S170, it determines whether the installation line 20, which is the destination for transport, became unacceptable during the period when the feeders 32 were being fed in the automated warehouse 50. If the control unit 81 determines that it is in an acceptable state, it instructs the automated guided vehicle 70 to transport feeders 32 from the buffer station 53 of the automated warehouse 50 to the installation line 20 (S180), and ends the process.

[0034] On the other hand, if the control unit 81 determines in S170 that the line is not in an acceptable state, it further checks the status of other installation lines 20 (S190) and determines whether there are other installation lines 20 in an acceptable state (S200). If the control unit 81 determines that installation line 20A is the transport destination in S130, it checks the status of installation line 20B in S190; if it determines that installation line 20B is the transport destination in S130, it checks the status of installation line 20A in S190. If the control unit 81 determines that there are no other installation lines 20 in an acceptable state, it returns to S160 and repeats the process.

[0035] Furthermore, if the control unit 81 determines that there are other installation lines 20 in an acceptable state, it instructs the automated warehouse 50 to return the feeders 32 concentrated in the buffer station 53 to the storage warehouse 51 (S210), and waits for the return of the feeders 32 to be completed (S220). If the control unit 81 determines that the loader 55 of the automated warehouse 50 has completed the return of the feeders 32, it returns to S100. That is, after the buffer station 53 of the automated warehouse 50 is set to a state where the feeders 32 that are not concentrated as transport objects are not in the buffer station 53, the control unit 81 executes the processing after S100. In addition, if it returns to S100, the other installation lines 20 determined to be in an acceptable state in S200 are usually determined as the transport destination, and the transport preparation control in S140 is executed. However, if there are other installation lines 20 determined to be in an acceptable state in S110 besides the other installation lines 20, then any installation line 20 can be determined as the transport destination in S130.

[0036] Here, the correspondence between the constituent elements of this embodiment and the constituent elements of this disclosure is clarified. In this embodiment, the installation line 20 corresponds to the installation line of this disclosure, the automated warehouse 50 corresponds to the warehouse, the loader 55 corresponds to the transfer device, the automated guided vehicle 70 corresponds to the automated guided vehicle, and the control unit 81 of the management device 80 that performs the feeder handling association processing corresponds to the control unit. The control unit 61 of the warehouse control device 60 that controls the loader 55 also corresponds to the control unit. Furthermore, in this embodiment, by describing the operation of the production system 10, an example of the handling preparation method of this disclosure is also clarified.

[0037] In the production system 10 of the above-described embodiment, the control unit 81 acquires information related to the status of the installation line 20 and confirms that the installation line 20 is in an acceptable state for the feeders 32. After confirming that it is in an acceptable state, the control unit 81 performs the following transport preparation control (S140): it controls the loader 55 to concentrate the feeders 32 that need to be transported to the installation line 20 to the buffer station 53 (prescribed position) of the automated warehouse 50. This prevents situations where the feeders 32, despite being concentrated at the buffer station 53, cannot be transported because the installation line 20 is not in an acceptable state. Therefore, it minimizes the time wasted due to frequent operations of waiting for the feeders 32 to be transported and returning the feeders 32 concentrated at the buffer station 53 to the storage warehouse 51, thereby efficiently transporting the feeders 32.

[0038] Furthermore, if the loader 55 finishes concentrating the feeders 32 to the buffer station 53, the control unit 81, after reconfirming that the installation line 20, the destination for transport, is in an acceptable state, controls the automated guided vehicle 70 to transport the feeders 32 located at the buffer station 53 to the installation line 20, the destination for transport. Therefore, it is possible to appropriately respond if the installation line 20 becomes unacceptable during the concentrating of the feeders 32. For example, it can prevent the automated guided vehicle 70 from being idle for an extended period while transporting the feeders 32 to the installation line 20, or from being unable to transport them and returning to the automated warehouse 50.

[0039] Furthermore, if the installation line 20 designated as the transport destination is not in an acceptable state after reconfirmation by the control unit 81, and if it is confirmed that another installation line 20 is in an acceptable state, the control unit 81 controls the loader 55 to return the feeder 32, which is concentrated in the buffer station 53, to the storage warehouse 51 (another storage location) within the automated warehouse 50. Moreover, when the loader 55 finishes returning the feeder 32 to the storage warehouse 51, the control unit 81 performs transport preparation control, designating the installation line 20 in an acceptable state as the transport destination. Therefore, the feeder 32 can be transported to a different installation line 20 than the one that has become unacceptable, thus enabling efficient transport of the feeder 32 without continuously waiting for the installation line 20 that has become unacceptable to become acceptable again.

[0040] This disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments. It goes without saying that anything within the technical scope of this disclosure can be implemented in various ways.

[0041] In this implementation, the production system 10 includes fewer automated warehouses 50 than the installation lines 20, and fewer unmanned transport vehicles 70 than the installation lines 20, but is not limited thereto. For example, one or both of the automated warehouses 50 and unmanned transport vehicles 70 included in the production system 10 may be the same number as the installation lines 20, or they may be more than the number of installation lines 20. Furthermore, the production system 10 may have multiple (two) installation lines 20, but it may also have only one installation line 20.

[0042] In this embodiment, if the installation line 20 destined for transport is not in an acceptable state after reconfirmation, and other installation lines 20 are confirmed to be acceptable, the feeder 32 centralized in the buffer station 53 is returned to the storage warehouse 51, but this is not limited to this. For example, the control unit 81 may also be configured to wait for the installation line 20 destined for transport to become acceptable again. However, if it still does not become acceptable after a predetermined time, the feeder 32 can be returned to the storage warehouse 51 as in this embodiment.

[0043] In this embodiment, the control unit 81 reconfirms that the installation line 20, which is the destination for transport, is in an acceptable state when the feeders 32 have finished being concentrated to the buffer station 53, but this is not a limitation. For example, the control unit 81 may also reconfirm that the feeders 32 are in a receptive state during the concentration process, such as when a predetermined number (e.g., half) of the feeders 32 that are to be transported have been concentrated, or it may reconfirm that the feeders 32 are in a receptive state during the concentration process and at the end of the concentration process. Alternatively, the control unit 81 may not reconfirm that the installation line 20, which is the destination for transport, is in a receptive state and may allow the automated guided vehicle 70 to transport the feeders 32, but in order to prevent the automated guided vehicle 70 from being idle for a long time during transport, it is preferable to reconfirm.

[0044] In this embodiment, the structure is configured such that the installation line 20 includes a buffer station 26, and the automated guided vehicle 70 transports the feeder 32 between the warehouse area 14 and the buffer station 26, but is not limited thereto. For example, it could also be configured such that the automated guided vehicle 70 transports the feeder 32 between the warehouse area 14 and the installation device 30.

[0045] Furthermore, the control unit 81 is not limited to automatically determining the installation line 20 as the transport destination; the installation line 20 specified by the operator M can also be determined as the transport destination. This variation will be explained below. Figure 7 This is a flowchart illustrating a modified example of the feeder handling process. In the modified example, processes identical to those in the implementation are labeled with the same step numbers, and descriptions are omitted.

[0046] In this variation, the control unit 81 determines whether the operator M's designation of the installation line 20 as the transport destination has been accepted during the execution of the feeder transport association processing. Furthermore, the operator M designates the installation line 20, for example, through the operation of the portable terminal P and the input unit 86. That is, based on the operation of the portable terminal P and the input unit 86, the control unit 81, which accepts the operator M's designation of the installation line 20, functions as the acceptance unit. Additionally, in Figure 7 In the process, after obtaining information about each installation line 20 in S100, the control unit 81 determines in S102, and after determining the installation line 20 as the transport destination in S130, whether to accept the designation of the installation line 20. Alternatively, the control unit 81 may also determine whether the designation of the installation line 20 has been accepted at other times different from S102 and S132, and appropriately execute the following processing as an interruption process.

[0047] If the control unit 81 determines in S102 or S132 that the designation has been accepted, it determines whether the feeder 32 is in an acceptable state based on the information of the designated installation line 20 (S104, S134). If the control unit 81 determines in S104 that it is not in an acceptable state, it proceeds to S110; if it determines in S134 that it is not in an acceptable state, it proceeds to S140. Alternatively, the control unit 81 can display on the operator M's portable terminal P and display unit 88 the content that the designated installation line 20 is in an unacceptable state and therefore cannot be transported, and then proceed to S110 or S140. On the other hand, if the control unit 81 determines in S104 or S134 that it is in an acceptable state, it executes the designated corresponding processing (S136, S137). Figure 8 ).

[0048] exist Figure 8In the designated processing, the control unit 81 determines whether the feeder 32 of a different installation line 20 than the one specified in S102 or S132, i.e., a non-designated installation line 20, is in preparation (transfer preparation control) (S400). When the control unit 81 receives the designation in S102, it usually determines in S400 that it is not in preparation for a non-designated installation line 20; when the designation is received in S132, it usually determines in S400 that it is in preparation for a non-designated installation line 20. If the control unit 81 determines that it is not in preparation, it proceeds to S450. On the other hand, if the control unit 81 determines that it is in preparation, in order to confirm with the operator M whether "it is in preparation for a non-designated installation line 20, should it be transferred to the designated installation line 20 first", it displays a designation priority confirmation screen on the operator M's portable terminal P and display unit 88 (S410). The control unit 81 can display the preparation status of non-designated installation lines 20 on a designated priority confirmation screen, such as the number and proportion of feeders 32 that have been concentrated at the buffer station 53 out of the required number of feeders 32 in non-designated installation lines 20. This allows the operator M to determine whether to prioritize transporting materials to the designated installation line 20 based on the preparation status of the non-designated installation lines 20.

[0049] Furthermore, the control unit 81 determines whether the operator M has prioritized the designated work (S420). If it determines that the operator M has not prioritized the designated work, the process ends. In this case, preparation for transport to the designated installation line 20 is not performed, but preparation for transport to the undesignated installation line 20 continues. On the other hand, if the control unit 81 determines in S420 that the operator M has prioritized the designated work, it instructs the automated warehouse 50 to return the feeder 32, which is concentrated in the buffer station 53, to the storage warehouse 51 (S430), and waits for the return of the feeder 32 to be completed (S440). If the control unit 81 determines that the loader 55 of the automated warehouse 50 has completed the return of the feeder 32, or if it determines in S400 that the operator is not in preparation for the undesignated installation line 20, it designates the designated installation line 20 as the transport destination (S450), obtains the preparation list of the installation line 20 as the transport destination (S460), and ends the process. If the control unit 81 ends the designated work process, it proceeds to S140. In S450, if the control unit 81 determines the designated installation line 20 as the transport destination, in S140, the control unit 81 performs transport preparation control of the centralized feeder 32 based on the preparation list of the installation line 20.

[0050] Thus, in a modified example, the operator M can designate the installation line 20 as the transport destination. Furthermore, upon receiving the designation, the control unit 81 confirms that the designated installation line 20 is in a receptive state. If transport preparation control for a non-designated installation line 20 is being executed, it controls the loader 55 to return the feeder 32 located at the buffer station 53 to the storage vault 51 (another storage location) within the automated warehouse 50. Upon completion of the return to the storage vault 51, the control unit 81 executes transport preparation control with the designated installation line 20 as the transport destination. Therefore, the feeder 32 can be transported preferentially and quickly via the installation line 20 designated by the operator M.

[0051] Alternatively, in the implementation, the feeder 32 returned (recycled) to the hopper 35 of the buffer station 53 can also be used as follows: Figure 9 The feeders are returned to the storage warehouse 51 in the same manner as the previous feeder storage process. The control unit 61 of the warehouse control device 60 sequentially selects the feeders 32 that have been returned as objects to be returned to the storage warehouse 51 from the returned feeders 32 (S500), and determines whether the feeder 32 (reel R) has a reuse plan, that is, whether there is a usage plan (S510). The control unit 61 can obtain information on whether there is a usage plan, for example, by communicating with the management device 80.

[0052] If the control unit 61 determines that there is a usage plan, it controls the loader 55 to return the feeder 32 to the storage tank 51, which is closer to the buffer station 53 (S520), and illuminates the slot LED 52b of the slot where the feeder 32 is installed in a first lighting color to indicate that there is usage (S530). On the other hand, if the control unit 61 determines that there is no usage plan, it controls the loader 55 to return the feeder 32 to the storage tank 51, which is farther away from the buffer station 53 (S540), and illuminates the slot LED 52b of the slot where the feeder 32 is installed in a second lighting color to indicate that there is no usage plan (S550). The storage tank 51, which is closer to the buffer station 53, is, for example, set to... Figure 1 Two or three vaults 51 are located on the left side, and the status bar 52a is lit up with the first illuminated color. Vaults 51 further away from the buffer station 53 are designated as the remaining vaults 51, for example... Figure 1 Starting from the right side, two or one storage vault 51 are set up, and the status bar 52a is illuminated with the second illuminated color. Alternatively, if there is no free space in the storage vault 51 of a certain illuminated color, it can be stored in a storage vault 51 with a different illuminated color than the one corresponding to whether it is used or not.

[0053] Next, the control unit 61 determines whether the return (recovery) of each feeder 32 returned to the buffer station 53 has ended (S560). If it is determined that the return has not ended, it returns to S500; if it is determined that the return has ended, the process ends. Thus, in a modified example, feeders 32 with a usage plan (reuse plan) are returned to the storage silo 51 closer to the buffer station 53, while feeders 32 without a usage plan are returned to the storage silo 51 (specific area) further away from the buffer station 53. Therefore, even if the operator M performs operations such as retrieving and recovering feeders 32 without a usage plan, or installing feeders 32 with a usage plan into the slots after retrieval, the loader 55 can still operate on the buffer station 53 side. Therefore, the loader 55 can easily concentrate the feeders 32 that are to be transported between the storage 51 (the storage 51 closer to the buffer station 53) and the buffer station 53, thus enabling smooth execution of transport preparation control and efficient transport of the feeders 32. In addition, by storing feeders 32 that are not planned for use in the automated warehouse 50 in the storage 51 near the work area 16, the travel distance of the operator M when moving from the work area 16 to the warehouse area 14 to retrieve the feeders 32 can be shortened, improving work efficiency. Industrial applicability

[0054] This disclosure can be applied to the technical field of production systems in which component supply units are transported by automated guided vehicles. Symbol Explanation

[0055] 10 Production System, 12 Installation Area, 14 Warehouse Area, 16 Work Area, 20, 20A, 20B Installation Lines, 22 Printing Unit, 24 Printing Inspection Unit, 26, 53 Buffer Stations, 26a, 53a First Buffer Section, 26b, 53b Second Buffer Section, 28 Installation Inspection Unit, 30 Installation Unit, 31 Substrate Handling Unit, 32 Feeder (Component Supply Unit), 33 Head, 34 Moving Mechanism, 35 Hopper, 40 Line Control Unit, 41, 61, 81 Control Unit, 42, 62, 82 Storage Unit, 42a, 62a, 82a Feeder Information, 42b, 82b Production Information, 43, 63, 83 Communication Unit, 45, 55 Loader, 50 Automated Warehouse, 51 Storage Warehouse, 52a, 54 Status Bar, 52b Slot LED, 60 Warehouse Control Unit, 70 Automated guided vehicle, 80 management device, 86 input unit, 88 display unit, M operator, P portable terminal, R tape reel, S board.

Claims

1. A production system, comprising: One or more installation lines are equipped with installation devices that use component supply units to install components; Warehouse, for storing the component supply unit; Transfer device for transferring the component supply unit within the warehouse; and An unmanned transport vehicle moves the component supply unit between the installation line and a designated location within the warehouse. The production system includes a control unit that acquires information related to the status of the installation line. After confirming that the installation line, which is the destination of the component supply unit, is in a receptive state to receive the component supply unit as the object of transportation, the control unit performs the following transportation preparation control: controls the transfer device to concentrate the component supply units that need to be transported to the installation line to the designated position.

2. The production system according to claim 1, wherein, If the control unit terminates its operation at the designated location during the transport preparation control, it will control the unmanned transport vehicle after confirming that the installation line, which is the transport destination, is in the acceptable state, so as to transport the component supply unit located at the designated location to the installation line, which is the transport destination.

3. The production system according to claim 2, wherein, If, after reconfirmation, the installation line destined for transport is not in the acceptable state, the control unit, if confirming that other installation lines are in the acceptable state, controls the transfer device to return the component supply unit concentrated at the designated location to another storage location within the warehouse. If the return to the storage location is completed, the installation line in the acceptable state is used as the transport destination to perform the transport preparation control.

4. The production system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The production system includes a receiving department that receives assignments from operators to the installation line as the destination for material handling. When the control unit receives a designation, it confirms that the designated installation line is in the acceptable state. When the handling preparation control is being executed for a non-designated installation line, it controls the transfer device to return the component supply unit located at the specified position to another storage location in the warehouse. If the return to the storage location is completed, the handling preparation control is executed with the designated installation line as the handling destination.

5. A handling preparation method for preparing the handling of a component supply unit in a production system, said production system comprising: One or more installation lines are equipped with an installation device for installing components using the component supply unit; Warehouse, for storing the component supply unit; A transfer device for transferring the component supply unit within the warehouse; as well as An unmanned transport vehicle moves the component supply unit between the installation line and a designated location within the warehouse. The handling preparation method includes the following steps: (a) Obtain information related to the status of the installation line; (b) Confirming that the installation line, which is the transport destination of the component supply unit, is in a receptive state to receive the component supply unit as the transport object; and (c) Perform the following handling preparation control: control the transfer device to concentrate the component supply unit that needs to be transferred to the installation line that has been identified as being in the receptive state to the designated location.

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