Management system and management method

Abstract

The management system (1) includes: an information acquisition unit (11) that acquires usage information (i) of a unit (50) that can be attached to and detached from a production device (20); and a control unit (15) that outputs a disposal instruction signal that instructs disposal of the unit (50) based on the usage information (i).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to management systems and management methods. Background Technology

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a management device for the maintenance of an installation system, which comprises a data acquisition unit for acquiring data and a substrate processing unit for moving and fixing a substrate. In the management device described in Patent Document 1, usage information, including the number of operations and the operation time, is acquired for each component, and the acquired information is used to display whether the component has reached its maintenance period.

[0003] Prior art literature

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-185214 Summary of the Invention

[0006] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0007] In the production of goods, various units are installed in the production equipment for production. However, various situations can occur on the production site, such as units sometimes being left unattended. In such cases, the unattended units cannot be used in the production equipment, which can hinder production.

[0008] This disclosure provides a management system, etc., capable of managing the usage status of units that can be installed and removed relative to a production apparatus.

[0009] Methods for solving problems

[0010] The management system disclosed herein includes: an information acquisition unit that acquires usage information of a unit that can be installed and disassembled relative to a production device; and a control unit that, based on the usage information, outputs a processing instruction signal that instructs processing of the unit.

[0011] One aspect of this disclosure relates to a management method comprising: a step of acquiring usage information of a unit capable of being installed and disassembled relative to a production apparatus; and a step of outputting a disposal instruction signal, based on the usage information, indicating disposal of the unit.

[0012] Furthermore, these general or specific methods can be implemented through systems, methods, integrated circuits, computer programs, or recording media such as computer-readable CD-ROMs, or through any combination of systems, methods, integrated circuits, computer programs, and recording media. Additionally, the recording medium can be a non-transitory recording medium.

[0013] Invention Effects

[0014] The management system disclosed herein is capable of managing the usage status of units that can be installed and removed relative to the production equipment.

[0015] Furthermore, further advantages and effects of one aspect of this disclosure become apparent from the description and accompanying drawings. These advantages and / or effects are provided through several embodiments and features described in the description and accompanying drawings, but it is not necessarily necessary to provide all of them in order to obtain one or more identical features. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the management system involved in the implementation method.

[0017] Figure 2 This is a block diagram illustrating the functional structure of the management system involved in the implementation method.

[0018] Figure 3 This is a diagram showing an example of a unit of a production device installed in a management system.

[0019] Figure 4 This is a diagram illustrating an example of usage information of a unit acquired by a management device.

[0020] Figure 5 This is a diagram showing an example of setting the time for the usage status of the management unit.

[0021] Figure 6 This is a diagram showing an example of setting values ​​related to the utilization rate of a unit.

[0022] Figure 7 This is an example of a screen showing the usage status of the display unit.

[0023] Figure 8 This is a flowchart illustrating the management method involved in the implementation.

[0024] Figure 9A This is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of the actions of a management system.

[0025] Figure 9B This is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of the actions of a management system.

[0026] Figure 10A This is a sequence diagram illustrating another example of the actions of a management system.

[0027] Figure 10B This is a sequence diagram illustrating another example of the actions of a management system. Detailed Implementation

[0028] On the production floor, due to production performance, abnormal noises, or other reasons, operators sometimes voluntarily choose not to use defective units. These defective units are left unrepaired and not used in production. As a result, the repair of defective units is delayed, raising concerns about potential impacts on production.

[0029] This disclosure provides a management system for managing the usage status of units installed in production equipment and used by the production equipment for a given operation, and for displaying to plant managers or operators whether the unused status of a unit remains unchanged. Additionally, this disclosure provides a management system to assist in the maintenance of unused units.

[0030] Examples of management systems, etc., involved in one aspect of this disclosure are provided.

[0031] The management system of Example 1 includes: an information acquisition unit that acquires usage information of a unit that can be installed and disassembled relative to a production device; and a control unit that, based on the usage information, outputs a processing instruction signal that instructs the processing of the unit.

[0032] In this way, by instructing the handling of units based on their usage information, it is possible to prevent units from being left unused and neglected. This enables the management of unit usage status.

[0033] In the management system described in Example 1, the management system of Example 2 may also involve at least one of the following: confirming the current state of the unit and performing maintenance on the unit.

[0034] In this way, by confirming the current state of the unit and performing at least one of the following: maintenance of the unit, it is possible to prevent the unit from being left unused and neglected. Thus, the usage status of the unit can be managed.

[0035] In the management system described in Example 1 or 2, the management system of Example 3 may also include information related to the non-use time of the unit when it is not used for production, and the control unit outputs the disposal instruction signal based on the information related to the non-use time.

[0036] Accordingly, it is possible to instruct the handling of a unit based on information related to the unit's unused time. Therefore, it is possible to prevent units from being left unused and neglected. Thus, it is possible to manage the usage status of units.

[0037] In the management system described in Example 3, the control unit may start counting the non-use time when at least one of the following occurs: the use of the unit in the production apparatus ends, the confirmation of the current state of the unit ends, or the maintenance of the unit ends.

[0038] Therefore, information related to the non-use time of the unit can be appropriately obtained, and the problem of units being left unused and neglected can be prevented. As a result, the usage status of the unit can be managed.

[0039] In the management system described in Example 4, the control unit in Example 5 may maintain the count of non-use time at 0 when the unit is used in the production apparatus or when maintenance is performed on the unit.

[0040] Therefore, it is possible to appropriately obtain information related to the unit's non-use time and to prevent unnecessary monitoring of the unit. As a result, the usage status of the unit can be managed.

[0041] In the management system described in Example 4, the management system of Example 6 may also include information on whether the unit is reserved for use in the production plan of the production device, and the control unit maintains the count of non-use time at 0 when the unit is reserved.

[0042] Therefore, it is possible to obtain information about whether a unit is intended for use, and to prevent unnecessary monitoring of the unit. As a result, the usage status of the unit can be managed.

[0043] In the management system described in Example 4, the usage information may also include information on whether the verification of the unit was completed through prior preparations made before production, and the control unit maintains the count of non-use time at 0 when the verification of the unit is completed.

[0044] Therefore, it is possible to obtain information on the completion of unit verification and to prevent unnecessary monitoring of units. This enables the management of unit usage status.

[0045] In the management system described in any of Examples 1 to 7, the usage information may include at least one of the following: information related to the utilization rate of the unit and information related to the time until the periodic maintenance of the unit.

[0046] Accordingly, it is possible to instruct the handling of a unit based on at least one of information related to the unit's utilization rate and information related to the time remaining until the unit's scheduled maintenance. Therefore, it is possible to further prevent units from being left unused and neglected. Thus, it is possible to manage the usage status of units.

[0047] In the management system described in Example 8, the utilization rate of the unit can also be calculated by taking the operating time of the production device as the denominator and the time the unit is installed in the production device as the numerator.

[0048] Therefore, the utilization rate of the unit can be accurately calculated, and the action taken for the unit can be indicated based on this utilization rate. This further prevents units from being left unused and neglected. Consequently, the usage status of the units can be managed.

[0049] In the management system described in any of Examples 1 to 9, the unit may have an identity identifier, i.e., an ID, and the information acquisition unit may acquire the usage information based on the ID.

[0050] Therefore, it is possible to instruct the handling of individual units based on their usage information. This prevents units from being left unused and neglected. Consequently, the usage status of units can be managed.

[0051] In the management system described in any one of Examples 1 to 10, the management system described in Example 11 may also include: a display unit that displays the usage information and the information included in the processing instruction signal.

[0052] Therefore, information on the use of the unit and the procedures for handling the unit can be communicated to the operators or managers.

[0053] In the management system described in Example 11, the management system described in Example 12 may also be such that the display unit can display the time up to the periodic maintenance of the unit on the screen of the display unit in a sorted manner.

[0054] Therefore, the time until the unit's scheduled maintenance can be easily observed and displayed.

[0055] In the management system described in any of Examples 1 to 12, the control unit may output a transport instruction signal, which is used to transport the unit requiring maintenance by a transport robot.

[0056] Therefore, it is possible to use a handling robot to move the unit and to properly maintain the unit. This allows for the management of the unit's usage status.

[0057] In the management system described in any one of Examples 1 to 13, the management system described in Example 14 may also include a production apparatus comprising a mounting device for a substrate mounting component, and the unit being at least one of a feeder for supplying the component to the mounting device and an assembly head for assembling the component on the substrate.

[0058] Therefore, it is possible to manage the usage status of the feeders and assembly heads used in the installation device.

[0059] The management system described in Example 15, in the management system described in Example 14, may also include peripheral equipment in the production apparatus, which is pre-installed with the unit intended for use in production.

[0060] Therefore, it is possible to manage the usage status of units installed in the surrounding equipment.

[0061] The management method described in Example 16 includes: a step of acquiring usage information of a unit that can be installed and removed relative to a production device; and a step of outputting a disposal instruction signal that indicates disposal of the unit based on the usage information.

[0062] In this way, by instructing the handling of units based on their usage information, it is possible to prevent units from being left unused and neglected. This enables the management of unit usage status.

[0063] Hereinafter, the embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0064] Furthermore, the embodiments described below are general or specific examples. The numerical values, shapes, materials, constituent elements, the arrangement and connection methods of constituent elements, steps, and the order of steps shown in the following embodiments are examples and are not intended to limit this disclosure. In addition, constituent elements in the following embodiments that are not described in the independent technical solution representing the highest-level concept are described as arbitrary constituent elements.

[0065] In addition, the figures are schematic diagrams and may not be strictly representational. Furthermore, the same symbols are used to label identical components in all figures.

[0066] (Implementation Method)

[0067] [Structure of the Management System]

[0068] Reference Figures 1 to 7 The structure of the management system involved in the implementation method is described.

[0069] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the management system 1 involved in the implementation method. Figure 2 This is a block diagram showing the functional structure of management system 1.

[0070] like Figure 1 as well as Figure 2As shown, the management system 1 includes: a management device 10, a production device 20, an information terminal 30, and a handling robot 40. The management device 10 and the production device 20 are, for example, installed in a factory site, which serves as the production site. The management device 10, the production device 20, the information terminal 30, and the handling robot 40 can communicate via a communication network.

[0071] The production apparatus 20 is an apparatus for producing a workpiece. For example, if the workpiece is a mounting substrate, the production apparatus 20 includes a printing apparatus 21 for printing conductive paste onto the substrate, a mounting apparatus 22 for mounting components onto the substrate, and an inspection apparatus 23 for inspecting the mounting substrate. The production apparatus 20 may also include peripheral equipment 25, which pre-installs units 50 intended for use in production. The peripheral equipment 25 may be, for example, a trolley for mounting units 50.

[0072] Unit 50 is a component or composite component (modular product) that can be installed and disassembled relative to the production apparatus 20. Various units 50 are installed in the production apparatus 20 depending on the type of product being produced. Furthermore, units 50 that have been used for a long time or frequently by the production apparatus 20 are replaced with well-maintained units 50. Maintenance of units 50 includes, for example, repairing, adjusting, and cleaning the units 50, as well as replacing consumables that have deteriorated due to wear and tear.

[0073] Figure 3 This is a diagram showing an example of a unit 50 of a production device 20 installed in a management system 1.

[0074] Unit 50 may be, for example, a feeder 51 that supplies components to the mounting device 22, and an assembly head 55 that assembles components to the substrate. Unit 50 may also be a nozzle 56 included in the assembly head 55.

[0075] The feeder 51 is a unit that supplies components mounted on a substrate to the production apparatus 20. For example, if the feeder 51 is a belt feeder, the feeder 51 supplies components by transporting (pitch feeding) multiple components housed in a component supply belt (carrier belt) 52 together with the component supply belt 52. If the feeder 51 is a bulk feeder, the feeder 51 supplies components by arranging and transporting multiple components housed in a housing.

[0076] The assembly head 55 is a unit that adsorbs components supplied from the feeder 51 and assembles the adsorbed components onto a substrate. A suction nozzle 56 is movably mounted on the assembly head 55 in the vertical and rotational directions. The assembly head 55 holds the components by the suction of the suction nozzle 56, and releases the components by releasing the suction.

[0077] To individually identify each unit 50, each unit 50 has an ID (identification). The ID of each unit 50 is stored in the storage unit 16 of the management device 10. In this embodiment, the management device 10 obtains usage information of each unit 50 based on the ID attached to each unit 50, and manages the usage status of each unit 50.

[0078] The management device 10 is a device for managing the production of products, and consists of a processor and a memory. Figure 2 The management device 10 shown includes: an information acquisition unit 11, a creation unit 12, a control unit 15, and a storage unit 16.

[0079] The creation unit 12 creates a production plan for the products produced by the production unit 20. For example, the production plan includes information such as the type of product, the production quantity, the components that make up the product, the scheduled start time of production, and the scheduled end time of production. Furthermore, based on the production plan, the creation unit 12 creates a production procedure to operate the production unit 20.

[0080] In addition, the creation unit 12 generates work information for production site workers and handling robots 40 to perform based on information related to the production plan. This work information may include, for example, the type of unit 50, the quantity of units 50, the content of maintenance for the units 50, the scheduled start and end times of maintenance, the storage location of the units 50, and information related to the installation destination of the units 50. The work information may also include information related to the replenishment of parts for the units 50 and the replacement of units 50.

[0081] The production plan, production procedures, and operational information of the personnel and handling robot 40 created by the creation unit 12 are stored in the storage unit 16. In addition, the production plan can also be generated by a device different from the management device 10 and stored in the storage unit 16 of the management device 10.

[0082] The management device 10 sends the production plan, production procedures, and operational information of the operators and handling robots 40 stored in the storage unit 16 to the production unit 20.

[0083] Additionally, the management device 10 sends the work performed by the transport robot 40, i.e., the work information, to the transport robot 40. Here, the transport robot 40 may also be a system equipped with an automated guided vehicle (AGV) and a control device capable of communicating with the AAV's communication equipment. In this case, the management device 10 sends the work information to the AAV's control device. For example, the AAV's control device controls the AAV to move to the installation destination of the unit included in the work information, and performs a separation operation by using the AAV to separate the unit 50 installed in the production unit 20 from the production unit 20.

[0084] like Figure 1 As shown, on the same floor as or near the production unit 20, there is a storage area A1 for the storage unit 50 and a maintenance area A2 for the maintenance unit 50. The handling robot 40 can move between the production unit 20, the storage area A1, and the maintenance area A2.

[0085] For example, the transport robot 40, based on a transport instruction signal output from the management device 10, transports the unit 50 requiring maintenance to the maintenance area A2. Alternatively, the transport robot 40, based on a transport instruction signal output from the management device 10, holds the unit 50 stored in the storage area A1 and transports it to the production unit 20. Or, the transport robot 40 mounts the unit 50 onto peripheral equipment 25 such as a trolley and transports the peripheral equipment 25 carrying the unit 50 to the production unit 20. Furthermore, the unit 50 can also be mounted on peripheral equipment 25 or the transport robot 40 by an operator performing operations in the production process. The unit 50 is not limited to being mounted on the transport robot 40; it can also be mounted on the production unit 20 by an operator.

[0086] In addition, the management device 10 sends information related to the production plan and the work information performed by the operators to the information terminal 30.

[0087] Information terminal 30 is a terminal device held by operators on the production floor. Information terminal 30 may be, for example, a tablet or a smartphone. Information terminal 30 has a display unit 38 for displaying images. The display unit 38 is a touch panel and can also input various types of information. Information terminal 30 notifies operators of information output from management device 10. Based on the information notified by information terminal 30, operators perform tasks on production unit 20 and unit 50.

[0088] In addition, the information terminal 30 sends various information input by the operator to the management device 10. For example, the information terminal 30 sends the start time, end time, and other information related to the work performed on the unit 50 to the management device 10 as information input by the operator.

[0089] Furthermore, information related to the work performed by the operators is not limited to being output from the information terminal 30; it can also be output from the production unit 20 to the management unit 10. For example, operators can also use the input section of the production unit 20 to input work information for unit 50. If the display section 28 of the production unit 20 is a touch panel, operators can also use the display section 28 to input work information. The information input into the production unit 20 is transmitted to the management unit 10 via a communication network.

[0090] The management device 10 of this embodiment has the following structure for managing the usage status of the unit 50.

[0091] Figure 2 The information acquisition unit 11 shown acquires usage information i of the unit 50 sent from the information terminal 30 or the production device 20. The usage information i includes information related to the usage time when the unit 50 is used, and information related to the non-use time when the unit 50 is not used for production.

[0092] Furthermore, the usage information i may also include information on whether unit 50 is scheduled for use and reserved in the production plan using production device 20. Additionally, the usage information i may also include information on whether the verification of unit 50 has been completed through prior preparations performed before production. For example, if unit 50 is removed from storage area A1, it is considered that the verification of unit 50 has been completed through prior preparations.

[0093] The information acquisition unit 11 acquires the usage information i of each unit 50 based on the ID attached to each unit 50. The usage information i acquired by the information acquisition unit 11 is stored in the storage unit 16 at any time.

[0094] Figure 4 This is a diagram illustrating an example of usage information i from unit 50 acquired by management device 10.

[0095] This figure shows an example of non-use time for unit 50, namely "the elapsed time since the last use or the elapsed time since the last on-site confirmation". Additionally, this figure shows another example of usage information i for unit 50, including information related to "time until scheduled maintenance" and information related to "utilization rate" of unit 50. Furthermore, usage information i for unit 50 does not necessarily need to include information related to non-use time; usage information i may only include information related to "time until scheduled maintenance" or only information related to "utilization rate".

[0096] For example, if a long period of time has passed since the end of use of unit 50 in production apparatus 20, or since the end of confirmation of the current status of unit 50, or since the end of maintenance of unit 50, there is concern that unit 50 may have been left unused. Therefore, control unit 15 determines whether unit 50 has been left unused by counting the unused time of unit 50. Control unit 15 counts the unused time as follows.

[0097] The control unit 15 starts counting non-use time when at least one of the following occurs: when the use of unit 50 in production apparatus 20 ends, when the confirmation of the current state of unit 50 ends, or when maintenance of unit 50 ends. For example, the non-use time is also counted when the use of unit 50 in production apparatus 20 ends but unit 50 is still installed in production apparatus 20.

[0098] On the other hand, when unit 50 is used normally and when processing of unit 50 is performed normally, the non-use time is reset to 0. Specifically, when the unit is used in the production device 20 and when maintenance of unit 50 is performed, the control unit 15 maintains the non-use time count at 0.

[0099] Furthermore, when unit 50 is reserved in the production plan, control unit 15 can also maintain the count of unused time at 0. Additionally, when control unit 15 finishes checking unit 50 through pre-production preparations, it can also maintain the count of unused time at 0. In these cases, the count of unused time is maintained at 0 until the timing for starting the count of unused time arrives.

[0100] Based on this usage information i, the control unit 15 determines whether processing of unit 50 is necessary. For example, if the non-use time is longer than the given time, the control unit 15 outputs a processing instruction signal for performing the given processing of unit 50 to the information terminal 30 and the production device 20. Furthermore, the given time is predetermined based on the type of unit 50.

[0101] Figure 5 This is a diagram showing an example of setting the time for the usage status of the management unit.

[0102] exist Figure 5 In this example, the display unit 38 of the information terminal 30 displays the threshold for non-use time, i.e., the aforementioned given time. In this example, the given time for a specific unit 50 is set to 800 hours. Furthermore, in this example, the handling example for exceeding the given time is set to at least one of confirming the current state of the unit 50 and performing maintenance on the unit 50. Moreover, confirming the current state of the unit 50 refers to confirming the location of the unit 50 and whether the unit 50 is malfunctioning.

[0103] For example, if the non-use time of unit 50 exceeds a given time, the control unit 15 outputs a processing instruction signal to the information terminal 30, indicating the status of the current state of unit 50. Based on the processing instruction signal, the information terminal 30 displays the indication content confirming the status of unit 50. The operator confirms the status of unit 50 based on the indication content and inputs the confirmation result into the information terminal 30. The information terminal 30 sends the confirmation result input by the operator to the management device 10.

[0104] If the confirmation result sent from the information terminal 30 indicates that the location of unit 50 is clear and there is no abnormality in unit 50, the control unit 15 determines that a check of unit 50 has been performed, resets the non-use time count, and restarts the count.

[0105] Furthermore, if the confirmation result indicates that the location of unit 50 is clear and there is an anomaly within unit 50, the control unit 15 also determines that a check of unit 50 has been performed, resets the non-use time count, and restarts the count. In this case, to eliminate the anomaly of unit 50, the control unit 15 outputs a processing instruction signal for maintenance of unit 50 to the information terminal 30. The information terminal 30 displays the maintenance content based on the processing instruction signal. The operator performs maintenance on unit 50 based on the maintenance content and inputs the maintenance results into the information terminal 30. The information terminal 30 sends the maintenance results input by the operator to the management device 10. While maintenance of unit 50 is being performed, the control unit 15 maintains the non-use time count at 0, and restarts the non-use time count when the maintenance of unit 50 is completed.

[0106] Furthermore, if the location of unit 50 is unclear, information indicating that its location is unknown is sent from information terminal 30 to management device 10. This information regarding the unknown location of unit 50 is shared by management system 1 and serves as a reference for management device 10 when creating job information, etc.

[0107] The above illustrates an example of determining whether unit 50 has been placed based on the non-use time of unit 50, but it is not limited to this. For example, the control unit 15 may also use information related to the time until the scheduled maintenance of unit 50 and information related to the utilization rate of unit 50 to determine whether unit 50 has been placed.

[0108] The time until the scheduled maintenance of unit 50 is information used to prompt operators to perform maintenance, but it is also used in determining whether unit 50 has been placed. When the time until the scheduled maintenance of unit 50 becomes 0, the control unit 15 determines that there is concern that unit 50 may have been placed. Furthermore, the time until the scheduled maintenance is predetermined based on the type of unit 50.

[0109] The utilization rate of unit 50 is calculated by using the operating time of production device 20 as the denominator and the time during which unit 50 is installed in production device 20 as the numerator. If the utilization rate of unit 50 is lower than a given threshold, the control unit 15 determines that there is concern about unit 50 being placed. Furthermore, the given threshold is predetermined based on the type of unit 50.

[0110] Figure 6 This is a diagram showing an example of setting values ​​related to the utilization rate of unit 50.

[0111] exist Figure 6 In (a), a given threshold related to the usage rate of unit 50 is shown. In this example, the given threshold used to determine whether unit 50 is placed is set to 5%. Additionally, in Figure 6 In (b), a statistical method for calculating operating time to determine utilization rate is shown. In this example, the statistical period for operating time is set to the most recent 168 hours. Thus, various settings are made in the management system 1 using the information terminal 30. Operating time, for example, is the time after deducting non-operating times such as rest days in the factory's production schedule. Operating time may also include preparation work and the time spent stopping the production unit 20 for machine changeover.

[0112] The management device 10 causes the display unit 38 of the information terminal 30 to display the usage information i and the information included in the processing instruction signal of the unit 50. The display unit 38 displays the usage information i and the information included in the processing instruction signal.

[0113] Figure 7 This is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed in management system 1.

[0114] like Figure 7 As shown, the display unit 38 displays the name of the unit 50, the ID of the unit 50, and the location information of the unit 50. Additionally, the display unit 38 displays usage information i related to the unit 50, including "elapsed time since the last use or the elapsed time since the last on-site check," "time until scheduled maintenance," and "usage rate." The "time until scheduled maintenance" can be displayed in a sorted manner on the screen of the display unit 38.

[0115] Additionally, display unit 38 shows the progress of processing of unit 50. Specifically, display unit 38 displays information indicating whether unit 50 is currently being checked and whether unit 50 is being moved. Based on the information displayed on display unit 38, operators can understand the usage status of unit 50.

[0116] Furthermore, the above description shows an example of displaying usage information i, etc., on the information terminal 30, but it is not limited to this. For example, the management device 10 may also output usage information i, etc., to the production device 20, so that the display unit 28 of the production device 20 can display it. For example, the management device 10 may also display usage information i, etc., on its own (management device 10) display unit 18.

[0117] The management system 1 of this embodiment includes: an information acquisition unit 11, which acquires usage information i of a unit 50 that can be installed and removed relative to the production device 20; and a control unit 15, which outputs a processing instruction signal that instructs processing of the unit 50 based on the usage information i.

[0118] In this way, by instructing the handling of unit 50 based on the usage information i of unit 50, it is possible to prevent unit 50 from being left unused and neglected. Thus, the usage status of unit 50 can be managed.

[0119] [Management Methods]

[0120] Reference Figures 8 to 10B The management methods involved in the implementation are explained.

[0121] Figure 8 This is a flowchart illustrating the management method involved in the implementation.

[0122] First, the management device 10 acquires usage information i of unit 50 (step S10). Usage information i includes information related to the usage time of unit 50 and information related to the non-use time of unit 50 when it is not used for production. Furthermore, usage information i may also include information on whether unit 50 is reserved for use in the production plan using production device 20. Additionally, usage information i may also include information on whether the verification of unit 50 has been completed through pre-production preparations.

[0123] Next, the management device 10 determines whether action is required on unit 50 based on the usage information i (step S20).

[0124] For example, the management device 10 determines that action is needed for unit 50 if the non-use time of unit 50 exceeds a given time, if the time until the scheduled maintenance of unit 50 becomes 0, or if the utilization rate of unit 50 is lower than a given threshold. Conversely, the management device 10 determines that no action is needed for unit 50 if the non-use time of unit 50 is less than a given time, if the time until the scheduled maintenance of unit 50 does not become 0, or if the utilization rate of unit 50 is higher than a given threshold.

[0125] If no action is required on unit 50 (no in S20), return to step S10, and management device 10 continues to acquire usage information i.

[0126] If action is required for unit 50 (yes in S20), it is determined whether the action preset in the management device 10 is set to check the current state of unit 50 or to perform maintenance on unit 50 (step S30). The determination items in step S30 are set differently for each unit 50 because the preset action is different.

[0127] If the preset procedure is maintenance of unit 50, the management device 10 outputs a procedure instruction signal to perform maintenance on unit 50 (step S40). Specifically, the management device 10 sends the procedure instruction signal to the information terminal 30 and the handling robot 40.

[0128] If the preset action is to confirm the current status of unit 50, the management device 10 outputs a action instruction signal to confirm the status of unit 50 (step S50). Specifically, the management device 10 sends this action instruction signal to the information terminal 30. The operator confirms the current status of unit 50 based on the instructions displayed on the information terminal 30. Furthermore, confirming the current status of unit 50 refers to confirming the location of unit 50 and whether there are any abnormalities in unit 50.

[0129] In cases where the location of unit 50 is unknown, or in cases where unit 50 malfunctions, this information is output to management device 10 via information terminal 30. Through these steps, the usage status of unit 50 can be managed.

[0130] The management method of this embodiment includes: a step of acquiring usage information i of a unit 50 that can be installed and removed relative to the production apparatus 20; and a step of outputting a processing instruction signal that indicates the processing of the unit 50 based on the usage information i.

[0131] In this way, by instructing the handling of unit 50 based on the usage information i of unit 50, it is possible to prevent unit 50 from being left unused and neglected. Thus, the usage status of unit 50 can be managed.

[0132] Next, refer to Figure 9A as well as Figure 9B An example of the action of management system 1 will be explained.

[0133] Figure 9A as well as Figure 9B This is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of the actions of management system 1.

[0134] exist Figure 9AThe following example illustrates this: The management device 10 requests confirmation of the current status of the confirmation unit 50 from the operator carrying the information terminal 30.

[0135] First, the management device 10 sends a confirmation request signal for the current status of the confirmation unit 50 to the information terminal 30 (step S111). The operator confirms the unit 50 based on this confirmation request and inputs the confirmation result into the information terminal 30. The information terminal 30 then sends the confirmation result received from the operator back to the management device 10 (step S112).

[0136] Based on the confirmation result sent from the information terminal 30, the management device 10 obtains the usage information i of the unit 50 (step S113). The usage information i includes information related to whether the unit 50 is present and whether the unit 50 has any abnormalities.

[0137] The management device 10 determines whether there is an abnormality in unit 50 (step S114). If there is no abnormality in unit 50, the management device 10 resets the non-use time count of unit 50 and restarts it (step S115). If there is an abnormality in unit 50, the management device 10 outputs a maintenance request signal to the information terminal 30 (step S116). The operator performs maintenance on unit 50 based on the maintenance content included in the maintenance request signal and inputs the maintenance results to the information terminal 30. The information terminal 30 sends the maintenance results received from the operator to the management device 10 (step S117).

[0138] After receiving the maintenance results, the management device 10 resets the count of non-use time of unit 50 and restarts it (step S118).

[0139] exist Figure 9B The following example illustrates this: The management device 10 assigns maintenance to the operator carrying the information terminal 30 for the unit 50.

[0140] The management device 10 sends a maintenance request signal for unit 50 to the information terminal 30 (step S121). The operator performs maintenance on unit 50 based on the maintenance request signal and inputs the maintenance results into the information terminal 30. The information terminal 30 sends the maintenance results received from the operator back to the management device 10 (step S122).

[0141] The management device 10, after receiving information related to the maintenance results, resets the count of non-use time of unit 50 and restarts it (step S123).

[0142] Furthermore, the above description illustrates the operation of the management device 10 and the information terminal 30 as an example of the operation of the management system 1, but it is not limited to this. For example, the operation of the management system 1 could also be... Figure 9A as well as Figure 9B The information terminal 30 in the middle is replaced by the management device 10 after the production device 20 and the operation of the production device 20.

[0143] Next, refer to Figure 10A as well as Figure 10B Another example of the actions of management system 1 will be explained.

[0144] Figure 10A as well as Figure 10B This is a sequence diagram illustrating another example of the actions of management system 1.

[0145] exist Figure 10A The following example illustrates this: The management device 10 requests confirmation of the current status of unit 50 from the operator. If maintenance of unit 50 is required, it instructs the handling robot 40 to move unit 50. Steps S111 to S115 are... Figure 9A It's the same.

[0146] In the event of an anomaly in unit 50, management device 10 outputs a maintenance handling instruction signal to information terminal 30 and handling robot 40 (step S116A). Handling robot 40, based on the handling instruction content included in the handling instruction signal, moves unit 50 to maintenance area A2 (step S116B). Maintenance personnel in maintenance area A2 perform maintenance based on the maintenance content and input the maintenance results to information terminal 30. Information terminal 30 sends the maintenance results received from maintenance personnel to management device 10 (step S117).

[0147] Upon receiving the maintenance result, the management device 10 resets the count of non-use time for unit 50 and restarts it (step S118). Additionally, the management device 10 outputs a transport instruction signal to the transport robot 40 to move the maintained unit 50 to the storage area A1 (step S118A). The transport robot 40 moves the unit 50 to the storage area A1 (step S119) and stores it there.

[0148] exist Figure 10B The following example illustrates this: The management device 10 gives the handling robot 40 instructions for handling the unit 50.

[0149] The management device 10 outputs a handling instruction signal for maintenance to the handling robot 40 (step S126A). Based on the handling instruction content included in the handling instruction signal, the handling robot 40 moves the unit 50 to the maintenance area A2 (step S126B). The maintenance personnel in the maintenance area A2 perform maintenance based on the maintenance content and input the maintenance results into the information terminal 30. The information terminal 30 sends the maintenance results received from the maintenance personnel to the management device 10 (step S127).

[0150] Upon receiving the maintenance result, the management device 10 resets the count of non-use time for unit 50 and restarts it (step S128). Additionally, the management device 10 outputs a transport instruction signal to the transport robot 40 to move the maintained unit 50 to the storage area A1 (step S128A). The transport robot 40 moves the unit 50 to the storage area A1 (step S129) and stores it there.

[0151] Furthermore, the above description illustrates the operation of the management device 10, information terminal 30, and handling robot 40 as examples of the operation of the management system 1, but it is not limited to this. For example, the operation of the management system 1 could also be... Figure 10A as well as Figure 10B The information terminal 30 in the middle is replaced by the management device 10, the production device 20 and the handling robot 40 after the production device 20 is replaced.

[0152] (Other implementation methods)

[0153] The above description illustrates one or more management systems based on various embodiments, but this disclosure is not limited to these embodiments. Various modifications conceived by those skilled in the art to the embodiments can be included within the scope of this disclosure, provided they do not depart from its spirit.

[0154] In this embodiment, the management device 10 includes an information acquisition unit 11, a creation unit 12, and a control unit 15. However, the information acquisition unit 11, the creation unit 12, and the control unit 15 may also be implemented by multiple computers. In addition, at least some of the functions of the creation unit 12 and the control unit 15 may also be implemented through cloud computing.

[0155] Furthermore, in the above embodiments, each component may be constructed using dedicated hardware, or implemented by executing software programs suitable for each component. Each component may also be implemented by a program execution unit such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or processor reading and executing software programs recorded on a recording medium such as a hard disk or semiconductor memory. Here, the software in the apparatus implementing the above embodiments is a program that causes the computer to execute the steps included in the flowchart.

[0156] Industrial availability

[0157] This disclosure can be used as a management system for managing the usage status of units used in a production facility.

[0158] Symbol Explanation

[0159] 1. Management System

[0160] 10 Management Device

[0161] 11 Information Acquisition Department

[0162] 12 Creation Department

[0163] 15. Control Department

[0164] 16 Storage Department

[0165] 18 Display Section

[0166] 20 Production Units

[0167] 21 Printing apparatus

[0168] 22 Installation device

[0169] 23 Inspection device

[0170] 25 Peripheral Equipment

[0171] 28 Display Section

[0172] 30 Information Terminals

[0173] 38 Display Section

[0174] 40 transport robots

[0175] 50 units

[0176] 51 feeder

[0177] 52 Component Supply Belt

[0178] 55 Assembly Head

[0179] 56 Suction nozzle

[0180] A1 Storage Area

[0181] A2 Maintenance Area

[0182] i. Information used.

Claims

1. A management system, comprising: The information acquisition unit acquires usage information of units that can be installed and disassembled relative to the production equipment; and The control unit outputs a processing instruction signal that instructs the processing of the unit based on the usage information.

2. The management system according to claim 1, wherein, The action taken against the unit is at least one of confirming the current state of the unit and performing maintenance on the unit.

3. The management system according to claim 1, wherein, The usage information includes information related to non-use periods when the unit is not used for production. The control unit outputs the disposal instruction signal based on information related to the non-use time.

4. The management system according to claim 3, wherein, The control unit starts counting the non-use time when at least one of the following occurs: when the use of the unit in the production apparatus ends, when the confirmation of the current state of the unit ends, or when the maintenance of the unit ends.

5. The management system according to claim 4, wherein, The control unit maintains the count of non-use time at 0 when the unit is used in the production apparatus or when maintenance is performed on the unit.

6. The management system according to claim 4, wherein, The usage information also includes information on whether the unit is reserved for use in the production plan for the production equipment. When the unit is reserved, the control unit maintains the count of non-use time at 0.

7. The management system according to claim 4, wherein, The usage information also includes information on whether the verification of the unit was completed through prior preparations performed before production. When the control unit finishes checking the unit, it maintains the count of non-use time at 0.

8. The management system according to claim 1, wherein, The usage information includes at least one of: information related to the usage rate of the unit and information related to the time until the scheduled maintenance of the unit.

9. The management system according to claim 8, wherein, The utilization rate of the unit is a value calculated by taking the operating time of the production device as the denominator and the time the unit is installed in the production device as the numerator.

10. The management system according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein, The unit has an identity identifier, i.e., an ID. The information acquisition unit obtains the usage information based on the ID.

11. The management system according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein, The management system also includes a display unit that displays the usage information and the information included in the handling instruction signal.

12. The management system according to claim 11, wherein, The display unit can sequentially display the time up to the scheduled maintenance of the unit on its screen.

13. The management system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein, The control unit outputs a handling instruction signal, which is used to move the unit requiring maintenance by a handling robot.

14. The management system according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein, The production apparatus includes a mounting device for the substrate mounting components. The unit is at least one of a feeder for supplying the component to the mounting device and an assembly head for assembling the component on the substrate.

15. The management system according to claim 14, wherein, The production apparatus includes peripheral equipment, which is pre-installed with the unit intended for use in production.

16. A management method, comprising: The steps for obtaining usage information of units that can be installed and removed relative to the production equipment; and The step of outputting a treatment instruction signal that indicates the treatment of the unit based on the usage information.

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