Arrangement aid device and arrangement aid method for support element

Abstract

A placement assistance device for a support member, the placement assistance device being applicable to a plate processing machine configured to automatically exchange a tool between a plurality of tool stations provided in the machine, the plate processing machine comprising a plurality of work heads configured to perform a predetermined plate processing using the tool on a plate supported by the support member, the placement assistance device comprising a detecting section configured to detect a receiving position in which a picker capable of holding the support member is received in the plurality of tool stations;and a setting section configured to set the work head that performs an arrangement work of the support member using the picker according to the pick-up position of the picker.;

Description

Technical area

[0001] The present invention relates to an arrangement aid device and an arrangement aid method for a support element. Background technology

[0002] The support member is applied to a support device that supports a plate positioned at a predetermined position in a conveying direction from below in a predetermined plate work. Patent Literature 1 discloses a component mounting device that includes a support device and mounts a component on a plate through plate work. In the arrangement work of the support member, the arrangement position and the like are appropriately determined according to the plate work planned to be performed and the plate type. For the arrangement work of the support member, a picker (receiver) capable of holding the support member is used. The picker is provided on a work head or detachably attached to the work head. List of citations Patent literature

[0003] Patent literature 1:WO: 2004 / 103054 Summary of the inventionTechnical problem

[0004] In a case where the plate processing machine includes multiple work heads and only one of the work heads is equipped with a picker, the work head performs the arrangement work of the support member. In a case where the multiple work heads are used for each of several different types of plate processing, the number of executions of the arrangement work of the support member and the required arrangement work time among the multiple support devices may be unilateral. In this case, if one of the work heads is caused to perform the arrangement work, the work of the other work heads is in a standby state, and there is a possibility of a decrease in production efficiency.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to provide an arrangement assisting device and an arrangement assisting method for a support member capable of efficiently performing an arrangement work of a support member using a picker and preventing a reduction in production efficiency. Problem solving

[0006] The present specification discloses an arrangement assisting device for a support member, the arrangement assisting device being applicable to a plate processing machine configured to automatically exchange a tool between a plurality of tool stations provided in the machine, the plate processing machine comprising a plurality of work heads configured to perform a predetermined plate processing using the tool on a plate supported by the support member, the arrangement assisting device comprising a detecting section configured to detect a receiving position in which a picker capable of holding the support member is received in the plurality of tool stations;and a setting section configured to set the work head that performs an arrangement work of the support member using the picker according to the pick-up position of the picker.;

[0007] The present specification discloses an arrangement assist method for a support member, the arrangement assist method being applicable to a plate processing machine configured to automatically exchange a tool between a plurality of tool stations provided in the machine, the plate processing machine comprising a plurality of work heads configured to perform a predetermined plate processing using the tool on a plate supported by the support member, the arrangement assist method comprising a detecting step of detecting a receiving position in which a picker capable of holding the support member is received in the plurality of tool stations;and a setting step of setting the work head that performs an arrangement work of the support member using the picker according to the pick-up position of the picker.;

[0008] The present specification also discloses a technical idea in which "the arrangement assisting device for a support member according to any one of claims 1 or 2" in claim 5 at the beginning of the application is changed to "the arrangement assisting device for a support member according to any one of claims 1 to 4", a technical idea in which "the arrangement assisting device for a support member according to any one of claims 1 or 2" in claim 6 at the beginning of the application is changed to "the arrangement assisting device for a support member according to any one of claims 1 to 5", and a technical idea in which "the arrangement assisting device for a support member according to claim 6" in claim 8 at the beginning of the application is changed to "the arrangement assisting device for a support member according to any one of claims 6 or 7". Advantageous effects of the invention

[0009] According to such a configuration, the work head that performs the placement work is set according to the picker's receiving position, and thus the placement work of the support member can be performed efficiently. This makes it possible to prevent a reduction in production efficiency. Short description of the drawings Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram indicating a production system to which a support member arrangement aid device is applied. Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration of a component mounting device. Fig. 3 is a side view illustrating a support device of a plate conveyor device. Fig. 4 is a plan view showing the support device of the plate conveyor device. Fig. 5 is an enlarged plan view of a portion of a nozzle station. Fig. 6 is a functional block diagram of the arrangement aid device. Fig. Figure 7 is a flowchart illustrating an arrangement aid process. Fig. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of a preparation process in the arrangement aid process. Fig. 9 is a diagram showing a production plan and arrangement information. Fig. Figure 10 is a diagram showing a required time of the production process and a setup work for each track. Description of Embodiments 1. Overview of the arrangement aid device 80 of the support element 50

[0010] The arrangement aid device 80 supports an arrangement work of the support element 50, which is applied to the support device 15 (see the Fig. 3) that supports the plate 91 from below. The arrangement work of the support member 50 is performed as needed, for example, in a setup work for the plate work. In the present embodiment, an aspect will be described as an example in which the arrangement assist device 80 is applied to the production system Sy including the component mounter 2 serving as a plate work machine and including the support device 15. 2. Configuration of the production line Ln

[0011] The component mounting device 2 performs a mounting process for mounting a component on the plate 91 as a predetermined plate work. As shown in the Fig. 1, the production line Ln is configured such that a plurality of plate processing machines are installed in a conveying direction of the plate 91. Each of the plurality of plate processing machines is communicatively connected to the host computer 70, which controls the production line Ln as a whole.

[0012] As in the Fig. 6, the host computer 70 includes the storage section 71. The storage section 71 stores the production plan M1 and the arrangement information M2.

[0013] The production plan M1 specifies the type and production sequence of a plate product whose production is planned. The arrangement information M2 specifies the arrangement position of the support member 50 specified for plate processing, which corresponds to the production of the plate product. The arrangement information M2 is downloaded in response to a request from the plate processing machine of each production line Ln and stored in a control device of the plate processing machine. Details of the production plan M1 and the arrangement information M2 will be described later.

[0014] The production line Ln includes the printer 1, a plurality of component mounters 2, the reflow oven 3, and the inspector 4 as a plurality of board processing machines. The printer 1 prints paste solder at a mounting position of the components on the board 91 being fed. Each of the plurality of component mounters 2 mounts the component on the board 91 fed from an upstream side of the production line Ln. A configuration of the component mounter 2 will be described later. The reflow oven 3 heats the board 91 fed from the upstream side of the production line Ln, melts the solder on the board 91, and performs soldering. The inspector 4 inspects whether an appearance or function of the board product produced by the production line Ln is normal.

[0015] In the present embodiment, a plurality of production lines Ln (Ln1, Ln2, ...) may be configured in a plate product factory. Each of the plurality of production lines Ln may have a configuration that is appropriately added or changed depending, for example, on the type of plate product to be manufactured. Specifically, a plate processing machine such as a buffer device for temporarily holding conveyed plates 91, a plate feeding device, a plate turning device, various types of inspection devices, a shield mounting device, an adhesive applying device, or an ultraviolet ray irradiation device may be installed in a plurality of production lines Ln as needed. 3. Configuration of the component assembly device 2

[0016] As in the Fig. 2, the component mounting device 2 comprises two sets of working units, including a plate conveying device 10, a component feeding device 20, a component transfer device 30, a part camera 41, a plate camera 42 and a nozzle station 43 as well as a control device 45. In the following description, a front / back direction of the component mounting device 2 (a direction from the bottom left to the top right in the Fig. 2), which is a horizontal direction, is set as a Y direction, a left-right direction of the component mounting device 2 (a direction from the top left to the bottom right in the Fig. 2), which is a horizontal direction intersecting the Y direction, is set as an X direction, and a vertical direction (an up-down direction in the Fig. 2), which is orthogonal to the X direction and the direction, is defined as a Z direction. The two sets of working units are arranged side by side in the Y direction and configured to be line-symmetrical in a central section in the Y direction. In the following, one side (lower side in the Fig. 2), on which the two sets of working units are installed, is called the first side S1, the other side (upper side in the Fig. 2) is referred to as the second page S2, and the configuration of the working unit of the first page S1 is described. Fig. 2, to distinguish the two sets of units, the first side S1 in the symbol of each configuration is designated “A” and the second side S2 is designated “B”. 3-1. Plate conveyor device 10

[0017] The plate conveying device 10 is configured with conveying mechanisms 11 or the like installed side by side in the Y direction. Each of the conveying mechanisms 11 includes a pair of guide rails 12 and a pair of conveyor belts 13. The pair of guide rails 12 extends in the conveying direction (X direction) of the plate and supports a peripheral edge of the plate 91 placed on and conveyed thereon by the conveyor belt 13. At least one of the guide rails 12 is provided on the base so as to be movable in the Y direction.

[0018] The plate conveying device 10 then conveys the plate 91 in the conveying direction and positions the plate 91 at a predetermined position in the machine. The plate conveying device 10 includes a support device 15 that clamps the positioned plate 91. Detailed configurations of the plate conveying device 10 and the support device 15 will be described later. After completing the component mounting process, the plate conveying device 10 conveys the plate 91 out of the component mounting device 2. 3-2. Component feeding device 20

[0019] The component supply device 20 includes a plurality of slots 21 and a plurality of roll holding sections 22 arranged side by side in the X direction. A feeder 23 is detachably inserted into each of the plurality of slots 21. The feeders 23 feed a carrier tape in which a plurality of components are accommodated and move it to feed the components in a collectible manner. The roll holding section 22 holds the roll on which the carrier tape is replaceably wound. The component supply device 20 can supply, for example, relatively large components in a state where the components are arranged on a tray placed on a pallet. In the above configuration, the component supply device 20 supplies components by pulling out predetermined pallets from a receiving device that accommodates a plurality of pallets according to an assembly process. 3-3. Component transfer device 30

[0020] The component transfer device 30 transfers the component fed from the component supply device 20 to a predetermined mounting position on the plate 91, which is conveyed into the machine by the plate conveying device 10. The head drive device 31 of the component transfer device 30 moves the movable table 32 in the horizontal direction (X direction and Y direction) with a linear movement mechanism. The mounting head 33 is replaceably fixed to the movable table 32 by a clamping member (not shown). Various tools are detachably attached to the mounting head 33. The tool includes a suction nozzle 34 for holding the component and a picker 60 for holding the support member 50 described later (see the Fig. 3).

[0021] The suction nozzle 34 picks up and holds a component using supplied negative air. The raising and lowering position and angle of the suction nozzles 34 with respect to the mounting head 33, as well as a supply state of negative air, are controlled. A chuck that clamps a component may be attached to the mounting head 33 as another tool. The picker 60 that holds the support member 50 may be detachably attached to the mounting head 33, for example, by engaging with a predetermined portion of the support member 50. As described above, the component transfer device 30 is capable of holding the support member 50 in addition to the component and functions as a moving device that moves the support member 50. The component transfer device 30 is used for arrangement work (including raising / lowering and position change) of the support member 50.

[0022] As described above, the component mounting apparatus 2 of the present embodiment includes a facing robot in which a plurality of mounting heads 33 (first mounting head 33A and second mounting head 33B) are arranged to face each other in the Y direction. The movable areas of a plurality of mounting heads 33 overlap each other and are configured to be accessible from a side (for example, the second side S2) opposite to a side (for example, the first side S1 of the first mounting head 33A) near which the mounting head 33 is located, and can alternately operate on the same board 91. A plurality of mounting heads 33 are subject to collision-free control, so that collisions do not occur in an area where the movable areas overlap. 3-4. Part camera 41 and plate camera 42

[0023] The parts camera 41 and the plate camera 42 are digital imaging devices, each having an imaging element such as a CMOS. The parts camera 41 and the plate camera 42 perform imaging based on a control signal and transmit image data related to the imaging. The parts camera 41 is configured to image the component held by the suction nozzle 34 from below. The plate camera 42 is arranged on the movable table 32 so as to be movable in the horizontal direction together with the mounting head 33. The plate camera 42 is configured to image the plate 91 from above.

[0024] In addition to using a surface of the plate 91 as an imaging target, the plate camera 42 may use various devices or the like as an imaging target as long as the various devices are within a moving range of the movable table 32. For example, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. Fig. 5, the plate camera 42 can image the reference mark 431 and barcode 432 attached to the nozzle station 43, which will be described later, as well as a tool (suction nozzle 34 and picker 60) housed in the nozzle station 43 while being within a field of view of the camera. As described above, the plate camera 42 can be used to image various imaging targets to obtain the image data used for various parts of the image processing. 3-5: Nozzle station 43

[0025] The nozzle station 43 is provided within the component mounter 2. The nozzle station 43 is a tool station that houses various tools used for panel work by the component mounter 2 as a panel processing machine. In the present embodiment, the nozzle station 43 detachably holds a plurality of suction nozzles 34 and pickers 60. During a replacement process of the suction nozzle 34, the nozzle station 43 detachably holds the suction nozzle 34 from the mounting head 33 and also detachably holds other suction nozzles 34. Therefore, the component mounter 2 is configured to automatically replace the suction nozzle 34 according to the type of component of the mounting target during the execution of the mounting process.

[0026] The nozzle station 43 is detachably installed on the base of the component mounting device 2. As shown in the Fig. As shown in Fig. 5, a reference mark 431 and a barcode 432 are provided on the upper surface of the nozzle station 43. The reference mark 431 indicates a reference position on the upper surface of the nozzle station 43 and is attached to have a prescribed positional relationship with respect to a receiving portion that individually receives the tool. The barcode 432 indicates identification information of the nozzle station 43. In the identification information, the identification information and the receiving position of the tool received in the nozzle station 43 are linked. The receiving position is indicated, for example, by a relative position of the receiving portion with respect to the reference position. 3-6. Control device 45

[0027] The control device 45 mainly consists of a CPU, various types of memory, and a control circuit. The control device 45 performs a mounting operation for mounting a component on the board 91. During the mounting operation, the control device 45 controls the operation of the component transfer device 30 based on information output from various sensors, the results of image processing, a prestored control program, or the like. Thus, the positions and angles of a plurality of suction nozzles 34 supported by the mounting head 33 are controlled. The control device 45 performs an arrangement work, including adding or removing a support member 50 used for the board conveying device 10 to support the board 91 from below during the mounting operation, and changing the position of the support member 50.

[0028] The control device 45 stores the arrangement information M2 downloaded from the host computer 70. As shown in the Fig. As shown in FIG. 9, the "arrangement information M2" indicates the arrangement position of the support member 50, which is determined for the panel work planned to be performed (according to the type of the panel product). The arrangement information M2 indicates the arrangement position (P111, P112, P113, ...) of the support member 50 and the type (pin type: hard, soft) of the support member 50. In addition to the above, the arrangement information M2 may include an allowable error of the arrangement of the support member 50 with respect to the arrangement position. The arrangement information M2 is determined in advance according to the type (including the size and hardness) of the panel 91, the type (including the mounting position of the component) of the panel product to be manufactured, the production process, and the like. 4. 4. Detailed configurations of the plate conveyor device 10 and the support device 15

[0029] The component mounting apparatus 2 of the present embodiment is a two-lane conveyor including a plurality of conveyor mechanisms 11A and 11B. A pair of guide rails 12 configuring the conveyor mechanisms 11 are provided on the base so as to be relatively movable in the Y direction. Consequently, the conveyor mechanism 11 adjusts a distance between the pair of guide rails 12 according to the dimensions of the plate 91 in the Y direction (see the Fig. 4).

[0030] The support device 15 supports the plate 91 conveyed by the conveying mechanisms 11 from below and clamps the plate 91 between the pair of guide rails 12. In the present embodiment, the support device 15 supports the plate 91 by bringing the support member 50 into contact with a lower surface of the plate 91. Therefore, the support device 15 clamps the plate 91 between the pair of guide rails 12 and maintains the height of a portion that comes into contact with the support member 50, thereby preventing the plate 91 from bending.

[0031] As in the Fig. 3, the support device 15 includes a support plate 16 and a lifting and lowering device 17. The support plate 16 is arranged to face the lower surface of the plate 91 positioned by the conveying mechanisms 11. The support plate 16 is provided on the base so that it can be raised and lowered in the Z direction. In the present embodiment, the support plate 16 is rectangular. The support member 50 is detachably arranged on an upper surface of the support plate 16.

[0032] The lifting and lowering device 17 raises and lowers the support plate 16 with respect to the base. In the present embodiment, the lifting and lowering device 17 is configured with a plurality of air cylinders, each having a rod 18 and a cylinder main body 19. The rods 18 of the respective air cylinders are detachably attached to the four corners of the support plate 16. The cylinder main body 19 of each air cylinder moves the rod 18 back and forth in the Z direction according to the air pressure.

[0033] The lifting and lowering device 17 of the support device 15 retracts the support member 50 downward from the back surface of the plate 91 when the plate 91 is conveyed in or out. Consequently, the lifting and lowering device 17 lowers the support plate 16 to a preparation height at which a component mounted on the back surface of the plate 91 (back surface component) and the support member 50 do not interfere with each other (in the Fig. 3 by a two-dotted dashed line). The lifting and lowering device 17 lifts the support plate 16 to a support height during the execution of the assembly process (in the Fig. 3 by a solid line). Consequently, the support device 15 pushes the plate 91 upward and supports it from below.

[0034] The support member 50 is detachably disposed on the upper surface of the support plate 16. In the present embodiment, the support member 50 includes a hard pin 50H having a support portion 53 formed at its distal end from a relatively hard member (e.g., a metal member), and a soft pin 50S having a support portion 53 formed at its distal end from a relatively soft member (e.g., a rubber member). In the support member 50, the support portion 53 is connected to the base portion 51 via the body portion 52. In the support member 50, a magnet is embedded in the base portion 51 located at a lower end, and the support member 50 is fixed to the support plate 16 with good magnetic force. In the support member 50, an engagement portion 54 of the same shape is formed above the base portion 51.The engagement portion 54 engages with the picker 60 attached to the mounting head 33.

[0035] The picker 60 includes the main body portion 61 and the collecting portion 62. The main body portion 61 is cylindrical in shape overall. The main body portion 61 is shaped to be attachable to the mounting head 33 similarly to the suction nozzle 34. The collecting portion 62 is provided at the lower end of the main body portion 61. The collecting portion 62 engages with the engaging portion 54 of the hard pin 50H and the engaging portion 54 of the soft pin 50S. To maintain the state of holding the hard pin 50H or the soft pin 50S, the picker 60 presses the distal end of the engaging portion 54 by the elastic force of the elastic member provided inside the main body portion 61 and biases the lower end portion of the engaging portion 54 toward the collecting portion 62. 5. Overview of the arrangement work of the support element 50

[0036] The control device 45 of the component mounting device 2 performs the arrangement work of the support member 50 based on arrangement information M2, for example, using the component transfer device 30 acting as a moving device of the support member 50 before executing the mounting process (next plate work) according to a predetermined plate product. The purpose of executing the arrangement work is to manage, for example, the type of the support member 50 and a position where the support member 50 is to be arranged, which may change depending on the dimensions of the plate 91 or the number or positions of the components to be mounted.

[0037] When the type of plate product to be manufactured is changed, the component assembly facility 2 performs the arrangement work of the support member 50 as one of the arrangement work, if necessary. This arrangement work includes, in addition to fixing the support member 50 to the support plate 16 located below the plate 91, also removing the support member 50 (moving to a retraction area where the replacement support member 50 not used to support the plate 91 is placed).

[0038] When performing the placement work of the support member 50, the controller 45 attaches the picker 60 capable of holding the support member 50 to the mounting head 33. The picker 60 is housed in the nozzle station 43 and exchanged with the suction nozzle 34 attached to the mounting head 33. The controller 45 drives the component transfer device 30 to move the target support member 50 to a position indicated by the placement information M2.

[0039] Here, the component mounting device 2 configured as described above can automatically perform all the arrangement work of the support member 50 in the setup work. Specifically, in the setup work of the next assembly operation, the controller 45 moves the support member 50 one by one using the picker 60 based on the arrangement information M2, the position information indicating the current position of each support member 50 used in the current assembly operation, and the replacement information indicating the current position of the replacement support member 50 placed in the retraction area.

[0040] After the disposition of all the support members 50 is completed, the controller 45 causes the nozzle station to pick up the picker 60 and ends the arrangement work. Furthermore, the controller 45 updates and stores the position information and the replacement information indicating the target area where the support member 50 is placed within the component mounter 2 and the current position of the support member 50 arranged in the retraction area. Accordingly, the controller 45 can perform the arrangement work of the support member 50 without the movement of the worker.

[0041] In the configuration with multiple work heads (mounting heads 33) as in the component mounting apparatus 2 of the present embodiment, the pickers 60 are attached to each of the work heads, and thus the arrangement work of the support member 50 required on the opposite side can be performed instead. In this way, by making the picker 60 detachable, in the component mounting apparatus 2 including the facing robot, the work head applicable for the arrangement work can be selected, thereby improving work flexibility.

[0042] Here, in a plate processing machine (for example, the component mounting device 2) including a plurality of work heads, the plurality of work heads may be used for each of a plurality of different types of plate work. In such a case, the number of times the arrangement work of the support member is executed and the time required for the arrangement work may be unbalanced among the plurality of support devices. That is, when the production process proceeds independently on the first side S1 and the second side S2, the time and number of times the arrangement work is required will vary depending on the progress. If the work head executing the arrangement work is fixed to one of them, the other will be in a pause state, and there is a concern that production efficiency will decrease.

[0043] Therefore, the present embodiment adopts a configuration in which the arrangement work of the support member 50 is efficiently carried out using the picker 60 to prevent a reduction in production efficiency. In particular, as shown in FIG. Fig. 6, an arrangement assisting device 80 that assists the arrangement work of the support member 50 is integrated into the control device 45. The arrangement assisting device 80 can simplify the determination of the work head for performing the arrangement work and determine the work head suitable for the arrangement work to improve the efficiency of the setup work. 6. Detailed configuration of the placement aid device 806-1. Detection section 81

[0044] The placement assistance device 80 includes a detection section 81. The detection section 81 detects the receiving positions N1 at which the pickers 60 are received in a plurality of nozzle stations 43 serving as tool stations. In the present embodiment, the detection section 81 performs reading processing of codes attached to a plurality of tools (suction nozzles 34 and pickers 60) received in a plurality of nozzle stations 43.

[0045] Here is how in the Fig. As shown in Figure 5, the code 342 indicating identification information of the suction nozzle 34 is attached to the flange 341 of the suction nozzle 34. The code 64 indicating identification information of the picker 60 is attached to the flange 63 of the picker 60. The identification information is linked to the type of tool, the maintenance log, and the like. The acquisition section 81 acquires the types of the plurality of tools, including the picker 60, based on the result of the reading processing.

[0046] During the reading process, for example, a dedicated code reader may be provided above the nozzle station 43. In the present embodiment, the detection section 81 performs the reading process of the code 64 using the plate camera 42, which is provided to be movable integrally with the mounting head 33. The detection section 81 detects the pick-up position N1 of the tool (suction nozzle 34 and picker 60) based on the position of the plate camera 42 when the plate camera 42 images the codes 342 and 64.

[0047] Specifically, during the reading operation, the plate camera 42 is moved over the positions where the codes 342 and 64 of the tools accommodated in the nozzle station 43 are affixed, and imaging is performed. As described above, by repeating the movement and imaging of the plate camera 42, the presence or absence of the tool and the type of tool, if present, are detected for each of the plurality of accommodation sections of the nozzle station 43. Furthermore, from the position of the plate camera 42 at the time of imaging, it is determined in which accommodation section the tool is accommodated. Thus, it is determined whether the picker 60 is accommodated, and if the picker 60 is accommodated, the accommodation position N1 of the picker 60 is determined.

[0048] Furthermore, as long as the detection section 81 can detect the pick-up position N1 of the picker 60 in the machine, various aspects other than those mentioned above can be adopted. For example, setting information in which a tool including the picker 60 is automatically or manually set to a tool station outside the machine, and installation information in which the tool station is automatically or manually installed in the machine can be externally input to determine the pick-up position of the picker 60 in the machine. 6-2. Determination Section 82

[0049] The placement assist device 80 includes a fixing section 82. The fixing section 82 fixes the mounting head 33, which performs the placement work of the support member 50 using the picker 60 according to the pick-up position N1 of the picker 60. In the present embodiment, the fixing section 82 fixes which of the two mounting heads 33A and 33B should perform the placement work, depending on whether the picker 60 is housed in the nozzle station 43A on the first side S1 or in the nozzle station 43B on the second side S2.

[0050] Taking into account the pick-up position N1 of the picker 60, various aspects of the determination can be adopted by the determination section 82. For example, the determination section 82 can designate one of the mounting heads 33 that is closer to the pick-up position N1 of the picker 60 as the mounting head 33 that preferentially performs the arrangement work. According to such a configuration, for example, the worker can designate the mounting head 33 to be subjected to the arrangement work by the arrangement of the picker 60. That is, it is possible to easily perform the determination without designating the component mounter 2 or the host computer 70, thereby improving efficiency. 6-3. Provision Section 83

[0051] The arrangement assistance device 80 may further include the determination section 83. Based on the production plan M1 and the arrangement information M2, the determination section 83 executes a determination process of the mounting head 33 suitable for each of the plurality of arrangement works among the plurality of mounting heads 33. Specifically, the determination section 83 first recognizes which type of assembly process is scheduled for execution on the first side S1 and the second side S2 and in which period based on the production plan M1 (see the Fig. 9).

[0052] As in the Fig. 9, the production plan M1 here indicates, for each of the first side S1 and the second side S2, the types of plate products planned for production (R11, R12, R13,..., R21, R22, R23,...), the planned production volume (V11, V12, V13,..., V21, V22, V23,...), and the production order thereof. Based on the arrangement information M2, the determination section 83 recognizes the content of the arrangement work of the support member 50 required in the setup work of each assembly process. This is because it is assumed that there is a case where the arrangement work is unnecessary even in different types of assembly processes, and there is a case where the arrangement work of the support member 50 is required even in similar assembly processes depending on the arrangement state of the components on the back surface side.

[0053] The Fig. 10 represents the required time (Tp11, Tp12, Tp13,...) of the assembly process planned for execution on the first page S1 and the required time (Ts11, Ts12, Ts13, ...) of the corresponding setup work. Fig. 10 further represents the required time (Tp21, Tp122, Tp23,...) of the assembly process scheduled for execution on the second side S2 and the required time (Ts21, Ts22, Ts23,...) of the corresponding setup work.

[0054] The determination section 83 determines the first period D1, which is more suitable for the arrangement work using the picker 60 by the first mounting head 33A, and the second period D2, which is more suitable for the arrangement work using the picker 60 by the second mounting head 33B. Based on the result of the determination process, the determination section 83 designates the nozzle station 43 in which the picker 60 is to be accommodated before the arrangement work is carried out. In the present embodiment, the determination section 83 designates, as shown in a right column of the Fig. 9, the nozzle stations 43 are represented by sides (S1 and S2) corresponding to the respective nozzle stations 43. 6-4. Guide Section 84

[0055] The arrangement assisting device 80 may further include the guide section 84. The guide section 84 guides the nozzle station 43, which accommodates the picker 60 among a plurality of nozzle stations 43 in the setup work before production, to the worker who performs the setup change based on the result of the determination process. Here, since the setting section 82 sets the mounting head 33, which performs the arrangement work using the picker 60, according to the pick-up position N1 of the picker 60, the guide section 84 guides the nozzle station 43, in which the picker 60 is to be accommodated, to the worker to appropriately reflect the result of the determination process.

[0056] According to such a configuration, the appropriate pickup position N1 of the picker 60 can be guided to the worker, for example, in the initial arrangement based on the work head 33 suitable for the specific arrangement work. Accordingly, it is possible to cause the work head 33 suitable for the arrangement work to perform the arrangement work using the picker 60. Moreover, even in an aspect in which the pickup position N1 of the picker 60 can be exchanged between a plurality of nozzle stations 43 after the initial arrangement, the moving distance and the number of movements of the picker 60 can be reduced. 6-5. Movement Section 85

[0057] The placement aid device 80 may further include a moving section 85. The moving section 85 moves the picker 60 to the nozzle station 43 determined by the determining section 83. The process of exchanging the picker 60 between multiple nozzle stations 43 by the moving section 85 is not mechanically restricted within a movement range of the mounting head 33, but may require the approval of the administrator of the production system Sy or the operator of the component mounting device 2.

[0058] If the tool replacement operation is permitted, the moving section 85 executes the moving process of the picker 60 based on the result of the determination process. For example, as shown in the Fig. 10, a period between the arrangement work on the first side S1 and the arrangement work on the second side S2, which is a conversion time of the first period D1 and the second period D2, is set as the movement period Dm suitable for the movement of the picker 60. The movement section 85 executes the movement process of the picker 60 in the movement period Dm.

[0059] According to such a configuration, the picker 60 can be moved based on the assembly head 33, which is suitable for the arrangement work in a production line. This can improve the efficiency of the setup work including the arrangement work. 7. Arrangement aid process of the support element 50

[0060] An arrangement assist process by the arrangement assist device 80 of the support member 50 will be described with reference to FIG. Fig. 7 to 10. If the plate products planned for production on the first side S1 and the second side S2 are planned in a given production line Ln (production plan M1 in the Fig. 9) and the arrangement position of the support member 50 is determined for each plate work according to the manufacture of each plate product (arrangement information M2 in the Fig. 9), the placement assistance device 80 executes the placement assistance process.

[0061] As in the Fig. 7, the placement aid device 80 first executes a preparation process (S11). In the preparation process, the acquisition of information required for subsequent processes, the recognition of a current state within the component mounting device 2, and the like are performed. In an aspect in which the placement aid device 80 includes a determination section 83 and a guide section 84, the following processes are executed in the preparation process. As shown in the Fig. 8, the determination section 83 executes the determination process (S21). Accordingly, based on the production plan M1 and the arrangement information M2, as shown in Fig. 9, which determines suitable mounting head 33 for each of the plurality of arrangement works among the plurality of mounting heads 33.

[0062] Next, the guide section 84 performs a guide operation (S22). Accordingly, based on the result of the determination operation, the nozzle station 43 suitable for accommodating the picker 60 among the plurality of nozzle stations 43 in the pre-manufacturing setup work is guided to the worker. For example, the initial arrangement of the picker 60 is guided to the worker so that the picker 60 is accommodated in any accommodating section in the nozzle station 43 on the first side S1.

[0063] The layout support device 80 can download necessary information (production plan M1, layout information M2, and the like) from the host computer 70 or request the reference to the host computer 70 as needed. When the determination process (S21) or the guidance process (S22) is performed in the preparation process (S11), the process results and the information notified to the worker or the like are respectively stored in the storage section 71 of the control device 45 or the host computer 70. In an aspect in which the layout support device 80 does not include the determination section 83 and the guidance section 84, the above-described processes (S21 and S22) are omitted.

[0064] Subsequently, the picker 60 is arranged by the worker as one of the setup work (S12). The worker can accommodate the picker 60 in the nozzle station 43 installed in the machine, or can install the nozzle station 43 that accommodates the picker 60 in the machine. For example, when the side (the first side S1 or the second side S2) suitable for the initial arrangement of the picker 60 is guided through the guidance process (S22), the worker can perform the arrangement work based on the content of the guidance.

[0065] After the worker completes the arrangement work of the suction nozzle 34 and the picker 60, the detection section 81 performs a detection process of the pick-up position N1 where the picker 60 is accommodated (S13). Specifically, when production is started after the worker completes the setup work, the control device 45 of the component mounting device 2 reads the codes 342 and 64 of the tools (suction nozzles 34 and picker 60) accommodated in all the accommodation sections of a plurality of nozzle stations 43, and detects the type of the tool based on the tool identification information. The detection section 81 detects the pick-up position N1 from the information regarding the picker 60 acquired through the reading process.

[0066] The determination section 82 performs a determination process for determining the mounting head 33 to perform the arrangement work of the support member 50 based on the pickup position N1 of the picker 60 (S14). In an aspect where the arrangement assist device 80 does not include the determination section 83, the determination section 82 determines whether the mounting head 33 to be used for the subsequent arrangement work is the first mounting head 33A or the second mounting head 33B, depending on whether the pickup position N1 of the picker 60 is the first side S1 or the second side S2 according to the initial arrangement.

[0067] In an aspect in which the arrangement assisting device 80 includes a determination section 83, the determination section 82 determines the mounting head 33 to be applied for the subsequent arrangement work based on the result of the determination process (S21) in addition to the pick-up position N1 of the picker 60. At this time, the determination section 82 determines the mounting head 33 that performs the arrangement work, so as to shorten the time required for the setup work including the arrangement work of the support member 50 and the production stop time on the first side S1 and the second side S2 accompanying the execution of the setup work.

[0068] Subsequently, the control device 45 executes an arrangement process of the support member 50 (S15). Specifically, the control device 45 first causes the mounting head 33 specified in the setting process (S14) to retrieve the picker 60 accommodated at the pick-up position N1 from the nozzle station 43. Then, the control device 45 controls the operation of the mounting head 33 based on the arrangement information M2, the position information of the support member 50, and the replacement information to arrange the support member 50 of the specified type at the specified position and move the unnecessary support member 50 to the retraction area. By repeating the above process, the arrangement process of the support member 50 is completed.

[0069] Here, if the exchange (movement) of the picker 60 between a plurality of nozzle stations 43 is permitted (S16: Yes), the placement assist device 80 executes the movement process of the picker 60 by moving the section 85 (S17). The movement section 85 moves the picker 60 attached to the mounting head 33 to the nozzle station 43 on the first side S1 or the second side S2 based on the result of the determination process (S21). If movement is not required and there is no empty accommodation section in the nozzle station 43 of the movement destination, the movement section 85 does not move the picker 60 here and accommodates the picker 60 in the accommodation section of the original nozzle station 43.

[0070] The moving section 85 executes the moving process based on the operating status of a plurality of mounting heads 33, the progress status of the plate work, and the like in the moving period Dm suitable for the movement of the picker 60. Accordingly, as shown in the Fig. 10, the picker 60 is moved to the predetermined nozzle station 43 at the end of the arranging process (S15) at an early stage and finally at the beginning of the arranging work on the opposite side. When the exchange (movement) of the picker 60 is restricted (S16: No), the moving process (S17) by the moving section 85 is omitted.

[0071] When the setup work for all plate works based on the production plan M1 is not completed (S18: No), the arrangement process (S15), the determination process (S16), and the movement process (S17) are repeatedly executed according to the progress status of the plate works. When the setup work of all plate works is completed (S18: Yes), the arrangement assist device 80 ends the arrangement assist process. The arrangement assist process corresponds to an arrangement assist process. The detection process (S13), the determination process (S14), the determination process (S21), the guidance process (S22), and the movement process (S17) correspond to the detection step, the determination step, the determination step, the guidance step, and the movement step in the arrangement assist process, respectively.

[0072] According to the above configuration, the work head 33 that performs the arrangement work is set according to the pick-up position N1 of the picker 60, so that the arrangement work of the support member 50 can be performed efficiently. This makes it possible to prevent a reduction in production efficiency. 8. Modification aspects of the embodiment

[0073] In the embodiment, the plate processing machine was described as a component mounting device 2 that mounts components on the plate 91. On the other hand, the placement assistance device 80 and the placement assistance method can be applied to a type of facing robot comprising multiple work heads between different plate processing machines. In addition to the mounting head 33 that mounts the component through plate processing, the work head can apply a fastener to the plate 91 or inspect the appearance or function of the plate 91.

[0074] In the embodiment, the detecting section 81, the setting section 82, the determining section 83, the guiding section 84, and the moving section 85 are integrated into the control device 45. On the other hand, at least a part of the above-described sections 81 to 85 may be provided outside the control device 45. For example, a part or all of the above-described sections 71 to 75 may be configured to be integrated into the host computer 70 or a dedicated external device capable of communicating with the plate processing machine. Accordingly, the various types of information M1 and M2 are stored in a storage device accessible by each of the sections 71 to 75. List of reference symbols

[0075] Printer, 2: Component mounting device (plate working machine), 10, 10A, 10B: Plate conveying device, 15, 15A, 15B: Support device, 30, 30A, 30B: Component transfer device, 33, 33A, 33B: Mounting head (working head), 34: Suction nozzle (tool), 42, 42A, 42B: Plate camera, 43, 43A, 43B: Nozzle station (tool station), 45: Control device, 50: Support element, 60: Picker (tool), 70: Host computer, 80: Arrangement aid device, 81: Detection section, 82: Setting section, 83: Determination section, 84: Guide section, 85: Movement section, 91: Plate, M1: Production plan, M2: Arrangement information, N1: recording position, S1: first page, S2: second page, Sy: production system QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] WO 2004 / 103054

[0003]

Claims

[1] An arrangement aid device for a support member, the arrangement aid device being applicable to a plate processing machine configured to automatically exchange a tool between a plurality of tool stations provided in the machine, the plate processing machine comprising a plurality of work heads configured to perform a predetermined plate processing using the tool on a plate supported by the support member, the arrangement aid device comprising: a detecting section configured to detect a pick-up position in which a picker capable of holding the support member is accommodated in the plurality of tool stations; and a setting section configured to set the work head that performs an arrangement work of the support member using the picker according to the pick-up position of the picker. [2] The arrangement assisting device for a support member according to claim 1, wherein the detecting section performs reading processing of codes attached to a plurality of tools accommodated in a plurality of nozzle stations, and detects types of the plurality of tools including the picker based on a result of the reading processing. [3] The support member arrangement assisting device according to claim 2, wherein the detecting section performs the reading processing of the code using a camera provided to be movable integrally with the work head, and detects the pickup position of the tool based on a position of the camera when the camera picks up the code. [4] The support member placement aid device according to claim 3, wherein the camera is a plate camera configured to pick up a reference mark attached to the plate. [5] The arrangement assisting device for a support member according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the setting section sets one of the plurality of work heads that is closer to the pick-up position of the picker as the work head that preferentially performs the arrangement work. [6] The arrangement aid device for a support member according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising: a determination section configured to execute a determination process of the work head suitable for each of the arrangement works a plurality of times among the plurality of work heads, based on a production plan indicating a type and a production order of a plate product planned to be manufactured, and arrangement information indicating an arrangement position of the support member set for the plate work corresponding to the manufacture of the plate product. [7] The arrangement aid device for a support element according to claim 6, further comprising: a guide section configured to guide the tool station that receives the picker among the plurality of tool stations in a setup work before production to a worker who executes the setup work based on a result of the determination process. [8] The arrangement assisting device for a support member according to claim 6, wherein the determining section designates the tool station in which the picker is accommodated before the arrangement work is carried out based on a result of the determining process, and the arrangement assisting device further comprising: a moving section configured to move the picker to the tool station designated by the destination section. [9] A method for assisting a support member, the method being applicable to a plate processing machine configured to automatically exchange a tool between a plurality of tool stations provided in the machine, the plate processing machine comprising a plurality of work heads configured to perform a predetermined plate processing using the tool on a plate supported by the support member, the method comprising: a detecting step of detecting a pick-up position in which a picker capable of holding the support member is accommodated in the plurality of tool stations; and a setting step of setting the work head that performs an arrangement work of the support member using the picker according to the pick-up position of the picker.

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