Kitting device

Abstract

To provide a kitting device that can automatically remove and process a parts container from a parts supply unit.SOLUTION: A kitting device includes a kitting execution unit that performs removal work to remove a component container from a component supply unit, and a sorting unit that separates the component container removed by the kitting execution unit into an empty component container in which all component have been consumed and a component container in which components still remain.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present specification relates to a board production system that produces boards using a board production line in which a plurality of board production machines, including component mounting machines, are arranged. [Background technology]

[0002] A technology for mass-producing boards with electronic circuits by performing tasks such as mounting components on printed circuit boards has become widespread. Furthermore, it has become common to arrange multiple types of board production machines to perform the tasks in an array to form a board production line. The component mounting machine among the board production machines uses a component supply unit in which a component container that stores multiple components is set. A tape feeder, a typical example of a component supply unit, uses a reel around which a carrier tape is wound as the component container.

[0003] The kitting work of setting a component container (reel) in a component supply unit (tape feeder) is required for component resupply work when components are consumed as production progresses, and for changeover work to change the type of board (board type) being produced. This type of kitting work has traditionally been performed manually. There is also a method in which a component supply unit that has undergone kitting work is prepared in advance and the component supply unit is replaced when necessary. Examples of technologies related to the kitting work and replacement work of component supply units are disclosed in Patent Documents 1 and 2.

[0004] Patent Document 1 discloses a tape reel supply robot that loads a tape reel into a tape feeder set in a component mounting machine. According to this, it is said that the tape reel can be automatically replaced, and loss of operating time can be eliminated.

[0005] Moreover, the component mounting line of Patent Document 2 includes a unit storage that stores a plurality of component supply units, and a unit exchange device that exchanges the component supply units attached to the plurality of component mounting machines with the component supply units in the unit storage. According to this, it is said that it is possible to provide a user-friendly unit storage, in which the component supply units used in any of the component mounting machines can be carried in and out for replenishment, collection, and the like. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 5-175686 [Patent Document 2] International Publication No. 2017 / 033268 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] Incidentally, the tape reel supply robot of Patent Document 1 is preferable in that it can automate the kitting work that was previously performed manually. However, in the case of the above-mentioned changeover work, the tape reel supply robot loads a tape reel into each of a large number of tape feeders in sequence, which lengthens the work time. This causes a problem of reduced production efficiency.

[0008] In contrast, in the configuration of Patent Document 2, the component supply units that have undergone kitting are stored in advance in a unit storage, and the component supply units are replaced during the changeover work, thereby shortening the work time and improving production efficiency. However, when the kitting work is performed automatically at the kitting station to save labor, a transport vehicle is required to transport the component supply units between the kitting station and the unit storage, which are located at a distance from each other. Due to the constraints on the transport operation of this transport vehicle, the work time for the changeover work may be extended. Furthermore, due to the constraints on the number of spare component supply units, the replacement work may become inefficient.

[0009] Therefore, an object of this specification is to provide a board production system that realizes high production efficiency by improving the efficiency of component supply work and changeover work related to component mounting machines. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] This specification discloses a board production system comprising: a component mounting machine having a component supply area in which component supply units are arranged, the component mounting machine picking up components from the component supply unit and mounting them on a board; a kitting station provided on a board production line in which a plurality of board production machines including the component mounting machine are arranged, the kitting station setting a component container that holds a plurality of the components on the component supply unit; and a transport device that transports the component supply unit with the component container set by the kitting station to the component mounting machine. Effect of the Invention

[0011] In the board production system disclosed in this specification, the kitting station is provided in the board production line. Therefore, the transport device only needs to move a short distance when transporting the component supply unit with the component container set from the kitting station to the component mounting machine, and can transport the component supply unit in a short time. Therefore, the component supply work and the setup change work related to the component mounting machine can be made more efficient, and as a result, high production efficiency can be achieved. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] 1 is a plan view showing a schematic configuration of a board production system according to an embodiment; [Diagram 2] 2 is a partial cross-sectional plan view illustrating a schematic configuration of a lower portion of the board production system. FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a side cross-sectional view of the component mounting machine as viewed from the right. [Figure 4] 1 is a side cross-sectional view of the kitting station as viewed from the right. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a kitting execution section of the kitting station. [Figure 6] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a feeder transport vehicle that transports a magazine-type spare storage unit. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a reel transport vehicle that transports a reel magazine (a component container magazine). [Figure 8] 2 is a block diagram showing a control configuration of the board production system according to the embodiment; FIG. [Figure 9] 11A to 11C are diagrams illustrating variations in the position at which the initial waste tape is cut off from the leading end of the carrier tape. [Figure 10] FIG. 11 is a table illustrating a guide for the storage position of the tape feeder in the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0013] 1. Circuit board production line 2 and component mounting machine 22 The configuration of a board production system 1 according to an embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. 1 to 7. Each figure is a schematic explanatory diagram with some parts scaled out. As shown in the lower right of Figs. 1 and 2, front, back, left and right are defined for the sake of convenience. Board production system 1 comprises, as a minimum configuration, a board production line 2 including a component mounting machine 22, a kitting station 3, and a transport device 4. In this embodiment, board production system 1 also comprises two types of transport vehicles (feeder transport vehicle 51, reel transport vehicle 55), a waste tape recovery device 6, a setup control unit 7, and a production plan storage unit 71.

[0014] The board production line 2 is configured by arranging a plurality of board production machines, including a component mounting machine 22. For example, the board production line 2 shown in Figs. 1 and 2 is configured by arranging a solder printer 21, a component mounting machine 22, and a board inspection machine 23 from left to right. Each of the plurality of board production machines has a transport conveyor 24 extending in the left-right direction at approximately the mid-height position. Each of the transport conveyors 24 is driven in a rotary manner by a conveyor drive unit 25 arranged below. As a result, the board K is transported in order from the solder printer 21 on the upstream side to the board production machine on the downstream side.

[0015] 3, the component mounting machine 22 has a component supply area 221, a mounting head 222, a suction nozzle 223, and a second preliminary housing section 224. The component supply area 221 is provided at a position approximately at the middle height on the front side, and tape feeders 91 to be used for current production are arranged side by side. The component supply area 221 is formed using a plate-like member provided with a plurality of groove-shaped slots extending in the front-rear direction.

[0016] The multiple tape feeders 91 are arranged so as to be detachably attached by being inserted from the front into each of the multiple slots in the component supply area 221. The tape feeders 91 supply components using a reel 92 (see FIGS. 5 and 9) around which a carrier tape 93 is wound. The carrier tape 93 has multiple cavities aligned in a row in the tape length direction. A component is stored in each of the cavities. The tape feeder 91 is one form of a component supply unit, and the reel 92 is one form of a component container.

[0017] A label indicating an individual identification code is attached to the tape feeder 91 and the reel 92. This label is read by the component mounting machine 22, the kitting station 3, or the like, and the individual tape feeder 91 and the reel 92 are identified. Without being limited to this, the individual identification codes of the tape feeder 91 and the reel 92 may be stored in a built-in memory of the tape feeder 91. In this configuration, when the tape feeder 91 is set in the component mounting machine 22 or the kitting station 3 and connected for communication, the individual identification code is transmitted and identified.

[0018] The component mounting machine 22 has a mounting head 222 near the top of the internal space. The mounting head 222 is driven by a horizontal drive mechanism (not shown) to move horizontally in two directions. The mounting head 222 holds one or more suction nozzles 223 so that they can be raised and lowered. The transport conveyor 24 traverses the rear side of the component mounting machine 22 at approximately the middle height. The transport conveyor 24 carries the board K, on ​​which cream solder has been printed by the solder printer 21, into the component mounting machine 22.

[0019] Then, the mounting head 222 moves above the tape feeder 91, and the suction nozzle 223 descends to pick up the component from the tape feeder 91 and then rises. Next, the mounting head 222 moves above the board K, and the suction nozzle 223 descends to mount the component on the solder paste of the board K. When such pick-up and mounting operations are repeated, the components on the tape feeder 91 are consumed and the tape feeder 91 runs out of components. In the component supply work at this time, the tape feeder 91 is replaced rather than the reel 92. Also, in the setup change work when changing the board type of the board K, multiple tape feeders 91 are often replaced.

[0020] The component mounting machine 22 has a second spare housing section 224 below the component supply area 221 on the front side. The second spare housing section 224 is composed of an upper section and a lower section each having a structure similar to that of the component supply area 221. The second spare housing section 224 can accommodate a plurality of tape feeders 91 not used in the current production in the upper and lower sections, respectively. The tape feeders 91 accommodated in the second spare housing section 224 have reels 92 set and are ready for use, and are used for component supply work and changeover work. The second spare housing section 224 may be configured with only one section, or may be configured with three or more sections.

[0021] 2. Kitting Station 3 The kitting station 3 is provided in the board production line 2, specifically, on the left side of the solder printer 21. The kitting station 3 may be provided between the solder printer 21 and the component mounting machine 22 or on the right side (downstream side) of the component mounting machine 22. As shown in FIG. 4, the kitting station 3 is formed such that the dimension in the front-rear direction is small on the lower side and large on the upper side, and a space is provided on the lower rear side. The transport conveyor 24 and the conveyor driving unit 25 are arranged in this space. The transport conveyor 24 receives the board K on the left side of the kitting station 3 and passes it to the transport conveyor 24 of the solder printer 21. The kitting station 3 has a kitting execution unit 31, a spare storage unit attachment / detachment unit 32, a magazine receiving unit 33, a magazine sending unit 34, a reel disposal unit 35, a sorting unit 36, and a first spare storage unit 37.

[0022] Kitting execution unit 31 is disposed toward the front right of the upper part of kitting station 3 in the front-rear direction (see Figs. 1 and 4). Kitting execution unit 31 is composed of feeder holding unit 311 shown in Fig. 5, a work robot (not shown), and the like. At the start of the kitting operation, the work robot causes feeder holding unit 311 to hold tape feeder 91, which is to be the object of the operation. The work robot then sets reel 92 in a predetermined position approximately in the center of tape feeder 91 so that it can rotate freely.

[0023] The work robot then pulls out carrier tape 93 from reel 92 and performs the prescribed loading operation. As a result, carrier tape 93 is driven by sprocket 911 and pulled out, and becomes ready to be fed to component supply position 912. In other words, tape feeder 91 becomes ready for use. In the loading operation of carrier tape 93, an operation of cutting a part of the leading end side of carrier tape 93 occurs as necessary (described in detail later).

[0024] The working robot also holds the tape feeder 91, which has been collected from the component supply area 221 of the component mounting machine 22, in the feeder holding unit 311, and performs a removal operation to remove the reel 92. The working robot is, for example, an arm-type robot having a movable arm. Furthermore, the working robot may be configured in combination with a movement mechanism that moves the tape feeder 91 and the reel 92. The kitting execution unit 31 is controlled by the kitting control unit 72 (see FIG. 8).

[0025] The spare storage section attachment / detachment section 32 is disposed on the right side of the rear of the upper part of the kitting station 3. The spare storage section attachment / detachment section 32 is a section in which a magazine-type spare storage section 95 is detachably mounted. The magazine-type spare storage section 95 is formed in a box shape with an opening (see FIG. 6). The magazine-type spare storage section 95 accommodates a plurality of tape feeders 91 in an array. The tape feeders 91 can be transferred in both directions between the magazine-type spare storage section 95 disposed in the spare storage section attachment / detachment section 32 and the kitting execution section 31.

[0026] The magazine receiving section 33 is disposed to the left of the spare storage section attachment / detachment section 32. The magazine receiving section 33 is a section that receives a reel magazine 96 (component storage magazine). The reel magazine 96 is composed of a circular bottom plate and a spindle that extends upward from the center of the bottom plate (see FIG. 7). The reel magazine 96 stores multiple reels 92 stacked vertically by fitting the spindle into the center hole of the reel 92. The reel magazine 96 can be transported from the reel magazine 96 disposed in the magazine receiving section 33 to the kitting execution section 31.

[0027] The magazine output unit 34 is located at the rear left side of the upper part of the kitting station 3, to the left of the magazine receiving unit 33. The magazine output unit 34 is a part that outputs the reel magazine 96. The reels 92 can be transported from the kitting execution unit 31 via the sorting unit 36 ​​toward the reel magazine 96 placed in the magazine output unit 34. The magazine receiving unit 33 and the magazine output unit 34 form a magazine attachment / detachment unit having two positions where the reel magazine 96 can be detachably mounted. Note that the magazine receiving unit 33 and the magazine output unit 34 may be simplified to a magazine attachment / detachment unit having only one position.

[0028] The reel discarding unit 35 is disposed in front of the magazine sending-out unit 34. The reel discarding unit 35 is a section for collecting empty reels 92 that have been exhausted of components and no longer have carrier tape 93. The sorting unit 36 ​​is disposed on the left side of the rear of the kitting unit 31. The sorting unit 36 ​​sorts the reels 92 removed by the kitting unit 31. That is, the sorting unit 36 ​​sends reels 92 that still have components remaining and whose carrier tape 93 is partially used to the magazine sending-out unit 34 to be stored in the reel magazine 96. The sorting unit 36 ​​also sends empty reels 92 to the reel discarding unit 35. The sorting unit 36 ​​is controlled by the sorting control unit 73 (see FIG. 8).

[0029] The first preliminary housing section 37 is disposed in a small lower portion in the front-rear direction of the kitting station 3 (see FIGS. 2 and 4). The first preliminary housing section 37 is composed of upper and lower sections having a structure similar to that of the second preliminary housing section 224 of the component mounting machine 22. The first preliminary housing section 37 can house a plurality of tape feeders 91 that are not used in the current production in the upper and lower sections, respectively. Note that the first preliminary housing section 37 may have a structure different from that of the second preliminary housing section 224.

[0030] 3.Transportation device 4 The conveying device 4 performs various conveying operations, including conveying the tape feeder 91, on which the reel 92 is set by the kitting station 3, to the component mounting machine 22. As shown by the arrow M1 in FIG. 1, the conveying device 4 moves from the front side of the kitting station 3 to the front side of the component mounting machine 22.

[0031] More specifically, a guide rail and a non-contact power supply unit are provided in front of each board production machine constituting board production line 2 and in front of kitting station 3. Meanwhile, transport device 4 has an engagement unit and a non-contact power receiving unit on its rear surface, and has a movement motor inside. The engagement unit of transport device 4 engages with the guide rail to guide the movement of transport device 4. The non-contact power receiving unit of transport device 4 receives power from the non-contact power supply unit and supplies power to the movement motor. As a result, transport device 4 is driven by the movement motor to move in the left-right direction. Transport device 4 is not limited to the above configuration, and may have the structure of a self-propelled transport vehicle equipped with a storage battery, for example.

[0032] As indicated by the dashed arrow in Fig. 3, the transport device 4 has a function of transferring the tape feeder 91 between the component supply area 221 of the component mounting machine 22 and the second preliminary accommodation section 224. Also, as indicated by the dashed arrow in Fig. 4, the transport device 4 has a function of transferring the tape feeder 91 between the kitting execution section 31 of the kitting station 3 and the first preliminary accommodation section 37. Furthermore, the transport device 4 has a function of moving the received tape feeder 91 while holding it within the device, and a function of raising and lowering the tape feeder 91 within the device.

[0033] Therefore, the transport device 4 can perform a transport operation of transporting the tape feeder 91 between each of the above-mentioned parts. The transport device 4 is controlled by a setup control unit 7 (see FIG. 8). The applicant of the present application has disclosed a detailed configuration example of the transport device 4 in Patent Document 2 under the name of "Exchange Robot."

[0034] 4. Feeder transport vehicle 51 and reel transport vehicle 55 As shown in Fig. 6, the feeder transport vehicle 51 travels carrying a magazine-type spare storage section 95. Although omitted in Fig. 6, the magazine-type spare storage section 95 stores a plurality of tape feeders 91 lined up. The feeder transport vehicle 51 transports the magazine-type spare storage section 95 between the spare storage section attachment / detachment section 32 of the kitting station 3 and the feeder storage warehouse 53 (see arrow M2 in Fig. 1). The feeder transport vehicle 51 has a roller device 52 on its upper surface that automatically transfers the magazine-type spare storage section 95.

[0035] When the number of tape feeders 91 in the kitting station 3 is insufficient, the feeder transport vehicle 51 can automatically replenish the insufficient tape feeders 91 from the feeder storage warehouse 53. Also, the feeder transport vehicle 51 can automatically store surplus tape feeders 91 generated in the kitting station 3 in the feeder storage warehouse 53. Furthermore, the feeder transport vehicle 51 can improve transport efficiency by transporting with a plurality of tape feeders 91 stored in the magazine-type spare storage section 95. Note that the feeder transport vehicle 51 may be configured to transport one or more tape feeders 91 without using the magazine-type spare storage section 95.

[0036] The reel transport vehicle 55 travels carrying a plurality of reel magazines 96 (component container magazines) as shown in Fig. 7. In the example of Fig. 7, one reel magazine 96 is fully loaded with reels 92, and another reel magazine 96 is empty. The reel transport vehicle 55 transports the reel magazines 96 between the magazine receiving section 33 and the magazine sending section 34 of the kitting station 3, and the reel storage warehouse 57 (see arrow M3 in Fig. 1). The reel transport vehicle 55 has a circular conveyor device 56 on its upper surface for adjusting the position of the reel magazine 96 to automate the loading and unloading.

[0037] The reel transport vehicle 55 can automatically replenish reels 92 required at the kitting station 3 from the reel storage warehouse 57. The reel transport vehicle 55 can also automatically store partially used reels 92 generated at the kitting station 3 in the reel storage warehouse 57. Furthermore, the reel transport vehicle 55 can improve transport efficiency by transporting reels 92 with a plurality of reels 92 placed in the reel magazine 96. The reel transport vehicle 55 may be configured to transport one or more reels 92 without using the reel magazine 96. The feeder transport vehicle 51 and the reel transport vehicle 55 are controlled by the setup control unit 7 (see FIG. 8).

[0038] There may be a plurality of feeder transport vehicles 51 and reel transport vehicles 55. Furthermore, the travel paths of the feeder transport vehicles 51 and the reel transport vehicles 55 may be modified, such as to be double-tracked or circular. Furthermore, the feeder transport vehicles 51 and the reel transport vehicles 55 may have the same shape, and may be loaded with the magazine-type spare storage section 95 and the reel magazine 96 for transport. Furthermore, the feeder storage warehouse 53 and the reel storage warehouse 57 may be a single shared storage warehouse.

[0039] 5. Waste tape collection device 6 The waste tape recovery device 6 recovers initial waste tape of the carrier tape 93. The initial waste tape is generated during a loading operation when the kitting execution unit 31 of the kitting station 3 sets the reel 92 in the tape feeder 91. In addition, the waste tape recovery device 6 also recovers waste tape generated after the component mounting machine 22 uses the carrier tape 93. Additionally, the component mounting machine 22 is equipped with a tape cutting unit that cuts the used carrier tape 93 to a predetermined length to produce waste tape. As shown in FIG. 1, the waste tape recovery device 6 is composed of a recovery box 61, a waste tape conveyor 62, and a recovery slope 63.

[0040] The collection box 61 is placed at a predetermined position set near the left side of the upper part of the kitting station 3. The collection box 61 is formed in a box shape that opens upward. The collection box 61 stores and collects the above-mentioned initial waste tapes and waste tapes. The collection box 61 is removed from the predetermined position by an operator, and the initial waste tapes and waste tapes inside are discarded.

[0041] As shown in FIG. 3, the waste tape conveyor 62 starts from the upper front side of the second preliminary storage section 224 of the component mounting machine 22. The waste tape is placed at the starting point of the waste tape conveyor 62 by the tape cutting section of the component mounting machine 22. The waste tape conveyor 62 extends from the starting point to the upper front side of the first preliminary storage section 37 of the kitting station 3 via the front side of the solder printing machine 21 (see FIG. 4). Furthermore, the waste tape conveyor 62 bends at the left front side of the kitting station 3 and extends along the left side surface of the kitting station 3 to the collection box 61 (see FIG. 1). The waste tape conveyor 62 operates in conjunction with the component mounting machine 22 when the component mounting machine 22 is operating, and transports the waste tape to the collection box 61 for collection.

[0042] The collection slope 63 is formed in an inclined slope with its upper starting point located inside the kitting execution unit 31 and its lower end point located above the collection box 61. The collection slope 63 is made up of an inclined bottom and two side surfaces, or is formed in an inclined cylindrical shape. An initial waste tape is placed at the upper starting point of the collection slope 63 by a work robot of the kitting execution unit 31. The initial waste tape slides down the inclination of the collection slope 63 and falls toward the collection box 61, where it is collected.

[0043] According to the above-mentioned configuration of the waste tape recovery device 6, the operator's work of disposal is reduced compared to when disposal is performed separately at the kitting station 3 and the component mounting machine 22. Furthermore, since the reel disposal unit 35 is disposed near the recovery box 61, the operator can dispose of the empty reel 92 at the same time as disposing of the waste tape, further reducing the work. Note that the recovery slope 63 may be omitted, and a configuration may be adopted in which the working robot of the kitting execution unit 31 puts the initial waste tape into the recovery box 61.

[0044] 6. Control configuration of board production system 1 Next, the control configuration of board production system 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 8. As shown in Fig. 8, board production system 1 is configured to include a setup control unit 7. Setup control unit 7 is communicatively connected to a production management device 79. Production management device 79 is communicatively connected to a line control unit 78. Furthermore, line control unit 78 is communicatively connected to each of a plurality of types of board production machines including component mounting machine 22.

[0045] The production management device 79 manages the production plan and production progress status of the boards K. The production plan includes information such as the board type of the boards K to be produced, the production quantity, and the production sequence. The line control unit 78 controls the operation of the board production line 2 based on the production plan received from the production management device 79. In addition, the line control unit 78 sequentially transmits the production progress status in the board production line 2 to the production management device 79. The production progress status includes, for example, information such as the number of boards K actually produced by the component mounting machine 22 and the number of components consumed.

[0046] The setup control unit 7 acquires a production plan for the boards from the production management device 79 and stores it in the production plan storage unit 71. The setup control unit 7 also acquires the production progress status of the line control unit 78 via the production management device 79 as appropriate. The setup control unit 7 controls the setup of the tape feeder 91 based on the production plan and the production progress status. The setup control unit 7 controls the transport operation of the transport device 4, and the running operation and reloading operation of the feeder transport car 51 and the reel transport car 55. The setup control unit 7 also issues commands to the kitting control unit 72 and the sorting control unit 73 of the kitting station 3 and transmits necessary information.

[0047] The kitting control unit 72 controls the progress of the kitting and removal work of the reels 92 in the kitting execution unit 31. The kitting control unit 72 can improve the efficiency of the work based on information received from the setup control unit 7. For example, the kitting control unit 72 can receive information on the arrangement positions of the multiple tape feeders 91 in the magazine-type spare storage unit 95 and information on the placement order of the multiple reels 92 in the reel magazine 96, and can select the tape feeders 91 and reels 92 to be worked on in a short time and without error.

[0048] The sorting control unit 73 controls the sorting operation of the sorting unit 36. The sorting control unit 73 can perform sorting without error based on the information received from the setup control unit 7. For example, the sorting control unit 73 can determine that the reel 92 removed from the tape feeder 91 is empty based on the information that the tape feeder 91 is a tape feeder that has been collected from the component supply area 221 due to a component shortage. This allows the sorting unit 36 ​​to correctly send the empty reel 92 to the reel disposal unit 35. Also, the sorting control unit 73 can determine that the reel 92 removed from the tape feeder 91 is half-used based on the information that the tape feeder 91 is a tape feeder that has been collected from the component supply area 221 during a setup change operation associated with a change in the type of board. This allows the sorting unit 36 ​​to correctly send the half-used reel 92 to the magazine delivery unit 34.

[0049] 7. Kitting work (including explanation of initial waste tape) Next, the kitting work at kitting station 3 will be described with reference to Fig. 9. In Fig. 9, carrier tape 93 is illustrated as being thicker than it actually is. Based on commands and information received from setup control unit 7, kitting control unit 72 identifies tape feeder 91 and reel 92 to be operated on, and commands kitting execution unit 31.

[0050] In response to the command, the kitting execution unit 31 holds the tape feeder 91 in which no reel 92 is set in the feeder holding unit 311. The tape feeder 91 in which no reel 92 is set is supplied from the magazine-type spare storage unit 95, or is stored in the first spare storage unit 37 or the second spare storage unit 224 and carried into the kitting execution unit 31 by the transport device 4. Next, the kitting execution unit 31 removes the reel 92 from the reel magazine 96 and sets it in the tape feeder 91.

[0051] Next, the kitting execution unit 31 pulls out the carrier tape 93 from the reel 92 and performs a predetermined loading operation. At this time, the kitting execution unit 31 cuts off a part of the leading end side of the carrier tape 93. As shown in FIG. 9, the leading end of the carrier tape 93 is composed of a base tape 931, a cover tape 932, an adhesive seal 933, and a seal gripper 934.

[0052] The base tape 931 has cavities for storing components formed in a row in the tape length direction. Some cavities at the tip end are empty cavities that do not store components. The cover tape 932 is attached to the upper surface of the base tape 931 so as to cover the cavities. The cover tape 932 extends forward from the tip end of the base tape 931. The adhesive seal 933 is attached near the tip end of the cover tape 932 and extends forward from the tip end of the cover tape 932. The seal gripper 934 is attached to the tip end of the adhesive seal 933.

[0053] An example of cutting position C1 of carrier tape 93 is the leading edge position of base tape 931 (see FIG. 9). By cutting, initial waste tape is generated on the leading edge side of cutting position C1. Kitting execution unit 31 places the initial waste tape at the upper starting point of collection slope 63. As a result, the initial waste tape slides down collection slope 63 and is collected in collection box 61. With reel 92 set and ready for use, tape feeder 91 is carried out of kitting execution unit 31 by transport device 4.

[0054] 8. Operation and Function of Board Production System 1 Next, the overall operation and action of board production system 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 10. Setup control unit 7 prioritizes the setup of tape feeders 91 that are scheduled to be used in production, and postpones the setup of tape feeders 91 that are not scheduled to be used in production. Setup control unit 7 further prioritizes the setup of tape feeders 91 that are scheduled to be used earlier than others. Fig. 10 shows five examples of cases in which a guideline for the storage position for storing tape feeder 91 is determined according to whether or not it is scheduled to be used and the time of use.

[0055] The tape feeder 91 scheduled to be used earliest in production, in other words with the highest priority, is the tape feeder 91 for replenishing parts that will be required when a component shortage occurs in the type of board currently being produced. The setup control unit 7 can determine the necessity of the tape feeder 91 for replenishing parts, based on the production plan and the production progress status. The setup control unit 7 commands the kitting control unit 72 to perform kitting work for the tape feeder 91 for replenishing parts before a component shortage actually occurs. The kitting control unit 72 that has received the command controls the execution of the kitting work.

[0056] Furthermore, the setup control unit 7 issues a command to the transport device 4 to move the tape feeder 91 for replenishing components to the upper level of the second auxiliary storage unit 224, which is the auxiliary storage unit closest to the component supply area 221. The transport device 4 that receives the command transports the tape feeder 91 from the kitting station 3 to the upper level of the second auxiliary storage unit 224 and stores it there. Furthermore, when a component shortage actually occurs, the transport device 4 transports the tape feeder 91 from the upper level of the second auxiliary storage unit 224 to the component supply area 221 and inserts it into the slot. This minimizes the transport distance of the tape feeder 91, and therefore the work time required for component replenishing is also minimized.

[0057] The tape feeder 91 with the second highest priority is a tape feeder 91 for changeover that becomes necessary when the production of the board type currently being produced is terminated and a transition is made to the next board type to be produced. The setup control unit 7 can determine the necessity of the tape feeder 91 for changeover based on the production plan. The setup control unit 7 commands the kitting control unit 72 to perform kitting work for the tape feeder 91 for changeover before the setup work actually occurs. The kitting control unit 72 that has received the command controls the execution of the kitting work.

[0058] Furthermore, the setup control unit 7 issues a command to the transport device 4 to temporarily move the tape feeder 91 for setup change to the lower level of the second auxiliary storage section 224, which is the auxiliary storage section that is second closest to the component supply area 221. The transport device 4 that has received the command temporarily transports the tape feeder 91 from the kitting station 3 to the lower level of the second auxiliary storage section 224 and stores it there.

[0059] Thereafter, the setup control unit 7 issues a command to the transport device 4 to move the tape feeder 91 for setup change to the component supply area 221 at a predetermined timing based on the production plan, in other words, at a timing when a setup change becomes necessary. The transport device 4 that receives the command transports the tape feeder 91 from the lower level of the second auxiliary storage unit 224 to the component supply area 221 and inserts it into the slot. Here, the lower level of the second auxiliary storage unit 224 has a similar structure to the component supply area 221, so that it can accommodate all of the tape feeders 91 used in the setup change. Therefore, the transport distance of the tape feeder 91 during the setup change is shortened, and the work time is shortened.

[0060] The tape feeder 91 with the third highest priority is a tape feeder 91 for changeover corresponding to the type of board to be produced next or after the next. After the kitting work is performed, the tape feeder 91 with the third highest priority is transported by the transport device 4 from the kitting execution section 31 to the first preliminary accommodation section 37 below it, and temporarily accommodated therein.

[0061] Thereafter, when production of the currently being produced board type is completed, the next board type is changed to the board type being produced, and the next next board type is changed to the next board type. At this time, the transport device 4 first transports the tape feeder 91 in the lower tier of the second auxiliary storage section 224 to the component supply area 221 in a setup changeover operation. After that, the transport device 4 transports the tape feeder 91 accommodated in the first auxiliary storage section 37 and corresponding to the next board type toward the empty space in the lower tier of the second auxiliary storage section 224 and accommodates it therein. This transport operation can be performed by utilizing the idle time.

[0062] Here, because kitting station 3 is provided on board production line 2, transport device 4 only needs to move a short distance when transporting tape feeder 91 from kitting station 3 to component mounting machine 22. Therefore, compared to the conventional configuration in which the kitting station is provided away from the board production line, transport device 4 can transport tape feeder 91 a short distance and in a short time.

[0063] Furthermore, the tape feeder 91 in which the reel 92 that is no longer scheduled for use in the component mounting machine 22 is set is collected from the component supply area 221 by the transport device 4. The setup control unit 7 determines how to handle the collected tape feeder 91 in the future. For example, for a tape feeder 91 in which the reel 92 is half-used and which is expected to be reused in consideration of production records and the like, the setup control unit 7 issues a command to the transport device 4 to maintain the reel 92 set. Upon receiving the command, the transport device 4 transports the tape feeder 91 collected from the component mounting machine 22 to the first preliminary housing section 37 to house it there. At this time, the transport device 4 only needs to move a short distance, so transport can be completed in a short time.

[0064] Furthermore, for a tape feeder 91 in which a reel 92 is partially used but it is unclear whether the reel 92 will be reused, the setup control unit 7 issues a command to the transport device 4 and the kitting control unit 72 to remove the reel 92. The transport device 4 that receives the command transports the collected tape feeder 91 to the kitting execution unit 31. The kitting execution unit 31 removes the partially used reel 92 from the tape feeder 91 under the control of the kitting control unit 72.

[0065] Thereafter, the tape feeder 91 is reused for kitting another reel 92. The tape feeder 91 can be efficiently reused by being transported over a short distance and in a short time between the kitting station 3 and the component mounting machine 22. In contrast, in the conventional configuration, the tape feeder 91 is transported by a transport vehicle between the board production line and the kitting station, which are arranged separately, and therefore the transport operation is restricted. That is, in order to efficiently transport a plurality of tape feeders 91 together, the transport vehicle generally waits until a plurality of tape feeders 91 are ready, and it is difficult to efficiently reuse the tape feeders 91. Therefore, according to this embodiment, the number of spare tape feeders 91 can be reduced compared to the conventional technology.

[0066] Furthermore, the tape feeder 91 that does not need to be reused after the reel 92 has been removed is sent to the magazine-type spare storage section 95 of the spare storage section attachment / detachment section 32, and is then transported by the feeder transport vehicle 51 to the feeder storage warehouse 53 for storage. If there is space in the first spare storage section 37 or the second spare storage section 224, the tape feeder 91 from which the reel 92 has been removed is allowed to be stored therein. On the other hand, the partially used reel 92 is sent by the sorting section 36 to the reel magazine 96 of the magazine delivery section 34, and is then transported by the reel transport vehicle 55 to the reel storage warehouse 57 for storage therein.

[0067] Furthermore, for tape feeders 91 that have been collected with their reels 92 empty, the setup control unit 7 issues a command to the transport device 4 and the kitting control unit 72 to remove the empty reel 92. The transport device 4 that has received the command transports the collected tape feeder 91 to the kitting execution unit 31. The kitting execution unit 31 removes the empty reel 92 from the tape feeder 91 under the control of the kitting control unit 72.

[0068] Thereafter, the tape feeder 91 is reused by undergoing kitting work for another reel 92, or is stored in the feeder storage warehouse 53 by the feeder transport vehicle 51. Moreover, the empty reel 92 is sent by the sorting section 36 to the reel disposal section 35 and disposed of.

[0069] The operation of the transport device 4 described above will be summarized. The transport device 4 transports the tape feeder 91 on which the reel 92 has been set by the kitting station 3 to the second auxiliary accommodation section 224, and then transports the tape feeder 91 on which the reel 92 has been set from the second auxiliary accommodation section 224 to the component supply area 221 at a predetermined timing based on the production plan.

[0070] Moreover, based on the production plan, the transport device 4 preferentially transports and stores the tape feeder 91 in which a reel 92 that is not scheduled to be used in production is set to the first spare storage section 37, and preferentially transports and stores the tape feeder 91 in which a reel 92 that is scheduled to be used in production is set to the second spare storage section 224. Furthermore, based on the production plan, the transport device 4 preferentially transports and stores the tape feeder 91 in which a reel 92 that is scheduled to be used in production later is set to the first spare storage section 37, and preferentially transports and stores the tape feeder 91 in which a reel 92 that is scheduled to be used in production earlier is set to the second spare storage section 224.

[0071] In the board production system 1 of the embodiment, the kitting station 3 is provided in the board production line 2. Therefore, when the transport device 4 transports the tape feeder 91 (component supply unit) on which the reel 92 (component container) is set from the kitting station 3 to the component mounting machine 22, it only needs to move a short distance, and transport can be completed in a short time. Therefore, the component supply work and the setup change work related to the component mounting machine 22 can be made more efficient, and as a result, high production efficiency can be achieved. In addition, the short transport time makes it more efficient to reuse the tape feeder 91, and therefore the constraint on the number of spare tape feeders 91 is alleviated.

[0072] 9. Applications and Modifications of the Embodiments The method of using first spare housing section 37 and second spare housing section 224 is not limited to the above description or the guideline shown in FIG. 10, but can be changed as appropriate depending on the storage capacity of each spare housing section and the margin of the spare number of tape feeders 91. Furthermore, the combination of the component supply unit and the component housing is not limited to the combination of tape feeder 91 and reel 92 described in the embodiment, but may be, for example, a combination of a stick feeder and a component housing stick. Furthermore, the configuration of board production line 2 can be modified in various ways. In addition, the embodiment can be applied and modified in various ways. [Explanation of symbols]

[0073] 1: PCB production system 2: PCB production line 22: Component mounting machine 221: Component supply area 222: Mounting head 223: Suction nozzle 224: Second spare storage section 3: Kitting station 31: Kitting execution section 32: Spare storage section attachment / detachment section 33: Magazine receiving section 34: Magazine sending section 35: Reel disposal section 36: Sorting section 37: First spare storage section 4: Transport device 51: Feeder transport vehicle 53: Feeder storage warehouse 55: Reel transport vehicle 57: Reel storage warehouse 6: Waste tape collection device 61: Collection box 62: Waste tape conveyor 63: Collection slope 7: Setup control section 71: Production plan memory section 72: Kitting control section 73: Sorting control section 78: Line control section 79: Production management device 91: Tape feeder 92: Reel 93: Carrier tape 95: Magazine-type spare storage section 96: Reel magazine K: Circuit board

Claims

1. A magazine attachment / detachment unit to which a parts container magazine for housing a plurality of parts containers is attachable and detachable, a kitting execution unit that takes out the parts container from the parts container magazine attached to the magazine attachment / detachment unit and sets the parts container in a parts supply unit, and a kitting device including the same.

2. The kitting device according to claim 1, wherein the magazine attachment / detachment unit automatically transfers the parts container magazine onto / from a carrier that travels with the parts container magazine placed thereon.

3. The kitting device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the magazine attachment / detachment unit includes a magazine receiving unit that receives the parts container magazine housing the parts container set in the parts supply unit by the kitting execution unit.

4. The kitting device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the magazine attachment / detachment unit includes a magazine sending unit that sends out the parts container magazine housing the used parts container removed from the parts supply unit by the kitting execution unit.

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