Production support device

Abstract

To provide a production support device capable of changeably setting a movement allowance range of a component holder, which is moved in set-up work of a component mounting line, and capable of properly determining whether or not to allow movement of the component holder.SOLUTION: A production support device comprises: an acquisition section for acquiring a correspondence between a component type of a component allocated to each of a plurality of mounting modules for each substrate type of a substrate in the component mounting line, which is configured by including the plurality of mounting modules, and the mounting module; a setting section for changeably setting a movement allowance range when moving a component holder between the plurality of mounting modules; and a determination section for determining whether or not to allow movement of a first component holder provided in a first mounting module to a second mounting module in set-up work when switching from a present substrate type to a next substrate type based on the correspondence and the movement allowance range in the present substrate type and the next substrate type of substrates to be produced continuously.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This specification relates to a production support device that provides support for a component mounting line that performs a mounting operation of mounting components on a substrate.

Background Art

[0002] Techniques for mass-producing substrate products by performing substrate operations on substrates on which circuit patterns are formed have become widespread. As a typical example of a substrate operation machine, there is a component mounter that performs a mounting operation of mounting components on a substrate. Many component mounters are equipped with a tape feeder that supplies components by feeding a carrier tape pulled out from a reel. By standardizing the configuration of the component mounter as a mounting module and arranging a plurality of mounting modules side by side, a component mounting line can be configured to improve production efficiency. One technical example related to this type of component mounter is disclosed in Patent Document 1.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a reuse operation in which, when replacing a carriage during a setup operation when switching the substrate to be produced from the current substrate type to the next substrate type in a component mounter equipped with a carriage on which a plurality of tape feeders are mounted, the tape feeder is removed from the used carriage and remounted on the carriage scheduled to be used. In addition, an in-setup operation of replacing a tape feeder on a carriage equipped in a component mounter and an out-setup operation of pre-mounting a tape feeder on a carriage outside the component mounter are disclosed.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] By the way, in the technical example disclosed in Patent Document 1, when replacing the carriage of the component mounter during the setup change operation, it is possible to continue using it by reloading and reusing the tape feeder. On the other hand, in a component mounting line composed of a plurality of mounting modules, it is possible to move and reuse the tape feeder between the plurality of mounting modules. However, in the conventional operation, as exemplified in Patent Document 1, reuse within one mounting module has been common. For this reason, an operation to expand the allowable range of movement of the tape feeder in the setup change operation is required.

[0006] Here, the tape feeder disclosed in Patent Document 1 is configured as a reel-integrated type in which a reel (component holder) around which a carrier tape holding components is wound is set inside. On the other hand, in a tape feeder of a separate reel type, the reel is set in a separate reel holding device, and only the reel is moved and reused. Therefore, instead of expanding the allowable range of movement of the tape feeder, the allowable range of movement of the component holder may be expanded. However, expanding the allowable range of movement of the component holder has advantages and disadvantages depending on the inventory status of the component holder at that time and the operating status of the component mounting line, etc., and there are also practical constraints. Therefore, it is preferable that the allowable range of movement of the component holder can be elastically changed for operation.

[0007] Therefore, in this specification, an object to be solved is to provide a production support device that can set the allowable range of movement of a component holder to be moved during the setup change operation of a component mounting line configured to include a plurality of mounting modules to be changeable, and can appropriately determine whether or not to allow the movement of the component holder.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0008] This specification discloses a production support device including an acquisition unit that acquires the correspondence between the component types of components assigned to each of a plurality of mounting modules for each substrate type of a substrate, and the mounting modules, in a component mounting line configured to include a plurality of mounting modules that perform a mounting operation of mounting components on the substrate; a setting unit that can changeably set a movement allowable range when moving a component holder equipped with the mounting module while holding the component between the plurality of mounting modules; and a determination unit that determines whether or not to allow moving a first component holder equipped on a first mounting module to a second mounting module in a setup change operation when switching from the current substrate type to the next substrate type, based on the correspondence and the movement allowable range in the current substrate type and the next substrate type of the substrate to be continuously produced.

[0009] In addition, in this specification, the technical idea of changing "the production support device according to claim 3" to "the production support device according to any one of claims 3 to 8" in claim 9 at the time of initial filing, the technical idea of changing "the production support device according to claim 3" to "the production support device according to any one of claims 3 to 9" in claim 10 at the time of initial filing, the technical idea of changing "the production support device according to claim 1 or 2" to "the production support device according to any one of claims 1 to 10" in claim 11 at the time of initial filing, the technical idea of changing "the production support device according to claim 11" to "the production support device according to claim 11 or 12" in claim 13 at the time of initial filing, and the technical idea of changing "the production support device according to claim 1 or 2" to "the production support device according to any one of claims 1 to 14" in claim 15 at the time of initial filing are disclosed.

Effect of the Invention

[0010] In the disclosed production support device, the setting unit can be set to be able to change the allowable movement range when moving the component holder between a plurality of mounting modules. Further, the determination unit can determine the possibility of moving the first component holder mounted on the first mounting module to the second mounting module in the setup change operation from the current substrate type to the next substrate type based on the correspondence relationship acquired by the acquisition unit. Furthermore, the determination unit can appropriately determine whether to allow the movement of the first component holder based on the set allowable movement range.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0011]

Figure 1

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Figure 8

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Figure 11

Figure 12

Embodiment for Carrying out the Invention

[0012] 1. Configuration Example of Component Mounting Line 1 First, a configuration example of the component mounting line 1 to which the production support device 8 of the embodiment is applied will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. The component mounting line 1 is configured by arranging four mounting devices 11 in parallel. Each of the four mounting devices 11 is configured by arranging two mounting modules 13 on the upper side of a common base 12. Therefore, the component mounting line 1 is configured by arranging a total of eight mounting modules 13 in parallel. Note that the component mounting line 1 may have a configuration other than the above. For example, the number of mounting devices 11 may be two, three, or five or more, and each of the mounting devices 11 may include three or more mounting modules 13.

[0013] The direction from the left back side to the front right side in FIG. 1 is the X-axis direction for conveying the substrate, and the direction orthogonal to the X-axis direction in the horizontal plane is the Y-axis direction. On the upstream side of the component mounting line 1, a solder printer (not shown) and a printing inspection machine are arranged side by side. On the downstream side of the component mounting line 1, a substrate appearance inspection machine and a reflow machine (not shown) are arranged side by side. The types, functions, and numbers of these substrate processing machines can be appropriately modified. The four mounting devices 11 have the same configuration as each other, and the eight mounting modules 13 are standardized and have the same shape as each other.

[0014] Here, the configuration of one mounting module 13 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 2. As shown in the figure, the mounting module 13 is configured by assembling a substrate conveyance unit 3, a component supply unit 4, a component transfer unit 5, a component camera 6, and a control unit (not shown) and the like to a base 2. Above the base 2, an openable and closable safety cover 21 is provided to ensure safety and prevent dust from entering.

[0015] The substrate transfer unit 3 is disposed near the center in the Y-axis direction on the upper surface of the base 2. The substrate transfer unit 3 is formed in a so-called double conveyor type in which the first transfer device 31 and the second transfer device 32 are arranged side by side. An operation position is set approximately at the center of the transfer paths of the first transfer device 31 and the second transfer device 32. Below the operation position, a clamp device (reference numeral omitted) for pushing up and positioning the transferred substrate from the base 2 side is provided. Note that the substrate transfer unit 3 may be formed in a single conveyor type.

[0016] The component supply unit 4 is disposed on the front side in the Y-axis direction of the base 2 (the left front side in FIG. 2). The component supply unit 4 is configured by mounting a plurality of reel-integrated tape feeders 7 side by side in the X-axis direction. The tape feeder 7 includes a feeder main body 71, a reel holding portion 72 formed at the front portion of the feeder main body 71, and a component supply position 73 set on the upper surface near the rear portion of the feeder main body 71. The reel holding portion 72 rotatably and replaceably holds the set reel 74. The reel 74 has a carrier tape (not shown) with components held in each of a plurality of cavities wound thereon. This carrier tape is drawn out to the component supply position 73 to supply the components. The reel 74 is a form of a component holder that holds components and is equipped on the mounting module 13. Further, the tape feeder 7 is a form of a component feeder on which a component holder is set and equipped on the mounting module 13.

[0017] The component transfer unit 5 is arranged from the rear part in the longitudinal direction of the base 2 to above the component supply unit 4. The component transfer unit 5 is formed in a so-called XY robot type that can move in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction. The component transfer unit 5 is composed of a head drive mechanism 51, a mounting head 52, etc. The head drive mechanism 51 drives the mounting head 52 in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction. A rotary tool 53 is provided below the mounting head 52. The rotary tool 53 holds one or a plurality of suction nozzles 54 rotatably and vertically movably. The suction nozzle 54 sucks a component from the component supply unit 4 and moves it to the working position, and mounts the component at the mounting position on the substrate. The mounting head 52 moves to a nozzle station 55 provided on the front side of the first transfer device 31 and automatically exchanges the suction nozzle 54.

[0018] The component camera 6 is arranged on the base 2 between the component supply unit 4 and the first transfer device 31 and is located next to the nozzle station 55. The component camera 6 images the component sucked by the suction nozzle 54 of the component transfer unit 5 from below and acquires image data. This image data is subjected to image processing to determine the quality of the component and to recognize the suction state of the component. The result of the image processing is reflected in the mounting operation of the suction nozzle 54.

[0019] The control unit (not shown in the figure) is communicatively connected to the substrate transfer unit 3, the component supply unit 4, the component transfer unit 5, the component camera 6, and the operation display unit 22. The control unit controls the component mounting operation based on the work data created for each type of substrate. The work data includes data on the types and shapes of the substrate and components, data on the suction nozzles 54 and tape feeders 7 to be used, and data on the mounting positions and mounting orders of the components. The operation display unit 22 is arranged at the upper part on the front side of the safety cover 21. The operation display unit 22 plays a role of exchanging information between the operator and the control unit.

[0020] When changing the substrate produced on the component mounting line 1 from the current substrate type to the next substrate type, the operator stops each of the mounting modules 13 and performs a setup change operation. In the setup change operation, the operator moves the reel 74 between the plurality of mounting modules 13 as necessary. The operator not only moves only the reel 74 in the moving operation, but also removes the reel-integrated tape feeder 7 from the mounting module 13 at the source of movement and attaches it to the mounting module 13 at the destination of movement (hereinafter referred to as the moving operation).

[0021] Also, in the setup change operation, the operator performs a reel setup operation of setting the reel 74 on the tape feeder 7 as necessary, and further performs an equipment operation of attaching the tape feeder 7 that has completed the reel setup operation to the mounting module 13. The reel setup operation includes an incidental operation of preparing the tape feeder 7 for use, and for example, includes an operation of pulling out the carrier tape from the reel 74 and loading it into the tape conveyance path. Hereinafter, the reel setup operation and the equipment operation are collectively referred to as the new setup operation.

[0022] The moving operation and the new setup operation have their advantages and disadvantages. Specifically, in the moving operation, the tape feeder 7 cannot be removed unless the mounting module 13 at the source of movement has stopped. Furthermore, since the removal of the tape feeder 7 involves incidental operations such as cutting and rewinding the carrier tape, a considerable amount of working time is required. For this reason, by adding up the working times of the moving operations of the plurality of tape feeders 7, the stop time of the component mounting line 1 is prolonged, and there is a risk that the resumption of production of the next substrate type will be delayed (disadvantage). On the other hand, since the used-up reel 74 can be continuously used, the quantity of newly prepared reels 74 can be reduced (advantage).

[0023] Also, in the new setup operation, during the time when the current substrate type is being produced on the component mounting line 1, the reel setup work can be performed in the outer setup area away from the component mounting line 1. This can omit the work time required for removing the tape feeder 7 during the movement operation, thereby shortening the stop time of the component mounting line 1 (advantage). On the other hand, the quantity of the newly prepared reels 74 increases, and there may be a case where there are many partially used reels 74 for one component type (disadvantage).

[0024] Which of the movement operation and the new setup operation is preferable varies depending on the inventory status of the reels 74, the urgency of producing the substrate of the next substrate type, and the stop procedure of the component mounting line 1. Also, when the allowable movement range of the tape feeder 7 in the setup change operation (details will be described later) is set wide, the movement operation can be prioritized and the new setup operation can be reduced. Conversely, when the allowable movement range of the tape feeder 7 is set narrow, the movement operation is reduced and the new setup operation is prioritized. The production support device 8 of the embodiment is applied for the purpose of making the allowable movement range changeable, properly determining whether the tape feeder 7 can move during the setup change operation, optimizing the movement operation and the new setup operation, and further guiding the work content to the operator.

[0025] 2. Functional Configuration of the Production Support Device 8 of the Embodiment Moving on to the description of the production support device 8 of the embodiment. As shown in FIG. 3, the control unit of each of the eight mounting modules 13 of the component mounting line 1 is communicatively connected to the line management device 14. The line management device 14 is configured using a computer and manages the operation status of the eight mounting modules 13. The line management device 14 is further communicatively connected to the substrate handling machines on the upstream side and the downstream side of the component mounting line 1 and manages the operation status of these substrate handling machines. The line management device 14 is communicatively connected to the upper-level production management device 15.

[0026] The production management device 15 is configured using a computer. The production management device 15 manages the substrate type, quantity, production order, production time, etc. of the substrates (substrate products) to be produced, using a memory 16 or the like. The production management device 15 stores in the memory 16 the work data created for each substrate type for each substrate processing machine (including each mounting module 13). The production management device 15 transmits the work data to each substrate processing machine (including the mounting module 13) to instruct the substrate processing work.

[0027] The production management device 15 is provided with an input unit 17 and a display unit 18. The input unit 17 receives commands, data, etc. input by the operator. The display unit 18 displays the operating status of the substrate processing machine, the data input by the operator, and various guides for the operator. The production management device 15 is further communicatively connected to a warehouse control unit 19. The warehouse control unit 19 manages the types and storage quantities of instruments such as the suction nozzles 54 and tape feeders 7 stored in the equipment warehouse 1A. Also, the warehouse control unit 19 manages the part types and inventory quantities of component holders such as the reels 74 stored in the equipment warehouse 1A. The production management device 15 can inquire of the warehouse control unit 19 to obtain the storage status of the instruments and the inventory status of the component holders.

[0028] The production support device 8 of the embodiment is mainly configured using software and is provided inside the production management device 15. The production support device 8 includes four functional units, namely, an acquisition unit 81, a setting unit 82, a determination unit 83, and a guidance unit 84. Note that the production support device 8 may be provided inside the line management device 14. Alternatively, the production support device 8 may be provided in another computer device directly or indirectly communicatively connected to the component mounting line 1 and the warehouse control unit 19.

[0029] The acquisition unit 81 acquires the correspondence between the component types of components assigned to each of the plurality of mounting modules 13 for each substrate type on the component mounting line 1 and the mounting modules 13. The acquisition unit 81 can acquire this correspondence from the operation data (the above-mentioned) defined for each mounting module 13 for each substrate type. Even if a component type is assigned to the mounting module 13, the individual of the reel 74 to be used and the individual of the tape feeder 7 to be used are not specified.

[0030] The setting unit 82 sets the allowable movement range when moving the reel 74 between the plurality of mounting modules 13 to be changeable. As described above, in the moving operation, the entire tape feeder 7 is moved, so the "allowable movement range" indicates the allowable movement range of the tape feeder 7 on which the reel 74 is set. The setting unit 82 sets any one of a narrow range NR, a medium range MR, and a wide range WR as the allowable movement range. As shown in FIG. 3, the narrow range NR has each of the plurality of mounting modules 13 as a range. The medium range MR has the mounting device 11 including two mounting modules 13 as a range. The wide range WR has the entire component mounting line 1 as a range. The setting unit 82 can change the allowable movement range according to the situation at that time according to the following procedure.

[0031] When the setting unit 82 gives priority to the continued use of the used reel 74 over the new use of another reel 74, it sets the wide range WR or the middle range MR as the movement allowable range, and preferably sets the wide range WR as the movement allowable range. Thereby, the opportunity for continued use of the used reel 74 due to the movement operation can be increased, and the quantity of reels 74 newly prepared in the setup operation can be decreased. On the other hand, when the setting unit 82 gives priority to resuming production by shortening the stop time of the component mounting line 1 during the setup change operation, it sets the narrow range NR or the middle range MR as the movement allowable range, and preferably sets the narrow range NR as the movement allowable range. Thereby, the opportunity for the setup operation can be increased and the movement operation can be decreased, and the stop time of the component mounting line 1 can be shortened to accelerate the resumption of production of the next substrate type. The operator can instruct the setting unit 82 using the input unit 17 as to which of the above is to be prioritized.

[0032] Also, when the setting unit 82 stops a plurality of mounting modules 13 of the component mounting line 1 simultaneously during the setup change operation, it sets the narrow range NR or the middle range MR as the movement allowable range, and preferably sets the narrow range NR as the movement allowable range. On the other hand, when the setting unit 82 stops the plurality of mounting modules 13 in the order in which the mounting operations are completed during the setup change operation, it sets the wide range WR or the middle range MR as the movement allowable range, and preferably sets the wide range WR as the movement allowable range.

[0033] That is, when stopping a plurality of mounting modules 13 simultaneously, the start timing of removing the tape feeder 7 is restricted for all the mounting modules 13, so it is advantageous to set the movement allowable range narrowly and decrease the quantity of tape feeders 7 to be moved. On the other hand, when stopping the plurality of mounting modules 13 in the order in which the mounting operations are completed, the removal of the tape feeder 7 can be started sequentially from the stopped mounting module 13, so it is advantageous to set the movement allowable range widely and increase the quantity of tape feeders 7 to be moved. The setting unit 82 can acquire a predetermined stop procedure of the component mounting line 1 and autonomously determine the movement allowable range.

[0034] Further, when the inventory of the new reel 74 used for the production of the substrates of the next substrate type is scarce or non-existent, the setting unit 82 sets the wide area range WR as the movement allowable range. The setting unit 82 inquires of the warehouse control unit 19 to obtain the inventory status of the new reel 74, or obtains the inventory status of the new reel 74 input by the operator to the input unit 17. According to this, the movement allowable range can be set wider to increase the opportunity of reusing the tape feeder 7, and the shortage of inventory can be compensated. Therefore, the delay in the production of the substrates of the next substrate type can be eliminated, or the influence of the inventory shortage can be reduced.

[0035] Further, the setting unit 82 may set different movement allowable ranges for each of the plurality of reels 74 based on the difference in the part types of the parts held by each of the plurality of reels 74. For example, for the reel 74 holding general-purpose resistor parts and capacitor parts, the wide area range WR is set as the movement allowable range to recommend reuse, and for the reel 74 holding special parts, the narrow area range NR is set as the movement allowable range to suppress reuse. Note that the setting unit 82 may set the movement allowable range according to an instruction from the operator, may set the movement allowable range autonomously, or may set the movement allowable range jointly with the operator.

[0036] The determination unit 83 makes a determination regarding the setup change operation when switching the substrate to be continuously produced from the current substrate type to the next substrate type. The determination unit 83 receives the correspondence relationship acquired by the acquisition unit 81 and the movement allowable range set by the setting unit 82, and makes a determination based on these. That is, the determination unit 83 determines whether to allow the first reel 74 and the tape feeder 7 equipped in the first mounting module 13 to be moved to the second mounting module 13. Note that the "first" and "second" attached to the mounting module 13 are terms for clearly indicating two different mounting modules 13, and are not terms for limiting specific two mounting modules 13.

[0037] Specifically, the determination unit 83 determines the reusable condition that in the production of the substrates of the next substrate type, the first reel 74 and the tape feeder 7 are not used in the first mounting module 13 and can be used in the second mounting module 13. When the reusable condition is satisfied, the determination unit 83 further determines the movement allowable condition that the second mounting module 13 is within the movement allowable range as viewed from the first mounting module 13. When the movement allowable condition is satisfied, the determination unit 83 permits the movement of the first reel 74 and the tape feeder 7 to the second mounting module 13.

[0038] Based on the correspondence relationship acquired by the acquisition unit 81 and the determination result of the determination unit 83, the guide unit 84 guides the reel 74 assigned to each of the plurality of mounting modules 13 for producing the substrates of the next substrate type. As described above, component types are assigned to each of the plurality of mounting modules 13 based on the work data stored in the production management device 15, but the reel 74 is not specified. By specifying and guiding the reel 74 to be assigned, the guide unit 84 supports the operator's setup change work. The guide unit 84 can perform guidance using the display unit 18, and can also perform guidance by wireless communication to a portable terminal carried by the operator.

[0039] The guide unit 84 guides the work content of the movement operation. In other words, the guide unit 84 guides the first reel 74 and the tape feeder 7, whose movement to the second mounting module 13 is permitted by the determination result of the determination unit 83, to be moved to the second mounting module 13. According to this, the guide unit 84 has specified and guided the first reel 74 to be assigned to the second mounting module 13.

[0040] Here, even if a moving operation of moving the reel 74 and the tape feeder 7 among a plurality of mounting modules 13 is performed, it is rare that all the component types required for the next substrate type can be prepared. Therefore, the guide unit 84 guides the work content of the new setup work for component types that cannot be handled by moving the reel 74 and the tape feeder 7. In other words, the guide unit 84 guides the reel setup work of setting the reel 74 holding the components of the component type to the second tape feeder 7, and the equipment work of attaching and equipping the second tape feeder 7 after the reel setup work to the mounting module 13 to which the component type is assigned.

[0041] The acquisition unit 81 may operate before the production of the substrates of the current substrate type starts. Further, the acquisition unit 81 may acquire the above-described correspondence relationship for three or more substrate types. In this case, two continuously produced substrate types can be treated as the current substrate type and the next substrate type. The setting unit 82 can change and set the movement allowable range at an arbitrary time. The determination unit 83 and the guide unit 84 preferably operate before the production of the substrates of the current substrate type ends. In particular, when prioritizing the resumption of production by shortening the stop time of the component mounting line 1 during the setup change operation, it is essential for the determination unit 83 and the guide unit 84 to operate before the production of the substrates of the current substrate type ends. According to this, since the reel setup work can be started before the production of the substrates of the current substrate type ends, the effect of shortening the stop time of the component mounting line 1 becomes remarkable.

[0042] 3. Diagrammatic Explanation of the Movement Allowable Range Next, regarding the allowable movement range, it will be schematically described with reference to FIGS. 4 to 6. Hereinafter, for simplicity of explanation, the simplified component mounting line 1Z will be exemplified. The component mounting line 1Z consists of a first mounting device D1 and a second mounting device D2 corresponding to two mounting devices 11. The first mounting device D1 includes an 11th mounting module M11 and a 12th mounting module M12 corresponding to two mounting modules 13. The second mounting device D2 includes a 21st mounting module M21 and a 22nd mounting module M22. Each of the 11th mounting module M11, the 12th mounting module M12, the 21st mounting module M21, and the 22nd mounting module M22 is configured with three tape feeders 7 equipped in the component supply unit 4.

[0043] In FIGS. 4 to 6, the allowable movement of the tape feeder 7 is indicated by white arrows, and the non-allowable movement is indicated by dashed arrows and cross marks. FIG. 4 shows the case where the narrow range NR is set as the allowable movement range. In this case, the tape feeder 7 equipped in the 11th mounting module M11 is allowed to move inside the 11th mounting module M11. Also, this tape feeder 7 is not allowed to move to the 12th mounting module M12 within the first mounting device D1, nor is it allowed to move to the 21st mounting module M21 and the 22nd mounting module M22 of the other second mounting device D2.

[0044] FIG. 5 shows the case where the medium range MR is set as the allowable movement range. In this case, the tape feeder 7 equipped in the 11th mounting module M11 is allowed to move inside the 11th mounting module M11 and to move to the 12th mounting module M12 within the first mounting device D1. Also, this tape feeder 7 is not allowed to move to the 21st mounting module M21 and the 22nd mounting module M22 of the other second mounting device D2.

[0045] FIG. 6 shows a case where the wide area range WR is set as the movement allowable range. In this case, the tape feeder 7 equipped in the 11th mounting module M11 is allowed to move inside the 11th mounting module M11 and move to the 12th mounting module M12 in the 1st mounting device D1. Further, this tape feeder 7 is allowed to move to the 21st mounting module M21 and the 22nd mounting module M22 of the other 2nd mounting device D2.

[0046] 4. Operation of the production support device 8 Next, the operation of the production support device 8 will be described with reference to FIGS. 7 to 11. Steps S1 to S6 of the operation flow shown in FIG. 7 are performed during or before the production of the substrate of the current substrate type. The list shown in FIG. 8 represents an example of the correspondence between the component types assigned to the plurality of mounting modules 13 on the component mounting line 1Z and the mounting modules 13, and the content of the setup change work based on this example. The guidance display examples shown in FIGS. 9 to 11 represent the content of the setup change work that the guide unit displays and guides on the display unit 18. In the figures, the symbols R1 to R6 are used to identify the reels 74, and the symbols F1 to F9 are used to identify the tape feeders 7. Also, the solid arrows in the figures indicate the movement work including the removal and attachment of the tape feeder 7, and the equipment work meaning the attachment of the tape feeder 7. The white arrows in the figures indicate the reel setup work for setting the reel 74 to the tape feeder 7.

[0047] In step S1 of FIG. 7, the setting unit 82 sets any one of the narrow area range NR, the middle area range MR, and the wide area range WR as the movement allowable range. The setting unit 82 can change the movement allowable range at any time until step S5 later. In the next step S2, the acquisition unit 81 acquires the correspondence between the component types of the components assigned to each of the plurality of mounting modules 13 in the current substrate type and the next substrate type and the mounting modules 13. The acquisition unit 81 acquires, for example, the correspondence in the substrate type A (corresponding to the current component type) and the substrate type B (corresponding to the next substrate type) shown in the "Assignment of Component Types" column of FIG. 8.

[0048] A case of the correspondence shown in FIG. 8 will be described in detail. In substrate type A, the first component type P1, the second component type P2, and the third component type P3 are assigned to the 11th mounting module M11 of the first mounting device D1. Also, the third component type P3, the fourth component type P4, and the fifth component type P5 are assigned to the 12th mounting module M12. Further, the sixth component type P6, the seventh component type P7, and the eighth component type P8 are assigned to the 21st mounting module M21 of the second mounting device D2, and the ninth component type P9 and the tenth component type P10 are assigned to the 22nd mounting module M22. Since the number of mounting points per substrate of the third component type P3 is large compared to other component types in substrate type A, it is assigned to the 11th mounting module M11 and the 12th mounting module M12 (two locations). Also, in the 22nd mounting module M22, one tape feeder 7 is put on standby or not equipped.

[0049] Next, in substrate type B, the first component type P1, the second component type P2, and the eleventh component type P11 are assigned to the 11th mounting module M11 of the first mounting device D1, and the second component type P2 and two third component types P3 are assigned to the 12th mounting module M12. Further, the fifth component type P5, the sixth component type P6, and the ninth component type P9 are assigned to the 21st mounting module M21 of the second mounting device D2, and the twelfth component type P12 and the tenth component type P10 are assigned to the 22nd mounting module M22. Since the number of mounting points per substrate of the second component type P2 is large compared to other component types in substrate type B, it is assigned to the 11th mounting module M11 and the 12th mounting module M12 (two locations). Also, since the number of mounting points per substrate of the third component type P3 is large compared to other component types in substrate type B, it is assigned to two locations in the 12th mounting module M12. Further, in the 22nd mounting module M22, one tape feeder 7 is put on standby or not equipped.

[0050] In the next step S3, the determination unit 83 makes a determination regarding the setup change operation when switching from substrate type A (the current substrate type) to substrate type B (the next substrate type). First, the determination unit 83 determines the reusable conditions of the component types used in substrate type A. Since the first component type P1 used in the 11th mounting module M11 in substrate type A is also used in substrate type B, the determination unit 83 determines that it cannot be reused. That is, the determination unit 83 determines that the component types continuously used in the same mounting module 13 cannot be reused. For the same reason for determination, the determination unit 83 determines that the second component type P2 used in the 11th mounting module M11, the third component type P3 used in the 12th mounting module M12, the sixth component type P6 used in the 21st mounting module M21, and the tenth component type P10 used in the 22nd mounting module M22 cannot be reused.

[0051] Also, since the fourth component type P4 used in the 12th mounting module M12 in substrate type A is not used in substrate type B, the determination unit 83 determines that it cannot be reused. For the same reason for determination, the determination unit 83 determines that the seventh component type P7 and the eighth component type P8 used in the 21st mounting module M21 cannot be reused.

[0052] Furthermore, since the third component type P3 used in the 11th mounting module M11 in substrate type A is not used in the 11th mounting module M11 in substrate type B and can be used as the second third component type P3 in the 12th mounting module M12, the determination unit 83 determines that it can be reused. Similarly, since the fifth component type P5 used in the 12th mounting module M12 in substrate type A is not used in the 12th mounting module M12 in substrate type B and can be used in the 21st mounting module M21, the determination unit 83 determines that it can be reused. Further similarly, since the ninth component type P9 used in the 22nd mounting module M22 in substrate type A is not used in the 22nd mounting module M22 in substrate type B and can be used in the 21st mounting module M21, the determination unit 83 determines that it can be reused.

[0053] In the next step S4, the determination unit 83 determines the movement allowable conditions for the third component type P3, the fifth component type P5, and the ninth component type P9 for which the reusable condition is satisfied. The determination unit 83 makes a determination based on the movement allowable range set in step S1. The determination result of the determination unit 83 is shown in the "Movement" column of the "Contents of Changeover Work" in FIG. 8. When the narrow range NR is set as the movement allowable range, the determination unit 83 does not allow the movement of the reel 74 between the plurality of mounting modules 13. That is, the determination unit 83 does not allow the movement of the third component type P3, the fifth component type P5, and the ninth component type P9.

[0054] Also, when the medium range MR is set as the movement allowable range, the determination unit 83 allows the movement of the reel 74 between two mounting modules 13 in the mounting device 11 and does not allow the movement of the reel 74 between the two mounting devices 11. That is, the determination unit 83 allows the movement of the third component type P3 and the ninth component type P9 and does not allow the movement of the fifth component type P5. Further, when the wide range WR is set as the movement allowable range, the determination unit 83 allows the movement of the reel 74 throughout the component mounting line (1, 1Z). That is, the determination unit 83 allows the movement of the third component type P3, the fifth component type P5, and the ninth component type P9.

[0055] In the next step S5, the setting unit 82 determines whether the movement allowable range has already been changed and whether to change the movement allowable range according to the situation at that time. When the setting unit 82 changes the movement allowable range, the operation flow returns to step S4, and the determination of the movement allowable conditions is executed again based on the changed movement allowable range. When the setting unit 82 does not change the movement allowable range, the operation flow proceeds to step S6. Regarding steps S6 to S8, first, the case where the narrow range NR is set as the movement allowable range will be described.

[0056] In step S6, the guide unit 84 guides the reel 74 assigned to each of the plurality of mounting modules 13 to produce a substrate of substrate type B (next substrate type). The guide unit 84 does not guide movement operations not allowed in the setting of the narrow range NR, and guides the work content in the "new installation work" column in FIG. 9. However, in step S6, the guide unit 84 only needs to guide the reel setup work among the new installation work. The guide unit 84 guides the reel setup work for six part types excluding the first part type P1, the second part type P2, the third part type P3, the sixth part type P6, and the tenth part type P10 that are continuously used in the same mounting module 13 (indicated by the white arrows in FIG. 9). Specifically, the guide unit 84 guides the following (1) to (6).

[0057] (1) The reel setup work of setting the first reel R1 holding the parts of the eleventh part type P11 to the first tape feeder F1. (2) The reel setup work of setting the second reel R2 holding the parts of the second part type P2 to the second tape feeder F2. (3) The reel setup work of setting the third reel R3 holding the parts of the third part type P3 to the third tape feeder F3. (4) The reel setup work of setting the fourth reel R4 holding the parts of the fifth part type P5 to the fourth tape feeder F4. (5) The reel setup work of setting the fifth reel R5 holding the parts of the ninth part type P9 to the fifth tape feeder F5. (6) The reel setup work of setting the sixth reel R6 holding the parts of the twelfth part type P12 to the sixth tape feeder F6.

[0058] The case internal unit 84 can inquire about the inventory status of the reels 74 and the storage status of the tape feeders 7 from the warehouse control unit 19, identify the first reel R1 to the sixth reel R6 and the first tape feeder F1 to the sixth tape feeder F6, and guide the operator. The operator can, according to the guidance, take out the first reel R1 to the sixth reel R6 and the first tape feeder F1 to the sixth tape feeder F6 from the equipment warehouse 1A. Furthermore, the operator can efficiently and accurately perform the reel setup work by referring to the guidance. Note that the case internal unit 84 may send a command to the warehouse control unit 19 to take out the identified first reel R1 to the sixth reel R6 and the first tape feeder F1 to the sixth tape feeder F6 for automatic outtake, thereby assisting the operator's outtake work.

[0059] In the next step S7, the production of the substrates of the current substrate type is completed. At this time, if the reel setup work has been completed, the equipment work can be carried out immediately. In the next step S8, the case internal unit 84 guides six equipment operations (indicated by the solid arrows in FIG. 9). Specifically, the case internal unit 84 guides the following (7) to (12).

[0060] (7) The equipment operation of attaching the first tape feeder F1 to the eleventh mounting module M11. (8) The equipment operation of attaching the second tape feeder F2 to the twelfth mounting module M12. (9) The equipment operation of attaching the third tape feeder F3 to the twelfth mounting module M12. (10) The equipment operation of attaching the fourth tape feeder F4 to the twenty-first mounting module M21. (11) The equipment operation of attaching the fifth tape feeder F5 to the twenty-first mounting module M21. (12) The equipment operation of attaching the sixth tape feeder F6 to the twenty-second mounting module M22. The operator can efficiently and accurately perform the equipment work by referring to the guidance. In the setting of the narrow area range NR, by not performing the movement work, the stop time of the component mounting line 1Z during the setup change work can be shortened.

[0061] Next, in step S6 when the middle range MR is set within the allowable movement range, the guide unit 84 guides the reel setup work for limited part types. Specifically, the guide unit 84 targets the 11th part type P11, the 2nd part type P2, the 5th part type P5, and the 12th part type P12, excluding the five part types that are continuously used in the same mounting module 13 and excluding the 3rd part type P3 and the 9th part type P9 whose movement is allowed by the setting of the middle range MR. That is, as shown in the "New Setup Work" column of FIG. 10, the guide unit 84 guides the reel setup work of (1), (2), (4), and (6) described above and does not guide (3) and (5).

[0062] Also, in step S8 when the middle range MR is set within the allowable movement range, the guide unit 84 guides the equipment work among the new setup work. Specifically, the guide unit 84 guides the equipment work of (7), (8), (10), and (12) described above and does not guide (9) and (11).

[0063] Furthermore, the guide unit 84 guides the work content in the "Movement Work" column of FIG. 10. Specifically, the guide unit 84 guides the following (13) to (14). (13) The movement work of removing the 7th tape feeder F7 that supplies the parts of the 3rd part type P3 from the 11th mounting module M11 and attaching it to the 12th mounting module M12. (14) The movement work of removing the 8th tape feeder F8 that supplies the parts of the 9th part type P9 from the 22nd mounting module M22 and attaching it to the 21st mounting module M21. As a result, in the setting of the narrow range NR, it was necessary to newly prepare six reels 74, but in the setting of the middle range MR, it suffices to newly prepare four reels 74. That is, the number of newly prepared reels 74 can be reduced by two.

[0064] Next, in step S6 when the wide area range WR is set to the movement allowable range, the guide unit 84 guides the reel setup work for limited part types. Specifically, the guide unit 84 targets the 11th part type P11, the 2nd part type P2, and the 12th part type P12 finally, excluding the five part types that are continuously used in the same mounting module 13 and excluding the 3rd part type P3, the 5th part type P5, and the 9th part type P9 whose movement is allowed by the setting of the wide area range WR. That is, as shown in the "New Setup Work" column of FIG. 11, the guide unit 84 guides the reel setup work of the above-mentioned (1), (2), and (6), and does not guide (3), (4), and (5).

[0065] Also, in step S8 when the wide area range WR is set to the movement allowable range, the guide unit 84 guides the equipment work among the new setup work. Specifically, the guide unit 84 guides the equipment work of the above-mentioned (7), (8), and (12), and does not guide (9), (10), and (11).

[0066] Furthermore, the guide unit 84 guides the work content in the "Movement Work" column of FIG. 11. Specifically, in addition to the above-mentioned (13) and (14), the guide unit 84 guides the following (15). (15) Movement work of removing the 9th tape feeder F9 that supplies parts of the 5th part type P5 from the 12th mounting module M12 of the 1st mounting device D1 and attaching it to the 21st mounting module M21 of the 2nd mounting device D2. As a result, it was necessary to newly prepare six reels 74 in the setting of the narrow area range NR, but in the setting of the wide area range WR, only three reels 74 need to be newly prepared. That is, the number of newly prepared reels 74 can be reduced by three.

[0067] As described above, the determination unit 83 can appropriately determine whether or not to allow reuse by moving the reel 74 and the tape feeder 7 based on the setting of the movement allowable range. Further, the guide unit 84 guides the operator through the work content of the setup change work (movement work and new setup work) that changes according to the setting of the movement allowable range. Therefore, the operator can efficiently and correctly perform the movement work and the new setup work by referring to the guide.

[0068] In the production support apparatus 8 of the embodiment, the setting unit 82 can set the movement allowable range when moving the reel 74 between the plurality of mounting modules 13 to be changeable. Further, the determination unit 83 can determine the possibility of moving the first reel 74 and the tape feeder 7 mounted on the first mounting module 13 to the second mounting module 13 in the setup change work from the current substrate type to the next substrate type based on the correspondence relationship acquired by the acquisition unit 81. Furthermore, the determination unit 83 can appropriately determine whether or not to allow the movement of the first reel 74 and the tape feeder 7 based on the set movement allowable range.

[0069] 5. Application Form Next, an application form in which the form of the mounting module is different will be described with reference to FIG. 12. As shown in the figure, the component mounting line 1Y of the application form includes a third mounting device D3 and a fourth mounting device D4. The third mounting device D3 includes a 31st mounting module M31 and a 32nd mounting module M32. The fourth mounting device D4 includes a 41st mounting module M41 and a 42nd mounting module M42. Each of the 31st mounting module M31, the 32nd mounting module M32, the 41st mounting module M41, and the 42nd mounting module M42 includes a front component supply unit 4F and a rear component supply unit 4R. The front component supply unit 4F and the rear component supply unit 4R have the same configuration as the component supply unit 4 described in the embodiment.

[0070] In the application form, the setting unit 82 of the production support device 8 not only moves the reel 74 and the tape feeder 7 between a plurality of mounting modules, but also considers moving them between the front component supply unit 4F and the rear component supply unit 4R, and sets the movement allowable range to be changeable. For example, the setting unit 82 can set, as the movement allowable range, a range composed of a plurality of front component supply units 4F that are commonly arranged on the front side among the plurality of mounting modules. Further, the setting unit 82 can set, as the movement allowable range, a range composed of a plurality of rear component supply units 4R that are commonly arranged on the rear side. Furthermore, the setting unit 82 can set any one of a narrow range NR, a middle range MR, and a wide range WR as the movement allowable range in the line length direction, similar to the embodiment.

[0071] In the setting example shown in FIG. 12, it is composed of a plurality of front component supply units 4F, and a movement allowable range of the wide range WR is set in the line length direction. In this case, the tape feeder 7 equipped in the front component supply unit 4F of the 31st mounting module M31 is allowed to move to the front component supply units 4F of other mounting modules within the component mounting line 1Y. On the other hand, the tape feeder 7 equipped in the front component supply unit 4F is not allowed to move to the rear component supply unit 4R within the same module.

[0072] According to the application form, there is no reuse in the front-rear direction of moving the reel 74 and the tape feeder 7 between the front component supply unit 4F and the rear component supply unit 4R of the component mounting line 1Y. According to this, the work efficiency of the setup change work and the component supply work for the next substrate type does not decrease. Assuming that reuse in the front-rear direction is performed, the operator needs to move around between the front side and the rear side of the component mounting line 1Y during the setup change work and the component supply work, the moving distance increases, and the work efficiency decreases. In addition, there may be a case where different operators are in charge of the front side and the rear side of the component mounting line 1Y, and a handover operation of the reel 74 and the tape feeder 7 that are reused in the front-rear direction occurs, resulting in inefficiency and complexity.

[0073] 6. Application and Modification of the Embodiment In the embodiment, the reel-integrated type of tape feeder 7 is moved between a plurality of mounting modules 13. However, in the case of a reel-separate type of tape feeder, it is common to move only the reel 74. Therefore, when the production support device 8 targets a reel-separate type of tape feeder, it can perform settings of the movement allowable range, determination of movement feasibility, and guidance of movement operations related to the movement of only the reel 74. Further, in the embodiment, the reel around which the carrier tape is wound is regarded as a form of the component holder, and the tape feeder 7 is regarded as a form of the component feeder. Other forms of the component holder include a tray in which accommodation sections are formed in a two-dimensional grid pattern, a stick having a square tube shape, etc., and each is set to be replaceable with a component feeder of a different form. The production support device 8 can be applied to different forms of component holders and component feeders.

[0074] Furthermore, in the component mounting lines (1, 1Z, 1Y), the arrangement positions of the plurality of tape feeders 7 in each of the mounting modules 13 are often optimized by applying simulation technology or the like. In this case, the guide unit 84 can not only guide the mounting module 13 to be worked on, but also guide the arrangement positions of the tape feeders 7 together. Also, in a component mounting line in which a plurality of non-module type component mounters are arranged, as the movement allowable range, a narrow range that takes each of the plurality of component mounters as the range and a wide range that takes the entire component mounting line as the range are used, and the middle range can be omitted. The embodiment can have various other applications and modifications.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0075] 1: Component Mounting Line 11: Mounting Device 12: Common Base 13: Mounting Module 14: Line Management Device 15: Production Management Device 19: Warehouse Control Unit 1A: Equipment Warehouse 4: Component Supply Unit 7: Tape Feeder 74: Reel 8: Production Support Device 81: Acquisition Unit 82: Setting Unit 83: Judgment Unit 84: Guidance Unit 1Z: Component Mounting Line D1: First Mounting Device D2: Second Mounting Device M11: Eleventh Mounting Module M12: Twelfth Mounting Module M21: Twenty - first Mounting Module M22: Twenty - second Mounting Module P1~P12: First Component Type~Twelfth Component Type F1~F9: First Tape Feeder~Ninth Tape Feeder R1~R6: First Reel~Sixth Reel 1Y: Component Mounting Line D3: Third Mounting Device D4: Fourth Mounting Device M31: Thirty - first Mounting Module M32: Thirty - second Mounting Module M41: Forty - first Mounting Module M42: Forty - second Mounting Module 4F: Front - side Component Supply Unit 4R: Rear - side Component Supply Unit NR: Narrow Area Range MR: Middle Area Range WR: Wide Area Range

Claims

1. In a component mounting line configured to include a plurality of mounting modules that perform a mounting operation of mounting components on a substrate, an acquisition unit that acquires a correspondence relationship between a component type of the components assigned to each of the plurality of mounting modules for each substrate type of the substrate, and the mounting module; A setting unit that can changeably set a movement allowable range when moving a component holder equipped with the mounting module while holding the component between the plurality of mounting modules; Based on the correspondence relationship in the current substrate type and the next substrate type of the substrate to be continuously produced, and the movement allowable range, a determination unit that determines whether to allow the first component holder equipped in the first mounting module to be moved to the second mounting module in the setup change operation when switching from the current substrate type to the next substrate type; A production support apparatus comprising the same.

2. The determination unit according to claim 1, wherein when the first component holder is not used in the first mounting module and can be used in the second mounting module in the production of the substrate of the next substrate type, and further, when the second mounting module is within the movement allowable range as viewed from the first mounting module, allows the first component holder to be moved to the second mounting module.

3. The production support apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the setting unit sets any one of a narrow range with each of the plurality of mounting modules as a range, a middle range with a mounting device including the plurality of mounting modules as a range, and a wide range with the entire component mounting line as a range as the movement allowable range.

4. The production support apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the setting unit sets the wide range or the middle range as the movement allowable range when giving priority to the continuous use of the used component holder over the new use of another component holder.

5. The production support apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the setting unit sets the narrow range or the middle range as the movement allowable range when giving priority to restarting production by shortening the stop time of the component mounting line during the setup change operation.

6. The production support apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the setting unit sets the narrow range or the middle range as the movement allowable range when stopping the plurality of mounting modules simultaneously during the setup change operation.

7. The production support device according to claim 3, wherein when the setting unit stops a plurality of the mounting modules in the order in which the mounting operations are completed during the setup change operation, the setting unit sets the wide area range or the middle area range as the movement allowable range.

8. The production support device according to claim 3, wherein when the stock of the new part holders to be used for the production of the substrates of the next substrate type is scarce or out of stock, the setting unit sets the wide area range as the movement allowable range.

9. The production support device according to claim 3, wherein the setting unit sets different movement allowable ranges for each of the plurality of part holders based on the difference in the part types of the parts held by each of the plurality of part holders.

10. The production support device according to claim 3, wherein the setting unit sets the movement allowable range according to an instruction from an operator.

11. The production support device according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a guiding unit that guides a part holder to be assigned to each of the plurality of mounting modules for producing the substrate of the next substrate type based on the correspondence relationship acquired by the acquisition unit and the determination result of the determination unit.

12. The production support device according to claim 11, wherein the guiding unit guides the first part feeder equipped with the first part holder, in which the movement to the second mounting module is allowed as a determination result, to be moved to the second mounting module.

13. The production support device according to claim 11, wherein the guiding unit sets a part holder holding a part of the part type that cannot be handled by the movement of the part holder between the plurality of mounting modules in a second part feeder, and guides the second part feeder to be equipped in the mounting module to which the part type is assigned.

14. When the setting unit gives priority to resuming production by shortening the stop time of the part mounting line during the setup change operation, the setting unit sets a narrow area range with each of the plurality of mounting modules as a range, or a middle area range with a mounting device including the plurality of mounting modules as a range as the movement allowable range. The determination unit and the guiding unit operate before the production of the substrate of the current substrate type is completed. The production support device according to claim 13.

15. Each of the plurality of the mounting modules has a plurality of component supply parts to which the component holders are respectively equipped. The setting unit is configured to be able to change the allowable movement range when moving the component holder between the plurality of component supply parts of the plurality of the mounting modules. The production support device according to claim 1 or 2.

16. The setting unit sets a range composed of the plurality of component supply parts having a common arrangement among the plurality of mounting modules as the allowable movement range. The production support device according to claim 15.

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