Component supply unit setup system

Abstract

This system provides a setup system for a parts supply unit that automates the loading process of inserting parts containers into the parts supply unit, as well as related tasks before and after this process. [Solution] The setup system for a parts supply unit includes a unit storage unit that stores multiple parts supply units used when supplying parts stored in parts containers, a container loader that loads parts containers into the parts supply units, an unloading station for unloading unloaded parts supply units which are parts supply units loaded with the parts containers required by the parts mounting machine, a unit transport robot that transports parts supply units between the unit storage unit and the unloading station, and a setup control unit that controls the unit transport robot to move the unloaded parts supply unit from the unit storage unit to the unloading station, omitting the loading operation by the container loader if an unloaded parts supply unit is stored in the unit storage unit.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This specification relates to a setup system corresponding to the loading operation of loading a component container into a component supply unit and related operations before and after it.

Background Art

[0002] Techniques for mass-producing substrate products by performing substrate work on a substrate with printed wiring are widespread. Furthermore, it has become common to arrange a plurality of types of substrate work machines for performing substrate work to form a substrate work line. Among the substrate work machines, a component mounter uses a component supply unit loaded with a component container that houses a plurality of components. The loading operation (setup operation) of loading a component container into a component supply unit is often performed in a setup area away from the operating component mounter (offline setup).

[0003] This loading operation has conventionally been performed manually, which has required a lot of labor. Furthermore, by performing the loading operation in advance to surely achieve the production plan, the number of in-process component supply units that cannot be diverted to other uses increases. For this reason, management becomes complicated and even more laborious. In recent years, for the purpose of labor saving, a container loader that automates at least a part of the loading operation has been put into practical use. One technical example related to the automation of the loading operation is disclosed in Patent Document 1.

[0004] In the second embodiment of Patent Document 1, a configuration including a storage for storing reels (an example of a component container), a storage for storing feeders (an example of a component supply unit), a reel setting device (an example of a container loader), a transport device, and a management unit is described. The reel setting device performs a loading operation of setting a reel on a feeder. The transport device transports the setup feeder to the component mounter. The management unit controls the outgoing of reels and feeders, the loading operation, the transport operation, etc., to manage the production of the component mounter. According to this, it is said that the combination and location of the reel and the feeder can be easily grasped and their management is easy. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2019 / 142336 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0006] Incidentally, the reel setting device described in Patent Document 1 is desirable because the loading process itself is automated, thereby saving labor. However, the process of transporting the reels and feeders from the storage area to the reel setting device, and loading the prepared feeders onto the transport device, are still performed manually. In other words, manual labor is still required for the related tasks before and after the loading process.

[0007] This specification aims to provide a setup system for a parts supply unit that automates the loading process of loading parts containers into the parts supply unit, as well as related operations before and after this process. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] This specification discloses a setup system for a parts supply unit, comprising: a container warehouse for storing multiple parts containers, each containing multiple parts; a unit storage area for storing multiple parts supply units used when supplying the parts contained in the parts containers during mounting operations performed by a parts mounting machine; a container loader for loading the parts containers into the parts supply units; a container transport robot for transporting the parts containers between the container warehouse and the container loader; and a unit transport robot for transporting the parts supply units between the unit storage area and the container loader. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] In the parts supply unit setup system disclosed herein, parts containers are transported from the container warehouse to the container loader by a container transport robot, and parts supply units are transported from the unit storage to the container loader by a unit transport robot. The container loader also automatically performs the loading operation of loading the parts containers into the parts supply unit. Furthermore, the parts supply unit with the parts containers loaded can be returned to the unit storage by the unit transport robot. Thus, automation of the loading operation and related operations such as transportation before and after the loading operation is achieved. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view conceptually showing the overall configuration of the setup system for the parts supply unit of the first embodiment. [Figure 2] This is an enlarged front view of the unit storage shed and the unit transport robot. [Figure 3] This is a functional block diagram showing the control configuration in the first embodiment. [Figure 4] This is a diagram illustrating the operation flow of the setup control unit in the first embodiment. [Figure 5] This is a perspective view conceptually illustrating the setup system of the parts supply unit according to the second embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] 1. Configuration of the setup system 1 of the parts supply unit in the first embodiment The configuration of the setup system 1 of the component supply unit in the first embodiment will be explained with reference to the overall configuration diagram in Figure 1, the partial enlarged view in Figure 2, and the functional block diagram in Figure 3. The setup system 1 corresponds to the loading operation of loading the component container 91 into the component supply unit 92 and related operations before and after this operation. The setup system 1 consists of a container warehouse 2, a first setup line 11, a second setup line 12, and a unit warehouse 13. The container warehouse 2 is shown on the left side of Figure 1, the board-to-board work line 97 is shown on the right side of Figure 1, and the second setup line 12, the first setup line 11, and the unit warehouse 13 are shown from the lower left to the upper right of Figure 1.

[0012] The parts container 91 houses multiple parts. The parts supply unit 92 is used to supply parts stored in the parts container 91 during the mounting operation performed by the parts mounting machine 98. Identification codes representing their respective types and individual components are affixed to the parts container 91 and the parts supply unit 92. The identification code on the parts container 91 contains information indicating the type of parts stored in the parts container 91. Barcodes, two-dimensional codes, etc., are used for the identification codes.

[0013] A tape reel can be exemplified as a parts container 91, and an integrated feeder device into which the tape reel is directly loaded can be exemplified as a parts supply unit 92. A carrier tape containing numerous parts sealed at a predetermined pitch is wound and held on the tape reel. The feeder device is installed on the parts mounting machine 98 with the tape reel loaded. The feeder device supplies parts to the parts mounting tool of the parts mounting machine 98 by pulling the carrier tape from the tape reel and sending it to the parts retrieval position. When the parts mounting work progresses and all the parts on the tape reel are consumed, the entire feeder device is replaced.

[0014] Feeder devices are not limited to integrated types; separate types also exist. A separate type feeder device consists of a feeder body with a carrier tape feeding mechanism and a reel cassette into which tape reels are loaded. The feeder body is permanently installed in the component mounting machine 98, and the separate reel cassette is located near the feeder body. As the component mounting work progresses and all the components on the tape reels are consumed, the reel cassette is replaced. The reel cassette corresponds to a component supply unit 92 into which a component container 91 is loaded.

[0015] In the following section, we will describe the case where the parts supply unit 92 is an integrated feeder device and the parts container 91 is a tape reel. Note that a tray can also be used as the parts container 91 and a tray loading unit as the parts supply unit 92.

[0016] The storage container warehouse 2 stores multiple parts containers 91, enabling their supply to the first setup line 11 and the second setup line 12. As shown in Figure 1, the storage container warehouse 2 is formed in a large, roughly T-shaped box when viewed from above. The storage container warehouse 2 has an inlet on the side corresponding to the lower end of the T-shape, and outlets 21 on the left and right sides corresponding to the left and right ends of the T-shape. The parts containers 91 are stored in by workers through the inlet. In Figure 1, the outlet 21 leading to the first setup line 11 is not visible, while the outlet 21 leading to the second setup line 12 is shown.

[0017] As shown in Figure 3, the storage warehouse 2 is equipped with multiple storage positions, actuators 22, and a code reader 23. The actuators 22 transport parts containers 91 that have been placed in the receiving port to their storage positions, and also transport parts containers 91 from their storage positions to one of the two output ports 21. The actuators 22 are controlled by the storage warehouse control unit 29. The code reader 23 reads the identification code attached to the placed parts containers 91 and transmits the reading result to the storage warehouse control unit 29. Therefore, the storage warehouse control unit 29 can recognize each individual parts container 91 in storage in association with its storage position.

[0018] The unit warehouse 13 shown in FIG. 1 is separate from the unit storage warehouse 3 described later and stores a larger number of component supply units 92 than the unit storage warehouse 3. The component supply units 92 stored in the unit warehouse 13 are regardless of whether the component containers 91 are loaded. The unit warehouse 13 has a number of storage positions, three inlets / outlets 14, an actuator 15, a code reader 16, and a unit warehouse control unit 19 (see FIG. 3).

[0019] The actuator 15 transfers the component supply unit 92 that has been入库 into the inlet / outlet 14 to the storage position, and also transfers the component supply unit 92 at the storage position to any one of the three inlets / outlets 14. The actuator 15 is controlled by the unit warehouse control unit 19. The code reader 16 reads the identification code attached to the入库 component supply unit 92 and passes the read result to the unit warehouse control unit 19. Therefore, the unit warehouse control unit 19 can recognize the individual of all the component supply units 92 stored in association with the storage positions.

[0020] As shown in FIG. 1, the first-stage line 11 is composed of three unit storage warehouses 3, a container loader 4, a container transfer robot 5, a unit transfer robot 6, a maintenance device 7, and a loading / unloading station 61, etc. The unit storage warehouse 3 stores a plurality of component supply units 92. As shown in FIG. 2, the unit storage warehouse 3 consists of a base 31 and a storage rack 35. The base 31 is formed in a rectangular parallelepiped frame shape. An upper section guide 32 extending in the left-right direction is provided at the upper part of the front surface of the base 31. A lower section guide 33 extending in the left-right direction is provided at the lower part of the front surface of the base 31. The upper section guide 32 and the lower section guide 33 are formed, for example, in a convex shape protruding forward or a groove shape opening upward.

[0021] The storage rack 35 is formed in a box shape that opens to the front side and is fixed to the upper part of the base 31. A plurality of storage slots arranged in the left - right direction are formed on the inner bottom surface of the storage rack 35. The storage slots are formed, for example, by grooves extending in the front - rear direction, and the component supply unit 92 is inserted and stored from the front side. The component supply unit 92 stored in the unit storage 3 may or may not be loaded with the component container 91. In FIG. 2, one component supply unit 92 is illustrated. Actually, a large number of component supply units 92 are stored side by side in the left - right direction.

[0022] On the inner rear surface of the storage rack 35, a plurality of storage - side connectors 36 arranged in the left - right direction are provided corresponding to the storage slots. When the component supply unit 92 is stored in the storage slot, the unit - side connector provided on the rear side of the component supply unit 92 automatically fits into the storage - side connector 36. By this fitting, the component supply unit 92 is supplied with power and is communicatively connected to the storage control unit 39. Here, the component supply unit 92 stores the information of its own identification code in the built - in memory. Therefore, the storage control unit 39 can obtain the identification codes of all the stored component supply units 92 through communication and recognize them in association with the positions of the storage slots.

[0023] Note that the unit storage 3 only needs to have at least one and can be extended. When extending, a plurality of unit storages 3 are arranged adjacent to each other in the left - right direction. Thereby, a plurality of upper - section guides 32 are connected side by side in the left - right direction to form a long movement guide. Similarly, a plurality of lower - section guides 33 are connected side by side in the left - right direction to form a long movement guide.

[0024] As shown in Figure 1, the container loader 4 is positioned between the container warehouse 2 and the unit storage compartment 3 on the left. The container loader 4 automatically performs the loading operation of loading the component containers 91 into the component supply unit 92. Examples of the loading operation include assembling the tape reel corresponding to the component container 91 to the feeder device corresponding to the component supply unit 92, pulling out the carrier tape from the tape reel and cutting off the unnecessary portion at the end, and advancing the end of the carrier tape after cutting to a predetermined position inside the feeder device.

[0025] The container loader 4 also has an unloading function for removing the component container 91 from the component supply unit 92. The container loader 4 is formed in a box shape. A container insertion opening 41 for inserting the component container 91 is provided on the left side of the container loader 4. A unit insertion opening 42 for inserting the component supply unit 92 is provided on the upper right of the front of the container loader 4.

[0026] The container loader 4 has a code reader 43 and a loader control unit 49 (see Figure 3). The code reader 43 is controlled by the loader control unit 49. The code reader 43 reads the identification codes attached to the inserted component container 91 and component supply unit 92, and passes the reading results to the loader control unit 49. This makes it possible for the loader control unit 49 to create loading information V that associates an individual component container 91 with an individual component supply unit 92 into which the component container 91 is loaded. The loader control unit 49 controls the execution of the loading operation described above.

[0027] An upper section guide extending in the left-right direction is provided at approximately the midpoint height of the front of the storage loader 4 (not shown in the diagram). A lower section guide extending in the left-right direction is provided at the lower part of the front of the storage loader 4 (not shown in the diagram). The upper and lower section guides are positioned at the same height as the upper section guide 32 and lower section guide 33 of the unit storage compartment 3 and are formed in the same shape.

[0028] The container transport robot 5 transports the parts containers 91 between the container warehouse 2 and the container loader 4. The container transport robot 5 is a conveyor robot, which is an embodiment of a non-mobile robot that does not require movement. The container transport robot 5 consists of an annular transport conveyor and a conveyor drive control unit. The transport conveyor rotates with the parts containers 91 placed on it. The conveyor drive control unit controls the rotation and stopping of the transport conveyor. As a result, the container transport robot 5 transports the parts containers 91 from the exit opening 21 of the container warehouse 2 to the container insertion opening 41 of the container loader 4 and inserts them. The container transport robot 5 is controlled by the setup control unit 8.

[0029] The container transport robot 5 may also have a transport function in the reverse direction. Furthermore, the container transport robot 5 may be an arm robot, which is another form of a non-mobile robot. The arm robot transports the parts container 91 using an end effector that holds the parts container 91 and a movable arm.

[0030] The maintenance device 7 is positioned to the right of the right-side unit storage compartment 3. The maintenance device 7 is box-shaped and has an opening for inserting the parts supply unit 92. The maintenance device 7 performs maintenance on the parts supply unit 92. An upper section guide extending in the left-right direction is provided at approximately the middle height of the front of the maintenance device 7 (not shown). A lower section guide extending in the left-right direction is provided at the lower part of the front of the maintenance device 7 (not shown). The upper and lower section guides are positioned at the same height as the upper section guide 32 and lower section guide 33 of the unit storage compartment 3 and are formed in the same shape.

[0031] The arrival / departure station 61 is positioned to the right of the maintenance device 7. The arrival / departure station 61 serves as both an arrival / departure station for transporting parts supply units 92 loaded with parts containers 91 towards the parts mounting machine 98, and an arrival / departure station for transporting used parts supply units 92 into the parts mounting machine 98. At the arrival / departure station 61, loading and unloading of transport vehicles 66 takes place, and the unit containers 64 are also set up. The arrival / departure station 61 is formed in the shape of a rectangular frame. Two unit containers 64 are placed on the top surface of the arrival / departure station 61.

[0032] The unit storage unit 64 houses multiple parts supply units 92. The unit storage unit 64, with multiple parts supply units 92 housed inside, is mounted on the parts mounting machine 98 to enable the supply of parts. Alternatively, the unit storage unit 64 may not be mounted on the parts mounting machine 98, but instead serve to streamline the setup and transportation of multiple parts supply units 92.

[0033] An upper section guide extending in the left-right direction is provided at the top of the front of the arrival / departure station 61 (not shown in the diagram). A lower section guide extending in the left-right direction is provided at the bottom of the front of the arrival / departure station 61 (not shown in the diagram). The upper section guide and the lower section guide are positioned at the same height as the upper section guide 32 and the lower section guide 33 of the unit storage bay 3 and are formed in the same shape. From the storage loader 4 through the three unit storage bays 3 and the maintenance device 7 to the arrival / departure station 61, all the upper section guides (32) and lower section guides (33) are aligned and connected in the left-right direction, forming a long travel guide.

[0034] The unit transport robot 6 moves along a series of unit storage compartments 3 and transports the parts supply unit 92 between the unit storage compartments 3 and the container loader 4. Furthermore, the unit transport robot 6 transports the parts supply unit 92 to the maintenance device 7 and the loading / unloading station 61. As shown in Figure 2, the unit transport robot 6 is vertically elongated. The unit transport robot 6 is equipped with a guide member and a moving drive unit on its rear side.

[0035] The guide member engages with a movement guide consisting of multiple section guides (32, 33). As a result, the entire weight of the unit transport robot 6 is supported by the movement guide, and its direction of movement is defined. The movement drive unit operates using, for example, a contactless power supply device or battery (not shown) as a power source. The movement drive unit is composed of, for example, a combination of wheels and a drive motor, or a movement mechanism that utilizes a linear motor. As a result, the unit transport robot 6 moves along the movement guide from the container loader 4 to the loading / unloading station 61.

[0036] The unit transport robot 6 further includes a unit holding space and a unit operating mechanism. The unit holding space is a partitioned space inside the unit transport robot 6. The unit holding space temporarily holds the parts supply unit 92 to be transported. The unit operating mechanism transfers the parts supply unit 92 between the unit holding space and other devices.

[0037] Other devices include the unit insertion port 42 of the container loader 4, the storage rack 35 of the unit storage compartment 3, the insertion port of the maintenance device 7, and the unit storage unit 64 on the departure / arrival station 61. During transfer, the height of the unit transport robot 6 is properly maintained by the engagement of the guide member and the movement guide, thereby stabilizing the transfer operation. The unit transport robot 6 is controlled by the setup control unit 8.

[0038] A travel path 65 is laid from the front of the arrival / departure station 61 to the board handling line 97 and the unit warehouse 13. In Figure 1, one board handling line 97 is shown as an example, but multiple board handling lines 97 may be arranged along the travel path 65. Preferably, there are multiple transport vehicles 66 traveling on the travel path 65, and their movement is controlled to avoid collisions. Multiple transport vehicles 66 may be shared between the first setup line 11 and the second setup line 12, or each line may have its own dedicated transport vehicle. Note that the transport vehicles 66 may be AGVs that do not require a physical travel path 65 and instead travel by referring to travel path information on map data.

[0039] The transport vehicle 66 travels according to wireless commands from the setup control unit 8 and loads and unloads the parts supply unit 92 and the unit storage container 64. The transport vehicle 66 transports the parts supply unit 92 between the inlet / outlet 14 of the unit warehouse 13 and the departure / arrival station 61. The transport vehicle 66 also transports the parts supply unit 92 and the unit storage container 64 between the departure / arrival station 61 and the parts mounting machine 98 of the board work line 97. The transport vehicle 66 reports the progress of the transport operation to the setup control unit 8 as appropriate.

[0040] As shown in Figure 1, the second setup line 12 consists of four unit storage units 3, a container loader 4, a container transport robot 5, a unit transport robot 6, and a departure / arrival station 61, and does not include the maintenance equipment 7. The structure of each component of the second setup line 12 is the same as that of the first setup line 11, except that the orientation is reversed, so a detailed explanation is omitted. Furthermore, because the first setup line 11 and the second setup line 12 are positioned opposite each other, workers can easily perform inspections and maintenance by entering between the two lines.

[0041] 2. Configuration related to the control of the setup system 1 Next, the configuration of the setup system 1 control will be described. As shown in Figure 3, the setup control unit 8 is connected to the production management device 95 via communication. The production management device 95 is connected to the line control unit 96 via communication. Furthermore, the line control unit 96 is connected to each of the multiple types of board-to-board work machines that constitute the board-to-board work line 97 via communication. The board-to-board work line 97 is a production line that mass-produces board products by mounting components onto boards. The component mounting machine 98 that constitutes the board-to-board work line 97 is equipped with a set-up component supply unit 92 or unit storage unit 64, enabling the supply of components.

[0042] The production management device 95 manages the production plan and production progress of the printed circuit board products. The line control unit 96 controls the operation of the printed circuit board work line 97 based on the production plan received from the production management device 95. In addition, the line control unit 96 sequentially transmits the production progress status of the printed circuit board work line 97 to the production management device 95.

[0043] Meanwhile, the setup control unit 8 communicates with the unit warehouse control unit 19, the container warehouse control unit 29, the storage unit control unit 39, and the loader control unit 49. The setup control unit 8 also controls the container transport robot 5, the unit transport robot 6, and the transport vehicle 66. Furthermore, the loading information storage unit 81 attached to the setup control unit 8 stores the loading information V. The setup control unit 8 is equipped with a man-machine interface (input unit, display unit, wireless communication unit, etc.) for exchanging information with the operator.

[0044] Various types of information, including loading information V, are transmitted and received between the control elements described above as appropriate. Furthermore, it is not necessary for all of the control elements to be independent hardware. For example, multiple control elements may be implemented using different software on a single computer device. Also, for example, the setup control unit 8 may be implemented as a partial function of the production management device 95. Moreover, the communication connections and information transmissions described above may be performed using wireless communication devices. The control functions of the setup control unit 8 and other components will be described in detail in the following operation description.

[0045] 3. Operation of Setup System 1 Next, the operation of the setup system 1 will be explained with reference to Figure 4. In step S1 of Figure 4, the setup control unit 8 refers to the production progress status of the circuit board product managed by the production control device 95 and determines whether or not the time for parts replenishment due to parts running out is approaching. For example, it is determined whether or not the number of remaining parts in the parts container 91 of the parts supply unit 92 equipped on the parts mounting machine 98 has decreased to a specified number or less. If the time for parts replenishment is approaching, the setup control unit 8 decides that now is the time to perform the loading operation and executes steps S2 to S6. If the time for parts replenishment is not approaching, the setup control unit 8 immediately proceeds to step S11. Naturally, the timing of the loading operation is determined with a margin that exceeds the time required for the loading operation relative to the expected time of parts running out.

[0046] In step S2, the setup control unit 8 determines, based on the loading information V, whether or not the unloading parts supply unit, which is a parts supply unit 92 loaded with parts containers 91 required by the parts mounting machine 98, is stored in the unit storage compartment 3. If it is stored (set up), the setup control unit 8 skips the setup work up to step S5 and proceeds to step S6. If it is not stored, the setup control unit 8 selects a parts container 91 of the type of part that needs to be replenished and selects a parts supply unit 92 that can load the said parts container 91. Next, the setup control unit 8 commands the container loader 4 to perform the loading work, specifying the identification codes of the said parts container 91 and parts supply unit 92.

[0047] In the next step S3, the setup control unit 8 specifies the identification code of the parts container 91 and commands the container warehouse control unit 29 to issue a dispatch, and commands the container transport robot 5 to transport. The container warehouse control unit 29 controls the actuator 22 according to the command and transports the parts container 91 to the dispatch port 21. The container transport robot 5 transports the parts container 91 from the dispatch port 21 to the container insertion port 41 of the container loader 4 according to the command.

[0048] In the next step S4, the setup control unit 8 first confirms the location of the parts supply unit 92. If the location is in one of the unit storage compartments 3, the setup control unit 8 specifies the identification code of the parts supply unit 92 and commands the unit transport robot 6 to transport it. The unit transport robot 6, in accordance with the command, retrieves the parts supply unit 92 from the unit storage compartment 3 and transports it to the unit insertion port 42 of the container loader 4.

[0049] Furthermore, if the location is the unit warehouse 13, the setup control unit 8 specifies the identification code of the parts supply unit 92 and instructs the unit warehouse control unit 19 to dispatch it, instructs the transport vehicle 66 to transport it via wireless communication, and instructs the unit transport robot 6 to transport it. As a result, the parts supply unit 92 is transported from the unit warehouse 13 to the unit insertion port 42 of the container loader 4 via the departure / arrival station 61. Steps S3 and S4 may be performed in parallel, or their execution order may be reversed.

[0050] In the next step, S5, the loader control unit 49 of the container loader 4 first uses the code reader 43 to confirm that there are no errors in the identification codes of the transported and inserted parts container 91 and parts supply unit 92. The container loader 4 then loads the parts container 91 into the parts supply unit 92 to make it a parts supply unit for unloading. After the loading operation, the loader control unit 49 creates loading information V, which associates the identification code of the parts container 91 with the identification code of the parts supply unit 92 into which the parts container 91 is loaded, and transmits it to the setup control unit 8. The created loading information V is shared with the unit warehouse 13, the unit storage bay 3, and the parts mounting machine 98 via communication or other means.

[0051] In the next step S6, the setup control unit 8 controls the loading of the unloading parts supply unit onto the parts mounting machine 98. Specifically, the setup control unit 8 commands the unit transport robot 6 and the transport vehicle 66 to transport the parts. Furthermore, if the unloading parts supply unit was stored in the unit storage 3 in step S2, the setup control unit 8 controls the unit transport robot 6 to prioritize moving the unloading parts supply unit to the departure / arrival station 61. As a result, the prepared unloading parts supply unit is used preferentially, and the loading operation by the container loader 4 is omitted.

[0052] The unit transport robot 6 transports the unloading parts supply unit from the storage loader 4 or unit storage bay 3 to the departure / arrival station 61 (unloading station). Next, the transport vehicle 66 transports the unloading parts supply unit from the departure / arrival station 61 to the parts mounting machine 98 and mounts it. Alternatively, the transport vehicle 66 hands over the unloading parts supply unit to an operator next to the parts mounting machine 98.

[0053] Furthermore, if there is sufficient time to load the parts onto the parts mounting machine 98, or if the transport vehicle 66 has not yet arrived at the departure / arrival station 61, the setup control unit 8 may control the parts supply unit for unloading to be temporarily stored in the unit storage compartment 3. This makes it possible to set up multiple parts supply units for unloading. After the completion of step S6, the setup control unit 8 proceeds to step S11.

[0054] In step S11, the setup control unit 8 refers to the production plan and production progress of the circuit board product to determine whether it is near time for a changeover to change the type of circuit board product. For example, it determines whether the remaining production quantity of the currently produced type of circuit board product has decreased to a specified number or less. If it is near time for a changeover, the setup control unit 8 determines that now is the time to perform the loading operation and executes steps S12 to S18. If it is not near time for a changeover, the setup control unit 8 immediately returns control to step S1. Naturally, the timing of the loading operation is determined with a margin that exceeds the time required for the multiple loading operations necessary, relative to the estimated production completion time of the current circuit board product.

[0055] The operations in steps S12 to S15 are the same as those in steps S2 to S5, so the explanation will be omitted. In the next step, S16, the setup control unit 8 instructs the unit transport robot 6 to store the unloading parts supply unit set up in step S15 into the unit storage container 64. The unit transport robot 6, in accordance with the instruction, transports the unloading parts supply unit from the storage loader 4 or unit storage 3 to the arrival / departure station 61 and stores it in the unit storage container 64.

[0056] In setup changes, it is generally necessary to perform multiple loading operations to prepare multiple parts supply units for unloading. Therefore, in step S17, the setup control unit 8 determines whether all the parts supply units necessary for the setup change are present in the unit storage container 64. If the result is no, the setup control unit 8 repeats steps S12 to S17. Once all the parts supply units are present in the unit storage container 64 through the repetition, the setup control unit 8 proceeds to step S18.

[0057] In step S18, the setup control unit 8 commands the transport vehicle 66 to load the set-up unit container 64 onto the parts mounting machine 98. The transport vehicle 66 then transports the unit container 64 from the departure / arrival station 61 to the parts mounting machine 98 and loads it onto the machine. Alternatively, the transport vehicle 66 hands the unit container 64 to an operator beside the parts mounting machine 98. After step S18 is completed, the setup control unit 8 returns control to step S1.

[0058] Next, we will describe the operation when a parts supply unit 92 that has been used by the parts mounting machine 98 is transported to the arrival / departure station 61 (receiving station) by the transport vehicle 66. The setup control unit 8 processes the parts supply unit 92 that has been transported to the arrival / departure station 61 based on at least one of the production plan and the production progress status, or based on a command from the production management device 95.

[0059] To elaborate on the process, the setup control unit 8 investigates whether the parts supply unit 92 is scheduled for use again in the near future according to the production plan, based on the loading information V of the delivered parts supply unit 92. If it is scheduled for use, the setup control unit 8 controls the unit transport robot 6 to store the parts supply unit 92, with the parts container 91 loaded, directly into the unit storage bay 3. The unit transport robot 6 then transports and stores the parts supply unit 92 from the departure / arrival station 61 to the unit storage bay 3 according to the control. This eliminates the need for loading work for the next use.

[0060] Furthermore, if there is no planned use, the setup control unit 8 controls the unit transport robot 6 and the container loader 4 to remove the parts container 91 from the parts supply unit 92. The unit transport robot 6 transports the parts supply unit 92 from the arrival / departure station 61 to the container loader 4 according to the control. The container loader 4 removes the parts container 91 from the parts supply unit 92 using its unloading function. The removed parts container 91 is returned to the container warehouse 2 for storage. Meanwhile, the parts supply unit 92 is stored in the unit storage bay 3 or in the unit warehouse 13.

[0061] Furthermore, when performing maintenance on a parts supply unit 92 in the first setup line 11, the parts supply unit 92 is transported to the maintenance device 7 by the unit transport robot 6 in the first setup line 11. When performing maintenance on a parts supply unit 92 in the second setup line 12, the parts supply unit 92 is transported to the maintenance device 7 by the unit transport robot 6 and transport vehicle 66 in the second setup line 12, and the unit transport robot 6 in the first setup line 11. When performing maintenance on a parts supply unit 92 in the unit warehouse 13, the parts supply unit 92 is transported to the maintenance device 7 by the transport vehicle 66 and the unit transport robot 6 in the first setup line 11. After maintenance is completed in the maintenance device 7, the parts supply unit 92 is returned to its original position.

[0062] In the setup system 1 of the parts supply unit of the first embodiment, the parts container 91 is transported from the container warehouse 2 to the container loader 4 by the container transport robot 5, and the parts supply unit 92 is transported from the unit storage bay 3 to the container loader 4 by the unit transport robot 6. The container loader 4 also automatically performs the loading operation of loading the parts container 91 into the parts supply unit 92. Furthermore, the parts supply unit 92 with the parts container 91 loaded by the loading operation is returned to the unit storage bay 3 by the unit transport robot 6, or transported to the departure / arrival station 61. Thus, automation of the loading operation and related operations such as transportation before and after is achieved.

[0063] Furthermore, the setup control unit 8 can timely determine the timing of the loading operation of the container loader 4 based on the production plan and production progress of the circuit board products. As a result, the number of set up component supply units 92 after loading operations have been completed does not increase unnecessarily, thus reducing management effort. Moreover, the component supply units 92 do not become work-in-progress that cannot be repurposed for other uses, enabling efficient operation. In addition, delays in loading operations are prevented from causing stagnation in the mounting operations of the component mounting machine 98. In addition, a space-saving system configuration is achieved by arranging the equipment related to the loading operation adjacent to each other.

[0064] 4. Setup system 1A of the parts supply unit according to the second embodiment Next, the setup system 1A of the second embodiment will be described, mainly focusing on the differences from the first embodiment, with reference to Figure 5. As shown in Figure 5, in the second embodiment, the unit warehouse 13, the departure / arrival station 61 of the first setup line 11, and the departure / arrival station 61 of the second setup line 12 are omitted. Then, a substrate handling line 97 is arranged adjacent to the first setup line 11 and the second setup line 12, respectively.

[0065] Each of the multiple types of board-to-board work machines constituting the board-to-board work line 97 has an upper section guide 971 and a lower section guide 972 on its front. The upper section guide 971 and the lower section guide 972 are positioned at the same height as the upper section guide 32 and the lower section guide 33 of the unit storage bay 3 and are formed in the same shape. Therefore, the upper section guide 971 and the lower section guide 972 become part of the movement guide. This allows the unit transport robot 6 to directly transport the parts supply unit 92 loaded with parts containers 91 from the container loader 4 to the parts mounting machine 98.

[0066] According to the second embodiment, even without the transport vehicle 66, the parts supply unit 92 can be automatically transported to the parts mounting machine 98, and setup time can be further reduced by direct delivery. In addition, since the board processing line 97 is located adjacent to the setup system 1A, further space savings are achieved.

[0067] 5. Applications and Variations of Embodiments In the first embodiment, the maintenance device 7 may be located away from the first setup line 11 and the second setup line 12. In this case, the transport vehicle 66 transports the parts supply unit 92 to the maintenance device 7. Alternatively, the transport vehicle 66 may be omitted, and the parts supply unit 92 and the unit storage container 64 to the parts mounting machine 98 may be transported manually. Furthermore, the unit warehouse 13 and the maintenance device 7 may also be omitted. In addition, the production control device 95 may determine the timing of parts replenishment and setup changes as described in the operation flow of Figure 4. In this case, the setup control unit 8 proceeds with control according to the loading operation command from the production control device 95.

[0068] Furthermore, the transport vehicle 66 of the first embodiment may return the unit storage container 64, which has been used by the parts mounting machine 98, to the departure / arrival station 61. After this, the multiple parts supply units 92 in the unit storage container 64 are processed as described above, depending on whether or not they are scheduled for use in the near future. In addition, the first and second embodiments can be applied and modified in various ways. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0069] 1, 1A: Parts supply unit setup system 13: Unit warehouse 19: Unit warehouse control unit 2: Container warehouse 21: Outlet 22: Actuator 23: Code reader 29: Container warehouse control unit 3: Unit storage 32: Upper section guide 33: Lower section guide 35: Storage rack 39: Storage warehouse control unit 4: Container loader 43: Code reader 49: Loader control unit 5: Container transport robot 6: Unit transport robot 61: Departure / arrival station 64: Unit storage 66: Transport vehicle 8: Setup control unit 81: Loading information storage unit 91: Parts container 92: Parts supply unit 95: Production management device 971: Upper section guide 972: Lower section guide 98: Parts mounting machine V: Loading information

Claims

1. A unit storage compartment that houses multiple parts supply units used when supplying parts stored in a parts container during the mounting work performed by the parts mounting machine, A container loader for loading the component container into the component supply unit, A discharge station for discharging a discharge component supply unit, which is a component supply unit in which the component container required for the component mounting machine is loaded, A unit transport robot for transporting the parts supply unit between the unit storage and the discharge station, If the unloading parts supply unit is stored in the unit storage compartment, a setup control unit controls the unit transport robot to move the unloading parts supply unit from the unit storage compartment to the unloading station, omitting the loading operation by the container loader. A setup system for a parts supply unit, equipped with the following features.

2. A unit storage compartment that houses multiple parts supply units used when supplying parts stored in a parts container during the mounting work performed by the parts mounting machine, A discharge station for discharging a discharge component supply unit, which is a component supply unit in which the component container required for the component mounting machine is loaded, A unit transport robot for transporting the parts supply unit between the unit storage and the discharge station, If the unloading parts supply unit is stored in the unit storage unit, a setup control unit controls the unit transport robot to move the unloading parts supply unit from the unit storage unit to the unloading station, omitting the loading operation by the container loader that loads the parts container into the parts supply unit. A setup system for a parts supply unit, equipped with the following features.

3. The system includes a loading station for receiving the parts supply unit that has been used by the parts mounting machine, The setup control unit controls the unit transport robot to store the parts supply unit, which has been brought to the receiving station, in the unit storage compartment as a parts supply unit for unloading, when the production plan includes the use of the parts supply unit that has been brought to the receiving station. A setup system for a parts supply unit according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The setup system for the parts supply unit according to claim 3, wherein the discharge station also serves as the receiving station.

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