Control device and control method

Abstract

The present invention provides a control device and control method that can appropriately level the production capacity of mounting equipment. [Solution] A method for managing units used by mounting them at the mounting positions of a mounting device acquires operation information including the number of times or amount of use of units used by mounting them at the mounting positions of multiple mounting devices, and frequency information including the frequency of use of units used by mounting them at the mounting positions of multiple mounting devices. Based on the operation information and frequency information, the method identifies combinations of first and second units used by mounting them at different mounting positions in which, when the first and second units are exchanged for use, the difference in the number of times or amount of use of the first and second units decreases as usage time elapses, and guides the user to exchange the units of the identified combination.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a management device and a management method for units that are mounted on and used in a mounting device.

Background Art

[0002] A mounting device adsorbs components supplied by a feeder with a head and mounts them on a substrate. When the number of uses of units such as feeders and heads reaches a predetermined number, maintenance is performed for the purpose of maintaining good production capacity.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a maintenance management device that guides the mounting positions of components so that the maintenance times of a plurality of components approach each other based on the upper limit value of the recommended number of operations during the maintenance interval period, the actual number of operations since the previous maintenance, and the operation frequency of the components at the mounting position in the maintenance of components (units) mounted and used at the mounting position of a mounting device. According to Patent Document 1, the maintenance of a plurality of components can be grouped in the same period, improving maintenance efficiency and preventing a decrease in production efficiency due to maintenance.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] > Incidentally, each unit has a set limit on the number of uses, and a unit that has reached this limit is replaced with a new unit, even if it has been properly maintained. However, in the prior art, including Patent Document 1, the limit on the number of uses is not taken into consideration when guiding the mounting position of the unit, so units with short remaining usable time and units with long remaining usable time are used together. As a result, there is a risk that the production capacity of mounted substrates will decrease due to the failure of units with short remaining usable time, which will stop production, or the productivity of the mounting equipment will decrease due to the deterioration of the performance of units with short remaining usable time.

[0006] Therefore, the purpose of this disclosure is to provide a control device and a control method that can appropriately level the production capacity of mounting equipment. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The management device of this disclosure acquires operation information including the number of times or amount of use of a unit that is mounted and used at a mounting position of a plurality of mounting devices, and frequency information including the frequency of use of a unit that is mounted and used at a mounting position of a plurality of mounting devices. Based on the operation information and frequency information, the device identifies combinations of first and second units that are mounted and used at different mounting positions, in which, when the first and second units are exchanged and used with each other, the difference in the number of times or amount of use of the first and second units decreases as the usage time elapses, and guides the user to exchange the units of the identified combination.

[0008] The management method of this disclosure is a method for managing units that are mounted and used at mounting positions of mounting devices, and it acquires operation information including the number of times or amount of use of units mounted and used at the mounting positions of a plurality of mounting devices, and frequency information including the frequency of use of units mounted and used at the mounting positions of a plurality of mounting devices, and identifies, based on the operation information and frequency information, a combination of a first unit and a second unit mounted and used at different mounting positions, in which, when the first unit and the second unit are used interchangeably, the difference in the number of times or amount of use of the first unit and the second unit decreases as the usage time elapses, and guides the exchange of the units of the identified combination. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to this disclosure, the production capacity of the mounting equipment can be appropriately leveled. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] A diagram illustrating the configuration of a component mounting system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] A plan view showing the configuration of the main parts of a mounting device included in a component mounting system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] A block diagram showing the configuration of a component mounting system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] A diagram illustrating the relationship between the usage time and the number of uses of a unit used in a mounting device of a component mounting system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5] A diagram illustrating the effect of swapping the mounting positions of two units used in a mounting device, which is part of a component mounting system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] An explanatory diagram illustrating an example of swapping the mounting positions of two units in a component mounting system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] A diagram showing a list of the statuses of units used in a mounting device provided in a component mounting system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] An explanatory diagram of an example of a status confirmation screen displayed on a display unit of a component mounting system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 9] A flowchart of a management method according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] An embodiment of this disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. The configurations, shapes, etc. described below are illustrative examples for illustrative purposes and can be modified as appropriate according to the specifications of the component mounting system, mounting line, management device, setup support device, mounting device, unit, etc. In the following, all corresponding elements are denoted by the same reference numerals in all drawings, and redundant explanations are omitted. In Figure 1 and some parts described later, the X-axis in the substrate transport direction (left-right direction in Figure 2) and the Y-axis in the substrate transport direction (up-down direction in Figure 2) are shown as two mutually orthogonal axes in the horizontal plane. In Figure 1 and some parts described later, the Z-axis (perpendicular direction to the plane of the paper in Figure 2) is shown as the height direction perpendicular to the horizontal plane.

[0012] First, the configuration of the component mounting system 1 will be explained with reference to Figure 1. The component mounting system 1 consists of three mounting lines L1 to L3 located on floor F, connected by a wired or wireless communication network 2 and managed by a management device 3. Mounting lines L1 to L3 are configured by connecting six mounting devices M1 to M6. Mounting lines L1 to L3 have the function of producing mounted boards by sequentially passing boards and mounting components onto the boards using mounting devices M1 to M6. Note that the mounting lines L1 to L3 of the component mounting system 1 do not necessarily have to be three lines; there may be one, two, or four or more lines. Also, the mounting devices M1 to M6 that are attached to mounting lines L1 to L3 do not necessarily have to be six units; there may be one to five, or seven or more units.

[0013] The control device 3 functions as a line control device that comprehensively controls the mounting devices M1 to M6, as well as as a control device that manages the units used in the mounting devices M1 to M6. The control device 3 is connected to a setup support device 4 that assists in the setup change operation to change the type of mounted board produced in the mounting lines L1 to L3. The setup support device 4 receives information about unit replacement created by the control device 3. Note that the setup support device 4 does not need to be directly connected to the control device 3. For example, the setup support device 4 may be connected to a communication network 2 and receive information about unit replacement through the communication network 2. Alternatively, the control device 3 may be configured to have the setup change operation data creation function that the setup support device 4 has.

[0014] Next, with reference to Figure 2, the configurations of mounting devices M1 to M6 will be explained. Mounting devices M1 to M6 have similar configurations, and here, mounting device M1 will be used as an example. Mounting device M1 has the function of performing component mounting work, which involves mounting components supplied from the component supply unit onto the substrate to produce mounted substrates. A substrate transport mechanism 6 is positioned along the X-axis in the center of the base 5. The substrate transport mechanism 6 is equipped with a transport conveyor 6a, which transports the substrate B transported from upstream to the mounting work position, positions it, and holds it. The substrate transport mechanism 6 also transports the substrate B after the component mounting work is completed downstream.

[0015] Component supply units 7 are located on both sides (front and rear directions along the Y-axis) of the substrate transport mechanism 6. Each component supply unit 7 is fitted with a trolley 9 on which multiple feeders 8 are arranged along the X-axis. The feeders 8 feed a carrier tape, which has pockets for holding components, in a pitch direction from the outside of the component supply unit 7 toward the substrate transport mechanism 6 (tape feeding direction), thereby supplying components to the component extraction position where the components are extracted by the head 12 described below. Each feeder 8 is a unit U that is mounted in a slot (mounting position) provided on the trolley 9.

[0016] In FIG. 2, on both ends of the base 5 in the X-axis direction on the upper surface, Y-axis tables 10 equipped with linear drive mechanisms are arranged along the Y-axis. On the Y-axis table 10, a beam 11 equipped with a similar linear drive mechanism is movably coupled along the Y-axis. The beam 11 is arranged along the X-axis. On the beam 11, a head 12 is movably mounted along the X-axis via a movable member 11a (plate). At the lower part of the shaft of the head 12, a nozzle for adsorbing and holding components is mounted. The head 12 raises and lowers the nozzle by raising and lowering the shaft, and rotates the nozzle by rotating the shaft around the Z-axis.

[0017] The Y-axis table 10 and the beam 11 constitute a drive mechanism 13 for moving the head 12 along the X-axis and the Y-axis. The drive mechanism 13 and the head 12 perform a mounting cycle of adsorbing and taking out components from a feeder 8 arranged in the component supply unit 7 by means of a nozzle and mounting them at the mounting position of the substrate B held by the substrate transfer mechanism 6. The drive mechanism 13 is detachable from the base 5. The drive mechanism 13 is a unit U that is mounted on the base 5 (mounting position) and used to move the movable member 11a on which the head 12 can be mounted between the feeder 8 and the substrate B in the horizontal plane (X-axis direction, Y-axis direction). The head 12 is a unit U that is mounted on the movable member 11a (mounting position) and used to adsorb components from the feeder 8 and mount them on the substrate B.

[0018] In FIG. 2, a component recognition camera 14 is arranged between the component supply unit 7 and the substrate transfer mechanism 6. When the head 12 that has taken out a component from the component supply unit 7 moves above the component recognition camera 14, the component recognition camera 14 images the component held by the nozzle. From the captured image, the misalignment of the position of the component held by the nozzle, the holding posture of the component, etc. are recognized. A head camera 15 is attached to the movable member 11a to which the head 12 is attached. The head camera 15 moves integrally with the head 12.

[0019] By moving the head 12, the head camera 15 moves above the substrate B held by the substrate transfer mechanism 6 and images a substrate mark (not shown) provided on the substrate B. From the captured image, the position of the substrate B with respect to the substrate transfer mechanism 6 is recognized. In the component mounting operation on the substrate B by the head 12, the mounting position is corrected in consideration of the recognition result of the component by the captured image of the component recognition camera 14 and the recognition result of the substrate position by the captured image of the head camera 15.

[0020] In FIG. 2, a touch panel 16 operated by an operator is installed at the position where the operator works on the front surface of the mounting device M1. The touch panel 16 displays various information on its display unit, and the operator inputs data and operates the mounting device M1 using operation buttons and the like displayed on the display unit.

[0021] Next, referring to FIG. 3, the configuration of the component mounting system 1 will be described. Here, mainly, the configuration related to the function as a management system that manages the unit U mounted and used at each mounting position of the plurality of mounting devices M1 to M6 will be described centering around.

[0022] In FIG. 3, a substrate transfer mechanism 6, a feeder 8, a head 12, a drive mechanism 13, a component recognition camera 14, a head camera 15, a touch panel 16, etc. are connected to the control unit 17 provided in the mounting devices M1 to M6. The control unit 17 controls each part based on the stored production program and executes a component mounting operation to mount a component at the mounting position of the substrate B.

[0023] Further, the control unit 17 measures the usage time, usage frequency (such as the component supply frequency of the feeder 8, the nozzle lifting and lowering frequency of the head 12, etc.), and usage amount (such as the driving distance of the drive mechanism 13, etc.) in the component mounting operation of the unit U used in the mounting devices M1 to M6, and transmits them to the management device 3. Also, the control unit 17 transmits the measured values of various sensors provided in the mounting devices M1 to M6, for example, the measured values related to the air flowing in the head 12, the measured values related to the air flowing in the nozzle, the measured values of the sliding load for lifting and lowering the nozzle, etc. to the management device 3. [[ID=十七]]

[0024] In Figure 3, the management device 3 comprises a storage unit 20, a processing unit 21, and a communication unit 22. A management display unit 23, such as a monitor, is connected to the processing unit 21. The communication unit 22 is a communication interface and transmits and receives various information with the mounting devices M1 to M6 via the communication network 2. The communication unit 22 is also connected to the setup support device 4 and transmits and receives various information with the setup support device 4.

[0025] The setup support device 4 includes a setup change operation data creation unit 40 and a setup display unit 41 such as a monitor. Based on information transmitted from the management device 3 regarding the combination of unit U whose mounting positions are to be changed, the setup change operation data, including information identifying the unit U to be mounted on the mounting devices M1 to M6 during the setup change operation and the mounting positions of the unit U, is created and displayed on the setup display unit 41 and the touch panels 16 of the mounting devices M1 to M6.

[0026] In Figure 3, the memory unit 20 of the management device 3 is a storage device that stores various types of information. The memory unit 20 is implemented by, for example, flash memory or an HDD (Hard Disk Drive). The memory unit 20 stores information such as operation information 24, frequency information 25, measurement information 26, and state determination results 27. The processing unit 21 of the management device 3 is an arithmetic unit such as a CPU. Based on the stored program, the processing unit 21 executes acquisition processing 28, identification processing 29, notification processing 30, state determination processing 31, etc.

[0027] The processing unit 21 acquires operation information 24, including the number of times or amount of use of unit U, which is mounted on mounting positions of multiple mounting devices M1 to M6 from mounting lines L1 to L3, and executes an acquisition process 28 to store it in the storage unit 20. The operation information 24 stores information such as a management number that identifies the unit U, a model number that identifies the function of the unit U, a unit name 24a, a usage position 24b that identifies the mounting position where the unit U is mounted, including information such as mounting lines L1 to L3, mounting devices M1 to M6, and slot number, a usage count 24c that includes the number of times the unit U is used, the amount of use, and the usage time, and a specified number of uses 24d that includes the design limit number of uses, design limit amount, and design limit time for the unit U.

[0028] In Figure 3, the processing unit 21 acquires frequency information 25 from a planning device (not shown) or the like, including the frequency of use (predicted number of uses, amount used, etc.) of the unit U that will be mounted and used at mounting positions on multiple mounting devices M1 to M6 of the mounting lines L1 to L3, and executes an acquisition process 28 to store it in the storage unit 20. The frequency information 25 stores mounting position 25a, which identifies the mounting position where the unit U will be mounted, and usage frequency 25b, which includes information such as the number of uses and amount used, predicted from the number of components to be mounted on the mounting boards to be produced. The processing unit 21 acquires measurement information 26 from the mounting lines L1 to L3, including measurement values ​​from various sensors provided by multiple mounting devices M1 to M6, and executes an acquisition process 28 to store it in the storage unit 20.

[0029] Based on the operation information 24 and frequency information 25, the processing unit 21 executes a specific process 29 to identify combinations of first unit U1 and second unit U2 (Figure 4) that have the same function and are installed and used at different mounting positions (first mounting position P1, second mounting position P2), in which the difference ΔN1, ΔN2 (Figures 4, 5) between the number of uses or usage amount of the first unit U1 and the second unit U2 decreases as usage time elapses when the mounting positions of the first unit U1 and the second unit U2 are swapped. In other words, the specific process 29 identifies combinations in which the difference ΔT1, ΔT2 (Figures 4, 5) between the usage time of the first unit U1 and the second unit U2 that reaches the lifespan where the number of uses or usage amount of the first unit U1 and the second unit U2 reach the design limit number of uses or design limit amount decreases when the mounting positions of the first unit U1 and the second unit U2 are swapped.

[0030] Here, referring to Figures 4 and 5, the significance of swapping the mounting positions of the first unit U1 and the second unit U2 will be explained. Figures 4 and 5 are XY graphs in which the horizontal axis represents the usage time of unit U and the vertical axis represents the number of times unit U is used. The first unit U1 and the second unit U2 are started to be used at the same time. Furthermore, the usage frequency 25b of the first mounting position P1, where the first unit U1 is mounted and used, is higher than the usage frequency 25b of the second mounting position P2, where the second unit U2 is mounted and used.

[0031] In Figure 4, the number of uses of the first unit U1 has reached the threshold number of uses at this point. The threshold number of uses is set to, for example, half of the design limit number of uses. Figure 4 shows an example in which the mounting positions of the first unit U1 and the second unit U2 are not swapped. The difference between the usage time when the first unit U1 reaches the design limit number of uses and the usage time when the second unit U2 reaches the design limit number of uses is difference ΔT1. Also, the difference between the number of uses of the first unit U1 (design limit number of uses) and the number of uses of the second unit U2 at the point when the first unit U1 reaches the design limit number of uses is difference ΔN1.

[0032] Figure 5 shows an example where the mounting positions of the first unit U1 and the second unit U2 are swapped when the number of uses of the first unit U1 reaches the judgment threshold (the current time). That is, from the current time, the mounting position of the first unit U1 is changed from the first mounting position P1 to the second mounting position P2, and the slope of the first unit U1 in the XY graph becomes gentler (smaller). Also, from the current time, the mounting position of the second unit U2 is changed from the second mounting position P2 to the first mounting position P1, and the slope of the second unit U2 in the XY graph becomes steeper (larger).

[0033] As a result, the difference ΔT2 between the usage time at which the first unit U1 reaches its design limit and the usage time at which the second unit U2 reaches its design limit is smaller than the difference ΔT1 when the mounting positions are not swapped, as shown in Figure 4. Furthermore, the difference ΔN2 between the number of uses of the first unit U1 and the number of uses of the second unit U2 at the point when either the first unit U1 or the second unit U2 reaches its design limit is smaller than the difference ΔN1 when the mounting positions are not swapped, as shown in Figure 4.

[0034] This allows the usage time at which the first unit U1 and the second unit U2 reach their lifespan (number of uses) to be brought closer together. As the number of uses and the amount of use of unit U increases, the number of suction errors and mounting errors may increase. In this disclosure, by identifying combinations in which the difference in the number of uses or amount of use between the first unit U1 and the second unit U2 decreases as the usage time elapses, and by exchanging the mounting positions of each unit during use, the production capacity of the mounting devices M1 to M6 can be leveled.

[0035] Next, with reference to Figure 6, an example of a combination of units U whose mounting positions are interchangeable will be described. In the mounting line L1, the movable members 11a (mounting positions) of the four mounting devices M1 to M4 from upstream are equipped with heads 12 (16NH) that have 16 nozzles. The movable member 11a of mounting device M5 is equipped with a head 12 (8NH) that has 8 nozzles. The movable member 11a of the furthest downstream mounting device M6 is equipped with a head 12 (3NH) that has 3 nozzles.

[0036] In the mounting line L1, from the viewpoint of preventing interference between components mounted on board B and components already mounted, it is preferable that the upstream mounting devices M1 to M4 are used for mounting components that are mounted in large numbers per mounting board (e.g., small components), and the downstream mounting devices M5 to M6 are used for mounting components that are mounted in small numbers per mounting board (e.g., large components). Therefore, even if the head 12 (16NH) has the same function, the usage frequency 25b in mounting device M1 is higher than the usage frequency 25b in mounting device M4. In this example, the head 12 of mounting device M1 is the first unit U1, and the head 12 of mounting device M4 is the second unit U2, and their mounting positions are exchanged (arrow a).

[0037] In other words, the first unit U1 and the second unit U2 are used on the same mounting line L1. Furthermore, the mounting device M1 on which the first unit U1 was installed is located upstream of the mounting device M4 on which the second unit U2 was installed, in the direction in which the multiple mounting devices M1 to M6 are lined up.

[0038] In Figure 6, the same feeder 8 is used in the mounting device M1 of mounting line L1 and the mounting device M1 of mounting line L2. In this example, the number of mounted boards produced by mounting line L1 is greater than the number of mounted boards produced by mounting line L2, and the usage frequency 25b of the feeder 8 used in the mounting device M1 of mounting line L1 is higher than the usage frequency 25b of the feeder 8 used in the mounting device M1 of mounting line L2. Therefore, the feeder 8 mounted in the slot (mounting position) provided on the trolley 9 of the mounting device M1 of mounting line L1 is designated as the first unit U1, and the feeder 8 mounted in the slot provided on the trolley 9 of the mounting device M1 of mounting line L2 is designated as the second unit U2, and their mounting positions are exchanged (arrow b).

[0039] In other words, the first unit U1 and the second unit U2 are used on different mounting lines L1 and L2. Also, mounting line L1, where the mounting device M1 to which the first unit U1 was installed is located, produces a larger number of mounted circuit boards than mounting line L2, where the mounting device M1 to which the second unit U2 was installed is located.

[0040] In Figure 6, mounting devices M1 and M6 on mounting line L2 are mounting devices with the same function. In this example, the drive distance (usage frequency 25b) of the drive mechanism 13 mounted on the base 5 (mounting position) of mounting device M1 is longer than the drive distance (usage frequency 25b) of the drive mechanism 13 mounted on the base 5 of mounting device M6. Therefore, the mounting positions of the drive mechanism 13 of mounting device M1 and the drive mechanism 13 of mounting device M6 are swapped (arrow c), with the drive mechanism 13 of mounting device M1 being the first unit U1 and the drive mechanism 13 of mounting device M6 being the second unit U2.

[0041] In other words, the mounting device M1 on which the first unit U1 was attached is located upstream of the mounting device M6 on which the second unit U2 was attached, in the direction in which the multiple mounting devices M1 to M6 are lined up. Alternatively, instead of exchanging the drive mechanism 13 of mounting device M1 and the drive mechanism 13 of mounting device M6, the positions of mounting devices M1 and M6 may be exchanged.

[0042] In Figure 3, the processing unit 21 executes a notification process 30 that guides the exchange of the unit U (first unit U1, second unit U2) in the combination identified by the identification process 29. In the notification process 30, information on the identified combination of unit U is transmitted to the setup support device 4, and the setup support device 4 notifies (guides) the setup display unit 41 and the touch panels 16 of the mounting devices M1 to M6 of the information regarding the exchange of the first unit U1 and the second unit U2. Alternatively, the processing unit 21 of the management device 3 may notify (guide) the management display unit 23 and the touch panel 16 of the information regarding the exchange of the first unit U1 and the second unit U2.

[0043] In Figure 3, the processing unit 21 performs a state determination process 31 that determines the state of the unit U used in the mounting devices M1 to M6 based on the measurement information 26, outputs a state determination result 27 indicating whether or not it is subject to maintenance, and stores it in the storage unit 20. The processing unit 21 also performs a display process that displays the state determination result 27 as a state confirmation screen on the management display unit 23. In the state determination process 31, the state of the unit U is estimated based on the measured values ​​and the changes in the measured values ​​related to the unit U stored in the measurement information 26. For example, the state of the unit U is estimated to include the degree of clogging of the filter provided on the head 12, the degree of sliding resistance of the shaft that raises and lowers the nozzle, the wear state of the nozzle tip, the state of dirt accumulation on the nozzle tip, and the feeding accuracy of the feeder 8.

[0044] Then, in the state determination process 31, the state of the estimated unit U is categorized and output to the state determination result 27, depending on whether the estimated state of unit U is within the normal operating range where unit U can be used normally, whether the maintenance target threshold for guiding unit U to be a maintenance target has been reached, and whether the maintenance warning threshold for warning unit U to be a maintenance target has been reached.

[0045] Here, with reference to Figure 7, an example of the classification of the state of unit U will be explained. Figure 7 shows a list of the states of unit U. The processing unit 21 determines the state of unit U and displays the state confirmation screen 60 (Figure 8) on the management display unit 23 based on the information in the list of unit U states. In the example shown in Figure 7, the state is classified into five states 52: "Not measured," "Normal," "Semi-normal," "Maintenance warning," and "Abnormal." Explanation 53 is an explanation of the determination of the state 52. Color 50 indicates the color or hatching type used when displaying the state 52 on the state confirmation screen 60. Display content 51 indicates the text information used when displaying the state 52 on the state confirmation screen 60.

[0046] Next, with reference to Figure 8, an example of the status confirmation screen 60 displayed on the management display unit 23 by the processing unit 21 will be described. The status display column 61 of the status confirmation screen 60 displays the status 52 of the unit U of the six mounting devices M1 to M6 provided on the mounting line L1. Specifically, the status 52 of the feeder 8, head 12, and drive mechanism 13 as unit U is displayed based on the color 50 shown in Figure 7. Note that in Figure 8, the status 52 of the feeder 8 with the worst status 52 among the multiple feeders 8 used in each mounting device M1 to M6 is displayed. For example, the status 52 of all feeder 8 of mounting device M1 is "normal", and the color 50 indicating a "normal" status 52 is displayed.

[0047] The status confirmation screen 60 also displays information about the specific combination of unit U that is instructed to be replaced by the notification process 30. Specifically, the status confirmation screen 60 displays the first unit U1 and the second unit U2 in a visually recognizable highlighted manner. In this example, the first unit U1 is the head 12 of mounting device M1, and the second unit U2 is the head 12 of mounting device M4. On the status confirmation screen 60, mounting devices M1 and M4, as well as the head 12 of mounting device M1 (which is the first unit U1) and the head 12 of mounting device M4 (which is the second unit U2), are highlighted with thick dotted lines. Note that the highlighting is not limited to thick dotted lines; any method that makes them distinguishable from other unit Us, such as coloring or blinking, is acceptable.

[0048] In Figure 8, the state 52 of the head 12 of the mounting device M1, which is the first unit U1, is "semi-normal," and the state 52 of the head 12 of the mounting device M4, which is the second unit U2, is "normal." In this disclosure, the management display unit 23 (display unit) displays the positions of the first unit U1 and the second unit U2 to be replaced, as well as the state determination result 27, so that the operator can easily determine whether or not the production capacity of the mounting devices M1 to M6 will be affected when the first unit U1 and the second unit U2 are replaced.

[0049] Next, the method for managing the units U used when mounted in the mounting positions of the mounting devices M1 to M6 will be explained according to the flow in Figure 9. First, the processing unit 21 acquires operation information 24, which includes the number of times or amount of use of the units U used when mounted in the mounting positions of the multiple mounting devices M1 to M6, and frequency information 25, which includes the frequency 25b of use of the units U used when mounted in the mounting positions of the multiple mounting devices M1 to M6 (ST1: Information acquisition step). Then, the processing unit 21 selects a first unit U1 from among the multiple units U in which the number of times or amount of use exceeds a determination threshold (determination threshold number of uses or determination threshold amount) (ST2, ST3).

[0050] Next, the processing unit 21 selects a second unit U2 from among multiple units U that has the same model number and function as the first unit U1 (ST4: second unit selection step). For example, the processing unit 21 selects a second unit U2 from among multiple units U whose usage count 24c is less than or equal to half that of the first unit U1. Then, based on the operation information 24 of the first unit U1 and the second unit U2, the frequency information 25 of the first mounting position P1 on which the first unit U1 is mounted, and the frequency information 25 of the second mounting position P2 on which the second unit U2 is mounted, the processing unit 21 calculates the difference ΔN2 of the number of uses or amount of use predicted when the mounting positions of the first unit U1 and the second unit U2 are swapped (ST5: difference calculation step).

[0051] In Figure 9, the processing unit 21 then performs the second unit selection step (ST4) and the difference calculation step (ST5) for other units U with the same function (No in ST6). Once the calculation of the difference ΔN2 for all target units U is complete (Yes in ST6), the processing unit 21 identifies, based on the calculated difference ΔN2, a combination in which the difference ΔN2 between the number of uses or usage amount of the first unit U1 and the second unit U2 decreases as usage time elapses when the mounting positions (first mounting position P1, second mounting position P2) of the first unit U1 and the second unit U2 are swapped (ST7: combination identification step).

[0052] In this way, the processing unit 21 identifies, based on the operation information 24 and frequency information 25, combinations of the first unit U1 and the second unit U2 that are installed and used at different mounting positions (first mounting position P1, second mounting position P2), in which the difference ΔN2 between the number of uses or usage amount of the first unit U1 and the second unit U2 decreases as usage time elapses when the first unit U1 and the second unit U2 are used interchangeably (ST2~ST7).

[0053] In Figure 9, the processing unit 21 then guides the exchange of the specified combination of units (first unit U1, second unit U2) (ST8: guidance step). For example, the processing unit 21 transmits information about the combination of units to the setup support device 4, and the setup support device 4 notifies the setup display unit 41 and the touch panels 16 of the mounting devices M1 to M6 of the information regarding the exchange of the first unit U1 and the second unit U2. This allows the production capacity of the mounting devices M1 to M6 to be appropriately leveled.

[0054] As explained above, this disclosure discloses the following technical concepts.

[0055] (Technology 1) Operation information 24 includes the number of uses or amount of use of unit U, which is mounted and used at the mounting positions of multiple mounting devices M1 to M6, Frequency information 25, including the usage frequency 25b of unit U used when mounted at mounting positions of multiple mounting devices M1 to M6, is obtained. Among the combinations of the first unit U1 and the second unit U2 that are used and mounted in different mounting positions, Based on the operation information 24 and frequency information 25, when the first unit U1 and the second unit U2 are used interchangeably, a combination is identified in which the difference ΔN2 between the number of uses or usage amount of the first unit U1 and the second unit U2 decreases as the usage time elapses. A control device 3 has a processing unit 21 that guides the exchange of specified combinations of units U.

[0056] This allows for the appropriate leveling of the production capacity of mounting equipment M1 to M6.

[0057] (Technology 2) The management device 3 described in Technical Reference 1, wherein the usage frequency 25b of the mounting position (first mounting position P1) in which the first unit U1 is installed and used is higher than the usage frequency 25b of the mounting position (second mounting position P2) in which the second unit U2 is installed and used.

[0058] This reduces the difference ΔN2 between the number of uses or usage amount of the first unit U1 and the second unit U2, thereby appropriately leveling the production capacity of the mounting devices M1 to M6.

[0059] (Technology 3) The first unit U1 and the second unit U2 are used in the same implementation line L1-L3, and the control device 3 is as described in Technology 1 or 2.

[0060] This reduces the difference ΔN2 between the number of uses or usage amount of the first unit U1 and the second unit U2 used on the same mounting line L1 to L3, thereby appropriately leveling the production capacity of mounting equipment M1 to M6.

[0061] (Technology 4) The mounting devices M1 to M6 on which the first unit U1 was attached are located upstream of the mounting devices M1 to M6 on which the second unit U2 was attached, in the direction in which the multiple mounting devices M1 to M6 are lined up, and this is the management device 3 described in any of technologies 1 to 3.

[0062] This reduces the difference ΔN2 between the number of uses or usage amount of the first unit U1 and the second unit U2, thereby appropriately leveling the production capacity of the mounting devices M1 to M6.

[0063] (Technology 5) The first unit U1 and the second unit U2 are used in different implementation lines L1 to L3, as described in Technology 1 or 2, for the control device 3.

[0064] This reduces the difference ΔN2 in the number of uses or usage amount of the first unit U1 and the second unit U2 used in different mounting lines L1 to L3, thereby appropriately leveling the production capacity of mounting equipment M1 to M6.

[0065] (Technology 6) The mounting lines L1 to L3, where mounting devices M1 to M6, which were installed with the first unit U1, are located, produce a larger number of mounted circuit boards than the mounting lines L1 to L3, where mounting devices M1 to M6, which were installed with the second unit U2, are located, as described in Technical 5, management device 3.

[0066] This reduces the difference ΔN2 in the number of uses or usage amount of the first unit U1 and the second unit U2 used in different mounting lines L1 to L3, thereby appropriately leveling the production capacity of mounting equipment M1 to M6.

[0067] (Technology 7) The control device 3 according to any one of the technologies 1 to 6, wherein the first unit U1 and the second unit U2 are either a feeder 8 for supplying components, a head 12 for picking up components from the feeder 8 and mounting them on a substrate B, or a drive mechanism 13 for moving a movable member 11a to which the head 12 can be attached between the feeder 8 and the substrate B in a horizontal plane.

[0068] This reduces the difference ΔN2 in the number of uses or usage amount of each of the feeder 8, head 12, and drive mechanism 13 that are mounted and used in different positions, thereby appropriately leveling the production capacity of the mounting devices M1 to M6.

[0069] (Technology 8) A method for managing a unit U that is mounted and used in the mounting positions of mounting devices M1 to M6, Operation information 24 including the number of times or amount of use of unit U which is mounted and used at mounting positions of multiple mounting devices M1 to M6, and frequency information 25 including the frequency of use 25b of unit U which is mounted and used at mounting positions of multiple mounting devices M1 to M6 are obtained (ST1), Among the combinations of the first unit U1 and the second unit U2 that are mounted and used at different mounting positions (first mounting position P1, second mounting position P2), the combination in which the difference ΔN2 between the number of uses or usage amount of the first unit U1 and the second unit U2 decreases as the usage time elapses is identified based on the operation information 24 and frequency information 25 when the first unit U1 and the second unit U2 are used interchangeably (ST2~ST7). A management method (ST8) that guides the exchange of specific combinations of Unit U.

[0070] This allows for the appropriate leveling of the production capacity of mounting equipment M1 to M6. [Industrial applicability]

[0071] The control device and control method disclosed herein have the effect of appropriately leveling the production capacity of mounting equipment and are useful in the field of mounting components onto substrates. [Explanation of symbols]

[0072] 3 Management device 8 feeders 11a Movable member 12 heads 13. Drive mechanism B substrate L1~L3 Implementation Line M1~M6 Mounting Equipment U Unit U1 Unit 1 U2 Unit 2 ΔN1, ΔN2 difference

Claims

1. Operational information including the number of uses or amount of use of a unit that is mounted and used at mounting positions of multiple mounting devices, Frequency information including the frequency of use of units that are mounted and used at the mounting positions of multiple mounting devices is obtained, Among the combinations of the first and second units that are mounted and used in different mounting positions, Based on the operation information and frequency information, when the first unit and the second unit are used interchangeably, a combination is identified in which the difference in the number of uses or the amount of use between the first unit and the second unit decreases as the usage time elapses. A processing unit that guides the exchange of the specified combination of units, Management device.

2. The frequency of use of the mounting position in which the first unit is installed and used is higher than the frequency of use of the mounting position in which the second unit is installed and used. The control device according to claim 1.

3. The first unit and the second unit are used on the same assembly line. The control device according to claim 2.

4. The mounting device on which the first unit was attached is located upstream of the mounting device on which the second unit was attached, in the direction in which the multiple mounting devices are lined up. The control device according to claim 3.

5. The first unit and the second unit are used on different implementation lines. The control device according to claim 2.

6. The mounting line on which the mounting device to which the first unit was installed is located produces a larger number of mounted circuit boards than the mounting line on which the mounting device to which the second unit was installed. The control device according to claim 5.

7. The first unit and the second unit are either a feeder for supplying components, a head for picking up components from the feeder and mounting them onto a substrate, or a drive mechanism for moving a movable member to which the head can be attached between the feeder and the substrate in a horizontal plane. The control device according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. A method for managing a unit that is mounted and used in a mounting position on an implementation device, Operation information including the number of times or amount of use of units mounted and used in the mounting positions of multiple mounting devices, and frequency information including the frequency of use of units mounted and used in the mounting positions of multiple mounting devices are acquired. Among the combinations of the first unit and the second unit used mounted in different mounting positions, a combination is identified in which, when the first unit and the second unit are used interchangeably, the difference in the number of uses or the amount of use between the first unit and the second unit decreases as the usage time elapses, based on the operation information and the frequency information. This guides the exchange of the specified combination of units. Management method.

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