Component mounting system

Abstract

To provide a component mounting system that can suppress the decline in productivity of mounted circuit boards. [Solution] The component mounting system comprises multiple production lines having component supply units equipped with multiple mounting sections, multiple replenishment devices that can move along each of multiple movement paths passing through any of the component supply units of each production line, and a replenishment planning device that creates a plan for replenishment work for each replenishment device. The replenishment planning device performs work unit creation processing and replenishment plan creation processing. In the work unit creation processing, the replenishment planning device creates replenishment work units for each of the multiple movement paths, for replenishment work to replenishment request mounting sections where replenishment of component supply elements is required at each mounting section of the component supply unit. In the replenishment plan creation processing, the replenishment planning device creates a replenishment plan by treating at least one of the replenishment devices as a spare replenishment device and assigning each of the replenishment work units for each of the multiple movement paths to one of the replenishment devices.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a component mounting system provided with a production line for producing mounting substrates. [Background Art]

[0002] In a component mounting system, a plurality of component mounters are arranged in the conveyance direction of a substrate such as a printed circuit board, and the system includes a production line that produces a mounting substrate by mounting components onto the substrate in each component mounter. In the production line, each component mounter includes a component supply unit provided with a plurality of mounting portions on which component supply elements that supply components are mounted. In the production line, a replenishment work for replenishing component supply elements is performed on replenishment-requested mounting portions that require replenishment of component supply elements among the respective mounting portions of the component supply unit.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for improving the efficiency of replenishment work of replenishing component storage members as component supply elements to component supply devices mounted on respective mounting portions of a component supply unit. In the technique disclosed in Patent Document 1, by identifying component supply devices capable of replenishing component storage members at the same replenishment timing, a replenishment plan indicating the plan of replenishment work for the component supply devices is created. By performing replenishment work according to the replenishment plan, it becomes possible to collectively perform replenishment work of component storage members for component supply devices capable of replenishing component storage members at the same replenishment timing.

[0004] Incidentally, there are cases where a replenishment device is caused to perform replenishment work of replenishing component supply elements to replenishment-requested mounting portions of a component supply unit. In this case, by applying the technique disclosed in Patent Document 1 and creating a replenishment plan for the replenishment device, it becomes possible to improve the efficiency of replenishment work performed by the replenishment device on replenishment-requested mounting portions.

[0005] However, problems may occur that delay the replenishment of the replenishment equipment, or multiple requests for the replenishment of component supply elements may occur simultaneously. In such cases, the replenishment work by the replenishment equipment may be delayed compared to the replenishment plan. As a result, delays in the replenishment of component supply elements by the replenishment equipment may cause the supply of components from the component supply unit to stop, potentially reducing the productivity of mounted circuit boards on the production line. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2018 / 135446 [Overview of the Initiative]

[0007] The object of the present invention is to provide a component mounting system that can suppress the decrease in productivity of mounted substrates on a production line caused by delays in the replenishment of component supply elements by a replenishment device.

[0008] A component mounting system according to one aspect of the present invention comprises: a component supply unit having a plurality of mounting sections on which component supply elements can be attached, a plurality of production lines that produce mounted substrates by mounting components supplied from the component supply elements attached to each of the mounting sections onto a substrate; a plurality of replenishment devices that are movable along each of a plurality of movement paths that pass through any of the component supply units of each production line, and that are capable of performing replenishment work to replenish component supply elements to be replenished to each of the mounting sections of the component supply unit along each of the movement paths; and a replenishment planning device that creates a replenishment plan showing the plan for the replenishment of the component supply elements to be replenished by each of the replenishment devices. The replenishment planning device identifies a replenishment request mounting unit in each of the mounting units of the parts supply unit of each production line where the replenishment of the parts supply element to be replenished is required, and performs a work unit creation process to create a replenishment work unit for each of the replenishment devices that indicates the replenishment work for the replenishment request mounting unit, for each of the movement paths, and performs a replenishment plan creation process to create the replenishment plan by treating at least one of the replenishment devices as a spare replenishment device and assigning each of the replenishment work units for each movement path to one of the replenishment devices.

[0009] The object, features, and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description and accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] This figure schematically shows the configuration of a component mounting system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a plan view showing the configuration of a component mounting machine included in a component mounting system. [Figure 3] This is a block diagram of a component mounting system. [Figure 4] This diagram illustrates the processing of a supply management device provided in a component mounting system. [Figure 5] This flowchart shows the processing flow of a supply planning device included in a component mounting system. [Figure 6]This flowchart shows the flow of the supply plan creation process for the supply planning system. [Figure 7] This diagram illustrates the process for creating work units in the supply planning system. [Figure 8] This diagram illustrates the contents of the supply plan creation process of the supply planning device. [Figure 9] This diagram illustrates the contents of the supply plan creation process of the supply planning device. [Figure 10] This figure schematically shows the configuration of a component mounting system according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] This is a block diagram of the component mounting system according to the second embodiment. [Figure 12] This figure illustrates the contents of the work unit creation process and the supply plan creation process of the supply planning device in the component mounting system according to the second embodiment. [Figure 13] This figure illustrates the contents of the supply plan creation process of the supply planning device in the component mounting system according to the second embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] The component mounting system according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the directional relationships will be explained using mutually orthogonal XY coordinate axes on the horizontal plane.

[0012] [Overall configuration of the component mounting system according to the first embodiment] The component mounting system 100 shown in Figure 1 is a system for producing mounted circuit boards on which components such as electronic components are mounted on a substrate such as a printed circuit board. The component mounting system 100 comprises a plurality of production lines 1A, 1B for producing mounted circuit boards, a storage device 7, a plurality of replenishment devices 8A, 8B, 8C, a replenishment management device 9A, and a replenishment planning device 9B.

[0013] <About the production line> The plurality of production lines 1A, 1B are each installed in a predetermined production area AR1, and include at least a plurality of component mounters 2 arranged along the substrate conveyance direction F1 along the X-axis direction. Each of the production lines 1A, 1B is capable of producing a mounted substrate by mounting components onto a substrate in each of the component mounters 2. FIG. 1 shows an example in which a total of two production lines, a first production line 1A and a second production line 1B, are installed in the production area AR1. Note that, in each of the production lines 1A, 1B, a printing device 3 that prints solder paste onto a substrate may be arranged upstream in the conveyance direction F1 with respect to the plurality of component mounters 2, and a reflow device 5 that performs reflow processing may be arranged downstream in the conveyance direction F1 with respect to the plurality of component mounters 2. Further, in the substrate conveyance direction F1, for example, a first inspection device 4 may be arranged at a position between the component mounter 2 and the reflow device 5, and a second inspection device 6 may be arranged at a position downstream of the reflow device 5.

[0014] As will be described in detail later, in each of the production lines 1A, 1B, each component mounter 2 includes a component supply unit 24 provided with a plurality of mounting portions capable of mounting component supply elements such as feeders that supply components. In the example of FIG. 1, each component mounter 2 includes the component supply unit 24 at each of one end portion and the other end portion in the Y-axis direction.

[0015] Each component mounter 2 in each of the production lines 1A, 1B will be described with reference to FIG. 2. The component mounter 2 includes a main body frame 21, a conveyor 23, the component supply unit 24, a head unit 25, and a substrate support unit 28.

[0016] The main body frame 21 is a structure on which each component constituting the component mounter 2 is arranged, and is formed into a substantially rectangular shape in a plan view seen from a direction (vertical direction) orthogonal to both the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction. The conveyor 23 extends in the X-axis direction and is arranged on the main body frame 21. The conveyor 23 conveys the substrate PB in the conveyance direction F1 along the X-axis direction. The substrate PB conveyed on the conveyor 23 is positioned at a predetermined working position (a component mounting position where components are mounted on the substrate PB) by the substrate support unit 28. The substrate support unit 28 positions the substrate PB on the conveyor 23 by supporting the substrate PB from the lower side.

[0017] The component supply units 24 are arranged at one end and the other end of the main body frame 21 in the Y-axis direction with the conveyor 23 interposed therebetween. The component supply unit 24 has a plurality of mounting portions 24A to which feeders 24F can be mounted. In the component supply unit 24, the plurality of mounting portions 24A are arranged in the X-axis direction. The plurality of mounting portions 24A define the mounting positions of the respective feeders 24F in the component supply unit 24 for each component to be suction-held by a mounting head 251 provided in a head unit 25 described later.

[0018] The feeder 24F is detachably mounted to each mounting portion 24A of the component supply unit 24. The feeder 24F is a component supply element that supplies components. The component supply method of the feeder 24F is not particularly limited as long as it is configured to be able to supply components. As the feeder 24F, for example, a tape feeder of a type that supplies components using a tape as a carrier, a tray feeder of a type that supplies components by moving a tray on which components are placed, and a stick feeder of a type that supplies components stored in a cylindrical stick while pushing them out from the stick can be employed. In the case of a tape feeder, a reel around which a tape is wound can be handled as a component supply element; in the case of a tray feeder, a tray can be handled as a component supply element; and in the case of a stick feeder, a stick can be handled as a component supply element.

[0019] The following describes the case where a tape feeder is used as the feeder 24F. There are two types of tape feeders: an automatic loading tape feeder (ALF) and a cassette feeder (CF). The ALF is equipped with multiple reels on which tape is wound. In the ALF, after the supply of components corresponding to the tape being fed from the preceding reel is completed, it is possible to supply components according to the tape being fed from the subsequent reel. When the ALF is mounted on the mounting section 24A of the component supply unit 24, when the tape being fed from the preceding reel is completed, a reel is supplied to the mounting section 24A as a component supply element, thereby enabling the continuous supply of components. The CF is equipped with a single reel on which tape is wound. When the CF is mounted on the mounting section 24A of the component supply unit 24, when the tape being fed from the CF reel is completed, a new CF is supplied to the mounting section 24A as a component supply element. In the following explanation, regardless of whether the feeder 24F is ALF or CF, the component supply element that is the target of supply to the mounting section 24A of the component supply unit 24 will be described as "feeder 24F".

[0020] The head unit 25 is held on the movable frame 27. A fixed rail 261 extending in the Y-axis direction and a ball screw shaft 262 rotationally driven by a Y-axis servo motor 263 are arranged on the main frame 21. The movable frame 27 is positioned on the fixed rail 261, and a nut portion 271 provided on the movable frame 27 is screwed onto the ball screw shaft 262. The movable frame 27 is also provided with a guide member 272 extending in the X-axis direction and a ball screw shaft 273 driven by an X-axis servo motor 274. The head unit 25 is movably held on the guide member 272, and a nut portion provided on the head unit 25 is screwed onto the ball screw shaft 273. When the Y-axis servo motor 263 is activated, the movable frame 27 moves in the Y-axis direction, and when the X-axis servo motor 274 is activated, the head unit 25 moves in the X-axis direction relative to the movable frame 27. In other words, the head unit 25 is movable in the Y-axis direction as the moving frame 27 moves, and is also movable in the X-axis direction along the moving frame 27. The head unit 25 is movable between the component supply unit 24 and the substrate PB supported by the substrate support unit 28. By moving between the component supply unit 24 and the substrate PB, the head unit 25 performs a component suction and mounting operation, which involves suctioning and holding components and mounting the held components onto the substrate PB.

[0021] The head unit 25 is equipped with multiple mounting heads 251. Each mounting head 251 picks up components supplied by the feeder 24F and performs a component pick-up and mounting operation to mount the picked-up components onto the substrate PB. This component pick-up and mounting operation of the mounting heads 251 produces mounted substrates in the component mounting machine 2. The mounting heads 251 can communicate with a negative pressure generator, a positive pressure generator, or the atmosphere via an electric switching valve. In other words, when negative pressure is supplied to the mounting head 251, the mounting head 251 can pick up and hold components, and then when positive pressure is supplied, the pick-up and holding of the components is released. The mounting heads 251 perform the component mounting process to mount the picked-up components onto the substrate PB, corresponding to each of the multiple target mounting positions set on the substrate PB.

[0022] <About storage equipment> As shown in Figure 1, the storage device 7 is installed in the preparation area AR2, which is adjacent to the waiting area AR3 described later, within the production area AR1. In the preparation area AR2, workers or robotic operators prepare the feeders 24F to be supplied to the mounting section 24A of each parts supply unit 24 of each production line 1A, 1B. The workers or robotic operators then replenish the prepared feeders 24F in the storage device 7. The storage device 7 includes a storage unit 71 capable of storing multiple feeders 24F.

[0023] <Regarding the supply equipment> As shown in Figure 1, the component mounting system 100 is equipped with multiple supply devices 8A, 8B, and 8C. Figure 1 shows an example where there are two production lines 1A and 1B, and a total of three supply devices: the first supply device 8A, the second supply device 8B, and the third supply device 8C. In the following description, supply devices 8A, 8B, and 8C may be collectively referred to as "supply device 8".

[0024] Each replenishment device 8 is a robot capable of moving within the production area AR1. Each replenishment device 8 comprises a mobile body 81, a holding unit 82 mounted on the mobile body 81, and a work unit 83. The mobile body 81 is an unmanned vehicle that automatically moves within the production area AR1. The holding unit 82 is a unit capable of holding multiple feeders 24F to be replenished. The work unit 83 is a unit that performs the task of moving the feeders 24F relative to the holding unit 82. Each replenishment device 8 is equipped with a battery, and the electrical energy from this battery is used to enable the mobile body 81 to move automatically and the work unit 83 to perform the task of moving the feeders 4F.

[0025] Each replenishment device 8 can move along each of several movement paths R1 and R2, which pass through the storage unit 71 of the storage device 7 and either of the parts supply units 24 of each production line 1A or 1B, in accordance with the movement of the vehicle 81. The first movement path R1 is a movement path that starts from a predetermined waiting area AR3 in the production area AR1 as the starting point RS and ends at RE, passes through the storage unit 71, and also passes through the parts supply unit 24 of the first production line 1A. The second movement path R2 is a movement path that starts from the waiting area AR3 as the starting point RS and ends at RE, passes through the storage unit 71, and also passes through the parts supply unit 24 of the second production line 1B.

[0026] Each replenishment device 8, while positioned at position P1 of the storage unit 71 on each of the movement paths R1 and R2, can perform a transfer operation by the work unit 83 to transfer the feeder 24F to be replenished, which is stored in the storage unit 71, to the holding unit 82. In addition, each replenishment device 8, while positioned at position P2 of the parts supply unit 24 on each of the movement paths R1 and R2, can perform a replenishment operation by the work unit 83 to retrieve the feeder 24F to be recovered from the mounting section 24A of the parts supply unit 24 to the holding unit 82, and then replenish the feeder 24F to be replenished from the holding unit 82 to the mounting section 24A in accordance with the retrieval.

[0027] As shown in Figures 1 and 3, the component mounting system 100 includes a supply management device 9A that manages each supply device 8, and a supply planning device 9B that creates a supply plan SP showing the supply plan for the feeders 24F to be supplied by each supply device 8. The supply management device 9A and the supply planning device 9B are each configured, for example, by a personal computer. The supply management device 9A may be incorporated into the supply planning device 9B. In this case, the supply planning device 9B will have the function of managing each supply device 8 and the function of creating a supply plan SP.

[0028] <About the supply management system> The supply management device 9A will be described with reference to Figure 4 in addition to Figure 3. The supply management device 9A is connected to each supply device 8 in a data communication manner, and is also connected to the supply planning device 9B in a data communication manner. Functionally, the supply management device 9A comprises a management unit 9A1 and a control unit 9A2.

[0029] The management unit 9A1 manages specification information DA1 and supply management information DA2, which are information related to each supply device 8.

[0030] Specification information DA1 is information that indicates the specifications regarding the transfer and replenishment capabilities of each replenishment device 8. Specification information DA1 includes various types of information, such as information indicating which feeders (ALF and CF) each replenishment device 8 can handle as feeders 24F, information indicating the movement speed of each replenishment device 8 on each movement path R1, R2, and information indicating the maximum number of feeders 24F that can be held in the holding unit 82 of each replenishment device 8.

[0031] The supply management information DA2 includes the operating status SO of each supply device 8 and the priority AP of each supply device 8. The operating status SO indicates the operating status of each supply device 8 and includes information about the movement paths R1 and R2 where each supply device 8 is located, and information about the state of each supply device 8. The state of each supply device 8 includes standby and supplying states. A supply device 8 in standby is located in standby area AR3. A supply device 8 in supplying is in the process of supplying feeders 24F to the mounting section 24A of parts supply unit 24 on movement paths R1 and R2, corresponding to the supply work unit WU shown in the supply plan SP created by the supply planning device 9B described below. The priority AP of each supply device 8 indicates the priority of the supply work unit WU allocation to the supply device 8 by the supply planning device 9B. The priority AP of each supply device 8 is set based on the transfer and supply work capabilities of each supply device 8 shown in the specification information DA1. Specifically, the priority AP of each supply device 8 is set based on the movement speed of each supply device 8 included in the specification information DA1. In this case, as the movement speed of the supply device 8 increases, the priority AP for assigning supply work units WU is set to a higher level. Note that among the supply devices 8, the reserve supply devices that are treated as backup supply devices by the supply planning device 9B and are in a standby state are not subject to priority AP setting.

[0032] The control unit 9A2 acquires the replenishment plan SP created by the replenishment planning device 9B (step a1). The control unit 9A2 operates each replenishment device 8 based on the control data DA3 corresponding to the replenishment plan SP (step a2). As a result, each replenishment device 8 moves along the movement paths R1 and R2. On the movement paths R1 and R2, each replenishment device 8 performs a transfer operation to transfer the feeder 24F to be replenished, which is stored in the storage unit 71, to the holding unit 82, and also performs a replenishment operation to replenish the feeder 24F to be replenished to the mounting section 24A of the parts supply unit 24, corresponding to the replenishment operation unit WU indicated in the replenishment plan SP.

[0033] As each supply device 8 is activated, the operating status of each supply device 8 changes, and the management unit 9A1 updates the operating status SO in the supply management information DA2 (step a3).

[0034] Under conditions where each replenishment device 8 is operating based on control data DA3 corresponding to the replenishment plan SP, problems may occur that cause delays in the replenishment work of the replenishment device 8. Examples of problems with the replenishment device 8 include problems where the movement of the replenishment device 8 stops due to obstacles on the movement paths R1 and R2, and problems where the remaining charge of the battery of the replenishment device 8 falls below a predetermined value. When such problems with the replenishment device 8 occur, as will be described in detail later, in order to suppress delays in the replenishment work by the replenishment device 8, the replenishment planning device 9B updates the replenishment plan SP by changing the replenishment device 8 to which the replenishment work unit WU is assigned. In this case, the control unit 9A2 determines whether or not the replenishment plan SP has been updated by the replenishment planning device 9B (step a4). The control unit 9A2 determines that the replenishment plan SP has been updated when it obtains the updated replenishment plan SP from the replenishment planning device 9B. If the replenishment plan SP has been updated (YES in step a4), the control unit 9A2 updates the control data DA3 according to the update of the replenishment plan SP (step a5). Then, the control unit 9A2 operates each replenishment device 8 based on the updated control data DA3 (step a6). As a result, each replenishment device 8 performs a replenishment operation to supply the feeder 24F to be replenished to the mounting section 24A of the parts supply unit 24, corresponding to the replenishment work unit WU shown in the updated replenishment plan SP.

[0035] When the replenishment planning device 9B updates the replenishment plan SP, and the replenishment device 8 to which a replenishment work unit WU is assigned changes, the operating status SO of the replenishment device 8 changes, and the priority AP for assigning the replenishment work unit WU to the replenishment device 8 by the replenishment planning device 9B also changes. In this case, the management unit 9A1 updates the operating status SO and priority AP in the replenishment management information DA2 in accordance with the update of the replenishment plan SP by the replenishment planning device 9B (step a7).

[0036] <About the supply planning device> The replenishment planning device 9B will be described with reference to Figures 3, as well as Figures 5 to 9. The replenishment planning device 9B is connected to each component mounting machine 2 of each production line 1A, 1B in a data communication manner, and is also connected to the replenishment management device 9A in a data communication manner. The replenishment planning device 9B has a functional configuration that includes a communication unit 9B1, an operation unit 9B2, a storage unit 9B3, and a processing unit 9B4.

[0037] The communication unit 9B1 is an interface circuit for data communication with each component mounting machine 2 on each production line 1A, 1B, and the supply management device 9A. The operation unit 9B2 consists of a touch panel, keyboard, etc., and accepts operator input operations and inputs various information. The storage unit 9B3 stores the supply management information DA2 acquired from the supply management device 9A via the communication unit 9B1 as internally held information DB1 in a rewritable format. The processing unit 9B4 acquires various information via the communication unit 9B1 and the operation unit 9B2, and based on the acquired information, performs supply planning processing to create a supply plan SP that shows the supply plan of the feeders 24F by each supply device 8.

[0038] As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the processing unit 9B4 repeatedly performs the work unit creation process b1, the supply device recognition process b2, and the supply plan creation process b3 periodically in a supply plan cycle that indicates the period for creating the supply plan SP.

[0039] (Work unit creation process) The work unit creation process b1 performed by the processing unit 9B4 will be explained with reference to Figures 5 and 7. In the work unit creation process b1, the processing unit 9B4 acquires production status information DM from each component mounting machine 2 of each production line 1A and 1B via the communication unit 9B1 (step b11). The production status information DM is information that shows the current status of production of mounted boards by each component mounting machine 2. The production status information DM includes, for example, the type and number of boards currently being produced by each component mounting machine 2, the type of feeder 24F attached to each mounting section 24A of the component supply unit 24 of each component mounting machine 2, and the type and remaining number of components supplied by the feeder 24F. Based on the production status information DM of each component mounting machine 2, the processing unit 9B4 calculates the expected component depletion time T1, which indicates the expected time of component depletion for each feeder 24F attached to each mounting section 24A of the component supply unit 24, corresponding to each production line 1A and 1B (step b12).

[0040] The processing unit 9B4 determines whether it is possible to replenish the feeder 24F to be replenished for each mounting section 24A of the component supply unit 24 of each component mounting machine 2, in order of the earliest scheduled component depletion time T1. In this case, the processing unit 9B4 determines that it is possible to replenish the feeder 24F to be replenished for a mounting section 24A where an ALF feeder 24F is installed, if the feeder 24F has finished feeding tape from the preceding reel among multiple reels and is now feeding tape from the subsequent reel. Furthermore, if each of the multiple mounting sections 24A is equipped with a CF feeder 24F capable of supplying the same type of component, the processing unit 9B4 determines that it is possible to replenish the feeder 24F to be replenished for the mounting section 24A where the feeder 24F with the earliest scheduled component depletion time T1 is installed is installed.

[0041] Then, as shown in Figure 7, the processing unit 9B4 identifies the mounting units 24A of each component mounting machine 2 that are in a state where they can replenish the feeder 24F to be replenished, in order of the earliest scheduled time T1 for running out of components, as the replenishment request mounting units 24AS for which replenishment of the feeder 24F to be replenished is required (step b13). The processing unit 9B4 then creates a replenishment work unit WU indicating the replenishment work of the replenishment device 8 for the replenishment request mounting unit 24AS, for each movement path R1, R2 that the replenishment device 8 moves when performing the replenishment work (step b14). In one movement along the movement paths R1, R2, the replenishment device 8 will perform the replenishment work for the replenishment request mounting unit 24AS corresponding to the replenishment work unit WU.

[0042] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 7, the processing unit 9B4 creates multiple replenishment work units WU for each travel path R1, R2 according to the expected time T1 of parts depletion for the feeder 24F attached to the replenishment request attachment unit 24AS. In the example in Figure 7, the processing unit 9B4 creates two replenishment work units WU, WUA1 and WUA2, corresponding to the first travel path R1. The expected time T1 of parts depletion for the feeder 24F attached to the replenishment request attachment unit 24AS is earlier for replenishment work unit WUA1 than for replenishment work unit WUA2. In this case, the replenishment device 8 performs replenishment work on the replenishment request attachment unit 24AS corresponding to replenishment work unit WUA1 during the first move along the first travel path R1, and performs replenishment work on the replenishment request attachment unit 24AS corresponding to replenishment work unit WUA2 during the second move. Similarly, the processing unit 9B4 creates two replenishment work units WU, WUB1 and WUB2, corresponding to the second movement path R2. The expected time T1 for parts running out of the feeder 24F attached to the replenishment request attachment unit 24AS is earlier for replenishment work unit WUB1 than for replenishment work unit WUB2. In this case, the replenishment device 8 will perform replenishment work on the replenishment request attachment unit 24AS corresponding to replenishment work unit WUB1 during the first movement along the second movement path R2, and perform replenishment work on the replenishment request attachment unit 24AS corresponding to replenishment work unit WUB2 during the second movement.

[0043] (Resupply device recognition process) The supply device recognition process b2 performed by the processing unit 9B4 will be explained with reference to Figure 5. In the supply device recognition process b2, the processing unit 9B4 obtains specification information DA1 from the supply management device 9A via the communication unit 9B1 (step b21) and obtains supply management information DA2 (step b22). The processing unit 9B4 stores the supply management information DA2 obtained from the supply management device 9A in the storage unit 9B3 in a rewritable format as internally held information DB1 (step b23). Based on the supply management information DA2, the processing unit 9B4 recognizes the current operating status SO of each supply device 8 (step b24) and recognizes the priority AP of each supply device 8 (step b25).

[0044] (Resupply plan creation process) The supply plan creation process b3 performed by the processing unit 9B4 will be explained with reference to Figures 6, 8, and 9. In the supply plan creation process b3, the processing unit 9B4 treats at least one of the supply devices 8 as a backup supply device, which is kept on standby in the standby area AR3 for emergency situations where delays in supply operations are anticipated. In the example shown in Figures 8 and 9, the processing unit 9B4 treats the third supply device 8C, one of the three supply devices 8A, 8B, and 8C, as a backup supply device. The processing unit 9B4 then creates a supply plan SP by assigning each of the supply work units WU for each of the multiple travel paths R1 and R2 to one of the supply devices 8. In emergencies, such as when a problem occurs in a supply device 8 to which a supply work unit WU has been assigned that could cause a delay in supply operations, or when the number of supply work units WU exceeds a predetermined number due to multiple simultaneous supply requests from feeders 24F, the backup supply device can be used as a response. This prevents delays in the replenishment operation by the replenishment device 8 compared to the replenishment plan SP. As a result, it is possible to prevent a decrease in the productivity of mounted circuit boards on production lines 1A and 1B due to a delay in the replenishment of feeder 24F by the replenishment device 8, which would cause the supply of parts from the parts supply unit 24 to stop.

[0045] Specifically, in the supply plan creation process b3, the processing unit 9B4 recognizes at least one of the supply devices 8 as a backup supply device based on at least one of the operational status SO and priority AP information included in the supply management information DA2 (step b31). In the example in Figures 8 and 9, the processing unit 9B4 recognizes the third supply device 8C, one of the three supply devices 8A, 8B, and 8C, as a backup supply device.

[0046] The processing unit 9B4 determines whether the number of replenishment work units WU for each travel route R1, R2 is less than or equal to a predetermined number in the unit period indicated by the replenishment planning cycle (step b32). If the number of replenishment work units WU is less than or equal to the predetermined number (YES in step b32), the processing unit 9B4 assigns the remaining replenishment devices among the multiple replenishment devices 8, excluding the reserve replenishment device, to each of the replenishment work units WU for each travel route R1, R2 (step b33). In the example in Figures 8 and 9, the processing unit 9B4 assigns the remaining replenishment devices 8A and 8B, excluding the 3rd replenishment device 8C which is a reserve replenishment device, to each of the replenishment work units WU for each travel route R1, R2. In this case, the 3rd replenishment device 8C, which is a reserve replenishment device, can be kept on standby in the standby area AR3 for emergency response, such as when a problem occurs in the 1st replenishment device 8A or 2nd replenishment device 8B to which the replenishment work units WU have been assigned.

[0047] Once the replenishment device 8 to which the replenishment work unit WU is to be assigned is set, the processing unit 9B4 assigns each of the replenishment work units WU for each of the travel paths R1 and R2 to the replenishment device 8 that has been set as the assignment target (step b35). In the example in Figures 8 and 9, the processing unit 9B4 assigns replenishment work units WUA1 and WUA2 corresponding to the first travel path R1 to the first replenishment device 8A, and assigns replenishment work units WUB1 and WUB2 corresponding to the second travel path R2 to the second replenishment device 8B.

[0048] If multiple requests for replenishment of feeders 24F occur simultaneously at each mounting section 24A of the parts supply unit 24 of each production line 1A, 1B, it is expected that the number of replenishment work units WU will temporarily exceed a predetermined number. If the number of replenishment work units WU for each movement path R1, R2 exceeds a predetermined number in the unit period indicated by the replenishment plan cycle when creating the replenishment plan SP (NO in step b32), the processing unit 9B4 will create the replenishment plan SP including the spare replenishment device as a target for assignment of replenishment work units WU (step b34). The processing unit 9B4 can switch whether or not to include the spare replenishment device as a target for assignment of replenishment work units WU in response to input operations by the operator via the operation unit 9B2.

[0049] In the example shown in Figure 8, for the replenishment work unit WU corresponding to the second movement path R2, the number of replenishment work units WUB1 is below a predetermined number, but the number of replenishment work units WUB2 exceeds a predetermined number, resulting in the existence of replenishment work units WUB21 and WUB22. In this case, the processing unit 9B4 includes the third replenishment device 8C, which acts as a backup replenishment device, as a target for assignment to replenishment work unit WUB2. Then, the processing unit 9B4 assigns replenishment work unit WUB1 to the second replenishment device 8B, assigns replenishment work unit WUB21 to the second replenishment device 8B, and assigns replenishment work unit WUB22 to the third replenishment device 8C, which acts as a backup replenishment device (step b35). This makes it possible to perform replenishment work for the replenishment request attachment unit 24AS corresponding to each of the replenishment work units WUB2 that exceed a predetermined number, including the third replenishment device 8C as a backup replenishment device. In this case, delays in replenishment work for the replenishment request attachment unit 24AS corresponding to each of the replenishment work units WUB2 that temporarily exceed a predetermined number can be suppressed.

[0050] In this embodiment, when the processing unit 9B4 assigns each replenishment work unit WU for each travel path R1 and R2 to the replenishment device 8, it refers to the priority AP included in the replenishment management information DA2 obtained from the replenishment management device 9A. That is, the processing unit 9B4 assigns each replenishment work unit WU for each travel path R1 and R2 in the order of the priority AP set based on the replenishment work capacity of each replenishment device 8. In this case, the replenishment work unit WU is assigned in order from the replenishment device 8 with the highest replenishment work capacity. As a result, the processing unit 9B4 can create a replenishment plan SP that shortens the time required for replenishment work for the replenishment request attachment unit 24AS corresponding to the replenishment work unit WU.

[0051] In step b35, when each replenishment work unit WU for each travel path R1 and R2 is assigned to the replenishment device 8, the processing unit 9B4 determines, based on the specification information DA1 obtained from the replenishment management device 9A, whether the replenishment device 8 is capable of performing replenishment work on the replenishment request attachment unit 24AS corresponding to the replenishment work unit WU. If a replenishment work unit WU that cannot be performed has been assigned to the replenishment device 8, the processing unit 9B4 reviews the assignment of the replenishment work unit WU to the replenishment device 8 and repeats the process in step b35.

[0052] Once the assignment of replenishment work units WU to the replenishment device 8 is complete, the processing unit 9B4 calculates the standard work time T2 for each replenishment work unit WU (step b36). The standard work time T2 is the total time required until the replenishment work of the replenishment device 8 to the replenishment request mounting unit 24AS corresponding to the replenishment work unit WU is completed. Specifically, the standard work time T2 is expressed as the sum of the transfer work time, the travel time, and the replenishment work time. The transfer work time is the time required for the transfer work of the replenishment device 8 to the storage unit 71. The travel time is the time required for the movement from the storage unit 71 to the parts supply unit 24 where the replenishment request mounting unit 24AS is located along the travel paths R1 and R2. The replenishment work time is the time required for the replenishment work of the replenishment device 8 to the replenishment request mounting unit 24AS.

[0053] The processing unit 9B4 creates a supply plan SP, specifically a first supply plan SP1 for the current time and a second supply plan SP2 predicted after the first supply plan SP1, based on the allocation status of supply work units WU to each supply device 8 and the standard work time T2 for each supply work unit WU (step b37). The processing unit 9B4 creates the first supply plan SP1 for the current time, and then creates the second supply plan SP2 by predicting the completion of supply work related to the supply work unit WU corresponding to the first supply plan SP1.

[0054] The first replenishment plan SP1 shows the plan for each replenishment work unit WU, from the start time to the completion time, assuming that the replenishment device 8 performs replenishment work on each replenishment request mounting unit 24AS corresponding to the assigned replenishment work unit WU at the present time. The second replenishment plan SP2 is a predicted plan assuming that the replenishment work for the replenishment work unit WU corresponding to the first replenishment plan SP1 has been completed, and shows the plan for each replenishment work unit WU, from the start time to the completion time, assuming that the replenishment device 8 performs replenishment work on each replenishment request mounting unit 24AS corresponding to the assigned replenishment work unit WU. In both the first replenishment plan SP1 and the second replenishment plan SP2, the replenishment start time for each replenishment work unit WU is set to the earliest of the expected parts depletion times T1 for each replenishment request mounting unit 24AS corresponding to the replenishment work unit WU. Also, in both the first replenishment plan SP1 and the second replenishment plan SP2, the replenishment completion time for each replenishment work unit WU is set to a time after the standard working time T2 has elapsed from the replenishment start time.

[0055] In the examples shown in Figures 8 and 9, the processing unit 9B4 creates a current first replenishment plan SP1 corresponding to the replenishment work unit WUA1 assigned to the first replenishment device 8A and the replenishment work unit WUB1 assigned to the second replenishment device 8B. Subsequently, the processing unit 9B4 creates a predicted second replenishment plan SP2 corresponding to the replenishment work unit WUA2 assigned to the first replenishment device 8A and the replenishment work unit WUB2 assigned to the second replenishment device 8B. In this case, the first replenishment plan SP1 shows the plan when the first replenishment device 8A performs replenishment work on each replenishment request attachment unit 24AS corresponding to the replenishment work unit WUA1, and also shows the plan when the second replenishment device 8B performs replenishment work on each replenishment request attachment unit 24AS corresponding to the replenishment work unit WUB1. Furthermore, the second replenishment plan SP2 is a predicted plan that assumes the replenishment work by the first replenishment device 8A for the replenishment work unit WUA1 of the first replenishment plan SP1 has been completed, and that the replenishment work by the second replenishment device 8B for the replenishment work unit WUB1 of the first replenishment plan SP1 has been completed. The second replenishment plan SP2 shows the plan when the first replenishment device 8A performs replenishment work on each replenishment request attachment unit 24AS corresponding to the replenishment work unit WUA2, and also shows the plan when the second replenishment device 8B performs replenishment work on each replenishment request attachment unit 24AS corresponding to the replenishment work unit WUB2.

[0056] After the creation of the first replenishment plan SP1 and the second replenishment plan SP2, if a problem occurs with the replenishment device 8 to which a replenishment work unit WU has been assigned, a delay in replenishment work by that replenishment device 8 is expected. For this reason, the processing unit 9B4 determines whether there is a delay-expected unit among the replenishment work units WU for each of the movement paths R1 and R2 in the already created first replenishment plan SP1 and the second replenishment plan SP2, where a delay in replenishment work by the assigned replenishment device 8 is expected (step b38). If a delay-expected unit exists (YES in step b38), the processing unit 9B4 changes the target to which the delay-expected unit is assigned to a backup replenishment device waiting in the waiting area AR3 (step b39). In the example in Figure 9, a problem has occurred with the second replenishment device 8B, which is performing replenishment work on the replenishment request attachment unit 24AS corresponding to the replenishment work unit WUB1 of the first replenishment plan SP1. In this case, the replenishment work unit WUB2 assigned to the second replenishment device 8B in the second replenishment plan SP2 becomes the delay-expected unit. In this case, the processing unit 9B4 changes the target of the replenishment work unit WUB2, which is the unit for which delays are expected, from the second replenishment device 8B to the third replenishment device 8C, which is the backup replenishment device. In this case, the third replenishment device 8C, as the backup replenishment device, can perform the replenishment work for the replenishment request attachment unit 24AS corresponding to the replenishment work unit WUB2, which is the unit for which delays are expected. This eliminates the delay in the replenishment work for the replenishment request attachment unit 24AS corresponding to the unit for which delays are expected.

[0057] When the target of the delay assumption unit is changed to a backup supply device, the processing unit 9B4 rewrites the operating status SO and priority AP in the internal information DB1 stored in the storage unit 9B3 (step b40). In the example in Figure 9, the processing unit 9B4, in response to changing the target of the supply work unit WUB2 as the delay assumption unit from the second supply device 8B to the third supply device 8C, rewrites the operating status SO from the state of the second supply device 8B from supplying to standby, and rewrites the state of the third supply device 8C from standby to supplying. The processing unit 9B4 also removes the priority assigned to the second supply device 8B and assigns priority to the third supply device 8C.

[0058] Then, the processing unit 9B4 updates the supply plan SP in response to the change in the allocation target of the delay assumption unit to the reserve supply device (step b41).

[0059] When updating the supply plan SP, the processing unit 9B4 treats the supply device 8 that was assigned to the delay assumption unit as a new backup supply device. In the example in Figure 9, when the second supply device 8B, which was assigned to the supply work unit WUB2 as the delay assumption unit, completes the supply work corresponding to the supply work unit WUB1 and returns to the waiting area AR3, the processing unit 9B4 treats the second supply device 8B as a new backup supply device. The second supply device 8B, which was assigned the supply work unit WUB2 as the delay assumption unit in the original supply plan SP before the update, has had the assignment of the supply work unit WUB2, which is the target of the supply work, released after the supply plan SP is updated. Such a second supply device 8B can be kept on standby in the waiting area AR3 as a new backup supply device.

[0060] Furthermore, after updating the supply plan SP, the processing unit 9B4 assigns the remaining supply devices 8A and 8C (excluding the second supply device 8B, which will be designated as a new backup supply device) to each supply work unit WU for each travel route R1 and R2. In this case, after updating the supply plan SP, the remaining supply devices 8A and 8C (excluding the second supply device 8B, which will be designated as a new backup supply device) to each supply work unit WU. This allows the second supply device 8B to be kept on standby as a new backup supply device in case of emergencies, such as when a problem occurs with the first supply device 8A or third supply device 8C to which the supply work unit WU has been assigned.

[0061] [Second-Perspective Component Mounting System] The component mounting system 100 according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 10 to 13.

[0062] <About the production line> As shown in Figure 10, in the component mounting system 100 according to the second embodiment, the multiple production lines 1A, 1B, 1C, and 1D are divided into a first line group LG1 and a second line group LG2. The first production line 1A and the second production line 1B belong to the first line group LG1, and the third production line 1C and the fourth production line 1D belong to the second line group LG2.

[0063] <Regarding the supply equipment> The multiple supply devices 8 are divided into two groups: the first device group MG1, which corresponds to the first production line 1A and the second production line 1B belonging to the first line group LG1, and the second device group MG2, which corresponds to the third production line 1C and the fourth production line 1D belonging to the second line group LG2. The first supply device 8A, the second supply device 8B, and the third supply device 8C belong to the first device group MG1, while the fourth supply device 8D, the fifth supply device 8E, and the sixth supply device 8F belong to the second device group MG2.

[0064] Each replenishment device 8 belonging to the first device group MG1 can move along each of several movement paths R1 and R2, which pass through the storage unit 71 of the storage device 7 and either of the parts supply units 24 of each production line 1A or 1B, in accordance with the movement of the mobile body 81. The first movement path R1 is a movement path that starts from a predetermined waiting area AR3 in the production area AR1 as the starting point RS and ends at RE, passes through the storage unit 71, and also passes through the parts supply unit 24 of the first production line 1A. The second movement path R2 is a movement path that starts from the waiting area AR3 as the starting point RS and ends at RE, passes through the storage unit 71, and also passes through the parts supply unit 24 of the second production line 1B.

[0065] Each replenishment device 8 belonging to the second device group MG2 can move along each of several movement paths R3, R4, which pass through the storage unit 71 of the storage device 7 and either of the parts supply units 24 of each production line 1C, 1D, in accordance with the movement of the mobile body 81. The third movement path R3 is a movement path that starts from a predetermined waiting area AR3 in the production area AR1 as the starting point RS and ends at RE, passes through the storage unit 71, and also passes through the parts supply unit 24 of the third production line 1C. The fourth movement path R4 is a movement path that starts from the waiting area AR3 as the starting point RS and ends at RE, passes through the storage unit 71, and also passes through the parts supply unit 24 of the fourth production line 1D.

[0066] <About the supply management system> As shown in Figure 11, the control unit 9A2 of the supply management device 9A acquires the supply plan SPG1 for the first group and the supply plan SPG2 for the second group, which are created by the supply planning device 9B. The supply plan SPG1 for the first group indicates the supply plan corresponding to the first line group LG1, and the supply plan SPG2 for the second group indicates the supply plan corresponding to the second line group LG2. Based on the control data DA3 corresponding to the supply plan SPG1 for the first group, the control unit 9A2 operates the first supply device 8A, the second supply device 8B, and the third supply device 8C, which belong to the first device group MG1. In addition, based on the control data DA3 corresponding to the supply plan SPG2 for the second group, the control unit 9A2 operates the fourth supply device 8D, the fifth supply device 8E, and the sixth supply device 8F, which belong to the second device group MG2.

[0067] <About the supply planning device> In the replenishment planning device 9B, the processing unit 9B4 acquires various information via the communication unit 9B1 and the operation unit 9B2, and based on the acquired information, creates a first group replenishment plan SPG1 showing the plan for replenishing feeders 24F corresponding to the first line group LG1 by each replenishment device 8 belonging to the first device group MG1, and creates a second group replenishment plan SPG2 showing the plan for replenishing feeders 24F corresponding to the second line group LG2 by each replenishment device 8 belonging to the second device group MG2. In this case, the processing unit 9B4 creates the first group replenishment plan SPG1 with at least one of the replenishment devices 8 belonging to the first device group MG1 treated as the first backup replenishment device, and creates the second group replenishment plan SPG2 with at least one of the replenishment devices 8 belonging to the second device group MG2 treated as the second backup replenishment device. In this case, in each of the first line group LG1 and the second line group LG2, a backup replenishment device can be kept on standby to respond to emergencies such as when a problem occurs with the replenishment device 8 that performs replenishment work on the replenishment request attachment unit 24AS corresponding to the replenishment work unit WU.

[0068] Specifically, the processing unit 9B4 periodically performs the work unit creation process, the supply device recognition process, and the supply plan creation process, similar to the first embodiment described above, in a supply planning cycle that indicates the period for creating the supply plan SPG1 for the first group and the supply plan SPG2 for the second group.

[0069] (Work unit creation process) As shown in Figure 12, in the work unit creation process, the processing unit 9B4 creates a replenishment work unit WU for each travel path R1 and R2, indicating the replenishment work of the first device group MG1 to the replenishment request attachment unit 24AS corresponding to the first line group LG1. Furthermore, the processing unit 9B4 creates a replenishment work unit WU for each travel path R3 and R4, indicating the replenishment work of the second device group MG2 to the replenishment request attachment unit 24AS corresponding to the second line group LG2.

[0070] In the example shown in Figure 12, the processing unit 9B4 creates two replenishment work units WU1, WUA1 and WUA2, corresponding to the first movement path R1, for the first line group LG1, and two more replenishment work units WUB1 and WUB2, corresponding to the second movement path R2. The expected time T1 for parts running out of the feeder 24F mounted on the replenishment request mounting unit 24AS is earlier for replenishment work unit WUA1 than for replenishment work unit WUA2, and earlier for replenishment work unit WUB1 than for replenishment work unit WUB2. Furthermore, the processing unit 9B4 creates two more replenishment work units WU1 and WUD2, corresponding to the third movement path R3, for the second line group LG2, and two more replenishment work units WUE1 and WUE2, corresponding to the fourth movement path R4. The estimated time T1 for parts running out of the feeder 24F attached to the supply request attachment unit 24AS is earlier for supply work unit WUD1 than for supply work unit WUD2, and earlier for supply work unit WUE1 than for supply work unit WUE2.

[0071] (Resupply device recognition process) Similar to the first embodiment described above, the processing unit 9B4 obtains specification information DA1 and supply management information DA2 from the supply management device 9A via the communication unit 9B1. The processing unit 9B4 stores the supply management information DA2 obtained from the supply management device 9A in the storage unit 9B3 in a rewritable format as internally held information DB1. Based on the supply management information DA2, the processing unit 9B4 recognizes the current operating status SO of each supply device 8 in the first device group MG1 and the second device group MG2, and recognizes the priority AP of each supply device 8.

[0072] (Resupply plan creation process) The processing unit 9B4 treats at least one of the supply devices 8 belonging to the first equipment group MG1 as the first backup supply device, and at least one of the supply devices 8 belonging to the second equipment group MG2 as the second backup supply device. In the example in Figure 12, the processing unit 9B4 treats the third supply device 8C, one of the three supply devices 8A, 8B, and 8C belonging to the first equipment group MG1, as the first backup supply device. The processing unit 9B4 also treats the sixth supply device 8F, one of the three supply devices 8D, 8E, and 8F belonging to the second equipment group MG2, as the second backup supply device. Then, corresponding to the first line group LG1, the processing unit 9B4 creates the supply plan SPG1 for the first group by assigning each supply work unit WU for each travel path R1 and R2 to one of the supply devices 8 in the first equipment group MG1. Furthermore, the processing unit 9B4 creates the supply plan SPG2 for the second group by assigning each supply work unit WU for each movement path R3 and R4 to one of the supply devices 8 of the second device group MG2, corresponding to the second line group LG2.

[0073] Specifically, the processing unit 9B4 recognizes at least one of the supply devices 8 belonging to the first equipment group MG1 as the first backup supply device, and at least one of the supply devices 8 belonging to the second equipment group MG2 as the second backup supply device, based on at least one of the operating status SO and priority AP information included in the supply management information DA2.

[0074] The processing unit 9B4 determines whether the number of replenishment work units WU for each movement path R1 and R2 is less than or equal to a predetermined number, corresponding to the first line group LG1, within the unit period indicated by the replenishment planning cycle. If the number of replenishment work units WU is less than or equal to the predetermined number, the processing unit 9B4 assigns the remaining replenishment devices, excluding the first reserve replenishment device, from among the multiple replenishment devices 8 belonging to the first equipment group MG1, to each of the replenishment work units WU for each movement path R1 and R2. Similarly, the processing unit 9B4 determines whether the number of replenishment work units WU for each movement path R3 and R4, corresponding to the second line group LG2, is less than or equal to a predetermined number. If the number of replenishment work units WU is less than or equal to the predetermined number, the processing unit 9B4 assigns the remaining replenishment devices, excluding the second reserve replenishment device, from among the multiple replenishment devices 8 belonging to the second equipment group MG2, to each of the replenishment work units WU for each movement path R3 and R4.

[0075] In the example shown in Figure 12, the processing unit 9B4 assigns the remaining supply devices 8A and 8B, excluding the third supply device 8C which is the first backup supply device, to supply work units WU for each travel path R1 and R2, from among the first supply device 8A, second supply device 8B, and third supply device 8C belonging to the first device group MG1. In this case, the third supply device 8C, which is the first backup supply device, can be kept on standby in the standby area AR3 for emergency response, such as when a problem occurs with the first supply device 8A and second supply device 8B which are assigned supply work units WU in the first line group LG1. Similarly, the processing unit 9B4 assigns the remaining supply devices 8D and 8E, excluding the sixth supply device 8F which is the second backup supply device, to supply work units WU for each travel path R3 and R4, from among the fourth supply device 8D, fifth supply device 8E, and sixth supply device 8F belonging to the second device group MG2. In this case, in response to emergencies such as when a problem occurs with the fourth supply unit 8D and the fifth supply unit 8E, which are assigned to the supply work unit WU in relation to the second line group LG2, the sixth supply unit 8F can be kept on standby in the standby area AR3 as a second backup supply unit.

[0076] Next, the processing unit 9B4 assigns each of the replenishment work units WU for each of the movement paths R1 and R2, corresponding to the first line group LG1, to the replenishment device 8 of the first device group MG1, which has been set as the target for assignment. The processing unit 9B4 also assigns each of the replenishment work units WU for each of the movement paths R3 and R4, corresponding to the second line group LG2, to the replenishment device 8 of the second device group MG2, which has been set as the target for assignment. In the example in Figure 12, for the first device group MG1 corresponding to the first line group LG1, the processing unit 9B4 assigns replenishment work units WUA1 and WUA2, corresponding to the first movement path R1, to the first replenishment device 8A, and assigns replenishment work units WUB1 and WUB2, corresponding to the second movement path R2, to the second replenishment device 8B. Furthermore, the processing unit 9B4 assigns replenishment work units WUD1 and WUD2, corresponding to the third movement path R3, to the fourth replenishment device 8D, and replenishment work units WUE1 and WUE2, corresponding to the fourth movement path R4, to the fifth replenishment device 8E, for the second equipment group MG2 corresponding to the second line group LG2.

[0077] If multiple requests for feeder 24F replenishment occur simultaneously at each mounting section 24A of the parts supply unit 24, corresponding to the first line group LG1 and the second line group LG2, it is expected that the number of replenishment work units WU will temporarily exceed a predetermined number. If, during the unit period indicated by the replenishment planning cycle when creating the replenishment plan SPG1 for the first group, the number of replenishment work units WU for each movement path R1, R2 exceeds a predetermined number, the processing unit 9B4 will include the first spare replenishment device in the first equipment group MG1 as a target for replenishment work unit WU allocation and create the replenishment plan SPG1 for the first group. Similarly, if, during the unit period indicated by the replenishment planning cycle when creating the replenishment plan SPG2 for the second group, the number of replenishment work units WU for each movement path R3, R4 exceeds a predetermined number, the processing unit 9B4 will include the second spare replenishment device in the second equipment group MG2 as a target for replenishment work unit WU allocation and create the replenishment plan SPG2 for the second group.

[0078] In the example shown in Figure 13, when creating the supply plan SPG1 for the first group, the number of supply work units WUB1 corresponding to the second movement path R2 exceeds a predetermined number, resulting in the existence of supply work units WUB11 and WUB12. In this case, the processing unit 9B4 includes the third supply device 8C, which serves as the first backup supply device in the first device group MG1, as a target for assignment of supply work units WUB1. Then, the processing unit 9B4 assigns supply work unit WUB11 to the second supply device 8B, assigns supply work unit WUB2 to the second supply device 8B, and assigns supply work unit WUB12 to the third supply device 8C, which serves as the first backup supply device. This makes it possible to perform supply operations for each of the supply request attachment units 24AS corresponding to the supply work units WUB1 that exceed the predetermined number, including the third supply device 8C as the first backup supply device. In this case, delays in supply operations for each of the supply work units WUB1 that exceed the predetermined number can be suppressed.

[0079] After the creation of the first group supply plan SPG1 and the second group supply plan SPG2, if a problem occurs with a supply device 8 to which a supply work unit WU has been assigned, a delay in supply work by that supply device 8 is expected. For example, when the first group supply plan SPG1 has been created with all supply devices 8 of the first equipment group MG1, including the first spare supply device, as targets for assignment to a supply work unit WU corresponding to the first line group LG1, the processing unit 9B4 determines whether there is a delay-expected unit in the supply work unit WU corresponding to the first line group LG1 where a delay in supply work by the assigned supply device 8 is expected. When the first group supply plan SPG1 has been created with all supply devices 8 of the first equipment group MG1 as targets for assignment to a supply work unit WU, and a delay-expected unit exists, the processing unit 9B4 updates the first group supply plan SPG1 by assigning the delay-expected unit corresponding to the first line group LG1 to the second spare supply device in the second equipment group MG2.

[0080] In the example shown in Figure 13, in the first equipment group MG1 corresponding to the first line group LG1, the first replenishment device 8A is assigned the replenishment work unit WUA1, the second replenishment device 8B is assigned the replenishment work unit WUB11, and the third replenishment device 8C, which acts as the first backup replenishment device, is assigned the replenishment work unit WUB12. A problem occurs in the second replenishment device 8B, which is performing replenishment work on the replenishment request attachment unit 24AS corresponding to the replenishment work unit WUB11. In this case, the replenishment work unit WUB2, which is assigned to the second replenishment device 8B after the replenishment work unit WUB11 corresponding to the first line group LG1, becomes the unit expected to be delayed. In this case, the processing unit 9B4 assigns the replenishment work unit WUB2, which is the unit expected to be delayed corresponding to the first line group LG1, to the sixth replenishment device 8F, which acts as the second backup replenishment device in the second equipment group MG2. In this case, with all replenishment devices 8 of the first equipment group MG1 performing replenishment work corresponding to each production line 1A and 1B of the first line group LG1, the replenishment work for the replenishment request attachment unit 24AS corresponding to the replenishment work unit WUB2, which is the unit of assumed delay, can be performed by the sixth replenishment device 8F, which is the second backup replenishment device in the second equipment group MG2 corresponding to the second line group LG2. This eliminates the delay in replenishment work for the replenishment request attachment unit 24AS corresponding to the unit of assumed delay in the production lines 1A and 1B of the first line group LG1.

[0081] In accordance with the updated supply plan SPG1 for the first group, when the supply operation of the sixth supply device 8F as the second backup supply device for the delay-expected unit corresponding to the first line group LG1 is completed, the processing unit 9B4 returns the sixth supply device 8F as the second backup supply device to be treated as a backup for allocation to the supply work unit WU corresponding to the second line group LG2. In this case, once the supply operation of the sixth supply device 8F as the second backup supply device for the delay-expected unit corresponding to the first line group LG1 is completed, it returns to being treated as a backup for allocation to the supply work unit WU corresponding to the second line group LG2.

[0082] The specific embodiments described above mainly include inventions having the following configurations.

[0083] A component mounting system according to one aspect of the present invention comprises: a component supply unit having a plurality of mounting sections on which component supply elements can be attached, a plurality of production lines that produce mounted substrates by mounting components supplied from the component supply elements attached to each of the mounting sections onto a substrate; a plurality of replenishment devices that are movable along each of a plurality of movement paths that pass through any of the component supply units of each production line, and that are capable of performing replenishment work to replenish component supply elements to be replenished to each of the mounting sections of the component supply unit along each of the movement paths; and a replenishment planning device that creates a replenishment plan showing the plan for the replenishment of the component supply elements to be replenished by each of the replenishment devices. The replenishment planning device identifies a replenishment request mounting unit in each of the mounting units of the parts supply unit of each production line where the replenishment of the parts supply element to be replenished is required, and performs a work unit creation process to create a replenishment work unit for each of the replenishment devices that indicates the replenishment work for the replenishment request mounting unit, for each of the movement paths, and performs a replenishment plan creation process to create the replenishment plan by treating at least one of the replenishment devices as a spare replenishment device and assigning each of the replenishment work units for each movement path to one of the replenishment devices.

[0084] According to this component mounting system, the replenishment planning device identifies the replenishment request mounting units in each component supply unit of each production line where replenishment of component supply elements is required, and creates replenishment work units for each travel path of the replenishment device, indicating the replenishment work of the replenishment device for the replenishment request mounting unit. The replenishment planning device then creates a replenishment plan by assigning each of the replenishment work units for each travel path to one of the replenishment devices. When assigning replenishment work units to each replenishment device, the replenishment planning device treats at least one of the multiple replenishment devices as a backup replenishment device, which is kept on standby as a backup for replenishment work in case of emergencies where delays in replenishment work are anticipated. In emergencies, such as when a problem occurs in a replenishment device to which a replenishment work unit has been assigned that causes a delay in replenishment work, or when the number of replenishment work units exceeds a predetermined number due to multiple simultaneous requests for replenishment of component supply elements, the backup replenishment device can be used as a response. This helps to prevent situations in which replenishment work by replenishment devices is delayed compared to the replenishment plan. Therefore, delays in the replenishment of component supply elements by the replenishment device can prevent the supply of components from stopping from the component supply unit, which would otherwise reduce the productivity of mounted circuit boards on the production line.

[0085] In the component mounting system described above, the supply planning device, in the supply plan creation process, assigns the remaining supply devices, excluding the spare supply device, to each of the supply work units for each of the movement routes.

[0086] In this embodiment, the remaining supply devices among the multiple supply devices, excluding the reserve supply device, are subject to assignment to a supply work unit. In this case, the reserve supply device can be kept on standby for emergency response, such as when a problem occurs with the supply device assigned to the supply work unit.

[0087] In the component mounting system described above, the supply planning device, in the supply plan creation process, obtains the priority order for assigning the supply work units, which is set based on the supply work capacity of each supply device, and assigns each of the supply work units for each travel path in the order of the priority order of each supply device.

[0088] In this embodiment, the replenishment planning device assigns replenishment work units to each replenishment device in order of priority set based on the replenishment work capacity of each replenishment device. In this case, replenishment work units are assigned in order from the replenishment device with the highest replenishment work capacity. As a result, the replenishment planning device can create a replenishment plan that shortens the time required for replenishment work for the replenishment request attachment corresponding to the replenishment work unit.

[0089] In the component mounting system described above, the supply planning device updates the supply plan by changing the target of the delay-expected unit to the spare supply device if, in the supply work unit for each of the movement paths, there is a delay-expected unit where a delay in the supply work by the assigned supply device is anticipated.

[0090] If a problem occurs with the replenishment equipment assigned to a replenishment work unit, a delay in replenishment work by that equipment is expected. If there are units in the created replenishment plan where delays in replenishment work are expected for each movement route, the replenishment planning system changes the assignment target of the delayed unit to a backup replenishment equipment. In this case, the backup replenishment equipment can perform the replenishment work for the replenishment request attachment unit corresponding to the delayed unit. This eliminates the delay in replenishment work for the replenishment request attachment unit corresponding to the delayed unit.

[0091] In the component mounting system described above, when the supply planning device updates the supply plan, it treats the supply device that was assigned to the delay assumption unit as a new spare supply device.

[0092] In the original supply plan prior to the update, supply equipment that was assigned units with anticipated delays has had its assignment to supply work units for the target supply operations removed after the supply plan update. Such supply equipment can be kept on standby as new backup supply equipment.

[0093] In the component mounting system described above, after the supply plan has been updated, the supply planning device assigns the remaining supply devices, excluding the new spare supply device, to each of the supply work units for each of the travel routes.

[0094] In this configuration, after updating the supply plan, the remaining supply devices among the multiple supply devices, excluding the new backup supply device, become subject to assignment to a supply work unit. In this case, the new backup supply device can be kept on standby for emergency response, such as when a problem occurs with the supply device assigned to the supply work unit.

[0095] In the component mounting system described above, when the supply planning device creates the supply plan, if the number of supply work units in a unit period exceeds a predetermined number, it includes the spare supply device in the allocation of the supply work units when creating the supply plan.

[0096] If multiple requests for replenishment of parts supply elements occur simultaneously at each mounting unit of the parts supply unit on each production line, it is anticipated that the number of replenishment work units may temporarily exceed a predetermined number. In this case, the replenishment planning device creates a replenishment plan that includes the reserve replenishment device as a target for assignment of replenishment work units. This makes it possible to perform replenishment work for each mounting unit requesting replenishment, including the reserve replenishment device, corresponding to each of the replenishment work units that temporarily exceed the predetermined number. In this case, delays in replenishment work for each mounting unit requesting replenishment, corresponding to each of the replenishment work units that temporarily exceeds the predetermined number, can be suppressed.

[0097] In the component mounting system described above, the supply planning device can switch whether or not to include the spare supply device in the allocation target of the supply work unit in response to an input operation via the control unit.

[0098] In this embodiment, the supply planning device can switch whether or not to include a reserve supply device as an item to be assigned to a supply work unit, in response to an input operation by the operator via the control unit.

[0099] In the component mounting system described above, the multiple production lines are divided into a first line group and a second line group. The multiple supply devices are divided into a first group of devices corresponding to the production lines belonging to the first line group and a second group of devices corresponding to the production lines belonging to the second line group. In this case, the supply planning device creates a first supply plan corresponding to the first line group, treating at least one of the supply devices belonging to the first group of devices as a first spare supply device, and creates a second supply plan corresponding to the second line group, treating at least one of the supply devices belonging to the second group of devices as a second spare supply device.

[0100] In this embodiment, the multiple replenishment devices are divided into a first group of devices corresponding to production lines belonging to the first line group and a second group of devices corresponding to production lines belonging to the second line group. In this case, the replenishment planning device creates a first replenishment plan corresponding to the first line group, treating at least one of the replenishment devices belonging to the first group of devices as a first spare replenishment device. Similarly, the replenishment planning device creates a second replenishment plan corresponding to the second line group, treating at least one of the replenishment devices belonging to the second group of devices as a second spare replenishment device. In this case, in each of the first and second line groups, a spare replenishment device can be kept on standby for emergency response, such as when a problem occurs with a replenishment device that performs replenishment work on a replenishment request attachment corresponding to a replenishment work unit.

[0101] In the component mounting system described above, the supply planning device has created a first supply plan with all supply devices in the first group of devices, including the first spare supply device, as targets for assignment to the supply work unit. If there is a delay-expected unit in the supply work unit corresponding to the first line group where a delay in the supply work by the assigned supply device is expected, the device updates the first supply plan by assigning the delay-expected unit to the second spare supply device.

[0102] In this embodiment, with a first replenishment plan created with all replenishment devices of the first group of devices corresponding to the first line group as targets for assignment as replenishment work units, if there are delay-expected units where delays in replenishment work by the assigned replenishment devices are anticipated, the replenishment planning device assigns these delay-expected units to a second backup replenishment device belonging to the second group of devices corresponding to the second line group. With all replenishment devices of the first group of devices performing replenishment work corresponding to the production line of the first line group, the second backup replenishment device corresponding to the second line group can perform the replenishment work for the replenishment request part corresponding to the delay-expected unit. This eliminates delays in replenishment work for the replenishment request part corresponding to the delay-expected unit in the production line of the first line group.

[0103] In the component mounting system described above, the supply planning device, in accordance with the updated first supply plan, returns the second spare supply device to its status as a spare assigned to the supply work unit corresponding to the second line group once the supply work for the delay assumption unit corresponding to the first line group is completed.

[0104] In this embodiment, once the replenishment work for the delay-assumed unit corresponding to the first line group is completed, the second reserve replenishment device is returned to being treated as a reserve for the allocation of the replenishment work unit corresponding to the second line group.

[0105] As described above, the present invention provides a component mounting system that can suppress a decrease in the productivity of mounted substrates on a production line caused by delays in the replenishment of component supply elements by a replenishment device.

Claims

1. Multiple production lines that produce mounted circuit boards by mounting components supplied from the component supply elements mounted on each of the mounting parts onto a circuit board, and a component supply unit having a plurality of mounting sections on which component supply elements can be attached, Multiple supply devices that are movable along each of a plurality of movement paths that pass through any of the parts supply units of each production line, and that are capable of performing supply operations to supply parts supply elements to be supplied to each of the mounting parts of the parts supply units along each of the movement paths, A supply planning device that creates a supply plan showing the supply plan for the component supply elements to be supplied by each of the supply devices, The supply planning device is, A work unit creation process that identifies a replenishment request mounting unit in each mounting unit of the parts supply unit of each production line where replenishment of the parts supply element to be replenished is required, and creates a replenishment work unit for each of the movement paths that indicates the replenishment work of each replenishment device for the replenishment request mounting unit, A supply plan creation process is performed to create the supply plan by treating at least one of the supply devices as a spare supply device and assigning each of the supply work units for each of the movement routes to one of the supply devices. A component mounting system in which, in the supply plan creation process, the remaining supply devices among the supply devices, excluding the spare supply device, are to be assigned to each of the supply work units for each of the movement routes.

2. Multiple production lines that produce mounted circuit boards by mounting components supplied from the component supply elements mounted on each of the mounting parts onto a circuit board, and a component supply unit having a plurality of mounting sections on which component supply elements can be attached, Multiple supply devices that are movable along each of a plurality of movement paths that pass through any of the parts supply units of each production line, and that are capable of performing supply operations to supply parts supply elements to be supplied to each of the mounting parts of the parts supply units along each of the movement paths, A supply planning device that creates a supply plan showing the supply plan for the component supply elements to be supplied by each of the supply devices, The supply planning device is, A work unit creation process that identifies a replenishment request mounting unit in each mounting unit of the parts supply unit of each production line where replenishment of the parts supply element to be replenished is required, and creates a replenishment work unit for each of the movement paths that indicates the replenishment work of each replenishment device for the replenishment request mounting unit, A supply plan creation process is performed to create the supply plan by treating at least one of the supply devices as a spare supply device and assigning each of the supply work units for each of the movement routes to one of the supply devices. A component mounting system that, in the supply plan creation process, obtains the priority order for assigning the supply work units, which is set based on the supply work capacity of each supply device, and assigns each of the supply work units for each of the movement paths in the order of priority of each supply device.

3. Multiple production lines that produce mounted circuit boards by mounting components supplied from the component supply elements mounted on each of the mounting parts onto a circuit board, and a component supply unit having a plurality of mounting sections on which component supply elements can be attached, Multiple supply devices that are movable along each of a plurality of movement paths that pass through any of the parts supply units of each production line, and that are capable of performing supply operations to supply parts supply elements to be supplied to each of the mounting parts of the parts supply units along each of the movement paths, A supply planning device that creates a supply plan showing the supply plan for the component supply elements to be supplied by each of the supply devices, The supply planning device is, A work unit creation process that identifies a replenishment request mounting unit in each mounting unit of the parts supply unit of each production line where replenishment of the parts supply element to be replenished is required, and creates a replenishment work unit for each of the movement paths that indicates the replenishment work of each replenishment device for the replenishment request mounting unit, A supply plan creation process is performed to create the supply plan by treating at least one of the supply devices as a spare supply device and assigning each of the supply work units for each of the movement routes to one of the supply devices. A component mounting system that updates the supply plan by changing the target of the delay-expected unit to the spare supply device if, in the prepared supply plan, there is a delay-expected unit among the supply work units for each of the movement routes where a delay in the supply work by the assigned supply device is expected.

4. The component mounting system according to claim 3, wherein when the supply planning device updates the supply plan, it treats the supply device that was allocated to the delay assumption unit as a new spare supply device.

5. The component mounting system according to claim 4, wherein, after updating the supply plan, the supply planning device assigns the remaining supply devices, excluding the new spare supply device, to each of the supply work units for each of the travel routes.

6. Multiple production lines that produce mounted circuit boards by mounting components supplied from the component supply elements mounted on each of the mounting parts onto a circuit board, and a component supply unit having a plurality of mounting sections on which component supply elements can be attached, Multiple supply devices that are movable along each of a plurality of movement paths that pass through any of the parts supply units of each production line, and that are capable of performing supply operations to supply parts supply elements to be supplied to each of the mounting parts of the parts supply units along each of the movement paths, A supply planning device that creates a supply plan showing the supply plan for the component supply elements to be supplied by each of the supply devices, The supply planning device is, A work unit creation process that identifies a replenishment request mounting unit in each mounting unit of the parts supply unit of each production line where replenishment of the parts supply element to be replenished is required, and creates a replenishment work unit for each of the movement paths that indicates the replenishment work of each replenishment device for the replenishment request mounting unit, A supply plan creation process is performed to create the supply plan by treating at least one of the supply devices as a spare supply device and assigning each of the supply work units for each of the movement routes to one of the supply devices. A component mounting system that, when creating the supply plan, includes the spare supply equipment in the allocation of the supply work units if the number of supply work units in a unit period exceeds a predetermined number, in order to create the supply plan.

7. The component mounting system according to claim 6, wherein the supply planning device can switch whether or not to include the spare supply device in the allocation target of the supply work unit in response to an input operation via the operating unit.

8. Multiple production lines that produce mounted circuit boards by mounting components supplied from the component supply elements mounted on each of the mounting parts onto a circuit board, and a component supply unit having a plurality of mounting sections on which component supply elements can be attached, Multiple supply devices that are movable along each of a plurality of movement paths that pass through any of the parts supply units of each production line, and that are capable of performing supply operations to supply parts supply elements to be supplied to each of the mounting parts of the parts supply units along each of the movement paths, A supply planning device that creates a supply plan showing the supply plan for the component supply elements to be supplied by each of the supply devices, The supply planning device is, A work unit creation process that identifies a replenishment request mounting unit in each mounting unit of the parts supply unit of each production line where replenishment of the parts supply element to be replenished is required, and creates a replenishment work unit for each of the movement paths that indicates the replenishment work of each replenishment device for the replenishment request mounting unit, A supply plan creation process is performed to create the supply plan by treating at least one of the supply devices as a spare supply device and assigning each of the supply work units for each of the movement routes to one of the supply devices. The aforementioned multiple production lines are divided into a first line group and a second line group. The plurality of supplying devices are divided into a first group of devices corresponding to the production lines belonging to the first line group, and a second group of devices corresponding to the production lines belonging to the second line group. The supply planning device is, With at least one of the supply devices belonging to the first group of devices treated as a first spare supply device, a first supply plan corresponding to the first line group is created. A component mounting system that creates a second supply plan corresponding to the second line group, with at least one of the supply devices belonging to the second group of devices being treated as a second spare supply device.

9. The component mounting system according to claim 8, wherein the supply planning device has created a first supply plan with all supply devices in the first group of devices, including the first spare supply device, as targets for assignment to the supply work unit, and in the supply work unit corresponding to the first line group, if there is a delay-expected unit in which a delay in the supply work by the assigned supply device is expected, the supply planning device updates the first supply plan by assigning the delay-expected unit to the second spare supply device.

10. The component mounting system according to claim 9, wherein the supply planning device, in accordance with the updated first supply plan, returns the second spare supply device to be treated as a spare for the supply work unit to be assigned to the second line group when the supply work of the second spare supply device for the delay assumption unit corresponding to the first line group is completed.

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