Production support systems, production equipment, production support methods, and programs

Abstract

We provide a production support system and the like that assists in easily configuring the optional functions of production equipment. [Solution] The production support system is a production support system that supports the production of mounted substrates in a first mounting line L1 and a second mounting line L2, which are different mounting lines, and each of the first mounting line L1 and the second mounting line L2 is composed of a plurality of production devices, and the production support system comprises an acquisition unit 11 that acquires setting information stored in one of the plurality of production devices provided in the first mounting line L1, which includes parameters of optional functions that are selectively used in that one production device, and an output unit 13 that outputs the acquired setting information to one or more of the plurality of production devices provided in the second mounting line L2.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a production support system, a production apparatus, a production support method, and a program. [Background Art]

[0002] A mounting line for producing mounted boards includes a plurality of production apparatuses such as a printing apparatus and a mounting apparatus. Such a production apparatus may have one or more optional functions. In the production apparatus, parameters such as ON / OFF settings for optional functions can be selectively configured.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a data management apparatus that allows an operator to check whether an optional function is necessary for each component to be mounted on a board. [Prior Art Documents] [Patent Documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2015 / 019492 [Summary of the Invention] [Problem to be Solved by the Invention]

[0005] A production apparatus can execute predetermined processing when a parameter of an optional function is set to ON. By the way, it is desired that parameters for optional functions can be configured easily.

[0006] Accordingly, the present disclosure provides a production support system, a production apparatus, a production support method, and a program that support easy configuration of parameters for optional functions. [Means for Solving the Problem]

[0007] A production support system according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a production support system that supports the production of mounted substrates in a first mounting line and a second mounting line, which are different mounting lines, wherein each of the first mounting line and the second mounting line is composed of a plurality of production devices, and the production support system comprises an acquisition unit that acquires setting information stored in one of the plurality of production devices provided in the first mounting line, which includes parameters of optional functions that are selectively used in that one production device, and an output unit that outputs the acquired setting information to one or more of the plurality of production devices provided in the second mounting line.

[0008] A production apparatus according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a production apparatus which is the production apparatus in the above-described production support system, comprising: a receiving unit that receives parameters for optional functions to be selectively used in the production apparatus; a storage unit that stores setting information including the settings received by the receiving unit; and an output unit that outputs the setting information stored in the storage unit to an external device.

[0009] A production support method according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a production support method performed by a production support system that supports the production of mounted substrates in a first mounting line and a second mounting line, which are different mounting lines, wherein each of the first mounting line and the second mounting line is composed of a plurality of production devices, and the production support method acquires setting information stored in one of the plurality of production devices provided in the first mounting line, which includes parameters of optional functions that are selectively used in that one production device, and outputs the acquired setting information to one or more of the plurality of production devices provided in the second mounting line.

[0010] A program relating to one aspect of this disclosure is a program for causing a computer to execute the above-described production support method. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to one aspect of this disclosure, it is possible to realize a production support system, etc., that assists in easily setting optional functions of a production device. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0012] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a production system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the production system according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a sequence diagram showing the operation of the production system according to the embodiment. [Figure 4A] Figure 4A is a sequence diagram showing a state in which setting information has not been transferred in the first application example of the production system according to the embodiment. [Figure 4B] Figure 4B is a sequence diagram showing the state in which setting information has been transferred in the first application example of the production system according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a sequence diagram showing the state in which setting information has been transferred in a second application example of the production system according to the embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0013] (Background leading to this disclosure) As described in the "Background Technology" section above, some production equipment has optional functions. Optional functions are predetermined processes that are selectively executed by the production equipment, and examples include, but are not limited to, traceability functions and automatic model changeover functions.

[0014] The traceability function is a function that outputs information (trace information, described later) acquired when the production equipment produces mounted circuit boards.

[0015] The automatic model changeover function is a function that automatically changes the production program or the configuration of the production equipment according to the board in order to enable production according to the board. For example, when producing multiple types of mounted boards on a mounting line, the automatic model changeover function is a function that automatically changes the production program or the configuration of the production equipment to produce the changed mounted board when the type of mounted board to be produced on the mounting line is changed, under the control of the line management device that manages the mounting line. The automatic model changeover function is a function that automatically executes changes to the production equipment to change the type of mounted board to be produced, under the control of the management device that manages the mounting line. For example, production programs are created individually according to the size, type, etc., of the board, and changing the production program means changing to a production program according to the size, type, etc., of the board. In addition, changes to the configuration of the production equipment include changing the lane width of the lane for transporting boards according to the width of the board, changing the position of the pins that support the board, etc.

[0016] The production program also includes programs for controlling each component related to component mounting in mounting equipment such as feeders and heads.

[0017] In a factory, multiple assembly lines may be located on a single floor. Each of these assembly lines consists of one or more production devices. An optional function adopted in one of the assembly lines may also be used in the other assembly lines. For example, an optional function may be experimentally implemented using the production device of one of the assembly lines. If the experimental results are satisfactory, the parameters of the optional function on the production device of the other assembly lines may be changed from OFF to ON in order to implement that optional function on the other assembly lines' production devices.

[0018] Currently, when an operator sets parameters for optional functions, they need to set the parameters of the optional functions for production apparatuses on each of a plurality of mounting lines, which is troublesome for the operator. Therefore, it is desired that the parameters of the optional functions can be easily set. However, Citation Document 1 does not disclose efficient setting of parameters for optional functions of production apparatuses on a plurality of mounting lines.

[0019] Accordingly, the inventors of the present application have intensively studied a production support system and the like that can support easy setting of optional functions of production apparatuses on a plurality of mounting lines, and have invented the production support system and the like described below.

[0020] A production support system according to a first aspect of the present disclosure is a production support system that supports production of mounted substrates on a first mounting line and a second mounting line, which are mutually different mounting lines. Each of the first mounting line and the second mounting line is configured by a plurality of production apparatuses. The production support system comprises: an acquisition unit that acquires setting information stored by one production apparatus among the plurality of production apparatuses included in the first mounting line, the setting information including parameters of an optional function that is selectively used in the one production apparatus; and an output unit that outputs the acquired setting information to one or more production apparatuses among the plurality of production apparatuses included in the second mounting line.

[0021] Accordingly, the parameters of the optional function set for one production apparatus on the first mounting line can be automatically applied to one or more production apparatuses included in the second mounting line. That is, the parameters of the optional function of the one production apparatus can be applied to the one or more production apparatuses included in the second mounting line without requiring the operator to perform setting on the one or more production apparatuses. Therefore, according to the production support system of an aspect of the present disclosure, when an optional function is executed by production apparatuses on a plurality of mounting lines, it is possible to support easy setting of parameters for the optional function.

[0022] Furthermore, for example, the production support system according to the second embodiment is the production support system according to the first embodiment, and the setting information may include a parameter indicating whether or not to transmit information acquired when the production equipment produces a mounting board to the server.

[0023] This makes it easier to configure the parameters of an optional function that transmits information acquired when the production equipment produces mounted circuit boards to a server.

[0024] Furthermore, for example, the production support system according to the third embodiment is a production support system according to the first or second embodiment, wherein the setting information may include a parameter indicating whether or not to enable automatic model switching, which automatically executes changes to the production equipment to change the type of mounted board to be produced, by control of a management device that manages the mounting line when multiple types of mounted boards are produced on the mounting line.

[0025] This makes it easier to set the parameters for the optional function that enables automatic model switching.

[0026] Furthermore, for example, the production support system according to the fourth embodiment is a production support system according to any of the first to third embodiments, and further comprises a determination unit that determines whether or not to output the setting information of the one production device acquired by the acquisition unit to the one or more production devices of the second implementation line, based on line configuration information indicating the configuration of the second implementation line.

[0027] As a result, configuration information is output based on the configuration of the implementation line, eliminating the need to check the configuration of the implementation line when setting the parameters of optional functions, thus facilitating the easy setting of parameters for optional functions.

[0028] Furthermore, for example, the production support system according to the fifth embodiment is a production support system according to any of the first to fourth embodiments, and the output unit may output the changed setting information to one or more other production devices among the plurality of production devices provided in the first mounting line when an operation is performed to change the setting information stored in one of the production devices.

[0029] This allows the parameters of the optional functions applied to one production device to be automatically applied to other production devices in the first mounting line to which that production device belongs. Therefore, according to one aspect of the present disclosure, it is possible to further support the easy setting of optional functions on other production devices in the first mounting line to which that production device belongs.

[0030] Furthermore, for example, the production support system according to the sixth embodiment is a production support system according to any of the first to fifth embodiments, and the setting information acquired by the acquisition unit may be information output from the one production device.

[0031] This makes it easy to apply setting information output from one production device to one or more production devices.

[0032] Furthermore, for example, the production support system according to the seventh embodiment is a production support system according to any of the first to sixth embodiments, and the setting information stored in the production device may be information obtained through a setting screen of the production device.

[0033] This allows operators to easily apply the settings information they enter via the settings screen to one or more production devices.

[0034] Furthermore, for example, the production support system according to the eighth embodiment is a production support system according to any of the first to seventh embodiments, and the first production device may be a mounting device for mounting components onto a circuit board.

[0035] This allows the parameters of optional functions set on one mounting device to be automatically applied to mounting devices on other mounting lines. Therefore, when setting parameters for optional functions for mounting devices on multiple mounting lines, it is possible to easily set the parameters of the optional functions that the mounting devices have.

[0036] Furthermore, for example, the production support system according to the ninth embodiment is a production support system according to any of the first to seventh embodiments, and the first production device may be a printing device that prints bonding members onto a substrate.

[0037] This allows the parameters of optional functions set on one printing device to be automatically applied to printing devices on other assembly lines. Therefore, when setting parameters for optional functions on printing devices on multiple assembly lines, it is possible to assist in setting the parameters of the optional functions that each printing device possesses.

[0038] A production apparatus according to the tenth aspect of this disclosure is a production apparatus which is one of the production apparatuses in the production support system described in any of the first to ninth aspects, comprising: a receiving unit that receives parameters for optional functions to be selectively used in the production apparatus; a storage unit that stores setting information including the parameters received by the receiving unit; and an output unit that outputs the setting information stored in the storage unit to an external device.

[0039] Thus, the production equipment has a function to output the parameters of the optional functions it has received. The setting information output from the production equipment is then output to other production equipment, which facilitates the setting of optional function parameters for production equipment on multiple assembly lines.

[0040] A production support method according to an eleventh aspect of the present disclosure is a production support method executed by a production support system that supports the production of mounted substrates in a first mounting line and a second mounting line, which are different mounting lines, wherein each of the first mounting line and the second mounting line is composed of a plurality of production devices, and the production support method acquires setting information stored in one of the plurality of production devices provided in the first mounting line, which includes parameters of optional functions that are selectively used in that one production device, and outputs the acquired setting information to one or more of the plurality of production devices provided in the second mounting line.

[0041] This will produce the same effect as the production support system described above.

[0042] The program relating to the twelfth aspect of this disclosure is a program for causing a computer to execute the production support method relating to the eleventh aspect.

[0043] This will produce the same effect as the production support system described above.

[0044] These general or specific embodiments may be implemented using a system, method, integrated circuit, computer program, or a non-temporary recording medium such as a computer-readable CD-ROM, or any combination of a system, method, integrated circuit, computer program, or recording medium. The program may be pre-stored on the recording medium or supplied to the recording medium via a wide-area communication network, including the Internet.

[0045] The embodiments will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

[0046] The embodiments described below are all comprehensive or specific examples. The numerical values, shapes, components, arrangement and connection configurations of components, steps (processes), and the order of steps (processes) shown in the following embodiments are examples only and are not intended to limit this disclosure. Furthermore, any components in the following embodiments that are not described in an independent claim will be described as optional components.

[0047] Furthermore, each figure is a schematic diagram and not necessarily a strictly accurate representation. Therefore, for example, the scale may not necessarily match in each figure. Also, in each figure, substantially identical components are given the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations are omitted or simplified.

[0048] Furthermore, in this specification, terms indicating relationships between elements such as "same," as well as numerical values ​​and numerical ranges, do not represent only strict meanings, but also include substantially equivalent ranges, such as differences of a few percent (or about 10%).

[0049] Furthermore, in this specification, ordinal numbers such as "first," "second," etc., do not mean the number or order of components unless otherwise specified, but are used to avoid confusion and to distinguish similar components.

[0050] (Embodiment) The production system according to this embodiment will be described below with reference to Figures 1 to 5.

[0051] [1. Production System Configuration] First, the configuration of the production system according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 1 and 2. Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of production system 1 according to this embodiment.

[0052] As shown in Figure 1, the production system 1 comprises an integrated control device 10 and multiple mounting lines, including a first mounting line L1 and a second mounting line L2. The number of mounting lines in the production system 1 is not particularly limited as long as it is two or more; for example, it may be three or more.

[0053] The integrated management device 10 is an information processing device that is communicatively connected to the line management devices 100 and 200 and performs production management for the first implementation line L1 and the second implementation line L2. The integrated management device 10 performs management of the parameters of optional functions that can be executed in at least the production equipment of each implementation line. The information describing the parameters of optional functions is also referred to as option settings. The integrated management device 10 performs processing to extend the option settings of the production equipment of one implementation line to the production equipment of other implementation lines. Specifically, the integrated management device 10 obtains the option settings set (e.g., updated) in the production equipment of one implementation line and performs processing to change the option settings of the production equipment of other implementation lines to the obtained option settings. The integrated management device 10 is an example of a production support system.

[0054] Option settings are the settings for each item of the optional functions that the production equipment can execute. In other words, option settings are the settings for each item of a predetermined process that the production equipment can selectively execute. Option settings are parameters that are different from parameters such as control values ​​for each unit constituting the production equipment, which are indicated by the production program and component data related to the mounted boards produced by the production equipment. The program for the production equipment to execute the predetermined process may be stored in the production equipment in advance (for example, at the time of sale) or may be acquired via communication or other means during use after sale. Option settings may also include settings to turn optional functions on or off. The initial setting for an optional function is, for example, off, but it may also be on.

[0055] The first mounting line L1 and the second mounting line L2 are component mounting lines for mounting components onto a substrate, and are composed of various production devices connected together, such as substrate supply, solder printing, component mounting, reflow, and inspection. Each production device includes, for example, a production device for supplying substrates (substrate supply device), a production device for solder printing on substrates (solder printing device), a production device for mounting components onto substrates (component mounting device), a production device for reflow (reflow device or reflow oven), and an inspection device for inspection. The first mounting line L1 and the second mounting line L2 may be the same mounting line equipped with the same type of production device, or they may be mounting lines capable of producing common mounted substrates. In this embodiment, the first mounting line L1 and the second mounting line L2 are the same mounting line. Note that the component mounting device is also called a mounting machine, and will be simply referred to as a mounting device hereafter, and the solder printing device will be simply referred to as a printing device. Furthermore, a substrate is an example of an object on which components are mounted, and mounting is an example of a predetermined operation. Furthermore, the components are electronic components, such as resistors and capacitors, but are not limited to these. Solder is also an example of a joining material.

[0056] The first assembly line L1 comprises a line management device 100, a first production device 110, an assembly device 120 which is an example of a second production device, and a third production device 130. The line management device 100 and each of the first production device 110, the assembly device 120, and the third production device 130 are connected in a communication manner. Communication between the line management device 100 and each of the first production device 110, the assembly device 120, and the third production device 130 may be wireless communication or wired communication.

[0057] The line management device 100 is an information processing device that is communicatively connected to the integrated management device 10 and each production device of the first mounting line L1, and is used to manage each production device. The line management device 100 performs processing related to option settings of the production devices. The line management device 100 may also output control signals to each production device for, for example, changing the lane width or changing the position of the pins supporting the substrate, thereby controlling the lane width, pin positions, etc. Furthermore, the line management device 100 may control the operation of each production device of the first mounting line L1 based on production plan information indicating the production plan obtained from the integrated management device 10. The line management device 100 is an example of a management device.

[0058] The first production device 110 is a production device upstream of the mounting device 120 and the third production device 130, and is, for example, a printing device, but is not limited thereto.

[0059] The mounting device 120 mounts components onto the circuit board.

[0060] The third production device 130 is a production device downstream of the mounting device 120, and is, for example, an inspection device, but is not limited to that.

[0061] At least one of the production devices included in the first mounting line L1 has an optional function. Examples of optional functions include, but are not limited to, a traceability function and an automatic model changeover function. For example, the traceability function of mounting devices 120 and 220 may include a function that transmits information generated during the process of mounting components onto a circuit board (information acquired when mounting components onto a circuit board, such as a production log) to a higher-level computer such as a server.

[0062] The production equipment included in the first mounting line L1 may include, for example, production equipment that performs different tasks such as printing and mounting, or it may include only production equipment that performs a single task.

[0063] The second assembly line L2 comprises a line management device 200, a first production device 210, an assembly device 220 (an example of the second production device), and a third production device 230. The line management device 200 is communicated with each of the first production device 210, the assembly device 220, and the third production device 230. The configuration of the line management device 200 is the same as that of the line management device 100, the configuration of the first production device 210 is the same as that of the first production device 110, the configuration of the assembly device 220 is the same as that of the assembly device 120, and the configuration of the third production device 230 is the same as that of the third production device 130. Furthermore, the line management device 200 is an example of a management device.

[0064] The first mounting line L1 and the second mounting line L2 may be different mounting lines located on the same floor of the factory, or they may be mounting lines located on different floors. Furthermore, the first mounting line L1 and the second mounting line L2 may be mounting lines located in separate factories, for example, as long as they can communicate with the integrated management device 10.

[0065] Here, the functional configuration of production system 1 will be explained with reference to Figure 2. Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of production system 1 according to this embodiment. Note that Figure 2 shows an exemplary functional configuration of production system 1, and the functional configuration of production system 1 is not limited to that shown in Figure 2.

[0066] Figure 2 shows an example where the mounting devices 120 and 220 have optional functions, and setting information, including the parameters of the optional functions set for one mounting device, is applied to the other mounting device. The functional configuration of production equipment other than mounting devices 120 and 220 may be the same as that of mounting devices 120 and 220. In Figure 2, only the configuration related to optional functions among the various components of mounting devices 120 and 220 is illustrated, and the illustration of configurations that perform component mounting, such as feeders and heads, is omitted.

[0067] As shown in Figure 2, the integrated management device 10 comprises an acquisition unit 11, a control unit 12, and an output unit 13.

[0068] The acquisition unit 11 acquires setting information for optional functions for the production equipment from the line management devices 100 and 200. The acquisition unit 11 may be configured to include, for example, a communication circuit (or communication module). The setting information may include parameters for processes that can be selectively executed by each of the line management devices 100 and 200.

[0069] The control unit 12 performs processing to apply option settings (e.g., setting changes) set on one of the multiple mounting lines to the production equipment of at least one of the other one or more mounting lines. The control unit 12 may also function as a determination unit that determines whether or not to output the setting information acquired via the acquisition unit 11 to one or more production equipment of the other mounting lines, based on line configuration information indicating the configuration of each mounting line. For example, if the control unit 12 acquires setting information from a mounting device, it may determine, based on the line configuration information, whether or not there is a mounting device on the other mounting line, and if there is a mounting device, it may decide to transfer the setting information to that other mounting line. Transferring means outputting (e.g., notifying) the option settings (e.g., turning an option function on or off) included in the setting information to the other mounting line without changing them. The control unit 12 may also decide to transfer setting information that includes parameters for processing that can be selectively executed by the line management devices 100 and 200, respectively.

[0070] The line configuration information may be pre-generated and stored in the storage unit (not shown) of the integrated management device 10. The line configuration information includes information indicating the type of production equipment (e.g., type of printing device, type of mounting device, etc.) and the number of production devices (e.g., how many printing devices and how many mounting devices there are) for each of the multiple mounting lines.

[0071] The output unit 13 outputs the setting information acquired by the acquisition unit 11 to the line management device of at least one of the other one or more implementation lines. It can also be said that the output unit 13 transfers the setting information acquired by the acquisition unit 11 to the line management device of at least one of the other one or more implementation lines. The output unit 13 may transfer the setting information to one or more pre-configured implementation lines from the other one or more implementation lines, or it may transfer the setting information to each of the other one or more implementation lines. The output unit 13 may include, for example, a communication circuit (or communication module).

[0072] The line management device 100 for the first implementation line L1 comprises an acquisition unit 101, a control unit 102, and an output unit 103, and the line management device 200 for the second implementation line L2 comprises an acquisition unit 201, a control unit 202, and an output unit 203. The functions of the acquisition unit 201, the control unit 202, and the output unit 203 are the same as those of the acquisition unit 101, the control unit 102, and the output unit 103, and therefore their description is omitted.

[0073] The acquisition unit 101 acquires setting information, including option settings, received by the mounting device 120 via the receiving unit 121. The acquisition unit 101 may be configured to include, for example, a communication circuit (or communication module).

[0074] The control unit 102 controls the transmission and reception of setting information between the integrated management device 10 and each production device (in the example in Figure 2, the mounting device 120). The control unit 102 also controls each production device in order to generate the mounted board. The control unit 102 may set the parameters of the processes that the line management device 200 can selectively execute, which are obtained via the integrated management device 10, as the parameters of the processes that the line management device 100 can selectively execute.

[0075] The output unit 103 outputs the configuration information of the mounting devices of other mounting lines, obtained via the integrated management device 10, to the mounting device 120 of its own mounting line. The output unit 103 may be configured to include, for example, a communication circuit (or communication module).

[0076] The mounting device 120 of the first mounting line L1 comprises a receiving unit 121, a control unit 122, a storage unit 123, and an output unit 124. The mounting device 220 of the second mounting line L2 comprises a receiving unit 221, a control unit 222, a storage unit 223, and an output unit 224. The functions of the receiving unit 221, the control unit 222, the storage unit 223, and the output unit 224 are the same as those of the receiving unit 121, the control unit 122, the storage unit 123, and the output unit 124, and therefore their description is omitted.

[0077] The reception unit 121 receives various settings from the operator regarding predetermined tasks such as component mounting. In this embodiment, the reception unit 121 receives option settings from the operator. These settings refer to whether to turn an option function on or off. Furthermore, if the mounting device 120 has multiple option functions, the reception unit 121 may also receive input indicating an option function to change the settings.

[0078] The reception unit 121 may have a settings screen and accept input to the settings screen to receive parameters for optional functions that will be used selectively, or it may have a sound collection device and accept voice input to receive parameters for optional functions, or it may accept parameters for optional functions by other means.

[0079] The control unit 122 performs processing on the setting information, including option settings, received by the reception unit 121. The control unit 122 may output the setting information to the line management device 100, or it may store the setting information in the storage unit 123. The control unit 122 may also perform equipment control for automatic model switching. For example, the control unit 122 may generate a control signal for automatic model switching and output it to the production equipment.

[0080] The memory unit 123 is a storage device that stores various information related to component mounting. The memory unit 123 stores setting information, including option settings received via the setting screen of the reception unit 121, and setting information acquired via the integrated management device 10 (for example, setting information output from the output unit 13). The memory unit 123 also stores a production program, which includes a program for executing optional functions. The production program may be acquired from the line management device 100. The production program may also include a program for outputting the option settings acquired via the reception unit 121 to the integrated management device 10. The memory unit 123 is implemented by, for example, a non-volatile storage device (SSD (Solid State Drive) or HDD (Hard Disk Drive)), but is not limited to this.

[0081] The output unit 124 outputs the setting information stored in the storage unit 123 to an external device of the production apparatus. The external device is, for example, a line management device 100. The output unit 124 may be configured to include, for example, a communication circuit (or communication module).

[0082] Thus, in production system 1, the mounting line has the function of outputting the parameters of the optional function to the integrated management device 10, and the integrated management device 10 has the function of collecting the parameters of the optional function and transferring them to other mounting lines.

[0083] In the first mounting line L1 and the second mounting line L2 described above, a substrate processing step is performed, for example, to generate mounted substrates by controlling production equipment according to a production program. The substrate processing step may also include a step of outputting information generated in the process of producing mounted substrates by the production equipment to a higher-level computer such as a server. The substrate processing step may also include a step of controlling each production device in the mounting line in order to change the type of mounted substrate produced in the mounting line. The mounting line may be configured to produce multiple types of mounted substrates.

[0084] [2. Operation of the Production System] Next, the operation of the production system 1 configured as described above will be explained with reference to Figure 3. Figure 3 is a sequence diagram showing the operation (production support method) of the production system 1 according to this embodiment. In Figure 3, an example is described in which the parameters of an optional function are set for the mounting device 120 of the first mounting line L1 and applied to the mounting device 220 of the second mounting line L2. However, the parameters may also be applied to the mounting devices of two or more mounting lines other than the first mounting line L1 among multiple mounting lines. Furthermore, the same process as in Figure 3 is performed when setting parameters of an optional function for production devices other than mounting devices.

[0085] As shown in Figure 3, the receiving unit 121 of the mounting device 120 of the first mounting line L1 receives the parameters of the optional function (S11). The receiving unit 121 receives operations to change the parameters of the optional function from one to the other (i.e., operations to change the parameters of the optional function).

[0086] Next, the control unit 122 stores the setting information, including the parameters of the optional function acquired by the reception unit 121, in the storage unit 123 (S12).

[0087] Next, the control unit 122 outputs the setting information to the integrated management device 10 via the output unit 124 (S13). In other words, the control unit 122 notifies the integrated management device 10 of the change when the option setting is changed in the mounting device 120. The control unit 122 may output the setting information to the integrated management device 10 as soon as the receiving unit 121 receives the setting (for example, within a few seconds), or it may output the setting information to the integrated management device 10 periodically or at predetermined timings. In addition to the option setting, the setting information here may also include information indicating the type of production device for which the parameters of the option function were received in step S11, information identifying the mounting line or production device to be transferred, etc. The information identifying the type of production device may be information indicating the work performed by the device (printing, mounting, etc.), information identifying the series of the device, information indicating the functions of the device, or identification information such as the ID of the device.

[0088] Furthermore, information indicating the implementation line or production equipment to be transferred may be included in the setting information, for example, when input of the implementation line or production equipment to which the parameters of the optional function will be applied is received via the reception unit 121, or when information indicating the implementation line or production equipment to which the parameters of the optional function will be applied is stored in the storage unit 123.

[0089] Furthermore, if the control unit 122 receives an input via the receiving unit 121 that permits outputting the setting information to the integrated management device 10, that is, that permits applying the setting to the mounting equipment on other mounting lines, it may execute the process in step S13. In addition, in step S11, it may receive an input indicating that the option setting is experimental (i.e., not to be automatically applied to other production equipment).

[0090] Next, the acquisition unit 11 of the integrated management device 10 acquires setting information from the line management device 100 (S14), and the control unit 12 transfers the setting information to another implementation line (the second implementation line L2 in Figure 3) via the output unit 13 (S15). The integrated management device 10 applies the latest parameters of the optional functions of the implementation device 120 of the first implementation line L1 to the other implementation line. It can also be said that the control unit 12 notifies that the setting information has been changed. The output unit 13 of the integrated management device 10 outputs the setting information to one or more of the multiple production devices provided in the second implementation line L2. The setting information acquired via the acquisition unit 11 is the information output from the implementation device 120. In addition, the setting information acquired in step S14 is the information stored in the storage unit 123 of the implementation device 120.

[0091] In step S15, the control unit 12 may output the setting information generated (for example, changed) by the operation to change the option setting, which was acquired by the reception unit 121.

[0092] The control unit 12 may transfer common configuration information to two or more mounting lines, including the second mounting line L2. This allows for the simultaneous setting (e.g., updating) of parameters for optional functions of two or more production devices connected to the factory network. For example, compared to setting parameters for optional functions individually for two or more production devices via a reception unit, this reduces working time and prevents human errors such as setting mistakes.

[0093] Furthermore, the control unit 12 of the integrated management device 10 may determine whether or not to apply the acquired setting information to other mounting lines and transmit the setting information according to the determination result. The integrated management device 10 stores line configuration information including the type of each production device for each mounting line, and the control unit 12 may transfer the setting information to mounting lines other than the first mounting line L1 that have production devices of the same type as the production device (in this case, mounting device 120) for which the parameters of the optional function have been set. For example, if the control unit 12 acquires setting information including the option settings for mounting device 120, it may transfer the setting information to mounting lines that have at least one production device that is compatible with mounting device 120, a production device of the same series as mounting device 120, and a production device that has the same functions as mounting device 120.

[0094] For example, if the control unit 12 acquires setting information including option settings for the mounting device 120, it may identify one or more mounting lines, including the mounting device, from among multiple mounting lines, and transfer the setting information only to the identified one or more mounting lines. Alternatively, if the control unit 12 acquires setting information including option settings for the first production device 110, which is a printing device, it may identify one or more mounting lines, including the printing device, from among multiple mounting lines, and transfer the setting information only to the identified one or more mounting lines.

[0095] Furthermore, the control unit 12 may determine the implementation line to which the configuration information, including the changed option settings, is transferred, depending on the type of option function that changes the settings. For example, the control unit 12 may determine the implementation line to which the configuration information, including the changed option settings, is transferred, based on a table that associates the type of option function that changes the settings with the implementation line (or production equipment) to which the configuration information is transferred.

[0096] Furthermore, if the first mounting line L1 is equipped with multiple mounting devices 120, or if it is equipped with production equipment other than mounting devices, the control unit 12 may transfer the setting information acquired in step S14 to other mounting devices 120 or production equipment other than mounting devices.

[0097] Next, the acquisition unit 201 of the line management device 200 for the second implementation line L2 acquires setting information from the integrated management device 10 (S16), and the control unit 202 stores the setting information acquired by the acquisition unit 201 in the storage unit 223 (S17).

[0098] Next, the control unit 202 uses the setting information stored in step S17 to change the parameters of the optional function at any time (S18). In this embodiment, the control unit 202 sets the parameters of the optional function of the mounting device 220 to be the same as the parameters of the optional function of the mounting device 120 (i.e., the parameters of the optional function received in step S11). Any time is a time that does not affect production or has little effect on production, and examples include, but is not limited to, before production starts or during production stoppages.

[0099] Thus, the second implementation line L2 has the function of acquiring setting information from an external device (in this case, the integrated management device 10) and applying the acquired setting information to the execution of the production program.

[0100] This allows the operator to automatically apply the parameters (parameter changes) of the optional functions set for the production equipment on the first mounting line L1 to the production equipment on other mounting lines. In the example in Figure 3, the operator can apply the parameters (parameter changes) of the optional functions set for the mounting equipment 120 on the first mounting line L1 to the mounting equipment 220 without having to perform any operation to set the parameters of the optional functions on the setting screen of the mounting equipment 220.

[0101] [3. Examples of Production System Applications] Next, examples of applying parameters of optional functions by the production system 1 will be explained with reference to Figures 4A to 5. Figure 4A is a sequence diagram showing the state in which setting information has not been transferred in the first application example of the production system 1 according to this embodiment. Figure 4B is a sequence diagram showing the state in which setting information has been transferred in the first application example of the production system 1 according to this embodiment. Figures 4A and 4B show an example in which the optional function is a traceability function, and the parameters of the optional function for the mounting device 120 of the first mounting line L1 are applied to the mounting devices 220a to 220c of the second mounting line L2. In this case, the setting information includes the setting of turning the traceability function on and off. Switching the setting of the traceability function on and off switches whether or not the production device outputs trace information to the line management device. For convenience, the illustration of the first mounting line L1 is omitted in Figures 4A and 4B. Also, Figures 4A and 4B show an example in which the production system 1 is further equipped with an analysis device 300.

[0102] Trace information is generated during the process of mounting components onto a circuit board by production equipment (in this case, mounting equipment), and is output along with the circuit board information. Trace information may include, but is not limited to, information indicating which component (serial number) was mounted at which location (XY coordinates) on the circuit board, and information indicating the time of the suction error.

[0103] As shown in Figure 4A, the traceability function of the mounting devices 220a to 220c on the second mounting line L2 is currently turned off, so trace information used for analysis is not being transmitted from the second mounting line L2 to the analysis device 300. Specifically, the mounting devices 220a to 220c do not output trace information to the line management device 200.

[0104] The analysis device 300 is an information processing device for analyzing trace information, and comprises an acquisition unit 310, a storage unit 320, and an analysis unit 330.

[0105] The acquisition unit 310 acquires trace information from the line management device of each implementation line. The acquisition unit 310 may be configured to include, for example, a communication circuit (or communication module).

[0106] The storage unit 320 is a storage device that stores the trace information acquired by the acquisition unit 310. The storage unit 320 is implemented by, for example, a non-volatile storage device (SSD or HDD), but is not limited to this.

[0107] The analysis unit 330 performs analysis based on trace information. The analysis unit 330 may filter and display trace information by specifying search conditions, such as the lot number of the defective part. The analysis unit 330 may also detect abnormalities in the production equipment, for example, based on the trace information.

[0108] If the mounting devices 220a to 220c are not outputting trace information to the line management device 200, and the mounting device 120 of the first mounting line L1 receives an input to turn on the traceability function, then setting information including turning on the traceability function is transmitted to the second mounting line L2 via the integrated management device 10.

[0109] As shown in Figure 4B, when the line management device 200 obtains setting information from the integrated management device 10, including the setting to turn on the traceability function, it outputs the setting information to each of the mounting devices 220a to 220c. As a result, the traceability function of the mounting devices 220a to 220c is switched from off to on, so that each of the mounting devices 220a to 220c can execute the traceability function.

[0110] Each of the mounting devices 220a to 220c, with the traceability function enabled, outputs trace information to the line management device 200, and the collected trace information is transmitted from the line management device 200 to the analysis device 300. In this case, trace information from mounting device 120 is also transmitted from the line management device 100 to the analysis device 300.

[0111] Furthermore, if an input is received to change the traceability function to off in any of the mounting devices 120, 220a to 220c, the traceability function of the mounting device that received the change will switch from on to off, and the output of trace information from that mounting device to the line management device will be stopped. The output of trace information from mounting devices on a different mounting line to the line management device will also be stopped because the traceability function will be turned off based on the setting information to change the traceability function to off obtained from the integrated management device 10.

[0112] In Figure 4B, an example is shown where the traceability function of each mounting device 220a to 220c is turned on; however, it is sufficient for the traceability function of at least one mounting device to be turned on. Furthermore, the on / off status of the traceability function is just one example of a parameter that indicates whether or not the information acquired when the production equipment produces the mounted circuit board is sent to the server.

[0113] Figure 5 is a sequence diagram showing the state in which setting information has been transferred in a second application example of the production system 1 according to this embodiment. In Figure 5, the optional function is an automatic model switching function, and an example is shown in which the parameters of the optional function for the mounting device 120 of the first mounting line L1 are applied to the mounting devices 220a to 220c of the second mounting line L2. In this case, the setting information may include the setting of turning the automatic model switching function on and off. By switching the setting of the automatic model switching function on and off, the production device can be switched on or off based on the control signal from the line management device. Note that, for convenience, the first mounting line L1 is not shown in Figure 5.

[0114] As shown in Figure 5, when the line management device 200 obtains setting information from the integrated management device 10, including the setting to turn on the automatic model switching function, it outputs the setting information to each of the mounting devices 220a to 220c. As a result, the automatic model switching function of the mounting devices 220a to 220c is switched from off to on, so that each of the mounting devices 220a to 220c can execute the automatic model switching function. Enabling the automatic model switching function may mean, for example, allowing the mounting devices to be controlled by the control signal for model switching from the line management device 200.

[0115] When the automatic model switching function is turned on, the line management device 200 outputs a control signal to the mounting devices 220a to 220c during model switching, and the mounting devices 220a to 220c are controlled according to that control signal. For example, the lane width and pin positions are controlled.

[0116] Furthermore, if an input is received to change the automatic model switching function to OFF in any of the mounting devices 120, 220a to 220c, control by the control signal during model switching from the line management device is not permitted in the mounting device that received the change. In mounting devices on a different mounting line from the mounting device that received the change, the automatic model switching function is turned OFF based on the setting information to change the automatic model switching function to OFF obtained from the integrated management device 10, so control by the control signal during model switching from the line management device is not permitted. Thus, the setting information may include a parameter indicating whether or not to enable automatic model switching.

[0117] During the period when the automatic model switching function is turned on, the operation related to model switching from the settings screen may be disabled for the mounting devices 120, 220a to 220c.

[0118] Although Figure 5 illustrates an example where the automatic model switching function of each mounting device 220a to 220c is turned on, it is sufficient for the automatic model switching function of at least one mounting device to be turned on.

[0119] (Other embodiments) Although the above has described production systems, etc., relating to one or more embodiments, based on embodiments, this disclosure is not limited to these embodiments. Without departing from the spirit of this disclosure, various modifications to these embodiments that a person skilled in the art could conceive, or forms constructed by combining components from different embodiments, may also be included in this disclosure.

[0120] For example, the integrated management device 10 according to the above embodiment was described as an example in which it acquires setting information including parameters of optional functions from production equipment via a line management device, but it is not limited to this. The integrated management device 10 may, for example, include a reception unit that accepts input of parameters of optional functions, and output the setting information including parameters of optional functions acquired via the reception unit to production equipment on multiple mounting lines.

[0121] Furthermore, while the above embodiment describes an example where the parameter of the optional function is either on or off, it is not limited to this. For example, there may be three or more parameters for the optional function.

[0122] Furthermore, although the above embodiment describes an example where the integrated management device 10 and the line management device are separate devices, they may also be a single integrated device. In addition, the integrated management device 10 may be capable of directly sending and receiving setting information to and from each production device.

[0123] Furthermore, the order in which each step in the sequence diagram is performed is illustrative for the purpose of specifically illustrating this disclosure, and may be in a different order. Also, some of the above steps may be performed simultaneously (in parallel) with other steps, and some of the above steps may not be performed.

[0124] Furthermore, the division of functional blocks in the block diagram is just one example; multiple functional blocks can be implemented as a single functional block, a single functional block can be divided into multiple parts, or some functions can be moved to other functional blocks. In addition, the functions of multiple functional blocks with similar functions can be processed in parallel or time-sharing by a single piece of hardware or software.

[0125] Furthermore, the integrated management device 10 according to the above embodiment may be implemented as a single device or as a plurality of devices. When the integrated management device 10 is implemented as a plurality of devices, the individual components of the integrated management device 10 may be distributed among the plurality of devices in any manner. When the integrated management device 10 is implemented as a plurality of devices, the method of communication between the plurality of devices is not particularly limited and may be wireless communication or wired communication. In addition, wireless communication and wired communication may be combined between the devices.

[0126] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, each component may be implemented by dedicated hardware or by executing a software program suitable for each component. Each component may be implemented by a program execution unit such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit or processor) reading and executing a software program recorded on a recording medium such as a hard disk or semiconductor memory. Also, for example, each component may be a circuit (or integrated circuit). These circuits may constitute a single circuit as a whole, or they may be separate circuits. Furthermore, these circuits may each be a general-purpose circuit or a dedicated circuit.

[0127] Furthermore, one aspect of this disclosure may be a computer program that causes a computer to perform each characteristic step included in the production support method shown in Figure 3.

[0128] Furthermore, for example, the program may be a program to be executed by a computer. Also, in one aspect of this disclosure, such a program may be recorded on a computer-readable non-temporary recording medium. For example, such a program may be recorded on a recording medium and distributed or made available. For example, by installing the distributed program on a device having another processor and having that processor execute the program, it becomes possible to have that device perform the above-mentioned processes.

[0129] Furthermore, this disclosure also includes forms that can be obtained by applying various modifications to the above embodiments that a person skilled in the art could conceive, or forms that can be realized by arbitrarily combining the components and functions of the embodiments without departing from the spirit of this disclosure. [Industrial applicability]

[0130] This disclosure is particularly applicable to production support systems and the like that which support production equipment. [Explanation of symbols]

[0131] 1. Production System 10. Integrated Management System (Production Support System) 11, 101, 201, 310 Acquisition section 12, 102, 122, 202, 222 Control Unit Output sections 13, 103, 124, 203, 224 100, 200 line management device (management device) 110, 210 First production equipment (production equipment) 120, 220, 220a, 220b, 220c Mounting equipment (production equipment) 121, 221 Reception Desk 123, 223, 320 storage section 130, 230 Third Production Unit (Production Unit) 300 Analysis equipment 330 Analysis Department L1 First Implementation Line L2 Second Implementation Line

Claims

1. A production support system that supports the production of mounted substrates in a first mounting line and a second mounting line, which are different mounting lines from each other, Each of the first and second mounting lines is composed of multiple production devices. The aforementioned production support system is An acquisition unit that acquires setting information stored in one of the plurality of production devices provided in the first implementation line, which includes parameters of optional functions that are selectively used in that production device, The system includes an output unit that outputs the acquired setting information to one or more of the multiple production devices provided in the second implementation line, Production support system.

2. The aforementioned configuration information includes a parameter indicating whether or not to transmit information acquired when the production equipment produces the mounted circuit board to the server. The production support system according to claim 1.

3. The aforementioned setting information includes a parameter indicating whether or not to enable automatic model switching, which, when producing multiple types of mounted boards on a mounting line, is enabled by the control device managing the mounting line to automatically execute changes to the production equipment to change the type of mounted board being produced. The production support system according to claim 1.

4. The system further includes a determination unit that determines whether or not to output the setting information of the one production device acquired by the acquisition unit to the one or more production devices of the second mounting line, based on line configuration information indicating the configuration of the second mounting line. A production support system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. When an operation is performed to change the setting information stored in one of the production devices, the output unit outputs the changed setting information to one or more of the multiple production devices provided in the first mounting line. A production support system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

6. The setting information acquired by the acquisition unit is information output from the first production device. A production support system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

7. The setting information stored in the aforementioned production device is information obtained through the setting screen of the said production device. A production support system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

8. The aforementioned production apparatus is a mounting apparatus for mounting components onto a circuit board. A production support system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

9. The aforementioned production apparatus is a printing apparatus for printing bonding members onto a substrate. A production support system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

10. A production apparatus which is the production apparatus in the production support system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, A receiving unit that receives parameters for optional functions to be selectively used in the production apparatus, A storage unit that stores setting information including the parameters received by the reception unit, The system includes an output unit that outputs the setting information stored in the storage unit to an external device. Production equipment.

11. A production support method performed by a production support system that supports the production of mounted substrates in a first mounting line and a second mounting line, which are different mounting lines from each other, Each of the first and second mounting lines is composed of multiple production devices. The aforementioned production support method is The first implementation line acquires setting information stored in one of the multiple production devices, which includes parameters for optional functions that are selectively used in that production device. The acquired setting information is output to one or more of the multiple production devices provided in the second implementation line. Production support methods.

12. A program for causing a computer to execute the production support method described in claim 11.

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