Working robot and component mounting system

Abstract

This work robot comprises a work unit that performs predetermined work on a production device for producing a component mounting substrate, and an unmanned conveyance vehicle that conveys the work unit. The work robot further comprises a coupling mechanism that is able to switch between a coupled state in which the work unit can be made to move with the unmanned conveyance vehicle, and an uncoupled state that allows the unmanned conveyance vehicle to separate from the work unit and travel independently. The work unit is configured to be able to continue the predetermined work being executed even while the unmanned conveyance vehicle is separated from the work unit during the execution of the predetermined work on the production device.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a working robot provided in a component mounting system that produces component-mounted boards in which components are mounted (placed) on a substrate such as a printed wiring board, and to the component mounting system. [Background technology]

[0002] There is known a production line that produces component-mounted boards in which components are mounted (placed) on a substrate such as a printed wiring board. The production line is equipped with multiple component mounting devices. The substrate is transported along the production line, and each component mounting device mounts components on the substrate. The component mounting device is equipped with a mounting head and a component supplying device such as a tape feeder, and the mounting head adsorbs and holds the components supplied by the component supplying device and mounts them on the substrate.

[0003] In this production line, it is necessary to replenish components consumed by the component mounting equipment and to change the component supply equipment when the type of board being produced is changed. This task was traditionally performed by workers, but in recent years it is increasingly being performed by unmanned work robots.

[0004] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an example of a component mounting system in which components are replenished by a working robot (supplying device). The working robot of Patent Document 1 has a configuration in which a working unit (supplying unit) is mounted integrally on an unmanned guided vehicle. The working unit is provided with a storage section capable of storing a plurality of tape feeders, and a feed mechanism for inserting and removing the tape feeders. As is well known, a tape feeder is one of the component supplying devices provided in a component mounting device. The working robot moves to the position of the component mounting device and stops there. Then, the feed mechanism is operated to replace the out-of-component tape feeder set in the component mounting device with a replenishing tape feeder stored in the storage section. That is, the working robot supplies components to the component mounting device by replacing the tape feeder itself.

[0005] In conventional work robots as described above, the unmanned guided vehicle and the supply unit are integrated, and the unmanned guided vehicle also remains in place while working. Therefore, during that time, the unmanned guided vehicle cannot be used for other purposes and ends up being idle. Depending on the work content of the work unit, the frequency of use of the work robot may be extremely low, in which case the unmanned guided vehicle will be idle for long periods of time. For this reason, it cannot be said that the unmanned guided vehicle is being used effectively. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6074425 Summary of the Invention

[0007] The present invention relates to a working robot provided in a component mounting system that produces component-mounted boards, and aims to provide technology that enables more effective use of an unmanned guided vehicle in the working robot.

[0008] A work robot according to one aspect of the present invention is a work robot comprising a work unit that performs a specified task on production equipment for producing component mounting boards, and an unmanned guided vehicle that transports the work unit, and is equipped with a coupling mechanism that can switch between a coupled state in which the work unit can be moved together with the unmanned guided vehicle, and a disconnected state in which the unmanned guided vehicle is allowed to move independently away from the work unit, and the work unit is configured to be able to continue the specified task even when the unmanned guided vehicle is separated from the work unit while the work unit is performing the specified task on the production equipment. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a component mounting system of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a plan view of a component mounting device provided in the component mounting system. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a side view of the component mounting device and the working robot. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the working robot as viewed from behind. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a rear view (view taken along the arrow A in FIGS. 3 and 4) of the unit base part of the working robot. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a side view of an automatic guided vehicle provided for the working robot. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a side view of the working robot and the component mounting device during a feeder replacement operation. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a control system of the component mounting system. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing an example of the operation of the working robot in the component mounting system. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing an example of the operation of the working robot in the component mounting system. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing an example of the operation of the working robot. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing an example of the operation of the working robot. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing an example of the operation of the working robot. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a block diagram showing an example of the operation of the working robot. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a side view of a main part of a working robot according to the second embodiment (before being coupled to an automatic guided vehicle). [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a plan view showing the connecting mechanism. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a plan view of the coupling mechanism, illustrating the switching operation between the coupled state and the uncoupled state by the coupling mechanism. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a side view of the main part of the working robot (after being connected to an automatic guided vehicle). DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0011] [Component mounting system configuration] 1 is a block diagram showing a component mounting system 100 according to the present invention. The component mounting system 100 is a system that produces component-mounted boards in which electronic components (hereinafter referred to as "components") are mounted on a substrate P such as a printed wiring board. The component mounting system 100 includes a first production line 101, a second production line 102, a supply unit 6, a collection unit 7, a charging station 8, a management device 9, and a work robot 20.

[0012] The first production line 101 and the second production line 102 are arranged in a production area Ar1, and the resupply unit 6, the recovery unit 7, the charging station 8 and the management device 9 are arranged in a preparation area Ar2. The production area Ar1 is an area where component-mounted boards are produced, and the preparation area Ar2 is an area where workers prepare consumables such as mounted components used in the production of component-mounted boards and equipment to be replaced when the production type is changed.

[0013] The first production line 101 includes a printing device 1, a print inspection device 2, a component mounting device 3, a visual inspection device 4, and a reflow device 5, and is configured by connecting these devices 1 to 5 in a row in the X direction in that order. Although some parts are not shown in the figure, in this example, a plurality of component mounting devices 3 are arranged in series between the print inspection device 2 and the visual inspection device 4.

[0014] The printing device 1 executes a process of printing cream solder at component mounting locations on the substrate P, and the print inspection device 2 executes a process of inspecting the printing state of the cream solder printed on the substrate P. Each of the multiple component mounting devices 3 executes a process of mounting (mounting) components at a predetermined mounting position on the substrate P on which the cream solder has been printed, and the appearance inspection device 4 executes a process of inspecting the mounting state of the components mounted on the substrate P. In addition, the reflow device 5 executes a process of heating the substrate P to melt the solder and bond the components to the substrate P.

[0015] The second production line 102 has the same basic configuration as the first production line 101, and is disposed adjacent to the first production line 101. In each of the first production line 101 and the second production line 102, the board P is transported in the X direction while the above-mentioned processes are performed in the printing device 1, the print inspection device 2, the component mounting device 3, the appearance inspection device 4, and the reflow device 5. In this way, component-mounted boards are produced.

[0016] The supply section 6 is a place where parts and equipment for supply prepared by the workers are kept waiting, and the collection section 7 is a place where used equipment and the like collected from the production lines 101 and 102 are returned.

[0017] The working robot 20 is a self-propelled robot that moves along the production lines 101, 102 between the component mounting device 3 and the storage device 6. The working robot 20 has a function of transporting resupply parts and replacement equipment from the resupply section 6 to the component mounting device 3 and handing them over to the component mounting device 3, and also has a function of collecting used equipment, etc. from the component mounting device 3 and returning them to the collection section 7.

[0018] The charging station 8 is a facility for charging the automatic guided vehicle 20V described below of the working robot 20. When the battery capacity of the automatic guided vehicle 20V falls below a certain level, the automatic guided vehicle 20V moves to this charging station 8 and is charged.

[0019] The management device 9 is, for example, a general-purpose computer that is communicatively connected to the devices 1-5 of the production lines 101, 102 and the working robot 20 (automated guided vehicle 20V described below). The management device 9 controls the devices 1-5 of the production lines 101, 102 and the working robot 20 based on a production plan, thereby performing overall management of the production of component-mounted boards in the component mounting system 100.

[0020] [Configuration of component mounting device 3] Fig. 2 is a plan view of the component mounting device 3 provided in the component mounting system 100, and Fig. 3 is a side view of the component mounting device 3 and the work robot 20. In Fig. 2 and Fig. 3, the component mounting device 3 and the work robot 20 are illustrated in schematic form. Each of the multiple component mounting devices 3 provided in the component mounting system 100 has the same basic configuration.

[0021] The component mounting apparatus 3 includes a base 10, a conveyor 11, a component supply area 12, a head unit 15, and an imaging unit 17. The base 10 is a mounting base for various devices equipped in the component mounting apparatus 3. The conveyor 11 is a transport line for the board P installed on the base 10 so as to extend in the X direction, and is composed of a pair of belt-type conveyors. The conveyor 11 carries the board P from outside the machine to a predetermined work position, and after the mounting work, carries the board P from the mounting work position to outside the machine. The position of the board P shown in FIG. 2 is the mounting work position.

[0022] Component supply areas 12 are areas in which component supply devices for supplying mounted components are arranged, and are provided on both sides of conveyor 11 in the Y direction. In each component supply area 12, multiple tape feeders 14 are installed along conveyor 11. Tape feeders 14 are component supply devices that supply components (small surface mount components) by unwinding a tape containing the components at regular intervals.

[0023] The tape feeder 14 in this example is a so-called cassette-type tape feeder in which a reel around which tape is wound and a mechanism for unwinding the tape from the reel are housed together in a box-shaped housing that is flat in the X direction. The tape feeder 14 is supported on a feeder base 13, which is its support base. A plurality of grooves (referred to as slots 13a) extending parallel to each other in the Y direction and aligned in the X direction are formed on the upper surface of the feeder base 13. Each tape feeder 14 is supported by the feeder base 13 with its lower end inserted into the slot 13a. Each tape feeder 14 can be attached to and detached from the feeder base 13 (inserted and removed) by moving it in the Y direction along the slot 13a.

[0024] Head unit 15 is provided so as to be movable in the X and Y directions within a certain area by head unit drive mechanism 16. Head unit 15 is equipped with a plurality of mounting heads 15a. Negative pressure for component suction is supplied and cut off to each mounting head 15a, thereby suction-holding and releasing of components for each mounting head 15a.

[0025] In order to recognize the suction-holding state of the component, the imaging unit 17 captures an image of the component suction-held by each mounting head 15a of the head unit 15 from below the component. The imaging unit 17 includes a camera and a lighting device. The imaging units 17 are disposed on the base 10 on both sides of the conveyor 11 in the Y direction.

[0026] In the component mounting device 3, while the head unit 15 moves between the component supply area 12 and the board P arranged at the work position, a component suction process in which the mounting head 15a sucks up and removes components from the component supply area 12, and a component mounting process in which the components are transported and mounted on the board P, are alternately performed. By repeating these processes, a predetermined number of components are mounted on the board P.

[0027] As shown in Fig. 3, the Y-direction outer surface of the feeder base 13 in each component supply area 12 is provided with positioning protrusions 18 for positioning the work robot 20 at a work position (feeder replacement work position) for replacing the tape feeder 14. At least two positioning protrusions 18 are provided at intervals in the Y direction. Also, each Y-direction outer surface of the base 10 is provided with a power supply connector 19 for supplying power to the work robot 20. The power supply connector 19 is disposed near and below the positioning protrusions 18. Note that when multiple feeder replacement work positions are set, at least two positioning protrusions 18 and one power supply connector 19 are provided for one feeder replacement work position.

[0028] [Configuration of Working Robot 20 (First Embodiment)] As described above, the working robot 20 transports resupply parts and replacement equipment from the resupply section 6 to the component mounting device 3 and hands them over to the component mounting device 3, and also collects used equipment, etc. from the component mounting device 3 and transports them to the collection section 7. In the following explanation, the working robot 20 that supplies parts to the component mounting device 3 (production device) will be described.

[0029] As described above, tape feeder 14 is a cassette type tape feeder, and when tape feeder 14 runs out of components, components are essentially replenished by replacing (swapping) tape feeder 14. For this reason, working robot 20 has the following configuration that enables it to replace tape feeder 14 between working robot 20 and component mounting device 3.

[0030] Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the working robot 20 seen from behind, and Fig. 5 is a rear view (view taken along the arrow A in Figs. 3 and 4) showing the unit base part 30 of the working robot 20. Also, Fig. 6 is a side view of the automatic guided vehicle 20V equipped on the working robot 20. As shown by the index in Fig. 4, the side of the unit base part 30 of the working robot 20 where the opening 35a, described below, is provided is the "rear", and the opposite side is the "front". In Fig. 3 shown earlier, the Y2 side is the "front" and the Y1 side is the "rear".

[0031] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, working robot 20 includes a working unit 20U that performs a task of replacing tape feeders 14 (feeder replacement task) for component mounting device 3, and an automated guided vehicle 20V that moves this working unit 20U.

[0032] The working unit 20U includes an operation execution section 40 that executes the feeder replacement operation, and a unit base section 30 that is disposed directly below the operation execution section 40 and supports the operation execution section 40 so that it can move freely on the floor surface. With this configuration, the working unit 20U is configured to be movable along the floor surface while standing independently on the floor surface.

[0033] The unit base portion 30 is a hollow box-shaped structure that opens downward and includes a rectangular upper surface portion 32 in a plan view and side walls 34 that hang down from each of the four sides. Running wheels 36 are provided at the four corners of the lower end of the unit base portion 30. The running wheels 36 are driven wheels (free rollers) that rotate due to friction with the floor surface as the working unit 20U moves, and are, for example, swivel casters.

[0034] The inside of the unit base part 30 is a hollow transport vehicle accommodation part 35, and the automatic transport vehicle 20V is accommodated in this transport vehicle accommodation part 35. An opening part 35a is formed in the side wall part 34 on the rear side (Y1 side in FIG. 3) of the unit base part 30. The automatic transport vehicle 20V can enter and exit the transport vehicle accommodation part 35 through this opening part 35a by self-propelling.

[0035] 3, a positioning recess 381 is provided on the front side wall 34 of the unit base 30, which corresponds to the positioning protrusion 18 of the component mounting device 3. A power receiving connector 391 capable of engaging with the power supply connector 19 of the component mounting device 3 is also provided. During a feeder replacement operation, the positioning protrusion 18 is inserted into the positioning recess 381, thereby positioning the working robot 20 with respect to the feeder replacement operation position. Furthermore, the power supply connector 19 and the power receiving connector 391 are engaged, thereby supplying working power from the component mounting device 3 to the working unit 20U.

[0036] A clamp mechanism 37 is provided in the positioning recess 381, and when the positioning protrusion 18 is inserted into the positioning recess 381, the positioning protrusion 18 is clamped by the clamp mechanism 37. As a result, the working robot 20 (working unit 20U) is fixed to the component mounting device 3 in a state where it is positioned at the feeder replacement work position. Note that the clamp mechanism 37 may have a configuration other than clamping the positioning protrusion 18, and may also be provided on the side of the component mounting device 3 as long as it is possible to fix the working robot 20 (working unit 20U) to the component mounting device 3.

[0037] The operation execution unit 40 is mounted on the upper surface 32 of the unit base unit 30 and fixed to the unit base unit 30. The operation execution unit 40 has a rectangular parallelepiped casing 42 that forms its outer shell. The front of the casing 42 is open, and the inside forms a feeder housing section 43 in which a replacement tape feeder 14 is housed.

[0038] The feeder accommodating section 43 is equipped with a movable table 44 capable of supporting multiple tape feeders 14, a slide mechanism for sliding the movable table 44 in the left-right direction (X direction in Figure 3), a replacement head 45 for replacing (inserting and removing) the tape feeders 14 between the component mounting device 3, and a replacement head drive mechanism 46 for moving the replacement head 45 in the front-back direction (Y direction in Figure 3) and left-right direction.

[0039] A plurality of grooves (slots 44a) extending parallel to each other in the front-rear direction and aligned in the left-right direction are formed on the upper surface of movable table 44. Each tape feeder 14 has its lower end inserted into slot 44a, and is supported by movable table 44 in a state adjacent to each other and aligned in the left-right direction. The height of the bottom surface (feeder support surface) in the slot of movable table 44 is set to be equal to the height of the bottom surface (feeder support surface) in the slot of feeder base 13 of component mounting device 3.

[0040] The replacement head 45 is provided with a hand portion 45a capable of engaging the tape feeder 14. By operating the replacement head 45, the tape feeder 14 is replaced with another one for the component mounting device 3. The feeder replacement operation by the working robot 20 will be described below.

[0041] FIG. 7 is a side view of the working robot 20 and the component mounting device 3 during the feeder replacement work. During the feeder replacement work, as shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 7, the working robot 20 is disposed with respect to the component mounting device 3 so that the front surface of the working robot 20 faces the component supply area 12 from the outside in the Y direction (Y1 side in FIG. 3 and FIG. 7). That is, the working robot 20 is disposed at the feeder replacement work position. At this time, as described above, the working robot 20 (working unit 20U) is positioned at the feeder replacement work position by the positioning convex portion 18 and the positioning concave portion 381, and is fixed to the component mounting device 3 by the clamp mechanism 37. In addition, by fitting the power supply connector 19 and the power receiving connector 391, power for the feeder replacement work, that is, power for driving the replacement head 45 and the movable table 44 in the work execution unit 40, is supplied from the component mounting device 3. Note that the positioning convex portion 18, the positioning concave portion 381, the power supply connector 19, and the power receiving connector 391 are omitted in FIG. 7.

[0042] In the feeder replacement work, first, the movable table 44 and the replacement head 45 are positioned so that the empty slot 44a of the movable table 44 and the hand portion 45a correspond to the position of the out-of-component tape feeder 14 (suitably referred to as the feeder 14 to be collected) in the component supply area 12 (component mounting device 3). The empty slot 44a is a slot 44a into which no tape feeder 14 has been inserted.

[0043] Next, the replacement head 45 advances (moves to the Y2 side), engages the feeder 14 to be collected with the hand unit 45a, and then retreats. As a result, the feeder 14 to be collected is drawn from the component supply area 12 of the component mounting device 3 into the feeder storage unit 43 of the work execution unit 40. At this time, the feeder 14 to be collected moves along the slot 13a of the feeder base 13, and is inserted directly into the slot 44a of the movable table 44.

[0044] When the collection of the tape feeder 14 is complete, the movable table 44 and the replacement head 45 are positioned so that the replacement tape feeder 14 (conveniently referred to as the replacement feeder 14) and the hand portion 45a correspond to an empty slot 13a in the feeder base 13 (for example, the original slot 13a into which the feeder 14 to be collected was inserted).

[0045] Then, the replacement head 45 advances (moves toward the Y2 side) with the replacement feeder 14 locked by the hand portion 45a, and then moves back after releasing the locked state. This sets the replacement feeder 14 in the component supply area 12. In this case, the replacement feeder 14 moves along the slot 44a of the movable table 44, and is inserted directly into the slot 13a of the feeder base 13. The above-described feeder replacement work is repeated, for example, as many times as the number of feeders 14 to be collected, thereby substantially supplying components to the component mounting device 3.

[0046] The automated guided vehicle 20V is, for example, an AGV (Automatic Guided Vehicle). As shown in Figs. 3 to 6, the automated guided vehicle 20V is provided with drive wheels 52 and driven wheels (free rollers) 53 as running wheels on a vehicle body 50 having a generally rectangular shape in a plan view. The vehicle body 50 has a longitudinal direction (left-right direction in Fig. 6) that corresponds to the front-rear direction of the automated guided vehicle 20V, and a short side direction that corresponds to the width direction of the transport robot. The vehicle body 50 is equipped with a travel motor 521 (Fig. 8) that drives the drive wheels 52, a battery (not shown), a connecting mechanism 55, a travel sensor 58 (Fig. 8), a vehicle control device 200, and the like.

[0047] The driving wheels 52 are provided at the center of the transport vehicle body 50 in the front-rear direction and on both sides in the width direction. Meanwhile, the driven wheels 53 are provided at the four corners of the lower surface of the transport vehicle body 50. The two driving wheels 52 are each driven by a traveling motor 521. The driving force of the driving wheels 52 causes the automated transport vehicle 20V to travel along the floor surface. In this case, the rotation direction and rotation speed of each driving wheel 52 are individually controlled, so that the automated transport vehicle 20V can travel in any direction and turn on the spot. Meanwhile, the driven wheels 53 are, for example, swivel casters, and are configured to rotate by friction with the floor surface as the automated transport vehicle 20V moves. Note that, for example, Mecanum wheels (registered trademark) can be used as the driving wheels 52, and Omniwheels (registered trademark) can be used as the driven wheels 53.

[0048] The automated guided vehicle 20V is detachably connected to the working unit 20U, and operation of the connection mechanism 55 switches between a state in which the automated guided vehicle 20V is connected to the working unit 20U (connected state) and a disconnected state. When the automated guided vehicle 20V is connected to the working unit 20U, the working unit 20U is towed by the automated guided vehicle 20V. That is, as the automated guided vehicle 20V travels, the working unit 20U moves together with the automated guided vehicle 20V. On the other hand, in the disconnected state, the automated guided vehicle 20V is allowed to detach from the working unit 20U and travel independently.

[0049] The connecting mechanism 55 is provided at the center of the upper part of the transport vehicle main body 50. As shown in Figs. 5 and 6, the connecting mechanism 55 includes a connecting head 56 and an electric cylinder 57 for raising and lowering the connecting head 56 (moving it up and down). The connecting head 56 is a U-shaped member having a pair of connecting pins 56a extending parallel to each other in the vertical direction. When the connecting head 56 is raised by the operation of the electric cylinder 57, each connecting pin 56a is inserted into a pair of connecting holes 32a formed in the upper surface part 32 (ceiling part of the transport vehicle storage part 35) of the unit base part 30. This brings the working unit 20U and the automatic transport vehicle 20V into a connected state. In this state, the automatic transport vehicle 20V travels, so that the working unit 20U moves integrally with the automatic transport vehicle 20V.

[0050] The connecting head 56 is configured not to rotate around a vertical axis, and as described above, by inserting each connecting pin 56a into a pair of connecting holes 32a, the automated guided vehicle 20V is prevented from rotating out of position relative to the unit base part 30 when, for example, the traveling direction is changed. In other words, the connecting mechanism 55 includes a rotation prevention mechanism that restricts the automated guided vehicle 20V from rotating relatively to the unit base part 30 in a direction along the floor surface.

[0051] The automated guided vehicle 20V is equipped with a travel sensor 58 (FIG. 8). The travel sensor 58 is, for example, a LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging), and the travel of the automated guided vehicle 20V is controlled by the detection of targets and obstacles by this travel sensor 58. Also, a marker (not shown) is provided as the target inside the vehicle accommodation section 35 of the unit base section 30, and when connecting with the working unit 20U, the automated guided vehicle 20V is positioned so that the connection head 56 corresponds to the connection hole 32a based on the detection of the marker by the travel sensor 58.

[0052] [Control system of component mounting system 100] FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a control system of component mounting system 100, and mainly shows the control system of management device 9 and automatic guided vehicle 20V of working robot 20.

[0053] The automated guided vehicle 20V is equipped with the guided vehicle control device 200 that performs overall control of the operation of the automated guided vehicle 20V. The above-mentioned travel sensor 58, travel motor 521, electric cylinder 57, etc. are electrically connected to the guided vehicle control device 200, and a transmitting / receiving unit 210 and a battery sensor 211 are also connected to the guided vehicle control device 200. The transmitting / receiving unit 210 is an interface for communicating various information with the management device 9, and communicates information through a wireless communication line. The battery sensor 211 is a sensor that detects the remaining charge of the battery.

[0054] The transport vehicle control device 200 is composed of a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and peripheral devices, and includes as its functional components a travel control unit 201, a connection switching control unit 202, a battery management unit 203, a data storage unit 204, and the like.

[0055] The travel control unit 201 controls the driving of the travel motor 521 to control the travel operation of the automated guided vehicle 20V. The travel control unit 201 drives the automated guided vehicle 20V based on work commands that the transmitter / receiver 210 acquires from the management device 9. The main work commands are travel commands to move the work robot 20 (work unit 20U) during feeder replacement work, but the work commands also include a charging command to charge the automated guided vehicle 20V itself.

[0056] The connection switching control unit 202 controls the electric cylinder 57 to execute connection and disconnection of the automatic guided vehicle 20V to the working unit 20U.

[0057] The battery management unit 203 updates and records the remaining battery capacity detected by the battery sensor 211, and transmits the remaining battery capacity data to the management device 9 via the transmission / reception unit 210, for example, at regular intervals.

[0058] The data storage unit 204 stores various information necessary for the travel of the automated guided vehicle 20V. For example, the data storage unit 204 stores map information including the positions and travel routes of the devices 1 to 5 of the production lines 101 and 102, the supply unit 6, the recovery unit 7, and the charging station 8, and the travel control unit 201 controls the travel of the automated guided vehicle 20V based on this map information.

[0059] The management device 9 includes a management control device 300 and a transmission / reception unit 310. The transmission / reception unit 310 is an interface for communicating various types of information with each of the devices 1 to 5 on the production lines 101 and 102 and the automatic guided vehicle 20V.

[0060] The management and control unit 300 transmits a work command to the automatic guided vehicle 20V (working robot 20) based on information input from each of the devices 1-5 on the production lines 101, 102 and the automatic guided vehicle 20V. In this example, when it is time for a component mounting device 3 to receive components, the management and control unit 300 transmits a work command to the automatic guided vehicle 20V, and moves the work robot 20 (working unit 20U) to the position of the target component mounting device 3 to perform a feeder replacement operation. Furthermore, based on remaining battery charge data input from the automatic guided vehicle 20V, if the remaining battery charge is below a predetermined level, the management and control unit 300 transmits a charging command to the automatic guided vehicle 20V.

[0061] [Operation of work robot 20 (automated guided vehicle 20V)] Next, an example of the operation of the automatic guided vehicle 20V based on the control of the management device 9 (management control unit 300) will be described with reference to Figures 9 to 14. For convenience, only one of the production lines (first production line 101) is shown in the figures.

[0062] When it is time for component mounting device 3 to replenish components, management device 9 transmits a work command to automated guided vehicle 20V. That is, a command to move work robot 20 (work unit 20U) for the feeder replacement work is transmitted to automated guided vehicle 20V.

[0063] By inputting this work command, the working robot 20 first moves from a predetermined standby position to the supply unit 6 and receives the replacement tape feeder 14 from the supply unit 6. The working robot 20 then moves toward the component mounting device 3 to be supplied and starts the feeder replacement work at a predetermined work position (see FIG. 7).

[0064] 9 shows a state in which two work robots 20 (referred to as a first work robot 20A and a second work robot 20B) are performing a feeder replacement operation for different component mounting devices 3. The two work robots 20A and 20B have the same configuration and are equipped with a common connecting mechanism 55.

[0065] Here, it is assumed that the remaining battery charge of the automatic guided vehicle 20V (referred to as first automatic guided vehicle 20Va) of the first work robot 20A, which started a part supply operation earlier, falls below a preset level and it is time to charge it. In this case, a charge command is sent from the management device 9 to the first automatic guided vehicle 20Va. Having received the charge command, the first automatic guided vehicle 20Va releases the connection with the work unit 20U (referred to as first work unit 20Ua). Specifically, the electric cylinder 57 is operated to lower the connection head 56 (the state shown by the solid line in FIG. 5).

[0066] When the connection with the first work unit 20Ua is released, the first automated guided vehicle 20Va moves under its own power and separates from the first work unit 20Ua. Then, as shown in Fig. 10, the first automated guided vehicle 20Va moves independently to the charging station 8 and starts charging. In this case, the first automated guided vehicle 20Va starts charging by contacting its power receiving terminal (not shown) with a power supply terminal (not shown) of the charging station 8.

[0067] The first work unit 20Ua from which the first automated guided vehicle 20Va has left remains at the feeder replacement work position and continues the feeder replacement work. As described above, the first work unit 20Ua is configured to stand on its own on the floor surface, and is fixed to the component mounting device 3 by the clamp mechanism 37 while positioned at the feeder replacement work position. In addition, the first work unit 20Ua receives power supply from the component mounting device 3. Therefore, the feeder replacement work can be continued without hindrance.

[0068] If the feeder replacement work by the first work unit 20Ua (first work robot 20A) is completed before charging of the first unmanned guided vehicle 20Va is completed and the second work robot 20B is performing the feeder replacement work, a command is sent from the management device 9 to the unmanned guided vehicle 20V of the second work robot 20B (referred to as the second unmanned guided vehicle 20Vb) requesting it to move the first work unit 20Ua to the collection section 7.

[0069] In response to this work command, the second automated guided vehicle 20Vb releases its connection with the work unit 20U (referred to as the second work unit 20Ub) and disengages from the second work unit 20Ub by self-propelling. Then, as shown in Fig. 11, it moves independently to the position of the first work unit 20Ua, and then couples with the first work unit 20Ua and moves together with the first work unit 20Ua to the collection section 7 as shown in Fig. 12.

[0070] The second work unit 20Ub, from which the second automated guided vehicle 20Vb has left, remains at the feeder replacement work position and continues the feeder replacement work. In this case as well, the second work unit 20Ub is positioned and fixed relative to the component mounting device 3 and receives power from the component mounting device 3, so that the feeder replacement work can be continued without hindrance.

[0071] Then, when the second work unit 20Ub performs a feeder replacement operation while the collected tape feeder 14 is being returned from the first work unit 20Ua to the collection section 7, a command is sent from the management device 9 to the second automatic guided vehicle 20Vb requesting that the second work unit 20Ub be moved to the collection section 7. In response to this command, the second automatic guided vehicle 20Vb releases the connection with the first work unit 20Ua and disengages from the first work unit 20Ua, as shown in Fig. 13. Then, after moving to the original position of the second work unit 20Ub and connecting the second work unit 20Ub, the second automatic guided vehicle 20Vb moves to the collection section 7 together with the second work unit 20Ub, as shown in Fig. 14.

[0072] [Effects] As described above, the working robot 20 used in this component mounting system 100 is configured such that the working unit 20U and the automatic guided vehicle 20V can be switched between a connected state and a disconnected state, and in the disconnected state, the automatic guided vehicle 20V is allowed to detach from the working unit 20U and travel independently. The working unit 20U is also configured to be able to continue the feeder replacement work even when the automatic guided vehicle 20V is detached. Then, in this component mounting system 100, as described using Figs. 9 to 14, during the feeder replacement work by the working robot 20 (second work robot 20A), the automatic guided vehicle 20V (second automatic guided vehicle 20Vb) of the working robot 20 is used to move the working unit 20U (first work unit 20Ua) of the other working robot 20 (first work robot 20A) as necessary. Therefore, the unmanned guided vehicle 20V is prevented from being idle during the feeder replacement operation by the work robot 20, and the unmanned guided vehicle 20V is utilized effectively.

[0073] Also, according to this component mounting system 100, as described above, during the feeder replacement work by the working robot 20 (first work robot 20A), the automatic guided vehicle 20V (second automatic guided vehicle 20Va) of the working robot 20 is moved to the charging station 8 and charged. Therefore, there is also an advantage that the working unit 20U can be effectively utilized. That is, in a conventional component mounting system in which the working unit and the automatic guided vehicle are integrated in the working robot, when it is necessary to move the working robot to the charging station for charging, the working unit cannot be made to perform work during that time. Therefore, the working unit is left idle. However, in the above-mentioned component mounting system 100, while the feeder replacement work by the working unit 20U is being continued, only the automatic guided vehicle 20V can be moved to the charging station 8 and charged. Therefore, the working unit 20U is not left idle, and the working unit 20U can be effectively utilized.

[0074] In the example shown in FIG. 9 to FIG. 14, each of the two work robots 20 (20A, 20B) is equipped with an automatic guided vehicle 20V (20Va, 20Vb), and the automatic guided vehicle 20V of the work robot 20 on one side moves the work unit 20U of the work robot 20 on the other side only when the automatic guided vehicle 20V of the work robot 20 on one side is being charged. However, one automatic guided vehicle 20V may be shared completely by the two work robots 20. That is, in this case, the work robot 20 on one side is moved to the position of the component mounting device 3 to start the feeder replacement work, and then the automatic guided vehicle 20V is detached from the work unit 20U of this work robot 20. Then, the automatic guided vehicle 20V is connected to the work unit 20U on the other side to construct the work robot 20, and this work robot 20 is moved to the position of the other component mounting device 3 to perform the feeder replacement work.

[0075] According to such a configuration of the component mounting system 100, it is possible to perform the feeder replacement work of the component mounting device 3 with a small number of automated guided vehicles 20V relative to the number of working units 20U. In this case, in addition to sharing one automated guided vehicle 20V for two working robots 20 as described above, one or more automated guided vehicles 20V may be shared by three or more working robots 20.

[0076] Moreover, in the working robot 20, the working unit 20U is configured to be movable along the floor surface while being independent on the floor surface. In other words, the automatic guided vehicle 20V is configured not to receive a load from the working unit 20U. Therefore, compared to a conventional working robot in which a working unit is integrally mounted on an automatic guided vehicle, the driving force of the automatic guided vehicle 20V required to move the working robot 20 is suppressed. In other words, it is possible to run the working robot 20 with a low-output traveling motor 521, which contributes to reducing the cost of the automatic guided vehicle 20V and reducing running costs by saving power. It is also possible to reduce the size of the battery mounted on the automatic guided vehicle 20V, which has the advantage of shortening the battery charging time of the automatic guided vehicle 20V.

[0077] Furthermore, the work unit 20U is equipped with a work execution section 40 which performs the feeder replacement work, and a unit base section 30 which is arranged directly below the work execution section 40 and supports the work execution section 40, and the automated guided vehicle 20V is housed in a hollow guided vehicle housing section 35 provided in the unit base section 30 and is connected to the unit base section 30. In other words, the automated guided vehicle 20V is connected to the work unit 20U while slipping directly below the work unit 20U. Therefore, compared to a configuration in which an automated guided vehicle is connected to a work unit at its outer periphery, there is an advantage in that the space occupied by the work robot 20 is smaller (the footprint is smaller), making it possible to reduce the travel space and work space.

[0078] Furthermore, the connection mechanism 55 that connects the automated guided vehicle 20V and the unit base part 30 (working unit 20U) includes a rotation prevention mechanism that restricts the work robot 20 from rotating relative to the unit base part 30. This makes it easier to stabilize the running direction of the work unit 20U when the work robot 20 moves, which has the advantage that it is easier to position the work unit 20U relative to the component mounting device 3, for example.

[0079] Furthermore, during the feeder replacement operation, the operation unit 20U receives power from the component mounter 3, so there is no need to mount a separate battery as a power source for the operation. This has the advantage of contributing to making the operation unit 20U and the work robot 20 smaller and lighter.

[0080] Furthermore, during the feeder replacement operation, the operational unit 20U is fixed to the component mounting device 3 by the clamp mechanism 37 while being positioned at the feeder replacement operation position. Therefore, even after the automatic guided vehicle 20V has detached from the operational unit 20U, the operational unit 20U can be reliably maintained at the feeder replacement operation position, and the feeder replacement operation by the operational unit 20U can be stably continued.

[0081] [Second embodiment of working robot 20] Next, a second embodiment of the working robot 20 will be described. The main difference between the working robot 20 of the second embodiment is the connection structure between the automated guided vehicle 20V and the working unit 20U. Fig. 15 is a side view of the main parts of the working robot 20 according to the second embodiment, showing the working unit 20U and the automated guided vehicle 20V before they are connected.

[0082] In the second embodiment, a connecting shaft 38 extending vertically is provided in the transport vehicle accommodation section 35 of the unit base section 30. The connecting shaft 38 is a stepped shaft having a thick shaft section 38b and a thin shaft section 38a at the top and bottom. The upper end of the connecting shaft 38 is fixed to the front side wall section 34 of the unit base section 30 via a bracket 39. More specifically, the connecting shaft 38 is fixed to the side wall section 34 so as to face the opening 35a.

[0083] On the other hand, the automated guided vehicle 20V is provided with a coupling mechanism 60 as shown in Fig. 16. Fig. 16 is a plan view showing the coupling mechanism 60. As shown in Figs. 15 and 16, the coupling mechanism 60 is provided at the front end of the vehicle body 50. The coupling mechanism 60 includes a lock mechanism 62 and an anti-rotation mechanism 64.

[0084] The locking mechanism 62 is a mechanism for fixing the automated guided vehicle 20V to the unit base 30, and is disposed at a height position corresponding to the thin shaft portion 38a of the connecting shaft 38. The locking mechanism 62 includes a block-shaped fixed base 70, a pair of levers 74 supported swingably on the fixed base 70, an arm 77 for opening and closing the levers 74, and a motor 80 for driving the arm 77.

[0085] The base portion 70 has a T-shaped shape in plan view, with a lock portion 70a in the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped extending in the left-right direction at its tip (the lower side in FIG. 16) and a body portion 70b extending rearward from its center. A trapezoid recess in plan view that is recessed rearward is formed in the center of the front end surface of the lock portion 70a. A semicircular fitting portion 72a into which the thick shaft portion 38b of the connecting shaft 38 can be fitted is provided at the inner bottom portion (rear end portion) of the recess 72.

[0086] The levers 74 are disposed in front of the locking portion 70a on both the left and right sides of the recessed portion 72. Each lever 74 has an operating portion 74b extending in the width direction along the front surface of the locking portion 70a, and a tip portion 74a bending from one end of the operating portion 74b and extending toward the inside of the recessed portion 72. Each lever 74 is pivotally supported at the boundary between the tip portion 74a and the operating portion 74b via a pin 75 so as to be swingable in a direction along the floor surface. More specifically, the levers 74 are pivotally supported at a lever closed position where the tip portions 74a of the levers 74 are close to each other inside the recessed portion 72, and at a lever open position where the tip portions 74a of the levers 74 are separated from each other inside the recessed portion 72. Each lever 74 is biased toward the lever closed position by the elastic force of a spring member not shown.

[0087] The arm 77 has a U-shaped shape in plan view, and includes pressing portions 78a extending in the front-rear direction along the side surfaces of the lock portion 70a, and a connecting portion 78b connecting these pressing portions 78a. The arm 77 is supported so as to be slidable in the front-rear direction along a rail portion (not shown) provided on the body portion 70b of the base portion 70. A nut portion 78c is provided in the center of the connecting portion 78b, and a screw shaft 82 extending in the front-rear direction is screwed and inserted into the nut portion 78c. One end of the screw shaft 82 is connected to the output shaft of a motor 80 fixed to the base portion 70 (body portion 70b).

[0088] That is, when the screw shaft 82 is rotated by the motor 80, the arm 77 moves forward, and the operating portion 74b of each lever 74 is pressed forward by each pressing portion 78a. This pressing causes each lever 74 to move from the lever closed position to the lever open position against the elastic force of the spring member (see FIG. 17(b)). Then, when the screw shaft 82 is rotated in the opposite direction, the arm 77 moves backward, and accordingly, each lever 74 is displaced from the lever open position to the lever closed position by the elastic force of the spring member. The lock mechanism 62 is configured to fix (i.e., connect) the automatic guided vehicle 20V to the unit base 30 by gripping the connecting shaft 38 (thin shaft portion 38a) with these levers 74 and the lock portion 70a.

[0089] The anti-rotation mechanism 64 is a mechanism that restricts the automatic guided vehicle 20V from rotating in a direction along the floor surface relative to the unit base part 30. The anti-rotation mechanism 64 is disposed at a height position corresponding to the thick shaft part 38b of the connecting shaft 38.

[0090] 16, for convenience, the rotation stop mechanism 64 includes a lock piece 84 and a transmission cylinder 86 that drives the lock piece 84 to move forward and backward. A fitting recess 38c that opens toward the rear of the unit base 30, i.e., toward the opening 35a, is formed in the thick shaft portion 38b of the connecting shaft 38. By fitting the thick shaft portion 38b into this fitting recess 38c, displacement of the automatic guided vehicle 20V in the rotational direction relative to the unit base 30 is restricted.

[0091] Next, the operation of the coupling mechanism 60 when coupling and decoupling the automated guided vehicle 20V and the unit base part 30 will be described with reference to Fig. 17. Fig. 17 is a plan view of the coupling mechanism 60, illustrating the switching operation of the coupling mechanism 60 between the coupled state and the decoupled state.

[0092] When the unmanned guided vehicle 20V and the unit base portion 30 are connected, as shown in Figures 15 and 16, the unmanned guided vehicle 20V, with the connecting mechanism 60 at the front, enters the vehicle storage portion 35 through the opening 35a and moves toward the connecting shaft 38.

[0093] As the automated guided vehicle 20V moves, first, the thin shaft portion 38a of the connecting shaft 38 abuts against the tip portion 74a of each lever 74, and as shown by the two-dot chain line in FIG. 17(a), each lever 74 is displaced to the lever open position against the elastic force of the spring member. When the automated guided vehicle 20V further advances, the thin shaft portion 38a is inserted into the recess 72 of the base portion 70 (lock portion 70a) and engages with the engagement portion 72a, and each lever 74 is displaced to the lever closed position by the elastic force of the spring member. As a result, the connecting shaft 38 (thin shaft portion 38a) is gripped by the lock portion 70a and the lever 74, as shown by the solid line in FIG. 17(a). In this state, the lock piece 84 is displaced from the retreated position to the advanced position by the operation of the electric cylinder 86, and the lock piece 84 engages with the engagement recess 38c of the thick shaft portion 38b. As a result, as shown in FIG. 18, the automatic guided vehicle 20V is connected to the unit base part 30 in a state in which it is prevented from rotating relative to the unit base part 30.

[0094] When disconnecting, first, the lock piece 84 is retracted from the fitting recess 38c by the operation of the electric cylinder 86, and then the arm 77 is advanced from the retracted position by the operation of the motor 80. When the arm 77 advances, as shown in Fig. 17(b), each pressing portion 78a of the arm 77 presses the operation portion 74b of each lever 74 forward, and each lever 74 is displaced to the lever open position against the elastic force of the spring member. This releases the gripping state of the connecting shaft 38 by the lock portion 70a and the lever 74, and in this state, the automatic guided vehicle 20V retreats, and the connection between the automatic guided vehicle 20V and the unit base portion 30 is released.

[0095] As with the working robot 20 of the first embodiment, the configuration of the working robot 20 of the second embodiment as described above makes it possible to couple and release the automated guided vehicle 20V and the working unit 20U, and also makes it possible to suppress rotational deviation of the automated guided vehicle 20V relative to the working unit 20U in the coupled state. In particular, this coupling mechanism 60 has the advantage that it is possible to relatively easily couple the automated guided vehicle 20V and the unit base part 30 (working unit 20U) by advancing the automated guided vehicle 20V from the opening 35a toward the connecting shaft 38, with the coupling mechanism 60 at the front.

[0096] [Variations] The working robot 20 and component mounting system 100 described above are examples of preferred embodiments of the working robot and component mounting system according to the present invention, and their specific configurations can be modified as appropriate without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, the following configurations (1) to (3) also fall within the scope of the present invention.

[0097] (1) In the embodiment, the coupling mechanisms 55, 60 shown in Figs. 5 and 6 (first embodiment) and Figs. 15 to 18 (second embodiment) are applied as the "coupling mechanism" of the present invention. However, the "coupling mechanism" is not limited to the coupling mechanisms 55, 60 of the embodiment. In short, it is sufficient that the configuration can be switched between a coupled state in which the working unit 20U can be moved together with the unmanned guided vehicle 20V and a disconnected state in which the unmanned guided vehicle 20V is allowed to travel independently away from the working unit 20U. However, according to the configuration of the coupling mechanism 55 of the first embodiment in particular, the configuration is relatively simple, the burden of mounting on the unmanned guided vehicle 20V is small, and the structure on the working unit 20U side is also simple. Therefore, there is an advantage that it can be easily implemented at low cost.

[0098] (2) In the embodiment, an example has been described in which the working robot 20 (the work execution unit 40) performs the work of replacing the tape feeder 14 between the component supply area 12 and the component mounting device 3. However, the work execution unit 40 may be configured to perform a work other than the feeder replacement work for the component mounting device 3. For example, if the component supply area 12 (component mounting device 3) is equipped with a tray feeder that supplies components arranged on a tray, the work execution unit 40 may be configured to perform a work of replacing the tray or a rack containing multiple trays between the component mounting device 3 and the component mounting device 3. Also, if the tape feeder 14 is a general tape feeder other than the cassette type as described above, the work execution unit 40 may be configured to perform a work of delivering a reel around which tape is wound to the component supply area 12 as a supply part. Also, the work execution unit 40 may be configured to perform a work of collecting used tape from the component supply area 12.

[0099] (3) In the embodiment, an example has been described in which the working robot 20 performs work on the component mounting device 3 as the "production device for producing component-mounted boards" of the present invention. However, the "production device" may be a device other than the component mounting device 3 (such as the printing device 1). Although not mentioned in the embodiment, the "production device" may be a loader device that feeds the pre-production board P to the printing device 1, or an unloader device that collects the board P after the reflow process. In this case, the work execution unit 40 is configured to perform, for example, a transfer operation of a unit that contains multiple boards P to the loader device, and to perform an operation of collecting a unit that contains multiple boards P after the reflow process from the unloader device. In addition, the "production device" also includes a so-called automated warehouse that is arranged in, for example, the preparation Ar2. In this case, the work execution unit 40 is configured to perform an operation of transferring parts and equipment collected in the automated warehouse to and from the automated warehouse.

[0100] The present invention can be summarized as follows with respect to the above-described embodiment.

[0101] A work robot according to one aspect of the present invention is a work robot comprising a work unit that performs a specified task on production equipment for producing component mounting boards, and an unmanned guided vehicle that transports the work unit, and is equipped with a coupling mechanism that can switch between a coupled state in which the work unit can be moved together with the unmanned guided vehicle, and a disconnected state in which the unmanned guided vehicle is allowed to move independently away from the work unit, and the work unit is configured to be able to continue the specified task even when the unmanned guided vehicle is separated from the work unit while the work unit is performing the specified task on the production equipment.

[0102] With this configuration of the work robot, while the specified task is being performed on the production equipment, the connection between the work unit and the automated guided vehicle can be released and the automated guided vehicle can be used for other purposes. This reduces the amount of time the automated guided vehicle is idle, allowing the automated guided vehicle to be used more effectively.

[0103] In the above working robot, it is preferable that the working unit is configured to be movable along a floor surface on which the automatic guided vehicle travels while standing independently on the floor surface.

[0104] With this configuration, the AGV does not bear the load from the working unit, so the driving force required for the AGV to move the work robot is reduced. This makes it possible to move the work robot with a lower-output travel motor, contributing to lowering the cost of the AGV and reducing running costs by saving electricity.

[0105] More specifically, the work unit comprises a work execution unit which executes the specified work, and a unit base unit which is positioned directly below the work execution unit and which supports the work execution unit so that it can move along the floor surface, the unit base unit comprises a hollow vehicle accommodation section which the unmanned guided vehicle can enter and exit by self-propelling, and the connecting mechanism is configured to connect the unmanned guided vehicle accommodated in the vehicle accommodation section to the unit base unit.

[0106] According to this configuration, the automated guided vehicle is coupled to the work unit while being positioned directly underneath the work unit, thereby making it possible to further reduce the space occupied by the work robot.

[0107] In the above-described working robot, it is preferable that the connecting mechanism includes a rotation prevention mechanism that, in the connected state, prevents the automatic guided vehicle from rotating relative to the unit base portion in a direction along the floor surface.

[0108] With this configuration, the traveling direction of the working unit becomes more stable when the working robot is moving, and positioning relative to the production equipment becomes easier.

[0109] In addition, when the production device is equipped with a power supply connector capable of supplying power to the outside, it is preferable that the work unit is equipped with a power receiving connector that can be engaged with the power supply connector when placed at a predetermined work position where the specified work is performed on the production device.

[0110] This configuration eliminates the need to mount a battery in the working unit as a power source for work, which contributes to making the working unit and working robot smaller and lighter.

[0111] On the other hand, a component mounting system according to one aspect of the present invention includes a production device for producing component-mounted boards, a working robot according to any one of claims 1 to 5, which includes a first work unit that performs a first predetermined task on the production device, a second work unit that performs a second predetermined task on the production device and is capable of constituting the work robot of any one of claims 1 to 5 together with the automatic guided vehicle of the work robot, and a control device that controls the automatic guided vehicle, wherein the control device controls the automatic guided vehicle to move the work robot to a position of the production device, and then, while the first predetermined task is being performed by the first predetermined task, releases the connection between the automatic guided vehicle and the first work unit, and couples the automatic guided vehicle to the second work unit to move the second work unit. Note that the first predetermined task and the second predetermined task may be the same task or different tasks.

[0112] According to the configuration of this component mounting system, the second work unit can be moved to the automated guided vehicle by utilizing the period during which the first work unit is performing the first predetermined task. This reduces the period during which the automated guided vehicle is idle, enabling the automated guided vehicle to be used more effectively.

[0113] In addition, in the above-mentioned component mounting system, it is preferable that the production device or the first work unit is provided with a clamping mechanism that fixes the first work unit and the production device when the first work unit is positioned at a predetermined work position where the first specified work is performed on the production device.

[0114] With this configuration, even when the automated guided vehicle has detached from the first work unit, it is possible to stably continue the first specified work with the first work unit positioned at the specified work position.

Claims

1. A working robot including a work unit that performs a predetermined operation on a production device for producing component-mounted boards, and an automated guided vehicle that transports the work unit, a coupling mechanism that can be switched between a coupled state in which the working unit can be moved together with the automated guided vehicle and a disconnected state in which the automated guided vehicle is allowed to travel independently away from the working unit, the operational unit is configured to be able to continue the predetermined task even when the automated guided vehicle is separated from the operational unit during the execution of the predetermined task on the production device, the production device is a component mounting device that includes a component supply area in which a plurality of feeders are arranged and that mounts components supplied by the feeders onto a board; The working robot, wherein the work unit performs, as the predetermined task, a supply task and / or a collection task for the feeders in the part supply area, one feeder at a time.

2. 2. The working robot according to claim 1, A working robot characterized in that the working unit is configured to be movable along a floor surface on which the automatic guided vehicle travels while being independent of the floor surface.

3. 3. The working robot according to claim 2, the work unit includes a work execution section that executes the predetermined work, and a unit base section that is disposed directly below the work execution section and supports the work execution section so that the work execution section can move along the floor surface; the unit base portion includes a hollow vehicle accommodation portion into which the automated guided vehicle can enter and exit by self-propelling, A working robot, characterized in that the connecting mechanism is configured to connect the unmanned guided vehicle accommodated in the guided vehicle accommodation section to a unit base section.

4. The working robot according to claim 3, A working robot characterized in that the connecting mechanism includes a rotation prevention mechanism that, in the connected state, restricts the automatic guided vehicle from rotating relative to the unit base portion in a direction along the floor surface.

5. The working robot according to any one of claims 1 to 4, The production device includes a power supply connector capable of supplying power to an external device, The working robot is characterized in that the working unit is provided with a power receiving connector that can be fitted to the power supply connector when the working unit is placed at a predetermined working position where the predetermined work is performed on the production device.

6. A production device for producing component-mounted boards; The working robot according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising a first working unit configured to perform a first predetermined task on the production device; a second work unit that performs a second predetermined work on the production device, the second work unit being capable of constituting the work robot according to any one of claims 1 to 5 together with the automatic guided vehicle of the work robot; A control device for controlling the automated guided vehicle, The control device controls the automated guided vehicle to move the work robot to the position of the production equipment, and then, while the first work unit is performing the first specified task, releases the connection between the automated guided vehicle and the first work unit, and couples the automated guided vehicle to the second work unit to move the second work unit.

7. 7. The component mounting system according to claim 6, a clamping mechanism for fixing the first work unit and the production device when the first work unit is positioned at a predetermined work position for performing the first specified work on the production device, the clamping mechanism being provided on the production device or the first work unit.

8. A plurality of production devices for producing component-mounted boards; The working robot according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising a working unit that performs a predetermined task on the production device; A charging station which is a charging facility for the automatic guided vehicle of the working robot; A control device for controlling the automated guided vehicle, The component mounting system is characterized in that the control device drives the automated guided vehicle to move the work robot to the position of the production equipment, and then, while the work unit is performing the specified task, controls the automated guided vehicle to release the connection between the automated guided vehicle and the work unit, move the automated guided vehicle to a charging station, and charge the automated guided vehicle.

9. 9. The component mounting system according to claim 8, the automated guided vehicle includes a battery management unit that transmits remaining battery charge data to the control device; The component mounting system is characterized in that the control device executes control to cause the automated guided vehicle to charge when the battery remaining charge is below a predetermined level based on the remaining charge data.

10. 10. The component mounting system according to claim 8, When the predetermined task is defined as a first predetermined task, the work unit is defined as a first work unit, and the automated guided vehicle is defined as a first automated guided vehicle, The second work robot according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising a second work unit and a second automated guided vehicle that perform a second predetermined task on the production device, The control device, while executing control to charge the first unmanned guided vehicle, executes control to disconnect the second work unit performing the second specified task from the second unmanned guided vehicle, and to connect the second unmanned guided vehicle to the first work unit to move the first work unit.

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